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Gregory A. Greiman
May 30, 1947-October 15, 2022
GARNER-Gregory A. Greiman, 75, of Garner died Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Westview Care Center in Britt.
A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Concord Township Cemetery with Rev. Brian Lund officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. A luncheon will follow the service at Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/obituaries/gregory-a-greiman/article_8f5610ef-e5d8-5611-828d-2e7d80a4ba5b.html | 2023-05-26T06:31:42 | 1 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/obituaries/gregory-a-greiman/article_8f5610ef-e5d8-5611-828d-2e7d80a4ba5b.html |
Susan M. Hofler
May 24, 2023
NORA SPRINGS-Susan M. Hofler, 71 of Nora Springs passed away peacefully surrounded by family Wednesday, May 24, 2023.
A celebration of life will be held 10:00am Thursday, June 1, at Sheckler Colonial Chapel, 114 North Hawkeye Ave, Nora Springs, IA. She will be laid to rest at Rock Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at the funeral home and continue one hour prior to the service.
Thank you to the staff of St. Croix Hospice, your compassion and care of Susan will not be forgotten.
Sheckler Colonial Chapel. 641-749-2210. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/obituaries/susan-m-hofler/article_b6ab3951-640e-50f4-8969-954916cabdca.html | 2023-05-26T06:31:49 | 1 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/obituaries/susan-m-hofler/article_b6ab3951-640e-50f4-8969-954916cabdca.html |
EDMONDS, Wash. — Maria and the Von Trapp family may "have confidence in sunshine," but that confidence was a little shaken this week when they were locked out of their own stage venue.
"We were so shocked that they would have done this," The Mountaineers' CEO Tom Vogl said.
The first official play at the Kitsap Forest Theater was performed exactly 100 years ago this June, but this year could be The Mountaineers Players' last year performing there if they lose a legal battle in September.
"We literally have thousands of people that come out and see our shows every summer," said Vogl.
The century-old venue known for its peace and tranquility now lies at the center of a fierce legal battle.
"To lock us out right before the opening of the Sound of Music, we were really disappointed with that," said Vogl. "We’ve had a longstanding legal dispute with the Keta Legacy Foundation.”
According to Vogl, the Keta Legacy Foundation used to be the fundraising arm for The Mountaineers, but they parted ways with them in 2015 and since then, there's been some tension as the land is now divided between the two.
Vogl said there is a long-standing easement that rightfully grants the thespians access to the land.
"They expressed some concerns about the care for the property," said Vogl. "We care deeply about this area. It’s just hard for us to believe that that would be an issue that has any legitimacy.”
In court documents, Keta also expressed concerns about someone getting hurt on the “steep, narrow, winding woodland pathway.”
"We’ve been running productions out at this location for 100 years, and we’ve never had an incident," said Vogl.
On Wednesday, however, a judge approved The Mountaineers’ temporary restraining order.
"The judge believed that Keta would not be harmed by granting this motion and allowing this season to proceed," said Vogl.
So it turned out to be a happy ending for the cast and crew of the Sound of Music. They have spent this week loading set pieces and props into the venue to prepare for their Sunday, May 28 opening.
But the future of the Kitsap Forest Theater productions remains unclear.
"We’ll see what the courts decide in September," said Vogl.
The Mountaineers Players' production of the Sound of Music begins Sunday at 2 p.m. and runs through June 18. Everyone involved is a volunteer and The Mountaineers are a 501(c)(3). | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/theater-production-continue-after-being-locked-out/281-0f83f4ee-39d0-472e-a57e-7cf17df573bc | 2023-05-26T07:07:32 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/theater-production-continue-after-being-locked-out/281-0f83f4ee-39d0-472e-a57e-7cf17df573bc |
There's a disappointing sense of deja vu at a Brooklyn park after a 9/11 memorial was vandalized not once, but twice in the past month with anti-police graffiti.
At Bill Brown Park in Sheepshead Bay, the handball court is for play, but it’s also for prayer. The hand-painted 9/11 memorial has been there since the towers fell, the work of a local carpenter who ran down into the wreckage to try and save people.
"When he realized that he wasn’t gonna be able to find anyone he came here and he started painting," said Tina Gray, who lives in the area.
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The memorial has been sacred ground ever since, for victims, families and the entire community.
"There’s no cemetery for them. This is their cemetery. And I expect people to come together and respect each other," said Angela Sabino, a fellow Sheepshead Bay resident.
On May 12, Sabino and Gray discovered the memorial had been vandalized. Someone had written "f--- 61st precinct we the people." The two caretakers were horrified and called the police. But a couple of local fire fighters painted over it and everyone moved on.
Then early Wednesday morning, it happened again, almost the exact same words in the exact same place.
"We’re very upset. I take it personally because this is something dear to me and it’s something to remember everybody," said Sabino.
The two women called the police again and an investigation is ongoing, but there are no cameras at the memorial, so finding the culprit will be difficult.
"Why are you doing this? Why? Why are you doing it to them? If you have a problem with the 61st precinct go talk to them. Go say something," said Gray.
This time, the Parks Department painted over the graffiti and the wall is clean once again. But the fear, of course, is that this won't be the last time this will happen. Gray said the suspects are "probably pissed off every time we paint over the wall."
Both women said they'd like to see cameras go up and police to patrol more often. But they also want to make sure this continues to be a safe place for folks to mourn and grieve, especially every year on the anniversary in September. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/vandals-repeatedly-target-brooklyn-9-11-memorial-with-anti-police-graffiti/4367954/ | 2023-05-26T07:25:12 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/vandals-repeatedly-target-brooklyn-9-11-memorial-with-anti-police-graffiti/4367954/ |
Road construction on Bismarck Expressway and Washington Street will be temporarily stopped over the weekend to improve traffic flow for the Memorial Day holiday.
The work will resume Tuesday, according to the city.
Separately, nighttime construction is scheduled to begin Tuesday on state Highway 1804 south of Bismarck. Work will consist of mill and overlay from Bismarck Expressway to Signal Street.
Temporary lane closures on Highway 1804 and side street closures with detours are expected. The speed limit will be reduced during construction.
The city also has provided an update on the Ash Coulee Drive summerlong $18.9 million reconstruction project.
Starting at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Ash Coulee Drive between Tyler Parkway and Washington Street will be closed to through traffic. No pedestrian access or crossings will be maintained. Ash Coulee Drive between Valley Drive and Washington Street will be reopened to traffic prior to the start of school in the fall. Drivers are asked to modify their travel routes to avoid the area until the project is complete in the fall.
People are also reading…
More information about the project is at bit.ly/3HoanJo. The city also is sharing additional information on its social media pages. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck-makes-road-work-announcements/article_477c5a98-fb40-11ed-b4e8-7711eed039c4.html | 2023-05-26T07:25:43 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck-makes-road-work-announcements/article_477c5a98-fb40-11ed-b4e8-7711eed039c4.html |
The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC has named its Outstanding Teachers of the Year.
The teachers were honored during separate surprise presentations in April and May. Award winners are:
- Becky Echelbarger, St. Mary's Grade School, Bismarck
- Amber Kocourek, Lewis and Clark Elementary School, Mandan
- James Gustafson, Mandan High School
- Wendy Hafner-Bakken, Bismarck High School
- Katie Krikenberg, University of Mary
This is the 36th year the Chamber EDC has honored area teachers with the Crystal Apple. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/education/chamber-edc-honors-teachers/article_7181b288-f97f-11ed-8099-97f89e4a4a25.html | 2023-05-26T07:25:50 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/education/chamber-edc-honors-teachers/article_7181b288-f97f-11ed-8099-97f89e4a4a25.html |
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United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary
People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/memorial-day-events-scheduled-in-eastern-idaho/article_d4c146e6-fb1a-11ed-880f-ab253b763e71.html | 2023-05-26T07:52:31 | 0 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/memorial-day-events-scheduled-in-eastern-idaho/article_d4c146e6-fb1a-11ed-880f-ab253b763e71.html |
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Hey, this isn't your home.
Earlier this month, a Clearwater police officer wrangled an alligator casually hanging in a pool at home in the Countryside area of Clearwater.
"Cops in Florida are a different breed," Clearwater Police Department said in a news release.
On May 12, Officer Kyle Bingham single-handedly captured the 5-and-a-half-foot gator at a home on Saber Drive and it was later released into Lake Chautauqua nearby. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/florida-police-officer-alligator-pool-clearwater-countryside-area/67-f1fe508e-c1f8-4162-b6a8-81070812a46c | 2023-05-26T08:43:54 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/florida-police-officer-alligator-pool-clearwater-countryside-area/67-f1fe508e-c1f8-4162-b6a8-81070812a46c |
A Queens dog groomer was arrested and charged with animal abuse after a small dog died during a session in which the pup was hit with scissors and lifted up by the head, the district attorney said.
Lee Yat Sing, of Flushing, was arraigned Wednesday in connection with the death of a 4-year-old Maltese named Kele, Queens DA Melinda Katz said.
The dog was dropped off at Furry Babies Pet Grooming on 45th Avenue during the early evening on March 2, according to the charges. Surveillance video from inside the groomer's shows Sing "aggressively and inappropriately manipulating Kele," the DA's office stated.
In addition to hitting the seven-pound dog with scissors while restraining her head and neck, Sing lifted the pup off the table by her head and neck, as well as by pulling on her beard, according to the charges. Kele was said to have struggled and resisted throughout the session, and later showed irregular and strained breathing.
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The dog eventually went limp, and Sing didn't get help or try to administer care, Katz alleged. Instead, the groomer continued to handle Kele very roughly for another six minutes, even though she was unresponsive, the DA said.
A necropsy done after Kele's death found that the otherwise healthy dog died from respirator failure as a result of the abuse, which caused bruising, pain and distress.
"When we entrust our beloved pets to caretakers, they should be returned to us in the same healthy condition. Instead, this pet owner learned his dog had cruelly died during a routine grooming service," Katz said.
News
Sing's next court appearance is scheduled for July 26. If convicted, he faces up to two years in prison. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/queens-dog-groomer-charged-with-animal-abuse-after-maltese-dies-during-session/4368557/ | 2023-05-26T08:56:02 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/queens-dog-groomer-charged-with-animal-abuse-after-maltese-dies-during-session/4368557/ |
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Saint Mark's High School students celebrate prom in Chesapeake City
38 PHOTOS | https://www.delawareonline.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2023/05/26/st-marks-prom-chesapeake-city/11930640002/ | 2023-05-26T09:12:13 | 0 | https://www.delawareonline.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2023/05/26/st-marks-prom-chesapeake-city/11930640002/ |
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Middletown High School students celebrate prom at the Wilmington Riverfront
50 PHOTOS | https://www.delawareonline.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2023/05/26/middletown-high-school-students-celebrate-prom-wilmington-riverfront/11930703002/ | 2023-05-26T09:12:19 | 0 | https://www.delawareonline.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2023/05/26/middletown-high-school-students-celebrate-prom-wilmington-riverfront/11930703002/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – The reporter in the blue shirt holds a microphone emblazoned with an old News 6 logo.
She’s reporting on a story about absences at a Clay County school.
And then she signs off: “In Orange Park, Casey Black, Local 6.”
The story aired on WKMG-TV News 6 in Orlando in 2009.
Casey Black would become Casey DeSantis later that year.
The future first lady of Florida was a well-known journalist in Jacksonville from 2003 up to at least 2017, working for News 6 sister station WJXT-TV and then for First Coast News.
[RELATED NEWS: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis running for president. What you need to know]
Experts say DeSantis has used what she honed in Jacksonville to help propel her husband to the heights of American politics – all the way to a presidential run.
“I think she is not only his wife, but his closest advisor,” said News 6 political analyst Jim Clark. “Remember, she came from Jacksonville from a television background, so she knows how the media works. She knows how to capitalize on things. And she has done an excellent job so far of guiding him on these kinds of ways to get national attention.”
“I think Casey DeSantis helps immensely,” said Republican political consultant Anthony Pedicini. “I mean, she’s beloved, especially in Republican circles, and she’s very personable. She’s almost magical when she walks in a room. She has the presence, you know -- he does, too -- but I think she has more of it.”
Jill Casey DeSantis (nee Black) was born in 1980 in Ohio. Her father was an optometrist and her mother was a speech pathologist.
She went to College of Charleston in South Carolina, where she competed on the equestrian team, continuing her love of horses, and got a degree in economics.
In 2003, she got a job at WJXT-TV in Jacksonville, Florida, where she held several positions, including weekend anchor and morning news anchor.
Then she met Ron DeSantis over a bucket of golf balls at a driving range while he was working at the Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville. They married at Walt Disney World in 2009.
In 2010, Casey DeSantis left WJXT and did a stint with the PGA Tour before returning to local news at First Coast News in Jacksonville in 2011, where she won an Emmy Award for on-air talent, leading daytime talk shows and primetime news specials.
During this time, husband Ron was serving in Congress for U.S. House District 6. Casey said a big turning point for her was in 2017, when a gunman opened fire at the Republican baseball team as it was practicing. The congressman was there, but he wasn’t hurt. Others were, however, including Steve Scalise, who now serves as House Majority Leader.
“I don’t think you can put words to what that does. I mean that’s your husband, that’s your family and you think about something like that happening. Beyond words to describe, it was one of the most difficult days of my life,” Casey DeSantis told First Coast News in an exclusive interview in 2018.
In 2018, Ron DeSantis ran for governor, winning by a slim margin. They brought their two young children, Mason and Madison, to Tallahassee. In 2020, the family welcomed their third child, Mamie, the first baby born in the governor’s mansion in some 50 years, according to the first lady’s website.
Casey DeSantis has made mental health a key policy issue during her time as first lady. She launched the Hope for Healing Florida initiative in 2019 to come up with local solutions to address mental health and substance abuse.
The Facts. Your Future. campaign was also started in 209 to raise awareness about substance abuse among young people and how it can negatively impact them.
She followed that up with the Resiliency Florida initiative in 2021 to address the stigma of mental health.
Mental health officials say Casey DeSantis’ influence was key in increasing funding for mental health programs in the state budget in 2022.
In 2022, Casey DeSantis also pushed to secure $100 million in recurring funding for cancer research and care in the budget. The push was personal for her. DeSantis was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, underwent surgery and was declared cancer-free in 2022.
“She fights. She’s tough,” Ron DeSantis said in 2022 when they announced she’d beaten cancer. “I mean she’s basically resigned that, you know, better that she has to go through it than others who may not be able to handle it as well. And that’s just, that’s why I love her. She’s an exceptional person.”
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/26/meet-florida-first-lady-casey-desantis-former-tv-reporter-now-presidential-candidates-wife/ | 2023-05-26T09:18:10 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/26/meet-florida-first-lady-casey-desantis-former-tv-reporter-now-presidential-candidates-wife/ |
Broadway comes to Bloomington for world premiere musical 'The Moon and the Sea'
A dose of demonstrated Broadway talent comes to Bloomington June 8-25 in Constellation Stage & Screen's world premiere musical "The Moon and the Sea."
'The Moon and the Sea' plot
Let it go. Therapists have been telling their patients that for decades. Creighton Irons' and Broadway's Douglas Lyons' "The Moon and the Sea" reminds us of love's tonnage and how it hurts to watch it float away.
Characters Erin and Charlie broke up four years ago. Life has inadvertently brought them together again. But, now, Erin is scheduled to promise "I do" to someone else. Suddenly it's hard to keep her old love for Charlie at bay.
Irons composed the score and wrote the lyrics; Lyons wrote the book. If you've seen Lyons' Broadway comedy "Chicken & Biscuits" you'll already know how pot-stirringly good he is.
More:Constellation Stage & Screen offers original plays, premiere performances for 2023-24
The director, Josh Rhodes, from Broadway
New York City's and Broadway's Josh Rhodes is directing. On Broadway he choreographed several shows, including Rodgers and Hammerstein’s "Cinderella." On London’s West End, he choreographed "Carousel" at the English National Opera and "Sweeney Todd" starring Emma Thompson. He recently directed the musical film "Beau," which has earned awards in festivals throughout North America. Some of his other highlights include directing and choreographing at the Kennedy Center, New York City's City Center Encores! and St. Louis' The Muny.
A popular local — Scott Van Wye
To make this premiere even more tempting for us locals, a Bloomington favorite of yore, Scott Van Wye, who studied at Indiana University before moving to New York, returns to join the cast.
The writer, Douglas Lyons, from Broadway
As the musical's bookwriter, Lyons has been studying how people behave for years. "It is the most useful resource for my writing inspiration," he said in an email.
"I’m constantly trying to infuse healing and love into my scripts. Luckily, Creighton’s score already had an abundant amount of love baked into it."
For Lyons' Broadway playwriting debut, "Chicken & Biscuits" — an often produced and good-time play — he grabbed a nomination for a GLAAD Media Award. GLAAD stands for Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and honors films, TV shows, musicians, video games and journalism that embody the LGBT community in ways that are deemed fair, accurate and inclusive.
"I think 'Chicken & Biscuits' is the second most produced play of the 2022-2023 season because people see themselves reflected on stage. They see their cousins, aunts and uncles. They can laugh because they relate to this Black family sifting their way to healing."
Multitalented, Lyons also has acted on Broadway in the "Book of Mormon," the original cast of "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical," and he's currently in the revival of "Parade." He said "Parade" reminds him that a well directed compelling story is enough. Elaborate sets and technology are impressive, he believes, but it is the story that he always looks for.
Lyons has embedded messages in "The Moon and the Sea" that he hopes will linger with audiences: one of those is that love lacks perfection.
"Love can be messy, hurtful and blissful, but ultimately full of valuable lessons; and I think this show challenges any lover to find some kind of healing in life's heartbreaks."
Writers write from experience; Lyons' misery has impelled him.
"At 25 I had one of the most dramatic breakups of my life. I just knew my love life had expired."
Clearly, however, he has succeeded in the arts, and it's interesting to watch how that can change a person.
"The last five years have turned me from just an actor into an artist. I no longer limit my mindset based on what I’m given. I dare to dream beyond what I can see and a lot of those bigger dreams are coming true. This production being one of them."
If Lyons were able share advice with his characters Erin and Charlie, he said it would be this: “Your love was not in vain.”
If you go
WHAT: "The Moon and the Sea," world premiere musical by Creighton Irons and Broadway's Douglas Lyons. For ages 16 and older.WHEN: Showtimes, 2 and 7:30 p.m., vary according to which day, June 8-25. Check the website, seeconstellation.org/, for details and tickets.
WHERE: Waldron Auditorium, 122 S. Walnut St.TICKETS: $38 for adults, $23 for students with ID, or choose your own ticket price on a Pay What You Will Thursday. These can sell out quickly. | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2023/05/26/broadway-director-premiers-new-musical-on-bloomington-stage/70247293007/ | 2023-05-26T09:20:03 | 1 | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2023/05/26/broadway-director-premiers-new-musical-on-bloomington-stage/70247293007/ |
Cloverdale motorcyclist dies after crashing into pickup on Ind. 46 near Ellettsville
A 72-year-old Cloverdale man died Tuesday afternoon when his motorcycle crashed into a pickup truck on Ind. 46 just west of Ellettsville.
A police reports says Carl Johnson was driving his 1998 Harley Davidson XL 1200 Sportster west on Ind. 46, between the KeHe Distributors complex and Flatwoods Road, at 3:49 p.m. Witnesses said Johnson made an unexpected U-turn into the path of an eastbound pickup truck.
Monroe County Coroner Joani Stalcup said after Johnson struck the pickup, he became pinned underneath. Ellettsville Fire Department personnel extricated him.
Ellettsville Police Department Chief Deputy George Robinson said the 53-year-old Spencer man driving the 1992 GMC Sonoma that hit the motorcycle in the 7700 block of Ind. 46 had no time to stop or avoid the crash.
Johnson was taken by ambulance to IU Health Bloomington Hospital. Stalcup said his condition worsened on the way, and he died soon after arriving at the emergency room.
Contact H-T reporter Laura Lane at llane@heraldt.com or 812-318-5967. | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/cloverdale-motorcyclist-dies-after-crashing-into-pickup-on-ind-46/70255035007/ | 2023-05-26T09:20:09 | 0 | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/cloverdale-motorcyclist-dies-after-crashing-into-pickup-on-ind-46/70255035007/ |
How do you join a community garden in Bloomington?
With the lingering leeway time for frost across south-central Indiana now closed, revealing sunny skies and warm weather, it's time to break out your floppy hat and sun screen — the season for tomatoes and trowels is in full swing.
"Community gardening is having a surge of interest," said Sarah Mullin, Bloomington's community garden program specialist.
While there's certainly a fair share of routine crops, including the classic tomato or brightly colored pepper plant, you never really know what you'll find growing in Bloomington's community gardens.
"We have a big diversity of plants," Mullin said, noting there's over 250 individual plots across the city's three community gardens. "It's always interesting to see what people come up with."
More:It's time for ticks. What can you do to keep yourself safe and when should you be worried.
For a recent gaggle of green-thumbed gardeners at the Willie Streeter Community Garden, nestled in the Winslow Woods Park on South Highland Avenue, their personal verdant valleys include strawberries, tomatoes and green beans.
Whether you're an apartment renter or just don't have space in your own yard, Bloomington is one of countless cities across the U.S. where people can rent a plot of city land for their own personal garden.
Here, people can rent raised beds or in-ground plots in a gated space, free from nibbling deer or hungry hares. The garden provides access to water, communal tools and composting. Mullin said gardeners are also encouraged to attend an annual orientation, held right before the start of the season, to go over guidelines and also give some kernels of advice for any new members.
Since it is a communal space, a community garden also provides an opportunity for kinship, enabling those who live nearby to meet, work beside, and even forge friendships with one another.
"In a community setting, you meet a lot of people you wouldn't normally meet — different age groups and backgrounds — and you come together with this shared hobby," Mullin said.
By chance, all three people at the Willie Streeter Community Garden were celebrating their third year of community gardening, which shouldn't be that big of a surprise if you do a little math.
More:Bloomington's first Cosmic Songwriters Festival draws crowd
"I definitely remember there being a big interest in (community gardening) during the (COVID-19) pandemic. I think a lot of people expressed appreciation to go somewhere where they felt safe and calm," Mullin said, adding it was the perfect time to pick up a new hobby.
A gardener herself, Mullin said it isn't just about the fresh produce you receive or the sense of accomplishment you feel once the plants are primed for picking. One of the most rewarding parts of the process is the continual exercise in relaxation — tending to your garden in the serenity of an early morning, complete with chirping birds and dew-speckled grass.
"You get to spend time outdoors, (where) it's generally quiet, and you have to pay attention – whether it’s inspecting for insects, looking at the soil," Mullin said. "It’s really mindful."
And, with a tending hand and vigilant eye, you often get a basket of fruits and vegetables out of it.
While all three community gardens in the city are already filled, gardeners are encouraged to register sometime between now to late February in order to get on the waitlist for next season. The community gardens open up from mid-April to October every year.
To get on the waitlist for next year, you can reach out to city park personnel at 812-349-3704 or communitygardens@bloomington.in.gov. | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/community-garden-plots-available-for-rent-in-bloomington/70232609007/ | 2023-05-26T09:20:16 | 0 | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/community-garden-plots-available-for-rent-in-bloomington/70232609007/ |
It's Your Business: Fourth round from Flywheel Fund to help more technology startup firms
Flywheel Fund is a member-managed capital fund that invests in early-stage tech startups in Indiana. The Mill launched Flywheel Fund in 2020, and since then they’ve invested over $1.8 million. The fund now has more than 30 portfolio companies from a range of industry verticals such as EdTech, AI/ML, HR Tech, SaaS, Cybersecurity, AgTech, HealthTech, etc.
Update on Flywheel Fund 4
We have reached the tail-end of our third fund and have spent the past few months fundraising for our fourth fund, “Fundt4stic Four.” I’m happy to share that we have surpassed our $1 million goal of capital commitments and are looking to have Fund 4 land between $1.1 million and $1.2 million. We are seeing an 80% renewal rate from members of Fund 3, which is great to see, especially in this current challenging fundraising environment.
More:It's Your Business: Why the Tech Center is important to Bloomington's economic vitality
IU Ventures Summit pre-event
Last week, fellow Mill-tenant IU Ventures hosted their IU Founders & Funders Network Venture Summit. As one of the sponsors of the summit, we hosted a pre-event to support the local ecosystem and to also invite investors from across the country to see the work we’ve been doing here in Bloomington. Attendees got a tour of The Mill and ate lunch as they listened to a “The Future of Work” startup panel and a Fireside Chat that featured AI experts from our local community.
The Future of Work panel was moderated by me and featured two Flywheel portfolio companies: Darrian Mikell, co-founder of Qualifi, and Eric Xiao, founder of Laxis. We explored the shifts and trends in HR Tech; and how, as both founders and leaders, they are addressing these challenges within their own companies.
The AI Fireside Chat was moderated by Derek Whitley, co-founder of Flamel.ai, and featured Steven Wasick, founder of infoSentience, and Joanna Millunchick, dean of Indiana University's Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering. It was a dynamic discussion that delved into the future of AI and its implications on both a business-level and an academic/institutional perspective.
More:It's Your Business: Growth of Flywheel Fund signals growth of business startups
Overall, the event was a great success and we had a full-house that saw over 100-plus attendees ranging from seasoned venture capitalists to first-time student founders. We’re already thinking about what we can do for next year.
Bloomington Investments from Fund 3
Lastly, as our third fund comes to a close, I wanted to highlight some of our fund statistics.
- 28% of our capital was deployed into woman-founded teams (national average is 2%)
- 28% was deployed into minority-founded teams (national average is 3%).
- 32% went into local Bloomington companies. You can read more about them below:
Celadore is the world’s first acoustically optimized and modular cello podium. IU professor Jamie Tagg’s idea for Celadore was the winner of the 2022 Crossroads Idea Competition.
Finniva is a real-estate development material sourcing marketplace. Founded by two IU students, Finniva was named the 2022 Crossroads Collegiate Winner.
Flamel.ai strives to be the first of its kind: a fully AI-driven design studio for marketing content.
Grantcycle’s platform streamlines and automates grant management and reporting for the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Quiptu is a peer-to-peer platform for renting outdoor adventure gear and a previous winner of the 2021 Crossroads Idea Competition.
SecondSight offers the first-ever vertically integrated platform for cyber underwriting, enabling carriers to accurately assess digital risk exposure and vulnerabilities.
Solesca is a cloud-based SaaS platform that makes installing agrivoltaics simple for both farmers and solar developers.
Terran Robotics combines AI, 3D printing, and robotics to convert dirt into extraordinary walls for homes.
Ziptility provides end-to-end infrastructure management software with easy-to-use apps for water and wastewater utilities.
Startup Summer program begins
In addition, five IU student startups will be added to the portfolio as part of The Mill’s Startup Summer program, which gives collegiate founders the chance to work full time on their startup while receiving an investment from Flywheel Fund.
To learn more about Flywheel Fund, visit www.flywheelfund.vc/.
This article and its description of Flywheel Fund is not a public solicitation for investment.
Pat East is executive director of The Mill, an entrepreneurship center whose mission is to launch and accelerate startups and whose vision is to become Indiana’s center of gravity for entrepreneurship. | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/flywheel-fund-4-to-help-new-tech-startups-in-bloomington/70247769007/ | 2023-05-26T09:20:22 | 1 | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/flywheel-fund-4-to-help-new-tech-startups-in-bloomington/70247769007/ |
Bloomington Memorial Day event: 'Making sure no one forgets the sacrifices made'
It's the Wednesday before Memorial Day weekend and the serene vistas at Bloomington's Valhalla Memory Gardens are being dolled up, transformed.
A man on a wide-deck riding mower deftly maneuvers around tombstones, some dating back nearly a century. Beyond the overhead archway leading into the the Jewish section, a caretaker wielding a weed-eater levels tall grass. Two men in a white work truck erect American flags on tall poles; a few dozen soon line the asphalt driveway at the cemetery entrance. Visitors park just off the road throughout the graveyard, removing flower arrangements and ornate wreaths from the trunks of cars, placing them just right. A newly dug grave beneath a canvas canopy in the distance stands as a reminder that in this place, grief is always nigh.
Joe Hardin sits on a polished granite bench under a shade tree near the cemetery's veterans' memorial and next to the grave of Danny Bill Callahan, who served in the U.S. Army; a "loving husband, father and grandfather," his military marker says. He was born Nov. 7, 1943, and died Feb. 8, 2017.
More:Bloomington filmmaker's World War I documentary tells of Indiana's heroes of the Great War
On being a Vietnam veteran
Hardin is a veteran, too. He joined the U.S. Navy when he was 17, serving from 1961 to 1965. He was among the first U.S. soldiers stationed in Vietnam, and worked as a communications radioman with a top-secret clearance.
He was proud of serving his country when he left the Navy, but the pride faded as he and others returning from military service during the Vietnam War era encountered opposition and anger at home. Hardin recalled a woman shouting him down on a bus in San Francisco when he was in uniform. He asked the driver to stop so he could walk away.
He said that back then, older members of military service groups like the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion didn't initially welcome Vietnam vets into their ranks. "They wanted us to bring up their numbers, and to pay the dues, but they didn't want us involved," Hardin said.
He packed his dress whites and his military service away. "I didn't want people to know where I'd been."
A home at the Bloomington VFW
Three decades passed. Then in 1999, he walked into Bloomington's VFW Post 604. Having served in a war on foreign soil, he qualified for membership. And found camraderie after all those years.
"The World War II and Korean War vets were dying off and suddenly it was the Vietnam guys running the post," he said. Attitudes and reality had changed over time.
"We decided nobody would be treated the way we were treated, that we'd make everyone feel welcome when they came back home," Hardin said.
Veterans returning from the unpopular war in the Middle East sometimes faced the kind of public anger and backlash Vietnam vets had experienced decades earlier.
"I knew what military guys and ladies went through and I wanted to make sure that didn't happen, not to anyone else," he said.
VFW members welcomed the Gulf War soldiers back and offered a free one-year VFW membership. "They could see if they liked us if they want to be part of us. Now, they have families and work full time, but they come to the post and hang out with us."
These days, those members slated as the VFW's next leaders as Hardin and his Vietnam brethren transition to the old guard.
'Commander emeritus'
Not that Hardin is stepping back from his duties. He was VFW Post 604's longest serving commander, in that role from 2004 to 2012. He's held other positions as well. "The call me 'commander emeritus' because I've been around for so long."
Seventeen years ago, the man who oversaw the VFW's annual Memorial Day ceremony decided to end the tradition. Hardin wouldn't hear of it, and took over. "From then on, it was mine," he said.
The event started out small, under a lone tent with people sitting on the grass. "I was the one who was the keynote speaker," he recalled.
It grew over time. Before the pandemic, several hundred people would attend the 10 a.m. ceremony held on Monday, the official holiday that commemorates American soldiers who died in war.
"I look forward every year to making sure no one forgets the sacrifices made for this county and for people around the world," Hardin said. "It's something I need to do."
He hopes for a big turnout this year; the weather report is favorable, he said, and people might want to venture out on a spring morning to pay their respects.
The Southern Indiana Pipe and Drum Corps, the Bloomington Community Band and Daniel Narducci will perform. The cemetery provides bottled water, lemonade and 20 dozen doughnuts. Bring a lawn chair, Hardin said.
Hundreds of flags on two-foot-tall wooden sticks will flutter in the wind all around. They're among several thousand that VFW and other veterans' group volunteers place all around Monroe County on graves of those who served their county.
Memorial site honors veterans
The service is at the cemetery's Veterans' Memorial, which was designed by Hardin, financed by an anonymous donor and built in phases over the past eight years.
The $1 million site features a plaza, benches and an Italian marble columbarium to inter ashes of veterans and their spouses. Veteran graveside services are often held there. The walkway leading to the monument is wide enough for a casket with pall bearers on each side to pass.
After Monday's ceremony, there's a free lunch for everyone at the VFW Post at 2404 W. Industrial Park Drive.
Contact Herald-Times reporter Laura Lane at llane@heraldt.com or 812-318-5967. | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/memorial-day-making-sure-no-one-forgets-the-sacrifices-made/70255286007/ | 2023-05-26T09:20:28 | 0 | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/memorial-day-making-sure-no-one-forgets-the-sacrifices-made/70255286007/ |
For the second year in a row, south coast anglers have the chance to catch thousands of dollars in the Coquille River. How? By dropping a line in the water and hooking a bass.
The Coquille Port Commission in coordination with Coquille STEP, ODFW, the Coquille Indian Tribe and the Bandon Port Commission is hosting the 2nd annual Small Mouth Bass Derby.
“I know for a fact, if we can get a bunch of fishing poles out there, we can wipe out the bass,” Port Commissioner Fred Fry said. And there are plenty of reasons to go out.
“We will have one fish worth $10,000, three worth $1,000 and the rest will range from $200 to $50,” Fry said. Fish from Riverton to Powers will be microchipped.
Unlike most bass derbies, this event is not catch-and-release. Just the opposite: The whole point is to rid the river of as many small-mouth bass as possible, thereby reducing predation on salmon smolts.
Voracious bass are unwelcome invaders in the Coquille, where various agencies and community organizations are cooperating to restore dwindling salmon populations.
The port’s first derby, last year, removed about 3,000 bass from the river. Some became tasty dinners for anglers. The rest became crab bait.
Organizers encourage anglers to keep every small-mouth bass they catch, no matter how small. The Coquille River has no limit on small-mouth bass, and each one is a potential money winner.
The derby starts the weekend of June 3rd and 4th, “the free fishing weekend,” which means no license is required. But unlike last year, it won’t be limited to two weekends.
“We changed the format,” Fry said. “It’s going to go all summer long.”
So, all summer, until it ends on the weekend of September 9th and 10th, volunteers will scan fish to see if they contain a microchip worth one of the cash prizes.
The volunteers will be at Sturdivant Park in Coquille on Saturdays from 2 to 8 p.m. and at the Myrtle Point boat ramp on Sundays at the same time. Contestants are encouraged to freeze their fish throughout the week and bring them in on the weekends to scan for winners.
The derby costs $20 and contestants must sign up before fishing.
This can be done at over-the-counter ticket sites in Charleston, Bandon, Coquille and Myrtle Point.
The addresses are on the Port of Coquille’s website at www.thepocrd.com and its Facebook page. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/hook-a-bass-to-reel-in-cash-on-coquille-river/article_8d5236ac-f931-11ed-ba13-9f9e65d8fa79.html | 2023-05-26T09:26:39 | 1 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/hook-a-bass-to-reel-in-cash-on-coquille-river/article_8d5236ac-f931-11ed-ba13-9f9e65d8fa79.html |
The North Bend City Council voted unanimously last week to approve an ordinance that establishes camping rules for the city in an attempt to meet the requirements of a state law that allows homeless camping in cities.
The council voted 6-0 to adopt the ordinance, which will go into effect July 1. The ordinance itself bans camping through the city, with the promise the council will adopt a resolution that outlines where and when the homeless can set up camp.
North Bend Public Works Director Ralph Dunham told the council it must allow space for the homeless to camp. Without the ordinance by July 1, camping would have been allowed in any public space after that date.
The ordinance that bans camping only applies to public property, and while all camping is banned, the council can allow camping by passing a resolution stating when and where.
“We started by prohibiting it in residential areas,” Dunham told the council. “As it sits today, it’s prohibited throughout the entire city, all zones. As you’re well aware, we have to provide for homeless camping somewhere. This is both in vehicles, in tents and other camping. That is provided by resolution. The council designates a location that allows that.”
Getting to the point of adopting the ordinance was a multi-year process that included many public meetings, two town halls and hours and hours of debate among councilors.
Most of the discussion last week was around the resolution, which will outline when and where camping will be allowed. After the long debate in the city, the council has currently settled on downtown North Bend, near City Hall as the only place homeless camping will be allowed.
The council can still change the resolution as long as one is approved and in place before July 1. The current resolution would allow camping on:
• Harbor Avenue between Virginia Avenue and Washington Avenue;
• Union Avenue between California Avenue and Connecticut Avenue;
• California Avenue between Meade Street and McPherson Street; and
• McPherson Street between California Avenue and Virginia Avenue.
Those locations would include City Hall, the North Bend Police Department and the North Bend Fire Department as well as many business locations
Dunham said based on the latest numbers the city has seen, between 20 and 30 vehicles are currently being used for camping and between 30 and 60 individuals are camping in tents. He said based on Point in Time counts, it is estimated that between 250 and 300 homeless people are in North Bend, which includes people couch surfing.
While the council has settled on a possible site, it did get three public comments for businesses in the area, all opposed to the plan.
“Nobody is going to be happy,” Councilor Pat Goll said. “I can walk down every street in North Bend and get a list of names of people who won’t be happy.”
Mayor Jessica Engelke said the advantage of using a resolution to set allowable camping sites is they can be changed as often as needed.
“We know we’re going to look at this a month later,” she said. “Might as well put it on the calendar now.”
Councilor Susanna Noordhoff said her big concern in the area was allowing camping on Harbor Avenue, which overlooks the bay.
But Goll said it’s time to pass something and move on.
“I think we’ve had a lot of hashing out, and there’s a draft resolution that could work,” Goll said. “I think we’re just wasting time.”
“I don’t think we’re wasting time,” Noordhoff responded. “We eliminated Hamilton, which is a good thing.”
With the location mostly settled on, the council also discussed what time camping should be allowed. Engelke said she would be in favor of a 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. time slot in all areas. But Noordhoff said for some that would not be fair.
“If you have someone living in a car with children, do you really want them driving around until 10 p.m.,” Noordhoff said. “I think it should be 8 to be reasonable and humane to people.”
After some discussion by the council, the compromise was reached with camping allowed on Harbor Avenue from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. and every else from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.
“These are crisis situations,” Engelke said. “We are not looking for long-term solutions. We’re starting small. We will revisit it in the first 30 days to see how it’s going.”
The council will consider to discuss the resolution, but a decision must be made prior to July 1. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/north-bend-moving-closer-to-homeless-camping-rules/article_09b9ded8-f933-11ed-86f4-eb8b90d8cbd9.html | 2023-05-26T09:26:46 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/north-bend-moving-closer-to-homeless-camping-rules/article_09b9ded8-f933-11ed-86f4-eb8b90d8cbd9.html |
TUPELO — Tupelo officials are moving forward with redistricting plans despite dissent from a Tupelo City Council member and a threat of litigation from the head of the local NAACP over what they claim are improperly drawn district lines.
Tupelo officials discussed changes to its ward lines during a Tuesday afternoon work session, fielding concerns previously voiced by Ward 7 Councilwoman Rosie Jones and other local advocates for minority representation.
Jones, the sole council member to argue against the proposed redistricting plan, was absent during the work session, as was Ward 4 Councilwoman Nettie Davis. During a May 16 council meeting, Jones asserted that the proposed redistricting map runs afoul of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The law protects the voting power of racial minorities.
Both Jones and Charles Penson, the pastor of Lane Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and local politico, claim because the proposed map splits a census block — a geographic unit used by the census that details households and population therein — it would be illegal for the city to adopt it.
Lee County NAACP President Charles Moore previously told the board that the organization would consider litigation against the city should officials adopt the proposed map.
Jones, however, stands alone on the council in her assertion. City Attorney Ben Logan said that splitting a census block is discouraged, but not illegal.
The area in question currently lies on the border of Ward 3 and Ward 7. A portion of Williams Street and Oak Leigh Drive is currently in Ward 7, but the residents cannot get to their homes in the area without traveling through Ward 3. The new map places that stretch of road within Ward 3, splitting the census block but reconnecting the neighborhood.
Jones’s other issue was that in the council’s original talks about redistricting, she specifically asked for some of the population from Ward 6 rather than moving north across Main Street, singling out the Spring Lake neighborhood.
During the Tuesday afternoon meeting, Logan tackled that issue as well. He said the city did not want to break up that neighborhood for a slew of reasons, including the fact that Ward 6 Councilwoman Janet Gaston lives in the south end of the neighborhood, preventing the city from moving it to a new ward.
He said he did not see a way for the city to include parts of Spring Lake in Ward 7 without significantly diminishing the power of the minority-majority voting power in the district.
“If we would’ve come up with that idea.… that would’ve led to a violation of the Voting Rights Act,” he said during the meeting, referring to the present council members being white. He said the percentage of Black residents must be higher than at least 51% to affect the electoral process and ensure minority representation in government.
Jones told the Daily Journal that she didn’t believe there was any issue with taking part of Spring Lake’s residents. She said she didn’t think the other council members’ wishes negated her own, but also claimed she was the lone member of the council whose desired changes aren't reflected on the proposed redistricting map.
“Giving me 100 people from Spring Lake isn’t going to hurt anything…. It doesn’t make sense that they are fighting so that I don’t have them,” she said.
Jones claims Ward 7 is critically underrepresented, citing a lack of representation on the Major Thoroughfare Committee and a lack of bathrooms in city parks in Ward 7. She said she believed bringing in residents from Spring Lake would improve her ward because the city’s representatives “already jumps through hoops for,” them.
“It is obvious that everything is against Ward 7,” she said. “So, unless they are going to try to do some things right, I am ready to do everything I have to let them know Ward 7 is part of the city. Why does everyone get their pick but Ward 7.”
All other council members seem to be in favor of the proposed map, which will receive an up or down vote during a special called meeting on June 1 at 4 p.m.
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Error! There was an error processing your request. | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/tupelo-officials-continue-redistricting-process-despite-threats-of-naacp-litigation/article_2d6fd30e-fa6a-11ed-8b09-bb5ea9d5aa14.html | 2023-05-26T09:35:11 | 0 | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/tupelo-officials-continue-redistricting-process-despite-threats-of-naacp-litigation/article_2d6fd30e-fa6a-11ed-8b09-bb5ea9d5aa14.html |
When Davenport & Company LLC first set up shop in 1863, it started with a mission to build strong relationships with clients by delivering valuable, trustworthy services.
With its headquarters in Richmond, the employee-owned wealth management and financial advisory services company operates various firms across the Mid-Atlantic. Their services include traditional stock and bond brokerage, professional money management, financial and retirement planning, market research, insurance and public finance.
Now, 160 years later, it is still making the same promises and maintaining its core values. Every day, more than 450 Davenport associates – including 200 financial advisers – offer financial advice that the firm says embodies the golden rule.
This has garnered them numerous accolades throughout the years, including national recognition for leadership and industry contribution.
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This year, Davenport & Company holds on to its title as a Top Workplace in the Richmond area. The company claimed second place as one of the best midsize places to work in the region.
"As an employee-owned business, we take pride in the expertise and service we offer our clients, and we expect the same level of respect and caring toward each other, so that we all succeed," Brenda Madden, senior vice president of human resources, said.
According to the company, it has continued to earn this recognition through a number of factors, most notably, its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
“Davenport is committed to developing a workplace that includes associates of diverse backgrounds in order to utilize their experiences and talents to achieve our business goals,” the company’s website says.
The company fosters an inclusive workplace culture in regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran’s status, pregnancy or childbirth-related medical conditions and more.
This culture begins with recruitment and selection and continues with compensation and benefits, training, social and volunteer programs and events. Everyone who works for the company is promised an equal opportunity.
According to the company’s website, Davenport is a member of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association's Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council, as well as a participant in the SIFMA Invest! Program, which connects students at historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions to career opportunities across capital markets.
Davenport & Company also helped found the Richmond Cristo Rey School as a job-partner. The school provides industry exposure, tuition and work experience to high school students in underserved communities. The company’s paid summer internship program offers opportunities for minority students to gain work experience and exposure for future careers.
The company also launched Davenport Shares, an employee-led philanthropic initiative focusing on monetary contributions and volunteer efforts to charitable organizations in the community. This includes Junior Achievement, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Bikes for Kids, school supply drives, local food banks and many others.
"This recognition validates the Davenport culture as an employer that truly cares for its employees' well-being, in and outside of the office," Madden said. | https://richmond.com/business/local/top-workplaces/160-years-later-davenport-company-is-still-a-top-workplace-in-richmond/article_541dad9c-e90c-11ed-89ed-bb17cbce7c69.html | 2023-05-26T09:49:17 | 0 | https://richmond.com/business/local/top-workplaces/160-years-later-davenport-company-is-still-a-top-workplace-in-richmond/article_541dad9c-e90c-11ed-89ed-bb17cbce7c69.html |
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It was 1976 when Kimberly Ann Calos got her prom dress from the Salvation Army. Since then, people always ask her, “where do you get your stuff?”
“I leave no stone unturned,” Calos says.
Now, her self-described funky, vintage, unusual, artsy or over-the-top store is moving from Petersburg to Carytown — a Richmond neighborhood Calos has always loved, she said.
The neighborhood is in the heart of Richmond with nine blocks of “quirky shops,” neighboring the Museum District and Byrd Park, according to its website. It’s “very hip,” Calos said.
The business had a variety of names and is currently transitioning from Petersburg Pickers to Bougie Goat Boutique. The upscale resale store features statement pieces from every era, such as jewelry, clothing, accessories and home decor, like a statement paperweight or mirror.
“I have always been that person that doesn’t want to dress like everybody else, that doesn’t want to decorate like everybody else,” Calos said. “I’m not normal.”
Calos doesn’t sit around and read fashion magazines all the time or know who every designer is, but she knows when an item is of timeless quality or a cool addition to the wardrobe, she said.
With a “Go! Go! Go!” tattoo and a “BE ART” necklace, Calos describes herself as a nomad.
“I like change. I like change not only in my life, but change in my inventory,” Calos said. “No one wants to come to a store where they saw that yesterday; they want something new.”
This is her 10th move business-wise, so the choreography is set: permits, business license, address change, HVAC system check, electricians, locksmiths, pest control and more.
The Petersburg location is still under contract for two more years, but along with the Carytown location, Calos might come out a little better than before monetarily, she said. Calos started her business in Hopewell in 1990 and moved to Petersburg in 2005. The Petersburg venture started as a 7,000-square-foot warehouse with fashion merchandise and furnishings, and it had to transition to a 2,000-square-foot corner store in the Old Towne District; the move to Richmond’s Carytown location is about 2,000 square feet as well.
The new space allows for different sections of merchandise, though Calos isn’t in the business of furniture anymore — unless it’s really spectacular. The merchandise is what would fit into a car. Intimate, cozy and bright are the words to describe the Carytown store, as opposed to a more cavernous place in Petersburg, Calos said.
This is her last retail chapter, its length not yet defined, but Calos said she wants to travel once she is ready.
“I just hope that I bring a different positive vibe to Carytown, because I’m so excited to have a challenge,” she said. “I need to be stimulated.”
Located on 3451 W. Cary St., the boutique will open in early June. It will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from “10-ish” a.m. to “5-ish” p.m. and on Sundays from noonish to “6-ish” p.m. — just in case Calos is running late, but she said her showcase goats will be outside to signal the store is open for business.
Richmond-area business expansions, openings and closings
“I have always been that person that doesn’t want to dress like everybody else, that doesn’t want to decorate like everybody else,” said Kimberly Ann Calos. “I’m not normal.”
This is Kimberly Ann Calos’ 10th move business-wise, so the choreography is set: permits, business license, address change, HVAC system check, electricians, locksmiths, pest control and more. | https://richmond.com/news/local/business/bougie-goat-boutique-selling-jewelry-clothing-home-decor-and-more-moving-to-carytown/article_fe700384-fa6a-11ed-8d64-1fb6024e0c04.html | 2023-05-26T09:49:23 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/business/bougie-goat-boutique-selling-jewelry-clothing-home-decor-and-more-moving-to-carytown/article_fe700384-fa6a-11ed-8d64-1fb6024e0c04.html |
A Chesterfield County-based drug manufacturer is on the cusp of releasing a new medicine designed to counteract the effects of an opioid overdose.
Indivior PLC received approval from the Food and Drug Administration this week to green-light Opvee, a nasal spray considered an alternative to Narcan, which has been used for years to restore breathing immediately after a drug overdose.
Because it’s so quick-acting, Opvee doesn’t just save a person’s life, it prevents brain damage, said Mark Crossley, Indivior’s CEO. About 80,000 Americans died of opioid overdoses in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fentanyl accounted for an outsized chunk of those deaths.
Indivior, headquartered on Midlothian Turnpike, is a major pharmaceutical manufacturer for substance abuse disorders and mental illnesses. It has more than 900 employees globally.
Earlier this year, the company bought drug manufacturer Opiant Pharmaceuticals, which was already developing Opvee.
Like naloxone, the molecule in Narcan, Opvee binds to receptors in the brain, blocking the opioid and restoring breathing.
Opvee, whose molecule is called nalmefene, is both quick-acting and long-acting, which could make it a suitable contender to fentanyl, which remains in the body longer than other opioids, Crossley said.
Crossley declined to directly compare nalmefene to naloxone, saying a study would be necessary to accurately differentiate the two. While Opvee will come as a nasal spray, naloxone is available as a spray or injection.
The company plans to begin selling the drug this fall, and it will be available to patients 12 and older.
In a study of 61 participants, reversal of respiratory depression occurred in 2.5 to 5 minutes, and full recovery began in as early as 5 minutes. Some had side effects of nasal discomfort, headache, nausea, vomiting and others. All opioid reversal drugs create an intense withdrawal feeling and, with naloxone, those side effects might last 30 to 40 minutes, NPR reported.
But with nalmefene, those issues can last six hours or more, said Dr. Lewis Nelson of Rutgers University.
While naloxone isn’t as long-acting as the newer alternative, doctors can give a second or third dose of naloxone if it wears off. And there isn’t a shortage of naloxone, either, Nelson said.
Indivior has not determined a cost yet, but Crossley pledged to make it affordable.
“We will responsibly price this,” he said. “We are committed to making this novel rescue medication widely available to those who need it most to help save lives.”
Indivior expects the drug to result in $150 million to $250 million in annual sales, according to a news release.
It will not be available over the counter – the FDA does not grant approval for that until years after a drug has reached the market.
But it can be purchased with a prescription or can be sold to first responders such as police, firefighters and EMS, who can distribute the medicine, similar to how naloxone is often handed out. Many first responders already carry naloxone to counter overdoses. Narcan recently received approval to be sold over the counter.
Indivior is aiming to get insurance coverage for Opvee, Crossley said.
Crossley compared buying Opvee to having a fire extinguisher in the house. A person might want a prescription if he or she has been prescribed high-dosage pain medication. Or a parent might buy it for a teenager or young adult.
The federal government funded roughly $18 million toward the drug’s creation. Opiant got roughly $11 million in a contract from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority and $7 million in a grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Crossley did not identify the total cost to create and test it.
Opvee’s molecule, nalmefene, was first approved to counter overdoses in the mid-1990s, but it’s no longer available in the United States. In Europe, it’s used in tablet form to limit alcohol cravings.
Manufacturing will occur outside Virginia, Crossley said.
Indivior is also the maker of Suboxone Film and Sublocade, which are designed to treat drug dependence.
Eric Kolenich writes about higher education, health systems and more for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He joined the newspaper in 2009 and spent 11 years in the Sports section. (804) 649-6109
On Monday, U.S. health regulators approved a nasal spray considered an alternative to Narcan to reverse overdoses caused by fentanyl and other powerful opioids, which are currently driving the nation’s drug crisis. | https://richmond.com/news/local/business/chesterfield-drug-company-introduces-nasal-spray-to-counteract-opioid-overdoses/article_31a0bf3e-fb0e-11ed-8371-1bb2f9f7bbc5.html | 2023-05-26T09:49:29 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/business/chesterfield-drug-company-introduces-nasal-spray-to-counteract-opioid-overdoses/article_31a0bf3e-fb0e-11ed-8371-1bb2f9f7bbc5.html |
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Leigh Sewell, president of Memorial Regional Medical Center in Hanover County and Rappahannock General Hospital in Kilmarnock, has left Bon Secours. Her last day was May 12.
Sewell chose to leave Bon Secours to pursue opportunities outside the health system, a spokesperson for Bon Secours said. It isn’t clear if Sewell has accepted a new job.
Eric Young, Memorial Regional’s chief operating officer, is serving as interim president of both hospitals until a permanent president is named.
Sewell became president of Memorial Regional in 2018 and worked for the health system for roughly 17 years. She previously was an accounting manager at Circuit City.
Bon Secours is finishing a $50 million expansion of Memorial Regional, adding 11 intensive care unit beds, 33 general inpatient beds and new units for orthopedics and neuroscience. Once complete, the hospital will have 269 acute care beds.
Rappahannock General recently completed the first phase of an expansion , which includes a larger emergency room built by a $20 million community campaign.
Top 5 weekend events: Friday Cheers RVA Music Night, Big Tent & Daydream Fest
Daydream Fest at Main Line Brewery
Sunday and Monday
Experience two full days of live music this extended weekend with the second year of the Daydream Fest at Main Line Brewery. The fest features a vast lineup of local bands, including Palm Palm, Matthew E. White, Kate Bollinger, No BS! Brass Band and more, plus drinks, food trucks and vendors, with plenty of outdoor seating to camp out with some friends. Doors open at 1 p.m.; music starts at 2:30 p.m. 1603 Ownby Lane. $30-$50. Rain or shine. www.daydreamfest.com .
Dylan Akers
Friday Cheers RVA Music Night
Friday
Claim your spot on the lawn on Brown’s Island for Friday Cheers' RVA Music Night, showcasing the talents of Butcher Brown, Celler Dwellers and Cassidy Snider & The Wranglers along with vendors offering food and drinks. 6:30-9:30 p.m.; gates open at 6 p.m. 500 Tredegar St. $10 in advance, $15 at door. www.myticketstobuy.com .
The Richmond Symphony Big Tent
Saturday
Bring the family (and your pup, too) and head to Jackson Ward as the Richmond Symphony puts on a free outdoor concert conducted by Chia-Hsuan Lin, featuring music from Florence Price, Joseph Bologne and Adolphus Hailstork and a painting demonstration led by Richmond artists. 7 p.m., Abner Clay Park, near 200 W. Clay St. Free. Rain date Sunday. If both days are rained out, the event will be cancelled. www.richmondsymphony.com . The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia also has special hours with family activities leading up to the concert. 122 W. Leigh St. $6-$10. www.blackhistorymuseum.org .
Richmond Symphony
Lager Fest at The Answer
Saturday
Treat your tastebuds to an afternoon all about savoring refreshing brews under the sun and exploring the flavors of eight lagers on tap from an outdoor trailer in The Answer Brewpub’s beer garden. There will also be an eclectic mix of food trucks, slinging lobster bisque, bao buns and sisig. Noon-4 p.m. 6008 W. Broad St. Free entry; pay as you go. (804) 282-1248 or www.theanswerbrewpub.com .
Corey Ingles
Diamond Flea Market
Sunday
The Diamond Flea Market kicks off its third season with over 100 vendors offering a wide selection of products and unique finds, from vintage apparel, sneakers and handmade jewelry to home goods, tufted rugs, body scrubs and more. Noon-6 p.m. 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. Free entry; pay as you go. www.diamondfleamarket.com .
Malique McFarland
‘Sign Spotting’
Opens Thursday
From vintage neon signs to Jim Crow-era public facility signs, the Valentine’s new exhibition explores the rich history of iconic Richmond signage. Visitors will see signs from Ignatius Hats, Overnite Transportation and from the museum’s most recent acquisition, the Robin Inn, among many others. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday with extended hours to 7 p.m. Thursday. 1015 E. Clay St. $8-$10; free for members and ages 17 and younger; free admission on Thursdays. Through next year. thevalentine.org or (804) 649-0711 .
The Valentine
'Space: An Out-of-Gravity Experience'
Opens Saturday
If the weather is a washout this weekend, check out the Science Museum of Virginia’s new exhibit, “Space,” to learn how astronauts live and work. At interactive stations, put your hand inside an astronaut’s glove, go inside a full-size mock-up of the International Space Station’s U.S. Destiny lab module, and more. Through Sept. 4. 2500 W. Broad St. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. $10-$17, additional $5 ticket required. www.smv.org or (804) 864-1400 .
Richard Fleischman | https://richmond.com/news/local/memorial-regional-hospital-president-leaves-bon-secours/article_6de77adc-fb3b-11ed-8a02-873cb7a29fad.html | 2023-05-26T09:49:35 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/memorial-regional-hospital-president-leaves-bon-secours/article_6de77adc-fb3b-11ed-8a02-873cb7a29fad.html |
Weather this Memorial Day weekend will be far from ideal across metro Richmond, but there will be numerous windows where it will be nice to be outside. The biggest forecast problem is figuring out precisely when those windows open.
For those taking off Friday to get a jump-start on the weekend, the only issue will be some occasional gusty breezes from the northeast. No rain falls on Friday, but a progressively cloudier sky combines with the cool winds to keep the afternoon temperatures from getting beyond the lower 70s.
A headline-making storm pushes into the North Carolina coast Friday night and Saturday, making a miserable start to the beach season from the Outer Banks to Myrtle Beach. Strong winds, coastal flooding and heavy rain will be a full-day presence at the coast.
That same storm pushes its rain into Virginia during the second half of Saturday. While it still looks like most of Saturday will be dry in spite of the thickening clouds, be on the lookout for some lighter showers before dusk Saturday. With the east winds continuing, that means an especially chilly day in Richmond, with temperatures holding in the 60s all afternoon long.
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The most consistent rain settles in for Saturday night and into early Sunday, leaving about a quarter to three-quarters of an inch before coming to an end.
Once that steady rain backs away, most of Sunday will just be cloudy and cool, as the storm stalls and spins over North Carolina. However, numerous smaller showers will still pop up from time to time in metro Richmond, so trying to plan an outdoor event will remain challenging. Plus, with the clouds hanging around and the looming threat of showers, temperatures will creep only into the 70s for the afternoon.
The weather on Memorial Day will depend on how fast the entire storm system begins to move back to the east. While it will have weakened dramatically, it will also leave behind some relatively cool air spiraling over Virginia and North Carolina for most of the day, substantially enhancing the chance for showers and thunderstorms.
It is just too early to say whether any particular outdoor Memorial Day observance on Monday will be free of any rain. For now, the chance for rain over the course of the entire day is a little better than a coin flip, especially during the afternoon, so it is probably wise to wait until Sunday or Monday morning when more data is available to make a better decision.
The weather pattern evolves toward something more seasonable by the middle of next week. Then for the first couple of days of June, much warmer air that had been pooling over the Ohio and Mississippi valleys will begin to spread eastward.
But the timing of this cool and damp spell will certainly leave May as the first full month cooler than normal in Richmond since December 2022.
Frustrated folks waiting to sit by the pool will not have to wait much longer; Thursday and Friday next week will see our first back-to-back days in the 80s in about three weeks. In fact, there are early indications we could get our first 90-degree day on Friday or during the first weekend in June.
So be sure the air conditioner is in good shape. Summer is still coming. | https://richmond.com/news/local/weather/richmond-forecast-wet-for-much-of-the-holiday-weekend/article_84d1d4c6-fb37-11ed-ac7c-6bfb488ed236.html | 2023-05-26T09:49:41 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/weather/richmond-forecast-wet-for-much-of-the-holiday-weekend/article_84d1d4c6-fb37-11ed-ac7c-6bfb488ed236.html |
These 3 firms want to design the replacement for Sarasota's Van Wezel. You can meet them
A panel working to select an architectural firm to design the proposed new Sarasota Performing Arts Center has narrowed its list of candidates and invited the final three firms to make public presentations and answer questions on May 31.
The Architect Selection Task Force, which started with 43 submissions from architectural design firms, had limited its choices to a final four in mid-May, but since then, Gehry Partners LLP, the firm founded by noted architect Frank Gehry, has withdrawn from the competition.
Three other prominent firms remain in contention: Renzo Piano Building Workshop, which designed the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angel and a new Paris courthouse; Foster + Partners Limited, which is known for its stadiums, office towers and company headquarters; and Snøhetta, which designed the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, which has water lapping at its edges, among numerous other projects.
Arts Newsletter:Sign up to receive the latest news on the Sarasota area arts scene every Monday
Sarasota Performing Arts Center:18 major architect firms invited to submit proposals
Cheryl Mendelson:Leader of proposed Sarasota Performing Arts Center stepping down amid debate
The selection process has been focused on each firm’s ability to design and build the new performing arts center, which would replace the iconic, 52-year-old Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall as the home for touring Broadway shows, concerts, comedy and other productions. No designs have been created for the new facility to this point.
The hall would have a 2,250-seat mainstage theater (about 500 more than the Van Wezel), a 400-seat flexible performance and event space, as well as offices and other amenities.
The panel was put together by the city of Sarasota and the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation (formerly the Van Wezel Foundation), which will share the cost of the project, estimated at up to $300 million. It will be a central part of the Bay Park Conservancy project, which will take over most of what is now the parking lot for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall along Sarasota Bay.
The foundation first proposed creating a new, modern performing arts hall to replace the 52-year-old Van Wezel. The foundation’s agreement with the city prohibits the Van Wezel from being used in a competitive way as an arts center.
Earlier this month, the City Commission approved the creation of a seven-member Ad Hoc Purple Ribbon Committee to explore financially stable options for the future use of the Van Wezel. Those interested in being part of the panel must submit an application by June 15 on the advisory board page of the city website, SarasotaFL.gov. The commission wants the panel to include experts in architecture and reuse of large public structures; historical preservation; civil structural engineering; financing of performing arts; and climate adaptation.
Donor Paul Seed:New Sarasota performing arts center receives second $10 million gift
A major move:Sarasota Orchestra closes deal on Fruitville Road site for new music center building
What happens to iconic hall:Plan for new performing arts center questioned as Van Wezel preservation draws support
The selection panel has been led by businesswoman Jenne Britell, who said in a statement that all the firms “have created buildings that welcome the communities in which they stand. I am confident Sarasota will welcome whoever is chosen from this extraordinary group to create an inspiring performing arts center.
The panel also includes Van Wezel Executive Director Mary Bensel and foundation board members Mark Famiglio and Michele Hooper.
The three firms will take part in in-person interviews and presentations between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. May 31 in the grand foyer of the Van Wezel, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Registration is recommended but not required at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/architect-presentations-for-the-sarasota-performing-arts-center-tickets-642327206967.
The panel will then hold its final deliberations and make a selection during a meeting that begins at 1 p.m. June 1 in the SRQ Media Center in the City Hall Annex, 1565 First St. Sarasota. The session is open to the public. A contract with the selected firm must be approved by the City Commission. A draft of the contract has been shared with the firms being considered, but negotiations will lead to a final version.
For more information: sarasotaperformingartsfoundation.org
Follow Jay Handelman on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Contact him at jay.handelman@heraldtribune.com. And please support local journalism by subscribing to the Herald-Tribune. | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2023/05/26/sarasota-arts-center-design-finalists-renzo-piano-building-workshop-foster-partners-and-snohetta/70253462007/ | 2023-05-26T09:53:13 | 1 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2023/05/26/sarasota-arts-center-design-finalists-renzo-piano-building-workshop-foster-partners-and-snohetta/70253462007/ |
How to help the first women basketball players from Afghanistan as they settle in Knoxville
The first two women in a group of basketball players from Afghanistan have relocated to Knoxville and are settling in.
With another group of the women expected to arrive in Knoxville soon, a local group working to help them resettle here is still collecting donations of money and household items.
The women fled their homes in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan at the end of 2021 because their pursuit of education, careers and basketball put them in danger.
The two youngest women in the group, sisters age 17 and 22, arrived in Knoxville on May 3 and are settling in, according to an email from local supporters.
The local collective supporting and facilitating the arrivals is led by Sarah Hillyer, director of the University of Tennessee Center for Sport, Peace and Society, former Lady Vol Michelle Marciniak and Mara Gubuan, the founder of Equality League.
More:How Knoxville became center to resettle Afghan women's basketball players fleeing Taliban
How to help the women basketball players from Afghanistan
Tax-deductible financial donations to support educational and sports opportunities for the women can be made through the UT Alumni Volstarter crowdfunding site online. The Afghan Women’s Basketball Education Fund has collected more than $6,000 so far, according to the website.
"Specifically, the funds will help support 11 women’s basketball players, one coach, one husband and two little ones ages 8 months and 4 years so they can study English through an intensive program kindly provided by the University of Tennessee English Language Institute," an email said.
Donations of household items also are still needed, and can be arranged using an online form at form.jotform.com/231167874787169. | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/donations-needed-help-afghan-women-basketball-players-knoxville/70253634007/ | 2023-05-26T09:58:34 | 1 | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/donations-needed-help-afghan-women-basketball-players-knoxville/70253634007/ |
ATLANTIC CITY — The board of the Atlantic City Housing Authority met Thursday evening and hired a contractor on an emergency basis to handle mold remediation in Stanley Holmes Village, after another company felt unsafe working there.
"We currently have a contractor called All Risk, said new Executive Director Matt Doherty. "They have informed us they will not perform any services at Stanley Holmes Village. Because of that we are required to bring another contractor on who will."
After the meeting, Doherty said All Risk felt unsafe there after a shooting in April.
The new contractor will be hired without a bidding process under emergency rules, he said.
It was the first in-person authority meeting since COVID-19 struck in 2020.
The board also authorized hiring a contractor to deal with hazardous waste found in one unit of Jeffries Tower.
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ATLANTIC CITY — Senior citizens living in the troubled Stanley Holmes Village public housing…
Doherty said after the meeting he did not know what the waste was, but the cost was minimal at about $1,500.
Jeffries Tower is a 17-floor building in the Inlet section of the city, where residents have complained of water leaks, mold intrusions and pest infestations, and more.
Stanley Holmes Village is a 420-unit public housing development off Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Bacharach boulevards.
Residents there were without heat and hot water last fall, and plans call for a complete replacement of the aged boilers that service the complex.
There was no report given at the meeting about the many projects going on at various Housing Authority developments around the city.
The authority owns and operates nine complexes.
ATLANTIC CITY — The Atlantic City Housing Authority is “a mess,” according to the new execut…
After an executive session, the board approved giving Doherty the ability to hire and fire personnel as well as manage them.
It also passed a resolution to direct legal counsel to send a letter to the city asking that Commissioner Emteaj Hossain be removed from the board "for a violation of the bylaws."
After the meeting, Doherty said Hossain had missed three meetings in a row.
Doherty has said he is hiring a new chief financial officer as well as a new director of maintenance, who will hire new maintenance workers.
The board recognized Patricia Tweedle for her service as a member from December 2015 to April 2023. She is being replaced by Libby Wells, president of the First Ward Civic Association, Doherty said. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/atlantic-city-housing-authority-hires-emergency-contractors/article_f3bf3134-fb4c-11ed-9fad-03038ac00cac.html | 2023-05-26T10:06:42 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/atlantic-city-housing-authority-hires-emergency-contractors/article_f3bf3134-fb4c-11ed-9fad-03038ac00cac.html |
SOFTBALL
S.J. Group I quarterfinals
2 p.m.
(7) Buena Reg. at (2) Audubon
S.J. Group II quarterfinals
4 p.m.
(8) Barnegat at (1) Haddon Heights
(11) Cedar Creek at (3) Gloucester
S.J. Group III quarterfinals
2 p.m.
(9) Pinelands at (1) Ocean City
3:45 p.m.
(10) Mainland at (2) Moorestown
S.J. Group IV quarterfinals
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3 p.m.
(5) Southern at (4) Cherokee
4 p.m.
(8) Gloucester Tech at (1) Egg Harbor Twp.
S.J. Non-Public Group B quarterfinals
2 p.m.
(9) Rutgers Prep at (1) St. Joseph
BASEBALL
S.J. Non-Public A quarterfinals
3 p.m.
(5) Christian Brothers at (4) St. Augustine | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/high-school-schedule-for-friday-may-26-2023/article_9f353d86-fb09-11ed-a9ff-2b30b500f90c.html | 2023-05-26T10:06:48 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/high-school-schedule-for-friday-may-26-2023/article_9f353d86-fb09-11ed-a9ff-2b30b500f90c.html |
CEDAR FALLS — At exactly 3:11 a.m. Thursday, Apryl Gorton planted herself on a bench outside the front doors at the Hearst Center for the Arts. She was determined to be the first person in line for the 9 a.m. First Fifty 2023 artwork drop-off.
And she succeeded.
Her mixed media work, with its positive body message of “being worthy,” was the first piece accepted by curator Emily Drennan for the First Fifty exhibition.
“Life is an adventure,” said Gorton, smiling. “I love art, and I love the Hearst Center. I thought it might be the only time I would ever have a piece displayed in a gallery, so I got here early.”
Steve O’Brien, also of Waterloo, arrived at 4 a.m., staking his claim as second in line with an abstract drawing he made.
“I wanted to make sure I got my piece in. This is terrific – what an opportunity it gives us amateur artists to show our work,” he enthused.
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By 8:30 a.m., at least 54 people had gathered, with more trickling onto the grass and sidewalk in front of the center. People huddled in small clusters or set up camp chairs, wrapping themselves in blankets and sweaters against an overcast, surprisingly chilly and breezy May morning.
At 9 a.m., Hearst Center staff began admitting artists in groups of five, accepting the pieces, labeling and cataloging each work as it came through the door. Work had to be original by the artist and ready to hang or display as well as represent the theme, “Patterns.” No medium was off limits – paintings, ceramics, mixed media, mosaics, textiles, wood art, photography and more have been featured in previous First Fifty shows.
The pieces will be displayed in the biennial gallery show from June 15 to Aug. 6. It’s the 10th year for First Fifty, which has become a beloved community tradition. Drennan will install the exhibition the Dahl-Thomas Gallery, giving it the same importance as any exhibition mounted at the Hearst.
Anyone who expects to view artwork created by well-known Cedar Valley artists will be surprised. Many pieces have been created by people who don’t necessarily consider themselves artists. There’s something special – and a little intimidating – about sharing artwork with the public, but the people in line were willing to chance it.
“I’m a stay-at-home mom and I’m not a morning person,” said Katelynn Robinson of Cedar Falls, laughing. While her daughter, Elizabeth, 2, was at home with dad, Katelynn was opening her camp chair and sitting down in line – 35th – at 7 a.m.
Robinson has created art since childhood but only began working in mixed media a little over a year ago.
“I came because I’ve always wanted to have a painting in an art center or museum. My family think it’s awesome and have been very supportive.”
Hearst Center Executive Director Cory Hurless roamed the grounds, visiting with artists in line and encouraging everyone to warm up with a free cup of coffee. “I’ve also been peeking a bit at the art,” she confessed.
“I’ve seen lots of interpretations of the ‘Patterns’ theme. They took the theme to heart. There’s also a great variety of ages represented and lots of 2-D and a few 3-D pieces that I’ve noticed. It’s my first-ever First Fifty, and it’s been a great experience,” said Hurless, who joined the Hearst Center in December.
When Rebecca Chadwick of Cedar Falls, a Fear Free-certified veterinarian, arrived at 6:15 a.m., she immediately set up a small tent where she could lounge on a big cushion protected from the wind. “My body does not like camp chairs,” said Chadwick, who was recently diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a connective tissue disorder.
That didn’t discourage her from showing up with her black-and-white Zebra line art, a piece she connected to processing the emotions of “finally getting a diagnosis,” she said.
Standing nearby, artist Larry Erickson of Cedar Falls waited patiently with his contemporary oil portrait of a youthful Paul McCartney.
“The Hearst Center is a gem,” he said, noting that he’d exhibited work in a previous First Fifty show. A new member of Thursday Painters, Erickson welcomed the opportunity to exhibit his work, but “I also came for the sense of community.”
Renee Wilkie of Cedar Falls placed her mosaic guitar on a stand while seated in a camp chair on the sidewalk. The stained glass artist previously has had her work displayed at the Hearst and at 26th in line, looked forward to seeing the guitar in the gallery.
“These are contemplative prayers, and I give old guitars new life and purpose,” said Wilkie. She described the process of choosing colors and patterns to create in glass, beans and buttons as “something that just happens.”
Eleven-year-old Samantha Fink of Cedar Falls was the youngest artist in line with an acrylic painting, waiting with her mom Michelle, and brother. “Art allows me to express myself,” Fink said, adding that painting is her primary medium.
“This is my first time here. Getting into the show means I’ve achieved something great.” | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/artists-line-up-to-submit-artwork-for-10th-first-fifty-show-at-hearst-center-for/article_91c6e550-fb18-11ed-bf6c-dbdb27aafeab.html | 2023-05-26T10:10:09 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/artists-line-up-to-submit-artwork-for-10th-first-fifty-show-at-hearst-center-for/article_91c6e550-fb18-11ed-bf6c-dbdb27aafeab.html |
WATERLOO — A pre-Memorial Day activity started by the late Marcia Courbat in the Garden of Memories Cemetery continues to go strong.
Courbat, who served in the Army Medical Corps during World War II, headed up the effort to place flags on what’s become a few thousand veterans’ graves. She died in 2021 at the age of 98.
“It’s become a tradition,” said James Lentfer, one of the organizers of event, which was held Thursday morning with several dozen volunteers. “We’re trying to continue in the footsteps of Marcia. She really did have a heart for veterans and we’ve done a great job all these years, even through the rain.”
Participants went out in pairs, trios, or larger groups with lists and maps, bundles of flags, and an iron poker in hand. They completed the work faster this year than in recent memory because of the sheer number of participants and a nice day without any rain.
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“We have a lot of work to do, but it looks pretty nice when it’s all done,” said Lentfer.
Veterans buried at Garden of Memories, located at 3669 Logan Ave., include those who served as far back as in World War I and II.
The tradition’s been carried on by Lentfer and fellow Navy veteran Yolando Loveless, Black Hawk County’s director of Veteran’s Affair. They have more than 50 years of service between them.
They’re assisted greatly by cemetery manager Kristi Frost. Thursday’s groups included representation from MercyOne, Coloff Media and the Cedar Valley Rotary Club, to name a few. East High School, the University of Northern Iowa, veterans and others with connections to those who have served are also represented among the volunteers.
“There’s no better way of showing our honor and respect than by putting flags next to their graves,” said Loveless, who got involved after traveling on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. and seeing how Arlington National Cemetery is well kept.
Navy veteran Sean Clarke of Waterloo went out to the cemetery with his daughter Nikki. It was their third year participating and the pair had about 100 veterans on their list.
“I’m a veteran, so it’s a way to give back,” he said. “Sometimes you come across ones from World II, a couple from World War 1. Their families have probably forgotten them because you don’t often go to see your great, great grandfather.”
The MercyOne Waterloo Foundation had a four-person group participating. Among them was its manager Joe Surma of Waterloo, a veteran of the Army National Guard.
“I hope someone does it for me someday” was the sentiment he shared with another volunteer, Air Force veteran Darrin Sommerfelt of Waterloo.
Carol Schulte of Evansdale, who is from a military family, was another volunteer. She noted how she has uncles, aunts and cousins among the deceased in the cemetery.
And there were some heartfelt surprises, too. Candy Nardini of Waterloo came across a newly plotted grave of an old boyfriend’s father. She was able to add his name to the list of veterans to be passed on to groups for years to come.
“We’ve been coming out here maybe five years,” she said. “My dad was a World War II veteran, so veterans are so important to me. This is just a little something we can do to remember them and their sacrifices.” | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/tradition-of-placing-flags-on-veterans-graves-for-memorial-day-continues-at-waterloo-cemetery/article_15f581f2-fa64-11ed-b2c1-c702033cf137.html | 2023-05-26T10:10:15 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/tradition-of-placing-flags-on-veterans-graves-for-memorial-day-continues-at-waterloo-cemetery/article_15f581f2-fa64-11ed-b2c1-c702033cf137.html |
Fallen Alliance Marine to be honored at NASCAR race on Sunday
- McVicker's mother and sister will attend the race in memory of fallen Marine.
- McVicker joined the Marines shortly after Sept. 11 attacks.
On Sunday, a fallen Alliance Marine will be among those honored during the NASCAR Coca Cola 600 race in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Driver Aric Almirola will compete in the Smithfield Foods No. 10 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing, which will feature the name of late Marine Lance Cpl. Daniel McVicker.
McVicker was killed Oct. 6, 2005, while driving a security detail as part of Operation River Gate near Al-Qa'im, Iraq, when his Humvee struck a roadside bomb.
He was 20.
McVicker was specifically selected for the No. 10 car by Deidre Snively, an account manager with Stewart-Haas Racing. Snively grew up with McVicker and graduated with him from West Branch High School in 2003.
Each car in the race pays tribute to a fallen military service member.
McVicker joined the Marines at 18, shortly after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Initially stationed at the Marine Air Station in Cherry Point, North Carolina, he volunteered for deployment in Iraq and was assigned to the Regimental Combat Team 2, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force.
Tributes will span Memorial Day weekend
Ted Pase, who helps to organize Memorial Day events in Alliance, said he wasn't aware of the NASCAR honor, but noted McVicker's father, Mark, and stepmother, Irma, are scheduled to speak at noon Monday at Alliance City Cemetery's Memorial Day service.
"His father gave a very strong speech about his son's death when we did a dedication at Silver Park in Alliance," Pase said. "They've been longtime residents, here. We named State Street in town in honor of Dan McVicker."
Ultimate sacrificeArea military families remember loved ones lost in line of duty
Irma McVicker said the family was "completely overwhelmed" upon learning about the NASCAR honor.
She said she married Mark when Daniel was 8 or 9, adding that they had more than a stepmother/stepchild relationship.
"Biologically, no. Heart, yes," she said. "He was one of the most selfless young men I've ever come in contact with."
Remembering the beloved, lost son Daniel
Irma said Daniel is the oldest of three children.
"He's the epitome of my husband," she said with a laugh. "Danny was in (West Branch's music program) 'Young and Alive!' He played football in junior high; he was just into everything. He was such a diverse young man who liked all kinds of music. He liked country; he liked jazz; he liked rap."
McVicker also was a Boy Scout, and a talented cook. While at West Branch, his classmates voted unanimously for him to serve as a school mascot.
Everyone in the neighborhood knew when Danny was coming because they could hear his car thumping, Irma McVicker said, adding that he loved fast cars, as evidenced by his speeding tickets.
"Danny really was a great young man," she said. "He was dearly loved by his brother and sister. Not a day goes by that we don't think about him. We're very blessed. Our son gets to be remembered. So many young men and women are lost and no one remembers them. Sometimes, that's very humbling."
McVicker's mother, Carrie Misner, and sister Mollie will attend the race, which begins at 6 p.m. Sunday. It will be broadcast on Fox, with radio coverage from PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
To learn more, visit www.nascar.com.
Route 62 honors Daniel McVickerMemorial highways on the rise in Stark
Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @cgoshayREP | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/nascar-coca-cola-600-race-car-will-honor-late-marine-dan-mcvicker/70252162007/ | 2023-05-26T10:19:21 | 1 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/nascar-coca-cola-600-race-car-will-honor-late-marine-dan-mcvicker/70252162007/ |
Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce awards two graduates with Athena Scholarships
- Rylee Horning, 17 and Allyson Hartzell, 18, received $1,000 college scholarships on Wednesday night at the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting at the Alliance Country Club.
- The Athena Scholarship awards are given to a female high school senior from the greater Alliance area.
- This was the first time in the 10-year history the scholarship had two recipients.
ALLIANCE − A pair of graduating high school seniors on Wednesday night were presented with Athena Scholarships.
Rylee Horning, 17, and Allyson Hartzell, 18, received $1,000 college scholarships during the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting at the Alliance Country Club.
Horning recently graduated from Alliance High School. Hartzell graduates June 4 from West Branch High School.
Horning plans to attend Cedarville University; Hartzell will attend Hiram College. Both want to be teachers.
Athena Scholarships go annually to female high school seniors from Greater Alliance. The recipients participate in community service and have shown they are leaders who also have achieved academically.
The scholarship is funded through the Greater Alliance Foundation, the chamber and community donations.
Sue Goris, chairwoman of the Athena Scholarship Committee, said this was the first time in the 10-year history of the scholarship that two recipients were chosen. "We have two extremely qualified (recipients), and we had the funds," she said.
Horning and Hartzell were present for the event, and thanked all of those who made the scholarships possible.
Annual event mixed business with putts
In addition to scholarships, the event allowed chamber members to mingle over drinks, appetizers and a putting contest.
The contest was outside overlooking the country club course within view of the ballroom. Participants earned tickets for a raffle basket by sinking putts. In the ballroom, a buffet of hors d'oeuvres, including pierogies and meatballs, was available for guests.
"What is nice is that we have a lot of new members," said chamber President Rick Baxter. "This was a great opportunity for them to come and get to know each other."
Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @bduerREP | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/alliance/2023/05/26/alliance-chamber-athena-scholarships-horning-hartzell/70250672007/ | 2023-05-26T10:19:27 | 1 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/alliance/2023/05/26/alliance-chamber-athena-scholarships-horning-hartzell/70250672007/ |
Coming Home: The Bluecoats returning to Stark County to train in Alliance for 2023 season
- The Bluecoats are going to train for six weeks at the University of Mount Union in Alliance for their 2023 season.
- University and local officials are encouraging area restaurants, hotels and other businesses to roll out a welcome mat.
- The Bluecoats and Mount Union hope to make this a long-term relationship, this year's camp is a trial run. Previously, the Bluecoats trained in Indiana.
ALLIANCE − The Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps is returning to Stark County to get ready for its season.
After several years at Indiana Wesleyan University, the 2016 world champions will come home to train six weeks at the University of Mount Union.
About 250 members of the Canton-based competitive drum and bugle corps will stay at Mount Union from May 25 through July 4. Most of the group is from outside the area.
With the group's arrival comes opportunity for the local economy.
"They bring a lot of people who come to just watch their practices," said Rick Baxter, president of the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce. "That's going to bring people into town which should benefit some of our restaurants."
Already, local and university officials have been encouraging restaurants, stores and other attractions to draw the Bluecoats in with specials and discounts.
"We want business owners to send as big of a warm welcome as they can," Baxter said.
Mount Union becomes Bluecoats central
The Bluecoats were searching for a new location to train and Mount Union answered their call.
Bluecoats President Mike Scott said his group, whose members have an average age of 20, will turn the university campus into "like a small city." They will be staying in three residential halls and four townhouses, training outside and inside campus facilities, and temporarily moving their offices there.
Their 21-performance national tour runs July 5 to Aug. 12, with a stop Aug. 7 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.
Neighboring residents should expect to hear the group perform regularly, sometimes into the evening hours. Melissa Gardner, vice president of marketing at Mount Union, said there are plans to invite residents to a special event with the Bluecoats.
"We are reaching out to neighbors to let them know what is happening," said Pat Heddlestone, vice president of business affairs at Mount Union.
In addition to the practices, the Bluecoats also will host an overnight camp, The Blue Way Summer Arts Camp, at Mount Union for students ages 14-21. The camp, which has fees for participants, will be June 30 and July 1. Registration is required.
The university also will host an Opening Night Community Celebration at Kehres Stadium, with the Bluecoats and several other groups, including youths from the camp, performing. Tickets are $25. That event should be another opportunity for restaurants, hotels and other businesses to gain patrons, Scott said.
Mount Union will be ready for the Bluecoats.
"These folks are going to be here for six weeks and they'll have Mondays off from practice," Heddlestone said. "We expect them to be in the community, having meals, getting away from the day-to-day grind."
Bluecoats, Mount Union hope this camp becomes a long-term deal
Mount Union officials believe the Bluecoats will increase visibility for the university and the Carnation City, along with providing another connection with prospective students.
"It allows us to utilize facilities over the summer," Gardner said. "It's a great tie-in with our visual and performing arts programs on campus and allows us to make some connections with prospective students and this well-known organization."
Another benefit, Heddlestone said, is that the Bluecoats plan to eat meals on campus when they practice, providing steady work for employees of the university's food service provider, AVI Fresh, at least through the six-week camp. Past summer months were "hit or miss" for these workers, he said.
"They're going to be serving three meals a day," Heddlestone said.
All of these potential benefits are reasons the Bluecoats and Mount Union hope this year's trial run moves to a long-term relationship.
"It is our desire to make this our new home," said the Bluecoats' Scott.
Heddlestone said they went with a one-year contract this summer to see how the Bluecoats mesh with other summer camps on campus.
"If it all goes well and they're happy and we're happy, then we'd like to see them stay (long-term)," he said.
Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @bduerREP | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/alliance/2023/05/26/bluecoats-mount-union-alliance-training-camp-economic-boost/70232326007/ | 2023-05-26T10:19:33 | 1 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/alliance/2023/05/26/bluecoats-mount-union-alliance-training-camp-economic-boost/70232326007/ |
Plain Township trustees mull road levy options
Plain Township trustees are considering asking for more money to fund roads in November.
- Plain Township trustees seemed the most inclined to seek voters' approval of an $842K increase in the township's road levy funding.
- The Plain Township trustees split on what to call the park by Oakwood Square that will be the site of the township's new amphitheater, set to open by August.
PLAIN TWP. − With the costs of resurfacing roads soaring, township trustees are considering a road levy increase.
The trustees have instructed the township's law director, Eric Williams, to draft a resolution placing the levy on the Nov. 7 ballot.
It would be a five-year, 1.5-mill replacement road levy with a 1.5-mill increase for a total of three mills. If approved, it would be the first road levy increase since 2014. The levy would replace the 1.5-mill road levy voters first approved in 2014 that was largely capped based on 2014 property values. Voters then renewed that levy in 2019. That levy expires this year with final collections set for next year.
More:Plain Township trustees to consider road levies as cost of paving soars
Asking for more money
The trustees indicated that they believed a 1.5-mill replacement levy with a 0.5-mill increase and a 1.5-mill replacement levy with a 1-mill increase would provide an insufficient amount of money to properly maintain the township's roads.
Trustee John Sabo said he liked the idea of asking voters to approve what will essentially be a 3-mill levy and then eliminating the other levy. He and Trustee Scott Haws felt essentially a consolidation of the township's two road levies with the surviving levy based on updated property values would reduce voters' confusion and the township could spend less money to cover the costs of a levy election.
"I like the idea of consolidating levies," Sabo said at a meeting Tuesday.
Haws said having only one road levy rather than two would reduce the feeling that some voters have that they're constantly asked to approve a levy.
Haws later stressed that he's not yet made a final decision on which levy option he would support placing on the ballot.
The Stark County Auditor's Office has certified that if voters approve what would be a 3-mill levy, it would generate $3.02 million a year, an increase from the $1.09 million the road levy currently raises. The trustees said they would then repeal another 1.5-mill road levy, that dates back to 1982.
Voters agreed in 2001, 2007 and 2012 to replacement levies of the 1982 levy, based on updated property valuations. Voters renewed it in 2017 and 2021. It now provides $1.09 million a year and is set to expire in 2026 with final collections in 2027. Both of the township's current road levies generate $2.18 million to fund township road maintenance, resurfacing and snow removal.
Approval of the replacement levy and the repeal of the other road levy would add an additional $842,185 a year to the township's road maintenance fund. Plain Township homeowners now pay nearly $69 a year for each $100,000 in property valuation. That would go up by more than $36 to $105 a year.
The township's highway superintendent J.P. Neff made a presentation to the trustees about each of the levy options and why his department needed the additional money.
He indicated that if he could get $3 million in funding a year, he would recommend the trustees allocate:
- $400,000 a year more in paving for a total of $2 million, which he said is "keeping your head above water.
- $250,000 toward building curbs and gutters to improve drainage.
- $100,000 for asset management.
- $100,000 to improvement of road department buildings.
- $100,000 for capital improvements like a storm sewer project.
- $75,000 to establish a program to seal road cracks and protect roads from deterioration.
He presented a chart that said the township spent $1.44 million in 2018 to resurface 17 miles of road. This year, he expects his department to spend $1.87 million to resurface 10 miles of roads. The chart said the cost of asphalt has increased the past five years from $53.20 a ton to $88 a ton.
One of Neff's slides said that the township has 559 new homes built since 2014 and 2.8 more miles of township to maintain since 2020 with another three to four miles of residential streets developers are expected to add the next three years.
The cost of pavement markings were nearly $50 million last year, a jump from nearly $20 million in 2014, according to Neff's charts. Salt for snow removal cost $51 a ton in 2014. It was $72 a ton last year. Beet heat deicer, once $1.19 a gallon in 2014, has been $1.68 a gallon in 2022.
Neff said the township needs to replace the roof of its road department garage; replace the garage doors; replace the garage's 25-year-old furnace, air conditioning and generators; fix the wash bay's concrete floor, upgrade the garage's electrical wiring; and replace the siding on road department buildings.
Neff said after his presentation that if his department falls behind on maintaining the township's roads due to insufficient funding it will only increase the cost to catch up later.
"We take pride in our roads," he told the trustees. "(Motorists) know when they leave Plain Township. And they know when they enter."
The deadline for the trustees to place a levy issue on the Nov. 7 ballot is Aug. 9.
Disagreement on park name
Separately, the trustees debated the name of the park that's to be the site of the township's amphitheater by Township Hall.
Haws and Sabo liked Legacy Park.
Haws said he would prefer the new park have its own identity separate from the adjoining Oakwood Square, a privately owned shopping plaza.
"There are going to be a lot of memorable moments with family back here," said Haws. "I'm not a fan of Legacy Park of Oakwood. ... We don't say Veterans Park at Schneider."
Trustee Brook Harless didn't like the name Legacy Park.
She pointed out that the park would be near Oakwood Middle School and GlenOak High School as well as Oakwood Square. She felt a name that incorporated "oak" would fit.
"When I think of legacy, I think of a memorial park for World War II soldiers," said Harless, an Army veteran. "We'll have to agree to disagree on this."
Haws and Sabo voted to name the park "Legacy Park located at Oakwood Square." Harless, in a rare 2-1 vote, voted no.
Reach Robert at robert.wang@cantonrep.com. Twitter: @rwangREP. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/plain/2023/05/26/plain-township-trustees-move-closer-to-asking-for-road-levy-hike/70249447007/ | 2023-05-26T10:19:39 | 0 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/plain/2023/05/26/plain-township-trustees-move-closer-to-asking-for-road-levy-hike/70249447007/ |
Fewer Ohio motorists seen clicking it; seat belt usage drops to 18-year low
Percentage of drivers and passengers in Ohio wearing seatbelts declines in 2022.
- Only 80.8% of Ohioans are wearing seat belts, a new survey shows.
- That's the lowest percentage since 2005.
- Ohio law enforcement are taking part in the national Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign through June 4.
Fewer Ohioans are wearing their seat belts.
Seat belt usage hit an 18-year low last year in the Buckeye State, with nearly 20% of motorists not using them, the Ohio Department of Public Safety says.
The state conducts annual surveys to measure whether people are wearing seat belts. The latest survey, conducted by the University of Akron, shows that the statewide compliance rate dropped from 84.1% in 2021 to 80.8% in 2022 – the lowest rate since 2005. The national average is 91.6%.
“We want seat belt use to be an automatic habit for drivers and passengers alike,” Ohio Traffic Safety Office Executive Director Emily Davidson said in a prepared statement. “Unrestrained deaths are completely preventable. Buckling up is the simplest thing you can do to limit injury or save your life during a crash.”
The state agency released the results in advance of the Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of summer traveling season.
It also coincides with law enforcement agencies throughout the state participating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s national Click It or Ticket enforcement effort. The seat belt campaign runs from May 22 to June 4.
Related:Stark County students compete in Seat Belt Challenge, learn importance of buckling up
Lowest seat belt compliance found in Cuyahoga County
Cuyahoga County, the second most populous county in Ohio and includes Cleveland, had the lowest seat belt compliance rate of all 88 Ohio counties surveyed. Researchers observed last year that only 59.7% of vehicles in Cuyahoga County had all occupants wearing seat belts.
That's far below Ohio's overall 2022 rate, which was based on observations at 344 sites in the state's 88 counties. Other large urban areas had much higher rates: Franklin, 82.8%; Hamilton, 98.2%; Lucas, 92.3%; and Montgomery, 89%.
Rates in Northeast Ohio counties were:
- Ashland: 80.2%
- Carroll: 83.7%
- Portage: 89.2%
- Stark: 82.7%
- Summit: 80.5%
- Tuscarawas: 87.9%
- Wayne: 78.2%
John Hatch, 48, of Canton, wasn't surprised that some people aren't buckling up.
"That sounds about right," he said about the state estimate while pumping gas into his Dodge Charger at the GetGo on Cromer Avenue NW in Canton. "I don't wear a seat belt."
Hatch, who works at a retail store, said he doesn't think about wearing his seat belt.
"I've got to get into a habit of it," he said.
Hatch said he once had a car that automatically put the belt around him. But he stopped wearing one when he got another vehicle.
"I'm always running late and I just don't think about it," Hatch said, adding that he drives defensively to avoid an accident. "It's something I need to work on. ... Once you set a habit, it's easy to remember."
Why aren't more Ohioans wearing their seat belts?
Ohio State Highway Patrol Sgt. Bryan Sponaugle of the Canton post in Stark County said he believes the lack of seat belt compliance has cost some motorists their lives.
Motorists caught by troopers not wearing a seat belt often will say it's a bad habit they don't use their seat belt, he said. Or they forgot to fasten their seat belt. Or they'll cite a situation where they believe wearing a seat belt killed the motorist.
Sponaugle said overall the odds of surviving a crash wearing a seat belt outweigh the rare circumstance where a seat belt could trap an occupant in a vehicle.
More than 525 drivers or passengers statewide last year were killed in traffic crashes and not wearing a seat belt, according to the Ohio Department of Public Safety. The department said the percentage of unbelted vehicle occupants involved in a crash who died has been above 60% the past three years.
Sponaugle said Stark County had 30 fatal vehicle accidents last year. Of those crashes, 17 involved vehicles where the person or people killed had the opportunity to put on a seat belt. In eight of those incidents, the person killed was not wearing a seat belt.
The maximum fine for a driver not wearing a seat belt is $30. For a passenger, it's $20. But court costs can significantly increase the cost of a ticket.
Related:Canton troopers honor crash survivors with seat belt safety award
Other seat belt survey results
The University of Akron study found that vehicles on local roads tended to have lower rates of seat belt compliance than vehicles on state routes and interstates. Trucks had a compliance rate of less than 78%.
A far higher proportion of women wore seat belts compared to men, with 89.5% of females using them and only 82% of males.
Compliance was just about 100% with children ages 4 and younger; 93.1% for children ages 5 to 14; 80.6% for vehicle occupants ages 15 to 25; 85.1% for vehicle occupants ages 26 to 64 and 89.6% for vehicle occupants older than 64.
Sponaugle said troopers encounter situations where young children are belted in safety seats in a vehicle but the parent driving is not. Sometimes, parents when stopped say they were in too much of a hurry.
“Children will wear the seat belt because they're preached it in school or where there's an older teenager and in driver’s ed they’ll wear (the seat belt). And the parent won't," said Sponaugle, who recalled a motorist who told troopers he had gotten a dealership to disable the car's warning system if he didn't wear a seat belt.
Lack of compliance is common
Sponaugle said state troopers in Stark County last year issued 1,015 citations for failure to wear a seat belt, about 18% of all citations.
The first fatal crash in Stark County this year involved two young men who were ejected from a Chevy Blazer after it went off the left side of Sandy Avenue in Canton Township near state Route 43 around 3:15 a.m. Jan. 14. One of them, a 23-year-old Canton man was killed. His body was found 75 feet away from the vehicle. The other man suffered serious injuries. Neither was wearing a seat belt, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said.
Sponaugle said seat belts will not prevent all traffic fatalities but wearing them will substantially improve your chances of surviving a crash and avoiding more serious injury. For example, wearing a seat belt will often prevent a vehicle occupant's head from hitting the steering wheel or the windshield. Or wearing a seat belt will often prevent a motorist from being thrown from the vehicle.
"Ejection is the one that really is a big factor in a death because it’s hard to survive, especially if you land on the roadway or into a tree," he said.
Reach Robert at robert.wang@cantonrep.com. Twitter: @rwangREP. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2023/05/26/state-ohio-seat-belt-laws-compliance-rate-drops-18-year-low-drivers-not-wearing-seatbelts/70254697007/ | 2023-05-26T10:19:46 | 1 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2023/05/26/state-ohio-seat-belt-laws-compliance-rate-drops-18-year-low-drivers-not-wearing-seatbelts/70254697007/ |
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — Two weeks after two police officers shot and killed a man in Fairfax County after another officer was "violently attacked" inside of his own police car, Fairfax County Police are releasing body camera footage of what Chief Kevin Davis called "quite a dramatic scene."
They also released the names of the two FCPD officers who fired their guns, Officer Christopher Grubb and Officer Kenyatta Momon.
The deadly altercation occurred in the 6300 block of Richmond Highway, which is in the Alexandria portion of Fairfax County on Thursday, May 11.
According to Davis, an officer noticed a U-Haul that was reported stolen out of Richmond, Virginia after the U-Haul passed a license plate reader. The man driving the stolen U-Haul pulled into a gas station parking lot and walked away.
The officer, who has not been publicly identified, gets out of his cruiser and is standing in front of the open driver-side door of his police car when he made contact with the man. Police identified the man as 38-year-old Brandon Lemagne.
The police department explained the officer told Lemange he was going to be detained for driving the stolen U-Haul. That's when Davis said Lemagne started "violently attacking" the officer.
That officer managed to call out for help on his police radio, stating that the suspect had taken his gun from him.
At some point, the police vehicle was put into reverse, and it sped backward out of control out of that parking lot, down a street, and into the parking lot of a nearby McDonald's, where it crashed into a parked car – all while the attack continued inside of the vehicle.
The body camera video shows the whole thing unfold between three body camera angles of the assaulted officer and the two other officers who respond to his calls for help.
"It's happening quickly, it's happening violently, and it's happening all at once," Davis explained.
The officer approaches Lemagne and tells him the vehicle had been reported stolen. Lemagne asks, "What's reported stolen? What did I do" and then suddenly starts reaching for the officer's gun.
During the struggle, the officer repeatedly yells, "Get off my gun! Get off my gun!" He also radios for help. Lemagne eventually gets behind the wheel of the officer's cruiser and puts it in reverse, slamming on the gas pedal and driving it away from the gas station.
The two other officers respond to the scene and are seen opening fire.
Davis says Officer Grubb opened fire on Lemagne. A second officer, Officer Momon, who Davis called a hero, charged toward the crashed police vehicle believing the officer inside had been shot.
That officer reached into the police car and pulled Lemagne off of the officer who was being attacked. The officer, a 24-year veteran, pulled out their firearm and shot the suspect. Lemagne died at the scene.
The officers are seen on camera checking the officer who was attacked for gunshot wounds. The attacked police officer told officers he didn't know if he had been shot. The officer was not shot.
"In my opinion his intent was to kill that police officer," said Chief Davis.
Following the release of the body camera footage, Chief Davis called the situation a "once-in-a-generation happening" for any police department.
"He was literally assaulted, abducted and taken hostage in his own police car," Davis said. "This is egregious. This is not the norm."
Davis pointed to the type of holster the officers wear as a reason the officer survived the incident. They are called double retention holsters. The holster kept the gun in the holster.
"I firmly believe that if [Lemagne] was able to wrench that gun free from the officer, he would have killed him," Davis said.
But some, have called in to question, the last three shots that were fired at Lemagne.
"Listen, this is wild," said Kenneth Corey. The now retired NYPD Chief weighed in on the video just hours after the release.
"I don't think that in 34 years of policing I've ever seen an officer pulled into his own patrol car, literally by his holster, and then take off with a suspect on top of him," said Corey.
WUSA9 asked him his reaction to the final three gunshots that were fired.
"I mean listen that is really disturbing to watch and I think it's gonna be really disturbing for anybody to watch. I don't know why the officer does that. I know why he pulls them out of the car, obviously the other officer's underneath him and he's trying to render aid," he said.
Corey explained that it brings a lot of questions. "Those last three shots that are fired. I don't know why those shots got fired and I also can't see what the office or sees so I can't tell. I watched it several times and I can't tell if there was something in that individuals hands at that moment or something that prompts the officer to fire, but it is really troubling to me and really disturbing to see that".
He added that "people are gonna question the necessity of those last three shots and they may end up being completely justifiable. Like I said there's information that's not being provided here, but on the surface, I think there needs to be a little more transparency and some explanation.
Davis said there are still questions they need answers to, and the investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
The two officers who fired on Lemagne have been placed on restricted duty status pending the outcome of the investigation. He said the investigation will look at all of the actions, behaviors and decisions made by the officers.
When asked if the shooting was justified. Davis responded "I believe the actions of the two responding officers were more than appropriate given what we know then and now".
"These officers ran toward gunfire and their only intent was the save a police officer who was screaming for help," Davis said.
The full body cam video footage released can be viewed below.
Graphic Warning: Footage may be disturbing to watch. Viewer discretion advised. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/fairfax-county-officer-attacked-body-camera-footage/65-1b6e8124-f594-40d4-9944-f53ea0b09220 | 2023-05-26T10:28:06 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/fairfax-county-officer-attacked-body-camera-footage/65-1b6e8124-f594-40d4-9944-f53ea0b09220 |
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Bill Gusler is from New Bloomfield just north of Harrisburg. In November of last year, he was at the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport for a billiards tournament when he went into cardiac arrest.
"I don't remember and don't recall anything from the situation. I checked into the hotel and had a cardiac arrest," said Gusler.
Thanks to bystander CPR and first responders, he is alive today.
"I am extremely thankful that Matt, my best friend, knew CPR and was able to start performing it before EMS arrived on site," Gusler added.
"Early CPR is massive for the public to know. In those instances, they keep the blood flowing and the oxygen flowing to the brain," said Alex Karney of the Susquehanna Regional EMS.
Gusler stopped by UPMC Williamsport to meet the EMS, firefighters, and police officers who helped save his life that day.
Karney was one of the first responders.
"I immediately placed the monitor on him and gave him a defibrillation since he was in a shockable rhythm at that time. As soon as we defibrillated him we started CPR again," Karney stated.
Within 15 minutes he was resuscitated.
"I am just so extremely thankful for each and every one of them and all their knowledge," said Gusler.
He handed each first responder a golden bar. They are awarded to those who save a life.
"It feels like we are doing something and making a difference. Especially seeing him with no neurological deficits. It feels good that he can live his life for a second time," Karney added.
Gusler is now back home with loved ones and says he is 100% healthy. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/man-meets-first-responders-who-saved-his-life/523-9f2f7dd1-0c90-4dfa-8095-3eecdd58ced3 | 2023-05-26T10:28:12 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/man-meets-first-responders-who-saved-his-life/523-9f2f7dd1-0c90-4dfa-8095-3eecdd58ced3 |
ROANOKE, Va. – Happy Friday! Check out the Morning Sprint for trending stories that’ll make you smile.
The digital-only newscast is filled with laughter, smiles and stories that’ll brighten your day. You can catch it Monday through Friday at 8 a.m.
Don’t be shy! Be sure to join the conversation as we chat about the news of the day.
Here are some of the stories we will discuss:
- Town of Vinton unveils park benches made from recycled plastics
- Group donates thousands of pillowcases to Carilion Children’s
- Long-lost WWII dog tags returned to Virginia family
Here’s where you can watch us:
The Sprint can be watched on our website, YouTube account and wherever you stream WSLS 10 weekdays at 8 a.m.
You can also watch it on our 10 News app. Click here to download if you’re an IOS user and here to download if you have an Android.
Be sure to leave a comment. We’d love to hear from you!
Thanks for watching!
Want to know more about the Morning Sprint? Leave us a question using the form below: | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/26/coming-up-virginia-family-reunited-with-lost-wwii-dog-tags-the-morning-sprint/ | 2023-05-26T10:28:46 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/26/coming-up-virginia-family-reunited-with-lost-wwii-dog-tags-the-morning-sprint/ |
MIDLAND, Texas — It's been nearly a week since police found Madeline Pantoja dead in Midland as the 20-year-old woman went missing for 10 days, leading to a city-wide search. On Thursday night, her family and friends gathered on what would have been her 21st birthday.
Many in the community came together to honor Madeline during a prayer ceremony as loved ones placed flowers near a memorial for her.
Baby pink was a color Madeline loved, and that was one of many ways she was represented Thursday night with a balloon release that concluded the ceremony.
"I think it was just a way of showing her, of showing how much she touched everybody's hearts," said Madeline's cousin Myri Benavides. "It was a way to celebrate her even though she's no longer here with us. It was a way to show us how much we love her and will continue loving her throughout eternal life."
Benavides said that Madeline deserved a gathering like the one she got, and spoke on the kind of person she was.
"It was always her smile, her endless smile, her endless laughs," said Benavides. "She could be serious for five minutes and she would just end up making everybody laugh. She was just a sweet soul, she was so loving. She would take five minutes out of her day to be there for absolutely anybody that needed it, and I know that she still would've continued to do that if she was still here with us."
Benavides noted that they were grateful for the support that came out Thursday night. During what was an emotional evening, she also mentioned that they were grateful for the time that they spent with Madeline.
Madeline's burial service will take place Friday at 11 A.M. at Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Midland, and a memorial mass will be held for her Saturday at 9 A.M. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Midland. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/madeline-pantoja-honored-by-friends-and-family/513-55ecd150-7d85-4079-8cfc-51d83a74e1ad | 2023-05-26T10:28:48 | 0 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/madeline-pantoja-honored-by-friends-and-family/513-55ecd150-7d85-4079-8cfc-51d83a74e1ad |
ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) – A recent meeting document published by the City of Elizabethton shows that a new 7 Brew Coffee location may be coming to the site of a former Pizza Hut.
In a Regional Planning Commission (RPC) agenda posted on Thursday, an item of scheduled business mentions consideration of a final site plan approval for a new 7 Brew Coffee located at 415 West Elk Avenue.
You can find the full document on the city’s Facebook page.
The item is set for discussion during June 1’s regular RPC meeting. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/city-of-elizabethton-agenda-mentions-possible-7-brew-location/ | 2023-05-26T10:44:32 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/city-of-elizabethton-agenda-mentions-possible-7-brew-location/ |
Massive projected increases in taxable local home values would drop dramatically if two new pieces of legislation in the Ohio House and Senate garner approval by the time the new budget is passed at the end of June.
State Reps. Thomas Hall, R-Madison Twp., and Adam Bird, R-New Richmond, introduced the Ohio Homeowners Relief Act this week, a bill that would drop anticipated value hikes by as much as 40%. It mirrors a budget amendment already introduced by West Chester Twp. Republican Sen. George Lang last week.
The Ohio tax commissioner has recommended the following average residential property value increases for Southwest Ohio counties undergoing the triennial update: Butler - 42%, Clermont - 43%, Greene - 32% and Montgomery - 37%. These are countywide averages; not every home in these counties would see that increase.
If the legislation becomes law, the average hikes for Butler and Clermont counties would drop to 25% and 28% respectively, according to the Ohio Department of Taxation.
They didn’t calculate the other counties. Montgomery County Auditor Karl Keith said his estimate, using the parameters in the bill, would be an average 25% jump. He believes an accurate increase would be 34%.
Greene County Auditor David Graham estimates the increase for his taxpayers would be 22% if the bill passes. He said the number he is submitting to the state is around 28%.
“This is changing the state policy for good. This has broad implications not just for the 13 counties this year but also for the counties that are going to be up next year for their valuations,” Hall said. “It could be a pretty big shift that we’re taking to ensure that our property owners are protected from these outrageous property valuations, which right now is dictated by an unelected bureaucrat in Columbus.”
Keith said he doesn’t favor the bill.
“There are things with this bill that are not clear and I think will become very cumbersome and difficult to be implemented. It’s just going to cause more problems than it fixes,” he said.
Properties statewide are reappraised every six years, and property values are updated every third year based on sales data. The shifts are reflected on tax bills the following year. Auditor’s offices in 13 counties are in the process of the triennial update.
The law change would force the tax commissioner to equally weight all three years considered during the reappraisals. When Tax Commissioner Patricia Harris sent her recommended increases earlier this year, she placed heavy emphasis on 2022.
Lang said he will know by June 6 whether his amendment will stay in the budget bill, but he assumes it will. The House bill was introduced because that chamber already passed its budget; the local lawmakers didn’t want their colleagues to be blindsided when the Senate budget is returned to the House.
Reaction to the proposed fix
Gary Gudmundson, communications director for the Ohio Department of Taxation, told this news outlet they are willing work with the legislature.
“The Ohio Department of Taxation (ODT) is sympathetic to the issues residential property owners are facing with this unprecedented rise in property value in our state. We are happy to collaborate on any legislative proposal that would allow the Tax Commissioner to deviate from long-standing statutory methodology for valuing real property,” Gudmundson said. “As with any legislative change, we must carefully consider how that proposal would impact counties, schools, and other levying authorities statewide.”
The legislation was born out of a protest started by Butler County Commissioner Don Dixon, after he learned values could go as high a 24% — the initial estimate by Butler County Auditor Nancy Nix. He convened a summit of county and state leaders four weeks ago. It was Butler County Prosecutor Mike Gmoser’s idea to change the permissive word “may” in the state laws regarding reappraisals to “shall” so the tax commissioner’s discretion is removed.
“It’ll make it a lot easier of a financial burden on our taxpayers for next year,” Dixon said. “We’re still looking for longer-term solutions, but this is the quickest, best solution at this point.”
Keith said he has some reservations about the bill, especially since some auditors have already finished their work for the triennial, “the train has already left the station.” He agreed the legislature needs to do more.
“I think what we’re doing here is addressing the wrong side of the equation,” he said. “It’s not a value problem, it’s a tax problem and that’s been the case for a long, long time here in Ohio. The overreliance on property tax to fund government services is the real problem.”
Nix said the law change on the table “softens the blow” but agreed with Keith on that point.
“To fix it for taxpayers you have to have the revenues from somewhere else or you have to cut services. These are decisions for lawmakers to make and none of them will be easy or done quickly,” she said.
Greene County auditor Graham said “one of the things I like about the bill is it seems to put the auditor more in the driver’s seat with the commissioner’s office doing an overview.”
“County auditors have much better data in order to evaluate what values should be because we don’t look at it by taxing district, we look at it by neighborhood,” Graham said. “I live in the city of Xenia and you can’t say every property in the city of Xenia went up by the same percentage.”
He said this is a good “short term” solution but the three-year equal weighting could have a negative impact. Say for example a county had two years of 10% value increases and then a big drop in the third year, “people are going to have an increased value during a decline in the market, that’s going to be really tough to explain to taxpayers.”
“The long-term solution is going to take a lot more discussion,” Graham said.
House Majority Floor Leader Rep. Bill Seitz said he supports the three-year equally weighted rule, but will object if they try to keep changing it as the economy ebbs and flows.
“If you want a three-year average that’s a smoothing out process, that’s fine but you have to stick with it,” Seitz said. “We’re not just going to play heads I win tails you lose. Because ultimately the townships and the cities and schools and the special levies all need money. They don’t exist in a vacuum.”
The change in property value will have a direct impact on how much some taxpayers pay in taxes. School taxes in some — but not all — districts in southwest Ohio go up as taxable values increase, for example. Voted levies are not impacted the same way and are designed to collect a pre-set amount.
Dan Tierney, spokesman for Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s office, said they are “still reviewing potential statewide impacts of the newly unveiled proposals, including whether the proposals will have negative impacts outside of Southwest Ohio and whether the proposals would harm counties under different economic conditions that could occur in the future.”
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/proposed-bills-would-ease-massive-projected-taxable-property-value-spikes-locally/VSZ5TZDWX5FC3MDSCFLSDKCYAU/ | 2023-05-26T10:52:06 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/proposed-bills-would-ease-massive-projected-taxable-property-value-spikes-locally/VSZ5TZDWX5FC3MDSCFLSDKCYAU/ |
County approves 10-year road construction plan, estimates $242M in improvements
Alachua County approved a list of roads for construction over the next 10 years, a plan which is estimated to cost around $242 million.
The Board of County Commissioners voted this week to approve the list as part of the Transportation Capital Improvement Program. The program features various projects including widening and repaving roadways, bridge rehabilitation and construction, and a bike and pedestrian program.
“We’re about to see a lot of construction on the roads,” County Commission chair Anna Prizzia said.
More:Busy airports, cheaper gas: Florida traffic for Memorial Day weekend will be heavy. Here's how bad.
More:Commission approve $3M settlement after halting housing project
A budget wasn't approved at the Tuesday meeting, just the list of roads and sites. The final budget will be determined during the county’s fiscal year 2024 budget approval cycle, though the county estimates it’ll cost $242 million.
The money for the program primarily comes from the county’s general fund as well as the full-cent infrastructure surtax passed by Alachua County voters in 2022.
The commission will be able to change the plans in the future if they want to prioritize other roads and sites, said the county’s Public Works Director Ramon Gavarrete.
“This is a dynamic program,” he said.
Commissioners Mary Alford and Prizzia stressed the importance of making sure roads and crosswalks by schools are safe.
“At schools or near schools would definitely be a priority,” Prizzia said. “We’ve had a lot of issues with cars and kids.”
The county implemented various metrics to prioritize areas of inequity in the plan. It has allocated $750,000 a year to residential roads within areas of inequity, and included in the plan road segments with 15 or more work orders in the county’s database. Areas of inequity were identified by looking at areas with household incomes below 60% of the area median gross income, or identifying areas with a poverty rate of 25% or more, among other requirements.
Commissioner Ken Cornell said he’s ready to move forward on the plan.
“Folks need to see their government in action, and now it’s delivery time,” he said. “It's time to start delivering roads.” | https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/county-approves-road-construction-plan-estimates-242-million-cost/70257576007/ | 2023-05-26T10:54:10 | 0 | https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/county-approves-road-construction-plan-estimates-242-million-cost/70257576007/ |
After resident feedback, NSB votes to stop development restrictions ordinance
During a public meeting at the Brannon Center earlier this month, more than 200 residents told New Smyrna Beach officials that they were against the proposed building heights and lot aggregation restrictions ordinance.
This week, the City Commission heeded the public’s advice and voted unanimously to stop pursuing the proposal.
The land development regulation amendment, ZT-8-22, would only apply to the city's historic districts and:
- Restrict building height to three stories for single-family and duplexes.
- Limit multifamily buildings and commercial buildings to three stories with exceptions for an additional story if the first story is for parking.
- Restrict the aggregation of parcels for the availability of creating larger buildings.
- Establish a waiver process for either of the new proposed development regulations.
May 10 public meeting:NSB residents push back against proposed height and lot combination restrictions
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More in NSB:NSB forms task force with hopes of improving city's parking situation
The idea, City Manager Khalid Resheidat reiterated to the City Commission this week, came from a group of residents who expressed concerns about current land development regulations allowing for new developments (especially large-scale projects) that would not fit into the historic aesthetic of said districts.
“In theory, somebody could come in, buy half a block on Canal Street, tear down the structures, and build a large-scale structure on that property. That is what these proposed regulations are targeted to stop,” Ron Neibert, assistant city manager, explained at the May 10 meeting.
City staff did not recommend approving the proposal, as it would expose NSB to litigation under the Bert Harris Act on takings clauses, Neibert said.
The Bert J. Harris Jr. Private Property Protection Act gives property owners the right to compensation if they can demonstrate that a governmental action “inordinately burdens” their property.
Commissioners, residents voice opposition to restrictions
Some residents at the public meeting pointed out that building heights are already regulated and don't require additional limitations. Others complained about added bureaucracy and the possible effect the proposal could have on home insurance policies in the area.
Commissioner Lisa Martin said the ordinance should not have included the residential areas of the historic districts and, instead, focused on protecting the aesthetic values of the city’s business districts.
“I think the area we want to protect is our commercial districts,” Martin said. “Our movie set-ready Canal Street and Flagler Avenue.”
Commissioner Jason McGuirk reiterated the possible legal challenges the city could face as he signaled his vote to stop the ordinance.
“To go down a path where we would possibly get ourselves into significant legal exposure and lawsuits over something that is very, very unlikely to happen would not be a prudent decision,” McGuirk said.
Mayor Fred Cleveland and Vice Mayor Randy Hartman praised the city’s effort to host a public meeting to answer residents’ questions and receive their input on the proposed ordinance.
“We have indeed heard from the citizens,” Cleveland said, remembering that the majority of residents at the public meeting raised their hands when asked if they lived in one of the city’s historic districts.
“It wasn’t just that we were hearing from residents far and wide; we heard from the people who were going to be directly affected,” he added. | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/05/26/nsb-votes-to-stop-building-heights-and-lot-aggregation-ordinance/70254237007/ | 2023-05-26T10:54:58 | 1 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/05/26/nsb-votes-to-stop-building-heights-and-lot-aggregation-ordinance/70254237007/ |
SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Agriculture is asking farmers and agrichemical facilities to participate in a free agrichemical container recycling program.
The program will begin in the middle of July and continue into August. Sites throughout the state will collect containers that can be recycled to make shipping pallets.
The following collection sites will be open locally:
Earlybird Feed Fert, Deer Creek: 9-11 a.m. July 31. Contact Karmon Gudeman at 309-620-1440.
Ag-land FS Inc., Hanna City: 1-3 p.m. July 31. Contact Jarret Summers at 309-565-4315.
Nutrien Ag Sol Inc., Saunemin: 1-3 p.m. Aug. 1. Contact Eric Green at 815-832-4491.
Helena Chemical Co., Toluca: 1-3 p.m. Aug. 2. Contact Justin Hughes at 815-452-2377.
Participants are responsible for rinsing containers; removing caps, valves, metal, labels, booklets and foil seals; and cutting off the tops and bottoms of plastic drums and cutting the sides from top to bottom. | https://pantagraph.com/business/local/central-illinois-sites-collecting-agrichemical-containers-for-recycling/article_1ddb9dba-fa79-11ed-9a96-fb35241ecd87.html | 2023-05-26T11:00:47 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/business/local/central-illinois-sites-collecting-agrichemical-containers-for-recycling/article_1ddb9dba-fa79-11ed-9a96-fb35241ecd87.html |
In the hospitality industry, employee retention is often a challenge. But not at The Country Club of Virginia, where 20% of the club’s 600-plus staff members have been at CCV for 10 years or more. Of that number, 8% have been with the club for 25 years or more.
That longevity is a testament to the club’s dedication to its core principles, Human Resources Director Molly Boese said. And it's what helped the club earn a spot as one of Richmond's Top Workplaces for a large company.
“What binds us together is that we are a service organization committed to serving our members and co-workers,” she said. “When an employee starts at CCV, each and every person is brought on-site for orientation not to their position, but to the club. We lay out the culture framework, the mission and our values.”
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The club seeks to foster camaraderie with a regular roster of events that includes an off-site fall gathering for staff families and a breakfast with Santa in December. Pop-up events also ensure that the many staff members – from food service and bartenders to groundskeepers and athletic instructors – are able to take part, no matter what time of the day or night they work. Last December, for example, CCV celebrated being named the eighth best country club on the 2022-23 list of Platinum Clubs of America with 12 Days of Cheer. “We wanted everyone to be part of the celebration, no matter their role or shift,” said Director of Communications Ashley Payne.
CCV offers two ways employees can be recognized for stellar service. Monthly MVP awards are handed out by a panel that reviews nominations. But a more immediate recognition comes in the form of in-the-moment cards. This system allows any employee to acknowledge any other employee immediately. Cards can be redeemed for treats, a gift card or donated to the internal CCV Cares Foundation, which provides financial support for staff members facing unforeseen financial hardship.
In the end, Boese said, CCV offers employees a unique opportunity.
“When I think about a career for anybody – whether (someone is) just entering the labor market, or has taken a breath and wants to come back to the workforce, or is making a career shift – we offer multiple careers in one location,” she said. “People will start in one department, grow and go elsewhere. I have a member of my team who began in food and beverage and went to accounting, then human resources. Another team member began as a valet before coming to HR. That’s what makes us special. Our employees have voted us a top workplace, and the employees are what make that true.” | https://richmond.com/business/local/top-workplaces/at-the-country-club-of-virginia-staff-retention-is-key-to-being-a-top-workplace/article_a0405cbe-e075-11ed-b7e1-8bfd7c3b6bf6.html | 2023-05-26T11:13:37 | 1 | https://richmond.com/business/local/top-workplaces/at-the-country-club-of-virginia-staff-retention-is-key-to-being-a-top-workplace/article_a0405cbe-e075-11ed-b7e1-8bfd7c3b6bf6.html |
Again this year, DPR Construction bossed the rankings.
The California-based construction company, which has a Glen Allen headquarters, came in third this year in best midsize workplace, continuing its track record as a beloved company to work for, employees told The Times-Dispatch.
Maybe it’s due to the wine bar in the company’s offices, where bottles uncork after the company lands big projects or when an employee announces an engagement.
But it could also be due to the projects the company takes on: high-complexity buildings that challenge employees.
DPR is the construction company tapped for a number of big-budget Richmond projects, including the new Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU. It’s also the company behind UVA’s Medical Center Hospital as well as a hefty renovation of the iconic Lucky Strike building in Libby Hill, which was retrofitted for the Arts & Letters Creative Co., a Richmond-based ad firm.
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James Zocco, a project manager at DPR, said the company’s focus on technically challenging projects sets it apart from other construction companies. There’s a certain pride in execution, Zocco said, particularly when they’re able to complete tricky projects – like a data center for Facebook’s parent company, Meta – with no loose ends. “That’s the goal, and it sounds like an impossible goal, but I’ve lived it,” Zocco said.
The company promotes four core values to employees. They are: “integrity,” “uniqueness,” “ever-forward,” “enjoyment.”
Emily Covey, an operations manager in her 13th year with DPR, said the last two are her favorites. Covey worked on the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, which officially opened April 30.
She said that DPR managers use personality tests, known as enneagrams, to match up healthy project teams, she said. That leads to groups that gel naturally, Covey explained, and is a reason so many employees enjoy working at DPR.
Regarding “ever-forward,” she said it describes a top-down attitude at the company in which innovation is encouraged, regardless of status. She recalled an intern, with two weeks on the job, who pitched a redo of DPR’s clunky crane management system. The intern was later hired.
“It’s empowering to say that, if you think you can do something better, you have a voice to say that,” Covey said. | https://richmond.com/business/local/top-workplaces/dpr-rankings-2023-workplace/article_c4eedf54-e2c3-11ed-b99a-7f1f949cce57.html | 2023-05-26T11:13:43 | 0 | https://richmond.com/business/local/top-workplaces/dpr-rankings-2023-workplace/article_c4eedf54-e2c3-11ed-b99a-7f1f949cce57.html |
You’ve heard about the “great resignation.” But what about the “great regret”? Sometimes employees who leave their jobs wish they had not. That can pave the way for a former employee to return.
Workers and human resources leaders need to have their eyes wide open when it comes to reuniting.
Perhaps your organization felt the impact of the great resignation. For many, the pandemic was exhausting and anxiety-provoking, and many employees just needed a psychological reset. This prompted a wave of people leaving their jobs starting in the last half of 2021.
“A new employment opportunity represented a chance for a fresh start where they could shed the burnout conditions they were feeling at their current employer,” said Greg Barnett, chief people scientist at Energage, an employee research company. “But the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. As the honeymoon period ended, employees found themselves with an entirely new set of stress, pressure and challenges.”
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When people change jobs, they are forced to adapt to new stressors without the comforts or safety nets they had grown accustomed to at their old organizations, such as friendships and good manager relationships, Barnett said.
Additionally, many employees experience regret because they changed jobs to make more money. But as Energage research has shown for years, pay and benefits are typically among the lowest-ranking factors when employees are asked what matters the most to them in terms of their engagement in their work. Direction, leadership, a sense of purpose and a feeling of appreciation all factor higher when it comes to giving extra discretionary effort on the job.
The ego boost from earning a bigger paycheck can become part of the regret, too. Employees can find themselves wearing “golden handcuffs,” Barnett said.
“They were making more money but doing something that they didn’t enjoy,” he said. “And escaping the situation meant risking the new compensation levels they’d become accustomed to. While the extra pay can help with some of the bad feelings, over the long haul, being stuck in a bad situation takes a bigger toll.”
The great resignation had a silver lining. Companies severely affected by talent shortages became more aggressive about retaining employees. That meant changes in compensation, a focus on internal promotions, and other moves intended to keep the best talent.
When it comes to rehiring former employees, human resources leaders should consider some benefits of boomerang employees:
They can get back up to speed much faster than new employees. On day one, these employees already understand the business, the culture and the people. They know how things get done and to whom they should speak.
They’ve had an opportunity to experience another culture. In coming back, they know what they are getting into. Rarely will employees return somewhere in a bad culture fit. They might even value certain nuances of the culture more than they did before.
Organizations know whom they are getting; they know boomerang employees’ strengths and weaknesses on day one. This creates less risk while affording the opportunity to better deploy their talents.
Barnett said it’s especially important for HR leaders to understand the real reasons people left their company and to address those before rehiring. While compensation is often the most obvious issue, other reasons might have contributed to disengagement.
Be straightforward with employees about how their return could be different and better. Find a way to make their return better, whether it be different work, more growth and development, or career advancement opportunities. | https://richmond.com/business/local/top-workplaces/how-to-manage-the-return-of-boomerang-employees/article_c40de206-e9f3-11ed-9fee-8b53dfc7372e.html | 2023-05-26T11:13:49 | 0 | https://richmond.com/business/local/top-workplaces/how-to-manage-the-return-of-boomerang-employees/article_c40de206-e9f3-11ed-9fee-8b53dfc7372e.html |
The pharmaceutical industry is filled with companies building medicines and treatments to help people with ailments - from small aches and pains to life-threatening conditions.
Few of those are as nuanced as the addictions treatment space, where the patient population is both in dire need of medicines and hard to reach. It takes a special workforce to drive those helpful drugs toward people in need.
Enter Indivior PLC, which can trace its roots back to 1994 when its former parent company created a business group for buprenorphine, a drug that helps manage opioid addiction. Today, the company has expanded that portfolio and is soon to branch into the newest stage of the ongoing opioid epidemic: fentanyl treatments.
While many other companies drive their workforces with teambuilding programs and workplace culture, Indivior’s people come to work on a quest to have an impact on the lives of real people.
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“People come here every day really driven by what our patients need,” said Nina DeLorenzo, chief global impact officer for Indivior. “And we have a very special patient population, people who have addiction issues and mental health issues, and our folks come in every day knowing that they're helping this population. We're really committed. People feel that commitment every day to come in and help break down the stigma associated with mental health problems and addiction problems.”
Indivior is readying the release of new medicines targeted at all sides of addiction, from a nasal injectable that can help someone in the throes of a fentanyl overdose, to medications that help manage the cravings when a person is on the road to recovery. It's currently focused on drugs of abuse such as opioids, alcohol and marijuana.
“It is a difficult space. It's a hard disease to treat. A lot of people don't realize that there are medicines for these diseases,” DeLorenzo said. “And there is the stigma attached. Instead of people treating it like the disease that it is, people treat it as if it’s a moral failure. And a lot of companies just don't want to touch that space. But we are in it, and we're in it to stay and we are not going to let these people down.”
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the stigma around addiction is one of the greatest barriers for people with substance-use disorders to overcome, and can cause people not to receive treatment or be as productive from treatments.
The culture of science permeates all corners of the company where its research and development efforts are at the cutting edge of addictions science, led by Dr. Christian Heidbreder, a world leader in psychopharmacology.
DeLorenzo said Indivior made it through the pandemic with strong retention numbers despite the ongoing fight for talent.
The company is driven by its six guiding principles: focus on patient needs to drive decisions, seek the wisdom of the team, believe that people's actions are well-intended, care enough to coach and see it, own it and make it happen.
Those values help keep everyone at the company focused on its mission.
"The better that we do for our company, the better we do for our patients," DeLorenzo said. "The two are inextricably linked." | https://richmond.com/business/local/top-workplaces/indivior-earns-top-workplace-with-its-mission-to-help-a-stigmatized-patient-population/article_1d2eb8f6-e099-11ed-8996-4b9399ed6688.html | 2023-05-26T11:13:56 | 1 | https://richmond.com/business/local/top-workplaces/indivior-earns-top-workplace-with-its-mission-to-help-a-stigmatized-patient-population/article_1d2eb8f6-e099-11ed-8996-4b9399ed6688.html |
If you've gotten injured on the job in Virginia, there's a very good chance that you've interacted with the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission.
The commission, founded over a century ago as the Industrial Commission of Virginia and incorporated after the state legislature passed the Virginia Workers' Compensation Act, manages and resolves claims from workers who need monetary assistance as a result of injuries sustained on company time.
For the third consecutive year, the commission has been named one of the Richmond area's Top Workplaces — this year, as the top midsize employer.
Its nimble approach to adjusting work styles during the COVID-19 pandemic and employee-driven commitment to community service are just some of the reasons employees say that the commission is a great place to work.
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"Our goal has been to create a workplace where individuals can reach their potential and become their full selves," Evelyn McGill, the commission's executive director, said.
The commission is staffed by 260 employees, most of them based out of the central office in downtown Richmond. Others are spread across regional offices in Bristol, Fairfax, Harrisonburg, Manassas, Roanoke and Virginia Beach.
VWC's goal is to be "the most effective and innovative state agency" in the nation. Employees and commissioners have been recognized with awards and positions in prominent regional and national associations, and there is a robust culture of sharing best practices among state workers' compensation agencies that has brought innovations from other states to Virginia — and vice versa.
The commission's everyday work involves supporting workers across Virginia, so it should come as no surprise that community engagement and service are tightly woven into VWC's principles.
The agency's approach to service is driven largely by worker priorities. VWC got involved with the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life fundraiser several years ago, in part, because several employees had been diagnosed with cancer. In 2022, the commission was Relay's top fundraiser in Richmond, collecting over $5,000 to go to research and patient support.
VWC also raised $1,350 for Safe Harbor's Walk to End Domestic Violence and donated nearly 200 pounds of food as part of its annual food drive with Feed More. And the commission's "Public Service Week" — a time when employees have a chance to engage in other service projects in the community — was expanded in 2023 to cover the entire month of May.
"We have a very giving team," McGill said.
Employees also praise the agency's COVID-19 response. Early in the pandemic, VWC transitioned to a hybrid work setup, creating a "Restart and New Normal" committee to figure out how to implement remote work structures not only for everyday work, but also for mediation sessions and other services that the commission provides.
Though President Joe Biden signed legislation in April officially ending the national state of emergency brought on by the pandemic, McGill does not see the agency returning to a traditional, fully in-person experience in the future, noting that "the world of work is still being redefined."
Even after repeated recognition as one of the region's top workplaces during a time when the culture of office work got turned on its head, McGill knows there's always more room to grow.
"Where we are is not where we're going to stay (in the future)," she said. "We have to figure out how the best keeps getting better." | https://richmond.com/business/local/top-workplaces/top-workplaces-va-workers-compensation-commission/article_189c14e2-e057-11ed-b288-d7ee90758adb.html | 2023-05-26T11:14:02 | 1 | https://richmond.com/business/local/top-workplaces/top-workplaces-va-workers-compensation-commission/article_189c14e2-e057-11ed-b288-d7ee90758adb.html |
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TAPPAHANNOCK — They’ve known the terror of having a gun pointed in their faces, the crushing sorrow of having their rights taken, the heartbreak of having their futures stolen.
Yet, some way or another, these four intrepid girls from Afghanistan found the courage and a way to escape their troubled homeland, leave their families and seek the opportunity of a better life in a most unlikely place half a world away.
“Little Tappahannock , Virginia,” said Colley W. Bell III, head of school of St. Margaret’s School , a small, independent, all-girls boarding school an hour northeast of Richmond, on the banks of the Rappahannock River. There, the Afghan girls have found refuge.
As difficult as it is to be so far from home in such a different place, the Afghan students, through remarkably good English they have sharpened in their months at the school, brim with gratitude, knowing full well the restrictions the Taliban have placed on girls and women in Afghanistan. The four recently gathered during a break between classes to discuss their lives.
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“Girls our age cannot go to school, cannot study,” said Shaima, 17, a junior, who along with the others asked not to be identified by their full names or to have their faces shown in photographs for fear of retribution against their families back home. “It gives us the feeling we should work as hard as we can because we have the opportunity in school that the other girls don’t have.”
Wrote Sadia, 18, a sophomore, in an essay she handed me when I arrived, “I feel like I’m the luckiest girl in the world that I study in this school and fulfill my dreams again. St. Margaret’s gave me the strength to stand on my feet again.”
‘It’s a war on women in Afghanistan’
Though an improbable landing spot, the school, established more than a century ago by the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, has been inspired by this episode to become a destination for persecuted girls from around the world. A fifth Afghan student is on the way, temporarily living in Pakistan as she works her way through the bureaucratic process, and more could come in the future if St. Margaret’s can raise money to finance their educations.
“We are trying to establish an endowment and not limit it to a certain country,” said Edwina Bell, director of advancement and wife of Colley Bell. “We want it for anywhere girls are being persecuted for being girls. We want to be the school to take care of them.”
And right now, the country that has their attention is Afghanistan.
“It’s a war on women in Afghanistan,” Colley Bell said. “It’s an open war on these girls.”
Four students from Afghanistan, who asked their faces not be photographed because of concerns for their families still in Afghanistan, have found refuge at St. Margaret’s School in Tappahannock.
Colley Bell, St. Margaret’s School
The school year comes to a conclusion with commencement on Friday, but none of the Afghan students is a senior, and all will return for the next session. They will spend the summer with host families or relatives who live elsewhere in the United States. The girls have received generous support from local churches and the community, the Bells said.
St. Margaret’s, which offers grades 8-12 as well as a post-graduate year, has long had an international component within its student body. This most recent year, 20 of its 65 students — Colley Bell hopes enrollment will grow to around 80 next year — came from 14 other countries, including England, Italy, Poland, Thailand, Turkey and Ukraine.
Annual tuition, room and board for international students is just under $60,000; the Afghan students are “pretty much” on full scholarship, Edwina Bell said.
That the girls were able to even find St. Margaret’s illustrates just how small the world is.
Colley W. Bell III is head of school of St. Margaret’s School, a small, independent, all-girls boarding school on the banks of the Rappahannock River in Tappahannock where four Afghan girls have found refuge.
Bill Lohmann, Times-Dispatch
Shaima has an aunt who attended St. Margaret’s years ago, and she had helped set up a connection between St. Margaret’s and the school Shaia attended in Kabul. However, just before the Zoom sessions could begin, the Taliban swept to power in August 2021, and Shaima’s school was shut down.
Through her aunt’s connection, Shaima was already in the process of applying to St. Margaret’s, though the Taliban takeover delayed the process, and she didn’t arrive until the following year. The other girls came to St. Margaret’s in other ways. They learned of it through a teacher after schools were shut down, through a brother-in-law’s sister who lived in the United States, and through something as simple and random as an online search. They all applied, and St. Margaret’s offered admission.
Shaima was the first to arrive at St. Margaret’s, in April 2022; the last of the four to come was Sadia, who showed up last fall.
‘It’s a different world for them’
St. Margaret’s School is a small, all-girls boarding school founded more than a century ago by the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia in Tappahannock, where four Afghan girls have found refuge.
Bill Lohmann photos, Times-Dispatch
All tell harrowing stories of encounters with the Taliban or of family members who worked with U.S. forces and are now on the run. They also discussed what might have happened if they had remained at home.
Kasool said she likely would have been forced to marry by now, as two cousins — neither yet 20 — are now married and one already has children.
“My mom said, ‘This would be your life if you were here,’” she said.
For women and girls, living under Taliban rule is little more than a life of captivity. The Taliban expect girls and women to stay home or, when they do venture out, to wear head-to-toe clothing that reveals only their eyes.
Now, though, in Tappahannock, the four Afghan students wear St. Margaret’s sweaters and plaid skirts, play softball, soccer and volleyball, and go tubing on the Rappahannock.
St. Margaret’s School is a small, all-girls boarding school founded more than a century ago by the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia in Tappahannock, where four Afghan girls have found refuge.
Bill Lohmann, Times-Dispatch
“It’s a different world for them,” said Colley Bell, who came to St. Margaret’s almost two years ago with a goal of reinvigorating the school, which had experienced declining enrollment over the years.
The Bells like to say St. Margaret’s offers a STREAM approach to education — adding an “R” for river to the usual acronym for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. It’s all a welcomed opportunity for the girls, who spoke of how their own education — and lives — came to a sudden halt when the Taliban returned to power in August 2021.
Sadia remembers arriving at class that day, ready to take a math exam and being sent home because school officials said the Taliban had arrived in Kabul and “danger is expected. Leave the place as soon as possible before the school is attacked.”
The other day, they spoke about making the painful decisions to leave home, navigating the labyrinth of bureaucracy required to enter the United States, fleeing in the middle of the night to avoid detection, crossing the Pakistani border in order to reach the nearest U.S. embassy in Islamabad, waiting for months — often alone — in Pakistan, awaiting approval to come to America.
Because their families’ money is tied up in Afghan banks, they had to rely on the help of others to get here. One of the four said an uncle living in Australia and working as a taxi driver provided the money for her airfare — twice, when she missed her first flight to the United States.
She recalled that he told her, “Promise when you graduate from college and find a job, you will give me my money.”
‘The voice of Afghan women and girls’
All keep in touch with their families as best they can, though one girl’s father is being hunted by the Taliban for his past work with Americans so she cannot even text him for fear it could be intercepted and tracked. One told of the younger sister left behind who was stopped by the Taliban as she walked to an aunt’s house wearing a backpack. The Taliban searched the backpack, thinking she was going to school, but it contained only clothes. They let her go.
All are glad they are here, though Kasool said she still regrets not saying “a proper goodbye” to her mother — she was in a hurry at the airport — or visiting her late father’s grave one final time.
They would all like to go home eventually — “Who doesn’t want to go back home?” said Shaima — but it would not be safe to go now. Maybe, Shaima said, “when they allow the girls to study and girls have their rights equal to the boys.”
For now, there is much work to do. All hope to continue to college once they graduate from St. Margaret’s. Though their interests are constantly shifting, as happens with high school students, they all have big plans.
Shaima thought she wanted to be an astronaut at one point, but now is thinking about working as a construction engineer or maybe an architect or in marketing. Kasool likes international relations and economics. Another student, who is 18 and a junior but did not want to give even her first name, said she’s interested in computer science and business.
Sadia said, “I’d really love to be a journalist.”
And then she offered a most eloquent reason: “I want to be the voice of Afghan women and girls in all of the world.”
The Times-Dispatch's 'Photo of the Day' 📷
Jan. 1, 2023
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) carries the ball as Washington Commanders cornerback Danny Johnson (36) tries to stop him during the first half of a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, January 1, 2023 in Landover, MD.
Shaban Athuman/ RICHMOND TIMES-D
Jan. 2, 2023
Sharon MacKenzie of Mechanicsville walked with her friend Cindy Nunnally and her golden retriever, Sunny, during a GardenFest for Fidos at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on Jan. 2.
Eva Russo, Times-Dispatch
Jan. 3, 2023
People remember 8-year-old P’Aris Moore during a vigil in Hopewell on Jan. 3. The girl was shot and killed while playing in her neighborhood.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND, TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 4, 2023
UR's Jason Nelson presses down court as George Washington's Brendan Adams, left, and Hunter Dean defend in the Robins Center Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 5, 2023
Manchester's Olivia Wright reaches in on James River's Alisha Whirley at James River Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023.
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Jan. 6, 2023
Daron Pearson plays basketball at Smith Peters Park in the Carver neighborhood on Friday, January 6, 2023 in Richmond, Va.
Shaban Athuman/ RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 7, 2023
UR's Tyler Burton takes a shot as Duquesne's Joe Reece defends Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 8, 2023
Park ranger Bert Dunkerly leads a walking tour of Revolutionary Richmond on the grounds of the Chimborazo Medical Museum in Richmond on Jan. 8. The tour was part of a multiday annual event interpreting Richmond’s Revolutionary history, including the capture of the city by British General Benedict Arnold on Jan. 5, 1781.
EVA RUSSO, TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 10, 2023
Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital COO Joey Trapani and Richmond City Councilwoman Cynthia Newbille react after cutting the ribbon to commemorate the opening of the East End Medical Office Building on Tuesday. Bon Secours Richmond Market President Mike Lutes (left) and Del. Delores McQuinn, D-Richmond, were also part of the festivities.
EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
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Jan. 11, 2023
Pages are introduced at the Senate chamber during the first day of Virginia General Assembly at Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, Va., on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 12, 2023
Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, worked at his desk at the Virginia State Capitol on Thursday. Above him is a portrait of former Lt. Gov. Don Beyer, now a congressman representing the 8th District in Northern Virginia.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 13, 2023
Elizabeth Leggett is photographed with her pup Pallas, 10, in her neighborhood in Richmond's business district on January 13, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
Jan. 14, 2023
Aubrey Nguyen, age 5, and Andrew Nguyen, age 8, eye the dragon as it comes by during the Tet celebration at Vien Giac Buddhist Temple Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. Jow Ga Kung Fu, of Virginia Beach, performed the Dragon Dance.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 15, 2023
The St. James's West Gallery Choir sings during "Evensong, A Celebration of the Life and Work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." at St. James Episcopal Church Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 16, 2023
James "States" Manship of Thornburg came to the gun rights rally at the Bell Tower in Capitol Square on Lobby Day, Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, dressed as President George Washington.
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Jan. 17, 2023
Del. Emily Brewer, R-Suffolk, confers with Del. Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke, at the state Capitol on Jan. 17. Brewer sponsored the bill on state purchasing, House Bill 2385.
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Jan. 18, 2023
Aaliyah Rouse, 9, and Jennifer Rouse stand by as Aaron Rouse is sworn in in the Senate by Clerk of the Senate Susan Clarke Schaar during a general assembly session at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, Va., on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
Jan. 19, 2023
Gov. Glenn Youngkin talks to the media at George W. Carver Elementary School on Jan. 19.
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Jan. 20, 2023
VCU's fans cheer for the team against Richmond during the second half of the NCAA men's basketball game at University of Richmond, Richmond, Va., on Friday, January 20, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 21, 2023
Jacqueline Dziuba, bottom left, and Steven Godwin, who live in Greenville, N.C., and other visitors check out the exhibits at the Poe Museum in Richmond in January as the museum celebrates Edgar Allan Poe’s 214th birthday and its own 100-year anniversary.
Daniel Sangjib Min, TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 22, 2023
Paul McLean (left), founder of the Virginia Minority Cannabis Coalition, listens alongside Mark Cannady during the “Is Social Equity in Off the Table in 2023?” portion of the program on Sunday on the second full day of the Virginia Cannabis Conference presented by Virginia NORML at Delta Hotels Richmond Downtown. Lobby Day takes place Monday.
SHABAN ATHUMAN photos, TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 23, 2023
The flags at the Executive Mansion are at half-staff to honor those killed and injured in Monterey Park, California last weekend. Photo was taken on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 24, 2023
Sen. Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg, listens to debate during a Senate floor session in the state Capitol on a bill to make Daylight Savings Time year-round.
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Jan. 25, 2023
Gov. Glenn Youngkin listens to George Daniel as he tries some Brunswick stew on Brunswick Stew Day at the Capitol Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023. Next to Daniel are (L-R) Dylan Pair, stewmaster Kevin Pair and Austin Pair. The yearly event returned to the Capitol for the first time since the pandemic.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 26, 2023
Meghan Vandette is photographed with her dogs, Pepper, a deaf mini Australian shepherd, and Finn on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Ruff Canine Club in Richmond, Virginia.
SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 27, 2023
Three-year-old London Oshinkoya (from left) and 3-year-old twins Messiah and Malkia Finley go through the toys brought by Crystal Holbrook-Gazoni near the Gilpin Resource Center in Richmond on Friday.
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Jan. 28, 2023
Dance instructor Paul Dandridge (foreground) works with youngsters as he teaches a theater dance during the “Genworth Lights Up! Youth Series: On the Road” at the Center for the Arts at Henrico High School on Saturday. The series offers free workshops and performances throughout the year for youth of all ages.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 29, 2023
Ronnie Jenkins II of Chesterfield County sits inside a Barefoot Spas hot tub with his 11-year-old son, Connor, and his wife, Amber, during the RVA Home Show at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County.
Daniel Sangjib Min photos, TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 30, 2023
Frank Saucier listens as elected officials give remarks during a vigil for Tyre Nichols on Monday at Abner Clay Park in Richmond. Nichols died from the injuries he sustained after being beaten by police officers in Memphis.
SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 31, 2023
Mayor Levar Stoney gets ready to deliver his State of the City on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at the Richmond Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia.
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Feb. 1, 2023
Gov. Glenn Youngkin attends the Virginia March for Life in Richmond, VA on February 1, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
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Feb. 2, 2023
Petersburg High School's basketball standout Chris Fields Jr. on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at the Petersburg High School in Petersburg, Virginia.
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Feb. 3, 2023
Shawnrell Blackwell, left, a Southside Community Development & Housing Corporation homeowner and board member, watches as Dianna Bowser, president and CEO of SCDHC, shares a moment with Suzanne Youngkin during a ceremony at Virginia Housing in Richmond on Friday after Gov. Glenn Youngkin and the first lady presented the first Spirit of Virginia Award of 2023 to the affordable housing nonprofit.
Eva Russo, Times-Dispatch
Feb. 4, 2023
Members of the Break it Down RVA Line Dancing group perform during a Black History Month Celebration at Virginia State University on Feb. 4.
SHABAN ATHUMAN, TIMES-DISPATCH
Feb. 5, 2023
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) of the Washington Commanders, right, look on before the flag football event at the NFL Pro Bowl on Sunday in Las Vegas. With him are, from left, NFC wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) of the Detroit Lions, NFC wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) of the Dallas Cowboys and NFC wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) of the Minnesota Vikings.
John Locher, Associated PRess
Feb. 6, 2023
(From left) U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, and Sethuraman Panchanathan, Ph.D., director of the National Science Foundation, arrive for a tour of VCU's Nanomaterials Core Characterization Facility with lab director and physics professor Massimo Bertino, Ph.D. (right) on Monday, Feb. 6. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
Feb. 7, 2023
Sen. Dick Saslaw, D-Fairfax, is seen 4 1/2 hours into Tuesday's crossover session at the state Capitol.
Eva Russo, Times-Dispatch
Feb. 8, 2023
Chef Patrick Phelan works with his staff on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at Lost Letter in Richmond, Virginia.
SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH
Feb. 9, 2023
Onlookers stand near a shattered window on East Broad Street following a shooting on Thursday. One person was killed and another wounded.
Eva Russo, Times-Dispatch
Feb. 10, 2023
Colonial Williamsburg moves a 260-year-old building, originally called the Bray School, on a truck to a new location a mile away, where it will be put on public display, in Williamsburg, Va., on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023. The Bray School is believed to be the oldest building in the US dedicated to the education of Black children.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
Feb 11, 2023
Randolph-Macon celebrate after beating Roanoke College during a NCAA Division III Basketball game on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Randolph Macon Crenshaw Gym in Ashland, Virginia. With today's win, the Yellow Jackets hold the longest home winning steak in NCAA Division III history.
SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH
Feb. 12, 2023
The Science Museum of Virginia hosted a competition for student engineers during a commemoration of Celebrate Engineering Ingenuity Day. A packed crowd watches Sunday as a team of “Bridge Breakers” from the American Society of Civil Engineers puts students’ inventions to the test.
Lyndon German
Feb. 13, 2023
A crew from Walter D. Witt Roofing installs a new roof for Melvin Washington, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, as part of the Owens Corning National Roof Deployment Project in Richmond, VA on February 13, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
Feb. 14, 2023
Richmond City Council member Cynthia Newbille pulls the winning raffle ticket as Marc Edwards, from InnovAge Virginia PACE, holds the basket during the 9th annual "For the Love of Our Seniors" event at Main Street Station in Richmond, VA on February 14, 2023. The event is a resource fair for senior residents and caregivers in Church Hill. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
Feb. 15, 2023
A crew from the Richmond-based company Cut Cut installs the new art installation "McLean" by Navine G. Dossos on the façade of the Institute for Contemporary Art in Richmond, VA on February 15, 2023. The installation is part of the exhibit "So it appears" opening February 24th. The vinyl pieces being used are adapted from a series of paintings. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
Feb. 16, 2023
Giov. Glenn Youngkin meets with the community at Westwood Fountain in Richmond, VA on Thursday, February 16, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
Feb. 17, 2023
Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Alison Linas, left, and Franklin greet Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Jennifer Guiliano and attorney Alex Clarke at the Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court building on Friday.
Eva Russo, Times-Dispatch
Feb. 18, 2023
Fans take pictures during the All-alumni Block Party before VCU’s game against Fordham on Saturday.
SHABAN ATHUMAN, TIMES-DISPATCH
Feb. 19, 2023
Virginia Tech's Georgia Amoore, left, waits for a pass from Elizabeth Kitley (33) during the first half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against North Carolina State on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, in Blacksburg.
Matt Gentry, The Roanoke Times
Feb. 20, 2023
Richmond resident David Scates filed an appeal with the VEC last summer four days after the state agency notified him that he had been overpaid unemployment benefits after catching COVID-19 and losing his job. Now, Scates is one of almost 17,000 Virginians at risk of having their appeals dismissed because the VEC contends they filed too late.
EVA RUSSO, TIMES-DISPATCH
Feb. 21, 2023
State Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, greets chief election officer and college friend Sheryl Johnson (right) at the Tabernacle Baptist Church polling station in Richmond, VA on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 as (from left) election workers Katie Johnson and Eric Johnson look on. McClellan is running to succeed Rep. Donald McEachin, D-4th. McClellan would be the first African American woman to represent Virginia in Congress and would give Virginia a record four women in its congressional delegation. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
Feb. 22, 2023
Members of the media tour Fox Elementary School in Richmond, VA after Richmond Public Schools Chief Operating Officer Dana Fox provided an update on construction plans to rebuild the school on Wednesday, February 22. The building, which dates to 1911, was heavily damaged in a three-alarm fire on the night of Feb. 11, 2022. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
Feb. 23, 2023
Marley Ferraro and her boyfriend, Zack Bannister, both VCU freshmen, spend time together between classes at Monroe Park as Thursday weather reaches around 80s in Richmond, Va., on Feb. 23, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
Feb. 24, 2023
Sen. Aaron Rouse, left, D-Virginia Beach, talks with Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, before a general assembly session at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, Va., on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
Feb. 25, 2023
Jenna Anderson of Cosby High shows her medal to her dad, Waylon Anderson, after winning the 112-pound weight class during the VHSL Girls State Open Championships at Unity Reed High in Manassas on Saturday.
SHABAN ATHUMAN, TIMES-DISPATCH
Feb. 26, 2023
Contestants in a duathlon race (run-bike-run competition) dash from the starting line in the first event of the West Creek Endurance Festival at the West Creek Business Park in Goochland County on Sunday.
Mark Bowes
Feb. 27, 2023
Eric and Linda Oakes speak to a small crowd before unveiling a plaque and bench dedicated to their son, Adam Oakes, in the VCU Student Commons building near the office of Fraternity and Sorority Life on February 27, 2023. The date marks the two-year anniversary of Oakes' death in a hazing incident, and VCU is calling this an annual hazing prevention day and day of remembrance for Oakes. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
Feb. 28, 2023
Jess Tanner (center) looks on as her daughters Aubrey (left), 10, and Charleigh, 8, deliver Girl Scout cookies to school counselor Michelle Nothnagel (right) and the other teachers and staff members at Manchester High School on February 28, 2023. With help from groups of retired teachers and others in the community, the girls, who are members of Girl Scout Troop 3654, raised over $1,000 to purchase the cookies for the staff. Jess Tanner, is an art teacher at Manchester and also a co-leader of their troop. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
March 1, 2023
Shirley Wiest, left, and Wilma Bowman, center, show a blanket for a veteran with the help of Julie Wiest, daughter of Shirley Wiest, at Sunrise of Richmond in Henrico, Va., on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Shirley Wiest and Wilma Bowman sewed over 3000 blankets for people at the VA Hospital, the Children’s Hospital and Moments of Hope Outreach among others.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 2, 2023
Carl Gupton, president of Greenswell Growers, is shown at the greenhouse of the company in Goochland, Va., on Thursday, March 2, 2023. Greenswell Growers, an automated indoor farming, can produce 28 times more greens per acre than traditional farming. They just sealed a deal with Ukrops and will start selling on Kroger shelves all across the mid-Atlantic.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 3, 2023
Highland Springs walks off the court after beating Stone Bridge during the Class 5 boys basketball quarterfinal on Friday, March 3, 2023 at J.R. Tucker High School in Henrico, Virginia.
SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 4, 2023
Nutzy plays with Shane Paris-Kennedy,9, during the Richmond Flying Squirrels Nutzy's Block Party on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at The Diamond in Richmond, Virginia.
SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 5, 2023
Patrons wait in line for Caribbean soul food from Mobile Yum Yum, one of the food trucks participating in Mobile Soul Sunday in Monroe Park. The event kicked off the Richmond Black Restaurant Experience, a weeklong celebration of Richmond’s Black-owned restaurants.
Sean McGoey
March 6, 2023
Henrico County officials celebrate the start of renovations at Cheswick Park in Henrico's Three Chopt District on March 6, 2023. The 24.5-acre park, Henrico's oldest official park, will receive $2.1 million in improvements, including a new open fitness area and upgrades to its trails, playground, restroom facilities, pedestrian bridges, parking lot, main entrance, stormwater management infrastructure and signage. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
March 7, 2023
Congresswoman-elect Jennifer McClellan heads into the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC for orientation on March 7, 2023 in preparation for her swearing in as the first Black Congresswoman from Virginia. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
March 8, 2023
Kate Chenery Tweedy shows the exhibition of Secretariat at Ashland Museum in Ashland, Va., on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Kate Chenery Tweedy is spearheading an effort to bring a monument of Secretariat to Ashland.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 9, 2023
John Marano of Top Trumps USA speaks to the media next to Mr. Monopoly at Maggie Walker Plaza in Richmond, Va., on March 9, 2023. Top Trumps USA, under license from HASBRO, will design a Richmond-specific board that highlights the region’s favorite historic landmarks.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 10, 2023
The U.S. Postal Service commemorate the history and romance of train travel with the unveiling of its Railroad Stations Forever stamps during a ceremony at the Main Street Station in Richmond, Va.
Lyndon German
March 11, 2023
Susie Williams of Richmond gets a makeover at the Shamrock the Block Festival in Richmond on Saturday. The festival was relocated to Leigh Street this year.
Daniel Sangjib Min, TIMES-DISPATCH
March 12, 2023
A procession of Fifes and Drums moves down Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg on Sunday. It traveled from old Colonial Williamsburg Courthouse to the Raleigh Tavern, where Thomas Jefferson and other leaders formed a Committee of Correspondence in 1773.
Sean Jones photos, Times-Dispatch
March 13, 2023
Cuong Luu, foreground, a volunteer of Feed More, prepares boxes of meals with other volunteers and staff at the food bank in Richmond, Va., on Monday, March 13, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 14, 2023
Bill Barksdale, technical director of Virginia Video Network, works with Kelli Lemon, director of digital programming, at the video studio of Richmond Times-Dispatch in Richmond, Va., on March 14, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 15, 2023
Del. Eileen Filler-Corn, D-Fairfax, looks on a portrait after unveiling it as former Speaker of the House at the house chamber of the State Capitol in Richmond, Va., on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Filler-Corn made history as the first woman and first Jewish Speaker in Virginia.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 16, 2023
MIKE KROPF, THE DAILY PROGRESS Virginia's Isaac McKneely (11) becomes emotional after an NCAA Tournament first round game against Furman in Orlando, Fl., Thursday, March 16, 2023.
Mike Kropf
March 17, 2023
Brian Erbe, center, a pipe manager, and other members of Greater Richmond Pipes and Drums perform to celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Rosie Connolly's Pub Restaurant in Richmond, Va., on Friday, March 17, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 18, 2023
Virginia Tech's Mekhi Lewis takes down Oklahoma State's Dustin Plott during the consolation semifinals at the NCAA Division I wrestling championships, Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Tulsa, Okla. (Ian Maule/Tulsa World via AP)
Ian Maule
March 19, 2023
Virginia Tech's Kayana Traylor (23) is congratulated by teammates after scoring just before halftime of a second-round college basketball game in the women's NCAA Tournament, Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Matt Gentry)
Matt Gentry
March 20, 2023
Hannah and Ty Bilodeau of Lynchburg visit the recently completed Richmond Virginia Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with their children, Blythe, 5, Goldie, 4, and Graham, 2, in Glen Allen in Henrico, Va., on Monday, March 20, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 21, 2023
Doug Ramseur, center left, and Emilee Hasbrouck, center right, defense lawyers for Wavie Jones, one of three Central State Hospital employees , who was charged in death of Irvo Otieno, speak to the media at Dinwiddie Courthouse in Dinwiddie, Va., on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 22, 2023
WRANGLD's, from left, senior customer success manager Trevor Lee, chief business officer Andy Sitison and CEO Jonathan "JD" Dyke work at their office of the 1717 Innovation Center in Richmond, Va., on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 23, 2023
New Bon Secours Community Health Clinic is open in Manchester, Richmond, Va., on Thursday, March 23, 2023. The clinic will serve scheduled appointments and same day call-in appointments for the uninsured. The 8,000 square foot building is also home to the Bon Secours Care-A-Van, a mobile health clinic.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 24, 2023
Liz Kincaid, CEO of RVA Hospitality and owner of Max's On Broad, is photographed at the restaurant in Richmond, VA on March 24, 2023. Max's On Broad will be closing April 1 and will relaunch as a new concept in the summer. Kincaid also owns Tarrant's & Bar Solita. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
March 25, 2023
Henrico County families gather at Deep Run Park & Recreation Center on Saturday to celebrate all things agriculture during the county's second annual Farm Graze event. Children went booth to booth learning about the wonders of agriculture while participating in fun activities and scavenger hunts.
Lyndon German
March 26, 2023
Church Hill resident Alex Gerofsky finishes the Hill Topper 5K at the Church Hill Irish Festival with a time of 20 minutes, 26.8 seconds.
Thad Green
March 27, 2023
Wyatt Kingston, center, conducts a strength training session with Marshall Crenshaw, left, and Kevin Wright, right, at Hickory Hill Community Center in Richmond, Va., on Monday, March 27, 2023. Kingston, 71, has been working with the parks department for nearly 40 years on all kinds of initiatives, particularly those aimed at children in public housing communities.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 28, 2023
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, center, talks about the ongoing housing crisis in the city during a news conference on March 28.
Daniel Sangjib Min, TIMES-DISPATCH
March 29, 2023
From left, Caroline Ouko and Leon Ochieng, mother and older brother of Irvo Otieno, react near the casket during the celebration of life for Irvo Otieno at First Baptist Church of South Richmond in North Chesterfield on March 29.
Eva Russo
March 30, 2023
Senior students in Charlottesville-Albemarle Technical Education Center's culinary program presented Taj Mahsala: an Indian fusion menu.
SYDNEY SHULER, THE DAILY PROGRESS
March 31, 2023
Richmond Police address onlookers Friday, March 31, 2023 at the intersection of North Avenue and Moss Side Avenue, near Washington Park. Richmond police shot a man who was suspected of shooting a woman earlier in the day in the 1100 block of Evergreen Avenue on Richmond's Southside.
April 1, 2023
Sculptor Jocelyn Russell takes photos of the crowd after the unveiling of her statue of Secretariat at Ashland Town Hall Pavilion on Saturday.
Michael Martz photos, TImes-Dispatch
April 2, 2023
Drivers race in the Toyota Owners 400 at the Richmond Raceway in Richmond, VA on April 2, 2023.. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
April 3, 2023
Dinwiddie County Commonwealth's Attorney Ann Cabell Baskervill is photographed at the Dinwiddie County Courthouse on April 3, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
April 4, 2023
From left, Judy and Ron Singleton pose for a photo on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. MIKE KROPF/TIMES-DISPATCH
Mike Kropf
April 5, 2023
Beatrix Smith dips her matzah in salt water as she enjoys a Pasover Seder with her classmates (from left) Helen Corallo, Camp Maxwell, and Amara Ellen at the Weinstein JCC Preschool Program in Richmond, VA on April 5, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
April 6, 2023
Virginia Community College System Chancellor David Doré speaks with students at Piedmont Virginia Community College on Thursday.
SYDNEY SHULER, THE DAILY PROGRESS
April 7, 2023
A worker pushed water off a tarp on the field at The Diamond Friday, when the Flying Squirrels were scheduled to open their season against Reading.
MIKE KROPF/TIMES-DISPATCH
April 8, 2023
Ember O’Connell-Evans, 1, plays with hula hoops during the Dominion Energy Family Easter event at Maymont on Saturday.
Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH
April 9, 2023
Mike Kearney plays an early form of badminton with grandkids Savannah and Ashton on the lawn of Montpelier during “We, the Kids” Day.
ANDRA LANDI, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REVIEW
April 10, 2023
Gov. Glenn Youngkin, center left, tours Richmond Marine Terminal with W. Sheppard Miller III , Virginia Secretary of Transportation , center right, as Stephen A. Edwards, left, Virginia Port Authority CEO, and Christina Saunders, manager of Richmond Marine Terminal, give them the tour on Monday, April 10, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
April 11, 2023
Inaara Woodards, 5, of Henrico, visits Italian Garden at Maymont with her mother, Victoria Crawley Woodards, and three brothers, Kai, 13, Zion, 12, and Avion Woodards, 11, during their home-school field trip to the park in Richmond, VA., on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. "It’s gorgeous!" Victoria Crawley Woodards said of Tuesday weather. She said it was the perfect weather for the field trip and other activities.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
April 13, 2023
Clarence Thweatt, right, a lead trainer for Chesterfield Public Schools, works on marking points during a transportation road-e-o event, which is friendly competition of school bus drivers demonstrating their driving skills and knowledge of laws, at Chesterfield County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
April 14, 2023
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at Liberty University.
PROVIDED BY LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
April 15, 2023
Tyson Foods workers attend a job fair at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church on Mechanicsville Turnpike. The Glen Allen plant is closing, displacing about 700 employees.
Em Holter
April 16, 2023
A display of 32 white balloons were raised and a 32-second moment of silence was observed in honor of the victims of the April 16, 2007, tragedy at the start of the 2023 3.2-mile Run in Remembrance on the Virginia Tech campus.
MATT GENTRY, The Roanoke Times
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April 17, 2023
Albert Hill Middle School sixth-grader Drew Sirpis looks for birds during the educational boat trip on the James River on Monday.
Eva Russo, Times-Dispatch
April 18, 2023
Richmond Flying Squirrels Luis Matos steals the second base against Erie SeaWolves shortstop Gage Workman in the 3rd inning at The Diamond, Richmond, VA., on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
April 19, 2023
Children participate in Little Feet Meets at Matoaca High School in Chesterfield, VA on April 19, 2023. A total of 1,400 Special Olympic athletes from grades PK-5 throughout Chesterfield County Public Schools competed in Little Feet Meets between two dates, April 12 at James River High and April 19 at Matoaca High. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
April 20, 2023
Mike Blau, center, a line cook, and others work on preparing a soft opening of The Veil's new taproom, located in Scott’s Addition at 1509 Belleville St., on Thursday, April 20, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
April 21, 2023
(From left) VCU sophomore Caroline May, of Pittsburgh, PA, and senior Lee Finch, of Norfolk, VA carry a coffin with a blow-up Earth ball during a VCU Student Climate Protest in Richmond, VA on April 21, 2023. The small crowd walked from the James Branch Cabell Library, though Monroe Park, to the office of VCU President Michael Rao in a mock funeral procession. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
April 22, 2023
Anthony Clary gestures as he runs through confetti during the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k on Saturday.
Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH
April 23, 2023
A volunteer picks up an old wooden palate and brings it to a trash pile during Friends of Fonticello Park's community cleanup on Sunday.
Sean Jones, Times-Dispatch
April 24, 2023
Kay Ford spends time with her cat, Patches, at her home in Mechanicsville, VA., on Monday, April 24, 2023. Ford recently adopted Patches, a 40-pound cat, from Richmond Animal Care and Control. The story of Patches went viral after RACC publicized the cat.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
April 25, 2023
Emily Cover, a project manager with DPR Construction, is shown at Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, left top, in Richmond, VA., on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. DPR is the team that built the hospital.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
April 26, 2023
Guests tour the Anthropology Lab at the new College of Humanities and Sciences STEM building on West Franklin Street in Richmond, VA on April 26, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
April 27, 2023
Police tape marks the scene outside George Wythe High School.
ANNA BRYSON/TIMES-DISPATCH
April 28, 2023
Sculptor Kate Raudenbush takes in her finished piece "Breaking Point" in the Flagler Garden Near the Monet Bridge at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on April 28, 2023. The garden is set to debut "Incanto: An Oasis of Lyrical Sculpture" on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Incanto features five designed, allegorical sculptures, accompanied by poetry, throughout the garden. The exhibition is the work of Raudenbush and poet Sha Michele. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
April 29, 2023
Pharrell Williams performs during the Pharrell's Phriends set at Something in the Water in Virginia Beach on Saturday.
Kendall Warner
May 1, 2023
A man carries a piece of furniture through a neighborhood in Virginia Beach, Va. on Monday May 1, 2023. The City of Virginia Beach declared a state of emergency after a tornado moved through the area and damaged dozens of homes, downed trees and caused gas leaks. (AP Photo/Ben Finley)
Ben Finley
May 2, 2023
Sports Backers Stadium is shown next to The Diamond in this drone photo, in Richmond, VA., on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
May 3, 2023
CAL CARY, THE DAILY PROGRESS UVa cheerleader, Madison DeLoach, in front of other UVa cheerleaders tour the The Avelo Airlines Boeing 737 after landing at Charlottesville Albemarle Airport coming from Orlando on May 3, 2023. Avelo Airlines launched its first Charlottesville to Orlando flight line at the Charlottesville Albemarle Airport on May 3, 2023. The inaugural event consisted of a returning flight from Orlando to Charlottesville Albemarle Airport, a firetruck water salute upon arrival and a tour of the airplane.
Cal Cary
May 4, 2023
(From left) Maryann Macomber, of Mechanicsville, VA, leads a small group prayer with Gloria Randolph, of Richmond, VA, Randolph's great-grandson Xavier Jones, also of Richmond, and John Macomber, of Mechanicsville, during a National Day of Prayer event at the Bell Tower in Capitol Square in Richmond, VA on May 4, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
May 5, 2023
Steffiun Stanley preps dishes at Birdie's in Richmond, VA on May 5, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
May 6, 2023
People at the ¿Qué Pasa? Festival sit on the grass and enjoy the weather on Brown’s Island on Saturday.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
May 7, 2023
Arts in the Park saw thousands pass through Byrd Park over the weekend. The festival is sponsored by the Carilion Civic Association.
Charlotte Rene Woods, Times-Dispatch
May 8, 2023
Gov. Glenn Youngkin shares a quiet moment with Holocaust survivor Halina Zimm on Monday afternoon before ceremonially signing a bill that adds a definition of antisemitism to Virginia law.
David Ress, Times-Dispatch
May 9, 2023
The Molcajete Sinaloa at Mariscos Mazatlan in Henrico, VA on May 9, 2023. Mariscos Mazatlan focuses on traditional Mexican cuisine from the city of Mazatlan and all along the Mexican coast. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
May 10, 2023
A goose, seen here on May 10, 2023, has built a nest in a median of the parking lot near Dilliards at Short Pump Town Center. The mall has put out orange cones to keep cars away and Jerome Golfman, assistant manager at Fink's Jewelers, said he regularly brings it water, cracked corn and other grains.
Eva Russo, TIMES-DISPATCH
May 11, 2023
Mary Finley-Brook, a professor of environmental studies at the University of Richmond and an expert on American gas infrastructure, says repairing the pipes no longer makes sense as gas prices continue to rise.
Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH
May 12, 2023
(From left) Sam Amoaka, a freshman at Virginia State University, helps his girlfriend, Tamia Charles, a freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University, move out of her dorm along with her dad, Thomas Charles, of Fredericksburg, VA, in downtown Richmond, VA on May 12, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
May 13, 2023
Virginia’s Thomas McConvey (left) defends the ball from Richmond’s Jake Kapp during an NCAA Tournament game at Klockner Stadium in Charlottesville on Saturday.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
May 14, 2023
University of Richmond outfielder Christian Beal made a catch on the run during the Friday game of Spiders-VCU series at The Diamond.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
May 15, 2023
The flags at Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission building are flown at half-staff on Monday. Governor Youngkin announced that flags would fly half-staff in honor of Peace Officers' Remembrance Day.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
May 16, 2023
Ukrop's crumb cake has been picked up by Kroger and is being sold nationwide. Here, fresh cinnamon crumb cakes are packaged at the Ukrop's bakery in Richmond, VA on May 16, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
May 17, 2023
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney officially proclaims May as Jewish American Heritage Month during a celebration held in collaboration with the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond and the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) at Richmond City Hall in Richmond, VA on May 17, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
May 18, 2023
Acting Police Chief Richard Edwards stands by as Penn and Victoria Burke places a flower in honor of Sergeant J. Harvey Burke in the wreath at the memorial stone at the Richmond Police Training Academy in Richmond, VA during the Richmond Police Department Police Officers' Memorial Service on May 18, 2023. The ceremony, which took place during National Police Week, paid homage to Richmond's fallen officers. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
May 19, 2023
Doumit Bouhaidarat fries falafel balls to order during the St. Anthony Lebanese Food Festival on Friday.
Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH
May 20, 2023
Dogs compete in the Subaru Ultimate Air Dogs — Splash Qualifier #4 event on the second day of Dominion Energy Riverrock on Saturday.
Eva Russo, Times-Dispatch
May 21, 2023
The Virginia men’s tennis team celebrates after winning the national championship on Sunday in Orlando.
Courtesy UVa athletics photos
May 22, 2023
Vietnam War veteran Stuart Blankenship is photographed at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, VA on Monday, May 22, 2023. Blankenship is one of 50 Vietnam War Veterans from throughout the Commonwealth featured in the exhibit “50 Years Beyond: The Vietnam Veteran Experience” which opened at the Virginia War Memorial on January 28, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
May 23, 2023
Wilbert Hobson poses for a portrait at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, Va, on May 23, 2023. Hobson was part of the 101st Airborne unit of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war. Hobson is very active in his chapter of the American Legion and helped found the Friends of Dupont, and organization. Graduating from an all-Black high school, Vietnam was Hobson’s first real experience with integration. MARGO WAGNER/TIMES-DISPATCH
Margo Wagner
May 24, 2023
Vietnam War veteran, Powhatan Owen, is seen at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, VA on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
May 25, 2023
Madi Mabry laughs with other members of Mango Salon at the 2023 Top Workplaces awards in Richmond on Thursday.
Margo Wagner, Times-Dispatch | https://richmond.com/news/local/education/tappahannock-afghanistan/article_1f1c44aa-f9d8-11ed-8f24-af92ab3c6768.html | 2023-05-26T11:14:08 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/education/tappahannock-afghanistan/article_1f1c44aa-f9d8-11ed-8f24-af92ab3c6768.html |
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP — Jeremiah Scates, a student at Reeds Road Elementary School, was honored Monday on the field prior to a Philadelphia Phillies game.
Scates was chosen as one of 10 recipients of the 2023 Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Student Award. He was nominated by his fifth grade teacher Frank Santo, who calls Scates a "model student who excels academically."
"He is a talented athlete for Galloway Township sports, and he is a leader with his peers," Santo said. "Jeremiah always engages challenges with a growth mindset and never gives up no matter how monumental the task. His accomplishments set a standard of excellence and are a true testament to his character."
As part of the recognition, the Phillies have made a $1,000 donation to Reeds Road. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/galloway-student-honored-at-philadelphia-phillies-game/article_394097d2-fb31-11ed-a6d4-bbae28d7b310.html | 2023-05-26T11:29:23 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/galloway-student-honored-at-philadelphia-phillies-game/article_394097d2-fb31-11ed-a6d4-bbae28d7b310.html |
Mike Trout, 31, a 2009 Millville High School graduate, is a center fielder with the Los Angeles Angels and was the 2014, 2016 and 2019 American League MVP.
Wednesday: Batting second and playing center field, went 1 for 4 with a two-run homer in a 7-3 win over the Red Sox in the series finale. Trout homered in the bottom of the fourth inning off Nick Pivetta, which capped the scoring for the Angels. He also struck out twice in the win.
Thursday: The Angels were off.
Friday: The Angels (28-23) begin a three-game series starting at 9:38 p.m. at home against the Miami Marlins (25-25). Jesus Luzardo (3-3, 3.83 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Marlins. Trout is 0 for 2 in his career against him.
Stats: Trout is hitting .275 (50 for 182) with 12 home runs, 27 RBIs and 33 runs scored in 47 games. He has walked 21 times and struck out 58 times. His on-base percentage was .364, his OPS .891. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/daily-mike-trout-report-angels-open-three-game-series-vs-marlins/article_7ac4a49a-fb0a-11ed-b1a2-4fa8fa882bde.html | 2023-05-26T11:29:29 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/daily-mike-trout-report-angels-open-three-game-series-vs-marlins/article_7ac4a49a-fb0a-11ed-b1a2-4fa8fa882bde.html |
Bristol Aggie students with big dreams of becoming veterinarians get giant boost
DIGHTON — Bristol Aggie sophomore Sarah Ashley will be among the first to graduate from the school's new animal science lab.
“I’ve always wanted to do veterinary stuff and hands-on experience work,” said Ashley, whose class will be the first to graduate from the school's new animal science veterinary lab.
Ashley said she will be able to learn how to examine dogs adn guinea pigs thanks to Bristol County Agricultural High School's new veterinary medical examination equipment.
The animal science lab was created during a $105 million renovation project that began in early 2020 and got completed in January 2022.
Sophomore Shayn Jones said teachers began providing veterinary science instruction to him and his classmates in September.
“This is one of our exam rooms where we will provide annual checkups to animals,” he said inside a renovated room that contained a mannequin dog which is used to teach students how to conduct a medical examination.
School Superintendent Derek Costa said administrators recently purchased various medical examination equipment for teachers to instruct students and for them to utilize while learning animal care.
“This has been many years in the making,” he said. “We have hired two new veterinary science teachers that will start the kickoff of a new veterinary science center in the future.”
Costa said the new machinery includes; anesthesia machines, a 1250 Aaron electrosurgical generator, a high tech sterilizer, a digital x-ray system, a dental table and computer software.
According to Costa the equipment was purchased under a state $474,761 capital skills grant that school officials received in December 2022.
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Animal Science Department Chair Leslie Blanchette said having new medical equipment would “incorporate more science into the veterinarian curriculum.”
“Our vision was to provide our students with updated equipment and make them more marketable to be accepted into college,” she said. “Our goal is to provide our students with quality instruction that will help them in the future.”
Bristol Aggie offers animal daycare
Blanchette said students in the animal science program are taught about the medical needs of farm animals that are provided daycare on the school campus.
“What sets us apart is we have various farming companies that prefer to stock their animal on the campus,” she said. “We have cows, horses, pigs and sheep.”
Ashley said all of the animals on the school property have names.
“A big part of our education is to treat sick animals,” she said.
Blanchette said junior and senior students help school employees provide daycare for rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, rats, parrots, snakes and Russian tortoises.
“They are working with them every day,” she said. “They clean the creature cages and we do veterinary procedures on the creatures with the students"
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Bristol Aggie's new ultrasound machine is 'cool'
Instructor Dr. Jeremy Murdock said students are learning how to determine medical conditions inside animals by observing ultrasound examinations done with a new Piloter imaging device.
“We’re doing an ultrasound exam on a Holland rabbit right now,” he said on May 23. “We are showing the students the latest up-to-date equipment and how to use it.”
Freshman Sophie Bettencourt said it's exciting to have a new ultrasound machine in the school.
“It’s cool that we have the opportunity to see this exam at a high school level,” she said.
Jones said freshmen and sophomores are observing how to examine animals with various new machines and provide proper medical care.
“During our junior and senior years, we will be diving deeper into the medical side,” he said.
Jones said some of that “medical side” would include preparing animals for surgery in a preparation room that was created when the school underwent renovations.
“This room will be used for small dental procedures and urinary exams,” he said. “Students will observe surgeries.”
Bristol County Agricultural High School students plan veterinary careers
Jones said he enrolled in the animal science program to pursue a career as a veterinarian who cares for patients or does research.
“I knew that the program would be very beneficial to me to learn about the different opportunities I have available,” he said. “It has set me up for success and by the time I graduate I will be able to enter college and be confident in my career choice. “
Ashley said she enrolled in the animal science program “for many reasons.”
“I have always loved working hands-on with animals and becoming a part of animal science would mean I could do what I love in school,” she said.
“I dream of becoming a veterinarian. Enrolling in this program would be a big step in the right direction and I knew it would get me a step ahead of other students who didn’t come to Bristol Aggie.”
Ashley said she plans to attend a veterinary care school upon graduating from high school.
“I would like to focus on large and small animal veterinary science because I enjoy working with both types of animals,” she said. | https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/bristol-county-agricultural-high-school-adds-new-veterinary-science-lab/70253752007/ | 2023-05-26T11:30:02 | 0 | https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/bristol-county-agricultural-high-school-adds-new-veterinary-science-lab/70253752007/ |
Olympia High School 2023 Scholarship recipients
STANFORD — The Olympia High School 2023 Awards assembly was held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 15.
The Illinois State Scholars were named at the event and include Andrew Carroll, Chrystal Cornwell, Andria Ewalt, Logan Farquhar, Edwin Hohulin, Elliott Hohulin, Taylor Huffington, Abigail Litwiller and Luke Pratt.
The Susan Schuber Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Maggie McNalis.
The Bank of Pontiac $1,000 Senior Scholarship was awarded to Edwin Hohulin.
The American Legion Post 913 Higher Education $1,000 scholarships were awarded to Edwin Hohulin, Taylor Huffington and Luke Pratt.
The American Legion 913 Dual Credit $250 Scholarship was awarded to Rylie Passmore and Samantha Williams.
The Hopedale Medical Complex Scholarships went to Luke Pratt, Abigail Litwiller and Madeline Conway. Pratt received the $1,000 Orville Augsburger/Dorene Oehler Scholarship, Litwiller received the $2,000 John Rossi Memorial Nursing Scholarship and Conway received the $2,000 Donna Bitner Springer Nursing Scholarship.
The Scott Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund was awarded to McKenzie Banister and Emily Mayberry.
Kyla Birky, Madeline Conway and Luke Pratt received the Ministerial Alliance Scholarship.
The Dale Smith Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Chrystal Cornwell.
Jayson Michel received the $550 Douglas Blair Scholarship, which is awarded to a recipient going into the education field.
A $1,000 Hopedale Betterment Association Scholarship was awarded to Luke Pratt.
Two $1,5000 scholarships from Stanford Christian Church were given to Lexy Douglas and Luke Pratt.
OEA Educator Scholarships worth $750 were awarded to Sydney Spencer and Maggie McNalis.
Taylor Huffington received the $20,000 National Merit Scholarship Corporation from the State Farm Companies Foundation.
Supitcha Siltman was awarded the School to Work Scholarship.
The Army National Guard Scholarship awarded Xzavier Kell, Brody Neuhaus and Clayton Mortimer.
Several department awards were also given out. Brook Rogers and Keagan Meserole were recognized for the Ag Department; Javin Bruder and Elijah Smith for the Industrial Tech/STEM Department; Sarah Larkin and Robyn Baker from the Art Department; Gunnar Wilson and Gabe Demling from the Business Department; and Andrew Carroll and Annabelle Birkey from the Computer Department.
Mason Newton and Julia Collins received awards from the English Department; McKenna Morton and Ash Matheny, German Department; Javin Bruder and Amy Dederich, Spanish Department; Elijah Bishop and Andrew Carroll, Math Department; Ainsley Mahoney and Luke Pratt, Science Department; Ainsley Mahoney and Logan Demling, Social Studies; Julia Collins and Mason Ashworth, Music Department; Delaney Smith and Madison Barnes, Family Consumer Science; and Carmen Alfaya, Lina Kang, Cheyenne Kaspers and Irati Zaldua, Certificate of Completion. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/a-look-at-the-latest-central-illinois-scholarship-winners/article_262dd3ba-fa61-11ed-b6c4-1fff9d808598.html | 2023-05-26T11:39:56 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/a-look-at-the-latest-central-illinois-scholarship-winners/article_262dd3ba-fa61-11ed-b6c4-1fff9d808598.html |
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How Time Flies is a daily feature looking back at Pantagraph archives to revisit what was happening in our community and region.
100 years ago
May 26, 1923: A parade through the downtown district will be the feature of Memorial Day in Bloomington. Members of the city council will take part. The parade will visit Evergreen cemetery, where the Civil War dead are buried, and Park Hill cemetery, where the World War dead are buried.
75 years ago
May 26, 1948: Miss Irene Nordine, a former Bloomington school teacher, is the newest addition to McLean County's list of social workers. She has been appointed to open a new and experimental office of the State Division of Child Welfare in McLean County.
50 years ago
May 26, 1973: These are the times that make service station owners and operators wish they were in the air conditioning business. For many, May is the first month they have experienced the realities of the nationwide fuel shortage. Several major oil company distributors in the region have put retail outlets on quotas, limiting the amount of gasoline a service station may buy in a month.
25 years ago
May 26, 1998: Thousands of Harley Davidson owners will set out from five starting points to converge June 10 on Milwaukee, where the company will celebrate its 95th anniversary. One leg of the trip will start in Dallas on June 5 with at least 1,500 riders and rumble through the Twin Cities on June 8 after picking up more along the way.
101 years ago: See vintage Pantagraph ads from 1922 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/history/50-years-ago-gas-shortage-hits-twin-cities/article_5da8ba82-f7fd-11ed-862d-336d85296c2f.html | 2023-05-26T11:40:02 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/history/50-years-ago-gas-shortage-hits-twin-cities/article_5da8ba82-f7fd-11ed-862d-336d85296c2f.html |
WATERLOO — Lindsay Heying has been named new assistant principal at Dr. Walter Cunningham School for Excellence effective Aug. 1, pending approval by the Waterloo Schools board of directors.
Heying is currently a lead support teacher in the Iowa City Community School District. She has facilitated the learning and training of district special education behavior interventionists, developed behavior intervention plans, and provided guidance and consulting to administrators and teams on special education compliance and family-school communication.
“We are extremely excited to have Lindsey join our Cunningham family in this leadership role,” said Neldrekka Whitaker, Cunningham principal. “She comes with a wealth of knowledge in special education and in literacy that will be an asset to our students, teachers, staff, and community.”
Heying’s K-12 teaching experience spans 22 years during which she has served as a special education and literacy consultant as well as a behavior strategist and special education program lead. Heying holds her bachelor’s in elementary education with a reading endorsement from Wartburg College, her master’s in educational leadership from Upper Iowa University, and her PK-12 administrator/special education supervisor and Iowa evaluator licensure from Viterbo University.
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“I am looking forward to returning to the Waterloo area to be a student-centered leader who is both visible and vulnerable,” said Heying. “I am passionate about providing an equitable education for all students and am excited to work side-by-side with the Cunningham staff to help all students achieve at high levels.”
Heying replaces Mikayla Montgomery who has accepted the position of school improvement consultant with the Central Rivers Area Education Agency. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/cunningham-elementary-gets-new-assistant-principal/article_63e04b9c-fb57-11ed-ab50-f392df4d4e7a.html | 2023-05-26T11:41:29 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/cunningham-elementary-gets-new-assistant-principal/article_63e04b9c-fb57-11ed-ab50-f392df4d4e7a.html |
CEDAR FALLS — One Cedar Valley introduced a new digital tool on Thursday to better help service providers remove barriers and assist people to a point where they can take on employment.
The nonprofit worked with Hawkeye Community College to create the new resource, “The Hub,” after feeling like its community could find a better, more efficient way to help people in crisis.
The database launches July 1 and will help service providers, nonprofits and other partners get more easily connected in a digital space.
The “one stop shop,” developed through the SalesForce application, aims to reduce the number of steps these people have to take to get assistance as well as help the service providers better collaborate and meet the needs of each individual’s situation.
“You might be experiencing food insecurity, need utilities assistance and need to find out how to get your high school diploma,” said Joy Briscoe, executive director of One Cedar Valley. “Currently, in our community, you probably have to walk through three to four different doors to actually get service for that.
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“Think about that. I’m already in crisis and experiencing trauma and yet to actually get service. What we are doing with The Hub is we are looking at serving our community in a very different way.”
Each individual’s situation will be detailed in the databases. A provider will input that information – whether it’s a need for housing, food, health care, or other something else. Other barriers might be the lack of a driver’s license or vehicle or another complication having to do with income, a felony conviction, or a disability, for example.
“We want to have a work-ready community,” said Briscoe. “We want people to not have to worry about and focus on trauma because we are giving them the best possible service out there. They can then think about a career and can move from a place in our community of existing to thriving.”
A network, in essence, will be formulated through the online portal for each client, or what Briscoe likes to call an “opportunity” or “asset.”
“I think it connects us all and brings us closer so that we can all serve in our own way and better together,” said Karin Rowe, executive director of House of Hope.
Some organizations will be immediately notified upon the input of certain pieces of background. Then individual tasks can be created and progress can be tracked as people move toward a place where they can sustain themselves, ready to take on the next career opportunity.
Another hope is these organizations will not have to rely on spreadsheets as much and will have more streamline communication.
“Most of the agencies already collaborate a great deal and I think this will enhance that collaboration,” said Barb Grant, executive director of Operation Threshold. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/one-cedar-valley-releases-the-hub-to-better-help-people-rise-from-crisis-become-work/article_211502b6-fa68-11ed-a634-3b10833dafb7.html | 2023-05-26T11:41:35 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/one-cedar-valley-releases-the-hub-to-better-help-people-rise-from-crisis-become-work/article_211502b6-fa68-11ed-a634-3b10833dafb7.html |
LOCAL
Remembering, honoring officers
The Oak Ridger
Peace Officers Memorial Day was observed in the city of Oak Ridge on Thursday, May 18.
A ceremony was held outside the Municipal Building.
"We invite you to join the Oak Ridge Police Department as we honor the men and women of law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, the law enforcement officers who have retired, the ones who continue to serve with our Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony," stated an announcement from the city inviting the public to the event.
May 15-21 was Police Week and May 15, Police Memorial Day. | https://www.oakridger.com/story/news/local/2023/05/25/remembering-honoring-officers/70251992007/ | 2023-05-26T11:46:52 | 1 | https://www.oakridger.com/story/news/local/2023/05/25/remembering-honoring-officers/70251992007/ |
John O’Reilly knows that the real estate business is all about relationships and community. When he founded Base Camp Realty in 2008, he built his business on referrals. Now, he encourages the agents working with him to do the same, even though the booming housing market of the past few years might seem to make connections less necessary.
“(Real estate) has always been about relationships, but in the past few years, it’s been about speed,” he said. “There are many agents who have only experienced a really robust market. The ways you generate business change a lot when the market isn’t as robust. When the market gets tighter and people aren’t in as much of a rush, (clients will ask), ‘Who brings the most value to me and my family in buying and selling my house?’”
In 2016, Base Camp Realty joined the Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate group, adding corporate support in systems, training, technology and opportunities.
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“It gives our agents such an advantage; everyone recognizes the Better Homes & Gardens name, and you get a seat at the table,” O’Reilly said. “When you’re able to concentrate on the business of real estate – building relationships – and you have someone in the background taking care of technology, it makes things so much easier.”
Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Base Camp took first place in the small companies category for Top Workplaces this year.
In-house support comes in the form of regular Wednesday night roundtables, where agents at every level gather to share information and perspectives.
“I buy the pizza and soda, but I’m not there,” O’Reilly said with a laugh. “It’s everything you wanted to ask, but didn’t want to. The (experienced) agents who show up to share get as much out of it as those coming in.”
Fostering relationships among the team is essential, he said. “We work when other people don’t, on nights and weekends. If you’re doing things correctly, and you’re building your business, you’re busy all the time. So we help each other when we can. It’s a giver’s game: If you do it for somebody else, then they’ll do it for you when you need it.”
The team also works together in the community; in 2020, the agency won a Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate national Community Involvement Award.
“We’re a community-first organization that happens to sell real estate,” O’Reilly said. “No one is going to buy a home until they are comfortable in the community. So we’re in the community: We volunteer at schools, food banks, with coat drives. Our agents personally volunteer. That’s who we are.
“There’s really no magic pill. It’s the basics: being the best you can be, putting in the time and effort. Our agents support each other; our (management) team supports the agents; I support them all.” | https://richmond.com/business/local/top-workplaces/better-homes-gardens-real-estate-base-camp-is-focused-on-relationships-and-community/article_01b10ee2-e078-11ed-8848-83fafe61fe04.html | 2023-05-26T11:47:46 | 0 | https://richmond.com/business/local/top-workplaces/better-homes-gardens-real-estate-base-camp-is-focused-on-relationships-and-community/article_01b10ee2-e078-11ed-8848-83fafe61fe04.html |
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GAYLORD
Downtown farmers market is back for another season
The Petoskey News-Review | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/gaylord/2023/05/26/downtown-farmers-market-is-back-for-anther-season/70251294007/ | 2023-05-26T11:51:53 | 1 | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/gaylord/2023/05/26/downtown-farmers-market-is-back-for-anther-season/70251294007/ |
Executive director presents overview on Otsego County Commission on Aging
GAYLORD — Attendance at Tuesday's Otsego County Board of Commissioners meeting was unusually heavy as supporters and critics of the Otsego County Commission on Aging heard a report on the agency that provides services to the area's growing senior population.
Executive director Dona Wishart discussed the mission, structure and finances of the commission on aging, also known as the OCCOA. Wishart said it was established back in 1979 by the county board. It provides services that "directly impacted" 2,173 county residents, with 1,375 of those occurring in the last month.
In 2021-22, the OCCOA dispensed over 40,000 meals to seniors in the county and has programs that offer recreational, advocacy and in-home services. In 2012-22, the agency had a total of 27 employees including three who were full time and 24 that were part time. All have over 200 years of combined experience.
"Our agency is proud that we have an average 9.5 years of staff retention. Any business understands the value, cost savings and the importance of when you do things that promote retention (of employees)," Wishart said.
Wages range from $12.70 an hour to $37.38 an hour and in the 2021-22 year, the OCCOA had a budget of a little over $2 million. According to Wishart, grants from governmental and non-governmental sources accounted for 14 percent of the budget, donations made up 9 percent, and revenue from the county property tax levy of one mill approved by the voters represented 73 percent. The other 4 percent came from miscellaneous sources.
"We track every dollar from income to expenses," noted Wishart.
She said the OCCOA has two segments — a nonprofit entity and OCCOA Inc., a for-profit unit. The for-profit segment exists in a registered state only and is currently not active. It was established to give the agency an option in diversifying its revenue sources, according to Wishart. Any profit that would be generated from the unit would go into the the nonprofit arm.
In 2021, the county board approved a lease agreement with Otsego Signet LLC for a building located at 1165 Elkview Dr. in Gaylord to house all of the OCCOA operations, which were scattered in several locations. The agreement means OCCOA will pay about $14,000 a month for a total of 25 years, or $4.5 million, and then assume ownership of the building for $1. Otsego Signet also agreed to pay for building renovations to accommodate the OCCOA.
Critics contend it would have been less expensive to just buy the 18,000-square foot building and note that it doesn't have an elevator to allow access to the second floor for the handicapped or those with limited mobility.
"We located our client services on the lower (first) level and we located our volunteer services and (administrative) support services on the second level. We strategically located client services for the clients and their caregivers so they don't have to go up and down," said Wishart.
Wishart said the property slopes down to Elkview Park "but we have not had any difficulty" with snow removal and access in the winter has not been a problem.
Brett Bowen is a loan officer with Horizon Bank and serves on the board of the OCCOA. He said the lease agreement represented the most efficient use of OCCOA dollars.
"The commission has worked hard for years to find something that suits them. A disjointed operation (like what OCCOA had before) with different sites and locations means we now have efficiencies with everything under one roof," said Bowen.
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In other matters, county commissioners approved an application for a Spark grant. The county will provide $50,000 with the grant bringing in $750,000 if approved by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Jacob Brown, director of parks and recreation for the county, said the money will got towards the purchase of new playground equipment, beach improvement and a new splash pad at the county park. A splash pad is an area fitted with various nozzles that dispense streams of water to create a space for recreational water play.
— Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com. | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/gaylord/2023/05/26/executive-director-presents-an-overview-of-county-commission-on-aging/70248567007/ | 2023-05-26T11:51:59 | 1 | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/gaylord/2023/05/26/executive-director-presents-an-overview-of-county-commission-on-aging/70248567007/ |
Tree planting aims to restore shade, beauty taken by tornado
GAYLORD — Community groups and more than 100 volunteers came together on May 19 to plant trees in yards and public spaces across Gaylord, one day short of the anniversary of a powerful tornado which struck the area a year ago.
Partners from Huron Pines, Huron Pines AmeriCorps, Otsego Community Foundation, Gaylord Long Term Recovery Group, the City of Gaylord, ReLeaf Michigan and the DTE Foundation organized the tree planting and coordinated volunteers for the effort, which resulted in 110 trees being installed on private and public property. Another 30 trees and shrubs were given to landowners who were impacted by the tornado but live just outside the city limits.
The collaborative project restores the city’s tree canopy, increases climate resiliency and adds shade and beauty to public spaces and the homes of residents affected by the May 20, 2022 tornado. It is the latest undertaking in an ongoing recovery effort and was part of a larger three-day community event marking the storm’s anniversary.
More:Rebuilding, healing continue a year after devastating tornado in Gaylord
Erin Mann is the disaster recovery coordinator for Gaylord Long Term Recovery Group, which has been providing support and services to affected individuals and families for the past year. She said the aftermath of the tornado left people disoriented by the drastic change in their landscape and stripped away memories that residents associated with trees that had been planted and cared for by their parents and grandparents.
“Beyond the environmental benefits of trees, they also hold sentimental and emotional value for people,” Mann said in a statement. “The replanting of trees is a symbol of recovery and hopefulness for the future as we watch them grow. Our community is filled with kindness and volunteers engage in this process because of their desire to see Gaylord recover fully.”
The tree planting served as Huron Pines AmeriCorps’ annual Russ Mawby Signature Service Project, a yearly event that tackles needs like park clean-ups, neighborhood beautification projects and trail maintenance in communities across Michigan. Ahead of the event, Huron Pines AmeriCorps members selected appropriate tree species and coordinated with property owners who were impacted by the tornado.
On planting day, all two dozen Huron Pines AmeriCorps members worked alongside volunteers in planting 70 eastern redbud, red maple, serviceberry, sugar maple and white pines at homes across the city. ReLeaf Michigan and volunteers planted another 40 trees on public property.
Lisha Ramsdell is associate director of Huron Pines, which oversees the AmeriCorps program.
“Meeting with residents who were impacted by the tornado a year ago, and for them to see the community come together and replace their trees which were lost, has been a positive experience for all,” Ramsdell said. “Huron Pines AmeriCorps is about using our members’ expertise to meet the needs of their communities and joining forces with others in the common goal of helping their neighbors.”
Bud Palin is one of those residents who had trees installed on his property during the event. The storm severely damaged his home and destroyed over two dozen spruce trees he had planted in his yard with his daughters five decades ago. Photographs taken in the immediate aftermath of the tornado show Palin’s home buried in a mass of tangled tree limbs and splintered trunks.
He watched as a crew of volunteers descended upon his street to plant 8-foot sugar maples on his property and those of his neighbors, restoring some of the tree cover he had lost.
“This is marvelous,” Palin said, gazing out over his freshly planted trees. “All the community support after the tornado has been just amazing. It reaffirms my belief there are a lot of good people in this world.”
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Project funders include DTE Energy Foundation, Michigan Community Service Commission, Otsego Wildlife Legacy Society, Rotary Club of Gaylord and the Tornado Response Fund at Otsego Community Foundation.
Dana Bensinger is executive director of the Otsego Community Foundation. She said the Tornado Response Fund, which was initially used to provide emergency shelter and home repairs in the immediate aftermath of the storm, has transitioned to supporting long term recovery projects like this one.
“This fund was established to provide a centralized opportunity for donors to invest in disaster relief efforts and to accelerate recovery toward a thriving, resilient and even stronger Gaylord,” Bensinger said.
Gaylord Mayor Todd Sharrard addressed the day’s volunteers as they gathered under the pavilion that morning, thanking them for their efforts to help the area continue to heal.
“This event is just another example of our community coming together to replace what the tornado took from them,” Sharrard said. “Planting trees is another step back to normalcy for many. May the anniversary of the historic tornado serve as a reminder of our community’s resilience.” | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/gaylord/2023/05/26/tree-planting-aims-to-restore-shade-beauty-taken-by-tornado/70243237007/ | 2023-05-26T11:52:05 | 1 | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/gaylord/2023/05/26/tree-planting-aims-to-restore-shade-beauty-taken-by-tornado/70243237007/ |
ATLANTA — After the rush to the gates at Thursday night's Braves game to get an Outkast bobblehead, came the rush to get them onto eBay.
The statuette was given away to the first 15,000 fans in attendance at Truist Park. It features Andre 3000 in the team's road gray uniform while Big Boi sports their 1970s throwback, as the iconic pair sit in a red convertible.
As far as bobbleheads go, it's one of the more intricate you'll find at a stadium giveaway - and, given who it features, one of the more distinct bobbleheads ever given away by the Braves.
And people really, really want one.
As the first eBay auctions for the bobblehead came to a close Thursday night, the final sale price exceeded even $300 in some instances.
One went for $365, garnering 71 bids. Another sold at a "Buy It Now" price of $350, and yet another went for $305.
Those are probably going to prove outlier sales. Typically bobbleheads - even rare or distinctive ones with high demand - tend to go for no more than $100-$150 in secondary sales. And that was the case with most of the Outkast bobbleheads even Thursday night on eBay - more often than not selling on "Buy It Now" purchases of $125-$200.
The closest comparison for a recent Braves bobblehead is probably the 1992 NLCS Game 7 Sid Bream "The Slide" bobblehead the team gave away a few years ago.
Like the Outkast bobblehead, it's a bit more involved than your typical giveaway - which usually features a single player. "The Slide" bobblehead has Bream, an umpire and Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Mike LaValliere.
The combination of the intricacy of that bobblehead and nostalgia for that historic Braves moment has made it one of the most desired the team has ever given away - and even still, most of the time it goes in secondary sales for $100-$150.
There's no guarantee the Outkast bobblehead market will come back down to earth after the initial frenzy following Thursday night's game - but it's what happens with this sort of thing. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/braves-outkast-bobblehead-secondary-market-auction-sales-ebay/85-561c1e85-1a3e-4c87-af18-4dbdf63b0407 | 2023-05-26T12:03:59 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/braves-outkast-bobblehead-secondary-market-auction-sales-ebay/85-561c1e85-1a3e-4c87-af18-4dbdf63b0407 |
ATLANTA — Pride Month is getting ready to kick off in June, and normally many retailers are getting ready to celebrate the month with the LGBTQI+ community.
Retail giant Target is pulling some of its Pride collection items off the shelves after getting public backlash, which they said resulted in threats to employees’ safety.
It's a decision that is drawing concern from LGBTQI+ residents in Atlanta, such as Jamie Fergerson.
“I came out when I was about 18 years old," she said, noting it wasn't an easy process as a teen living in a small Georgia town.
“It was really challenging as a teenager and in my young 20s," Fergerson said. "I was able to really meet members of the community for the first time and get involved in LGBTQ advocacy and kind of make friends. That really helped me as a young person to become comfortable with myself and set a vision for the future."
Fergerson eventually felt at home being a part of the LGBTQI+ community in Atlanta and is disappointed in Target pulling some of its Pride collection.
"I empathize with Target in wanting to make sure their employees are safe, but the truth is that moving merchandise to a different part of the store or taking it off the shelves is not a real protective measure. You have to be willing to march with us and celebrate with us when things are great, but when you're a leader, it means you also have to stand with us when we need support," Fergerson added. "We need to see meaningful investments and really having our back.”
Steven Igarashi-Ball, who serves as the director of Equity and Engagement for Atlanta Pride believes all people who identify as LGBTQI+ should be able to live their authentic lives in color.
“Target locally has always been a supporter and a sponsor of the Atlanta Pride Committee," Igarashi-Ball said. " We love them. We love their support. They've always really championed the LGBTQ community with the array of products that they've sold in their stores."
He thinks what is happening at Target is a reflection of society.
“To see them cowering to the threats of violence that have been made is really unfortunate," Igarashi-Ball added. "You have to call out violence where it's happening, and it's not the LGBTQ community that is causing a problem.”
He added that this is the time for the LGBTQI+ community to come together in love and show all the shades of who they are.
“We need those voices to be louder than the voices of hate," he remarked.
Target didn’t say which specific items its removing from stores or the details of the threats. Click here to read Target's full statement. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/target-pulling-some-pride-merchandise-atlanta/85-426c3cd9-7d30-4cd6-a5e8-5aae5bdcfe21 | 2023-05-26T12:04:00 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/target-pulling-some-pride-merchandise-atlanta/85-426c3cd9-7d30-4cd6-a5e8-5aae5bdcfe21 |
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Greensboro city offices will be closed.
Guilford County offices will be closed.
North Carolina state government offices will be closed.
Federal government offices will be closed.
Guilford County Schools will be closed.
Garbage collections will be postponed one day.
Other collections will be on a regular schedule.
The JustOne Foundation and VFW Post 2087 will honor fallen veterans at a Memorial Day Event at VFW Post 2087. The ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at 2605 S. Elm-Eugene St.
The Memorial Day ceremony at the Carolina Field of Honor will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Triad Park, 9652 W. Market St., Kernersville.
Jet It grounds its HondaJet fleet after fiery crash in SC
Newest tenant at Winston-Salem mall is creating a stir — only no one can shop there
Shooting overnight in Greensboro leaves 1 victim in critical condition, police say
Man accused of shooting his mother to death at her Greensboro home, authorities say
As Toyota nears first major hiring phase for NC plant, it says more people interested in working there than at any of its U.S. plants
Nick Scarborough resigns as Southwest girls basketball coach
NASCAR investigating derogatory comment aimed at Bubba Wallace during All-Star Race in North Wilkesboro.
Gunshot victim found dead at gas station in Rockingham County
Richard Bowling, who fought for progress and brought disco to Greensboro, dies at 84
Tina Turner, unstoppable superstar whose hits included 'What's Love Got to Do With It,' has died at 83
Cone Health breaks ground on 'heart tower'
Chick-fil-A’s first-ever restaurant is closing
Judge denies bond to man accused of killing Jesse Pitonzo, 26, in February
Man shot and killed by deputies in Kernersville identified.
Guilford County Sports Hall inducts 12 in latest class, including Susan Yow
The speaker will be Al Stewart, a retired assistant Greensboro police chief.
Stewart is also a decorated Vietnam veteran. He was an Airborne-Ranger sergeant and a Night Hawk gunship gunner.
Stewart has served serval tours as an adviser to soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and Lebanon since his retirement.
Lawn chairs are recommended. The ceremony will be held rain or shine.
For more information, go to https://www.carolinafieldofhonor.org/ and click on the events menu.
Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/memorial-day-closings-changes-and-activity/article_3bc3e606-fb15-11ed-a7a9-d73e8c8965de.html | 2023-05-26T12:06:39 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/memorial-day-closings-changes-and-activity/article_3bc3e606-fb15-11ed-a7a9-d73e8c8965de.html |
OCALA, Fla. – A 30-foot hole that opened last weekend in the parking lot of an Ocala shopping plaza remained Thursday, as a rainy week has slowed repairs to a pipe that was burst by rain in the first place, according to the company in charge of fixing it.
The hole, located in the northwest quadrant of where State Road 200 and SW 27th Avenue intersect in Ocala, has since forced the nearby Vitamin Shoppe business to close its doors.
According to Dwight Smith with D&D Smith Constructors, rain caused an underground pipe to burst and has since created more damage as workers try to divert the water and protect the area around the hole.
“I got a text message, just two pictures, I’m like ‘Oh boy,’” said Smith, adding that he raced from Orlando to Ocala to respond. “I kind of took over the reigns of getting fencing, getting protection, bringing in a site crew, contacting our engineers. Some showed on Saturday.”
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In a statement, the city of Ocala acknowledged that the hole opened up on private property. After getting involved to deem the area secure, next steps provide that private contractors and engineers develop a remediation plan to submit to the city building department for approval at a later date.
Eventually, crews are set to replace two sections of piping and seal everything in place with compacted soil, what officials said could take months to complete.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/26/rain-opens-massive-hole-in-florida-stores-parking-lot/ | 2023-05-26T12:21:35 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/26/rain-opens-massive-hole-in-florida-stores-parking-lot/ |
SAN ANTONIO — An AMBER Alert was issued for two young children out of San Antonio.
The children, identified as 2-year-old Zylah Faulks and 9-year-old Kamil Brown-Sykes, were last seen in the 3200 block of Bolmore Drive around 4:50 p.m. on Thursday, which is on the southeast side.
Faulks has brown eyes and black hair and weighs around 30 pounds. Brown-Sykes has brown eyes and black hair and is 3'9".
The suspect has been identified as Julio Najar-Trevino. He is 29-years-old with brown hair and hazel eyes. He is 6-feet tall and was last seen in a 2008 grey Saturn Aura. The license number is SWS6018.
Anyone with information is asked to call (210) 207-7660. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/amber-alert-issued-for-two-young-children-last-seen-in-san-antonio/273-ab162389-7e7e-4ca7-a8c1-ba75fe467277 | 2023-05-26T12:23:48 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/amber-alert-issued-for-two-young-children-last-seen-in-san-antonio/273-ab162389-7e7e-4ca7-a8c1-ba75fe467277 |
KATY, Texas — Know someone who got at least three As this past school year? If so, they can get into Typhoon Texas in Katy for free.
The waterpark on I-10 next to Katy Mills Mall is offering the free passes for the three-or-more As from May 30 through June 2 to kick off their summer break.
If your child -- or you -- has three As, just make sure to bring a report card from the 2022-2023 school year, along with a matching ID, to the Typhoon Texas entrance. Anyone who tags along with the star student will get a discounted rate of $19.99. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/typhoon-texas-free-admission/285-fd532a8a-660f-4a8e-8115-bfc28179e9a3 | 2023-05-26T12:23:49 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/typhoon-texas-free-admission/285-fd532a8a-660f-4a8e-8115-bfc28179e9a3 |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — From Wichita to Washington D.C.
A Wichita State University (WSU) Shocker is on his way to our nation’s capital to join The President’s Own United States Marine Band; America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. The Marine Band was formed by an Act of Congress in 1798 while the White House was under construction.
On this spring morning, Billy Berue plays his trumpet for me and for you in Wichita State’s Wiedemann Hall.
Next month, he will be playing for the President of the United States.
“It’s a huge honor to be part, to be offered a position, and to be part of The President’s Own Marine Band,” said the WSU graduate student in trumpet performance.
The native of Southern California and Arizona State undergraduate has a dream student at WSU, says Associate Professor of Trumpet Dr. David Hunsicker.
“So, Billy came to us at a very high level playing at a professional level before he was even here. But I think it’s sort of like in sports. You have players who think that they’re all that in college, and, you know, it’s another level to get to the pros. Billy was never like that. He was always prepared to continue to work hard,” said Dr. Hunsicker.
Billy was called in for a two-day, three-round audition. He competed against 90 other trumpet players.
“I guess I always knew that I wanted to be part of, like, a bigger ensemble. Like, whether that had been an orchestra or a band since I was basically a freshman in high school,” said Berue.
“Oh, it’s a great honor for Billy and certainly for our school. I couldn’t be more excited to have a student achieve something like that,” said Dr. Hunsicker. “I’m as excited about my students who are teaching in public schools as well. You know, this is something different, though. Certainly.”
Berue enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps for his eight-year stint with the Marine Band, where he will perform in Marine Chamber Orchestra concerts, for foreign dignitaries, on Induction Days, at military funerals, sporting events, and so much more.
“Billy is — he’s a wonderful student. He’s a wonderful player. He’s a tremendous trumpet player, but he’s equally a great person. And I think that’s a big reason for his success, and he’s going to represent our country very well,” said Dr. Hunsicker.
“I’m very excited to start my career in this amazing band with amazing colleagues. I mean, I’ve already had people reach out to me telling me congratulations and just looking forward to working with you, and I think that it’s just going to be a lot of fun just getting to do what I have always wanted to do,” added Berue.
Berue will load up a U-Haul and head to Alexandria, Virginia, next week. While he’s serving in The President’s Own Marine Band, he plans to continue working on his Master’s of Music degree. He’s completed one year of a two-year program under Dr. Hunsicker. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wsu-graduate-student-taking-his-trumpet-to-washington-d-c/ | 2023-05-26T12:34:58 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wsu-graduate-student-taking-his-trumpet-to-washington-d-c/ |
How does New Mexico compare to national list of top baby names in 2022?
LAS CRUCES – The Social Security Administration announced the top baby names of 2022.
The SSA has been compiling a list of top baby names since 1997. Trends in names and pop culture influences can be seen reflected in the lists each year.
According to the SSA, Liam has made the top of the national list for six continuous years while Olivia has topped the list for four years. New Mexicans followed the national trend with boys’ names, but Sophia came in as the top names for girls in the state for 2022.
Check out where New Mexico baby names stand compared to the national list.
Top ten boys’ names in 2022 nationally
- Liam
- Noah
- Oliver
- James
- Elijah
- William
- Henry
- Lucas
- Benjamin
- Theodore
Top five boys’ names in New Mexico in 2022
- Liam
- Mateo
- Noah
- Ezekiel
- Santiago
Top ten girls’ names in 2022 nationally
- Olivia
- Emma
- Charlotte
- Amelia
- Sophia
- Isabella
- Ava
- Mia
- Evelyn
- Luna
Top five girls’ names in New Mexico in 2022
- Sophia
- Emma
- Mia
- Isabella
- Olivia
The SSA said the only new name joining the top 10 list nationally was Luna. The administration also lists the top five names rising fastest in popularity.
Top five boys’ names rising nationally
- Dutton
- Kayce
- Chosen
- Khaza
- Eithan
Top five girls’ names rising nationally
- Wrenlee
- Neriah
- Arlet
- Georgina
- Amiri
People can find the full list of 1,000 names online at www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames. The popularity of a specific name over the years can also be found online.
Leah Romero is the trending reporter at the Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached at 575-418-3442, LRomero@lcsun-news.com or @rromero_leah on Twitter.
Others are reading: | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/how-does-new-mexico-compare-to-national-list-top-baby-names-2022-social-security-admin-liam-sophia/70245799007/ | 2023-05-26T12:36:14 | 0 | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/how-does-new-mexico-compare-to-national-list-top-baby-names-2022-social-security-admin-liam-sophia/70245799007/ |
PRC orders EPE to give credits to New Mexicans after undercharging large customers
El Paso Electric could return over $1.19M to southern NM residents
This article was originally published by Source New Mexico.
State officials want to make sure New Mexicans are not missing out on what could be more than $1 million because a Texas utility company was found charging incorrect rates on electric bills.
Last week, the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission ruled that El Paso Electric had been undercharging some of its largest customers a few years ago, consequently making other people pay higher rates.
Commissioners said the undercharge created inequities in the rates that other regular El Paso Electric customers paid. Officials in Las Cruces argue the utility owes more than $1.19 million for overcharging people.
The PRC ordered El Paso Electric to fix its billing mistakes by creating new discounted rates for people with non-commercial accounts and gave the Texas-based company just under a month to determine how much it will return in credits.
The utility has until June 6 to file a notice with credited rates.
El Paso Electric will not appeal the decision in court and is moving in motion plans to correct the charge to its customers, according to utility spokesperson Karmen Mayorga.
She said the utility will credit its non-commercial customers to make up for undercharging its large customers starting July 1.
“Pursuant to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission’s order, El Paso Electric is to correct the underbilling of five large commercial customers and will credit the underbilled sum directly to all other customers over the course of the next year,” Mayorga said via email.
How this happened
Utilities can charge their customers certain fees in order to meet state-required renewable energy standards.
Large, nongovernmental utility customers used to have caps on how much of these fees they had to pay for utilities’ renewable energy requirements — no more than 2% of their annual revenue. New Mexico lawmakers reversed that rule in 2019 when they amended the Renewable Energy Act.
However, El Paso Electric continued to cap fees for some of its biggest customers.
This matter dates back to 2018, when the PRC approved fines that El Paso Electric wanted to charge its customers in order to pay for energy from a facility in southern New Mexico. The city of Las Cruces disagreed with the fees and appealed the PRC decision with the New Mexico Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, El Paso Electric charged its customers the extra fines from 2019 to 2021.
In December 2021, the New Mexico Supreme Court decided that the fees were illegal.
The PRC shouldn’t have approved the fines because the energy costs that the utility was charging for should’ve been free under federal law, according to the court.
So the public regulation commission ordered El Paso Electric to pay back its customers. In 2022, the utility returned over $600,000 to its customers in southern New Mexico.
Las Cruces officials had more issues with the Texas utility company, arguing in a hearing that took place in January and February 2023 that the El Paso Electric capping fees on its largest customers since 2019 trickled into higher bills for people with smaller accounts.
El Paso Electric could owe more than $1.19 million to people with accounts in southern New Mexico, said Las Cruces Utilities administrator José F. Provencio.
El Paso Electric argued against paying it all back, saying discounted rates or credits would qualify as “retroactive ratemaking,” or changing rates after they’ve already been set in place and charged. And, the utility argued, El Paso Electric billed people following approval in 2018 directly from the PRC.
Last week, the Public Regulation Commission agreed with Las Cruces officials and ordered El Paso Electric to give its general customers credits to make up for the difference in the rates the utility charged them compared to its large customers.
The PRC said since the rates were wrong in the first place, the utility needs to fix them.
Commissioners also said all parties — including the PRC and El Paso Electric — have to follow New Mexico law, regardless of what the commission ordered in 2018. PRC attorney Russell Fisk explained this during the public meeting last week.
“Correcting billing to comply with the amendments to the (Renewable Energy Act) is not retroactive ratemaking,” Fisk said. “It is ensuring compliance with the law to which the Commission as well as EPE were and are subject.”
Now that El Paso Electric has to fix the incorrect charges, the city of Las Cruces also wanted the utility to skip over figuring out how much needs to be credited, since Provencio’s testimony with the city added up to $1,198,067 in error.
The PRC disagreed.
Commissioners said the utility should be able to calculate the needed billing adjustments, which El Paso Electric has about a month to do.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a case where the commission ordered an adjustment that would be executed by utility without letting the utility calculate the adjustment,” Fisk said.
Megan Gleason is a reporter for Source New Mexico.
Others are reading: | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/las-cruces/2023/05/26/prc-orders-el-paso-electric-to-give-credits-to-customers/70252195007/ | 2023-05-26T12:36:20 | 1 | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/las-cruces/2023/05/26/prc-orders-el-paso-electric-to-give-credits-to-customers/70252195007/ |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) – The governor and lieutenant governor are at odds over widening the I-65 highway, mainly whether there is money to pay for it right now.
Tourists and locals alike know the frustrations of traveling along I-65 to get to popular summer destinations.
“Every time we go to the beach, you can expect, it says 6 hours, but it’ll probably be around 7 or 8,” says Zak Keith, who is heading to the beach for the weekend.
Some people are hitting the road early for Memorial Day, knowing the traffic is likely to get worse throughout the weekend.
“It seems like traffic’s worse on 65 than it is anywhere else, especially once you get south of Montgomery, it gets really bad,” Steve Curtis, a frequent I-65 traveler, said.
“It’s, you know, from 10 miles per hour to 70, and so with traffic this weekend and school being out and Memorial Weekend, it’s been tough out there,” says Amy Brekle, who is going to the beach for the holiday weekend. “Another lane would be a huge bonus.”
Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth has proposed adding an extra lane to I-65 in each direction from Tennessee to Mobile. He says that could be a reality in 10 to 15 years.
CBS 42 political analyst Steve Flowers says expanding I-65 is something almost every person who travels it often would like to see.
“That is where most of the traffic in this state is. So, it makes sense to say that we ought to four-lane I-65. I’ve had a lot of frustrating days; I think a lot of people have on that thing,” Flowers said. “I get stopped 4 out of 10 times.”
Flowers says Governor Ivey would also like to see I-65 expanded, but there has to be money to complete the project. This raises the question, what about money from the gas tax or Rebuild Alabama?
“Alabama does not have a wealth of money for roads. [Ivey] probably should have asked for more money for the gas tax than she did. Now, she’s got a lot of criticism for it but in defense of her, she at least did something as governor to increase the gasoline tax to give us the possibility of having some roads,” says Flowers.
Flowers says although the I-65 expansion is something many people think should be a priority, the governor knows best how much money the state has and where to spend it. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/debate-swirls-around-whether-i-65-expansion-project-is-doable/ | 2023-05-26T12:38:49 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/debate-swirls-around-whether-i-65-expansion-project-is-doable/ |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Memorial Day weekend is here and that means the start of summer travel is here and roads will be packed.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said interstate travel can be compact with so many people on the road. So, it’s important to pack your patience, be alert, and be aware of other drivers.
State Trooper Justin O’Neal says people should expect heavier delays, especially on I-65. It’s important to give yourself extra time for a safe arrival.
“That is usually the main route people will take to go to the beach, so just expect those delays through there because the four-lane coming through Alabaster, when it drops to the two-lane, you’ve got that many more cars trying to merge over so just be prepared to slow down a little bit,” said Trooper O’Neal.
O’Neal said troopers will always be on patrol to help, but obeying basic traffic laws is imperative. Wear your seatbelt, watch your speed, don’t drink and drive, and give yourself plenty of distance from other cars.
“Especially on the interstate,” said Trooper O’Neal. “A lot of people don’t realize that following too close is one of the leading causes of crashes in our state. So, leave that distance between you and that car in front of you.”
Traffic will be heavy, but there’s plenty of pit stops along the way. Businesses along the interstate say they benefit big from foot traffic.
Peach Park is just off I-65 in Chilton County on your way to the lake and beach.
Owner Mark Gray said they’ve got a full weekend ahead with special sales and live music on their deck.
Gray said their peach products are popular with the crowds, offering homemade sweet treats like peach ice cream, cobblers, and fried pies.
“We just want them to have a good time,” said Gray. “We want them to be able to get out and walk around, stretch their legs if they’re headed to the beach. You know, we just like to be a good pit stop for them and feed them good, get them good and sleepy so when they hit the interstate, except for the driver. They can rest until they get on down to the beach.” | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/heavy-traffic-expected-over-memorial-day-weekend-state-troopers-advise-packing-your-patience/ | 2023-05-26T12:38:55 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/heavy-traffic-expected-over-memorial-day-weekend-state-troopers-advise-packing-your-patience/ |
HARRISBURG, Pa. — One person is fighting for their life after a Harrisburg shooting drew police to Disbrow Street early Friday morning.
Lt. Kyle Gautsch says one person sustained life-threatening injuries and is undergoing surgery at a local hospital.
Police say the incident appears to be isolated and does not appear to be a random act.
It is unclear if a suspect is in custody at this time.
A FOX43 crew at the scene reported that police had completely closed off Disbrow Street between Carnation Street and Walnut Street earlier this morning.
This is a developing story. FOX43 has a crew at the scene and will provide updates as more information becomes available. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/harrisburg-shooting-police-disabrow-street/521-922fbd5e-e571-4461-ac50-51612af5701e | 2023-05-26T12:47:13 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/harrisburg-shooting-police-disabrow-street/521-922fbd5e-e571-4461-ac50-51612af5701e |
Average daily flows
Snake River at Jackson 279 cfs
Snake River at Palisades 8,819 cfs
Snake River at Heise11,837 cfs
Snake River at Blackfoot 6,837 cfs
Snake River at American Falls 8,678 cfs
Snake River at Milner 0 cfs
Little Wood River near Carey 849 cfs
Jackson Lake is 52% full.
Palisades Reservoir is 76% full.
American Falls Reservoir is 85% full.
Upper Snake River system is at 76% of capacity.
As of May 25 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/average-daily-streamflows/article_d47a9f62-fb05-11ed-8ffb-335614601640.html | 2023-05-26T12:51:24 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/average-daily-streamflows/article_d47a9f62-fb05-11ed-8ffb-335614601640.html |
BURLEY — It was a jubilant scene for the seniors of the Class of 2023, who capped off their high school experience and looked forward to the future.
One of the largest classes in the history of Burley High School, 240 seniors collected their diplomas at commencement on Thursday night.
As a packed crowd waited for the moment the graduates would begin the procession, they were treated to festive music from the BHS Jazz Band, which kept the vibe of the already-enthusiastic crowd buzzing.
Salutatorian Sage Baker told fellow graduates that the moment that seemed to take a lifetime to arrive was finally here. She also pointed out that over an average life span of 77 years, high school accounts for just 5% of life.
“Now that this 5% of our lives is over, we can move on and face what comes next,” Baker said.
She listed the things learned in school that might not matter so much in the future, like remembering to format papers in 12-point Times New Roman font, or knowing that the mitochondria was the powerhouse of the cell.
“Being a kind, honest, hardworking and loyal person can get you lots of opportunities,” Baker said. “Pattern your life after those people who lifted you up: that teacher, that friend, that family member ... use this 5% to 100% change you for the better.”
Each of the speakers thanked parents, families, staff, and especially teachers who helped guide their way.
Longtime teacher Craig Mills, who is retiring after decades at the high school, was honored with thunderous applause.
School Board Chair Jeff Rasmussen invited Mills to stand for recognition and thanks.
“Every one of my children said that they will always be grateful and remember Mr. Mills,” Rasmussen said.
As the seniors depart Burley to head into the next phase of their life, Vice Principal Andrew Wray told the Times-News that this class was special.
“This year’s group is one that’s going to be hard to see go on,” Wray said in a phone call. “They’ve been leaders, they’ve accomplished some amazing things over the last few years.”
The school’s Business Professionals of America chapter had three individuals place in the top five at the National BPA competition in Anaheim earlier this month.
Valedictorian Cree Milliron, who serves as treasurer for the Idaho chapter of FFA, placed first in the nation in his event at BPA.
Milliron used his opportunity to address the crowd to share some of what he had learned about life so far.
“I could stand up here and tell you how we got extremely close after the past four years and tell you to follow your dreams and shoot for the stars, but instead I’m going to be brutally honest,” Milliron said.
Milliron said he was never the most popular kid in school, nor the best athlete, nor the smartest, but he had been driven by an “unbearable internal pressure” to succeed and reach perfection.
“I now realize that leaving a legacy is less about accomplishing perfection and more about the unique impacts I can make,” Milliron said. “Congratulations Class of 2023. You made it, let’s let the party begin.”
Following graduation, 56% of Burley graduates said in a survey that they plan on attending a university or state college within two or three years after graduation, and around 10% plan on attending a trade school.
This year, 84 seniors graduated from Burley with a Technical Diploma, indicating they have completed two years of classes in the same technical program at places like the Cassia Regional Technical Center or the College of Southern Idaho.
Nine students received associate degrees from CSI, along with their diploma.
According to the graduate survey, more than 52% of this year’s graduating class have been in Cassia County schools since kindergarten.
PHOTOS: Burley High graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation, 2023
Burley High School graduation 2023
Upcoming Magic Valley graduations
Jerome High School, 6 p.m. Friday, in the gym
Camas County High School, Saturday, at the school in Fairfield
Mt. Harrison High School, 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, at Minico High School auditorium
Shoshone High School, 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, in the gym
Minico High School, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 1, at the school soccer fields in Rupert
Carey High School, 7 p.m. Saturday, June 2, at the school
Wood River High School, 4 p.m. Friday, June 9, at the school in Hailey | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/education/let-the-party-begin-burley-high-school-celebrates-one-of-its-largest-graduating-classes/article_330a7434-fb20-11ed-8192-27a290e5cbe7.html | 2023-05-26T12:51:30 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/education/let-the-party-begin-burley-high-school-celebrates-one-of-its-largest-graduating-classes/article_330a7434-fb20-11ed-8192-27a290e5cbe7.html |
It’s parachuting with a purpose.
BASE jumpers plan to complete 22 jumps apiece Saturday off the Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls to bring attention to the scourge of traumatic brain injuries.
It’s not a number picked at random, but symbolic for the estimated average number of U.S. servicemembers and veterans who take their own lives each day.
BASE jumping 22 times in a single day won’t be an easy task, requiring focus, physical effort and skill, organizers say, but they believe it is an appropriate way to bring attention to people who have struggled with brain injuries.
An estimated 2.5 million people in the U.S. sustain traumatic brain injuries every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Besides the older adults and children, members of the military are vulnerable during combat or training exercises, and that is how the nonprofit group 22 Jumps was formed.
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TBIs and post traumatic stress disorder often leave both servicemembers and civilians feeling hopeless as they live with debilitating symptoms and few treatment options, officials say.
22 Jumps founder Tristan Wimmer knows firsthand how devastating TBIs can be to families. In November 2015, after suffering for nearly a decade with a traumatic brain injury sustained in Iraq, his brother Kiernan took his own life.
In seven events held the last three years, in Idaho, Arizona and West Virginia, 22 Jumps has raised almost $230,000 for TBI research. Events were held the last two years in Twin Falls, and the group will be back on Friday, kicking things off with a speakers’ series at 5 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre, with leaders in the field of mental health, physical health and TBI research.
Keynote speaker Ph.D. Allyson Gage, chief medical officer of Cohen Veterans Bioscience, will discuss the state of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder research.
Other speakers will include Dr. Amy Killen, Human Optimization Project; Dr. Carrie Esopenko, Mount Sinai Brain Injury Research Center; and Dr. Andrea Kalvesmaki, University of Utah Health.
Ticket price is $22.
At 7 p.m., a fundraising concert by Nashville-based musician Brandon Mills, known for his emotionally charged storytelling, will take place at Koto Brewing, 156 Main Ave. W. Admission is free, and Koto will donate a percentage of sales that night toward 22 Jumps.
BASE jumping will officially start at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Perrine Bridge, with the national anthem by Canyon Ridge High School graduate Savannah Slagel, who held a 22 Jumps event in 2021 as her senior project.
The motorcycle group Magic Valley Kingdom Kruisers will also ride across the bridge at that time, followed by “flag jumps,” with BASE jumpers jumping and flying the flag of the United States and each branch of the military as well as one for Ukraine.
Cohen Veterans Bioscience will also have a booth and employees will be available to talk with the public about TBI and brain health.
Among the BASE jumpers are Maj. Theresa Nafis, F-35B pilot, U.S. Marine Corps; PO1 Kristen Jacobson, explosive ordnance disposal, U.S. Navy, Firefighter Carly Lucas of the San Jose Fire Department; and Michael Byrnes, 160th SOAR Veteran, U.S. Army.
BASE jumping holds a special place in Wimmer’s heart. Brother, Kiernan, who had suffered the TBI in 2006 while serving in Al Anbar, Iraq, inspired him to become involved with the sport. In fact, Tristan relates that he was “mesmerized” the first time he saw his brother BASE jump.
Tristan said his family helplessly watched as his brother’s brain injury deteriorated his quality of life, causing him to become emotional and violent. No amount of intervening, pleading, or outward expressions of love seemed to help. Kiernan refused to admit he had a problem and instead covered up vulnerability with bravado, impulsivity and alcohol, Tristan said.
To people closest to them, it was evident things were slowly becoming unglued.
Tristan hoped that through BASE jumping, the two, both Marines, could heal together.
Kiernan’s tragic story is just one of thousands of veteran suicide stories over the past 20 years, said Tristan, who adds that there is a large body of evidence that supports a link between TBI and suicides. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/parachuting-with-a-purpose-base-jumping-to-raise-funds-for-brain-injury-research/article_46313300-fb47-11ed-96b3-174100058843.html | 2023-05-26T12:51:36 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/parachuting-with-a-purpose-base-jumping-to-raise-funds-for-brain-injury-research/article_46313300-fb47-11ed-96b3-174100058843.html |
Passengers injured after SARTA buses collide in downtown Canton
Two SARTA buses involved in collision
- The front end of one SARTA bus struck the side of another SARTA bus at McKinley Avenue and Fifth Street NW.
- Some passengers were transported to area hospitals before being treated and released.
CANTON − Two Stark Area Regional Transit Authority buses collided in downtown, resulting in some passengers being transported to a hospital for minor injuries, SARTA said Thursday.
The crash took place at Fifth Street NW and McKinley Avenue NW around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, SARTA's CEO Kirt Conrad said.
The accident involved a 117 bus that serves the area around 12th Street NW west of Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital and the 105 bus that serves the area near the Belden Village Transit Center. The 117 bus was going east on Fifth Street NW. The 105 bus was going south on McKinley.
Related:SARTA to host public meetings on upcoming route changes
Related:SARTA bus catches fire on I-77 in Canton
Conrad said one or both buses ran a red light resulting in a T-bone collision. He estimated that the buses were going about 30 miles per hour.
A request for the accident report has been submitted to Canton Police.
Pictures posted on social media showed that the 105 bus experienced extensive front-end damage.
Conrad said one bus had eight or nine passengers on it and the other bus had two or three passengers. An unknown number of passengers were transported to area hospitals and he said all were treated and released.
It's not clear if either driver was injured. And it's not clear yet which driver was at fault or what disciplinary action they could face.
Conrad said SARTA has reported the accident to the Ohio Transit Risk Pool, a self-insured collaborative of area transit agencies that provides insurance coverage.
Separately, another accident involving a public vehicle took place several blocks south on McKinley on Wednesday morning. A southbound 2023 Dodge car in the middle lane of McKinley Avenue going about 15 miles per hour attempted to turn left onto Third Street SW and struck a southbound 2007 Canton firetruck going 25 miles per hour that was in the left lane, according to a Canton police report. The collision was at 11:28 a.m.
The incident report said no one was apparently injured but both vehicles had functional damage.
Reach Robert at robert.wang@cantonrep.com. Twitter: @rwangREP. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/canton/2023/05/26/front-of-sarta-bus-crashes-into-side-of-another-sarta-bus/70259290007/ | 2023-05-26T12:52:00 | 1 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/canton/2023/05/26/front-of-sarta-bus-crashes-into-side-of-another-sarta-bus/70259290007/ |
Ann Arbor man, 77, scares off suspect who broke into his house
Ann Arbor police are searching for a man who broke into a home Wednesday but ran off after the 77-year-old owner fired a gun at him.
Officers were called at about 6 p.m. Wednesday to a home in the 1800 block of Arbordale Street near Stadium and Pauline boulevards for a report of a home invasion and shots fired.
According to a preliminary investigation, a male suspect forced his way into the house through the kitchen window while the owner was home.
The victim told officers that he was in his bedroom when he heard what he thought was someone trying to open a screendoor. He went to the kitchen where he saw a strange man in the kitchen.
Police said the homeowner produced a handgun and fired a single shot at the suspect. The round didn't strike the suspect, who jumped out of the kitchen window and ran, they said.
The homeowner told officers he did not know the suspect and described him as a male in his late 20s with a thin build, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and wearing a gray sweatshirt.
No injuries were reported and nothing was taken, police said.
Anyone with information about the incident or the suspect should call Ann Arbor Police at (734) 794-6920.
cramirez@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @CharlesERamirez | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/05/26/ann-arbor-man-77-scares-off-suspect-who-broke-into-his-house/70259798007/ | 2023-05-26T12:52:47 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/05/26/ann-arbor-man-77-scares-off-suspect-who-broke-into-his-house/70259798007/ |
High court to hear arguments on whether township drone violated homeowner's privacy
Lansing — The Michigan Supreme Court has agreed to weigh in on a dispute between a northern Michigan township and homeowners over the use of drones to survey and photograph the homeowners' property.
The high court on Wednesday ordered oral arguments in a case over whether Long Lake Township officials violated Todd and Heather Maxon's Fourth Amendment rights when the township photographed their property to investigate zoning and nuisance complaints. The court also will examine, if the township did violate those rights, whether the photographs should be excluded from further zoning disciplinary action.
The Maxons filed suit against the township in Grand Traverse County Circuit Court in 2018, arguing photos the township had taken of their property with a drone should be thrown out because they were an invasion of privacy and a violation of the Fourth Amendment, which protects against "unreasonable searches and seizures."
The township argued that it had taken the photos to show there was a "significant increase in the amount of junk" on the property that violated a zoning ordinance banning illegal salvage or junkyards. Officials referred to prior case rulings that supported the use of photos taken from a manned aircraft to back their use of drones.
Grand Traverse Circuit Court denied the Maxons' request to suppress the images.
But the Michigan Court of Appeals in March 2021 ruled 2-1 that the aerial footage from the drone of the Maxon's backyard violated their "reasonable expectation of privacy." The appellate panel found drones were "intrinsically more targeted in nature than airplanes" and that the township would need a search warrant in order to use one in an investigation.
"If a governmental entity has any kind of nontrivial and objective reason to believe there would be value in flying a drone over a person’s property, as did plaintiff here, then we trust the entity will probably be able to persuade a court to grant a warrant or equivalent permission to conduct a search," wrote Court of Appeals Judge Kathleen Jansen in the 2021 majority opinion.
In a dissent, Judge Karen Fort Hood expressed concerns about the "intrusive nature of drones," but wrote that she felt the court was bound by U.S. Supreme Court precedent finding items visible from a "public navigable airspace" aren't protected by the Fourth Amendment.
In 2022, the Michigan Supreme Court agreed to hear oral arguments in the case before changing course and asking the Court of Appeals to reconsider the case to see if the "exclusionary rule" appplied.
The exclusionary rule is typically considered a second step in a case involving a Fourth Amendment violation, requiring a court to decide, after making a finding of a Fourth Amendment violation, whether that violation merits the exclusion or suppression of evidence obtained via that alleged violation.
The Court of Appeals in September ruled the exclusionary rule did not apply to the Long Lake Township case, noting that the exclusionary rule was usually limited to criminal cases in order to deter police misconduct, not civil ones such as a zoning dispute.
"The exclusionary rule is intended to deter police misconduct, not that of lower-level bureaucrats who have little or not training in the Fourth Amendment," the Court of Apppeals panel said.
eleblanc@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/05/26/did-township-drone-violate-residents-privacy-high-court-to-decide/70257182007/ | 2023-05-26T12:52:53 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/05/26/did-township-drone-violate-residents-privacy-high-court-to-decide/70257182007/ |
Teens accused in gun, car, credit card thefts arrested in W. Mich.
A group of West Michigan teens faces possible criminal charges after being linked to a series of thefts involving guns, cars and credit cards, officials said.
The Kent County Sheriff's Office said the five boys and one girl in the group, who range in age from 15 to 17, are also suspected in an armed robbery and at least one police chase.
According to authorities, a Jeep that was reported stolen from Solon Township was seen at a motel in the 5800 Block of Clyde Park Ave SW in Wyoming. Wyoming is about five miles southwest of Grand Rapids.
Police identified a room where they believed several suspects in the theft of the Jeep were staying. As authorities closed in on the motel, five people were walking from the building to the Jeep. The five ran away but were all captured after a short foot chase.
Investigators obtained a search warrant for the motel room in which the suspects were staying and found a person and a stolen firearm. They searched the Jeep and found a second stolen firearm in it, police said.
Detectives with the sheriff's office said they believe the group is responsible for other stolen car complaints, thefts from fitness centers, and was likely involved in a vehicle chase with deputies on Tuesday.
Investigators have submitted to the county prosecutor's office a request to authorize a total of 16 charges against the group's members. They also said they are working to see if the teens are linked to other crimes elsewhere.
cramirez@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @CharlesERamirez | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/05/26/teens-accused-in-gun-car-credit-card-thefts-arrested-in-w-mich/70257280007/ | 2023-05-26T12:52:59 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/05/26/teens-accused-in-gun-car-credit-card-thefts-arrested-in-w-mich/70257280007/ |
Shelby Township man dead after crash on I-94 in Taylor
A 43-year-old Shelby Township man is dead after his truck plowed into a sound wall late Thursday on Interstate 94 in Taylor, according to Michigan State Police.
Officials said excessive speed was a factor in the crash, which disabled the driver from negotiating a curve near the end of a ramp at the Telegraph Road exit.
The accident happened around 11 p.m. The driver of a GMC truck was traveling westbound on I-94 when his vehicle drove off the road through a drainage ditch, crossed all lanes, then crashed into a sound wall, landing in the backyard of 6029 Cooper Street in Taylor, police tweeted Friday morning.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Family has been notified, police said.
“As we commemorate this Memorial Day weekend, let us make road safety a priority,” said First Lt. Mike Shaw, a spokesman for MSP. “Buckle up, drive responsibly and ensure that the memories with family and friends created this weekend are filled with fun and not sadness due to a preventable crash.”
jaimery@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @wordsbyjakkar | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/05/26/shelby-township-man-dead-after-crash-on-i-94/70259812007/ | 2023-05-26T12:53:06 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/05/26/shelby-township-man-dead-after-crash-on-i-94/70259812007/ |
TAMPA, Fla. — A former Hillsborough County ice cream truck driver will be sentenced Friday morning for killing two brothers more than 12 years ago.
The double murder trial of Michael Keetley first ended in a mistrial in 2020 after a jury was unable to reach a verdict. His retrial began in March and ended with a jury finding Keetley guilty of first-degree murder in the deaths of Sergio and Juan Guitron.
The case dates back to 2010 when investigators said Keetley was beaten up, shot and robbed while working from his ice cream truck and became obsessed with revenge. Keetley then shot six people, killing two of them, on Thanksgiving Day 2010 outside a Ruskin home, according to law enforcement.
In addition to the murders of the Guitron brothers, Keetley was found guilty of the attempted murders of Daniel Beltran, Gonzalo Guevara, Ramon Galan Jr. and Richard Cantu.
Keetley, who has spent more than 12 years in jail, has maintained his innocence.
Throughout the trial, the defense team argued Keetley was incapable of firing a gun due to injuries on his hand. Their star witness, Keetley's plastic surgeon, testified about the injuries.
The defense also criticized the handling of the investigation.
Keetley said he was assaulted and robbed on Jan. 23, 2010, off Old U.S. 41 while driving his truck. Two masked men reportedly shot him five times.
Police said he managed to drive down the road and flag down a woman who was one of his regular customers. It turned out he had been robbed of at least $12.
Witnesses, including Keetley's former work partner, testified throughout the trial that Keetley became obsessed with finding those responsible for harming him, and he wanted to seek revenge.
It was reported that Keetley was looking for a man with the street name “Creeper.” Police said around 2 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 25, 2010, Keetley pulled up to a house in the Ocean Mist neighborhood in Ruskin where he thought “Creeper” lived.
A surviving victim testified Keetley asked for someone named "Creeper" before he opened fire. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/ice-cream-truck-michael-keetley-sentencing-murder/67-73fc2635-d796-41ea-964b-fbc04a3c7f13 | 2023-05-26T12:56:53 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/ice-cream-truck-michael-keetley-sentencing-murder/67-73fc2635-d796-41ea-964b-fbc04a3c7f13 |
Vietnam War veterans are among local veterans getting benefits previously unavailable to them through the recently passed PACT Act.
Montgomery County Veterans Service Commission administration officer Bryan Suddith said Montgomery County Veterans Service Commission started processing PACT Act applications last fall and started receiving compensation since January.
Veterans who have filed for claims with the commission already have received a million dollars in compensation this year, he said. “Last year, we recovered $5.1 million on behalf of veterans and we attribute a good portion of that to PACT Act the last quarter of last year.”
Approved in 2022, the PACT Act expanded VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances. The PACT Act adds to the list of health conditions that the government assumes or presumes were caused by exposure to these substances.
“A lot of our Vietnam vets (that had) suffered one or multiple other diagnoses in the past had not received compensation, but the PACT Act reopens the door for Vietnam-era veterans who had been exposed before, but had been denied benefits because the list of diagnoses was a lot more narrow in scope,” Suddith said. “So we’re seeing a lot of those guys come back and reapply and we’ve seen a fair amount of decisions in their favor of compensation being awarded with some backpay.”
David Weeks, commander of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapter 9, which has more than 1,600 members across the Dayton region, said the PACT Act is “working great.”
“I do a lot of claims for disabilities and has it gotten busy since we started the PACT Act,” Weeks said. “One area that I ... was having troubles with having people approved for is people who were in the Vietnam War, but they were in Thailand, Guam and quite a few other locations and (were) exposed to Agent Orange and they would not get any help before, and they are now, which is great.
“Now we’re able to give them the much needed disability stuff they need.”
Suddith said the commission is eager to talk with Vietnam War veterans “because they spent so long applying for benefits that are denied and there’s been so many changes around what’s available to them.”
“This has probably been the largest, one-time expansion in regard to Vietnam and Agent Orange exposure of the presumptive diagnosis list and care since the end of the war,” he said.
Suddith said he is seeing an uptick in Vietnam War veterans coming to the office overall.
“We don’t do anything specific for that era of veterans, but what we see them here for is filing compensation claims around Agent Orange, and the second most popular (reason) is medical transportation,” Suddith said.
Also, the commission is seeing more Vietnam era veterans facing end-of-life planning and their surviving spouses seeking benefits.
Every Ohio county has a veterans service commission that provides direct aid and helps local veterans access available programs, such as the PACT Act.
Find your local office below.
Butler County: Butler County Gov. Service Ctr. 315 High St., 1st Floor Hamilton, OH 45011. Phone: (513) 887-3600 Fax: (513) 887-3519
Champaign County: 220 E. Court St. Urbana, OH 43078. Phone: (937) 653-4554 Fax: (937) 484-4084
Clark County: 117 S. Fountain Ave. Springfield, OH 45502. Phone: (937) 521-2030 Fax: (937) 328-2457
Darke County: 611 Wagner Ave. Greenville, OH 45331. Phone: (937) 548-5305 Fax: (937) 548-0579
Greene County: 571 Ledbetter Rd. Xenia, OH 45385. Phone: (937) 562-6020 Fax: (937) 562-6021
Miami County: 510 W. Water St., Ste. 140 Troy, OH 45373-2986. Phone: (937) 440-8126 Fax: (937) 440-8128
Montgomery County: 627 Edwin C. Moses Blvd. 4th Floor, E. Medical Plaza Dayton, OH 45417. Phone: (937) 225-4801 Fax: (937) 225-4854
Preble County: 1322 N. Barron St. Eaton, OH 45320. Phone: (937) 456-6111 Fax: (937) 456-1019
Warren County: 320 E. Silver St. Lebanon, OH 45036. Phone: (513) 695-2717 Fax: (513) 695-2975
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/area-vets-getting-millions-in-aid-following-pact-act-passage/DKY6KBBWA5HAJMHS7H33XIBKOU/ | 2023-05-26T13:02:39 | 0 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/area-vets-getting-millions-in-aid-following-pact-act-passage/DKY6KBBWA5HAJMHS7H33XIBKOU/ |
May 26 is National Road Trip Day, a perfect way to kick off the summer season. Holiday weekends are made for road trips, and here’s any easy one: Madison is hosting its annual World’s Largest Brat Fest, Friday-Sunday (May 26-28). It is exactly what the name says: A festival showcasing brats, brats and more brats. There’s also plenty of live music, carnival rides, kids’ games, ceremonies for soldiers and veterans — and a blast of fireworks Sunday night. Admission is free. Proceeds benefit the charities who help staff the event. For more details, go to bratfest.com.
“The Servant of Two Masters” comedy continues tonight in Tremper High School’s Studio Theater (Room 120), 8560 26th Ave. Written in 1746, “The Servant of Two Masters” has been adapted several times over the years, including a 2012 Broadway production — with the title “One Man, Two Guvnors” — starring James Corden. The quirky and comical servant known as Harlequin is the central figure of this play. Shows are 7:30 p.m. May 26-27. Tickets are $13 for adults, $11 for senior citizens (55 and older) and $6 for students and staff and can be purchased online at kusd.edu or by calling 262-359-6388.
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This week is your last chance to see these exhibits at the Anderson Arts Center, 6603 Third Ave.: Works from the Racine Art Guild, plus solo show winners from the Winter Juried Show 2022 and works from the Area Artists Group and Kemper Lakefront Studios. The shows run through Sunday. The Anderson Arts Center is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is free. For more information, go to kempercenter.com.
The Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 First Ave., is hosting the Transparent Watercolor Society’s annual exhibit, showcasing paintings from the top transparent watercolor artists in the country. Admission is free. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. www.KenoshaPublicMuseum.org.
All aboard! Kenosha’s Downtown electric streetcars are running seven days a week, offering wonderful lakefront views. The streetcars run 11:05 a.m. to 6:35 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:35 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The fare is $1 for ages 13 and older and 50 cents for kids ages 5-12 (free for kids age 4 and younger). An all-day pass is $3.50. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-area-events-for-friday-may-26/article_563fe7ea-fa7b-11ed-8a64-ab7eb7e51617.html | 2023-05-26T13:06:29 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-area-events-for-friday-may-26/article_563fe7ea-fa7b-11ed-8a64-ab7eb7e51617.html |
For the final show of this school year, Tremper High School students are re-creating life in the 1700s — at least, how life is depicted in a classic comedy.
Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni wrote "The Servant of Two Masters" in 1746, and the play continues to be performed all over the world.
The tale features mistaken identities, desperate lovers hoping to marry and a frantic servant at the center of all this action.
That servant, the quirky and comical Harlequin, also known in English as Truffaldino, is always complaining of an empty stomach and tries to satisfy that hunger by eating everything — and anything — in sight.
When the opportunity presents itself to serve two masters, he sees it as the chance for an extra dinner.
Goldoni wrote this play "in an effort to bring people together and to laugh during the hard times in the 1700s," said director Darius Russelle. "I think this show still endures today because the characters are very relatable. You have a servant breaking his back trying to survive while working these hard jobs.
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"A lot of people can see themselves in this character, who is just trying to make the ends meet, but he goes about it in such a comedic way that you can't help but laugh at what's happening."
Nic Cicerale, the Tremper High School theater teacher, asked Russelle to be the guest director for this show.
“This is my first second at Kenosha Unified schools,” said Russelle, who is one of the directors for the PM&L Theatre troupe in Antioch, Ill. Russelle lives in Gurnee and has a bachelor’s degree in theater from Oral Roberts University.
To help students in 2023 relate to characters from another era, Cicerale "worked with the cast on who their characters are and what they are up against in the 1700s," Russelle said. "The entire class was transported in this history lesson as Nic handed out documents and research about how the characters were portrayed when this show was first performed."
Setting the scene
The biggest challenge of this production, which features a cast of 13, is "to transport the entire audience back to the 1700s," Russelle said. "A lot of things were used. Christen Dominguez did a great job at looking at the costume pieces and seeing what was period accurate for the time. She did tons of research and came up with many creative ideas for the show.
"Masks were also used for certain characters, to help with the actor's motivation while staying accurate to the time period. Also, the set, lighting, props and sound all help to make the audience feel like they have been transported to Italy."
The most famous set-piece of the play is a scene in which the starving Truffaldino tries to serve a banquet to the entourages of both his masters, without either group becoming aware of the other, while desperately trying to satisfy his own hunger at the same time.
"The dinner scene was probably the hardest scene to direct, but it was so much fun," Russelle said. "There is some real food in the scene, but it had to be done with the combination of Truffaldino, working with his flexibility, as well as all of the other actors.
"Truffaldino literally eats bread, pudding, meatballs, soup and even cheese dip, as referenced in the script.
"All of the waiters in this scene are literally running laps around the entire stage, with multiple food options in their hands," he said. "It is a big kudos to the stage managers to make sure this scene is well choregraphed each night, making sure the waiters are bringing the right dishes at the right time."
Audience members, he said, will enjoy "an escape from the world" at a performance of "The Servant of Two Masters."
"This show is designed to have you dying of laughter from the start," Russelle said. "This was written as a brilliant farce that has a lighter-than-air story. We hope everyone enjoys the show." | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/the-servant-of-two-masters-on-stage-at-kenoshas-tremper-high-school/article_5feff4d4-f5ac-11ed-a404-1b4140cc1178.html | 2023-05-26T13:06:35 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/the-servant-of-two-masters-on-stage-at-kenoshas-tremper-high-school/article_5feff4d4-f5ac-11ed-a404-1b4140cc1178.html |
Kenosha Kingfish owner Bill Fanning isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty.
Literally.
When we visited Simmons Field earlier this week to talk about the 2023 season, he was busy planting flowers.
“Yup, I’m a flower child,” he said while brushing dirt off his hands.
All around Fanning, workers were painting and scrubbing surfaces, unloading new store merchandise and in general getting the place ready for Opening Day.
The fact that the sun was shining made it feel like baseball weather.
Because this is the team’s 10th season in our fair city, we’ll look at the Top 10 Reasons to Go to a Kingfish Game this summer:
New brew: The team added a beer from our own Public Craft Brewing Co. The self-described “light lager” (“a good beer,” Fanning says) doubles as a promotion. Each can has a QR code on the back that you can use to enter a contest and win a 4-Top Table Experience at the ballpark.
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New treat: Food offerings include the new Elvis Sundae, served in a mini helmet. It features ice cream topped with caramel and chocolate sauce, a cookie, whipped cream and a Swedish fish garnish. Even better: The team is adding a second ice cream stand (just inside the front gate) to help mitigate the long lines that form for frozen treats. (As someone who has missed her share of home runs while stuck in an ice cream line, this is welcome news.)
Other new food options include plant-based items and more ways to eat out of a souvenir helmet. French fries and cheese curds — staples of ballpark noshing — will also come in the mini helmets.
New way to order: The team is launching a mobile concessions ordering program. Fans can order using a QR code to place an order. The mobile order pickup station will be located on the left side of the main concession stand to help reduce wait times.
New bobbleheads: Those of us who eagerly look forward to the Kingfish bobbleheads have two more to grab this season: Navy Elvis on July 1 and Kenosha Comets Elvis on Aug. 4.
“The Navy Elvis is the first in what we hope will be a series of military bobbleheads,” said General Manager Ryne Goralski.
The Kenosha Comets bobblehead honors the local team that played in the 1943-1954 All-American Professional Women’s Baseball League.
Also on Aug. 4, the women’s Team USA Baseball Team will play a free game at 3 p.m. at Simmons Field, before heading to Thunder Bay, Ontario, for the Women’s Baseball World Cup. “We’re very excited to have Team USA here,” Fanning said.
New pitch clock: The Northwoods League, which includes our Kingfish, has adopted the same pitch clock used in the Major and Minor Leagues to speed up the pace of play.
“Families stay at the ballpark about two-and-a-half hours, no matter what’s going on,” Fanning said. “This shaves about 30 minutes off each game, so they can see more of a game.”
The pitch clock “is awesome,” Goralski said. “Baseball really needs it. From a fan perspective, this is great.”
New logo: The team’s 10-year anniversary logo is on this year’s blanket giveaway, on June 2.
New holiday: The team is celebrating “Festivus Night” on July 19, marking the “Seinfeld” holiday with a special T-shirt.
“We invite everyone to come here and air their grievances,” Fanning said, referring to a cherished Festivus “tradition.”
New celebrity: The team’s Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Day on June 11 features none other than Chase, the main Paw Patrol character. “He’ll be here for the whole game,” Fanning said, “taking photos with kids — and adults.” The German Shepherd puppy is a police and traffic cop dog, who moonlights as a super spy on the animated TV series.
New manager: Field Manager J.T. Scara is new to the team, after working two seasons as the manager for the Northwoods League Rockford Rivets. “I’ve known him over the years, and he’s excited to get started here,” Goralski said. “We’ve put together a good roster.”
New look: In addition to the flowers Fanning — who purchased the team in March of 2022 with Mike Zoellner — has been planting, other improvements to the historic ballpark include improved parking lots, a recycling program and renovated party areas.
And what’s not new ...
Returning favorites include: Comedian Marz Timms, who joined the Kingfish in 2021 as the team’s on-field personality, will be back, overseeing all the non-baseball action, from Toilet Bowl Races to helping lead “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”
Popular promotions returning this season include: Mascot Mania Night (June 19), two dog-friendly Bark in the Park events (June 22 and Aug. 2), Harry Potter Night (June 26), Stars Wars Night (July 9), Princess Day (July 16), with tiaras most welcome, and Fan Appreciation Night (Aug. 8) to close out the season with “lots of fun stuff,” Goralski said. “Hopefully, we’ll be in a playoff run, too.”
“We’re in a sprint toward Opening Day and can’t get waited to welcome the fans back,” said Goralski, who’s in his sixth season with the team — an eternity in the ever-changing baseball industry.
“We’ve built a lot of relationships within the community,” he added, “and that’s really special.” | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/top-10-reasons-to-go-to-a-kenosha-kingfish-game/article_1a2226e0-f98d-11ed-b63b-23b9c1bf7255.html | 2023-05-26T13:06:41 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/top-10-reasons-to-go-to-a-kenosha-kingfish-game/article_1a2226e0-f98d-11ed-b63b-23b9c1bf7255.html |
STACKER—Life expectancy in the United States has generally been on the rise, with rare exceptions for certain segments of the population. Between 1960 and 2019, the life expectancy of Americans rose by roughly a decade to the age of 79. Greater longevity can be attributed to improved health care such as diagnostic and medical advancements, as well as shifting lifestyle choices including healthier diets and a reduction in rates of smoking and alcohol consumption.
While no one single factor determines the overall health of an entire community, certain socioeconomic and environmental factors such as access to health care, clean air, clean water, and affordable housing, contribute significantly to the general health and well-being of the entire population.
Using 2022 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, Stacker identified counties with the longest life expectancy in Texas. Life expectancy measures the average number of years from birth a person can expect to live and is calculated based on the number of deaths in a given time period and the average number of people at risk of dying during that period. Counties with unreliable or insufficient data were excluded from the analysis. Mortality data came from the National Vital Statistics System.
#44. Webb County
– Average life expectancy: 78.5 years (0.1 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #75
— Length of life rank: #29
— Quality of life rank: #185
#44. Burnet County
– Average life expectancy: 78.5 years (0.1 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #28
— Length of life rank: #39
— Quality of life rank: #33
#42. Lavaca County
– Average life expectancy: 78.6 years (0.2 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #27
— Length of life rank: #25
— Quality of life rank: #55
#42. Tarrant County
– Average life expectancy: 78.6 years (0.2 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #26
— Length of life rank: #24
— Quality of life rank: #49
#40. Bandera County
– Average life expectancy: 78.7 years (0.3 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #66
— Length of life rank: #71
— Quality of life rank: #67
#40. Waller County
– Average life expectancy: 78.7 years (0.3 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #30
— Length of life rank: #22
— Quality of life rank: #79
#39. Cameron County
– Average life expectancy: 78.8 years (0.4 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #114
— Length of life rank: #41
— Quality of life rank: #208
#38. Hansford County
– Average life expectancy: 78.9 years (0.5 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #24
— Length of life rank: #9
— Quality of life rank: #146
#36. Washington County
– Average life expectancy: 79 years (0.6 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #55
— Length of life rank: #53
— Quality of life rank: #77
#36. Brazoria County
– Average life expectancy: 79 years (0.6 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #14
— Length of life rank: #16
— Quality of life rank: #29
#35. Comal County
– Average life expectancy: 79.1 years (0.7 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #10
— Length of life rank: #19
— Quality of life rank: #13
#30. Kinney County
– Average life expectancy: 79.2 years (0.8 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #74
— Length of life rank: #50
— Quality of life rank: #128
#30. Fayette County
– Average life expectancy: 79.2 years (0.8 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #45
— Length of life rank: #47
— Quality of life rank: #73
#30. Harris County
– Average life expectancy: 79.2 years (0.8 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #34
— Length of life rank: #28
— Quality of life rank: #78
#30. Wilson County
– Average life expectancy: 79.2 years (0.8 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #20
— Length of life rank: #26
— Quality of life rank: #27
#30. Blanco County
– Average life expectancy: 79.2 years (0.8 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #19
— Length of life rank: #34
— Quality of life rank: #15
#29. Erath County
– Average life expectancy: 79.3 years (0.9 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #22
— Length of life rank: #23
— Quality of life rank: #40
#27. Live Oak County
– Average life expectancy: 79.4 years (1.0 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #52
— Length of life rank: #40
— Quality of life rank: #106
#27. Lipscomb County
– Average life expectancy: 79.4 years (1.0 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #42
— Length of life rank: #102
— Quality of life rank: #16
#24. Hidalgo County
– Average life expectancy: 79.5 years (1.1 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #96
— Length of life rank: #27
— Quality of life rank: #212
#24. Guadalupe County
– Average life expectancy: 79.5 years (1.1 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #16
— Length of life rank: #18
— Quality of life rank: #34
#24. Montgomery County
– Average life expectancy: 79.5 years (1.1 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #11
— Length of life rank: #14
— Quality of life rank: #20
#23. Sutton County
– Average life expectancy: 79.7 years (1.3 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #70
— Length of life rank: #102
— Quality of life rank: #38
#22. Brazos County
– Average life expectancy: 80 years (1.6 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #15
— Length of life rank: #10
— Quality of life rank: #65
#21. Archer County
– Average life expectancy: 80.3 years (1.9 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #13
— Length of life rank: #13
— Quality of life rank: #39
#17. Shackelford County
– Average life expectancy: 80.4 years (2.0 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #59
— Length of life rank: #102
— Quality of life rank: #26
#17. Sherman County
– Average life expectancy: 80.4 years (2.0 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #47
— Length of life rank: #102
— Quality of life rank: #18
#17. Hartley County
– Average life expectancy: 80.4 years (2.0 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #40
— Length of life rank: #102
— Quality of life rank: #14
#17. Rockwall County
– Average life expectancy: 80.4 years (2.0 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #5
— Length of life rank: #5
— Quality of life rank: #8
#16. Gillespie County
– Average life expectancy: 80.5 years (2.1 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #17
— Length of life rank: #17
— Quality of life rank: #35
#15. Goliad County
– Average life expectancy: 80.6 years (2.2 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #49
— Length of life rank: #44
— Quality of life rank: #76
#14. Hays County
– Average life expectancy: 80.8 years (2.4 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #8
— Length of life rank: #7
— Quality of life rank: #17
#13. Hemphill County
– Average life expectancy: 80.9 years (2.5 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #9
— Length of life rank: #15
— Quality of life rank: #3
#12. Brewster County
– Average life expectancy: 81.3 years (2.9 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #25
— Length of life rank: #88
— Quality of life rank: #2
#11. Travis County
– Average life expectancy: 81.4 years (3.0 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #6
— Length of life rank: #6
— Quality of life rank: #7
#10. Kendall County
– Average life expectancy: 81.5 years (3.1 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #7
— Length of life rank: #8
— Quality of life rank: #10
#9. Williamson County
– Average life expectancy: 81.6 years (3.2 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #3
— Length of life rank: #3
— Quality of life rank: #4
#8. Denton County
– Average life expectancy: 81.7 years (3.3 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #2
— Length of life rank: #2
— Quality of life rank: #5
#7. Hudspeth County
– Average life expectancy: 82 years (3.6 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #224
— Length of life rank: #102
— Quality of life rank: #244
#6. Mason County
– Average life expectancy: 82.1 years (3.7 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #80
— Length of life rank: #102
— Quality of life rank: #54
#5. Collin County
– Average life expectancy: 82.2 years (3.8 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #1
— Length of life rank: #1
— Quality of life rank: #1
#4. Fort Bend County
– Average life expectancy: 82.3 years (3.9 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #4
— Length of life rank: #4
— Quality of life rank: #12
#3. Concho County
– Average life expectancy: 82.6 years (4.2 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #133
— Length of life rank: #102
— Quality of life rank: #147
#2. Jeff Davis County
– Average life expectancy: 84.4 years (6.0 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #110
— Length of life rank: #102
— Quality of life rank: #102
#1. Presidio County
– Average life expectancy: 87.6 years (9.2 more than the statewide average)
– Health outcomes statewide rank: #106
— Length of life rank: #12
— Quality of life rank: #242 | https://cw33.com/news/local/counties-with-the-longest-life-expectancy-in-texas/ | 2023-05-26T13:06:53 | 0 | https://cw33.com/news/local/counties-with-the-longest-life-expectancy-in-texas/ |
Every morning, NBC 5 Today is dedicated to delivering you positive local stories of people doing good, giving back and making a real change in our community. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/something-good/fort-worth-nature-center-and-refuge-to-host-special-free-admission-days-this-summer/3265775/ | 2023-05-26T13:09:25 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/something-good/fort-worth-nature-center-and-refuge-to-host-special-free-admission-days-this-summer/3265775/ |
CEDAR FALLS — Because of supply chain issues, Advanced Technical Services needs to build an extension onto its current office and storage facility at 702 LeClair St., according to its owner Randy Howe.
On Wednesday, the Planning and Zoning Commission signed off on the rezoning necessary to make that estimated $400,000 project a “conforming use,” allowing for the construction of a 6,900-square-foot expansion on the 2.26-acre plot to the south of its existing facility.
The rezoning still needs to be approved by the City Council on June 5.
But if all goes according to plan, Howe and Brad Best, president of Peters Construction, said construction will start as soon as late summer or early fall. The expansion will be completed by early next year.
Howe acquired the wholesale business in 1990. He said supply chain issues led it to need the additional space for the storage of equipment for concrete work. It is buying much more equipment in advance that will be sold at a later date to clients.
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ATS has been in business since 1978. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/cedar-falls-planning-zoning-commission-signs-off-on-ats-request-for-expansion/article_b28681ba-fa73-11ed-b5ce-db120b342b68.html | 2023-05-26T13:13:39 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/cedar-falls-planning-zoning-commission-signs-off-on-ats-request-for-expansion/article_b28681ba-fa73-11ed-b5ce-db120b342b68.html |
VALPARAISO — A 32-year-old Valparaiso woman, nabbed for driving while intoxicated and illegally possessing a loaded handgun, backed into a police car during the traffic stop, according to the arrest report.
"The vehicle turned eastbound onto Beech Street where it made a complete stop and the driver put the vehicle in park," Valparaiso police said.
"The driver then put the vehicle in reverse and began to back up slowly and struck the front of my fully marked patrol vehicle," the officer said. "I activated my horn on my patrol vehicle in an attempt to get the driver of the vehicle to stop prior to the collision."
"Upon the collision, the vehicle maintained reverse gear for a period of time before moving forward."
The driver, Genille Richmond, was taken to the Porter County jail and faces criminal charges of carrying a handgun without a permit and several counts of operating while intoxicated, including one of endangering others.
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The officer said he was called out shortly before 9 p.m. Wednesday to a report of a reckless driver and watched the vehicle in question strike the curb while arriving at the McDonald's restaurant at 2002 Calumet Ave.
After the vehicle left the drive-thru window, the officer said he watched it swerve erratically and nearly strike another curb while travelling south on Calumet Avenue.
Four of the animals were found dead, Martinez said.
The vehicle was then stopped, at which time the crash occurred, police said.
Richmond was seen moving a handgun from the glove compartment to the passenger seat in an attempt to hide it, police said.
"The driver never attempted to grab the firearm/pistol," the report says.
Police said they smelled marijuana and alcohol inside the vehicle and found several cold and empty beer bottles. They also recovered a .22-caliber handgun loaded with a magazine and one round in the chamber.
"I asked dispatch if Genille had a firearms permit for the state of Indiana and they advised she did not," police said.
Richmond was reportedly found to be too drunk to legally drive and to have marijuana in her system.
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
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/drunken-driver-with-illegal-loaded-handgun-backs-into-valpo-police-car-report-says/article_fb6c5b60-fbb4-11ed-afc8-37b04e7dd377.html | 2023-05-26T13:14:07 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/drunken-driver-with-illegal-loaded-handgun-backs-into-valpo-police-car-report-says/article_fb6c5b60-fbb4-11ed-afc8-37b04e7dd377.html |
City smashes dirt bikes in warning to riders ahead of Memorial Day weekend
Already the city has more effectively cracked down on illegal vehicles, seizing more than 60 since April.
PROVIDENCE – Ever the city's quality-of-life ambassador, Mayor Brett Smiley got tough on dirt bike riders on Thursday, pulverizing their vehicles in public to the sound of clicking cameras as reporters watched.
Smiley held the photo op with a clear message for riders of dirt bikes, ATVs and other vehicles that aren't legal on the streets: If you hit the road in Providence, we'll take your ride.
"To those that are looking forward to Memorial Day because they think that it’s a great opportunity to go out and ride, we want to be clear that Providence police will be stopping and confiscating these illegal vehicles," Smiley said. "And those that do get confiscated might very well meet the fate here, which is they will be seized and destroyed or donated to an organization that can facilitate safe riding elsewhere."
More:Providence will use undercover officers and surveillance to stop ATV joyriding in city
The pre-holiday weekend presser may have been a bold move for the mayor, but it was not a new one. Mayor Jorge Elorza orchestrated a similar event during his time in office, and, like Smiley and mayors across the country, felt dirt bikes and ATVs were Providence's plague.
But it's getting better, Smiley said. Since the city launched its ATV task force last month, the police have seized 63 street-illegal vehicles and made 24 arrests – all without incident. Compared with the 102 total vehicles seized during Elorza's time from 2020 through 2022, Smiley's administration has delivered a rocket-like boost.
And he doesn't mind a small brag: "We are making much more meaningful progress than has been made in the past," he told the press.
Tip line and intelligence work in 'hot spots' has driven up seizures
Part of what has helped the city are its own citizens. Police have scored leads via a tip line, which they've asked locals to call if they're aware of a scheduled ride or know where vehicles are being stored. The only time you shouldn't call, the city says, is when bikes and ATVs are whizzing by and off into the distance.
“The call [volume] has been pretty good," said the city's police chief, Col. Oscar Perez. "The community itself – they're not just calling to tell us that there's illegal activity going on in our city, but they're also calling us to thank us for being proactive. And from what they’re saying, they actually can sleep at night now.”
Perez said vehicles have been found "all over the city" but there are "certain hotspots that we conduct intelligence on." However, he opted to keep the lid on that information rather than having it printed in the city's paper of record.
The vehicles aren't just a danger to the public; they're a danger to riders, Perez said, noting that some are missing parts and some are stolen.
A recreational spot for riders? Not so fast
It's unlikely Providence will host its own recreational riding spot anytime soon – or possibly ever. Smiley said he had one "civil but not particularly constructive" meeting with someone who wanted a legal place to ride. Yet no such location has been identified.
"The idea of riding safely in an off-road environment, in a more rural environment, which is what these vehicles were built for, is not really the fun part, I think, for many of the folks who engage in this activity," Smiley said. | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/as-providence-battles-dirt-bikes-the-mayor-has-them-smashed-in-public/70257024007/ | 2023-05-26T13:19:03 | 0 | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/as-providence-battles-dirt-bikes-the-mayor-has-them-smashed-in-public/70257024007/ |
Planning is well underway for the celebration of Mango Salon’s 20th birthday in October.
“We’re getting a jump-start by rolling out a new loyalty rewards program,” said Cari Shannon, vice president for marketing and operations. “We have a fair amount of designers and guests who have been with us since the very beginning; anything we can do to reward them, we want to.”
This year, Mango Salon took home second place in the small companies category for Top Workplaces.
The Mango ethos, as established by founders and owners Pat and Bobbi Heaney, focuses on meeting the needs of two distinct client groups: Guests who walk in the door are clients of the salon teams; salon teams are clients of the corporate team.
“Our salon teams are focused on providing amazing service to guests so they come back,” Shannon said. “Central office works with our designers to make sure they have everything they need, (so we) get input and feedback from them on an ongoing basis.”
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With 75 staff members and three salon locations – Westhampton on Grove Avenue, Gayton Crossing in western Henrico County and GreenGate in Short Pump – plus a corporate office, communication happens in multiple ways, Shannon says. A text including team celebrations, class and apprentice updates, and video links goes out to all team members on Mondays. Salon managers host weekly huddles and meet biweekly with corporate staff. Quarterly, each salon team sits with the owners and operations team to brainstorm new approaches.
“There are some commonalities, so teams may build on an idea that another location came up with,” Shannon said. “Some ideas work across the board; others don’t.”
Education is central to how Mango supports its hair designers’ career advancement. As stylists accrue experience, maintain a regular guest base and expand skill sets, they are promoted to a higher design level, which brings increased base pay, commission percentage and benefits.
“(Co-founder) Bobbi (Heaney) was a lifelong hairstylist, so she knows how physical a job it is and how (in most salons) the only way a stylist can earn more is to work more than 40 hours a week,” Shannon said. “We want our designers to work smarter, not harder.”
There’s also a Mango Academy, in which unlicensed newcomers can be hired as apprentices under a Virginia Department of Labor and Industry program and learn while being paid above minimum wage. “Instead of paying $25,000 for cosmetology school, you can work 3,000 hours and earn your license,” Shannon said. “It’s a good opportunity to jump right into a career.”
Shannon says the company is holding firm to its original ethos. “We’re a flat organization,” she said. “We want everybody to feel comfortable voicing their opinions. Any person can come up with a great idea, and we can take that and run with it.” | https://richmond.com/business/local/top-workplaces/mango-salon-named-a-top-workplace-for-commitment-to-team-work-communication-and-education/article_1a6e46f6-e079-11ed-bc8a-d3445297374c.html | 2023-05-26T13:22:37 | 1 | https://richmond.com/business/local/top-workplaces/mango-salon-named-a-top-workplace-for-commitment-to-team-work-communication-and-education/article_1a6e46f6-e079-11ed-bc8a-d3445297374c.html |
Markel, Indivior, the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Base Camp were the big winners of the Richmond Times-Dispatch Top Workplaces awards, placing first in their respective size categories.
Based on employee surveys, a record 102 Richmond-area companies received feedback scores that exceeded national benchmarks, earning them acknowledgment as Top Workplaces. This is the 10th year The Times-Dispatch has sponsored the event.
The specialty insurance provider Markel won the Mega category, which recognizes businesses with 900 or more employees.
"I think the most special part about it is the fact that it's garnering recognition based on the view of our employees," said Markel President Jeremy Noble. "It's a very values-based company; we're all about putting people in the middle of what we do: our employers, our customers, our shareholders ... communities which we serve."
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Indivior, a specialty pharmaceutical business, took home the top prize in the Large category, competing against companies with 400 to 899 employees.
The Midsize category for companies with 125 to 399 employees saw the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission receive the highest employee-feedback score.
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Base Camp was deemed the best among Small organizations with 124 or fewer employees.
Awards were presented by Kelly Till, president and publisher of The Times-Dispatch, and Ken Henry, vice president of advertising, during a celebration at the Hilton Richmond Downtown on Thursday night. A special section about the winners is being published in the Sunday edition of the newspaper.
“This event highlights the tremendous workforce that the Richmond region has,” said Chris Coates, executive editor of The Times-Dispatch. “It’s a great honor to be able to salute them.”
Specialty awards were presented to organizations achieving high marks in such categories as management, benefit packages and work-life balance.
Four individuals received awards for their leadership: Alison Corazzini (Capital One; Mega Companies), Mark Crossley (Indivior; Large Companies), Ron Kody (Richmond Ford; Midsize Companies) and Mark Workman (Independent Container Line Ltd.; Small Companies).
"I'm thrilled to be here and so appreciative," Corazzini said. "I think it's more a recognition of the company itself versus any individual. We're an incredibly mission-oriented company; I think employees are inspired by that and by the leadership that leads in that way."
The Times-Dispatch has partnered with employee engagement company Energage the past 10 years for the contest. Energage invited nearly 1,500 Richmond-area organizations to survey their employees for the 2023 awards.
CarMax placed second among Mega companies, while Capital One finished third. The Country Club of Virginia and Greystar rounded out the second- and third-place winners among Large businesses.
Davenport & Company LLC and DPR Construction were second and third respectively in the Midsize category, while Mango Salon and Brandito LLC came in second and third for Small companies.
Greater Richmond organizations with at least 35 employees are eligible for future contests. Employees can nominate their companies for the 2024 Top Workplaces awards at richmond.com/top-workplaces. Sign-ups are available until Nov. 17. | https://richmond.com/news/local/business/more-than-100-greater-richmond-companies-honored-as-top-workplaces/article_4e0bf4a2-f5cf-11ed-9963-5b23937f4354.html | 2023-05-26T13:22:43 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/business/more-than-100-greater-richmond-companies-honored-as-top-workplaces/article_4e0bf4a2-f5cf-11ed-9963-5b23937f4354.html |
An active death investigation is underway after two people were found dead in the vicinity of McAfee Knob in Catawba, according to the Roanoke Police Department.
At about 6 a.m., police were called to the McAfee Knob trailhead parking lot on Catawba Road and found two dead males.
We’re told there is no danger to the public.
At this time, parking in the trailhead parking lot will be reduced.
Hikers are encouraged to make use of the McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle, which operates from the I-81 Exit 140 Park & Ride Lot. Visit www.mcafeeshuttle.com for more information. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/26/two-found-dead-near-mcafee-knob-police-say/ | 2023-05-26T13:31:27 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/26/two-found-dead-near-mcafee-knob-police-say/ |
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Howard High School students celebrate prom at the Mendenhall Inn
70 PHOTOS | https://www.delawareonline.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2023/05/26/howard-high-school-prom-mendenhall-inn/11930826002/ | 2023-05-26T13:33:05 | 1 | https://www.delawareonline.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2023/05/26/howard-high-school-prom-mendenhall-inn/11930826002/ |
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Christiana High School students celebrate prom in Glasgow
60 PHOTOS | https://www.delawareonline.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2023/05/26/christiana-high-school-students-celebrate-prom-newark/11930738002/ | 2023-05-26T13:33:11 | 0 | https://www.delawareonline.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2023/05/26/christiana-high-school-students-celebrate-prom-newark/11930738002/ |
No one was injured in a room fire that prompted the evacuation of a Bismarck hotel.
People in the Super 8 on East Capitol Avenue were able to evacuate after alarms sounded shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday, according to the Bismarck Fire Department.
Firefighters who responded encountered heavy smoke in the hallway of the first floor. They extinguished the blaze in one of the rooms and ventilated the building. The flames did not spread beyond the room of origin, officials said.
Eighteen firefighters and six vehicles responded to the scene, along with police and ambulance personnel. The cause of the fire is under investigation. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/room-fire-prompts-bismarck-hotel-evacuation-no-one-hurt/article_5bba6b4a-fbc6-11ed-9d53-6795b49d1de4.html | 2023-05-26T13:34:27 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/room-fire-prompts-bismarck-hotel-evacuation-no-one-hurt/article_5bba6b4a-fbc6-11ed-9d53-6795b49d1de4.html |
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