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PHOENIX — Phoenix is facing dueling lawsuits as it tries to manage a crisis of homelessness that has converted its downtown into a tent city housing hundreds of people as summer temperatures soar.
The city was ordered by the local Superior Court to clear out the downtown encampment because it is considered a “public nuisance.” But the Arizona Civil Liberties Union argued in a federal lawsuit that the city is violating the constitutional rights of unhoused people by slowly clearing the area known as “The Zone.”
The dilemma faced by Phoenix is an example of the balance municipalities across the United States now must strike when trying to satisfy the demands of residents and business owners while respecting the rights of homeless people.
Seattle faced a similar situation in 2020 when a woman sued the city, alleging that a sweep of the homeless encampment where she lived would violate her rights.
In New Mexico, as the city of Albuquerque worked to prohibit panhandling along roadways, the ACLU fought for that right.
A hearing was scheduled Friday afternoon on the ACLU’s request that Phoenix be declared in contempt of an order by U.S. District Court Judge G. Murray Snow that the city refrain from enforcing camping and sleeping bans against people who cannot get shelter. He also barred the city from seizing and destroying their belongings without giving them the chance to get it back later.
The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in 2019 that homeless people cannot be criminalized for sleeping outside if no alternatives exist.
But a Maricopa County Superior Court judge overseeing the case filed by business owners and residents who say the encampment is a public nuisance ordered Phoenix in March to make a plan to clear the tent city quickly.
By May 10, the city started the first round of the plan, cleaning one block of the encampment. But the ACLU said city employees seized and destroyed the property of homeless individuals and refused to let them return to the area after it was cleaned.
“The city should be held accountable for its conduct before any future cleanings can take place," Jared Keenan, legal director for the ACLU of Arizona, said in a statement.
The city has said it “vehemently disagrees” with the ACLU's assessment.
Amid the back and forth in court, Phoenix area advocates have scrambled for more shelter space for homeless people as the hot season begins.
Shelter space in an old motel came online Friday, but with just 52 beds it’s hardly enough as Arizona’s largest county announces the first four heat associated deaths of the year.
More than a third of the 425 people who died from heat-associated causes in Maricopa County last year were homeless.
Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, a former social worker, has been seeking new solutions to Arizona’s housing crisis.
She successfully pushed for $150 million to be included in Arizona’s Housing Trust Fund in the state’s recently approved budget to shore up rent and utility assistance programs, eviction prevention, and build new shelters and affordable housing.
Another $60 million was included in the state budget for a new homeless shelter and services fund to be overseen by the Arizona Department of Housing.
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Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/phoenix-faces-dueling-lawsuits-over-homeless-crisis-advocates-scramble-more-shelter/75-78e63bef-9f1c-4fdb-8c59-54e9f292fa27 | 2023-05-26T22:53:08 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/phoenix-faces-dueling-lawsuits-over-homeless-crisis-advocates-scramble-more-shelter/75-78e63bef-9f1c-4fdb-8c59-54e9f292fa27 |
PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland's waterfront will be packed with people and entertainment over the next couple of weekends for the Portland Rose Festival CityFair. It starts May 26 and runs through mid June.
From parking and carnival ride tickets, to food, here's a look at what it could cost a family of four to attend CityFair for the day.
Parking
The CityFair does not have it's own designated parking, meaning families planning to drive will need to pay for street parking, or a parking lot or garage.
Around downtown Portland, street parking costs $2 per hour on Saturdays and most of Sunday.
KGW searched for parking garages and lots near Tom McCall Waterfront Park and found rates ranging from $1.50 per hour (for some parking lots) to $8 per hour, or $10 to $11 all day.
Tickets for admission
The price of general admission per person is $15 at the gate, but families can save $3 off online. Tickets include all musical performances. Kids ages 6 years old and under can attend for free. Veterans and service members can also get in at no cost by showing their ID at the gate.
A season pass ticket costs $20 and can be used for all 10 days of CityFair.
Carnival ride tickets
Tickets for carnival rides are available in person at the CityFair and can range from $20 to $117. Rides can take 12 to 13 tickets per ride. Below is a list of the different ticket prices.
- 34 ride tickets: $20 cash or $21 debit/credit card
- 68 ride tickets: $40 cash or $41 debit/credit card
- 120 ride tickets: $60 cash or $62 debit/credit card
- 250 ride tickets: $115 cash or $117 debit/credit card
Food and drinks
Spending a day at CityFair likely means your family will need to grab a bite to eat
A hamburger costs about $9 while a pulled pork sandwich is $12, and mac and cheese is $8.
Adults wanting to try beers on tap for the Oregon Brewers Festival Tap Takeover (June 2-4) will pay $12 for a 12-ounce drink, and $7 for each refill.
Total cost
A family of four visiting CityFair for a day could spend, on the lower end, about $135 to $170 or more. The lower end of the price estimate does not include any spending on souvenirs and only accounts for about one carnival ride per person. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/rose-festival-cityfair-prices/283-5e53ce98-08f9-405c-85c2-67da1f23b3cc | 2023-05-26T22:53:10 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/rose-festival-cityfair-prices/283-5e53ce98-08f9-405c-85c2-67da1f23b3cc |
SEATTLE — The city of Seattle has awarded over $1 million to 25 community-initiated initiatives through the Department of Neighborhoods.
Each of the 25 initiatives was given awards ranging from $13,535 to $50,000. The chosen groups also have pledged $889,749 to match their award through local cash donations, volunteer hours, donated materials, and in-kind professional services.
“Our vision for One Seattle centers and celebrates our diverse communities, and these investments will help us achieve that vision by supporting local projects, programs, and improvements,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “These organizations are doing critical work to learn the needs of Seattle communities and act on them, and I’m excited we are able to partner to build a more equitable, inclusive, and activated Seattle.”
The Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF) offers grants to organizations intent on fostering and nurturing a sense of community in Seattle. The NMF is made up of two funds: the Community Partnership Fund, which offers awards of up to $50,000 twice a year. The other is the Small Sparks Fund, offered on a rolling basis throughout the year with awards up to $5,000.
Over the 34 years since its inception, more than 5,000 projects have been funded through the NMF.
“Through our festivals, we embrace our diverse heritage and educate youth and the public by showcasing the art, music, dance, and food from the various cultures of Central America. With this Neighborhood Matching Fund grant, we can continue working on strengthening the voices of immigrant and refugee Central Americans through reclaiming and affirming cultural and linguistic identities,” said Keylee Fernandez of Organizacion Centro Americano. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/seattle-awards-million-community-projects/281-f69a28b8-5a50-417d-81cd-375466d0b9a2 | 2023-05-26T22:56:09 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/seattle-awards-million-community-projects/281-f69a28b8-5a50-417d-81cd-375466d0b9a2 |
Two Pleasantville brothers sentenced to prison for assaulting a 19-year-old Egg Harbor Township man who was later found dead in the marshes near a Pleasantville strip club have been released.
John Hands, 25, of Pleasantville, and Garnell Hands, 30, of Atlantic City, were released Thursday, according to the New Jersey Department of Corrections' website.
Jamaul Timberlake, 31, of Atlantic City, who was the third person charged in the beating of Irving Mayren-Guzman, remains incarcerated at South Woods State Prison in Bridgeton, where he is serving a four-year sentence for his role in the attack.
Garnell Hands had been sentenced to five years in prison, while John Hands received a four-year sentence March 3 after they'd pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in the beating of Mayren-Guzman.
Both men were credited for more than a year they'd served in the Atlantic County jail while awaiting trial, and there was no mandatory minimum prison term specified in their sentence.
MAYS LANDING — “It’s a very sad day for the community,” Superior Court Judge Nancy Ridgway s…
The beating of Mayren-Guzman happened Jan. 23, 2022, outside Pleasantville's now shuttered Centerfolds Cabaret on Delilah Road. The 19-year-old, who was underage and drinking at the strip club, was later reported missing. His body was found two days later in the marshes several feet away from the club.
An autopsy that took several months to complete attributed Mayren-Guzman's death to drowning, hypothermia and intoxication. Preliminary findings found he had a high blood-alcohol level and tested positive for THC, the intoxicating ingredient in marijuana.
But Mayren-Guzman's family believed the three men "pummeling" the 19-year-old — as Timberlake admitted the trio did during a court hearing — contributed to his death.
Mayren-Guzman's death had sparked community gatherings of friends, family and others in the local Latino community demanding Centerfolds and others be held accountable. The Mayren-Guzman family has a pending civil lawsuit for the 19-year-old's death.
A representative of the family, contacted Friday, said they were unaware that the Hands brothers had been released.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
GALLERY: Sentencing in the assault of Irving Mayren-Guzman
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Protesters line Delilah Road seeking justice in the death of Irving Mayren-Guzman on Feb. 23, 2022, in Pleasantville. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/two-brothers-who-beat-egg-harbor-township-man-who-was-later-found-dead-released-from/article_ccf005e0-fc07-11ed-83ce-4b9a5b8ce126.html | 2023-05-26T23:01:38 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/two-brothers-who-beat-egg-harbor-township-man-who-was-later-found-dead-released-from/article_ccf005e0-fc07-11ed-83ce-4b9a5b8ce126.html |
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – “Drawn to Life” is the story of Walt Disney animation’s art brought to life with live acrobatics through the eyes of a young girl named Julie.
“I play this character that is typically not necessarily played by a person that has diverse origins like mine,” Miho Inaba said.
Born in Canada to a French mother and a Japanese father, Inaba plays the lead role in the Cirque du Soleil show at Disney Springs.
“For me, this is really special,” said Inaba, of her first major gig.
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It’s a role she hopes will serve to inspire children from multicultural backgrounds like her.
“It can plant the seed inside of them, that you know they can also do that, too,” she said.
Growing up in Canada, the 29-year-old said she didn’t see much Asian representation in movies or TV, and as a child, she struggled with her own identity.
“I belong to France. I belong to Japan. Through my education, I have some kind of belonging to Canada and then at the same time you don’t really belong anywhere,” she said.
Eventually, she learned to let go of that feeling.
“It took me a while to free myself from this idea of fitting in, and it took me a while to embrace really that I don’t need to belong anywhere. I can create my own path,” she said.
She remains rooted to this path by cooking traditional French and Japanese food and visiting the place of her ancestors, Japan, after many years.
Inaba said celebrating Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month is important because it lets her community know they matter.
“What’s important about it is for all of the Asian populations that do live here in the USA that they feel that they have a place,” she said.
“Drawn to Life” is presented Wednesday through Sunday at Disney Springs. You can buy tickets to see Inaba and the rest of the talented cast here.
You can listen to every episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate in the media player below: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/26/lead-actress-in-disneys-cirque-du-soleil-show-hopes-to-inspire-other-multicultural-children/ | 2023-05-26T23:01:53 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/26/lead-actress-in-disneys-cirque-du-soleil-show-hopes-to-inspire-other-multicultural-children/ |
As fire managers continue to suppress the Miller Fire burning about 4 miles west of Slide Rock State Park, forest officials are now also managing two other fires within the Coconino National Forest.
Firefighters with the Flagstaff Ranger District responded to a 1-acre wildfire approximately 16 miles west of Flagstaff and south of Garland Prairie which was first reported on May 23.
Meanwhile, Fire managers on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District are letting a fire reported on May 21 west of Clints Well burn, allowing it to “fulfill its natural role and consume forest debris,” according to a media release.
On Thursday evening, officials announced that the Miller Fire had grown to about 35 acres as it continued to grow slowly through brush, timber and rocky terrain southwest toward the south side of Secret Canyon and Maroon Mountain.
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Fire officials now believe the Miller Fire, which was first reported on May 20, was ignited by lightening.
Both the Volunteer Fire near Flagstaff and the Wilbur Fire, located just south of West Clear Creak Wilderness about 8.5 miles directly west of the intersection of Lake Mary Road and state Route 87, were also started by lightening.
The Miller Fire
The Red Rock Ranger District has closed several trails around the fire, and a closure order has been issued for the area surrounding the fire.
The blaze continues to be worked on by one Hotshot crew, one hand crew, two engines, three helicopters and air attack.
Firefighters built a control line on the eastern side of the fire in Secret Canyon Tuesday and spent Wednesday holding those lines while working to keep the fire south of Secret Canyon Creek.
Crews plan to continue working to directly suppress the fire at all accessible points and will evaluate inaccessible portions of the fire in order to respond when and if firefighting efforts can safely be carried out.
Rough and rocky terrain and steep cliff faces create challenges for on-the-ground fire suppression efforts. Predicted Friday wind gusts of up to 30 miles per hour may impede aerial operations.
The fire was first reported on May 20, but due to weather conditions, aerial resources were not able to confirm the fire until Monday, May 22.
There are no structures threatened by the fire.
Smoke impacts may be felt to the north and northeast of the fire. Light smoke is expected to settle into the Sedona area overnight.
The Volunteer Fire
Reported on May 23, the Volunteer Fire is burning near Volunteer Canyon in the burn footprint of the 2021 Rafael Fire. Firefighters have confined the fire and are assessing to see if managers can let it burn, using it as a sort of prescribed burn.
There are no structures threatened by the fire, and light to moderate smoke will be visible to those in Sycamore Canyon and the Garland Prairie area.
Allowing the fire to move across the landscape and consume forest fuels will help restore the forest to healthier conditions and minimize the risk of severe wildfires in that area.
There are currently no road or trail closures in effect, but visitors are asked to avoid the fire area.
The Wilbur Fire
The Wilbur Fire, currently 2 acres, is smoldering at a low intensity in heavy dead and down mixed conifer trees and logs.
Forest officials have already begun managing the fire as a forest treatment, again using it in a similar way as a prescribed burn.
There are currently no road or trail closures in effect, but visitors are asked to avoid the fire area. As weather warms and dries out the forest, the fire may increase in size and cause increased smoke impacts to the immediate area, West Clear Creek, Clints Well and surrounding communities.
Updates of notable fire activity and smoke impacts can be found on the Coconino National Forest’s social media sites, to include the Forest’s Twitter and Facebook pages. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/as-firefighters-battle-miller-fire-officials-look-to-utilize-two-new-fires-for-forest-health/article_0ab8fff0-fc06-11ed-be6e-f38d661796a6.html | 2023-05-26T23:07:24 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/as-firefighters-battle-miller-fire-officials-look-to-utilize-two-new-fires-for-forest-health/article_0ab8fff0-fc06-11ed-be6e-f38d661796a6.html |
Coconino County’s Administrative Offices and Superior Court will be closed in observance of the Memorial Day holiday on Monday May 29, 2023, and will reopen for business on Tuesday.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Records Division will be available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Animal Services office will have an officer available between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Contact them at 928-679-9756 to leave a message for a return call. Dial 9-1-1 for emergencies.
Parks and Recreation offices will be closed, but all County parks and natural areas will be open for recreation.
County officials ask visitors to the area, especially to Coconino National Forest, to always be smart with fire. Even though there are currently no fire restrictions in effect, officials advise the public exercise caution with campfires. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/coconino-county-offices-closed-for-memorial-day/article_e8c37500-fc01-11ed-ab04-ffe8b26527ff.html | 2023-05-26T23:07:28 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/coconino-county-offices-closed-for-memorial-day/article_e8c37500-fc01-11ed-ab04-ffe8b26527ff.html |
JIM THORPE, Pa. — Trains filled with passengers roll in and out of the train station in Jim Thorpe just about every weekend.
The only difference this weekend is a new excursion that's bringing in more than 800 people, as the first train ride from Pittston to Jim Thorpe is sold out.
"The test run is always important. That's where we even learn a lot. Things we may have missed, we'll pick up on. I'm hoping we have everything together. I'm pretty sure we do, and the customers and passengers they're all going to enjoy it themselves," said Marie Knadler Cunningham, Reading and Northern Railroad.
Ed Humphreys is the owner of Jim Thorpe Trolley Tours, which is located just steps away from where the hundreds of passengers will disembark.
He hopes many stop by to take a tour.
"They're coming on a train, so hopefully, they're going to want to ride the trolley and were looking forward to that. To show them all the things around the area, there is to do and see," said Ed Humphreys, Jim Thorpe Trolley Tours owner.
Over on Race Street the owner of Everything Nice Gift Shop believes the new excursion will be beneficial to both counties.
"I'm excited about the expansion of town. I'm excited about how, as far as the economy goes, it will not only impact up here but also it will also impact the area up there," said Beth Beers, Everything Nice Gift Shop owner.
Business owners say there is no question that they'll be able to handle the 800-plus visitors getting off the rail, but what they might not be able to handle is if those visitors were coming in their cars.
"No cars. No traffic. No hassles of parking. You know you're getting your train ride in, and then you have the day just to shop and dine and explore," said Beers.
"The county lot is probably going to be full by 10 o'clock in the morning, so if you're going to be coming to town this weekend, I strongly suggest you get here early to get a parking spot. A lot of people will park out at the Lehigh Gorge and walk in or bike in, which is only two miles," said Humphreys.
The train departs at 9 a.m. from Pittston to Jim Thorpe and returns around 6 p.m.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/carbon-county/jim-thorpe-prepares-for-train-passengers-ahead-of-holiday-weekend-pittston-marie-knadler-ed-humphreys-trolley-tours-beth-beers/523-1172776e-741e-4b1e-997e-6ebee85eba63 | 2023-05-26T23:08:16 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/carbon-county/jim-thorpe-prepares-for-train-passengers-ahead-of-holiday-weekend-pittston-marie-knadler-ed-humphreys-trolley-tours-beth-beers/523-1172776e-741e-4b1e-997e-6ebee85eba63 |
LOCK HAVEN, Pa. — Donna Shank has spent the last 44 years teaching at Lock Haven Catholic School.
"I am very proud to say that I have spent my entire career at this amazing school," she said.
This was Shank's last day of teaching. Family, friends, school faculty, and former teachers set up a surprise retirement party in the gym to honor her.
"It was overwhelming walking in. I felt like I was in a daze, and I didn't even know what was going on. Everywhere I looked, there were people I haven't seen in years," Shank said.
Shank has taught kids from kindergarten through sixth grade. For the last decade, she has been the school's technology teacher.
"She is going to be irreplaceable, just a fantastic person and an amazing teacher. She is a great member of the community and admired by all," said Lock Haven Catholic School Principal Kimberly Williams.
"I am going to miss the routine. I think it is going to take a little bit of an adjustment when I have been coming to the school every day for 44 years," Donna said.
Her husband, Terry Shank, even crowned the newly retired teacher.
"She was thinking about the school all the time. No matter what she did, she was thinking about the school. I am very proud of her," Terry said.
Donna plans to spend more time with her grandchildren now that she is retired.
Check out WNEP's YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/clinton-county/teacher-retires-after-more-than-four-decades-of-service-lock-h-aven-catholic-school/523-cfe01f36-4afd-40e7-87d7-6a894be02af5 | 2023-05-26T23:08:16 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/clinton-county/teacher-retires-after-more-than-four-decades-of-service-lock-h-aven-catholic-school/523-cfe01f36-4afd-40e7-87d7-6a894be02af5 |
LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — Karen Schimelfenig, a dog foster for Adopt a Boxer Rescue, said it best when it comes to describing bouncy boxer, Ayla, "You're adopting love."
This pretty pup is energetic, sweet, and even worldly.
At just 4 years old, she already has quite the story to tell. Ayla was born as a stray over 5,000 miles away in Turkey, where she was then taken in by a rescue and eventually connected with Adopt a Boxer Rescue here in the U.S.
Ayla is now with her foster family in Lackawanna County. Not only was she born a stray, but Ayla is also hearing impaired, though it's never slowed her down. In fact, it is where her intelligence and determination really shines.
Since coming to her foster home in February, Ayla has already learned some simple signs with the help of her foster mother.
"She is hearing impaired but some people don't believe me when I say that because she has learned some of our own little commands that we do so well. I think she listens better sometimes than a hearing dog," says Schimelfenig.
It was difficult to come up with a home Ayla wouldn't thrive in. Her foster mom says she has gotten along with every person she has met so far. At 53 pounds, Ayla sometimes doesn't know how big she is and with her energy would likely be best in a home with slightly older children, so they understand her boundaries. Rescue workers think she would get along with other dogs in the home, as she lived with a group of dogs in Turkey. She has never been around domestic cats, so they are unsure about her having a feline sibling.
Rescue workers don't know how a patient pup like Ayla has hasn't been scooped up yet, she seems to have every quality a loving home could want. She is excitable, intuitive, and goofy.
"She is the whole package. She is the dog that walks well on a leash, is great in the car, is well-mannered," Schimelfenig said.
Schimelfenig says fostering has been a rewarding experience for both her and the dogs that have come through her care. She says there is a need for more foster families and volunteers in the area if you're not able to adopt right now. She will miss Ayla when she goes to live in her forever home but knows she will make any family really happy and couldn't be more excited for Ayla to find the right match.
If you'd like to learn more about Ayla, her adoption information is here.
Adopt a Boxer Rescue also has volunteer and foster opportunities available, if you are interested in finding out more about those, you can find that information here.
See more pets and animal stories on WNEP’s YouTube playlist. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/ayla-16-to-the-rescue-adopt-a-boxer-turkey/523-87a43fee-a77c-411d-b36d-b25ee70b62e7 | 2023-05-26T23:08:17 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/ayla-16-to-the-rescue-adopt-a-boxer-turkey/523-87a43fee-a77c-411d-b36d-b25ee70b62e7 |
SCRANTON, Pa. — According to officials with the Middle District of PA, employees at the federal courthouse in Scranton were opening mail around 9 a.m. Friday morning when they discovered a suspicious letter containing an unknown powder.
U.S. Marshals and local officials were called in to investigate.
They determined the substance was not dangerous.
No one was reported sick, and business went on as usual.
It is unclear if any charges will be filed in Lackawanna County.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/letter-containing-powder-found-inside-federal-courthouse-in-scranton-lackawanna-county-us-marshals/523-77c4251b-0104-4dec-b35b-9cf2d3fc8c0e | 2023-05-26T23:08:17 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/letter-containing-powder-found-inside-federal-courthouse-in-scranton-lackawanna-county-us-marshals/523-77c4251b-0104-4dec-b35b-9cf2d3fc8c0e |
LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — For women facing homelessness, Ruth's Place in Wilkes-Barre is a safe haven.
"Well, to me, it means life or death. If it wasn't for Ruth's Place, I don't know where I would be, I was sleeping on the streets, homeless, said Melanie Fox.
Melanie Fox has been staying at the shelter for a week. Ruth's Place has 20 beds, and all of them are being used.
It's the only women's emergency shelter in Luzerne County.
"I think a lot of us are one paycheck away from homelessness; one bad circumstance, a housefire, accidents, things happen that you're not always prepared for, and I think in today's day in age, where wages are low, and housing is hard to find it is a sad reality for more and more people," said Volunteers of America Director Crystal Kotlowski.
The shelter relies on donations and fundraisers to keep the doors open with resources for the women it serves.
"To keep the place running, anything is appreciated, hygiene products, blankets, pillows, all that stuff is well used," said Fox.
"Pretty much anything you would need in your house, we need it times 20. So funding all of that is a lot of work, and it takes a lot of effort," explained Kotlowski.
Ruth's Place is kicking off fundraising with its annual "Walk for Hope" coming up on Saturday, June 3rd.
Last year's walk was the first in-person walk since the pandemic. This year, to celebrate 20 years of helping homeless women get back on their feet, organizers are hoping for lots of community support.
"We had our walk last year, and it got really rained out, so we are hoping this year it will be better, and we are going to be back at Public Square with our event," Kotlowski.
You can learn more about the mission of Ruth's Place here.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/shelter-in-luzerne-county-celebrating-20-years-of-helping-homeless-women-ruths-place-melanie-fox-crystal-kotlowski/523-f3535bb9-0094-4e68-8bfc-1fc0e380404c | 2023-05-26T23:08:18 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/shelter-in-luzerne-county-celebrating-20-years-of-helping-homeless-women-ruths-place-melanie-fox-crystal-kotlowski/523-f3535bb9-0094-4e68-8bfc-1fc0e380404c |
ELYSBURG, Pa. — Going camping on Memorial Day Weekend is a tradition for many.
A popular spot is Knoebels Amusement Resort near Elysburg.
Some prefer the luxury of an RV, while others stay in tents.
"It's just great having everybody get together. We've got like five campers that come up, and it's about friends and relaxation," Linda Titus said.
Linda Titus and her family have camped at the resort for about 30 years.
"When the kids were young, we'd have kids that were older, they'd take the younger kids down, we didn't have to go down really. It's just great. Entertainment for both young and old," Titus said.
A spokesperson for Knoebels Amusement Resort says Memorial Day Weekend is one of the park's busiest weekends.
All 800 campsites are booked.
"We look forward to it every year. Our children grew up here. Every year we come, and they'd look forward to coming. Now they're older and have their own lives going on, so it's just the wife and I this year," Rob Wilson said.
Memorial Day Weekend camping at Knoebels is a tradition for Rob Wilson and his family.
"A little bit down at the park. I spend a lot of my time with the smoker. I start today and go right through to tomorrow afternoon," Wilson said.
Some of the campers tell Newswatch 16 one of the best parts about camping here at Knoebels is taking advantage of the rides.
"I'm excited on a scale of 9.5-10. These two are excited on a scale of 11-10," Dave Thackara said.
Dave Thackara and his kids are looking forward to the rides.
"We come multiple times a year. My grandmother lived about 15 minutes from here, so I came to the parks a ton growing up. The fact that I can bring these two here now it's amazing. It's an amazing feeling," Thackara said.
The park is open all weekend, and the pool opens this weekend as well.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/northumberland-county/campers-kicking-off-holiday-weekend-at-knoebels-amusement-resort-linda-titus-rob-wilson-dave-thackara/523-eb3a0719-c888-4b64-9529-376812c6fc3b | 2023-05-26T23:08:36 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/northumberland-county/campers-kicking-off-holiday-weekend-at-knoebels-amusement-resort-linda-titus-rob-wilson-dave-thackara/523-eb3a0719-c888-4b64-9529-376812c6fc3b |
SUNBURY, Pa. — The Sunbury Rotary Club is preparing for Memorial Day weekend by setting up flag displays to honor our veterans.
Sunbury Rotary Club President Victoria Rosencrans spent the morning setting up a flag display along South Front Street in the city. It's the fourth year for the Flags for Heroes display, which is put up for Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
"We get a lot of feedback from the community on how beautiful it looks, and I think it helps the patriotism," Rosencrans said.
The Flags for Heroes display features more than three dozen American flags. Each will have a tag with a hero's name.
"We get a lot of sponsorships from veterans or those currently serving in the military. But a hero could be a doctor, nurse, the person who bags the groceries at the grocery store. We pretty much let it open to whoever somebody wants to sponsor for a hero."
The Sunbury Rotary Club also takes care of the smaller flags on the Veterans Memorial Bridge and the Thomas Edison Bridge. They are replaced twice a year, costing around $700 each time. The Rotary Club teamed up with eight area wineries and breweries for Flights for Flags.
"When you go in and buy a flight, that's your different flavors of beers and wine; they're going to donate $1 per flight back to Sunbury rotary club."
The money goes to the upkeep of the flags.
"While you're out enjoying a drink, you're helping the rotary, and the businesses are giving back."
The fundraiser starts next Saturday and will be ongoing.
Check out WNEP's YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/northumberland-county/flags-flying-in-sunbury-for-holiday-weekend-rotary-club-flags-for-heroes-flights/523-4e7a667b-2f05-461c-bde1-eb7a08d1d69f | 2023-05-26T23:08:42 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/northumberland-county/flags-flying-in-sunbury-for-holiday-weekend-rotary-club-flags-for-heroes-flights/523-4e7a667b-2f05-461c-bde1-eb7a08d1d69f |
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — A woman has pleaded no contest to killing her husband in Northumberland County.
It happened in 2021 in Mount Carmel Township.
Investigators say Lisa Karlaza stabbed her husband, Richard Karlaza, to death and made false reports to police.
She pleaded no contest to third-degree murder charges Friday and is set to be sentenced in August.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/northumberland-county/woman-pleads-no-contest-to-murder-charges-in-northumberland-county-richard-karlaza-lisa-sentencing-homicide/523-392133ad-80d7-4636-a7ad-2f994f6bbbdf | 2023-05-26T23:08:48 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/northumberland-county/woman-pleads-no-contest-to-murder-charges-in-northumberland-county-richard-karlaza-lisa-sentencing-homicide/523-392133ad-80d7-4636-a7ad-2f994f6bbbdf |
NOXEN, Pa. — Veterans and community members gathered at Patriots Cove in Noxen to fish for the fallen. The fishing competition is held every year during Memorial Day weekend. Most of the people participating are veterans or have family members who served and say this event is very important to them.
"Remembering my brothers and sisters that have fallen. Unfortunately, I've had too many of those. Just being out here with the guys having a little away time and some alone time," said Ben Chamberlin from Wyalusing.
"Great group of people, great event," said Paul Florek. "I love what the moral of this event really stands for."
It was the perfect day to spend time out in nature to reflect on what Memorial Day means, but now and then, there were bursts of excitement when a fish was on the line.
"Oh, we've gotten six of them so far. So, the biggest one is 17 inches rainbow. Very nice and also a three-track tag trout," Chamberlin said.
Veterans we spoke with say it's important to remember the significance of Memorial Day and how many people it affects.
"This weekend is all about those that gave the ultimate sacrifice, and we really do it for them," said Michael Lopatka. "That's what this is about."
Organizers say every year they add a few more bricks along their walkway to honor those veterans who have passed, including one of their own this year.
"We actually have a wife and a son of one of our team members who was a Marine who was killed recently in a car accident but was serving selflessly here at Patriots Cove," said Jeff Swire, Patriots Cove president and co-founder.
New bricks with the seven names of fallen service members were placed along with many other soldiers and veterans around the property.
Check out WNEP's YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/wyoming-county/fish-for-the-fallen-at-patriots-cove-veterans-memorial-day-noxen/523-aceba557-4ce7-457d-9377-0c89703da574 | 2023-05-26T23:08:54 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/wyoming-county/fish-for-the-fallen-at-patriots-cove-veterans-memorial-day-noxen/523-aceba557-4ce7-457d-9377-0c89703da574 |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — One person is in critical condition after a crash on an off-ramp of Interstate 26 on Friday afternoon.
A release from the Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) said a vehicle was traveling westbound on I-26 around 2:30 p.m. when it ran off the side of the North Roan Street exit off-ramp. The vehicle then went through a chain link fence, struck trees and landed in a wooded area of a motel parking lot on N. Roan Street, according to the release.
The driver was wearing a seatbelt and sustained life-threatening injuries, the release said.
The crash remains under investigation and the driver was listed in critical condition, according to the release. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/one-seriously-injured-following-crash-on-i-26-off-ramp-police-say/ | 2023-05-26T23:09:23 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/one-seriously-injured-following-crash-on-i-26-off-ramp-police-say/ |
DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines police are asking for help locating a missing 62-year-old man.
David McCullough was last seen Thursday wearing jeans, a tan-colored vest and a sun hat near his home on the 1500 block of 61st Street.
McCullough is 5'6" and weighs around 140 lbs.
He is considered medically at-risk, and he does not drive.
If you have any information about McCullough's current location or disappearance, officials ask you contact the Des Moines Police Department by calling 911.
Local 5 will update this story as more information becomes available. Download the We Are Iowa app or subscribe to Local 5's "5 Things to Know" email newsletter for the latest. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/des-moines-iowa-missing-man-62-year-old-david-mcullough-police-updates/524-11054489-ea73-4722-b84d-9f492988f6d6 | 2023-05-26T23:13:18 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/des-moines-iowa-missing-man-62-year-old-david-mcullough-police-updates/524-11054489-ea73-4722-b84d-9f492988f6d6 |
DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa teenagers could work more jobs and for longer hours under a bill signed into law Friday by Gov. Kim Reynolds.
The Republican governor signed the law after it was approved by the Legislature earlier in May with only Republican support. Several states are embracing a rollback of child labor laws in response to complaints from business owners that they can't find enough workers. Iowa's April unemployment rate was 2.7%.
“With this legislation Iowa joins 20 other states in providing tailored, common sense labor provisions that allow young adults to develop their skills in the workforce," Reynolds said in a statement.
Child welfare advocates worry the measures represent a coordinated push to scale back hard-won protections for minors.
Legislators removed language in earlier versions of the bill that would have let state officials allow 14- and 15-year-olds to work in jobs now banned for minors. Some potentially dangerous work such as mining and meatpacking also would be off limits to those younger than 18.
The new law would let 16- and 17-year-olds work in areas such as manufacturing as long as it was in a work-based learning program given an exemption by the Iowa Department of Education or Iowa Workforce Development. Those jobs could potentially mean the teens would operate power saws or join in demolition.
Under the new rules, 16- and 17-year-olds also could serve alcohol in restaurants as long as business owners have written permission from the worker's parent or guardian. Two adult employees would need to be in an area where the children served drinks, and restaurant employees would need to complete sexual harassment prevention training.
The law would also let children younger than 16 work up to six hours a day while school is in session. They previously could work no more than four hours.
Reynolds on Friday signed a dozen bills into law ahead of the Memorial Day holiday weekend, including high-profile legislation that bans instruction on gender identity from classrooms through grade six, and books that include sex acts from school libraries.
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► Subscribe to Local 5 News on YouTube | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/local-politics/iowa-governor-kim-reynolds-child-teen-labor-bill-sf542-signed-into-law/524-46e7c15e-ff4c-40e7-a9dd-91102a2683ae | 2023-05-26T23:13:24 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/local-politics/iowa-governor-kim-reynolds-child-teen-labor-bill-sf542-signed-into-law/524-46e7c15e-ff4c-40e7-a9dd-91102a2683ae |
It's no secret pencils and paper have largely been replaced by computers in the classroom. When you have schools with thousands of students, who helps keep all those computers up and running?
Heard of the Geek Squad at that big box store?
Well, Royse City has Chrome Squad, the classroom where students go for all things computer.
Students apply to work here where teachers help them learn all the ins and outs of operating, repairing, and even maximizing how you use a Chromebook.
They use those skills to keep the 2,200 students at Royse City High connected.
It's not all IT. They make podcasts, give new tech tips and tricks.
Jason Payne works with teachers to get the most out of Chromebooks, exposing adults to new technology.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
"I have the best job, I think. I work with teachers to make the classroom fun," said Payne.
He still jumps in with repairs though enjoying and listening to the clues students give when something's wrong, then diagnosing the problem.
It just might help in his ultimate career goal.
"I wanna become a doctor," he said. "The people skills I've learned are going to be very very helpful."
Teacher Angela Arledge says she's seen it all in the many years Chrome Squad has been around.
"We had a student carry a gallon of sweet tea in their backpack with their Chromebook and slipped and fell on the ice," she shared.
Arledge loves how the program not only helps kids who are into tech, and those who need growth with confidence and working with a team. The success here is catching on.
"This year alone we have six or seven districts come in and visit with our Chrome Squad, see what we're doing here and implement at their classrooms," said Arledge.
Ally Romney signed up after seeing her older sister thrive and having some interest in computers.
"I don't know what high school would be without Chrome Squad," said Romney. "I've learned so much, from patience to so many things like troubleshooting things I can apply in my life and also like I thought I wanted to do coding and then I'm like I don't think I could sit behind a computer screen all my life."
It's just another way Chrome Squad is solving problems, helping navigate kids away from a career they may not like.
What started as a way to help manage so many computers has wound up setting these students up, to thrive in a technology-rich future. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/carter-in-the-classroom/students-become-in-house-it-experts-on-all-things-chromebook/3266053/ | 2023-05-26T23:13:31 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/carter-in-the-classroom/students-become-in-house-it-experts-on-all-things-chromebook/3266053/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-parks-and-wildlife-begin-safety-patrols-on-area-lakes/3266182/ | 2023-05-26T23:13:44 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-parks-and-wildlife-begin-safety-patrols-on-area-lakes/3266182/ |
MIDLAND, Texas — Today, Midland ISD accepted the resignation of Chief Arthur Barclay, effective immediately.
While MISD appreciated his service to the District the past four plus years, it is in the best interest of the District to reevaluate the leadership of the MISD Police Department.
MISD says a culmination of events have led to this decision, and they are acting swiftly to find his replacement. As always, the safety and security of their campuses is their highest priority. We wish him well in his future endeavors. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/misd-police-chief-arthur-barclay-resigns/513-678830f4-6d50-40ef-952e-aed31908eec6 | 2023-05-26T23:14:47 | 0 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/misd-police-chief-arthur-barclay-resigns/513-678830f4-6d50-40ef-952e-aed31908eec6 |
Suspected DPS shooter, accomplice ID'd by Phoenix police
Police identified the man suspected in a Thursday shooting that wounded an Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper.
Howard Lamar Johnson, 34, is charged with aggravated assault and misconduct involving weapons, according to Phoenix police and jail records. Sonia Hernandez, 27, is charged with hindering prosecution on suspicion of aiding Johnson following the shooting and with tampering with physical evidence, according to police and jail records.The DPS officer was hospitalized with injuries that were not life-threatening after being shot around 12:40 p.m. in an incident that led to an area near 19th Avenue and Loop 101 being closed down. Police and agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded to the area.
Johnson was found at an apartment complex near 67th and Olive Avenues, taken into custody and hospitalized with injuries, police said. As of Friday afternoon, Johnson's injuries had not been disclosed.
Jail records did not show a bond set for either Johnson or Hernandez. Records did not show either was jailed.
The charges against Johnson come after police said Thursday he would be booked upon his release from the hospital.
The DPS trooper remains in the hospital and is a 34-year-old male with five years of service, according to DPS spokesman Bart Graves. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/05/26/suspected-dps-shooter-accomplice-idd-by-phoenix-police/70262520007/ | 2023-05-26T23:21:56 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/05/26/suspected-dps-shooter-accomplice-idd-by-phoenix-police/70262520007/ |
An emotional hearing Friday ended in a 16-year-old receiving a 60-year sentence for murdering a man in October.
Austin Moran admitted during an April change-of-plea hearing that he shot and killed 19-year-old Yael Edu Esparza. In exchange for pleading guilty to the murder, a sentencing enhancement for using a firearm was dropped.
He was also ordered to pay the victim's family $10,515 in restitution.
Of the 60-year-sentence, 55 years will be served in prison and five years will be suspended. Allen Superior Court Judge Fran Gull told Moran she would consider modifying the sentence in the future, depending on his behavior in jail.
Gull told Moran that she took his remorse into account when deciding on the sentence.
“I think you are genuinely sorry for what you have done,” Gull told the teen.
But Gull agreed with Allen County Prosecutor Tom Chaille that Moran is "a predator.”
Moran told a friend he kept shooting Esparza because Esparza wouldn't die, according to a probable cause affidavit written by Fort Wayne Police Detective Liza Anglin. The friend told police he was with Moran when the defendant said he was going to steal some vape cartridges he agreed to buy from Esparza.
The witness told police he left when Moran told him the plan but heard gunshots and screaming as he was walking away. When he ran back to the area, he found Moran on a porch in a daze, according to court documents.
Marcia Linsky, Moran’s defense attorney, asked the judge ahead of sentencing to consider Moran's acceptance of guilt, remorse and age. She also pointed to Moran's attempts to better himself after the murder and his lack of prior criminal history. Substance abuse issues also played a role in the shooting, Linsky said.
But, Linsky said, she and her client understand the gravity of what Moran did.
“There’s no giving back what he took from the victim’s family,” she said.
Chaille brought Esparza’s sister up to speak to the judge. Debbie Aljahania read a letter written by their mother to the courtroom.
In the letter, she said her heart doesn’t beat the same as it did before Esparza was murdered.
“You decided not to give my son a chance,” Aljahania read from her mother’s letter. “…You took a brother, a friend and, from my granddaughters, a loving uncle.”
Aljahania began to cry as she read the letter, shortly after sharing that she went into labor with her child several weeks early after he brother was murdered.
“I pray for you and your mother,” Aljahania read as she finished the letter.
Then it came time for Moran to speak. The teen sat quietly with his head down through most of the hearing but asked to stand to address the victim’s family.
“I’m extremely sorry for what I’ve done to your son, your brother and your family,” Moran said. “That’s not me, I promise you, that’s not me.”
Tears began to roll down Moran’s face and he got choked up as he apologized.
“I understand that I’m about to get a lot of time,” Moran said, “and I deserve every second of it.” | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/16-year-old-on-60-year-sentence-for-murder-i-deserve-every-second/article_dd0760d6-fb26-11ed-bdf3-4f82f953082d.html | 2023-05-26T23:30:40 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/16-year-old-on-60-year-sentence-for-murder-i-deserve-every-second/article_dd0760d6-fb26-11ed-bdf3-4f82f953082d.html |
The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo will open a new exhibit Saturday: Red Panda Ridge, one of the largest red panda habitats in the country.
The resident red pandas are Anne, Aurora and Paula.
Red Panda Ridge is the first addition to the zoo's reimagined Asian Trek area. The new exhibit area is also home to Zoji, a Chinese muntjac deer and five Asian birds including a white eared pheasant, Gretel; Victoria crowned pigeons, Penn and Teller; and a pair of red-billed blue magpies, Jingwei and Dallas, officials said Friday in a news release.
“As one of only eight self-supporting zoos in the country, these new additions and reimagined spaces couldn’t happen without the support of our community, our members, but especially our generous donors,” Executive Director Rick Schuiteman said in a statement.
The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is northeast Indiana’s largest tourist attraction, hosting more than 600,000 guests annually, according to the release. In 2021, the zoo was voted Visit Indiana’s “Summer Bucket List Top Attraction.” | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/fort-wayne-childrens-zoo-opens-red-panda-exhibit-saturday/article_b6203306-fc09-11ed-a40e-ef1cfbb77bc5.html | 2023-05-26T23:30:45 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/fort-wayne-childrens-zoo-opens-red-panda-exhibit-saturday/article_b6203306-fc09-11ed-a40e-ef1cfbb77bc5.html |
A man who was 17 when he was charged with murder in 2020 will be sentenced next week after his Friday sentencing was postponed.
Javon Thomas, now 20, was charged with two counts of murder, one count of robbery and a firearm sentencing enhancement after his arrest, but pleaded guilty to one count of murder in April.
Allen Superior Court Judge David Zent will decide to accept or throw out the plea agreement Wednesday. If Zent accepts the agreement, the three other charges will be dismissed.
If the agreement is not accepted, Thomas' change of plea can be reversed and a trial would be scheduled.
Thomas is accused of shooting and killing 23-year-old Hakeem Cage on Dec. 2, 2020. He was arrested alongside his cousin, Korta Thomas, 24, after Cage was shot and killed in front of his girlfriend outside the Summit at Ridgewood apartments on Fort Wayne’s north side.
Cage's girlfriend told police she and her boyfriend were walking up to her apartment after a party when she heard footsteps running toward them and about five gunshots. She then watched as the shooter went through Cage's pockets as he laid dying.
Korta Thomas pleaded guilty to robbery and was given a set sentence of 16 years in what was originally an agreement requiring him to testify against his cousin at trial. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/sentencing-rescheduled-for-man-who-pleaded-guilty-to-murder-in-2020-slaying/article_da6b8dce-fc08-11ed-9046-7f77a950980d.html | 2023-05-26T23:30:45 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/sentencing-rescheduled-for-man-who-pleaded-guilty-to-murder-in-2020-slaying/article_da6b8dce-fc08-11ed-9046-7f77a950980d.html |
SONORA, Calif. — The third and only outstanding suspect wanted in connection with a March homicide in Tuolumne County is now in custody.
The Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office says a community tip about a possible sighting of Sabrina Starkweather led to her arrest in Stockton.
She was then taken to the Dambacher Detention Center in Sonora where she's being held on suspicion of murder, conspiracy, robbery, vehicle theft and two outstanding warrants for failure to appear in court and probation violation.
CASE HISTORY
The sheriff's office responded to a call in the area of Calle Quartz Drive in Columbia around 3 p.m. March 15. They found 63-year-old Ben Lindsey dead in his home.
An autopsy revealed his death was caused by blunt force trauma and witnesses said his Jeep had been missing for a few days.
Detectives say his neighbor and tenant, 63-year-old Jon Starkweather, had his 28-year-old daughter Sabrina and her boyfriend, 22-year-old Kasual McGuire-Meder, stay at his home.
Jon Starkweather and McGuire-Meder were arrested March 17 and charged with murder including conspiracy to commit a crime and robbery, according to officials.
Anyone with information in the case can call the sheriff's office at 209-533-5815.
WATCH MORE ON ABC10: CHP's max enforcement period starts ahead of Memorial Day weekend | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/3rd-tuolumne-county-homicide-suspect-now-in-custody/103-a5231c14-e667-4751-a660-ffd7c46e1636 | 2023-05-26T23:32:08 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/3rd-tuolumne-county-homicide-suspect-now-in-custody/103-a5231c14-e667-4751-a660-ffd7c46e1636 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — As a pending criminal manslaughter case against Pacific Gas and Electric heads toward possible dismissal Wednesday, the monopoly’s former top regulator is calling on Shasta County prosecutors to stand strong.
"This is the last bastion of accountability that exists out there in the court system,” said former California Public Utilities Commission [CPUC] President Loretta Lynch in an interview with ABC10. “If PG&E is not convicted of crimes, PG&E's customers will pay for all of PG&E's negligence.”
Lynch sees potential harm to millions of Californians’ power bills, but also to many of their lives, if there is no conviction in the case.
“Most importantly, it will send a signal to PG&E that they can always get away with it,” added Lynch, who served as one of PG&E’s appointed state regulators from 2000-2005. “So how will anything ever change?"
Judge Daniel Flynn of the Shasta County Superior Court reversed his own position last month, announcing his intent to dismiss all felony charges against PG&E for starting the 2020 Zogg Fire. Prosecutors have the right to appeal or to refile charges if Flynn dismisses them.
“The Shasta County district attorney should fight,” Lynch said. “If the judge rules in favor of PG&E and short-circuits the ability to even go to trial and prove your evidence, then that wrong decision should be appealed by the Shasta County District Attorney.”
Shasta County district attorney Stephanie Bridgett declined to comment on the story, citing the unresolved status of the case. PG&E did not respond to our request for comment.
Flynn’s planned ruling would overturn a fellow judge’s decision to force PG&E to stand trial for multiple felony reckless arson counts and the felony involuntary manslaughter of all four people killed in the fire.
“They fought and tried to escape,” said Suzie Bewley, the grandmother of the fire’s youngest victim. Eight-year-old Feyla McLeod died in a pickup truck along with her mother Alaina as they attempted to escape their home.
“Our family will never be the same,” said Bewley.
PG&E denies criminal wrongdoing, but admits its power line started the fire when a badly-damaged gray pine fell onto it during a Sept. 2020 windstorm.
The company’s defense team portrays the case as an attempt by prosecutors to criminalize “mistakes” made by PG&E tree contractors acting in good faith.
“PG&E knew that there was a problematic tree, marked it for removal and then just never removed it,” said Lynch, who is an attorney. “How is that not negligence? And how should that not result in criminal liability?”
She believes there’s ample evidence to support a conviction from PG&E’s federal criminal probation, the CPUC investigation, Cal Fire’s arson investigation and the preliminary hearing in Shasta County.
“The last branch of government we have is the courts,” argued Lynch. “Nobody will hold PG&E accountable. Certainly not the PUC. Certainly not the legislature.”
ACCESS MORE FIRE-POWER-MONEY STORIES HERE
Judge Flynn’s planned dismissal of the case reignited settlement talks between PG&E and prosecutors.
A planned June 6 trial date seems all but certain to be abandoned and pretrial hearings have been delayed multiple times as both sides negotiate.
District Attorney Bridgett participated in a settlement last year that did not require PG&E to admit to crimes for starting the 2021 Dixie Fire, but refused to settle the Zogg Fire without a criminal conviction.
“In the Zogg case, PG&E’s actions caused the deaths of four people,” Bridgett said at the time. “A civil settlement… would not be sufficient to hold PG&E accountable for their actions.”
Lynch urged Bridgett to stick to that position, despite Judge Flynn’s plan to dismiss the charges.
"They can obviously settle. That would be a travesty of justice,” Lynch said. “Only justice and accountability will bring the change we need in this rogue Corporation."
The next court date in the case is Wednesday, May 31.
MORE FROM FIRE-POWER-MONEY: Newsom takes heat for non-answers on PG&E fire victims. Some may never be paid in full. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/abc10-originals/pge-regulator-urges-shasta-prosecutor-to-fight-for-justice/103-72b0d186-389b-492f-a1ba-30db403f7aa5 | 2023-05-26T23:32:14 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/abc10-originals/pge-regulator-urges-shasta-prosecutor-to-fight-for-justice/103-72b0d186-389b-492f-a1ba-30db403f7aa5 |
STOCKTON, Calif. — A shattered front window, a list of missing items and a broken sense of safety are what's left of a Friday morning burglary at Stephen Castanon's north Stockton home.
According to Castanon, his family left for the day around 7:06 a.m. Two minutes later, a man rang his front doorbell.
Security camera video captured the suspected burglar waiting less than 30 seconds after ringing the doorbell before breaking into the home by shattering a front window.
The burglar then allegedly rummaged through the house, stealing old wedding rings, family jewelry, tablets and more.
While Castanon and his family try to recover from the frightening burglary, officers with the Stockton Police Department are now investigating the case.
Investigators say anyone with information can call Stockton Crime Stoppers at 209-946-0600, referencing the case number 23-16746. A cash reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest or identification of the burglar.
Watch more Stockton news from ABC10: Clash over proposed family-friendly drag show at children's park heats debate in Stockton | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/man-breaks-into-home/103-a1f32e75-407d-4cb5-97fb-0d19e7df1c4b | 2023-05-26T23:32:20 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/man-breaks-into-home/103-a1f32e75-407d-4cb5-97fb-0d19e7df1c4b |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After a vote this week, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors will go from being paid about $127,000 a year to about $173,000.
For this week's "Ask Alex" segment on “To The Point with Alex Bell,” we wanted to answer this question from our ABC10 Facebook page.
Q: Why should they be any different than the public?
The “To The Point” team reached out to a professor at McGeorge School of Law to understand how elected officials are able to vote on their own raises.
“Unless there's some higher law that constrains them, they're allowed to vote on their own salary,” said Leslie Gielow Jacobs, professor of law at McGeorge School of Law. “The theory there is that they do it openly. There are laws that make sure that they do it openly. There's media, like you, reporting on it and the people can see what's going on and vote them out if they think that it's the wrong thing to do.”
Jacobs adds this wasn’t always the case.
“With the County Board of Supervisors, before 1970, the California Constitution — which is the highest source of law here in the state — said that the legislature would set the salary of the county supervisors,” said Jacobs. “But then an initiative passed and the decision was made by the people voting this in that, in fact, the choice of the salary should return to the county level, because of an idea of home rule and direct democracy. And so an explicit choice was made that it was better to have the county supervisors be doing it on their own.”
According to Ocgrandjury.org, it was State of California Proposition 12 in 1970 that made the change from the State Legislature setting the salary of the Board of Supervisors. Read the full proposition from 1970 here.
This pay increase is currently slated to take effect June 4. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/to-the-point-understanding-why-sacramento-county-elected-officials-can-vote-on-their-raises/103-c488b185-c829-481b-8676-92826ebdb2da | 2023-05-26T23:32:26 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/to-the-point-understanding-why-sacramento-county-elected-officials-can-vote-on-their-raises/103-c488b185-c829-481b-8676-92826ebdb2da |
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Contact Us | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/student-stabbed-outside-high-school-in-west-philadelphia/3574419/ | 2023-05-26T23:34:44 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/student-stabbed-outside-high-school-in-west-philadelphia/3574419/ |
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Contact Us | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/thousands-heading-to-the-beaches-this-memorial-day-weekend/3574414/ | 2023-05-26T23:34:50 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/thousands-heading-to-the-beaches-this-memorial-day-weekend/3574414/ |
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Officials in Pasco County decided to lift the area's emergency burn ban on Friday, citing that recent rainy weather has helped lower drought conditions.
The lifted burn ban is effective immediately but although drought conditions have improved, Pasco County said in a news release residents should keep in mind the area is still drier than normal.
"Pasco County Fire Rescue urges residents to prioritize safety while burning outdoors," the news release reads. "Proper measures and precautions should be taken to protect people from fire danger."
People living in the county can resume outdoor burning activities, such as open burning, campfires and burning yard waste.
Residents are required to comply with all Florida Forest Service permitting requirements when performing an open burn. For more outdoor burning rules and safety tips, click here.
Other counties in the Tampa Bay area saw plenty of much-needed rain throughout the week, which further improved drought conditions.
"Parts of Pasco county received anywhere between 1-4 inches of beneficial rainfall since Monday," 10 Tampa Bay Meteorologist Natalie Ferrari said. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pascocounty/pasco-county-burn-ban/67-c1814747-19ce-48ec-ba7c-082a939d4692 | 2023-05-26T23:37:52 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pascocounty/pasco-county-burn-ban/67-c1814747-19ce-48ec-ba7c-082a939d4692 |
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Lincoln Fire and Rescue personnel respond to a fire that affected multiple houses beside on the 400 block of Mulder Drive on Friday in east Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
What started as a small pile of burning debris quickly became a large fire and spread to multiple homes in east Lincoln on Friday afternoon.
According to Lincoln Fire and Rescue spokesperson MJ Lierman, the fire on the 400 block of Mulder Drive started when a homeowner was attempting to burn off loose debris from fallen cottonwood branches.
The fire got out of control, consumed a nearby shed and fence and spread from the homeowner’s backyard to two other houses in the area.
Neighbor Amy Lorenze rushed to the scene after receiving a PulsePoint notification of a nearby fire, just as fire and rescue vehicles began lining the streets. She quickly found the fire spreading to a nearby unoccupied home.
After frantically screwing a hose into a nearby spigot, Lorenze did what she could to keep the fire from spreading to nearby power lines.
Not long after, Austin Crews, who lives a few houses down the street, arrived and began hammering on front doors to gather as many additional hoses as he could before coming over to assist.
Lorenze said that with the ongoing drought in the area, the damage could have been much worse if not for the quick response from neighbors.
“It’s drier than dry,” she said. “I’m just glad we were all here to help.”
Juveniles pulled from detention center; Nebraskans expected to hit the road; questions remain for Hoiberg’s team.
Counties with the worst droughts in Nebraska
Counties with the worst droughts in Nebraska
Over a fourth of the continental U.S. is currently experiencing moderate to exceptional drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
While severe to exceptional drought conditions persist in the West—which is currently experiencing a brief reprieve from its driest period of the last 1,200 years—other parts of the country less associated with drought, like the northeast and the midwest, have also experienced spells of unusual dryness.
In periods of drought, levels of major reservoirs and rivers can fall dramatically. Groundwater systems too feel the effects, and shrinking water supplies impact agriculture, hydropower generation, and wildfire risk.
Periods of drought have intensified and become more frequent in recent years due to climate change. Scientists predict that even in low emissions scenarios , much of the U.S. will be drier by the end of the century.
Stacker cited data from U.S. Drought Monitor to identify the counties in Nebraska with the worst droughts in the week leading up to May 02, 2023. Counties are ranked by percent of the area in drought conditions. Abnormally dry is not considered to be a drought, but is included as a separate data point. Additional data for the state overall is included.
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Nebraska statistics
- Abnormally dry: 0.2%
- Area in drought: 99.0% (#2 nationally)
--- Moderate drought: 21.9%
--- Severe drought: 31.7%
--- Extreme drought: 39.1%
--- Exceptional drought: 6.3%
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#1. Adams County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 22.2%
--- Severe drought: 77.8%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%
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#1. Perkins County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 0.0%
--- Severe drought: 26.4%
--- Extreme drought: 73.6%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%
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#1. Nuckolls County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 85.5%
--- Severe drought: 14.5%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%
SevenMaps // Shutterstock
#1. Morrill County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 0.0%
--- Severe drought: 27.6%
--- Extreme drought: 72.4%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%
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#1. Merrick County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 0.0%
--- Severe drought: 1.8%
--- Extreme drought: 91.4%
--- Exceptional drought: 6.7%
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#1. McPherson County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 0.0%
--- Severe drought: 4.1%
--- Extreme drought: 95.9%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%
SevenMaps // Shutterstock
#1. Madison County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 0.0%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 30.1%
--- Exceptional drought: 69.9%
Jacob Boomsma // Shutterstock
#1. Loup County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 0.0%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 100.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%
You may also like: Most popular girl names in the 60s in Nebraska
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#1. Logan County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 0.0%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 100.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%
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#1. Hooker County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 0.0%
--- Severe drought: 35.4%
--- Extreme drought: 64.6%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%
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#1. Phelps County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 0.0%
--- Severe drought: 100.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%
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#1. Lincoln County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 0.0%
--- Severe drought: 2.5%
--- Extreme drought: 97.5%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%
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#1. Kimball County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 5.5%
--- Severe drought: 36.8%
--- Extreme drought: 57.7%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%
You may also like: Lowest-earning counties in Nebraska
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#1. Keya Paha County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 48.1%
--- Severe drought: 50.2%
--- Extreme drought: 1.7%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%
Danita Delimont // Shutterstock
#1. Keith County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 0.0%
--- Severe drought: 23.3%
--- Extreme drought: 76.7%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%
Bob Pool // Shutterstock
#1. Kearney County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 4.8%
--- Severe drought: 95.2%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%
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#1. Johnson County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 100.0%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%
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#1. Jefferson County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 52.8%
--- Severe drought: 47.2%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%
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#1. Pierce County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 0.0%
--- Severe drought: 0.4%
--- Extreme drought: 97.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 2.6%
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#1. Platte County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 0.0%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 100.0%
Jacob Boomsma // Shutterstock
#1. Polk County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 0.0%
--- Severe drought: 5.8%
--- Extreme drought: 61.7%
--- Exceptional drought: 32.5%
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#1. Lancaster County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 13.2%
--- Severe drought: 35.2%
--- Extreme drought: 51.6%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%
Katherine Welles // Shutterstock
#1. Knox County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 26.4%
--- Severe drought: 72.7%
--- Extreme drought: 0.9%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%
You may also like: Most rural counties in Nebraska
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#1. Stanton County (tie)
- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 0.0%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 100.0%
SevenMaps // Shutterstock
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Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/east-lincoln-grass-fire-spreads-to-multiple-houses/article_900decec-fc10-11ed-8421-a7c726033200.html | 2023-05-26T23:39:20 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/east-lincoln-grass-fire-spreads-to-multiple-houses/article_900decec-fc10-11ed-8421-a7c726033200.html |
Montana youth climate trial to move forward next month with narrowed scope
HELENA — The first youth climate change lawsuit in the U.S. to reach trial will take place next month, though the challenge filed against Montana has been narrowed after a judge dismissed a claim against a state energy policy that's no longer in effect.
The two-week trial is set to begin June 12 before District Court Judge Kathy Seeley in Helena.
Seeley on Tuesday dismissed part of the youth lawsuit that challenged the state's energy policy, saying the only ruling she could have made was to strike down the policy, something the Legislature had already done.
However, she said there are still issues to be determined at trial over whether the Montana Environmental Policy Act — which prohibits agencies from considering the effects of greenhouse gases when issuing fossil fuel development permits — violates the state constitution's guarantee of a clean and healthful environment and causes damage to the youth plaintiffs.
“The main part of this case has now been thrown out, and what’s left of the case should also be dismissed," said Emily Flower, spokeswoman for the Department of Justice, which is defending Montana in the case.
“This entire case has been nothing more than a publicity stunt spearheaded by an out-of-state special interest group that is exploiting well-intentioned Montana kids … to achieve its goal of shutting down responsible energy development in our state," Flower said in a statement.
The state of Montana filed a motion last week to dismiss the rest of the lawsuit, arguing that because the Legislature had amended the Montana Environmental Policy Act, the law that had been challenged no longer exists. The amendment clarified that state agencies can't take greenhouse gas emissions into account in issuing fossil fuel development permits unless the federal government starts requiring it.
However, at the end of the May 12 hearing on the state's motion to dismiss the energy policy portion of the lawsuit, Seeley told a state attorney that she did not find the MEPA amendments “to be nearly as substantive to the issues raised in this case as you do.”
Our Children's Trust, which represents the plaintiffs, did not immediately respond to an email Thursday seeking comment.
MEPA, originally passed in 1971 and amended several times since then, requires state agencies to balance the health of the environment against private property rights in permitting development. It also expanded the right for the public to participate in governmental decisions in an effort to prevent unintended consequences of development.
The 16 plaintiffs, ranging in age from 5 to 22, say they are feeling the consequences of climate change with smoke from worsening wildfires choking the air they breathe and drought drying rivers that sustain agriculture, fish, wildlife and recreation.
Based on the court record, there appears to be a reasonably close relationship between the state's permitting of oil, gas and coal activities and the plaintiff's alleged injuries, Seeley wrote. She added that the state has the authority to regulate emissions and climate impacts from fossil fuels by granting or denying permits.
"The state may not have the power to regulate out-of-state actors that burn Montana coal, but it could consider the effects of burning that coal before permitting a new coal mine,” her ruling states. “This court cannot force the state to conduct that analysis, but it can strike down a statute prohibiting it.”
Montana's right to a clean and healthful environment was included in the 1972 Constitution.
Seeley's ruling cited a 1999 Supreme Court order which noted that constitutional convention delegate Charles McNeil said: “Our intention was to permit no degradation from the present environment and affirmatively require enhancement of what we have now.”
The youth climate case was brought in 2020 by attorneys for the environmental group Our Children’s Trust, which since 2010 has filed climate lawsuits in every state on behalf of youth plaintiffs. Many cases — including a previous one in Montana — have been dismissed.
Advocates involved in the legal actions have said a victory in even one or two cases would give environmentalists leverage, leading to new regulations to rein in greenhouse gas emissions that scientists say are driving global temperatures higher.
Environmental law experts have described the legal ploy as novel but having little chance of succeeding. | https://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/montana-youth-climate-change-lawsuit-trial-narrowed-scope/70260878007/ | 2023-05-26T23:43:51 | 0 | https://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/montana-youth-climate-change-lawsuit-trial-narrowed-scope/70260878007/ |
Brass Community School second-graders got their hands dirty Thursday morning and they loved it.
They planted hostas, flowers and more in their first-ever class plot in the Small World Community Garden near the school under the leadership of volunteer garden designer Patrick Ramsdell.
Throughout the year, students have worked on growing plants for math lessons such as measuring height. They have also cleaned up litter around the school community for Earth Day and pulled weeks to prepare the garden plot for plants.
Ramsdell, who was joined by his dog, Goku, worked alongside Brass second grade teacher Amanda Acosta and city community outreach coordinator Katherine Marks to create a plot in the garden for the second grade class.
“It started because we were doing a math project where we were growing plants in the classroom and ... from that they’ve just been loving it,” said Acosta. “We talked about how this is another way to help make the community look pretty, so they’ve been really excited and really into it.”
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In addition to the plants placed in their plot, the second-graders decorated rocks with their names on them as well as rocks with their own designs to additionally beautify their class plot. The rocks with student names were arranged to display the number two, signifying the second grade class.
“It’s exciting. They are loving it,” Acosta said. “They refer to it as ‘our garden,’ so they have definitely taken ownership of it.”
Students were enthusiastic about creating the garden, as well as having Goku be part of the fun.
“(It’s been) good because the dog is here to watch us have fun planting things in the garden,” said Za’kahryon Brantley. “(It makes me feel) happy and excited because it’s good to do and you can grow fruits and vegetables”
Classmate Sa’myia Stalberte said one of her favorite parts of the garden was the flowers.
“(My favorite part) was building the number two and the flowers,” she said.
Another classmate, Antonio Gonzales, said his favorite part of the garden was the design.
“I like that it has a ‘2’ on it and the plants around it,’” Gonzales said.
Marks said having a plot for the students is important because they live in the neighborhood.
“Because these kids go to Brass Community School, and the fact that they live here, hopefully they’re more apt to appreciate beauty in the neighborhood,” Marks said.
Ramsdell shared similar sentiments.
“These kids live in the community, so they’ll walk by it,” Ramsdell said. “And it never hurts to instill a little green living and life-long learning.”
Marks added exposing the younger students to gardening will help keep long-established gardens thriving in the future.
“It’s exciting and inspiring, because the legacy continues on when a lot of us are no longer able to maintain the garden,” she said. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/can-you-dig-it-brass-community-school-second-graders-plant-their-first-ever-class-garden/article_bbd80700-fb1a-11ed-aa29-d73b640b4304.html | 2023-05-26T23:46:52 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/can-you-dig-it-brass-community-school-second-graders-plant-their-first-ever-class-garden/article_bbd80700-fb1a-11ed-aa29-d73b640b4304.html |
Gateway Technical College students completing one of two new associate’s degree programs will have a clear pathway to enter another nearby higher-education institution to pursue further education.
Carthage College has signed a transfer agreement with Gateway for students earning degrees in the associate of science and associate of arts programs. The agreement was finalized Tuesday during a ceremonial signing at Gateway’s monthly District Board meeting.
Carthage’s collaboration comes on the heels of a similar arrangement with the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, which was at the center of new liberal arts-styled programs and serve as a platform for entry-level college students to complete general course requirements at Gateway.
Gateway and Carthage officials acknowledged they examined their internal admissions policies and course curriculum requirements before forging the agreement.
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Carthage President John Swallow said the review has been an opportunity at the four-year private college to examine some of its requirements and streamline processes that avoid students taking redundant courses.
“Sometimes we spend too much time looking at whether there’s an exact course transfer,” Swallow said. “Students could spend more money than necessary as a result of that.”
Students transferring from Gateway to Carthage with a two-year associates degree should be able to dive into their core area of study to continue on with a four-year degree, Swallow emphasized in his presentation.
“When they transfer, they should have two more years, according to their major, and then they’ll graduate on time,” Swallow said.
While the Gateway and UW-Parkside partnership was a part of Carthage’s review of course requirements for transferees, Swallow said college officials also did so with keen awareness of the broader higher education landscape.
“Students have many choices in a very complex post-secondary system, and I think it’s incumbent on us to make sure they go through it as seamlessly as possible,” Swallow said.
Gateway President Ritu Raju said she was pleased with Carthage’s willingness to partner with GTC. Within Gateway, she credited a number of administrators with collaborating with Carthage and ensuring introductory-level coursework between the two colleges is in alignment.
“We have been working very closely with UW-Parkside and with Carthage to make sure that we address barriers to students, whether they are intentional or, sometimes, totally unintentional,” Raju said. “We want to make sure that those barriers are addressed and removed.”
As a four-year institution, Carthage commonly takes into account several criteria for students entering the college directly out of high school, such as ACT scores and letters of recommendation.
For students transferring from Gateway under the new agreement, Swallow said the criteria will be different.
“The fact is if they’ve completed courses at Gateway, and they have a degree. We have a lot of confidence that they should progress in Carthage as well,” Swallow said. “There’s less worry about what they may have had earlier in their career.”
Gateway District Board Trustee R. Scott Pierce said the new agreement furthers the college’s mission of creating an environment for students to be successful as they chart their post-graduation career path.
“That’s one of the important things for us to keep in mind,” Pierce said. “That’s our main responsibility.” | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/gateway-inks-agreement-with-carthage-for-students-completing-new-two-year-programs/article_d921ef92-fb33-11ed-a4b3-43f0c083a78f.html | 2023-05-26T23:46:59 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/gateway-inks-agreement-with-carthage-for-students-completing-new-two-year-programs/article_d921ef92-fb33-11ed-a4b3-43f0c083a78f.html |
The Kenosha County Veterans Honor Portal now has a new section devoted to telling historical stories about veterans and related topics, County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced Friday.
Launched in October 2022, the Veterans Honor Portal is an online tool that provides easy access to information of interest to veterans and others in the community. It is accessible from any online device at https://www.kenoshacounty.org/VeteransPortal.
The new Veterans History section includes content provided by the Kenosha History Center.
Other stories from the History Center and other sources will be added over time, Kerkman said.
“As we mark Memorial Day, we’re pleased to add this Veterans History section to the portal, to shine a spotlight on some of the interesting stories of people with ties to Kenosha County who have served our country over the years,” Kerkman said. “Thanks to the Kenosha History Center for partnering with us to get this started, and we look forward to continuing to grow it in the future.”
People are also reading…
The Veterans History articles now available on the portal include:
A brief look at Morris E. Rockwell, the last living Civil War veteran in Kenosha at the time of his passing in 1940.
The story of Douglass Newell, a Kenoshan who lost his life in the Civil War.
A look at the Paris Soldiers Monument, believed to be the first publicly funded memorial to Civil War veterans erected in the State of Wisconsin.
A feature on Augustus Quarles, the first commissioned officer from Wisconsin to be killed in the Mexican-American War, in 1847.
Other features of the Veterans Honor Portal include:
The Veterans Tribute Trail, a map-based application that takes users on a self-guided tour of veteran-related landmarks throughout Kenosha County. It includes war memorials, notable veterans’ graves, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts, and more.
The Veterans Honor Registry, which allows people to enter information about veterans, past or present, who have Kenosha County ties. That information is then vetted by Kenosha County Veterans Services staff and is published onto a public-facing site where portal users can learn about local veterans’ experiences.
Veterans Spotlight, which includes features on current events involving veterans in the community. The latest article lists the various Memorial Day events scheduled throughout Kenosha County this weekend.
Links to other resources, including Kenosha County Veterans Services and Veterans Honor Flights.
“Kenosha County is proud to be a leader in making this important information easily accessible to our veterans and their families and their supporters,” Kerkman said. “I encourage people to check it out, particularly over this weekend as we honor the veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice.” | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-county-veterans-honor-portal-debuts-veterans-history-section/article_b8d17caa-fbef-11ed-931d-2f76c1d41954.html | 2023-05-26T23:47:05 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-county-veterans-honor-portal-debuts-veterans-history-section/article_b8d17caa-fbef-11ed-931d-2f76c1d41954.html |
Detroit officer hit by vehicle while making arrest
Jennifer Chambers
The Detroit News
A Detroit police officer was struck by a vehicle while making an arrest Friday, representatives said.
Responding to a disturbance in the 8200 block of Mendota, the officer was placing a female suspect under arrest when another woman backed her vehicle into the officer sometime Friday morning, Detroit police officials said.
The officer was treated and released.
A total of four women, including the driver, were arrested.
Other details were not released. The case remains under investigation, police said Friday. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/05/26/detroit-officer-hit-by-vehicle-while-making-arrest/70262865007/ | 2023-05-26T23:47:36 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/05/26/detroit-officer-hit-by-vehicle-while-making-arrest/70262865007/ |
Federal judge asked to hold Flint in contempt over lead pipe program delays
A coalition of community activists and national advocacy organizations are asking a federal judge in Michigan to hold the city of Flint in contempt after the municipality reportedly missed a series of recent deadlines tied to the city’s lead pipeline replacement program.
Lawyers for the Natural Resources Defense Council and the American Civil Liberties Union filed the motion Friday as part of a longstanding lawsuit against the city on behalf of the Concerned Pastors for Social Action and Flint resident Melissa Mays asking the court to fine the city $500 a day until it is brought into compliance with the latest round of federal court mandates.
The court filing marks the latest effort by activists to enforce a 2017 settlement agreement that required Flint to carry out a lead service line replacement program to help remedy the city’s contaminated water crisis, which began nearly a decade ago after a botched water supply switch corroded the city’s pipes and left thousands of residents exposed to toxic levels of lead and other contaminants.
“The City of Flint’s ongoing failures to finish the job it committed to in 2017 are causing new harms to the Flint community,” NRDC senior attorney Sarah Tallman said in a statement Friday.
Flint representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.
Initially, the city was given a January 2020 deadline to complete the program, which involves excavating and replacing roughly 28,000 service lines, along with additional requirements such as restoration work at properties where the lines are replaced.
Flint failed to replace all the pipes by that deadline and has since missed two more deadlines. Beyond failing to replace all the service lines, Flint has failed to keep accurate records of its work and neglected to provide the groups with monthly progress reports, according to court records.
“We’re approaching a decade without safe drinking water in Flint; that’s a lifetime for many of Flint’s children,” said Mays, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. “It’s unacceptable that, even after we’ve come back to court several times and won, our officials are failing to finish the job.”
After Flint passed another deadline in September 2022, the plaintiffs asked U.S. District Judge David Lawton to step in and compel the city to fulfill its promise to replace lead service lines despite repeated extensions of its deadline.
Lawton sided with the plaintiffs and set new milestones for the city in a February court order.
In addition to service line replacement mandates, the recent court order also issued a series of stipulations related to the property restoration work. Lawton had set a May 1 deadline for Flint to determine which homes still require property restoration.
The order also required the city to “provide timely, accurate, and complete monthly restoration reporting, and conduct outreach to Flint residents to residents to get permission to excavate and replace their service lines."
According to the court filing, the city began violating the court order “almost immediately” after it was entered by the judge in February.
The plaintiffs say Flint missed the May 1 deadline for the restoration work stipulations “by a wide margin.” They also accuse Flint of preventing the plaintiffs from evaluating the city’s progress.
“Thousands of residents have waited — some for years — for the city to fix their torn-up lawns or broken sidewalks,” Tallman said. “We will continue to hold the city accountable until every Flint resident gets the benefits guaranteed to them.”
The city has pinned the delays on the pandemic and has said the remaining lead lines are in homes that have been difficult to access for various reasons. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/05/26/flint-keeps-missing-deadlines-to-replace-lead-pipes-activists-say/70262562007/ | 2023-05-26T23:47:42 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/05/26/flint-keeps-missing-deadlines-to-replace-lead-pipes-activists-say/70262562007/ |
Police: Witness who said MSU shooter beaten up by students 'not credible'
The witness who told police that the Michigan State University shooter had been beaten up weeks before the Feb. 13 shooting rampage was investigated by detectives and found not to be credible, MSU Police Chief Chris Rozman said Friday.
The 91-page preliminary police report showed that an MSU sergeant spoke on Feb. 14 with an unidentified man who came to the police station, saying he knew the identified shooter, Anthony McRae, having met him in 2018 at a Lansing community gathering. The man said he last spoke with McRae three weeks earlier and indicated that McRae had been beaten up by students in downtown East Lansing, and suspected that might have been McRae's motive for the shooting.
"During the investigation, our detectives spoke to an individual who claimed to know the shooter and alleged that he may have been beaten up by students," Rozman said Friday via email. "Our detectives thoroughly investigated this claim and determined with certainty that the information is not credible, the individual did not actually know the shooter, and the incident he described never occurred."
Rozman made the statement 24 hours after MSU released a preliminary report of the investigation into the MSU tragedy when a shooter identified as McRae opened fire at Berkey Hall and the MSU Union, killing three university students and wounding five others, before taking his own life.
The report was released to The Detroit News as part of a public records request. MSU police and university officials either didn't respond Thursday to requests for comment or declined comment on the police report.
During a telephone interview, Rozman said that he was told by his investigators that multiple detectives spoke with the individual soon after he came into the MSU police department on Feb. 14. He did not know when the officers followed up with the individual.
"They deemed with certainty that the individual was not credible, and the individual did not know the shooter as he claimed, and the incident never occurred," Rozman said. "They quickly determined it was not relevant and not related."
The MSU police chief declined to elaborate on why the individual was deemed not credible.
"Hypothetically speaking, if we talk to somebody with a significant mental illness and the information they present is nonsensical," Rozman said, "it's pretty obvious based on their statement alone and their lack of detail and lack of information that it's not credible from the very beginning. But we always do our due diligence and follow up to determine that."
The investigative follow-up was not included in the preliminary police report. Rozman said he did not know why.
Rozman added that the follow-up investigation's not being included in their preliminary investigation is a good example of the downside of a partial report being released before a full report is finished, since there are still edits underway and the investigation is still ongoing.
"It's frustrating to us that information is being released that we have not had a chance to vet or explain," he said.
On Thursday, The News asked an MSU police spokeswoman whether the witness was credible and whether the alleged incident prompted a police report. Rozman said the staff member had left for vacation at 4 p.m., and staff are told not to reply to media after they leave.
"The stress that we have been operating under the past three months is taking a toll," the police chief said, "so we are instructing people to take time for themselves and focus on their wellness and unless there is a critical incident, we are not going to bother our people after hours ... just because of the long hours and the work that they have been putting in and the effect on people's health and wellness that we need to take and make a priority."
kkozlowski@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/05/26/msu-police-tip-about-students-beating-up-campus-shooter-not-credible/70261639007/ | 2023-05-26T23:47:48 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/05/26/msu-police-tip-about-students-beating-up-campus-shooter-not-credible/70261639007/ |
Boil water advisory issued in Wayne, Westland and Romulus
Residents in parts of Wayne County were warned Friday to boil their water before using due to a drop in pressure below minimum allowed levels, Great Lakes Water Authority officials said.
The loss of pressure in Wayne and parts of Romulus and Westland may have caused bacterial contamination in the water system. Officials said bacteria are generally not harmful and are common in the environment.
Officials said to drink bottled water or boil all water before drinking it. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and preparing food.
GLWA officials said an equipment malfunction from a power outage caused the drop in pressure.
The advisory is expected to be resolved within 48 hours after water was restored.
jchambers@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/05/26/residents-in-wayne-romulus-and-westland-were-warned-friday-to-boil-their-water-before-using-use-to-a/70262729007/ | 2023-05-26T23:47:54 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/05/26/residents-in-wayne-romulus-and-westland-were-warned-friday-to-boil-their-water-before-using-use-to-a/70262729007/ |
PORTLAND, Maine — More than two dozen new Mainers were recognized Friday afternoon in Portland for their progress in English language learning programs.
"The proof is today, I can speak some phrases in English, I can talk with many people in English," Nonon Kolomani said.
Kolomani is taking English courses with the Root Cellar in Portland. The Root Cellar is a faith-based non-profit with locations in Lewiston and Portland and offers various programs for the community.
"It's just incredible to be able to be in a classroom where you see such exponential growth, and people are able to talk about the things that they care about, and you can learn so much more about them the more that they learn," Alyssa Reiff, the Root Cellar's ELL program coordinator said.
The Root Cellar offers beginner, intermediate, and English language workshops, teaching skills like introducing yourself, the calendar, weather and season, how to ask for help, addresses, and telling time.
"When you come to any place, language is very important, communication is very important," Pastor Lawum Kayamba of D.I.C. Church in Portland said.
Kayamba sees firsthand the impacts this program has on new Mainers.
"You need to make relationships, you need to go to the store, you need to speak to people, so this is an opportunity for them to learn English and communicate. Because if there's no communication, there's nothing people can do."
Students come from a variety of backgrounds from all across the globe. While some students are asylum seekers, others are immigrants or refugees. Oksana Vasylenko joined the ELL program after arriving in Maine six months ago from Ukraine.
"I'm looking forward to improving my English and to get to work and also to give back help to other people," Vasylenko said, who was recognized Friday for her progress in the Root Cellar's intermediate language course.
"I learned how to read, I learned how to talk, I learned how to order a meal at a restaurant, I learned about every state, I learned about law, I learned about many things. All what I'm expressing now, is from the Root Cellar," Kolomani said.
Leaders at the Root Cellar say they hope to continue expanding the program to support the growing number of new Mainers. All instructors in the ELL program are volunteers. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/maine-immigration/root-cellar-celebrates-new-mainers-progress-in-english-courses-maine-immigration-english-language-community-education/97-2ebfbd80-5148-49d9-b9a7-d512f1e1eb35 | 2023-05-26T23:51:15 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/maine-immigration/root-cellar-celebrates-new-mainers-progress-in-english-courses-maine-immigration-english-language-community-education/97-2ebfbd80-5148-49d9-b9a7-d512f1e1eb35 |
It's a sign that summer is here. Aquatics centers, splash pads and pools are officially opening up across North Texas for the Memorial Day weekend.
Arlington city officials are taking extra steps to give parents peace of mind on the water quality nearly two years after a young child died from a rare infection.
"I have a child and so for me, it's a matter of wanting to go out there and let her have fun without worry,” said Venera Flores-Stafford, assistant director of Arlington Parks & Recreation.
For the second summer in a row, the city is following the Bakari Williams Protocol, named after the 3-year-old boy who died of a rare brain-eating amoeba after visiting a city splash pad in September 2021.
The city admitted it was likely due to poor oversight and inconsistent water quality testing which lead to a drop in chlorination levels below minimum requirements.
The city quickly acknowledged its mistakes, settled a lawsuit with the boy’s family, and set out to do better by investing in new splash pad equipment, and establishing tougher standards for safety and water testing. It spent nearly $650,000 on improvements, staff training and upgrades, which were all launched with the new protocol last summer.
Click here to read more about the Bakari Williams protocol.
"We changed all of our standard operating procedures and are teaching everyone the importance of timely chemical testing,” said Flores-Stafford.
To prepare for this summer, city staff have been going over the new protocol again and urging pushing parents to use the QR codes posted at every aquatic facility across Arlington. People can just scan the code with their smartphone camera and it takes them straight to the city’s water quality dashboard with details on exactly what’s happening in the water.
There’s also information on how to read and understand the water quality readings.
“To me, it's just about the consistency. It’s about understanding the levels that are maintained and having the peace of mind of going there and seeing it,” said Flores-Stafford. “And knowing that if it is not at that level that it will automatically shut off. They don’t have to worry about that."
The city is also reminding families that water is checked three times throughout the day, not just once per day, to ensure that large crowds or equipment malfunctions haven’t caused a sudden decrease in chlorine levels.
"We're trying to ensure that they don't have to have that worry and that QR code gives them that peace of mind,” said Flores-Stafford.
Chlorine levels in Arlington are set higher than the state minimum. However, not every city in North Texas has the same upgraded protocols. Click here to read more.
No matter if families are swimming, spending time at the lake, or playing at a splash pad, it’s crucial to keep safety top of mind this summer.
"Be safe, watch your child. Don't expect your child that the lifeguards are going to do it. Because all eyes are important,” said Venera Flores-Stafford.
FUN IN THE WATER IN ARLINGTON
Bad Königshofen Family Aquatic Center, Randol Mill Family Aquatic Center, and its three free outdoor splash pads will open from May 27 through May 29, 2023.
Bad Königshofen Family Aquatic Center
2800 W. Sublett Road, Arlington, TX 76017
Noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 27
1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 28
Noon to 6 p.m. Monday, May 29 (Memorial Day)
Admission: $8 for under 48 inches, $9 for 48 inches and above, free for those 12 months and under.
Randol Mill Family Aquatic Center
1924 W. Randol Mill Park Road, Arlington, TX 76012
Noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 27
1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 28
Noon to 6 p.m. Monday, May 29 (Memorial Day)
Admission: $8 for under 48 inches, $9 for 48 inches and above, free for those 12 months and under.
Veterans and active duty military can present their military ID for half-price admission on Monday, May 29.
The city's other outdoor pools, Allen Bolden, Woodland West and Howard Moore pools, will open for the season Saturday, June 3. The pools are open this holiday weekend but will stay The family aquatic centers and the outdoor splash pads remain open through Labor Day weekend in early September, while the smaller outdoor pools will close on Aug. 6.
Arlington's free outdoor splash pads are open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Afterward, they will remain open only on weekends through the end of September. Click here for more information on splash pads.
Brantley Hinshaw Park 2121 Overbrook Drive, Arlington, TX 76014
California Lane Park 2001 California Lane, Arlington, TX 76015
Don Misenhimer Park 201 E. Lonesome Dove Trail, Arlington, TX 76002
The Beacon Recreation Center at 1100 Mansfield Webb Road in southeast Arlington also features a splash pad. The Beacon's splash pad will be open on Memorial Day from noon to 4 p.m. This splash pad features a water maze and spray ground as well as covered shelters available for rent. Splash pad use is available for members or enjoy access with an $8 per day pass.
As a reminder, the Helen Wessler Play Pool permanently closed in 2022. The East Library and Recreation Center Indoor Pool and the Arlington ISD Natatorium are open to Arlington residents year-round. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/arlington-reminds-families-of-safety-measures-at-splash-pads-aquatic-facilities/3266159/ | 2023-05-26T23:52:42 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/arlington-reminds-families-of-safety-measures-at-splash-pads-aquatic-facilities/3266159/ |
When you talk with Hamersen Bekele, you would never know that three short years ago he didn't speak English. Now, the W.T. White High School graduate is going to the United State Military Academy at West Point.
'It's one of those really remarkable things," W.T. White High School senior Marine ROTC instructor Nebyou Yonas said. "He grew up in the same exact village, learned how to swim in the same lake, decades apart ... I see myself in him."
Yonas and Bekele are both from Ethiopia. More than that, they are from the same village in Ethiopia.
"The first word he said to me was in my language," Bekele said recalling Yonas asked him, 'What's up?' "And I was so shocked!"
More than 8,000 miles from where he was born, Bekele found a mentor in North Texas that understood his Northeast African roots and the challenges he faced here in Texas.
"That's one of the most amazing things that ever happened," Bekele said. "I literally found a very large connection between him and me."
Bekele learned to speak English by watching 'Friends.' He graduated sixth in his class and found a path to his future with the guidance of his mentor, Yonas, who encouraged him to try for West Point.
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The latest news from around North Texas.
Bekele said he wants to see the world, just like his career military ROTC instructor.
"He literally came from the same background as me," Bekele said. "So him achieving that makes me think I can achieve it too."
"It's pretty amazing," Yonas said. "That's the beauty of this country; it's a small world after all."
Bekele wants to go on to medical school and become a surgeon one day. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-isd-student-goes-from-w-t-white-high-school-to-west-point/3266165/ | 2023-05-26T23:52:48 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-isd-student-goes-from-w-t-white-high-school-to-west-point/3266165/ |
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BALTIMORE — Firefighters battled a fire in a vacant building Friday evening.
Around 3:20 p.m., crews responded to reports of a fire in the 300 block of Wilham Street.
According to Baltimore Fire spokesperson Kevin Cartwright, the fire extended to the building next to it.
One firefighter suffered minor injuries as they extinguished the fire.
There were no occupants in the adjacent building.
There's no word on the cause of the fire at this time. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/one-firefighter-injured-battling-vacant-building-fire-in-sw-baltimore | 2023-05-26T23:56:20 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/one-firefighter-injured-battling-vacant-building-fire-in-sw-baltimore |
PORTAGE — A 44-year-old Illinois man was ordered by a Porter County judge Friday to have no contact with a 15-year-old Portage-area boy he is accused of meeting and having sex with in a local hotel room.
Jason Hammer of Darien made an initial appearance in Porter Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Clymer's courtroom on two felony counts of sexual misconduct with a minor, felony contributing to the delinquency of a minor and felony possession of child pornography.
Hammer, who appeared with defense attorney Adam Tavitas, waived formal reading of the charges.
He was required to sign a no-contact order, prohibiting him from having contact with the boy while his criminal case proceeds.
A Porter County police detective said he was called out March 31, when the father reported waking up around 3 a.m. and discovering his son sneaking back into his bedroom through an open window.
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The father reportedly found a Snapchat message on his son's phone describing sex between the boy and a man named Jason, and where they intended to meet, police said. They also spoke about having shared explicit photos.
The boy reportedly told police he met Hammer on a mobile dating application and switched to Snapchat so they could swap photos. He said he did not know Hammer's full name.
The boy said he sneaked out his bedroom window and met up with Hammer at a nearby park, according to a charging document. Hammer, who was driving a BMW, reportedly took the boy to a Valparaiso hotel where they spent a few hours having sex before the boy returned home around 3 a.m.
"Upon the collision, the vehicle maintained reverse gear for a period of time before moving forward," police said.
The boy said that while he claimed on the dating app to be 16, he told Hammer he was 15, police said.
"Jason replied, 'I was expecting there to be a whole bunch of cops here'," the boy told police. He also said Hammer withdrew $40 from a bank machine and provided it to him to purchase marijuana and alcohol.
Police said they obtained Hammer's identity from hotel records and located sexually explicit messages on the boy's cellphone.
Police traveled to Hammer's office in Downers Grove, Illinois, but he was not on site, a court document says. Hammer called back later and reportedly admitted to communicating with the boy on the dating app.
Prosecutors and defense agreed to a bond for Hammer of $10,000 surety and $5,000 cash, records show. He has bonded out of the Porter County Jail.
Clymer set a trial for Oct. 9, with preliminary hearings July 28 and Sept. 8.
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/illinois-man-ordered-to-have-no-contact-with-portage-area-boy-in-wake-of-sex/article_d5835722-fbbf-11ed-a985-f72a1f277c19.html | 2023-05-27T00:04:01 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/illinois-man-ordered-to-have-no-contact-with-portage-area-boy-in-wake-of-sex/article_d5835722-fbbf-11ed-a985-f72a1f277c19.html |
MULLAN, Idaho — The Hiawatha Trail, or "Crown Jewel," of rail-to-trail adventures officially opened for the season Friday.
The Route of the Hiawatha was named a "Hall of Fame" trail by the Rail-to-Trail Conservancy, one of only 15 trails designated as such in the country. The scenic bike trail features some of the best views around while taking you 15 miles downhill.
Visitors get to bike through ten train tunnels and seven sky-high trestles. The ride starts with a trip through the 1.661-mile-long St. Paul Pass Tunnel, also known as the Taft Tunnel.
It is a highlight of the trail that follows the crest of the Bitterroot Mountains near Lookout Pass Ski Area.
The trail opens from 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily from May 26 - Sept 17, 2023.
Trail passes, shuttle tickets and mountain bike rentals are available at Lookout Pass Ski Area located right alongside Interstate 90. The start of the Hiawatha is a short 7-mile drive from Lookout Pass. Lookout Pass is located just 12 miles east of historic Wallace, Idaho.
It is recommended for visitors to start down the trail no later than 2 p.m. on any day. Shuttles begin leaving from the bottom of the trail around 11:45 a.m., with the last shuttle leaving at 4:15 p.m., and at 5:45 p.m. on Weekends and Holidays during Peak Season. Helmets and powerful lights are required for all visitors.
Day and season passes are also available on the lookout pass website here. Day pass ticket prices start at $34 for adults and $24 for kids.
People can also register for their first full moon ride, happening on June 3.
DOWNLOAD THE KREM SMARTPHONE APP
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ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KREM in the Channel Store.
Fire TV: search for "KREM" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
To report a typo or grammatical error, please email webspokane@krem.com. | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho/hiawatha-trail-mullan-idaho/293-205f7ba8-33f9-4648-bfce-d3fdc03ea9ae | 2023-05-27T00:06:55 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho/hiawatha-trail-mullan-idaho/293-205f7ba8-33f9-4648-bfce-d3fdc03ea9ae |
FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho — The woman found guilty of murdering her two children and conspiring to murder her husband's former wife has asked for a new trial, citing "confusing" jury instructions.
Lori Vallow Daybell, or Lori Vallow, was found guilty on all six charges against her on May 12, which include killing her children JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan and conspiring to kill Tammy Daybell.
On May 25, her defense attorneys Jim Archibald and John Thomas filed a motion in Fremont County court asking for a new trial.
In the motion, Archibald and Thomas cite an interview that East Idaho News conducted with a juror in the case days after the verdict.
They say this interview makes it clear that jurors were confused about demonstrative evidence versus character evidence in the shooting of Charles Vallow, Lori Vallow's ex-husband, in Arizona on July 11, 2019. Lori Vallow has been indicted for conspiracy to commit murder in his death.
The Arizona evidence was only admitted to the jury in order to show prior behavior and could not be used to make a decision on the Idaho charges.
The juror tells reporter Nate Eaton in the interview, "We didn’t consider this during our deliberations, because it was clear to us, the instructions were clear, Arizona evidence and testimony is only for demonstrative purposes."
Demonstrative evidence consists of summaries of evidence provided by law enforcement, which the defense says -- the evidence shown on behalf of Charles Vallow's death was not.
The defense previously objected to evidence from Arizona being admitted in the trial, but it was denied by Fremont County District Judge Steven Boyce.
"To confuse demonstrative evidence and character evidence is easy to do; hence, the defense objections should have been sustained," the motion states.
In the interview, the juror tells Eaton that he thought Arizona police may have dropped the ball in the Charles Vallow death investigation.
The defense writes that Eaton refers to body camera footage of Charles Vallow talking to police before he was shot and killed by Alex Cox, Lori Vallow's brother -- and the juror nods in agreement. The problem with this, says the defense, is that Charles Vallow’s statements to law enforcement were not part of the evidence presented in the Idaho case.
"We can only conclude that the juror relied on information not presented in court to reach his conclusion that Arizona dropped the ball," the defense wrote.
Former Idaho Attorney General and defense attorney Dave Leroy said filing a motion for a new trial is "pretty typical."
"Some of those things are necessary or appropriate before an appeal is filed to have a judge on notice they allege a certain error was made," Leroy told KTVB.
The court doesn't necessarily have to question the juror about the interview if the statement "is concise," Leroy said, but the prosecution could always ask for a deposition.
"But, one juror's statement doesn't necessarily characterize the entire process for twelve people," Leroy said. Ultimately, everything is up to the judge.
Other reasons for a new trial motion include a clerical error in the indictment, which originally had the Idaho code listed under the charge of grand theft to present as "with intent to deprive" not, "with intent to deceive" like the prosecution intended. The judge allowed this error to be fixed, but the defense says that the indictment should not have been amended by the government.
In the indictment, prosecutors refer to other alleged co-conspirators "known or unknown" that include Chad Daybell, charged with the murder of the children as well, and Cox, who is now dead. The defense says they were "on notice" the conspiracy involved five people, but in trial, only two other people were mentioned.
"To have the government and the court permit a conspiracy of just two people instead of five was prejudicial and unlawful, and should require a new trial," the motion says.
The prosecution is able to submit a response to this motion, but it has not yet been filed.
Lori Vallow is currently being held in the Madison County Jail where she awaits sentencing on July 31. She faces life in prison.
Watch more Lori Vallow Trial:
Watch more coverage of the Lori Vallow trial on the KTVB YouTube channel: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/lori-vallow-daybell-files-for-a-new-trial-citing-confusing-jury-instructions-juror-interview/277-b4de485e-c37a-4e87-b92d-db1d30c18d37 | 2023-05-27T00:07:01 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/lori-vallow-daybell-files-for-a-new-trial-citing-confusing-jury-instructions-juror-interview/277-b4de485e-c37a-4e87-b92d-db1d30c18d37 |
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ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – Claims of inappropriate usage of LGBTQ+ materials at Glen Cove Elementary were front and center on May 18 at the Roanoke County School Board meeting.
Dozens of parents and supporters showed out Friday for a peaceful demonstration to show support for the teachers the claims are against.
Glen Cove parent Samantha Newell organized a peaceful demonstration Friday in support of several school staff members.
“I just wanted to make sure each staff member knew that they were loved and supported,” Newell said.
This huge show of support comes after the school board meeting at which parents voiced concerns over LGBTQ+ teachings at school.
“The words of hatred at that school board meeting do not speak for me,” Newell said. “I desperately want my child at a school that is full of love and rainbows.”
Glen Cove parent Damon Gettier is one of four parents that spoke at the meeting.
Gettier says he was concerned after he heard his son talking to a friend regarding transgender teachings he’d reportedly learned at school.
“They were talking about how a staff person had told them that a boy could be a girl and a girl could be a boy and that they could decide,” Gettier said.
Gettier’s concerns grew after visiting his son at school. He says he saw rainbows and other pride symbols as decorations and on staff. He says he even saw this in yearbook photos.
He didn’t name specific teachers, but he did say the music teacher, counselor, psychologist, and assistant principal were “indoctrinating” the students.
“I had to explain to my nine-year-old what transgender was because Glen Cove Elementary woke staff put me in a situation where I had to,” Gettier said.
Several parents say they were appalled at Gettier’s accusations.
“It hurts that they’re taking their lack of love within themselves and turning it into negative things towards people who genuinely and unconditionally love their kids,” Newell said.
She says students need teachers they can go to for support.
They say they plan to attend the next school board meeting to make their voices heard.
Roanoke County Superintendent Dr. Ken Nicely said, “While we cannot comment on the specifics of a personnel matter, we do want to affirm that Roanoke County Public Schools’ focus is on our students and their learning and wellbeing. Our baseline belief is that our schools must be safe and caring places for all students, where they can learn free of disruption.” | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/26/controversy-over-lgbtq-materials-in-roanoke-county-schools-sparks-debate/ | 2023-05-27T00:11:27 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/26/controversy-over-lgbtq-materials-in-roanoke-county-schools-sparks-debate/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – It’s been a hard day for us here at WSLS 10.
Our friend and news family member John Cermack unexpectedly passed away on Thursday night.
“Smack” as we liked to call him, was with our company Graham Media Group for 18 years. He joined WSLS as a Maintenance Engineer on January 3, 2022, and was welcomed on his first day with a snowstorm and shoveling snow – and at that moment, we already knew he was the guy we could count on. Someone that was dependable and always ready to lend a helping hand.
“All of us that knew him knew he had a huge heart and was always ready to jump in and lend a hand, no matter what the project or task! He took the time to really get to know his co-workers and made everyone feel like family. He will be missed deeply,” Suzanne Chappell, Business Manager at WSLS said.
Before coming to Virginia, Smack worked at WJXT in Jacksonville, Florida as a camera operator & floor director. His former co-workers are also heartbroken.
“Smack built us all up. He was our hype man. Such a genuine guy dearly missed,” News4JAX anchor Vic Micolucci said.
“Whether it was his raspy voice, jokes, or contagious laughter, Smack was one of a kind as a floor director and as a man. You will be missed,” News4JAX anchor Jenese Harris said.
His brother, Tom, and his sister, Barbara, shared the following statement with WJXT:
“Those of us who shared our lives with John are truly blessed. For those who did not get to share time with John, we truly hope and pray someone very like him will share your journey soon. On behalf of the extended Cermack family, we thank you with all of our hearts.”
His family is arranging a memorial service in Jacksonville. The date has not yet been announced.
We love you Smack. You will be missed. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/26/he-made-everyone-feel-like-family-wsls-mourns-the-loss-of-colleague-friend-john-smack-cermack/ | 2023-05-27T00:11:33 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/26/he-made-everyone-feel-like-family-wsls-mourns-the-loss-of-colleague-friend-john-smack-cermack/ |
APPOMATTOX COUNTY, Va. – A man is now facing 22 years in a correctional facility in connection with a 2020 murder in Appomattox County, court documents show.
As we previously reported, Mik’Tavis Green was facing charges in the murder of Carlos Rose, who was found dead inside a burned-out vehicle in Appomattox County back in 2020.
Green has been sentenced to 88 years with 66 years suspended, meaning he’ll serve a total of 22 years on the following charges, documents show:
- Murder,
- Two counts of abduction by force or intimidation,
- Two counts of arson of personal property worth greater than or equal to $1,000,
- Two counts of concealing a dead body,
- Destruction of property worth greater than or equal to $1,000,
- Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
According to the records, Green was facing a first-degree murder charge, which was amended to a murder charge (non-capital felony), as well as two counts of extortion of money or benefit, which was amended to abduction by force or intimidation.
Five people were arrested in connection with the murder. To read the original breaking news story, click here. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/26/man-sentenced-in-connection-with-2020-appomattox-county-murder/ | 2023-05-27T00:11:39 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/26/man-sentenced-in-connection-with-2020-appomattox-county-murder/ |
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Potential budget cuts to Johnson City Schools and Washington County Schools caught school leaders by surprise.
County commissioners proposed cutting $4 million that would usually go to the school systems to avoid raising property taxes on Thursday night.
Washington County Schools and Johnson City Schools would both have $2 million dollars cut from their budget.
“We had planned on a certain amount of funding,” said the chair of Johnson City’s Board of Education, Kathy Hall. “And you subtract 2 million dollars, it doesn’t matter what the source is. If you subtract 2 million dollars, that’s 2 million dollars we have to find.”
Johnson City Schools get funding from city and county tax revenue, but Hall says they receive the most amount of money from the county. To replace that money she says, they will have to either make their own budget cuts or find other ways to raise funds.
“This is going to be a detriment to both the city and the county school systems and it was a surprise,” she said.
Washington County Schools superintendent, Jerry Boyd, said he agrees. He was at the county budget committee meeting and says what happened left him concerned.
“I mean there was references about coming together and teamwork,” said Boyd. “I don’t necessarily believe the approach used yesterday is in the spirit of teamwork.”
Boyd says the county and schools need to work together on things like preparing for the influx of people who are moving to the area.
Facility projects are what the Washington County Schools was planning to focus on with this funding, such as improving doorways for extra security and updating the high schools’ stadiums.
But until the plans on the budget are finalized, they say all they can do is focus on their priorities– supporting their students and maintaining partnerships, including county commissioners.
Washington County’s mayor told News Channel 11 that the budget committee is still working to finalize their budget plans. That plan should be published on June 9. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/local-school-leaders-say-budget-cuts-could-be-detrimental/ | 2023-05-27T00:11:55 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/local-school-leaders-say-budget-cuts-could-be-detrimental/ |
GARLAND, Texas — A North Texas school bus driver is being hailed as a hero after saving a young girl from a potential predator, school district officials said.
The Garland ISD told WFAA that one of its bus drivers protected a middle school girl who was being followed by a strange man in a car who was attempting to lure her to his vehicle. The girl was rushing towards the waiting school bus, and the bus driver let her in and shut the doors.
After learning more about the situation, the bus driver, whose name was not released, quickly maneuvered the bus to block the perpetrator's car within a nearby cul-de-sac, preventing his escape, district officials said. While keeping the student safely on board, the driver captured a picture of the suspect's license plate and reported it to the authorities.
Richardson Police Department took the license plate number from the bus driver and found that the suspect was wanted in connection with a sexual assault case. The person was arrested, Garland ISD officials said.
"This remarkable act of heroism by our bus driver demonstrates the unwavering commitment to student safety within the GISD," the district said in a statement. "Administration commends the bus driver's bravery and quick thinking, recognizing that their actions potentially saved the student from harm."
More Texas headlines: | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/garland-isd-bus-driver-saves-girl/287-c0dc6f4c-62d7-4395-b460-ecbd50481507 | 2023-05-27T00:14:29 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/garland-isd-bus-driver-saves-girl/287-c0dc6f4c-62d7-4395-b460-ecbd50481507 |
TEXAS, USA — What does it mean to be Texas' attorney general?
It's an office most of us don't think about very often, if ever, but one a legislative expert says impacts every Texan's life.
Ken Paxton is the state's attorney general, making him the state's top lawyer.
University of Houston political science professor Brandon Rottinghaus said actions taken by Paxton and his team of nearly 750 attorneys reach every level of society.
“The attorney general has a lot of responsibilities that we don’t see every day but that always touch a person’s life," Rottinghaus said.
The roles of Texas' attorney general
The attorney general's office enforces open government laws. The office also collects, distributes and enforces child support payments.
Another focus -- investigating Medicaid and consumer fraud.
“If you’ve got gas prices that are too high outside the market value, then that’s something that you see the attorney general’s office engaging in," Rottinghaus said. "Diploma mills is another example. If you feel like you’ve been defrauded by a for-profit institution, then this is another example of a case the attorney general’s office might take.”
Paxton's office forced 48 gas stations accused of price gouging during Hurricane Harvey to refund customers. Paxton has also gone after opioid makers and human traffickers in Texas.
Earlier in May, he even announced an investigation into Texas Children’s Hospital over gender-affirming care.
Another major role for the attorney general is representing the State of Texas when suing or being sued by other states or the federal government.
Paxton has taken legal action over DACA, the Affordable Care Act, the 2020 election results and environmental rules.
“Sometimes you see states pushing back, and Texas is often at the forefront of that," Rottinghaus said.
Texas lawmakers have brought 20 articles of impeachment against Paxton, ranging from bribery to abuse of public trust.
Rottinghaus believes all Texans should be watching what happens with this impeachment vote.
“The biggest reason people should care is it’s about accountability,” he said. “There is the impeachment process built into the separation of powers because if you have one agent in government who’s doing something problematic, either criminal or unethical, then the other branches are supposed to check that. This is the core foundation of how the separation of powers works.”
Texas voters choose the attorney general every four years, most recently in 2022. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-attorney-general-job/285-5597b139-aff6-455c-aad3-1ad9a2bdcb0f | 2023-05-27T00:14:32 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-attorney-general-job/285-5597b139-aff6-455c-aad3-1ad9a2bdcb0f |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Police say they’re still investigating a fire that began in a downtown McMinnville pizza shop Wednesday morning.
McMinnville police say they interviewed two people of interest after surveillance footage of the fire at 3rd Street Pizza revealed them in the area. However, officers did not share their names with the public.
Fire and police units responded to 433 Northeast Third Street around 5:25 a.m. to battle the fire, according to police. Afterwards, officers say they began investigating the fire.
No suspects have been named and the investigation remains ongoing.
Stay with KOIN 6 as we receive more information. | https://www.koin.com/local/investigation-into-mcminnville-downtown-pizza-shop-fire-ongoing/ | 2023-05-27T00:17:01 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/investigation-into-mcminnville-downtown-pizza-shop-fire-ongoing/ |
SAGINAW, Mich. (WJRT) - An attorney calls a federal judge's order unusual after a ruling that says the arrest of a Saginaw man violated his constitutional rights and the city is not properly training its officers on probable cause.
The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court two years ago. A man was arrested in his home and accused of breaking windows in a couple of Saginaw buildings.
The charges were eventually dropped. The man then sued the Saginaw police officers and the city of Saginaw, claiming his rights were violated. A federal judge apparently agrees.
"There aren't many times when a federal judge looks at a circumstance and says these police officers violated this man's constitutional rights," said Tom Waun.
The arrest happened on the night of Jan. 5, 2020, while the Saginaw Police Department was looking for a person who had smashed windows in a couple of buildings. Officers followed footprints in the snow to a home on Holden Street, where David Little lives.
"Do you have some shoes that you may have been wearing outside that we tracked here to your door? There's the bike, yeah, those shoes right there, put your hands behind your back," Saginaw Police Officer Steve Lautner said to Little on a body camera recording of the arrest.
Little was arrested and spent five days in jail. But 15 months after he was criminally charged, the charges were dropped when prosecutors discovered a witness in the case told police the suspect was Black. Little is White.
Little sued the city and the two police officers for violation of his Fourth Amendment rights against an unlawful entry and seizure, along with malicious prosecution. The city's attorneys filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit.
"The judge ruled not only that they were not entitled to have the case dismissed, but he ruled as a matter of law they violated Mr. Little's constitutional rights, because he did not give them permission to come into the home," said Waun, Little's attorney.
Waun said police need one of three things to occur to come into someone's home: A search warrant, an emergency situation or permission from the homeowner.
U.S. District Judge Thomas Ludington ruled none of those things happened and that the officers violated Little's constitutional rights.
"The court also found that the city of Saginaw, through its policies, procedures and lack of training, were responsible because they didn't train them appropriately on what probable cause was -- and if they had done so, the arrest wouldn't have occurred," Waun said.
The Saginaw Police Department declined to comment on the judge's ruling. The attorney representing the city in Little's lawsuit doesn't comment on pending litigation.
The case now proceeds to a potential trial for possible punitive damages.
The Saginaw police officer who arrested Little has been identified as Steven Lautner and he is still with the police department. The other officer involved is Jordan LaDouce, who has since left the department.
No one else has been charged in the property damage case after the charges were dropped against Little. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/federal-judge-says-arrest-violated-saginaw-mans-constitutional-rights/article_6c0cdc70-fc03-11ed-a80e-4781177a5a4f.html | 2023-05-27T00:28:09 | 0 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/federal-judge-says-arrest-violated-saginaw-mans-constitutional-rights/article_6c0cdc70-fc03-11ed-a80e-4781177a5a4f.html |
Cafe Passe has always contained more than passersby on Fourth Avenue would be able to see. Their modest storefront belies their sprawling patio, with its alcoves, mesquite trees and slotted wood floors.
Customers could use the cafe like a to-go coffee bar, but they’d be missing out on what makes the spot quintessentially Tucson: our unfussiness in the dirt floors and wooden tables, our beauty in the historical touches and well-cared for plants, our community everywhere.
Cafe Passe, 415 N. Fourth Ave., has been closed for a year: nine months later than owner Jenny Rice had in mind when she closed for kitchen updates last May. Her super compares building to a puzzle: not only do you need the right pieces, but you need to have them at the right time.
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“I still have giant holes in the drywall in the bathroom because I can’t close them up because the electrician has to finish his job so I can’t paint,” Jenny said.
Before the remodel, everything on the menu — from the French toast to the breakfast sandwiches — was cooked by a few hot plates and a microwave. Though very little has changed to the cafe’s physical appearance, its innards have been almost completely transformed.
“I learned so much about construction in the last year,” Jenny said. “I know everywhere every pipe, wire, floor, you know, what's under my floor, what's in my ceiling, what's on my roof. I know everything about that building now.”
The cafe has a new sewer line and will soon have new electrical wiring. Yet the only space where customers will notice the transformation is at the bar: it will be smaller, to make room for the new full-hood, six-burner grill and two ovens in the kitchen.
“It’s going to be an entirely different bar; adorable, the cutest bar you’ve ever seen. It’s more of a lounge than a bar,” Jenny said. “I’m not trying to compete with Che’s or Royal Room or The Buffet or Mr. Heads. It’s a place to sit and chat with your girlfriends or bring a date and sit and enjoy the space and the food and all that I have to offer.”
Jenny is decorating the new lounge with reclaimed and donated materials, like a friend’s wooden fence used to line the ceiling, her sister’s chandelier and her best friend’s old granite countertop for the bar itself.
These major, costly renovations, though, have been in service of the historic space and its menus: the kitchen is now ready for dinner service.
“So I am going to have a lot of the things I had on the menu before,” Jenny said. “But the biggest change is that I’m going to have a fryer: French fries and burgers and y’know, dinners like pot roast and meatloaf and albondigas.”
“I’m basically basing this menu on how I grew up. Mexican Americana. My mom is Mexican. I grew up on traditional Mexican meals. My dad is a gringo, so on his side we were doing meatloaf and pot roast. It’s a blend of who I am,” she said.
When the cafe reopens in the coming weeks, the hours will look different. “We were only open until, I think we closed at 2:30, and I was closed two days a week,” Jenny said. With the dinner menu, Cafe Passe will be open until 9 or 10 p.m.
More hours mean longer summer nights spent with friends under Cafe Passe’s mesquite trees and moonlight, but it also means more staff: Jenny only needed six people before. Now, she needs a full spread — from dishwashers to line cooks to kitchen managers.
She’ll start hiring as soon as the major construction has wrapped up, which she’s expecting by the end of the month. “I would need a couple weeks to prepare,” Jenny said. “So I would hire and then 10-14 days later, I would open.”
That timeline places the opening in mid-to-late June, but we can start the official countdown once we see Cafe Passe post about hiring on Instagram. “My next post will be about hiring,” she said.
“I’m overwhelmed, I’m excited. I’m exhausted,” Jenny said. “I lay in bed at night thinking about being open. I visualize people being there, plates clinking and people chatting, but I’m not there yet.”
“I want everyone to know that I’ve really missed being on Fourth,” Jenny said. “As much as they might miss Passe, Passe misses them, too.” | https://tucson.com/news/local/cafe-passe-is-reopening-and-now-theyll-serve-dinner-too/article_a52313c2-fb21-11ed-8853-df0c5d4250ef.html | 2023-05-27T00:29:38 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/cafe-passe-is-reopening-and-now-theyll-serve-dinner-too/article_a52313c2-fb21-11ed-8853-df0c5d4250ef.html |
Two Holy Spirit High School crew teams won events Friday at the opening day of the Scholastic Rowing Association of America Regatta at Melton Hill Lake in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
The Spartans’ girls varsity eight won its heat in 5 minutes, 13.91 seconds, advancing to Saturday morning’s semifinals. Holy Spirit’s girls lightweight varsity four won its semifinal and will be in the final Saturday. The boat finished in 6:05.83.
Ocean City’s girls lightweight four boat was second (6:09.56).
“I was really thrilled with the way our boats have advanced,” Holy Spirit girls coach Joe Welsh said. “We are really happy for them. Kids are rowing well. They are coming off the water saying they had their best races, and that’s all we can ask them — just trying to get better each race.”
The Holy Spirit and Egg Harbor Township boys and girls and the Ocean City and Mainland Regional girls teams are at the nationals. The event will conclude Saturday with semifinals and finals. Boats that finished first or second Friday advanced to the semifinals, depending on how many boats were in each category.
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The Eagles’ girls junior varsity four was second in its heat (6:06.92). EHT’s girls lightweight varsity four also finished second in its heat (6:01.79). The Spartans’ boys lightweight varsity double crew finished second (5:22.97).
Teams qualified for the national event based on their performances at the Garden State Scholastic Rowing Championships on April 30. There were seven other qualifying championship events around the nation.
Mainland’s girls freshman eight placed third in its heat (5:58.81), and Ocean City’s girls freshman eight was third in its heat (5:47.56). The Red Raiders’ junior varsity eight finished third in its heat (5:32.92). The Mustangs’ girls varsity eight was fourth in its heat (5:20.90).
Holy Spirit’s boys junior varsity double varsity heat placed fourth in its heat (5:39.72). The Spartans’ girls junior varsity four finished fourth in its heat (6:24.03). The Spartans’ boys varsity double finished fourth in its heat (5:56.53). The boys varsity single was fourth (5:52.22). | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/2-holy-spirit-boats-win-preliminary-events-at-nationals-in-tennessee/article_572f163c-fbf0-11ed-a445-334977355fac.html | 2023-05-27T00:41:41 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/2-holy-spirit-boats-win-preliminary-events-at-nationals-in-tennessee/article_572f163c-fbf0-11ed-a445-334977355fac.html |
Bella Davis went 3 for 4 with a three-run homer, drove in five runs and scored two to lead the top-seeded St. Joseph Academy softball team to an 18-1 victory over ninth-seeded Rutgers Prep in the South Jersey Non-Public B quarterfinals Friday.
Leylani Muniz struck out three in two, no-hit innings. The game ended after four in a half innings due to the mercy rule. Maci Jacquet went 2 for with three RBIs and two runs for the Wildcats (19-6), who are No. 11 in The Press Elite 11. Ava Fisher added a two-run homer, which was her 10th home run the season.
St. Joseph outhit Rutgers Prep 18-1. Rutgers Prep (7-14) committed five errors. The Wildcats scored 12 in the bottom of the third inning.
St. Joseph will host fifth-seeded Doane Academy in the semifinals 4 p.m. Tuesday.
St. Joseph won the sectional title in 2019, 2021 and 2022.
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South Jersey Group IV quarterfinals
(1) Egg Harbor Twp. 10, (8) Gloucester Tech 3: Madison Dollard struck out 10 and allowed three runs (one earned) and allowed just seven hits to earn the win.
Dollard and Sofia Spatocco each hit a two-run single. Madison Biddle went 2 for 5, including her 100th career hit. The senior added two runs and two stolen bases. Kaci Velardi went 2 for 4 with an RBI and two stolen bases, Payton Colbert singled and knocked in one run.
Natalie Stewart went 2 for 2, drew a walk, stole two bases and scored two. Annaliese Valentino walked and drove in one run. Laura Mack walked and hit a sacrifice fly. EHT scored on two passed balls. The Eagles are No. 2 in the Elite 11.
EHT will host fourth-seeded Cherokee in the semifinals Wednesday.
South Jersey Group I quarterfinals
(2) Audubon 9, (7) Buena Reg. 4: Laylah Collins went 2 for 3 with a homer, two runs and two RBIs for the Chiefs (13-12).
Anna Sheridan singled and added two RBIs. Isabella Bates and Camryn Johnson each scored. Sheridan struck out four. For Audubon (16-7), Alyson Yurcaba went 3 for 4 with a double, homer, five. RBIs and three runs.
Baseball
South Jersey Group III quarterfinals
(2) Delsea Reg. 2, (7) Ocean City 1 (late Thursday): Max Van Auken went 2 for 3 with two runs for Delsea (19-6).
Zach Maxwell singled and had an RBI. For the Red Raiders (13-11), Dante Edwardi singled in Colin Thompson. Thompson also doubled. Evan Taylor struck out six in 61/3 innings.
Boys lacrosse
South Jersey Group II first round
(7) Cranford 10, (10) Barnegat 6 (from Thursday): Connor Maloney scored three for the Bengals (13-6).
Luke Tortorici added four assists. Connor Maloney scored three, and Seth Freiwald added two goals and two assists. Keegan Dunn scored once. Antonio Frusco won eight faceoffs. Lucas Holland made 14 saves. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/bella-davis-bat-leads-st-joseph-softball-into-semifinals-fridays-roundup/article_566a0f6e-fc03-11ed-8031-d7ab582ba0c4.html | 2023-05-27T00:41:47 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/bella-davis-bat-leads-st-joseph-softball-into-semifinals-fridays-roundup/article_566a0f6e-fc03-11ed-8031-d7ab582ba0c4.html |
BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP — The St. Augustine Prep baseball team has won six straight South Jersey Non-Public A championships.
The Hermits have a history of some improbable playoff wins during that stretch.
Add Friday’s to the list.
Joe Erace’s single drove in DJ Lloyd with the winning run in the bottom of the eighth as the fourth-seeded Hermits rallied to beat fifth-seeded Christian Brothers Academy 5-4 in a S.J. Non-Public B quarterfinal.
“Without my teammates getting on base before me, it would have never happened,” said Erace, a sophomore. “I saw a fastball first pitch, and then he hung a slider and I drove it the other way. I was a little nervous going up there, but I just had to do my job.”
The Hermits trailed 4-1 after three innings. They were down 4-2 as the bottom of the seventh started and then down to their final strike.
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“It’s very surprising to see a young team like ours step up like teams in the past have,” St. Augustine coach Mike Bylone said.
Bylone credited the leadership of seniors Marco Levari, CJ Furey and Manny Aponte.
“Our young kids fed off that,” Bylone said.
CBA (19-6-1) appeared headed for the win on a sunny, clear day behind the dominance of starting pitcher Chris Levonas. The Wake Forest-bound junior allowed just four hits and two runs in 5 ⅓ innings. He struck out nine and walked two and kept the Hermits off-balance with an outstanding breaking pitch.
The unsung hero for the Hermits was reliever Matt Kouser. He gave St. Augustine a chance. Kouser entered in the third inning and pitched 4 ⅓ innings of scoreless relief.
Still, a St. Augustine win seemed far-fetched as the bottom of the seventh began.
The Hermits loaded the bases with two outs on two walks, one intentional, and a hit batter.
With sophomore Gabe Gillespie at the plate, Erace scored on a wild pitch to cut the CBA lead to 4-3. Gillespie then hit a hard ground ball to the shortstop, who booted the ball, allowing the tying run to score.
Furey retired CBA in order, including two strikeouts, in the top of the eighth to continue the momentum for St. Augustine.
Erace stepped to the plate with one out and runners on first and second in the bottom of the eighth.
He lined a slider the opposite way to right-center field. Lloyd sprinted around third and dove across home plate with the winning run. The Hermits immediately rushed toward Erace in celebration.
“I just had to do my job and everything would come at all right,” Erace said. “He kind of hung (a slider), so I drove it the other way.”
St. Augustine (17-7) will play at top-seeded Red Bank Catholic in the semifinals Wednesday.
This qualified as a rebuilding season for the Hermits. They started multiple sophomores.
The Hermits faltered down the stretch by their lofty standards, losing in the CAL Tournament semifinals and in the Joe Hartmann Diamond Classic quarterfinals.
But Friday’s win changes the whole tenor of their season. No mater what happens the rest of this season, this group of Hermits has their signature win to carry it forward.
“This win is not only good for this year,” Bylone said. “It’s going to be good for the years to come.” | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/joey-erace-knocks-in-winning-run-as-st-augustine-rallies-to-stun-cba/article_4ccee516-fc16-11ed-833f-6f722be6d248.html | 2023-05-27T00:41:53 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/joey-erace-knocks-in-winning-run-as-st-augustine-rallies-to-stun-cba/article_4ccee516-fc16-11ed-833f-6f722be6d248.html |
PORTLAND, Ore. — Get ready, set, go! The unofficial start of summer is here just in time for the start of the Portland Rose Festival. Get ready for three consecutive weeks of fun as the theme for this year's fest is "Focus On Fun."
At the Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland, CityFair kicks off the festivities on Friday evening with its opening night fireworks show. Expect to see the skies light up with a spectacular firework display.
Fireworks will shoot off at around 9:50 p.m. right after a full live concert by the Nu Wavers.
Enjoy the rides, concerts, and of course, all the amazing food for three weekends: May 25-29, June 2-4, and June 9-11 from 12 p.m.-9 p.m.
Other must-attend attractions this year include:
Starlight Parade
When: June 3
Where: Downtown Portland
Time: 8 p.m.
What's going on: CareOregon Starlight Parade is the most popular events of the festival as the parade lights up the streets of downtown. This bright tradition features marching bands and flood-lit floats, glow-in-the-dark umbrellas and more. You can enjoy the fun in-person or from the comfort of your couch. Drag performer Poison Waters is the grand marshal this year leading the parade.
Parade route here.
Junior Parade
When: June 7
Where: Hollywood District
Time: 1 p.m.
What's going on: The Fred Meyer Junior Parade is the daytime parade that brings children from all parts of the city to have fun being kids. The parade will feature elementary and middle school marching bands, along with dance teams and more. This year families can participate in the new family fun float award competition and win prizes.
Parade route here.
Grand Floral Parade
When: June 10
Where: Northeast Portland
Time: 10 a.m.
What's going on: The Grand Floral Parade is more than just a bright colorful parade — it's tradition. This parade features traditional large all-floral floats that everyone admires and love. Along with the floats parade guests can expect marching groups, vintage vehicles, flags and much more. Ticket reservations are required from indoor seats inside the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Parade route here.
Dragon Boat Races
When: June 10-11
Where: Waterfront Park
Time: 8 a.m.
What's going on: This free events has been a tradition for more than two decades. The race is held on the Willamette River and features traditional Chinese dragon boats provided by the Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Association. More than 60 teams participate — local, national and international.
Click here to register.
Fleet Week
When: June 7-11
Where: Waterfront Park
What's going on: Visiting ships, military and non-military, make their way down the Willamette River during the Rose Festival. During this week, free ship tours are offered. The 2023 visiting ships will be announced on June 7. Tour times vary and are on a first-come first-served basis. Look out for traffic information, as the ships' arrivals and departures mean bridge lifts that can cause backups.
For more information, click here.
Queen's Coronation
When: June 9
Where: Oregon Square
Time: 11:30 a.m.
What's going on: The Rose Festival Court is made up of 15 students, historically all girls, selected from high schools across the Portland metro area. The program offers the students scholarships, mentorship, networking, volunteer and community outreach opportunities— all while promoting and carrying on the tradition of serving on the court. A queen will be announced June 9 and will represent Portland and the Rose Festival for one year.
To meet the 2023 Rose Festival Court, click here. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/guide-portland-rose-festival-2023/283-b389d069-4a30-46f7-8207-a6126d02b5e5 | 2023-05-27T00:46:01 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/guide-portland-rose-festival-2023/283-b389d069-4a30-46f7-8207-a6126d02b5e5 |
NORFOLK, Va. — A Virginia man was sentenced Friday to decades in prison for the 2018 death of his girlfriend’s 2-year-old daughter, delaying medical help for hours after she had been scalded severely.
The girl’s mother, Shelby Love, pleaded guilty in 2020 to felony homicide and child neglect for her involvement in the girl’s death. Her sentencing is next month. Hardee was sentenced to 45 years in prison, of which 10 years are suspended. He’ll also have to serve 10 years of supervised probation once he’s released.
Love testified during Hardee’s trial that she left her daughter frequently with Hardee — with whom she had been living for about two months — while she was at work. On April 23, 2018, Love came home and said Hardee told her that Harley was burned by hot bath water.
Love said she wanted to call 911, but Hardee wouldn’t let her because he was concerned he would go to prison. Fearful for her safety, she said she agreed not to call, and that they began to try to treat Harley with petroleum jelly, bandages, cream and medicine. Hardee ultimately called 911 after Harley started having trouble breathing. She was pronounced dead at a Norfolk hospital.
A pathologist who conducted an autopsy determined Harley died from complications of scalding, with several bruises on her body and large abrasions on her scalp.
“Little Harley lived her last hours in agony. Had she gotten medical help, she might have lived. Instead, she suffered and she died,” Norfolk Commonwealth Attorney Ramin Fatehi said.
Hardee, who was previously convicted of child abuse in Virginia Beach, told Doyle before sentencing that “there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t wish we” made different decisions. But he also blamed a faulty hot water heater for the burns. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2023/05/26/virginia-girl-scalding-death-man-sentenced/340e765c-fc1d-11ed-bafc-bf50205661da_story.html | 2023-05-27T01:01:45 | 1 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2023/05/26/virginia-girl-scalding-death-man-sentenced/340e765c-fc1d-11ed-bafc-bf50205661da_story.html |
ATLANTA — Covington Police Department officer Rashad Rivers is expected to soon head home from Grady Hospital after being shot in the head Tuesday night while on the job.
His family said he had surgery Thursday to fix his broken jaw. His brother, Shaquille Rivers, is on his way to Atlanta from Charlotte, to be able to see him. He spoke with 11Alive exclusively Friday morning.
"By the grace of God, he’s still breathing and when I go up there to see him, I’ll just be happy to see his eyes open," Shaquille said. "It’ll just be different now but he’ll still be here."
Shaquille said Rashad has not been able to talk but was able to text him after his surgery, and after getting shot earlier this week.
"He told me, 'That is what (I) signed up for, don’t be upset, don’t feel bad for (me),'" Shaquille read from the text message he received. "You’re emotional that it happened to (him) and (his) response is, ‘That’s what I signed up for,' so I can't be mad.
But instead of anger, 29-year-old Shaquille feels gratitude his brother is still here today.
"I just don't like the fact that something is happening to a very great person," he said.
Covington Police said Rashad responded to a domestic fight call at the OYO Hotel in Covington and was confronted by a man with a gun, who shot him in the head.
That suspect, identified as 23-year-old Treyvorius Stodghill, was then shot and killed by a second officer at the scene.
Shaquille remembers finding out about this when Rashad texted him from the hospital.
“I thought it would just be a normal conversation like we normally do but I knew it was real bad when he told me to let the family know," he recalled.
Shaquille said they’ve grown closer through the years and that he is grateful his connection with his older brother can keep blossoming.
“He’s always been important. It hurts being almost close to losing (him)," he reflected. "That when you started to realize what (our relationship) was and you placed it in your life, it was I was almost gone."
He calls Rashad, who was a former corrections officer and loves serving his community, a true leader and a father of three.
He’s glad Rashad will still be able to hug them goodnight.
"I’m very proud," he said. "I know this is something that he was reaching and striving for his whole career. He’s always been a big brother to me. Anytime I ever needed something, I always followed his lead, always took his advice on what I should do before I fail by doing it on my own."
He will still be able to take that advice. Rashad is expected to go home as early as Friday.
"Everybody came to support," Shaquille added. "We've got cousins sending flowers to the hospital and my mom and my dad, once I get off tonight we're going to jump in the car to Atlanta to see him." | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/brother-of-covington-police-officer-who-was-shot-grateful-recovering/85-187a3496-223e-47bd-a0d1-47655a32ca62 | 2023-05-27T01:02:57 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/brother-of-covington-police-officer-who-was-shot-grateful-recovering/85-187a3496-223e-47bd-a0d1-47655a32ca62 |
ATLANTA — Atlanta Police said the ground is cleared at the embattled site of the proposed public safety training center in southeast Atlanta, despite fierce protests.
On Friday, police and fire officials hosted a news media tour of the site – an event put together by city officials to push back against protesters who have urged the city to stop this project.
Rolling onto the 85-acre public safety training center site, city officials said most of the acreage cleared consisted of weeds, invasive plants and 100,000 discarded tires.
"So this entire area is being protected," said Bob Hughes, the facility planner with H2R, the contractor that has done the design legwork.
Adjacent to the cleared space are ponds and, the city said, old-growth forest. Protesters have decried the project as a destroyer of old trees. However, engineers said there were only 12 to 15 acres of actual old-growth forest here – and planners said they’re saving all of it.
"Think of a college campus. That’s what you’d have here (25 acres)," APD Administration Deputy Chief Marshal Freeman said.
Backers said the public safety training center will have 25 acres of space accessible to the public – plus much more public parkland adjacent to the site. Critics said the project is wrongheaded, training in tougher police tactics they said are outdated.
"It is a Six Flags-sized playground for urban warfare, for police militarization. I’m not seeing where we’re getting de-escalation training," said Brionte McCorkle, executive director of Georgia Conservation Voters, during a protest at City Hall Wednesday.
Chief Darin Schierbaum said facts released by the city debunk claims of a militarization curriculum at the center.
"It is preparation of first responders, those responding to babies not breathing, active shooters, car accidents. We have to prepare our officers for every 911 call that could be made," he said. "I am excited for the officers. And I’m excited for the citizens."
The Atlanta City Council is due to vote next month on an additional $30 million expenditure for the project. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/clearing-complete-cop-city-atlanta/85-953b485c-bf62-4818-af69-2d723e752f93 | 2023-05-27T01:03:04 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/clearing-complete-cop-city-atlanta/85-953b485c-bf62-4818-af69-2d723e752f93 |
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.11alive.com/article/news/local/florida-police-officer-alligator-pool-clearwater-countryside-area/67-f1fe508e-c1f8-4162-b6a8-81070812a46c | 2023-05-27T01:03:10 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/florida-police-officer-alligator-pool-clearwater-countryside-area/67-f1fe508e-c1f8-4162-b6a8-81070812a46c |
AVONDALE ESTATES, Ga. — Students at The Museum School were not able to have their last day of class of the school year on Friday due to "two separate verbal threats to student safety," a social media post from the City of Avondale Estates.
The school was closed Friday for all students, staff and visitors. All activities were also canceled.
The city said the Avondale Estates Police Department responded to the school Thursday afternoon due to the threats. Avondale Estates Police said it's assisting DeKalb County Police and DeKalb County School Police in the investigation.
"While disappointed that many children were unable to experience their last day of school, the city fully supports The Museum School’s decision to close out of an abundance of caution," the city wrote.
The Museum School also posted on social media that the safety of their students and staff is their top priority.
"The City of Avondale Estates is committed to doing everything in its capacity and taking all necessary measures to support The Museum School and other law enforcement agencies in providing a safe environment for the school’s children," the city wrote.
11Alive reached out to DeKalb County Police for an update on their investigation. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/no-last-day-class-the-museum-school-avondale-estates-threats/85-69d09c62-6637-4403-b6b4-22670844eb17 | 2023-05-27T01:03:16 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/no-last-day-class-the-museum-school-avondale-estates-threats/85-69d09c62-6637-4403-b6b4-22670844eb17 |
FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — Rick Ross can move forward with his car show -- under certain conditions.
While approving the necessary permits, the director of Fayette County's Planning and Zoning board issued a "letter of understanding" Friday with requirements for the rapper's June 3 event.
Ross' event must have off-street parking and proof of it, outdoor lighting must be cut off by 10 p.m., tents need to be approved by the fire marshal, and any horse show, rodeo, carnival, or fair can't operate more than 14 days per year. The entertainment mogul has promised to host a rodeo during the event.
These stipulations come as Ross had already announced his car show on his sprawling Georgia property. In a flyer on Instagram, "The Boss" announced that it would be a horse, car and bike show -- which was part of the reasoning behind the initial permit's rejection. Officials added that an event of this size goes beyond what a residential zoning district should have to endure.
Nevertheless, officials have budged and approved, for a second year, the entrepreneur's massive car show. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/rick-ross-permit-car-show/85-1b16ff46-68b4-43d6-bf2d-7d77dafb5ac8 | 2023-05-27T01:03:22 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/rick-ross-permit-car-show/85-1b16ff46-68b4-43d6-bf2d-7d77dafb5ac8 |
Contests I'm So Ogre the Heat! - Sweepstakes Enter for a chance to win one of THREE prize packs from Energy Ogre! Credit: WFAA | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/contests/im-so-ogre-the-heat-sweepstakes/287-32be1d43-f650-4f1a-96c6-71cda7b70c23 | 2023-05-27T01:03:27 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/contests/im-so-ogre-the-heat-sweepstakes/287-32be1d43-f650-4f1a-96c6-71cda7b70c23 |
DECATUR, Ga. — The mother of a man who tragically died, while in custody at the DeKalb County Jail, has filed a lawsuit against the sheriff's office and the county on Friday. The family's attorney asserts that the staff and healthcare workers at the jail "willfully and maliciously" ignored the man's mental health challenges, leading to his demise.
Toni Walker, the grieving mother, spoke about her decision to take legal action in hopes of preventing other families from enduring the pain she continues to carry. Outside the DeKalb County Courthouse, Walker shared fond memories of her son, Alexander, highlighting his caring and loving nature despite his diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Walker revealed that her son had been grappling with his mental health long after being diagnosed at the age of 17. Recounting a conversation they had, she expressed how he questioned why he was different. Walker assured him that his condition was not his fault, just as some people have blue eyes. Unfortunately, Alexander's struggle with mental illness persisted.
According to Walker, the 34-year-old was experiencing a mental health crisis when he was arrested on Dec. 18, 2022. A few days later, he was found dead. The cause of his death was determined to be hypothermia.
Devastated by the loss of her son, Walker sought answers and justice. Her attorney filed a lawsuit against the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office and several other defendants. The lawsuit alleges that Alexander was left naked in a cell, and when temperatures dropped to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), no action was taken by the staff to address his ongoing mental illness or alleviate his discomfort, ultimately leading to his death.
"He died just like he was born, naked. Nothing. Zero. Not even a pair of socks," Walker said.
Standing near the halls of justice, she vowed to fight for her son and others who have faced similar circumstances. Walker called for increased training courses, urging officials to learn from her son's tragic experience, adding, "This should never have happened."
11Alive News reached out to the defendants named in the lawsuit, including the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office. In response, a statement was received, indicating that the sheriff's office does not comment on pending litigation.
As the legal process unfolds, Toni Walker remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice for her son, Alexander, and to bring attention to the critical issues surrounding mental health and custodial care. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/toni-walker-files-lawsuit-dekalb-county-jail-son-alexander-walker-death/85-781374cd-84e7-4bf4-a3c8-270d8ea404db | 2023-05-27T01:03:28 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/toni-walker-files-lawsuit-dekalb-county-jail-son-alexander-walker-death/85-781374cd-84e7-4bf4-a3c8-270d8ea404db |
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Are the beaches safe from sharks this summer?
Let's connect the dots.
Movies like "Jaws" and "The Shallows" terrify many and even keep some people out of the water altogether.
Scientists and researchers who study sharks say potentially dangerous interactions are uncommon.
There have been typically around 70 to 80 unprovoked shark bites a year worldwide, and they're becoming rarer.
Out of thousands who swim in the ocean every year there were only 57 unprovoked bites in 2022 , and only five were fatal.
It comes as the population of sharks declines globally.
White sharks, bull sharks and tiger sharks cause the most fatalities, but many interactions happen with smaller species that are unlikely to cause serious injuries.
It might feel like it is happening more often, thanks to social media and shark reporting apps. However, you shouldn't worry.
Experts add you're at a much greater risk of getting hurt in a car accident on the way to the beach than you are to get seriously injured by a shark bite.
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A fourth-grade Covington Elementary School teacher was surprised to learn Friday during a pep rally that she won a top honor for Southwest Allen County Schools educators.
SACS Superintendent Park Ginder, along with Covington Principal Fred Graf, announced during the school’s Field Day Kick Off Pep Rally that Jennifer Peeper is the district’s 2023 Teacher of the Year.
The morning announcement surprised most everyone, including Peeper, who was soon surrounded by cheering coworkers and family.
“I fell in love with teaching long before I entered a college classroom,” she said. “Teachers along the way showed me the difference you can make by being a consistent, loving and encouraging presence in a student’s life.”
As this year’s SACS Teacher of the Year, Peeper will also be nominated for 2024 Indiana Teacher of the Year.
She joined SACS in 2013 after gaining international teaching experience in Maracaibo, Venezuela, and Cape Town, South Africa.
After teaching for a few years in the local district, Peeper realized many students were coming to school with limited exposure to languages, cultures and even the general Fort Wayne community, SACS said in a news release.
Peeper worked with her second-grade team at Haverhill Elementary to organize Saturday trips around Fort Wayne to bring unique experiences for students called “2nd Grade meets Fort Wayne.” The optional Saturday trips had families meeting at apple orchards, pumpkin fields, downtown markets, the zoo and an ice-skating rink.
Peeper also started monthly Spanish lessons for her second-grade class by partnering with Homestead High School Spanish students who came to the second-grade classes to teach basic Spanish words and phrases.
Peeper loves the chance to support students at their out of school activities, attending countless football, basketball and baseball games. She’s also been in the audience for dance and violin recitals, ice skating and hockey lessons, and even karate and cheer competitions, SACS said.
“If I want my students to be invested in what I’m teaching, I also need to show that I am invested in the things that interest them,” Peeper said.
“This year I organized a new event at Covington called the Imagination Fair – encouraging students to share something that makes them excited, without the traditional restrictions from a science fair,” she said. “Watching 50 students dance, sing, and invent without limits is something I look forward to continuing to grow next year.”
Graf reflected on Peeper’s consistent excellence in the classroom.
“Her ability to engage her students and create a positive learning environment is truly remarkable,” he said. “When in her classroom, students experience a calm perfection and optimal environment for all learners. Mrs. Peeper is not just a great teacher; she is also a mentor and role model for her students.”
SACS Teacher of the Year finalists this year were: Christine Rhodes, Aboite Elementary; Lori Lemke, Deer Ridge Elementary; Heather Ramser, Haverhill Elementary; Matt Loshe, Lafayette Meadows Elementary; Kathleen Lochry, Whispering Meadows Elementary; Caitlin Banton, Summit Middle School; Angela Hubler, Woodside Middle School; and Sally Rauber, Homestead High School. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/covington-teacher-wins-sacs-top-educator-award/article_a533d154-fbd9-11ed-8a80-e72ad3fd1133.html | 2023-05-27T01:11:11 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/covington-teacher-wins-sacs-top-educator-award/article_a533d154-fbd9-11ed-8a80-e72ad3fd1133.html |
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Why Mount Holly Fire Department needs to add 12 new positions, two fire engines
The city of Mount Holly plans to hire a dozen new firefighters and has raised the starting pay for firefighters who complete the probationary period.
The Mount Holly Fire Department currently has 25 full-time positions and 16 part-time positions. According to minutes from a town meeting, Fire Chief Ryan Baker told city officials that he wanted to add an additional firefighter to each shift at each station. Baker told the Mount Holly City Council that the current levels of staffing could cause employee burnout and fatigue, and employees have found it difficult to plan vacations around their shifts.
He also said that Mount Holly has the lowest starting pay for firefighters in Gaston County, making it hard to recruit.
The Mount Holly City Council voted to add the new positions and raise the starting pay to $50,016.75 for firefighters who complete the probationary period.
After hiring 12 firefighters, the three Mount Holly fire stations will have four firefighters, 24 hours a day, at each station.
The Mount Holly City Council also approved the purchase of two fire engines to replace two older engines with a price tag of more than $1.7 million.
Reporter Kara Fohner can be reached at 704-869-1850 or at kfohner@gannett.com. | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/mount-holly-fire-department-to-add-12-new-positions/70249287007/ | 2023-05-27T01:12:33 | 0 | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/mount-holly-fire-department-to-add-12-new-positions/70249287007/ |
TAMPA, Fla. — This Memorial Day weekend, we remember and honor the men and women of the U.S. military who died in service. For the ninth annual year, Veterans Helping Veterans will hold a ceremony specifically for families of service members who died by suicide.
The event is set to be held at the American Legion Post 5 in Tampa from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 27.
Tony Williams is the president of Veterans Counseling Veterans and has a background in mental health education and the military.
"It gives [families] the OK to talk about it and not feel stigmatized. They can say, 'Yes, my son or daughter died by suicide, but I still love them and they’re still a great person,'" explained Williams.
Jeanette Nazario will be a keynote speaker at the ceremony. Nazario's son, Spc. Zachary C. Moore, died by suicide while he was stationed in South Korea with the Army in 2017.
Nazario said in the years after her son's death, she would feel the stigma of suicide while attending various ceremonial events.
"Whenever we attend events and we stand up, we have a choice to say how our children died. I do stand up at various events in front of different organizations, and there is sometimes that awkwardness," Nazario explained.
A Department of Defense report shows 519 service members died by suicide in 2021 alone.
Nazario hopes the countless people impacted by military suicides will honor their loved ones with pride this weekend.
"We’re not trying to take anything away from those who died in combat. We’re only trying to recognize they also died in service just as someone else would have died in service," said Nazario. "Be proud of your loved ones, stand up for them as they would stand up for you."
The Veterans Counseling Veterans Ninth Annual Memorial Day Event at the American Legion Post 5 will also honor first responders who died by suicide this year. It is open to the public.
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you call 988 and then press 1, you can be connected to a crisis line specifically for veterans. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/tampa-memorial-day-service-veterans/67-f5aa807b-77a4-4974-bb11-9df2fd79465f | 2023-05-27T01:13:50 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/tampa-memorial-day-service-veterans/67-f5aa807b-77a4-4974-bb11-9df2fd79465f |
A Lincoln teen behind the wheel in a 2021 crash that killed a 16-year-old Lincoln High School student is set for sentencing after pleading no contest to motor vehicle homicide.
Izia Rodriguez, 19, will face the possibility of up to three years in prison in July on the felony charge involving reckless driving for causing Bryshawn Williams' death.
He entered the plea in Lancaster County District Court this week.
According to the Lincoln police crash report, Williams, a sophomore who played on the Links' varsity football team, died after Rodriguez, then 17, crashed into a tree near 70th Street and Fletcher Avenue shortly before 1 a.m. Oct. 5, 2021.
Rodriguez had been heading south on 70th Street before leaving the road and crashing.
He told police he swerved to miss a deer and lost control, hit a curb, mailbox and then the tree.
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Rodriguez was on probation in juvenile court at the time. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/driver-pleads-pleads-no-contest-to-motor-vehicle-homicide-for-crash-that-killed-lincoln-high/article_59941600-fbfc-11ed-8efc-b757c72317c8.html | 2023-05-27T01:19:21 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/driver-pleads-pleads-no-contest-to-motor-vehicle-homicide-for-crash-that-killed-lincoln-high/article_59941600-fbfc-11ed-8efc-b757c72317c8.html |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/collin-county-residents-react-to-news-of-possible-impeachment-of-paxton/3266240/ | 2023-05-27T01:20:47 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/collin-county-residents-react-to-news-of-possible-impeachment-of-paxton/3266240/ |
FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho — The woman found guilty of murdering her two children and conspiring to murder her husband's former wife has asked for a new trial, citing "confusing" jury instructions.
Lori Vallow Daybell, or Lori Vallow, was found guilty on all six charges against her on May 12, which include killing her children JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan and conspiring to kill Tammy Daybell.
On May 25, her defense attorneys Jim Archibald and John Thomas filed a motion in Fremont County court asking for a new trial.
In the motion, Archibald and Thomas cite an interview that East Idaho News conducted with a juror in the case days after the verdict.
They say this interview makes it clear that jurors were confused about demonstrative evidence versus character evidence in the shooting of Charles Vallow, Lori Vallow's ex-husband, in Arizona on July 11, 2019. Lori Vallow has been indicted for conspiracy to commit murder in his death.
The Arizona evidence was only admitted to the jury in order to show prior behavior and could not be used to make a decision on the Idaho charges.
The juror tells reporter Nate Eaton in the interview, "We didn’t consider this during our deliberations, because it was clear to us, the instructions were clear, Arizona evidence and testimony is only for demonstrative purposes."
Demonstrative evidence consists of summaries of evidence provided by law enforcement, which the defense says -- the evidence shown on behalf of Charles Vallow's death was not.
The defense previously objected to evidence from Arizona being admitted in the trial, but it was denied by Fremont County District Judge Steven Boyce.
"To confuse demonstrative evidence and character evidence is easy to do; hence, the defense objections should have been sustained," the motion states.
In the interview, the juror tells Eaton that he thought Arizona police may have dropped the ball in the Charles Vallow death investigation.
The defense writes that Eaton refers to body camera footage of Charles Vallow talking to police before he was shot and killed by Alex Cox, Lori Vallow's brother -- and the juror nods in agreement. The problem with this, says the defense, is that Charles Vallow’s statements to law enforcement were not part of the evidence presented in the Idaho case.
"We can only conclude that the juror relied on information not presented in court to reach his conclusion that Arizona dropped the ball," the defense wrote. However, it's unclear if the juror watched the body camera footage of Charles Vallow, as seen in the Netflix documentary, Sins of Our Mother, after the trial.
Former Idaho Attorney General and defense attorney Dave Leroy said filing a motion for a new trial is "pretty typical."
"Some of those things are necessary or appropriate before an appeal is filed to have a judge on notice they allege a certain error was made," Leroy told KTVB.
The court doesn't necessarily have to question the juror about the interview if the statement "is concise," Leroy said, but the prosecution could always ask for a deposition.
"But, one juror's statement doesn't necessarily characterize the entire process for twelve people," Leroy said. Ultimately, everything is up to the judge.
Other reasons for a new trial motion include a clerical error in the indictment, which originally had the Idaho code listed under the charge of grand theft to present as "with intent to deprive" not, "with intent to deceive" like the prosecution intended. The judge allowed this error to be fixed, but the defense says that the indictment should not have been amended by the government.
In the indictment, prosecutors refer to other alleged co-conspirators "known or unknown" that include Chad Daybell, charged with the murder of the children as well, and Cox, who is now dead. The defense says they were "on notice" the conspiracy involved five people, but in trial, only two other people were mentioned.
"To have the government and the court permit a conspiracy of just two people instead of five was prejudicial and unlawful, and should require a new trial," the motion says.
The prosecution is able to submit a response to this motion, but it has not yet been filed.
Lori Vallow is currently being held in the Madison County Jail where she awaits sentencing on July 31. She faces life in prison.
Watch more Lori Vallow Trial:
Watch more coverage of the Lori Vallow trial on the KTVB YouTube channel: | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/lori-vallow-daybell-files-for-a-new-trial-citing-confusing-jury-instructions-juror-interview/277-b4de485e-c37a-4e87-b92d-db1d30c18d37 | 2023-05-27T01:20:49 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/lori-vallow-daybell-files-for-a-new-trial-citing-confusing-jury-instructions-juror-interview/277-b4de485e-c37a-4e87-b92d-db1d30c18d37 |
Impeachment proceedings for Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton are set for 1 p.m. Saturday in the Texas House of Representatives.
Political experts Friday said Republican support for Paxton may be weakening, while some boosters in his home community of Collin County plan a Memorial Day rally to support him.
The house committee investigating Paxton said it found a long pattern of dereliction of duty.
As the Memorial Day holiday weekend began in the Collin County seat of McKinney Friday, some people were talking about Paxton.
Paxton supporter John Gatz said the process against Paxton is moving too fast.
“He’s done a lot of great things for the state of Texas throughout his entire career and they’ve been chasing him for years now,” Gatz said. “You can't persecute a guy based on comments and innuendo."
Critic Michelle Wright said action against Paxton is overdue.
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The latest news from around North Texas.
“If there’s some trouble that interferes with your job, and you’re using your job to your own advantage, or someone else’s advantage, you need to move on,” Wright said.
At a press conference Friday, Paxton said the impeachment effort violates the will of the voters and that he was denied the opportunity to present evidence that contradicts politically motivated attacks on him.
Dallas Morning News political writer Gromer Jeffers is co-host of NBC 5’s Sunday Lone Star Politics show.
“From his first campaign for Attorney General until now he has been saddled with legal problems,” Jeffers said. “He’s been a fighter for most of his political career, but this of course is the biggest fight of his life.”
The Texas House Committee began investigating Paxton after taxpayers were asked to pay a $3.3 million settlement with former employees who said they were whistleblowers about bribery and other improprieties.
Many of the same issues were thought to be topics of an FBI investigation which has produced no public results.
Southern Methodist University Political Science Professor Cal Jillson said the impeachment proceedings are a test of Texas Republican loyalty.
“Are you going to stand with a guy who you have stood with historically, in the face of this presentation of continuous evidence of wrongdoing,” Jillson said. “It is very difficult to make the argument that my own people, Republican majority of the Texas House, have looked at me and concluded I need to be impeached, and it’s all just a hoax, a political vendetta.”
Also from Collin County is Ken Paxton’s wife Angela, now a Texas State Senator in the seat Ken Paxton left to become Attorney General.
The political experts said Angela Paxton must consider stepping aside from voting if impeachment reaches the Texas Senate.
“This is going to be drama of a high order that we haven’t seen in Texas in a century,” Jillson said.
As events unfold in Austin, the Memorial Day rally for Paxton is set for 11 a.m. at the Collin County Courthouse, 2100 Bloomdale Road in McKinney. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/north-texans-react-to-paxton-impeachment-proceedings/3266198/ | 2023-05-27T01:20:53 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/north-texans-react-to-paxton-impeachment-proceedings/3266198/ |
TEMPE, Ariz. — A child is in serious condition after being pulled out of an apartment complex pool by family members, according to Tempe firefighters.
Officials said fire crews were called to the complex near Mill Road and Southern Avenue around 3 p.m.
Emergency crews found family members performing compressions on a 2-3-year-old child when they arrived.
Firefighters said the child was breathing on its own but was transported to the hospital in serious condition.
It's unknown at this time how long the child was in the water before being pulled from the pool.
This is a developing story. Stay with 12News for updates.
Drowning Prevention Tips:
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children between ages 1-4 aside from birth defects, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Three children die every day as a result of drowning. Here are some tips from the CDC on how to protect children around water:
Learn life-saving skills.
Everyone should know the basics of swimming (floating, moving through the water) and CPR.
Fence it off.
Install a four–sided isolation fence, with self–closing and self–latching gates, around backyard swimming pools. This can help keep children away from the area when they aren’t supposed to be swimming. Pool fences should be completely separate the house and play area from the pool.
Life jackets are a must.
Make sure kids wear life jackets in and around natural bodies of water, such as lakes or the ocean, even if they know how to swim. Life jackets can be used in and around pools for weaker swimmers too.
Keep a close watch
When kids are in or near water (including bathtubs), closely supervise them at all times. Because drowning happens quickly and quietly, adults watching kids in or near water should avoid distracting activities like reading books, talking on the phone, or using alcohol and drugs.
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/pga-golf-back-in-north-texas/3266244/ | 2023-05-27T01:20:59 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/pga-golf-back-in-north-texas/3266244/ |
PHOENIX — The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said four inmates at the Watkins Jail in Phoenix were transported to the hospital for suspected overdoses Friday afternoon.
MCSO said all four inmates were breathing on their own when they left that facility near 27th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road.
This is the latest example of the ongoing drug crisis inside Maricopa County jails.
Before that, seven inmates at the Estrella Jail suffered drug overdoses and were taken to the hospital. MCSO said deputies found methamphetamine and fentanyl pills in the area where those inmates were found in an altered mental state.
Drug seizures and overdoses continue to climb at the county jail.
“This is the problem that we see in our county every day,” said Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone at a press briefing in April.
The sheriff's office is training more deputies to administer Narcan to inmates. In 2022 Penzone said 172 individuals received a dose of Narcan. He anticipates the number in 2023 will grow larger than in 2022.
Fentanyl seizures are also expected to reach record highs in 2023. In 2022 there were 3,162 pills found in county jails with 2,060 fentanyl pills found this year.
This is a developing story. Stay with 12News for updates.
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12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/mcso-4-inmates-hospitalized-after-possible-drug-overdoses-at-watkins-phoenix-jail/75-36605799-4bd6-4523-bc9a-23e565bd9a1d | 2023-05-27T01:21:01 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/mcso-4-inmates-hospitalized-after-possible-drug-overdoses-at-watkins-phoenix-jail/75-36605799-4bd6-4523-bc9a-23e565bd9a1d |
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — While the snow is nearly gone from the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, what's left is a small reminder of what winter brought.
"We had a really good wet winter," said Capt. Dylan Guffey with the Flagstaff Fire Department.
The wet winter and spring did help fire danger.
"It's great that fire danger is at moderate to high versus severe," said Randi Shaffer, a spokesperson with Coconino National Forest.
But still, the wet winter and spring did help fire fuels grow that are now starting to dry out.
The biggest mistake Guffey sees campers make is not completely extinguishing campfires.
"They assume that the campfire is out and that it's not going to creep out of the pit and that's where a large majority of our fires come from," Guffey said.
Guffey recommends people use designated fire pits, clear vegetation at least 15 feet away, and keep the fire small. Before leaving camp, Guffey recommends people drown and stir fires out.
"If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave," Guffey said.
Shaffer adds that things like dragging chains and cigarette butts also contribute to fires starting.
"All it takes is one spark to start a wildfire," Shaffer said. "And so even though we are looking pretty good compared to years past, we do still want forest visitors to remain ever cautious and careful while they're out recreating especially with fire."
Before deciding where to camp, Guffey reminds people that there are no campfires allowed within Flagstaff's city limits.
Regarding restrictions on Forest Service land, Shaffer recommends people recreating in the forest check the restrictions online before their trip.
"If people don't abide by fire restrictions - low end of the risk there's a ticket a citation," Shaffer said. "High end of the risk - You've seen the wildfires that have happened in the past and Flagstaff. So anything ranging from a ticket or a citation to a major type one wildfire that destroys tons of forest land and homes and you never want to risk it." | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/wildfire/fire-danger-lower-years-northern-arizona-official-still-urging-caution-holiday-weekend/75-783119c4-1722-4a67-b946-e4b0d95d67a3 | 2023-05-27T01:21:07 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/wildfire/fire-danger-lower-years-northern-arizona-official-still-urging-caution-holiday-weekend/75-783119c4-1722-4a67-b946-e4b0d95d67a3 |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A federal appeals court on Thursday halted the Environmental Protection Agency’s rejection of Arkansas' plan to comply with federal rules designed to assure that the state’s coal-fired power plants and industrial sites don’t pollute the air in other states.
The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay of the EPA's decision in a one-page order without elaboration. Arkansas in February sued over the EPA disapproving the state’s plan to meet “good neighbor” obligations under the Clean Air Act.
The EPA rejected plans from Arkansas and 18 other states.
“The court’s order blocking the Biden administration’s disapproval prevents the administration from imposing a one-size-fits-all federal implementation plan (FIP) that would kill Arkansas jobs and threaten our power grid,” Republican Attorney General Tim Griffin said in a statement.
A 2015 EPA rule blocks states from adding to ozone pollution outside their boundaries. Last year the agency announced its plan to limit downwind pollution from power plants. In cases where a state has not submitted a “good neighbor” proposal — or in cases where the EPA rejects one — a federal plan would take effect to protect downwind states.
The EPA did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment late Thursday afternoon. The agency had asked the court not to stay its rejection of Arkansas' plan.
Griffin said when Arkansas filed its suit that the EPA rejected Arkansas’ proposal based on the impact its emissions would have on the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston metropolitan areas. He said that was a different standard than the state was originally told it would be held to.
“Depriving EPA of authority to address Arkansas’s sources’ harmful emissions while this litigation proceeds would harm the health and welfare of millions of people who live in areas impacted by pollution from Arkansas,” attorneys for the EPA said in a filing last month. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/federal-appeals-court-halts-epas-rejection-of-ozone-plan/91-9ebc7a3b-a6cd-42a2-b600-1b67d8151a45 | 2023-05-27T01:28:39 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/federal-appeals-court-halts-epas-rejection-of-ozone-plan/91-9ebc7a3b-a6cd-42a2-b600-1b67d8151a45 |
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — XNA's construction to modernize the airport is impacting entrances as they work to demolish the exterior to make way for remodels.
According to a newsletter from XNA, the airport is getting ready to add more elevators and escalators for passengers as well. The area most impacted by the demolition is the main entrances to the airport, which is affecting passenger pick up and drop off.
The right lane when approaching the terminal is currently designated only for drop-offs, while the left lane is for pick-ups only, according to an XNA social media post.
The lobby is also getting a new look as part of the modernization project. Renderings of the plans show a new lobby area as part of the terminal's second floor as well as a renovation of the baggage claim area.
Arkansas' very own chicken finger favorite, Slim's Chickens, will also be opening in the terminal.
The $34 million project is expected to wrap up by March of 2025.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com and detail which story you're referring to. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/xna-terminal-modernization-project-underway/527-d57118df-72da-44f4-b2c0-1e2c4b255338 | 2023-05-27T01:28:45 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/xna-terminal-modernization-project-underway/527-d57118df-72da-44f4-b2c0-1e2c4b255338 |
The unofficial start to the summer, Memorial Day weekend, is here and we know people will be looking to break out their sunglasses and bathing suits.
However, everyone won’t be heading down to the shore so here’s things to do if you are staying in the city this Memorial Day weekend.
Friday, May 26
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When: Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street
What: Hour-long sessions will be offered to the public with 15 minute scheduling buffers between each session. Admission is $8 for children 10 and younger, and $10 for adults; roller skate rental is $6. Guests may bring their own skates and will then just need to pay for admission.
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Devon Horse Show & Country Fair
When: May 25th-June 4th
Where: 23 Dorset Road, Devon, PA
What: Go to see the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed horse competition in the United States.
Saturday, May 27
When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Various locations along the Delaware River
What: There will be plenty of events happening along the waterfront all weekend long. Some of the standouts will be the Liberty Flea market, a silent party and fireworks--all happening on Saturday.
Sunday, May 28
When: Friday: 5 PM - 1 1 PM; Saturday: 11 AM - 11 PM; Sunday: 11 AM - 10 PM; Memorial Day (May 29): 11 AM - 10PM
Where: 301 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
What: Enjoy colorful hammocks, floating gardens, beautiful trees adorned in technicolored lights, local craft beers, and delicious food from some of Philadelphia’s most popular restaurants. Even reserve a hammock for up to 90-minutes.
Monday, May 29
Free Admission at the National Constitution Center
When: All Memorial Day weekend
Where: 525 Arch Street
What: In addition to free admission all weekend long, the National Constitution Center marks the Memorial Day holiday with special programming, including daily shows exploring some of the most famous memorials in the U.S. and the history of the American flag.
When: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Cruiser Olympia, 211 S. Columbus Blvd.
What: Climb aboard the Cruiser Olympia for this free memorial event featuring a color presentation, patriotic tunes and a speech from Naval Commander Chris Robinson. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/not-heading-down-to-the-shore-heres-what-you-can-do-in-the-city-for-memorials-day-weekend/3573792/ | 2023-05-27T01:36:32 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/not-heading-down-to-the-shore-heres-what-you-can-do-in-the-city-for-memorials-day-weekend/3573792/ |
SAN ANGELO, Texas — Summers in San Angelo might be spent sitting on a boat on Lake Nasworthy.
For some, this might involve packing lunches and relaxing out in the sun but what happens when lake-goers run out of food?
Packsaddle Bar-B-Que has a solution for this problem: a new "dock delivery" summer service.
"If this had been available when we were on the water, we would have utilized it," co-owner Tracey Kennemer said. "We've been getting a lot of positive feedback so we're excited."
Tracey and her husband Don have been co-owners of their restaurant for approximately two years now.
When their children were younger, the family used to spend long days on the lake, where they were often left wishing they had an easy way to order food.
Thus, the "dock delivery" idea came about.
Starting May 27, customers can call and order ahead of time from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Food will be delivered once every hour at the Knickerbocker Park Boat Ramp, 6402 Knickerbocker Rd.
Although the restaurant might be known for its brisket, sausage, etc., the couple wants customers to know there is more to their menu.
"We're not just a barbecue restaurant," Don said. "I know we say Packsaddle Bar-B-Que but we're trying to rebrand that a little bit actually because we're barbecue, we have steak fingers, chicken strips..."
Other menu items include corn dogs, catfish and hamburgers.
They also offer various desserts (some using Don's grandmother's recipe) like chocolate cake, banana pudding and homemade ice cream.
Don and Tracey hope to create a simple experience for boaters every summer through the Labor Day holiday.
"We sell ice here," Tracey said. "If you're on a boat and you're low on food and you want ice, we can come out and bring a couple of bags of ice, we can bring a gallon of tea, dessert, whatever you want."
They hope to learn from this new endeavor and help cater to a larger customer base.
Call 325-949-0616 to order and go to Facebook to see the full menu. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/paddlesack-bar-b-que-offers-new-dock-delivery-summer-services/504-be9d3384-5604-4cd7-95ce-f12f80535f2b | 2023-05-27T01:40:11 | 0 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/paddlesack-bar-b-que-offers-new-dock-delivery-summer-services/504-be9d3384-5604-4cd7-95ce-f12f80535f2b |
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) is urging people to follow the rules of the waterways and to use safety tips during this Memorial Day weekend.
“The main thing is, make sure you have your safety equipment on board,” said TWRA boating officer, John Ripley. “Make sure the kids have the life jackets on. Any child,12 years or under has to have that life jacket on. They can not take it off unless you’re anchored or tied to the bank.”
More tips and rules that Officer Ripley shared are:
-Life jackets need to be available for every person on a water vessel
-Check all life jackets to make sure they still function before boating.
-Alcohol is allowed on boats, but there needs to be a sober designated driver
-Anyone in Tennessee born after January 1st, 1989 has to have taken a boater safety class to operate/drive a water vessel
Washington County Johnson City (WCJC) EMS Lieutenant Luke Gregg advises people to be aware of their surroundings out on the water.
“Be aware that if the boat’s in motion, that everybody’s seated and that they’re aware that the boat’s going into motion,” said Gregg. “Make sure you follow the rules of the lake, the rules of the boats in motion. Make sure your kids are seated. Make sure nobody’s outside the rails on the pontoons or sitting up on the back of the seats where they’re not supposed to be seated.”
Gregg says the WCJC EMS has emergency boats ready to deploy at all times in case of a water accident or emergency.
Last year on Memorial Day, a fatality occurred on South Holston Lake when a jet ski collided with a boat. Ripley says it happened right before many of the TWRA officers were about to go home.
“Make sure that you keep a good distance between yourself and other boaters,” said Ripley. “Give yourself space because there’s no speed limit on the water. It’s all about common sense and using good judgment on how fast you should be going and how far you should be staying away because you should keep at least 100 feet between you and another vessel, if at all possible.”
Gregg says that the lake is basically like a road. He cautions boaters to be aware of kayakers, paddle boarders, jet skiers and vice versa.
“You’re supposed to share the lake; you’re supposed to share the water,” said Gregg. “Going down the lake, you can stay on the right. Coming up, you can stay on the left. Make sure that you’re giving the boaters plenty enough room that if something happens, they’re able to maneuver away from you or to be able to slow the boat down before something bad happens.”
Nine deadly boating incidents have occurred in the state of Tennessee this year, but none of those were in East Tennessee, according to the TWRA. In 2022, there were 29 fatal boating incidents, an increase from 22 the year before. The TWRA says drunk driving is the leading cause of boating accidents in the Volunteer State.
“On the water, a BUI or boating under the influence carries the exact same penalties as a DUI which that you would get on the roadway,” said Ripley. “They’re actually interchangeable. So, if you get one and then another one, it’s actually a second offense. So now a BUI does carry a first offense, 48 hours in jail and a minimum fine of $350.”
Ripley said there will be an increase of TWRA officers patrolling the waterways this weekend. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/twra-urges-public-to-use-safety-precautions-on-waterways-this-memorial-day-weekend/ | 2023-05-27T01:42:31 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/twra-urges-public-to-use-safety-precautions-on-waterways-this-memorial-day-weekend/ |
Assistant Fire Chief John Daly delivers his message at the Valparaiso Memorial Day ceremony Friday at Foundation Meadows Park.
VALPARAISO — For 20 years, Jim Spanopolous has been reading the names of people who died in active duty.
Whenever the Navy veteran comes to Valparaiso's Service Memorial, he thinks about the time he spent on an aircraft carrier in Vietnam.
"We lost about 18 pilots ... they knew they might die, but they still volunteered," he said. And its important to thank those who have served, especially around Memorial Day.
The Valparaiso Service Memorial, in a quiet corner of Foundation Meadows Park, was creation by the Valpo Parks Foundation in 2003. The space features a Duty and Sacrifice wall with 164 named etched into it, honoring Valparaiso-area residents who died while serving in World War I, World War II and the wars in Korea, Vietnam and Iraq/Afghanistan.
"Memorial Day calls on Americans to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who gave their lives to protect others," Mayor Matt Murphy said during the service Friday morning. "Today we will read those names with gratitude and honor."
People are also reading…
Valpo Parks Director John Seibert said the service memorial was created to give visitors a peaceful place to reflect. He said the wall was intentionally placed next to a playground so "parents and kids will wander over here and say 'What is this?' and then have a conversation about what it means."
Next to the Duty and Sacrifice wall are a Charity wall, a Hope wall and a Friendship wall. Each stone slab features quotes from Valparaiso middle schoolers. When the memorial was created in 2003, middle schoolers were asked the write essays about duty, sacrifice, charity, hope and friendship. The bricks surrounding the walls are etched with the names of veterans, teachers, doctors, public safety officers, volunteers and neighbors.
People can honor a friend or loved one with a brick for $80. Seibert said almost 700 bricks have been engraved.
Assistant Fire Chief Jon Daly was Friday's keynote speaker. The Marine Corps veteran explained that Memorial Day was initially known as Decoration Day and started in 1868, just three years after the end of the Civil War.
Daly urged attendees to also honor the families of the fallen during Memorial Day.
"Sometimes it's hard to truly understand the sacrifice they made for us. But, if you've ever gone to a military funeral, it won't take long," he said. "When the uniformed service member presents the United States burial flag to the family, you won't be able to catch your breath, your stomach sinks, and you'll barely be able to stand. It's such a high honor, but it will leave you heartbroken and numb."
Spanopolous was raised in a big family on the east side of Gary; he moved to Valparaiso in 1967. This weekend, he and his siblings will return to Gary to decorate their parents' graves.
Seibert said he hopes Valparaiso's early Memorial Day service will remind people "that along with all the barbecues and fun events," the federal holiday is a time for reflection. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/valparaiso/valpo-honors-fallen-troops-at-memorial-day-ceremony/article_46f791f8-fbd8-11ed-a8cc-df5057caaaf9.html | 2023-05-27T01:44:19 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/valparaiso/valpo-honors-fallen-troops-at-memorial-day-ceremony/article_46f791f8-fbd8-11ed-a8cc-df5057caaaf9.html |
DES MOINES, Iowa — In Woodland Cemetery, just on the other side of Martin Luther King Parkway, is the World War I Gold Star Memorial. It's where you'll find the burial site of Captain Edward Fleur.
Fleur was a Swedish immigrant who lived on the northeast side of Des Moines with his wife, Minnie.
"He was a officer who looked after his men and was a popular figure," said Leo Landis, curator of the State Historical Society.
Fleur served in both the Spanish-American War and WWI. On May 27, 1918, he was killed in a gas attack in France. Years later, Minnie was able to have his body returned to Des Moines. The city decided to honor the late captain.
"The city of Des Moines decides to name the main drive headed out of south Des Moines toward Warren County, Fleur Drive, and honor Captain Fleur," said Landis.
When the drive was named in his honor, it was well before an airport was built in the city. Now the street is what welcomes natives and first-timers into the city, with thousands of cars traveling it every single day.
"WWI, or the Great War, was the war to make the world safe for democracy," said Landis. "And those are ideals that still matter to us."
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► Subscribe to Local 5 News on YouTube | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/captain-edward-fleur-des-moines-iowa-fleur-drive-namesake-road-memorial-day/524-a40658be-b2ef-40fd-b80e-db4890e787b3 | 2023-05-27T01:46:06 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/captain-edward-fleur-des-moines-iowa-fleur-drive-namesake-road-memorial-day/524-a40658be-b2ef-40fd-b80e-db4890e787b3 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Happy Memorial Day weekend! Does the county fair, a toy train convention, or even brunch and day parties sound fun to you? If so, that shows there's something for everyone this weekend in Northern California!
This weekend's weather will be cooling down just a bit with temperatures in the low-80s with a southwestern breeze.
Gather some friends, family members or go solo to head outside, soak up that springtime sun and enjoy some of these Memorial Day weekend events!
From carnival rides and live performances to farming displays and local food vendors, there's something for everyone at the Sacramento County Fair! This year's theme is "Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow" and focuses on keeping the future of farming alive within the Sacramento region.
- 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. May 27 and May 28
- 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. May 29
- Located at Cal Expo (1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento)
- Organized by the Sacramento County Fair
- More information about this event HERE.
Calling all kids and families! Get ready for an unforgettable day of fun with an exciting lineup of activities planned like face painting, giant jumpers, a petting zoo and a pug puppy pin, kids' workshops, food and drinks, live music and good vibes all around.
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. May 28
- Located at R Street Corridor (1808 14th St., Sacramento)
- Organized by Self Care Sundays
- More information about this event HERE.
An annual event that brings together thousands of families from Russian-speaking, Latino, Asian-Pacific, African-American, Hindu and other communities. There will be jumping houses, pony rides, dancing, face painting, train rides, a climbing wall, bungee jumping and more all for the family!
- 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. May 27
- Located at William Land Park's William A Carroll Amphitheatre (3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento)
- Organized by the International Kids Festival
- More information about this event HERE.
Choo choo! Check out over 160 tables of toy trains for sale, operating layouts, free train set drawings and good food!
- 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. May 27
- Located at Scottish Rite Center (6151 H St., Sacramento)
- Organized by the Train Collectors Association
- More information about this event HERE.
Bring your dancing shoes and appetite to this two-day fun-filled festival featuring all of your favorite Mediterranean food such as kabobs, falafel, hummus and more as well as live family entertainment by Farah Ibrahim, lots of dancing and chances to win raffle prizes!
- 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. May 27 and May 28
- Located at St. Stephen Orthodox Church (11055 Hirschfeld Way, Rancho Cordova)
- Organized by Saint Stephens Orthodox Church of Rancho Cordova
- More information about this event HERE.
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This is the ultimate destination for creatives and community. This local merchant's market features top-tier small businesses selling vintage clothing, local brands and the tastiest eats, all supporting local businesses and giving back to the community.
- 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. May 27
- Located at Esther's Park (3408 3rd Ave., Sacramento)
- Organized by 1 Up Retro Clothing
- More information about this event HERE.
A student showcase of all the dances learned by the club throughout the year, highlighting the different dance styles of the Polynesian culture. There will also be raffles with prizes to win and a dinner with all the delicious food.
- 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. May 27
- Located at Richard Brunelle Performance Hall (315 West 14th St., Davis)
- Organized by Na Keiki O Hawaii at UC Davis
- More information about this event HERE.
Calling all 90s and early 2000s music lovers! The Stoop is paying homage to the artists of the 90s and 2000s era in their newest production. Get ready to be transported to the time when Brandy, Usher, SWV, Mariah Carey, and Destiny's Child were making the top charts.
- 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. May 28
- Located at Sacramento Youth Center (1901 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento)
- Organized by Jalen Tyre'
- More information about this event HERE.
Brunch and vinyl anyone? Solomon's has officially turned into a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner! This weekend is the grand opening so get fixed up, look sharp or just roll out of the bed for some good bites and good food.
- 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. May 27 and May 28
- Located at Solomon's Vinyl Diner (730 K St., Sacramento)
- Organized by HOFisbetter
- More information about this event HERE.
This day party features the sights and sounds of afrobeat's by DJ Leone, a bar, games, great vibes and amazing people!
- 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. May 28
- Located at Esther's Park (3408 3rd Ave., Sacramento)
- Organized by the Guild Theater
- More information about this event HERE.
Do you want to see your event on here? Send your suggestions to ssoublet@abc10.com!
WATCH MORE ON ABC10: Sacramento County Fair begins Thursday with carnival rides, farming displays | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/10-weekend-events-northern-california/103-ae966d74-a126-44d0-98f0-01cafd5e6803 | 2023-05-27T01:51:00 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/10-weekend-events-northern-california/103-ae966d74-a126-44d0-98f0-01cafd5e6803 |
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