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In 2008, Brian Brazier rolled into Lincoln with his euphonium, discovered the music scene and helped put together the Bolzen Beer Band.
“That’s how I found polka,” said Brazier, who picked up a tuba in his new band. “I wanted to make it like a guitar. I wanted to be cool and hip."
A flamboyant performer with a distinctive waxed-curled mustache, Brazier was the center of attention during Bolzen Beer Band performances. That includes on local stages and on the streets of Austin, Texas, during South By Southwest, where the band was captured in a photo by The New York Times.
“I feel like that’s how I cut my teeth,” Brazier said. “I did get to the University of Arizona, where I learned tuba. But I didn’t learn how to be in a band and market myself. You don’t learn that in school. You’ve got to get out in the streets. Busking at South By Southwest and before Husker games, that’s where we learned that.
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“After the last time the Huskers played Texas, we got home just after the game kicked off. We were so drunk. There was money all over the place. We were like, ‘Maybe we’re doing something right here.’”
The Bolzen Beer Band did it so right that they became the first American band to play Gillamoos, a 700-year-old festival that is the third largest Volksfest event in Germany.
Then came the pandemic shutdown and a change of scenes, and bands, for Brazier.
“When we started playing festivals, you got involved with other polka bands,” Brazier said. “The Chardon Polka Band always goes out west. We were both at an Oktoberfest a few years ago. ... The first time I played, they were ‘Oh, you’d fit really well with us.'
“When COVID hit and wiped out all our gigs, I was looking around to find something. They were a bigger band and in Cleveland. John said, ‘If you join our band, we’ll do better.' I took the leap of faith and moved out here.”
Brazier will be back in Lincoln on Friday, when his new band plays his old town at the Bourbon Theatre.
The Chardon Polka Band, named after band founder Jake Kouwe’s high school, is a five-piece group, with accordion, banjo, guitar, saxophones, clarinets, drums and yodeling — along with the tuba. That’s a far different alignment than the three-piece accordion, tuba and drum combo of the Bolzen Beer Band.
“To make the transition, it was definitely a style change,” Brazier said. “We (Bolzen Beer Band) had the punk-rock polka, playing really fast. They have a Cleveland style, it’s more laid back. But we’re still young and have some energy. And we play some Dixieland, blues, country. Polka is world music; you’ve got to play any genre.”
However, there are some similarities in repertoire between Bolzen Beer Band, The Chardon Polka Band and most polka purveyors, he said.
“Back when we started, we figured out there’s a formula,” Brazier said. “You’ve got your polka standards, your covers, songs you hear on the radio turned into polkas and your originals, which generally are polkas too.
“That makes playing shows with other polka bands kind of like (the movie) 'A Mighty Wind': ‘Oh, they’re playing that song. We have to start with something else.'”
Even though he’s now got a roomful of options given to him by fans who likely wanted to get the instruments out of their house, Brazier will be bringing his battered old tuba back to Lincoln, where he played it for more than a decade.
“I just can’t quit that tuba,” he said. “I’ve played other tubas. But that one moves around so well. I even got it fixed up over in Iowa before I left Lincoln. From the guy who fixed it up, I found out it’s from 1925. It’s 98 years old and still kicking. I love that thing. And it looks a lot better than it did before. It only looks like one truck ran over it, not two.”
While old polka heads see the music losing some of its audience, Brazier believes polka will be around for years to come for one reason.
“The biggest common denominator is beer,” Brazier said. “Where there’s polka, there’s beer. There’s a huge festival (in Cleveland): Dygnus Day. It’s like the Polish Fat Tuesday except it's the Monday after Easter. It is packed full of people and everybody’s getting drunk. There are breweries all over the country that want to promote their beer, there are Oktoberfests.
“Young people, they love to party. There’s always going to be a place for polka music."
In fact, it’s Topeka’s Germanfest — set for Saturday and Sunday — that’s bringing the Chardon Polka Band to Lincoln. Returning to Ohio, they’ll spend June and July playing summer concert series in Ohio. Three August weeks in Utah will then set them up for the fall Oktoberfest circuit.
“It’s a full-time job,” Brazier said. “I’m starting to get some tuba students to fill in the gap. As a musician, that’s what you aspire to do. It’s really cool to be able to do this. Someone’s got to do it. I don’t want polka to die.”
Fittingly, Bolzen Beer Band will open Friday’s show — with Brazier joining in for at least part of their performance.
“They’ve got a couple more tuba players that are replacing me,” he said. “I’m glad I’m coming back. I’m going to try to play both sets. I think I’ve got it in me. I’ve been running a 5K or two." | https://journalstar.com/life-entertainment/local/have-tuba-will-travel-bolzen-beer-bands-brian-brazier-returns-to-lincoln-with-cleveland-polka/article_16f3f89e-fe43-11ed-b31c-0715abc953c2.html | 2023-06-02T12:53:25 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/life-entertainment/local/have-tuba-will-travel-bolzen-beer-bands-brian-brazier-returns-to-lincoln-with-cleveland-polka/article_16f3f89e-fe43-11ed-b31c-0715abc953c2.html |
Though he’s found his calling in the band room, University of Nebraska-Lincoln musical arts doctoral student Trevor Frost has always felt a connection to the outdoors.
He’ll soon have a chance to pursue both passions simultaneously, having recently been named a member of the six-person “Composing in the Wilderness” program, which takes musicians on a 10-day journey into the Alaskan frontier led by Austin State University music professor Stephen Lias.
“Creating a wind band piece, my favorite ensemble to write for, inspired by the Alaskan wilderness, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Frost said in a news release about the program. “I can’t wait to witness the beauty Alaska has to hold and express it through my music.”
Part camping trip, part music seminar, the “Composing in the Wilderness” program will kick off its 11th annual adventure on Saturday, shuttling Frost, Lias and five other composers via bush plane to the Southern Alaska rocky forests of Lake Clark National Park. The participants will spend three days among nature before spending another three in a secluded retreat in which they will transform their experiences into wind symphonies that will be performed next year by ensembles in Nebraska, Michigan and Texas.
“Alaska always has surprises in store for us, and it teaches all the participants both how inspiring the natural world is, but also how small we are in comparison,” Lias said in the news release. “The final works tend to be highly diverse and compelling and have focused on everything from the graceful movements of the caribou to the slow shifting of tectonic plates and glaciers. I can’t wait to see what our 2023 participants create.”
Natural beauty has always been a fixture in Frost’s life, having grown up among the mountains in Milford, New Hampshire, which is also a short drive from the beach.
June’s adventure won’t be the first time Frost has drawn from nature to compose a work of music.
During a summer while he was pursuing his undergraduate degree in music education in New Hampshire, Frost took a day trip down to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. After taking several photos, sound recordings and notes about the landscape, he condensed his findings into a 25-minute wind symphony.
“The idea is to try to take something visual and turn it into something oral, where I’m able to inspire the audience to have those similar experiences,” Frost said during an interview with the Journal Star.
When he encountered Lias’ booth for Composing in the Wilderness during a band and orchestra conference in Chicago in late 2021, he was interested based on his past experience.
While the trip scheduled for that upcoming summer was already fully booked, and focused on smaller-scale chamber ensemble composition, Lias promised an even more ambitious program for 2023 that would incorporate a wind ensemble.
Frost applied the next year, passing through a rigorous selection process that drew from a pool of 23 applicants that ranged anywhere from his age and experience to fully tenured university professors, which he described as an incredibly humbling experience.
“One of my first reactions was just pure excitement, and just kind of blown away, like, ‘Wow, really? Me? This random person?’” he said.
The selection process was just the first hurdle to clear, however. Frost needed to acquire funding to participate in the program, and after being turned down for a student grant, he turned to GoFundMe to help finance the venture.
As of May 25, Frost had reached $3,300 of his $5,000 funding goal, just enough for him to make the trip in conjunction with his own savings. He said he was grateful to those who have helped by contributing, and also thanked his parents for their support.
“Without their help, I probably wouldn’t have been able to go at all,” Frost said.
Beyond the experience itself, Frost expects the trip to pay major dividends for his future career, serving as a stepping stone into the highly competitive professional composition field. He’ll also make beneficial connections with the other composers in the program.
“Having these connections is kind of spreading awareness of not only my own music, but (their) music as well,” he said.
Trevor Frost will join Austin State University professor of music Stephen Lias and five other composers on a 10-day trip to Lake Clark National Park in Alaska. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/unl-doctoral-music-student-to-go-on-10-day-composing-journey-in-alaskan-wilderness/article_0bf18154-fb56-11ed-8451-1b643158659e.html | 2023-06-02T12:53:32 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/unl-doctoral-music-student-to-go-on-10-day-composing-journey-in-alaskan-wilderness/article_0bf18154-fb56-11ed-8451-1b643158659e.html |
The fast winds, rapid rainfall, and huge storm surges of hurricanes make this natural disaster responsible for many deaths and millions of dollars worth of damage each year. Capable of triggering flash floods, mudslides, and tornadoes, even weak hurricanes can cause extensive destruction to property, infrastructure, and crops. Other hurricanes remain at sea and never make landfall, limiting the destruction they cause. Advancements in technology, particularly satellite imaging, have greatly improved warnings and advisories that prompted live-saving evacuations. But not all lives can be spared.
Also known as tropical cyclones, hurricanes are large, wet storms with high winds that form over warm water. Hurricane season in the Atlantic Basin—the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea—runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 each year, though some hurricanes do form outside of this season. Many tropical storms are produced on an average year, though not all reach the strength of hurricanes.
Hurricanes are rated using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Category 1 hurricanes have the lowest wind speeds at 74-95 miles per hour, and Category 5 hurricanes have the strongest winds at 157 miles per hour or higher. Storms that are Category 3 and above are considered major hurricanes.
Hurricanes and other weather disasters have become more reliably destructive in recent years. There were 21 named storms and seven hurricanes during the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, with four of those seven hurricanes considered major. 2021 marked "the sixth consecutive above-normal Atlantic hurricane season," according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA predicted another above-average season for 2022, a forecast already coming true.
Some hurricane seasons are worse than others. In 1920, the strongest hurricane was a Category 2 storm that killed one person in Louisiana. Others are devastating and destroy entire cities. Hurricane Katrina, an infamous storm that struck the U.S. in 2005, delivered lasting damage to New Orleans and cost the country over $100 billion.
Stacker obtained hurricane data, updated in 2021, from the NOAA's Atlantic Oceanic and Meteorological Laboratory. A list of notable events or facts from each year was compiled from news, scientific, and government reports. Read on to learn about the noteworthy tropical storms and hurricanes from the year you were born.
You may also like: How to prepare for 15 types of emergencies | https://journalstar.com/news/local/weather/weather-forecast-omaha-lincoln-council-bluffs-fremont-columbus-york-beatrice-grand-island-kearney-north-platte-scottsbluff/article_e64d91d6-00a5-11ee-b181-c3f7ca980bef.html | 2023-06-02T12:53:38 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/weather/weather-forecast-omaha-lincoln-council-bluffs-fremont-columbus-york-beatrice-grand-island-kearney-north-platte-scottsbluff/article_e64d91d6-00a5-11ee-b181-c3f7ca980bef.html |
State police investigating shooting of rideshare car on I-94 in Detroit
Michigan State Police are investigating a possible shooting on Interstate 94 near Livernois in Detroit involving a woman who was a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, officials said.
A trooper was called at about 6 a.m. to a location on the freeway's westbound lanes near Livernois for a report of a shooting but said there was difficulty determining what happened due to a language barrier. A translator was sent to help, police said. The freeway was closed while troopers investigated.
The victim is a 34-year-old woman who was riding in a rideshare vehicle, according to police. A trooper found her with several gunshot wounds and put a tourniquet on her leg before medics took her to a hospital.
According to a preliminary investigation, police said a rideshare driver picked up the victim from her Detroit home. She was in the rear of the vehicle when a dark sedan pulled alongside and fired shots into the passenger side of the vehicle, they said.
Authorities said the rideshare vehicle's driver was not struck and is being interviewed by detectives with the help of a translator. They also said the motive behind the shooting is not yet known.
cramirez@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @CharlesERamirez | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/02/state-police-investigating-possible-shooting-on-i-94-in-detroit/70280533007/ | 2023-06-02T13:00:03 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/02/state-police-investigating-possible-shooting-on-i-94-in-detroit/70280533007/ |
Man gets 50 years in prison for sexually assaulting Macomb Co. girl
A Waterford man was sentenced Thursday to at least 50 years in prison for sexually assaulting a girl in Warren, officials said.
Charles Wayne Francisco, 40, was accused of sexually and physically assaulting a girl over a five-year period, beginning in 2011 when she was six years old, the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office said.
He was convicted in late March of three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim under 13, a life felony; a count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim under 13, a 15-year felony; absconding, a four-year felony; tampering with an electronic monitoring device, a two-year felony; aggravated indecent exposure, a two-year high misdemeanor; and domestic violence, a 93-day misdemeanor.
Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Julie Gatti sentenced Francisco to two 25-year consecutive terms in prison. She also ordered that if released, he must register as a sex offender and wear an electronic tether for the rest of his life.
Authorities charged Francisco in connection with the assaults in 2021, according to court records. A judge set his bond at $1 million and his case was bound over for trial in circuit court in 2022.
Prosecutors said that Francisco cut off his electronic tether while on bond and absconded for three and a half months.
cramirez@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @CharlesERamirez | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/macomb-county/2023/06/02/man-gets-50-years-in-prison-for-sexually-assaulting-macomb-co-girl/70280575007/ | 2023-06-02T13:00:09 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/macomb-county/2023/06/02/man-gets-50-years-in-prison-for-sexually-assaulting-macomb-co-girl/70280575007/ |
Schools closed in Pontiac, Southfield Friday due to heat, officials say
Schools in Pontiac and Southfield are closed Friday due to forecasted high temperatures, officials said.
The Pontiac School District announced Thursday night that it was canceling classes Friday because of the weather.
"Due to the extreme heat index there will be no school tomorrow," officials said in a notice on the district's website and Facebook page. "Please note that the (Patient Care Technician Program) clinical finals will still take place tomorrow. Buses will pick up and drop off PCT students at their homes and will be notified shortly of the times."
Meanwhile, Southfield Public Schools said Thursday it was also telling its students to stay home Friday due to the heat.
"Due to increased heat, Southfield Public Schools will be closed on Friday, June 2, 2023," officials said on the district's website. "This closure includes all schools, school-related activities, and evening activities. Please stay safe, and have a wonderful weekend!"
Earlier this week, Detroit Public Schools Community District announced it was dismissing its students three hours earlier Thursday and Friday because of the heat.
Temperatures around Metro Detroit are expected to reach about 90 degrees Friday, about 10 degrees warmer than normal for this time of year, according to the National Weather Service. Temps are expected to drop into the upper 80s Saturday and upper 70s-lower 80s Sunday. The normal average June temperature in Detroit is 79.7 degrees.
An air quality alert is in effect for Genesee, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Shiawassee, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties, according to the weather service. The alert means pollutants are expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, especially those with respiratory issues.
Friday's school closures come in tandem with the closure of two elementary schools in the Waterford School District, Haviland and Knudsen. Both schools also were closed Thursday following reports of power outages in Waterford Township.
As of 8 a.m. Friday, more than 2,500 were without power near Elizabeth Lake between Elizabeth Lake and Cass Elizabeth roads, according to an outage map on DTE Energy's website.
The utility cited "equipment problems" as the cause, noting that customers were without power since May 30.
An estimated time for power restoration was immediately unavailable, the utility's website noted.
cramirez@detroitnews.com
jaimery@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @CharlesERamirez | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2023/06/02/schools-closed-in-pontiac-southfield-friday-due-to-heat-officials-say/70280483007/ | 2023-06-02T13:00:15 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2023/06/02/schools-closed-in-pontiac-southfield-friday-due-to-heat-officials-say/70280483007/ |
ROGERS, Ark. — On Friday, June 2, Walmart will hold its annual Associates Celebration. The company uses the event to thank employees for their work in the past year, as well as make announcements.
The event will be held at the Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville and usually brings nearly 15,000 to Northwest Arkansas.
In 2022, James Corden returned to Northwest Arkansas to host the Walmart Shareholders meeting for the second time. He had previously hosted the event in 2016.
During past celebrations, employees from across the country to CEOs and even celebrities like Sofia Vergara, Matthew McConaughey and Elton John took time to share their thanks to Walmart associates.
Lior Suchard, an Israeli mentalist, took the stage last year to perform for the shareholders, while musician and songwriter Jon Batiste performed at the meeting later in the morning. The Jonas Brothers were the surprise act at the end of last year's meeting in Fayetteville.
The excitement is building to find out who the surprise act for 2023 will be.
The celebration event will take place at 7:25 a.m. and last throughout the day Friday morning.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/walmart-hosts-annual-associates-celebration-2023/527-c3f3877b-62eb-4c7d-9d45-f8c111265115 | 2023-06-02T13:08:23 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/walmart-hosts-annual-associates-celebration-2023/527-c3f3877b-62eb-4c7d-9d45-f8c111265115 |
ST PAUL, Minn. — Editor's Note: The video above first aired on Feb. 25, 2021.
The Como Zoo is celebrating a fuzzy new arrival that will help in the effort to keep her species healthy and growing.
A tiny snow leopard cub was born May 6 to her mother Alya and her father Moutig, the second offspring for the pair. Both births resulted from an effort to bolster the snow leopard population known as the Species Survival Plan (SSP). Como Zoo is a longtime participant in SSP, a cooperative inter-zoo program coordinated nationally by The Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Zoo staff said the little leopard will keep her cuteness under wraps until later this summer. Until then she and mom Alya will remain in an off-exhibit den so they can bond and properly nurse. Newborn snow leopard cubs are completely dependent on their mothers and in the wild do not leave the protection of their dens for approximately three months.
Snow leopards are no longer considered endangered but the population in the wild is still considered at risk due to poaching, loss of prey and other factors. The species' genetic lines are not well represented outside of Europe.
The naming rights for the snow leopard cub will be auctioned off in July as part of Como Friends annual Sunset Affair Gala. All proceeds go to support continued improvements and operations of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, and its accompanying education and conservation programs.
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Watch the latest local news from the Twin Cities and across Minnesota in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/como-zoo-st-paul-welcomes-rare-new-snow-leopard-cub/89-78b7a723-07ea-4028-93fd-de8e1de71419 | 2023-06-02T13:11:25 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/como-zoo-st-paul-welcomes-rare-new-snow-leopard-cub/89-78b7a723-07ea-4028-93fd-de8e1de71419 |
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — If you plan on attending Ray High School's graduation Friday, among the names that will be called is Jace Sandoval.
When Sandoval was just a baby, his parents didn't know whether his graduation day would ever come.
He was just 2 years old when he was diagnosed with brain cancer.
When Sandoval began his cancer battle, the tumor in his head was the size of a baseball. Doctors at the time only gave him two months to live.
Thursday, some 16 years later, Sandoval is now cancer free and is focused on the future in front of him.
The last time 3NEWS spoke with him was back in December of 2007. Like any other 2-year-old, he was curious about the world and full of energy.
Sandoval's mother Jamie said his graduation will be the culmination of many years of hard work.
"Every moment, every obstacle, every success, every everything just means so much," she said.
After 16 years, 3NEWS spoke with Jace Thursday outside of Ray High School. He spoke about the joys of being an older brother, his love of video games, along with finding his passion for music. Playing not just one, but several instruments in his high school band.
"I was in the band for my 4 years here. I played xylophone, a drum set, and a marimba, and in the battery I played snare and base," he said.
Sandoval's father Josh said that while he is proud of his son for graduating, he's also thankful for the simple things in life.
"As any parent you want your child to be successful and most of all happy," he said.
Jace attended Kostoryz Elementary School, Hamlin Middle School and then Ray High School -- with an army of support every step of the way. Ray High School counselor Leticia Leal told 3NEWS that Jace's story is only just beginning.
"It means a lot he's conquered the world and he will continue to conquer the world," she said.
Another person Jace has left a lasting impression on is his band director Nancy Hesch.
"He has such a good sweet approach to everything he doesn't seem to be taking the approach of poor me, he goes through life and he make it what he want's for himself," she said.
Jace told 3NEWS that he has always had memories of people reminding him to do his best. He said that he is going to continue to take that advice with him to Del Mar College.
"I want to go into digital media," he said.
Jace's parents said they've cherished every moment of his life.
"Jace is a miracle to us, he's our baby, he's graduating," Jamie said.
The graduation ceremony for Ray High School will begin at 6 p.m. Friday at the American Bank Center.
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Email tell3@kiiitv.com so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/miracle-survivor-beats-brain-cancer-graduates/503-af4d5e11-f1d3-4726-8a56-e928e32ae10c | 2023-06-02T13:11:31 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/miracle-survivor-beats-brain-cancer-graduates/503-af4d5e11-f1d3-4726-8a56-e928e32ae10c |
International architectural firm chosen to design new Sarasota performing arts center
An international architectural firm known for such prominent buildings as the Whitney Museum in New York, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the tall spire known as The Shard in London, among dozens of others, has been selected as the top choice to design a new performing arts center on Sarasota Bay.
The Design Architect Selection Task Force appointed by the city of Sarasota and the Sarasota Performing Arts Center Foundation voted Thursday to recommend Renzo Piano Building Workshop, a company established in 1981 by its namesake architect with main offices in Genoa, Italy, and Paris, France.
The task force voted 3-1 for Renzo Piano over Foster + Partners, a British firm founded by Sir Norman Foster, and Snøhetta, a company based in Oslo, Norway. Foster was the second choice by a similar vote of 3-1 and could still be selected if the city of Sarasota is unable to reach a contract agreement with the Piano firm, a process that could take a couple of months.
Arts Newsletter:Sign up to receive the latest news on the Sarasota area arts scene every Monday
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International architects:These 3 firms want to design the replacement for Sarasota's Van Wezel.
The four committee members said they couldn’t make a bad choice with any of the three finalists, which were among 43 companies that submitted proposals for a new center that would have two theater spaces and cost around $300 million.
“This is a remarkable opportunity, no matter which of the three is the one we choose, this is extraordinary,” task force chair Jenne Britell said at a meeting in Sarasota City Hall. “I hope you and others in Sarasota recognize what an extraordinary gift it is in the city of Sarasota to have that caliber of architect.”
Committee member Michelle Hooper said, "We have an abundance of riches with the caliber of the firms we have here. We could throw a dart and be happy if it landed on any of the three. We have to choose one, but all three are world class."
The proposed center would be the centerpiece of the new Bay Park Conservancy, which is developing a park on what is now the parking lot for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The new center would be on the northern edge of a 53-acre site. The city also is exploring future uses for the Van Wezel, which could, under recent agreements with the City Commission, still be used as a home to some performances. Earlier agreements would have prohibited such uses for the historic, purple-hued building.
Committee member Mark Famiglio was the lone member to rank Foster as first choice, focusing on Norman Foster’s ties to Sarasota as a visitor and a former student of Paul Rudolph, one of the early proponents of the Sarasota School of Architecture who went on to serve as dean of the Yale University Department of Architecture.
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During public comments before the vote, Sarasota architect Carl Abbott noted that Foster studied the work of both Rudolph and Buckminster Fuller, “two amazing men who changed the world. He’s following those footsteps and I can’t believe there’s anyone more appropriate to create this footprint.”
Britell, Hooper and Mary Bensel, executive director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, however, all favored Piano, though Bensel said she was more torn about the choice.
All of them cited how impressed they were with the firm’s design for the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, a sleek building that rises above a park area in Athens that has become a gathering area for the community.
“It reflected extraordinary vision and sensitivity to a whole range of issues and it was filled with people in the piazza in front of it. It was just welcoming,” Britell said.
The committee was assigned to choose a firm that has the history, staff and background to prove it could handle the project. This was not a decision based on any design ideas, other than those from past projects.
All three firms made presentations during a day-long task force public hearing on Wednesday in the Van Wezel grand foyer.
Renzo Piano partners Mark Carroll and Francesca Becchi were joined by architect Kerry Joyce in representing the firm. Carroll said the firm has a staff of about 120-130 people and operates under “a strong philosophy and a light touch.” Carroll said that the 86-year-old Piano is “involved in everything.”
He also said, “We only take on two new projects a year and are able to give them the attention they need. We are careful on the projects we pick and careful that they’re given the proper attention.”
Once a contract is reached, the design process will begin. The Paratus Group, a project management firm, has been working with the city and foundation in working through the selection process.
Follow Jay Handelman on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Contact him at jay.handelman@heraldtribune.com. And please support local journalism by subscribing to the Herald-Tribune. | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2023/06/02/international-firm-chosen-to-design-sarasota-performing-arts-center/70277558007/ | 2023-06-02T13:12:12 | 1 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2023/06/02/international-firm-chosen-to-design-sarasota-performing-arts-center/70277558007/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A shooting at a bar in east Wichita hospitalized two people Friday.
Police say the shooting happened around 2:30 a.m. near the intersection of Harry and Webb after an argument turned violent. One victim, a teenage girl, was shot in the head. Another victim was also shot. Both are expected to survive.
The fight happened inside the bar before spilling out into the parking lot where the shooting occurred.
Police say there were roughly 15 people involved in the dispute before the shots were fired. They are still looking at security footage from nearby businesses to gather more information.
Police said no one is yet in custody, but there is no danger to the public. An investigation is ongoing.
If you know anything about the shooting, you are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/two-hospitalized-teenage-girl-shot-in-head-in-east-wichita/ | 2023-06-02T13:14:37 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/two-hospitalized-teenage-girl-shot-in-head-in-east-wichita/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The City of Wichita is asking people to start conserving water. Even though it is not mandatory, it could be by the end of the year or early next year.
The reason is that the City relies on Cheney Lake for part of its water supply, and the lake is currently about four feet below normal.
“Cheney Reservoir provides about half of our annual drinking water,” Don Henry, assistant director of Wichita Public Works and Utilities, said. “It’s a very critical supply for our current water treatment plant.”
Wichita moved to Stage 1 of its Drought Response Plan in January. During Stage 1, the City asks residents to conserve water voluntarily. It also offers incentives to encourage water conservation and tries to conserve water in its operations.
Stage 2 is when water cutbacks become mandatory, including a limit to lawn watering.
What residents can do
Henry wants people to start cutting back now, voluntarily.
“The biggest difference that we’ll be able to make in water conservation, the greatest opportunity, will be in lawn and garden watering,” he said. “Outdoor watering this time of year makes up a big chunk of our demand, so the greatest opportunity is going to be there.”
“While water customers are encouraged to find ways to save water through all of their usage, we really encourage people to cut back as much as they can on that outdoor watering,” Henry said.
He said the Save Wichita Water website offers creative ways for residents to save water.
What the City of Wichita is doing
Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple said the City is already taking steps to conserve its water use.
“During Riverfest, the attendees will be able to enjoy our city fountains during the festival, but afterwards, we will be shutting them off in order to help conserve a little bit of water during this drought,” he said.
He said the City is also taking these steps:
- Reducing water on parkland and City-owned grassy areas
- Reducing water usage on City golf courses by using pond irrigation, wells, and drought-resistant grasses
- Using gray water from the Herman Hill WATER Center to help water trees
- Reducing the vehicle cleaning scheduling to only cleaning City vehicles when necessary
- Using water-efficient devices at City facilities
Part of Stage 1 includes rebates offered to Wichita Water customers who buy water-saving appliances and devices.
“This has been a very popular ongoing program since it was established during our last drought of 2011, ’12 and ’13,” Henry said. “However, this year, it will be expanded to also include water customers outside of Wichita in other cities and towns that purchase wholesale water from Wichita. Those same benefits will be extended to them as well.”
Is Stage 2 imminent?
Stage 2 will depend on the level of Cheney Lake. The City bases its drought response decisions on the 12-month moving average of the Cheney conservation pool.
“We’re not there yet,” Henry said. “Based upon projections today and, keep in mind you know it’s a moving target, right, with not just how much rainfall we get but how much of that rainfall results in runoff into Cheney Reservoir, but what we know today, we’re looking at possibly by the end of this year or early next year on looking at considerations for phase, Stage 2.”
The U.S. Drought Monitor shows the level of drought in counties across the nation. In the report released Thursday, 99.63% of Sedgwick County is considered to have exceptional, or the worst, drought. The other .37% of the county has extreme drought. One year ago this week, the county had no drought. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wichita-to-turn-off-fountains-after-riverfest-due-to-drought/ | 2023-06-02T13:14:43 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wichita-to-turn-off-fountains-after-riverfest-due-to-drought/ |
Hello, hello, hello and welcome back to "Long Story Short," the weekly podcast wherein D. Jack Alkire, Kelsey Watznauer and Tim Cain break down some of Central Illinois' biggest stories.
This week, the crew discusses:
- The Davenport apartment building that partially collapsed last weekend,
- Lee Enterprises' analysis of diversity and accountability among local law enforcement agencies,
- The Illinois state budget approved by the General Assembly this week,
- Gun violence in Central Illinois,
- Legislation to limit state level constitutional challenges in Illinois counties,
- Poppy Day and Memorial Day.
To read more about any of the stories mentioned this week, find our full reporting at pantagraph.com, herald-review.com and jg-tc.com or download our apps, available for Apple and Google.
Subscribe to "Long Story Short" for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts.
Music by Diamond Tunes. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/listen-police-diversity-illinois-state-budget-and-poppy-day-on-long-story-short/article_e0a6eb0c-00bd-11ee-a9f5-bbb19589fb3a.html | 2023-06-02T13:15:25 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/listen-police-diversity-illinois-state-budget-and-poppy-day-on-long-story-short/article_e0a6eb0c-00bd-11ee-a9f5-bbb19589fb3a.html |
TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has tapped a familiar face to lead the city's police department.
Interim Chief Lee Bercaw, who has served with the Tampa Police Department for more than 25 years, was named as Castor's choice to be the city's top cop. Tampa city officials gathered Friday morning at police headquarters to make the announcement.
His nomination awaits official confirmation from city council, but Castor said councilmembers have voiced their support of Bercaw. Castor said his confirmation could come as soon as June 15.
“It’s a career I’ve been doing, as the mayor said, for nearly 27 years. For the last six months, I’ve been doing this job as interim and making decisions and making things happen for the better of the community and the organization," Bercaw said. “The only thing that’s gonna change is taking that word interim off.”
Bercaw has spent his entire 27-year career with TPD. His priorities center on community policing and continuing to take the department in what he calls a positive direction — not just reducing crime, but giving citizens the feeling that they are safe.
The mayor said she was impressed with Bercaw and the job he had been doing as interim chief over the past six months. Castor also sought input from Council members, community leaders, and the police union before announcing her selection.
Back in December of 2022, former Tampa Police Chief Mary O'Connor resigned from her position as top cop of the department after an internal affairs investigation into a golf cart traffic stop in which body camera video showed her displaying her credentials and saying, "I'm hoping that you'll just let us go tonight."
The Nov. 12 encounter in Pinellas County involving O'Connor's husband did not meet the level of "high standards for ethical and professional behavior that apply to every member of our police force," Castor said in a previous statement. O'Connor's husband was behind the wheel of the golf cart, which authorities say didn't have a license plate and was being driven outside a residential area.
Tampa City Council then voted unanimously on Dec. 15, 2022, to officially appoint Bercaw the position of interim chief of police in Tampa. He has served that role ever since.
10 Tampa Bay's Andrea Chu and Claire Farrow contributed to this report. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/tampa-police-department-future-lee-bercaw-jane-castor/67-3fbc8ecc-a282-4e37-be62-82e41e17bdf6 | 2023-06-02T13:23:04 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/tampa-police-department-future-lee-bercaw-jane-castor/67-3fbc8ecc-a282-4e37-be62-82e41e17bdf6 |
PHOENIX — Residents of a North Phoenix community near 17th Avenue and Happy Valley Road are devastated after the city approved a large apartment complex to be built in their front yard. Some of the homes in the area are built for livestock and ranches, located off of small dirt roads, and residents are concerned new development will ruin their quiet community.
The Phoenix City Council voted unanimously to approve the project during a meeting Wednesday night. The developer said the complex is meant to address housing needs for incoming nearby businesses, including the Taiwanese Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: New Arizona computer chip plant could bring thousands of jobs
The 226-unit apartment complex is called Home at Happy Valley and it will be built on the northwest corner of 17th Avenue and Happy Valley Road.
Melissa Crawford was one of several residents in the area who spoke out in opposition to the project at Wednesday's meeting.
She said her community is not opposed to growth in their area but fears it is happening too fast. This is the third complex approved to go in the same block, meaning approximately a thousand new units are coming to the neighborhood in the coming years.
“We're not ready for that kind of influx of people," Crawford said. “We are horse property, we're livestock. There's a few of us here that do 4-H."
The small neighborhood is off a dirt road and is home to ranches and livestock. Some have been living there for generations.
“It is kind of the country within the city," Crawford said.
She is concerned the development nearby will ruin that.
“Attainable housing is so difficult," said Councilwoman Ann O'Brien during Wednesday's meeting.
An attorney representing the developer said the apartments will remain affordable and said they will adjust their plans to keep traffic under control.
“We would’ve had 280 units on our site but instead we’re coming down to 226, we’re lowering the intensity," said Ben Graff, an attorney representing the development company.
The third development recently approved in the same block
Crawford, though, said traffic is already bad nearby. She said the real problem is this is now the third development approved in the same block directly adjacent to her front yard.
The other already-approved projects are a close-to-200-unit complex called Bungalows at Norterra and a Toll Brothers luxury apartment complex with an additional 463 units.
“Hundreds and even thousands of people moving in, they're going to be pushed through our dirt roads, trying to find ways in and out of the community as well," Crawford said.
Crawford and her neighbors are unsure if they have options left to stop some of the development but are considering speaking with attorneys.
Latest Arizona news
Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12News YouTube playlist here. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/phoenix-apartment-complex-rural-neighborhood-taiwan-semiconductor/75-ecca862e-d33b-414b-a3f2-cc62c89ee1af | 2023-06-02T13:23:16 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/phoenix-apartment-complex-rural-neighborhood-taiwan-semiconductor/75-ecca862e-d33b-414b-a3f2-cc62c89ee1af |
Beer lovers don’t have to wait for the Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival this weekend to find a tasty, unique local brew. With over three dozen of New Jersey’s 152 breweries located in South Jersey, here are a few that showcase how impressive and robust the local beer community is.
Cape May Brewing Company, Lower Township
Located at 409 Breakwater Road in the Cape May County Airport, Cape May Brewing has become one of the state’s largest independent craft breweries since 2011.
It offers 27 different beers to try in its tasting room and outdoor beer garden.
Some of those brews include its flagship Cape May IPA, seasonal Crushin’ It orange IPA and Honey Porter Nitro. It also offers a variety of hard seltzers, lemonade and iced tea, as well as 32 drinks you can take to go from its Brewtique.
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Cape May’s tasting room and beer garden are open seven days a week, noon to 7 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and noon to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Last call is 15 minutes before closing.
For more information, visit capemaybrewery.com.
Walking the boards in Atlantic City and want a boozy beverage to accompany you on your escap…
The Seed: A Living Beer Project, Atlantic City
Established in 2018, The Seed is located at 204 N. Delaware Ave.
The microbrewery that focuses on using locally sourced, indigenous ingredients survived the pandemic and took the No. 1 spot for Best New Brewery in 2021 in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
The Seed has 12 different saisons, lagers and other beers people can try in its taproom.
Some of those homegrown brews include As Simple as Shadows? dark lager; Fiore, an Italian pilsner; Wind or Sea dry hopped saison; and For Warmth, Vanilla, an oatmeal stout.
The Seed tasting room is open from 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, visit theseedbeer.com.
ATLANTIC CITY — Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House on West End Avenue in Chelsea Heights survi…
Tuckahoe Brewing Company, Egg Harbor Township
Tuckahoe Brewing Company was established in 2011 and moved in 2015 from Upper Township to a larger facility at 3092 English Creek Ave.
It has 16 beers on tap, including a Rain in the Summertime IPA, Blueberry Fields Forever sour, New Brighton Coffee Stout and Prom Queen wheat beer.
Tuckahoe offers seating in its tasting room, as well as outdoor seating in the brewery’s beer garden five days a week.
Tuckahoe Brewing is open from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, visit tuckahoebrewing.com.
Favorite neighborhood haunts in suburbia are usually ones where everybody knows your name no matter what time of year it is.
Hidden Sands Brewing Company, Egg Harbor Township
Hidden Sands Brewing at 6754 Washington Ave., Unit B, uses natural water from a local 800-foot sand aquifer to craft its beers.
The brewery has 12 beers on tap in its tasting room, including dark and bold Amber Sands ale, lightly hopped Hideaway IPA, light and crisp Strawberry Wheat American pale ale, Citrus Splash sour and Cherry Amber Sands brewer’s experiment.
Hidden Sands is open from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 1 to 9 p.m. Friday, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, visit hiddensands.com.
LOWER TOWNSHIP — Cape May Brewing Company intends to acquire Camden County-based Flying Fish…
Three 3’s Brewing Company, Hammonton
Family-owned Three 3’s opened in 2017 at 50 13th St. in “the blueberry capital of the world.”
It has a rotating selection of beers across a variety of styles.
Currently, the company has 16 brews on tap, including Back to Reality IPA, Pitter Patter Pilsner, Cinnamon Toast Stout, Bender Blender Peach + Passionfruit sour ale and Blue Devil Saison, which uses locally sourced blueberries.
Three 3’s tasting room is open from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, visit three3sbrewing.com. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/5-local-breweries-to-check-out-before-the-atlantic-city-beer-and-music-festival/article_0e4dfad8-013a-11ee-ba0a-5f81cd646847.html | 2023-06-02T13:23:16 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/5-local-breweries-to-check-out-before-the-atlantic-city-beer-and-music-festival/article_0e4dfad8-013a-11ee-ba0a-5f81cd646847.html |
BASS RIVER TOWNSHIP — A fast-moving forest fire that started Wednesday afternoon is likely to burn through about 6,000 acres of Bass River State Forest before it is fully out, state fire officials said.
Smoke from the fire could be seen in portions of Atlantic and Cumberland counties.
“The fire was exhibiting extreme fire behavior, so that plays into us not being able to get our equipment in to safely direct-attack the fire,” John Earlin, incident commander in the emergency response, said Thursday during a news conference held about a mile from the flames.
On Friday morning, the fire and fog caused the closure of the Garden State Parkway from Exit 38 to Exit 63 in both directions.
Due to the heavy smoke conditions with a wildfire, the Garden State Parkway Southbound Ramps are closed. Traffic has been diverted to Route 72 East.
— Stafford Police NJ (@StaffordPolice) June 2, 2023
Please expect heavy delays on Route 72 and avoid the area if possible. Thank you for your patience. pic.twitter.com/heGCrDFqDO
Earlin said the intense heat and compacted areas of forest limited emergency response to setting a barrier around the fire.
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Dry weather is expected to impact the region and could fuel the fire for days, leaving roads closed and the immediate area on high alert, state fire officials said.
By the time it’s extinguished, the fire could cover 6,000 acres.
The fire reached 5,000 acres Thursday afternoon and was about 50% contained. No structures were considered in its path.
The fire was first seen off Allen Road about 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, Fire Warden Greg McLaughlin said. It started in a wildfire-prone area of the forest.
UPPER TOWNSHIP — A campground devastated by a large fire that torched close to two dozen cam…
Allen and Oswego roads were both closed. Stage Road was closed between North Maple Avenue and Route 679, and Route 679 was closed between Route 563 and Leektown Road.
Firefighters were on scene within about 20 minutes of the first reports, McLaughlin said.
On Thursday afternoon, crews were seeking to establish a perimeter around the fire to curtail the flames.
“We want to get our arms around it as much as possible,” McLaughlin said. “Once we have our arms around the fire, then we can start to talk about how confident are we, in terms of that, holding the fire within this space. As we get more confident that the fire is going to remain in that space, then we start to look at containment.”
Nearby, six structures and about 40 people at the Timberline Campground were threatened, spurring evacuation orders. The campground was still told to remain on Thursday afternoon, officials said.
Little Egg Harbor Township’s Bob Kociban was at his campsite at Timberline when the fire erupted.
About 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, authorities began shouting over loudspeakers to evacuate.
“Me and a few other people were standing there and were like, ‘This is pretty damn close,’” Kociban, 56, said of when he captured images of the fire as it began to be seen over the trees.
Record warmth, both for high and low temperatures, threaten to go down Thursday. The peak of the inland heat will be here and new data tells me that the shore's warmest day could be Thursday as well.
Not far from Kociban’s camper was a home shared by Linda Michel and Art O’Brien, who were both ordered out of their residence about two hours later.
“We heard some sirens, and then we went out and looked, and we could see a little plume of smoke,” said O’Brien, 64, of New Gretna. “It was real close to where we were at.”
Neither O’Brien nor Michel had before been evacuated from their home for an emergency, he said.
“It was a little nerve-wracking, not knowing what was really happening, and how devastating a fire can be, as you see with some of the fires on TV. They’re taking a lot of people’s homes out, and quickly,” O’Brien said.
State firefighters prepare for wildfire season by treating sensitive woodlands in the offseason through prescribed burns, a process in which fire is intentionally set in a controlled manner to remove elements, such as dry leaves, that could prolong fire.
The area off Allen Road where Wednesday’s fire was had not been treated by prescribed burns, but a spot southwest of it was, McLaughlin said.
The flames Thursday were being guided by a path of dense woods and ground fuel, eventually leading to areas previously left vacant of dry leaves and grass through a prescribed burn.
Atlantic County officials warned residents of potential air quality issues related to the fire.
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — A detached garage that was on fire led to a nearby forest catching afl…
“Multiple fires may impact the air quality for Atlantic County residents for an unknown period of time, though there are no current alerts,” according to a statement from Linda Gilmore, public information officer for the county. “Atlantic County public health officials remind residents to take precautions as wildfire smoke can pose a threat to those with heart and lung conditions, pregnant women, older adults, children, and outdoor workers.”
Egg Harbor Township schools sent an email to parents Thursday saying they were keeping students inside due to reports of poor air quality as a result of the fire.
The stench of charred forestry met America Garcia at her home not far from Oakcrest High School in Mays Landing, followed by the sight of haze.
“I see a whole bunch of smoke everywhere, and I’m like, ‘This has to be a wildfire,’” said Garcia, 36.
The effects became more apparent to her when she dropped her children off at the George Hess Educational Complex nearby, seeing adults outside who wore masks to hide their noses from the smell.
“I hoped the school wouldn’t let the kids outside for recess,” Garcia said.
WILDFIRE UPDATE: Allen Road Wildfire – Bass River State Forest
— New Jersey Forest Fire Service (@njdepforestfire) June 1, 2023
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is working to contain of a wildfire burning in the area of Allen Road in Bass River State Forest.
The wildfire has reached 2,000 acres in size and is 10% contained. pic.twitter.com/549DxmQLEn
While we have had decreased air quality due to the fires in Nova Scotia, this fire in NJ has caused more concentrated areas of smoke, such as the one circled, to spread across the southern part of the region. As winds shift southeast today, these areas of smoke may shift as well. pic.twitter.com/gvkFnkwdvj
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) June 1, 2023 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/bass-river-forest-fire-causes-garden-state-parkway-closure-between-exit-38-and-63/article_a30fbf1a-006f-11ee-93fb-730f0942d74d.html | 2023-06-02T13:23:22 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/bass-river-forest-fire-causes-garden-state-parkway-closure-between-exit-38-and-63/article_a30fbf1a-006f-11ee-93fb-730f0942d74d.html |
A section of Auburn Road will have intermittent lane restrictions from Monday to July 17 during tree trimming, the city of Fort Wayne said today.
The limits will be between Dupont and Union Chapel roads, the city's traffic engineering department said in a statement.
For questions or to report problems, contact the city's right of way department at 427-6155. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/auburn-road-section-restricted-during-tree-trimming/article_591cc76c-0133-11ee-9f66-57fcd95d367e.html | 2023-06-02T13:24:02 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/auburn-road-section-restricted-during-tree-trimming/article_591cc76c-0133-11ee-9f66-57fcd95d367e.html |
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - A Flint police officer is recovering after a crash involving a patrol car on I-475 Thursday evening.
The crash was reported around 7 p.m. on southbound I-475 at the Davison Road interchange. Several police agencies from Genesee County responded to the scene.
Flint Police Chief Terence Green could not immediately comment on what caused the crash Thursday evening. He visited the injured officer at an area hospital and reported the officer was in good condition.
Police will continue investigating the crash. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/flint-police-officer-injured-in-crash-on-i-475/article_428acf42-013a-11ee-8377-d7ef06978b0a.html | 2023-06-02T13:24:05 | 0 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/flint-police-officer-injured-in-crash-on-i-475/article_428acf42-013a-11ee-8377-d7ef06978b0a.html |
The closure of southbound Wells Street between Franke Park Drive and Fernhill Avenue has been extended to June 23, the city of Fort Wayne said today.
Northbound Wells Street will continue to remain open, the city's traffic engineering department said in a statement.
For questions or to report problems, contact the city's right of way department at 427-6155. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/wells-street-closure-extended/article_0d03e9ae-0139-11ee-8638-57647bc5138b.html | 2023-06-02T13:24:08 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/wells-street-closure-extended/article_0d03e9ae-0139-11ee-8638-57647bc5138b.html |
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - A vacant apartment building burned for hours on Flint's southeast side Thursday evening.
This fire started after 6 p.m. in the Atherton East complex on Stonegate Drive, which is located near the intersection of Dort Highway and Atherton Road. Smoke from the fire could be seen for miles.
Flint Fire Department Battalion Chief Mark Kovach said the building had burned at least two times before. The building was heavily involved in fire when crews arrived, so keeping firefighters safe was the main objective.
"The crews came on scene they found the building, what was left of the building, about 75% involved," Kovach said. "It was all through the attic and throughout the first half of the unit."
The front portion of the building already burned away in the previous two fires.
"The structure wasn't safe to put anyone inside of," Kovach said.
Investigators will continue working to determine was caused the fire. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/vacant-apartment-building-burns-for-hours-in-atherton-east-complex/article_fe67c75a-013b-11ee-9912-ef7758a530b9.html | 2023-06-02T13:24:11 | 0 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/vacant-apartment-building-burns-for-hours-in-atherton-east-complex/article_fe67c75a-013b-11ee-9912-ef7758a530b9.html |
Winchester Road will be closed to through traffic from Monday to June 9 between Airport Expressway and Shamrock Road during sewer work, the city of Fort Wayne said today.
For questions or to report problems, contact the city's right of way department at 427-6155. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/winchester-road-part-closed-next-week/article_3cbf83b6-0138-11ee-b754-1b955857b73f.html | 2023-06-02T13:24:14 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/winchester-road-part-closed-next-week/article_3cbf83b6-0138-11ee-b754-1b955857b73f.html |
As his career has developed, singer-songwriter Matt Butler has found himself on an unconventional path, playing many gigs in what might be considered unusual venues in front of what might be considered tough crowds.
Jails and prisons.
Though slightly intimidating at first — and occasionally even now — Butler has come to love it.
“For whatever reason, I feel much better and much more comfortable playing inside of jails for the incarcerated than I do playing in front of people in the outside world,” he said in a phone interview from his home in New York City.
It is a calling, he says, and an honor.
He will perform and lead workshops at the Chesterfield County Jail on Saturday, a place that helped inspire this side of his work and where he has played numerous times.
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“I can’t tell you how many times he’s been here doing concerts,” said Chesterfield Sheriff Karl Leonard. “Just an amazing individual. He really connected with our folks.”
On top of that, Leonard said, “I love his music. He is really good.”
Butler’s appearance in Chesterfield comes a day after the release of his debut album, “Reckless Son.”
Butler, 36, came to know about Chesterfield a few years ago while writing music for a documentary about teens struggling with substance abuse and drug addiction. As he was researching the subject, he came upon a video on social media of men singing as part of Chesterfield jail’s HARP program: Helping Addicts Recover Progressively.
“I remember thinking to myself ... maybe some of those guys would relate to some of the music I had written for the film,” Butler recalled. “Simultaneously I felt ... music meant something very, very important in that moment to them that went beyond just being entertaining. That was the reason I felt called to music, as well. I felt there was something about it that was a little more transcendent that just being entertainment.”
And he felt compelled to do something.
He asked around to see if he might be able to visit Chesterfield to perform. A more immediate connection was made to a jail in New York, so in 2016 the Albany County Jail was the first of what has become more than 150 concerts in jails and prisons across the country.
“But it was a video of Chesterfield that was the initial impetus and the thing that put it in my head,” said Butler, who first performed in Chesterfield in 2017.
Through his musical storytellling, Butler shares relatable messages of hope and understanding for those who have struggled with addiction, Leonard said.
“He inspires so many people,” he said.
This is not necessarily the direction Butler could have anticipated for his career when he was a self-described “punk rock dude” in his teens.
“That is 100% correct,” Butler said with a laugh, noting that he moved into more of a storytelling style in his 20s. “At the same time, though, one could argue what I do is incredibly rock ’n’ roll. It’s a very punk-rock quality to what I’ve been doing as far as going into some of the rougher places that one could play.”
His songwriting has evolved to reflect his own experiences — he acknowledges his own struggles with mental health — as well as those of the people he has met behind bars. The result are songs that speak to people who have wrestled with their own demons, particularly addiction, which affects so many in all walks of life, Butler said.
Butler performs in a variety of venues, but he's found a bond with audiences in jails and prisons that he has not always found in clubs and theaters.
“The reactions were very strong from the beginning, and that’s something that really took me by surprise and also made the experience, to some degree, really rewarding,” he said. “As an artist, I didn’t feel like I’d ever connected to anybody with my work the way I did when I was performing in prisons. There’s a lot of laughing and crying. I never thought that would be possible.”
Butler started out working his for-free jail and prison appearances around nearby paying gigs, but as his reach and popularity has increased, he’s created a nonprofit — Art That Serves — that is dedicated to bringing the arts to incarcerated populations. The nonprofit, still in its fledgling stages, helps cover his travel expenses, and he hopes to build it into something more sustainable as time goes on.
Butler hopes his jail and prison appearances serve as “a very small part of somebody’s healing process.
“That’s my little piece of contribution to what is a much larger and sophisticated problem,” he said.
Leonard said Butler’s mere presence means a lot to those who will be listening on Saturday, noting that Butler would be performing in New York just days before coming to Chesterfield.
“That sends such a message to them of hope, that people care,” Leonard said. “He could go anywhere he wants, but he’s taking his time to come inside a jail on a Saturday in June. He just serves to heighten their hope and personal recovery.” | https://richmond.com/life-entertainment/local/music/jailhouse-rock-musician-to-perform-at-chesterfield-jail/article_644be796-ff1f-11ed-bcab-0f85fb5a7538.html | 2023-06-02T13:25:27 | 0 | https://richmond.com/life-entertainment/local/music/jailhouse-rock-musician-to-perform-at-chesterfield-jail/article_644be796-ff1f-11ed-bcab-0f85fb5a7538.html |
Greek flags welcomed visitors back to the Richmond Greek Festival on Thursday for the first time since 2019 for food, music and festivities.
“It’s a four-day opportunity for us to give back to Richmond and to share our own culture, heritage and recipes,” said Mike Pantele, a member of the festival executive committee.
One of Richmond’s most popular and longest-running festivals, the Greek Festival typically draws over 30,000 people to the grounds around Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral over four days.
The Greek Festival was unable to be held due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 and again in 2022 due to supply chain limitations and concerns about COVID-19 variants.
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But the festival has finally returned with live music and dance performances, art and jewelry at the International Bazaar and, of course, the food.
Gyros, moussaka, souvlaki and baklava are just a few examples of the homemade dishes offered at the festival, also available for a drive-thru.
“It’s a labor of love,” said Pantele, adding that it takes approximately 150 people to collaborate and 20,000 skewers to feed festival-goers.
The 45-year-old event started as a bake sale and grew over time to become a Richmond annual tradition that regularly draws thousands of visitors. In 2022, the cathedral held a “mini festival” to gear back up for the full festival, Pantele said. The festival is an opportunity for the public and for the community to reconnect with the culture and the Orthodox Church, Pantele said.
The market inside the cathedral featured different booths selling a variety of wares. Three generations of the Leontaritis family — Angelo Leontaritis, born in Greece, with his son Niko Leontaritis with his son, Panpeleimon Leontaritis — were on site, selling jewelry made in Greece and body products like soaps and lotions.
The festival also raises money for local charities, including the Youth Life Foundation of Richmond, the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center, Pink Chair Project RVA and the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society, according to its website.
Dimitri Komninos has been setting up his booth at the Richmond Greek Festival for 13 years with Dimitri Olive Oil. His set-up includes olives, extra virgin oil, strawberry balsamic vinegar and 18-year-old aged balsamic vinegar.
“It’s great that people are coming back to support the festival and the vendors,” Komninos said.
Komninos moved from Greece as a child, with 90% of his family still living in Greece, he said. His business has been in the family for over 200 years. Komninos travels back to his country every summer and harvesttime.
Donna and Charles Davis bought his olive oil and olives. It was their first time at the festival, as they prepare for a trip to Greece in October.
“It’s great here, and the food is fabulous,” Donna Davis said.
The Richmond Greek Festival is free to enter, pay as you go, at 30 Malvern Ave., rain or shine. Hours are Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. More information at greekfestival.com.
Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves (804) 649-6123
gdecamargogoncalves@timesdispatch.com
@decamgabriela on Twitter | https://richmond.com/life-entertainment/local/richmond-greek-festival-returns-after-pandemic/article_cd62bc2a-00b2-11ee-ae5b-0744dff4f8a2.html | 2023-06-02T13:25:33 | 1 | https://richmond.com/life-entertainment/local/richmond-greek-festival-returns-after-pandemic/article_cd62bc2a-00b2-11ee-ae5b-0744dff4f8a2.html |
News Tribune, June 2, 1983
- On the first day of Duluth's emergency jobs program yesterday, about 250 people applied for 400 temporary positions. Mayor John Fedo initiated the program last year, and it is now being resurrected because Duluth's unemployment rate has soared to 16.8%.
- Legislation to rename the Arrowhead Bridge between Duluth and Superior the Richard I. Bong Memorial Bridge was approved by the Wisconsin Assembly yesterday. Bong, a World War II flying hero, shot down 40 enemy planes and received the Congressional Medal of Honor.
News Tribune, June 2, 1923
- The steamer McBeth is scheduled to dock at the McDougall Terminal today with a cargo of 340 automobiles, the largest number ever carried on Lake Superior. The cargo consists of Overlands and Willys-Knights, consigned to the Mutual Auto Company, 304 E. Superior St.
- Everything is complete for tomorrow's formal opening of the Duluth Auto Club clubhouse and grounds at Pike Lake, according to George Fairley, club secretary. Workers have been busy making repairs on the clubhouse, walks, roads, and beach. | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/bygones-duluths-emergency-jobs-program-resurrected-40-years-ago | 2023-06-02T13:27:47 | 1 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/bygones-duluths-emergency-jobs-program-resurrected-40-years-ago |
Beginning July 1, employers in Washington state will start deducting premiums from paychecks for the WA Cares Fund, the state’s new long-term care insurance program.
Workers will pay 0.58% of every $100 earned to fund the program. For a person making just over $50,000 a year, contributions will be about $24 a month or less than $1 a day. Some workers are eligible to receive an exemption from the paycheck deductions, like workers who are unlikely to be able to use the benefits. Read more
Sam Martinez’ family helped get laws passed to combat hazing in Washington state.
They are preparing to take their anti-hazing message nationwide, thanks to help from University of Washington (UW) students.
Since January, Martinez’s parents have worked with 10 undergraduates from the University of Washington’s Information School on a public database listing hazing incidents at colleges.
“Our main goal is to stop hazing deaths from occurring ever again,” said Amaya Kejriwal, project manager and UW junior. Read more
A Tacoma woman with tuberculosis was detained by Pierce County deputies June 1 after previously refusing to isolate and get treatment.
She was detained at her home and booked into a negative pressure room in Pierce County Jail. The room is equipped for isolation, testing and treatment, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
"We are hopeful she will choose to get the life-saving treatment she needs to treat her tuberculosis," the health department wrote on its blog. Read more
Three suspects that allegedly stole more than $75,000 were arrested in Bellevue last month.
The three suspects, aged 18, 22 and 27, were taken into custody outside Bellevue Square on May 20 after security witnessed them stealing from stores inside the mall. Two of the suspects attempted to run when confronted by officers but were quickly apprehended.
The suspects have been linked to an organized retail theft ring out of Bogota, Colombia, and allegedly have been prolific in the I-5 corridor between California and Washington. Read more
In a dispute about the pressure that organized labor can exert during a strike, the Supreme Court ruled Thursday against unionized drivers who walked off the job with their trucks full of wet concrete.
The decision united liberal and conservative justices in labor's latest loss at the high court. The lone dissenter in the case, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, said the ruling would hinder the development of labor law and “erode the right to strike." Read more
Have the "5 things you need to know" delivered to your inbox. Sign up for the daily morning email here. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/5-things-to-know-friday-june-2023/281-980c2024-ef60-4013-853c-d15e71256e3a | 2023-06-02T13:28:33 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/5-things-to-know-friday-june-2023/281-980c2024-ef60-4013-853c-d15e71256e3a |
SEATTLE — The United States Postal Service reported in May they are seeing a national uptick in mail theft, both from people's personal mailboxes and blue collection boxes. According to the Postal Inspector in Seattle, mail theft has been happening more often, locally.
Harvey Lever, the property manager of 22 apartment buildings around Seattle owned by Lynnmac Commercial, said one of his buildings in Magnolia was broken into Wednesday morning around 2:30 a.m.
In the process, loose letters near the tenants' mailboxes were stolen from their front mailroom.
Now, Lever is advising residents to safeguard themselves by picking up mail from their mailboxes every day.
"It’s a violation and it’s very unsettling for a lot of people," Lever said.
The suspect, a six-foot tall man with hair dyed blue, who is possibly 25 to 35 in age, pulled a tool out of his pocket to break the lock on a door and get in.
"Basically like a pair of pliers, but they can open wide, and they just really strong-armed the doorknob which was locked," Lever said.
His association is continuing to invest in security.
"We now have a doorknob cover," Lever said. "This is another antitheft device.”
Lever said the theft of tenants' mail has been a recurring problem recently in the 22 apartment buildings he runs across Seattle.
"They’ll be hit in the same exact night," Lever said. "And it’s not even just like Christmas, it’s all year round we get mailbox break-ins... they’ll take a pry device, they’ll rip the, basically the United States Postmaster key and the whole entire cage opens.”
He said his company is spending thousands on repairs each time this happens.
"It’s a constant," Lever said. "It happens all the time."
USPS Postal Inspector John Wiegand said these types of thieves are often in it for possible financial gain.
"People aren’t after the card, the birthday card that grandma’s sending you, they’re after the birthday card that grandma’s sending you that also has a check in it, or after a bank statement, it may have a credit card that they can go use," Wiegand said.
The USPS is now cracking down.
"We are hardening targets – both physical and digital – to make them less desirable to thieves and working with our law enforcement partners to bring perpetrators to justice,” said Gary Barksdale, postal inspection service chief.
Wiegand said different public-facing locking systems are being upgraded, such as blue collection boxes.
He urged people to help protect their mail by emptying their mailbox more frequently, because the longer it’s there, “the more opportunity it gives for somebody to steal," as he put it.
Anyone who recognizes the suspect in the surveillance video is asked to contact the Seattle Police Department. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/mail-theft-rising-seattle-nationwide/281-a2c8fb09-c63b-46d7-97a4-99f0996ef25d | 2023-06-02T13:28:39 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/mail-theft-rising-seattle-nationwide/281-a2c8fb09-c63b-46d7-97a4-99f0996ef25d |
For Coconino County Superior Court, the service of pro tempore judges isn’t necessarily temporary at all.
“That’s how I started. I was a full-time judge pro tem in Justice Court and then a part-time Superior Court judge pro tem, also while I was a full-time Justice of the Peace pro tem,” said Dan Slayton, the Coconino County Superior Court presiding judge.
There are currently three full-time pro tem judges employed at Coconino County Superior Court: Brent Harris, Joshua Steinlage and Angela Kircher. Judges pro tem receive the same pay as elected judges and can handle all of the same cases.
Pro tems will often cover for a judge when they’re on vacation, attending training or have recused themselves due to a conflict of interest. In Coconino County, full-time judges help fill in gaps — lightening the caseload of elected judges.
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By statute, each county in Arizona can only elect a certain number of judges. That number is restricted by the county’s population size.
Coconino County has a higher caseload than elected judges alone could handle with any degree of judicial expedience. As a result, appointed judges have long played a critical role at the courthouse.
“We’ve been fortunate because our Board of Supervisors and county management has recognized that the number of elected divisions that we have based on population is not what we need to support our work,” said Sharon Yates, the Coconino County Superior Court administrator.
According to statistics from the Coconino County Attorney’s Office, in 2022 49% of prosecuted defendants lived outside of Coconino County and 28% of victims of crime were visiting the area.
“Take Yavapai County, for example. They have more judges. They have a consistently higher population, but they don’t get 10 million tourists in Yavapai County,” Slayton said. “If we were just our regular population all year long, we may not need as many of the judge pro tems as we have. On the other hand, we get an awful lot of cases [involving people] from out of county and out of state.”
Pandemic-born backlogs only made the issue of a large caseload worse.
At one point, Slayton estimates the Superior Court had 80 criminal cases on tap. Now, that number is closer to 30.
Coconino County received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to form a seventh division, hiring Steinlage. That division has helped clear come of the proverbial log jam created by pandemic delays. Harris was also brought on board to help keep family law cases from piling up.
In addition to the use of pro tem judges, Coconino County utilizes help from appointed senior court commissioners — former judges with at least 10 years of experience.
The role of the court commissioner is more limited than a pro tem, but they’re still able to address a number of critical matters.
“We did receive funding from the Administrative Office of the Courts for backlog cases, in addition to what the county has provided with Division Seven for us. That money is $36,000, which we are using for our Senior Court Commissioner Judge [Theodore] Campagnolo. We’re also using it for settlement conferences that Judge [Jeff] Coker conducts for us to help with that backlog of cases,” Yates said.
Coker is not serving as a senior court commissioner at the moment, but he has returned from retirement to help work cases.
Slayton estimates when Steinlage left her position at Coconino County Superior Court, Coker helped settle 10 cases that were set for trial.
“We’re very thankful for Judge Coker for being able to work the deals out on pretty serious cases that were set for trial,” Slayton said.
Negotiated plea deals reduce the number of trials vying for a place on the Superior Court calendar, but space itself is an issue.
“We basically only have five trial courtrooms and seven trial judges,” Slayton said. “Trying to get everybody set up, especially when we’re dealing with trial upon trial upon trial ... it’s like one of those hand puzzles. You have to try to get all of the pieces positioned in the right order.”
Slayton is optimistic about the outlook of the court’s existing backlog — for one thing, the problem is dissipating.
“I pledged that we would make movement on it and we are making movement on it,” Slayton said.
He added the court has learned lessons from the pandemic that might make the whole process more expedient in the future. He said, for example, the court is looking into updating its audio-visual equipment to better facilitate Zoom appearances.
“Where we go from here is learning to utilize the good things that happened out of the pandemic in making our cases run more efficiently and effectively,” Slayton said.
Programs that focus on rehabilitation, deferment and deflection have also grown. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Health and Human Services Department launched the Pathways to Community Program, which helps people as they leave jail to seek legal, social and addiction treatment services.
“We’re not getting as many numbers in the initial in-flow, allowing us time to address the ones that we had to deal with, with the backlog,” Slayton said.
The presiding judge hands a fair amount of credit to Deputy County Attorney Ammon Barker.
“[Barker] has been working closely with the Pathways Program and deferred prosecution and deflection. He’s been very active at working the cases that need to go to restoration and competency,” Slayton said.
He said an amalgamation of tools has been helping to improve judicial expedience in the county, helping the system to keep up with incoming cases and work through cases that were delayed during the early days of COVID-19.
“It hasn’t been just because the Board gave us an extra judge. That was a significant help. We also had Ammon Barker and the county attorney making some changes on how they were trying to get in front of the cases. That has also been a release valve, if you will. That has helped us,” Slayton said. “With the funding and the help that the board gave us, we have been able to start making movement on the backlog. We are addressing it. We are decreasing it. We are also able to process our civil cases that have languished for some time.” | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/keeping-the-court-moving-coconino-county-superior-court-presiding-judge-discusses-the-role-of-pro/article_a80e43ba-fbe2-11ed-a18c-7b744fe127b4.html | 2023-06-02T13:31:35 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/keeping-the-court-moving-coconino-county-superior-court-presiding-judge-discusses-the-role-of-pro/article_a80e43ba-fbe2-11ed-a18c-7b744fe127b4.html |
Drones whipped through the air over the weekend at Peoria Sports Complex, where the Arizona Desert Hawks and the Phoenix Falcons competed in Major League Drone Racing’s first live preseason event.
MLDR is a professional American Drone Racing League and new competitive sport where pilots race at high speeds through different obstacles while accumulating points throughout 10 heats.
“It is built just like the NFL,” MLDR founder and CEO Richard Tulloch said. “Thirty-two teams, two conferences -- Eastern and Western; eight divisions, and there will be a championship at the end of the season."
Each drone is controlled by a skilled pilot and maneuvered with a radio transmitter-type controller, as well as goggles that allow the pilot to see from the drone’s eye view. A mixed crowd of about 20 fans could watch the video feed of the onboard drone camera on the jumbotron as each heat began.
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With passionate cheering comes great motivation for the pilots to zoom through the obstacles within the course quickly and efficiently.
“Tracks are unique pretty much every time,” said Chris Sturm, who is the chief technology officer and pilot for the Desert Hawks. “They’re usually very dynamic and difficult for the audience to follow around. We made sure to pay close attention to make it easier for everyone to see what’s going on.”
The drones used in Saturday’s race were fresh builds.
“I actually built all 60 drones out there tonight,” Sturm said. “Takes about three hours per drone. I drove them down from Sedona this morning. I haven’t slept in so long.”
Developing MLDR has been no easy task, and there’s still plenty of work to be done ahead of its first official season. Ideally, MLDR would like each team to have competed in three preseason races before the regular season, or at least one. However, many teams are still in development.
“We have 11-12 teams built so far,” Tulloch said. “There are a few females within the league -- two teams in California have some -- and we’re currently building a team in Seattle where there will be another. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many female pilots, so we’re mostly male-dominant. Hopefully, more (females) are interested in the future.”
As for current pilots, each has a unique story that has led them to their drone racing journey. Racer Corbin Smith saw an international “news program with guys flying drones through a warehouse” that helped pique his interest. Another was surrounded by friends who flew drones and was influenced to try it.
Before MLDR started, many of the pilots found themselves gathering in nearby public spaces to race or fly for fun.
“They have been doing this for a while -- for years, most of them,” Tulloch said. “(They) would fly around the park. ... I saw them and thought [MLDR] was a great idea.”
However, drone racing is more than a fun, competitive sport. It opens the door for opportunity. Many hope the league will help them become better pilots and gain confidence. But for others, it’s a way to help get their lives on a better path.
Pilot James Kittrell explained in his introduction video shown ahead of the event how he has had many hardships in his life, from “homelessness, child abuse and neglect.”
Now, he is involved with a friendly and supportive community of racers that took him under its wing, helped him get the proper new gear and became a big part of helping turn his “bad story” into something greater.
MLDR radiates positivity through those within the league and its supporters.
“I’m excited to be a part of MLDR,” Desert Hawk pilot Eric Hughes said. “Just to be a part of a team where it’s not necessarily the fastest one that wins, but it’s both the strategy as well as the team goal to get the placements. I’m really excited about that format.”
MLDR will continue to offer preseason races throughout 2023 and 2024 before officially starting its first regular season in 2025. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/major-league-drone-racing-hosts-first-live-preseason-race-in-arizona/article_a7a9dc96-00b9-11ee-af65-dbfb47b101e7.html | 2023-06-02T13:31:37 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/major-league-drone-racing-hosts-first-live-preseason-race-in-arizona/article_a7a9dc96-00b9-11ee-af65-dbfb47b101e7.html |
June 2 is National Doughnut Day, a 24-hour celebration during which your only concerns are whether to go for the glazed, filled or twisted doughnut first. And of course we want sprinkles! To celebrate, Dunkin’ Doughnuts locations offer a free classic doughnut on June 2, with a beverage purchase (at participating locations).
Head to Petrifying Springs Park today for the grand opening of the new Multi-Use & Purpose-Built Mountain Bike Trail Network. At 5:30 p.m. at the Highway JR parking lot on the south end of “Pets,” Kenosha County Parks and UW-Parkside will unveil trail network, which spans across the trails within Pets and UW-Parkside. At the Biergarten, you’ll find free activities including a mountain bike ride, a fun run (all paces welcome) by Kenosha Running Club, bike games (hosted by Southeastern Lakes Scholastic Mountain Biking), a mobile bike repair station by Total Cyclery, vendor booths and giveaways. A map of the UW-Parkside & Petrifying Springs Park trail network is available at http://ow.ly/17Vt50On72s.
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A free folk music hootenanny gathering is 7 to 10 tonight at the Anderson Arts Center, 6603 Third Ave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to bring an acoustic instrument “or just your voice.” For more information or updates, “like” Kenosha Hootenanny on Facebook.
Play ball! The Kenosha Kingfish are hosting the Traverse City Pit Spitters for a 6:35 p.m. game at Simmons Field. Bonus: Fans will receive a FREE 10th-anniversary stadium blanket (while they last). For tickets, call 262-653-0900 or go to kingfishbaseball.com.
The “Growing with Bristol” community group is hosting an Outdoor Movie Night event tonight in Hansen Park. Free activities start at 7 p.m. in the park. There will also be food vendors. At 8:30 p.m., the 1992 movie “A League of Their Own” will be shown. Admission is free, and everyone who attends will be entered into a free raffle. Hansen Park is off of Highway 45, south of Highway AH in Bristol. For more information, go to growingwithbristol.com.
A free showing of the animated movie “Encanto” starts at dusk (about 8:30 p.m.) tonight at the Lance Park Amphitheater, 55 Lance Drive in Twin Lakes. Admission is free.
Looking for live music tonight? The Jill Plaisted Band plays from 9 p.m. to midnight at Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave. No cover. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-area-events-for-friday-june-2/article_ae588f86-fff8-11ed-b4db-6f3a30c40d77.html | 2023-06-02T13:36:19 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-area-events-for-friday-june-2/article_ae588f86-fff8-11ed-b4db-6f3a30c40d77.html |
Good luck trying to sit down and talk with Kris Kochman in early June.
Her schedule at this time of the year is packed.
And that’s a great thing for area residents.
As the City of Kenosha’s community relations liaison, Kochman has organized local activities since December 2011, including the Civic Veterans Parade, Fourth of July celebrations, outdoor concerts and events like Snow Daze and the city’s Fall Festival.
We did grab her for a few moments on Thursday, and she confirmed what we suspected: The city’s events calendar “is back to pre-2020 levels — and even beyond that.”
So far this year, “We have about 70 events planned through Labor Day — and we’ll hit 100 events by the end of the year,” she said.
After COVID-19 restrictions shut down almost everything starting in March of 2020, events have been picking up speed again.
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“The pandemic made people want to do more outdoor events,” Kochman said, “and summer is such a short season in Wisconsin, so we really have to embrace it.”
The Kenosha area, she said, boasts “a good variety of events, like art fairs, festivals, outdoor concerts and 5K races.”
The 2023 summer season features a mix of long-standing favorites like Taste of Wisconsin, which returns in late July after flirting with ending after 2022, along with new events.
“A group is hosting a Taco Fest on the band shell in July,” Kochman said, “and, in September, there will be a Mexican Independence Day celebration with a parade on Seventh Avenue leading to a festival, also on the band shell.”
Also new this year: A Beach Front Arts Fest on July 22 at the band shell. The all-day festival features musical acts, merchandise and food vendors selling goods, along with what organizers describe as “some simple yard games.”
In fact, the band shell in Pennoyer Park — which enjoys a location right on Lake Michigan — is a popular spot for events all summer, including being home to the Kenosha Pops Concert Band performances and “Tuesdays at the Shell” concerts.
If you were thinking about reserving the shell this season, you’re probably already too late.
“The band shell is booked most Saturdays,” Kochman said.
Who loves a parade?
The Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade is July 2, as part of the city’s “Celebrate America” events, running through July 4.
The parade’s “new” route is back for the third year, stepping off from Washington Road and Seventh Avenue, marching south into Downtown and heading toward Library Park.
“We’ve had very positive feedback about this route,” Kochman said. “It’s such a pretty area, going along Seventh Avenue and the harbor.”
This year’s parade will feature the KUSD summer marching bands, along with the Junior Lighthouse Brigade from Racine.
“The Band of the Black Watch and Rambler Band are back, and we love having marching bands” Kochman said. “We also have 15 floats this year, including the popular Greasers band.”
Veterans organizations are always a big part of the parade, too: “It is called the Civic Veterans Parade, and we love having them take part.”
Fourth of July events also include the Rainbow Carnival, outdoor stages with live music, plenty of food vendors — and dogs jumping into a swimming pool set up along the harbor.
This is Kochman’s 12th season as the city’s parade grand poo-bah, and she shows no signs of tiring of that role.
“Parade day is always a fun day for me,” she said. “We’re up early and are at the parade route, trouble-shooting anything that comes up. But once it gets rolling, I can enjoy it after all the months of preparation.”
Go fly a kite!
One of the first local summer festivals takes place this weekend, in Kennedy Park.
The city’s Outta Sight Kite Flight is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday along the Lake Michigan lakefront.
“This is a really good, family-friendly event,” Kochman said. “Scott Fisher, who organizes it, has been very loyal to us. He’s a busy guy, working at events like Summerfest and the State Fair and operating his stores in Milwaukee, but he always comes here for this.”
The Kenosha kite festival is celebrating its 21st anniversary this weekend, and Kochman credits Penny Haney, her predecessor with the city, for bringing the festival to Kenosha.
As for why the kite festival is still thriving, Kochman chalks it up to a great location, free admission and a casual, happy atmosphere.
“People can pop in and come and go as they like,” she said. “Some people bring their own kites to fly, plus they enjoy seeing the giant octopus and whale kites.
“You can stay for an hour or stay the whole afternoon,” she added. “And there’s just something happy about kites flying in the sky.”
Don’t slow down
As for Kochman’s own summer plans, at this point, she says with a laugh, “I always think I am going to attend everything. I won’t do that, of course, but it’s nice to have so many options.”
Since her first summer season working for Kenosha — way, way back in 2012 — the city’s event calendar has continued to expand.
“When I first started, we had the parade and Peanut Butter & Jam concerts and the city tree-lighting, with a few other events,” she said. “We’ve been adding to that list ever since.”
The city’s event schedule is now so full, things don’t slow down much until after Christmas.
“We’re still busy after Labor Day, and our Kenosha Fall Festival is moving later this year, to October,” Kochman said. “It’s always changing, and no two days in this job are the same. That’s why I love it.” | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-gearing-up-for-busy-summer-season/article_d26e832c-008d-11ee-a616-638065cddc00.html | 2023-06-02T13:36:25 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-gearing-up-for-busy-summer-season/article_d26e832c-008d-11ee-a616-638065cddc00.html |
Name: Enzo Aiello
School: Tremper High School
Parents: Frank Aiello and Karen Visintainer
Most memorable high school moment: The most memorable moment in high school for me was my junior prom. I ran for prom king, and after many months of preparing and campaigning the night was finally happening. I had so much fun talking, walking, dancing, and eating with my friends. Even though I didn't win prom king, it didn't really matter all that much to me. I just continued to ravenously dance and enjoy the night. Then my buddies and I had an after-party and we enjoyed the night together. That is the most memorable night of high school. The feeling of just enjoying the night with my friends and fully letting myself be. It was also a solid escape from my responsibilities.
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Most influential teacher: Nic Cicerale in Acting; Four years ago feels like eons. In my freshman year, I joined Cicerale's acting class and was becoming accustomed to his teaching, style, and acting. I auditioned for a show and luckily got in, but as soon as it started, it ended. Covid had shut our show down. We were left with a show a week away from opening, but the whole time Cicerale had remained positive and hopeful. That showed me that even in the dourest of times happiness and hope can still come through. Jumping ahead to my junior year, I auditioned for another show and this show had a massive influence on me. The show allowed me to grow closer to Cicero and let me grow as a person. The show allowed me to build some of the most lasting relationships I have to this day. I could never thank Mr. Cicerale enough for the experience he welcomed me into and gave me. Cicerale allowed me to grow as a person and his influence will no doubt have a lasting ripple effect in my future. Those are only some of the reasons why he is my most influential teacher and friend.
School activities/clubs: Renaissance Club, Thespian Society
School offices held: Thespian Society Co-President
Honors, letters or awards: Acting awards; Best male supporting role; Critics Choice; Best male lead role
Out-of-school activities/hobbies: Skating; Hanging out with friends; Tea enjoyer; little thing collector; Hiker; rock-climbing; nature enjoyer
College choice: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Intended major/field of study: Film
Role model: Kendrick Lamar
Three words that best describe my role model: Lyricist, motivational, and influential
What I hope to accomplish in my lifetime: I hope to make movies that change the game and motivate people to make their own movies. I want to be influential. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-teen-2023-enzo-aiello-of-tremper-high-school/article_699f9f22-00db-11ee-8536-337b5886e356.html | 2023-06-02T13:36:33 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-teen-2023-enzo-aiello-of-tremper-high-school/article_699f9f22-00db-11ee-8536-337b5886e356.html |
Arizona sees 10-cent drop in average gas price, largest decrease in nation
More than 37 million Americans hit the road over Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA. The week after, gas prices across the country held firm, keeping at last week's average of $3.57.
This week's stagnant average, according to AAA, is 4 cents less than what it was a month ago and $1.10 less than a year ago.
“Although millions hit the road last weekend, gasoline demand fell,” AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross said in a news release Thursday. “Meanwhile, the cost for a barrel of oil dropped below $70 per barrel. Pump prices could dip further as the start of summer approaches.”
Wednesday's formal trading session close saw West Texas Intermediate (WTI) decrease by $1.37, putting the price at $68.09.
"Oil prices fell yesterday amid a strengthening dollar and growing market concern that global energy demand could slow due to reduced manufacturing activity in China — the world’s top crude oil importer," AAA said.
New data from the Energy Information Administration, saw gas demand decrease since last week, dropping from 9.43 million barrels per day to 9.1 million. Total domestic stocks took a very minor dip as well, going from 216.3 million barrels of crude oil to 216.1 million.
With the new EIA data, GasBuddy's head of petroleum analysis Patrick De Haan said the total domestic stock is down 2.9 million than a year ago -around 1.3% - and 8% below the five-year average for this time of year.
However, crude oil inventories saw a spike to the tune of 4.5 million barrels, bringing the total to 459.7 million - around 45 million above last year.
On the road:Feds say new rule for automakers could save hundreds of lives
Arizona sees largest decrease in country for state pump price average
The Grand Canyon State saw another drop in its average price at the pump since last week, leveling out at $4.48.
A 10-cent fall since last Thursday gave Arizona the largest average decrease across the country, ahead of Indiana (-9 cents), Ohio (-8 cents), Iowa (-7 cents), Wisconsin and Illinois (-6 cents) to name a few.
AAA Mountain West Group spokesperson Julian Paredes attributed the drop to regional supply recovering.
"It's possible there's still room for prices to keep dropping in the short term, but we can't say where it will level off. The good news is that Arizona's gas prices will likely be in line with national trends for the foreseeable future, as opposed to the big swings caused by regional factors like we saw with the refineries," Paredes said.
County-by-county pump prices in Arizona
Taking a look around the Copper State, and you'll find that the hierarchy remains relatively the same.
Maricopa County is still paying the most on average for a gallon of gas in Arizona at $4.81, a 12 cent drop since the week prior.
Graham County remains well below the national average and neighboring Arizona counties, charging around $3.38.
Mohave County was the only county to see an increase from last week, adding three cents to their average, while both Apache and Graham counties stayed in neutral.
The rest of the home front looks like this:
- Maricopa: $4.81 (-0.12)
- Pinal: $4.36 (-0.07)
- Pima: $4.33 (-0.18)
- Coconino: $4.22 (-0.08)
- Santa Cruz: $4.17 (-0.11)
- Yavapai: $4.17 (-0.06)
- La Paz: $4.08 (-0.06)
- Mohave: $4.08 (+0.03)
- Navajo: $4.01 (-0.02)
- Apache: $3.96
- Yuma: $3.94 (-0.02)
- Gila: $3.91 (-0.10)
- Cochise: $3.71 (-0.09)
- Greenlee: $3.67 (-0.16)
- Graham: $3.38 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/06/02/arizona-gas-prices-largest-drop-nation/70277994007/ | 2023-06-02T13:45:58 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/06/02/arizona-gas-prices-largest-drop-nation/70277994007/ |
'It’s a death in their family': Shooting victims mourned at center for homeless services
The five victims of a string of shootings over the weekend in Mesa and Phoenix were longtime patrons of the Paz de Cristo, a homeless service provider.
Paz de Cristo Executive Director Jackie Shelley told The Arizona Republic each of them had come to the outreach center in Mesa at some point, some as long ago as 2014. The center provides daily evening meals, has shower services and helps with job assistance.
Shelley wasn’t certain that if all five victims were unsheltered but has seen them come to the center in need of its services. Shelly said the community is grieving the deaths of the four who were slain.
“For them, it’s a death in their family,” she said.
Shelly strives to make Paz de Cristo like an “oasis” for people who are unhoused to feel safe. “Because they are out there and experiencing trauma on a daily basis, we look at it as ‘what can we do to wrap around you and help you process this?'” Shelly said.
The shootings left four men dead and injured a woman.
Iren Shawndre Byers, 20, faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder after his arrest in connection with the shootings.
According to court documents, Byers told detectives he shot his victims because he thought they were drug users and homeless, which he frowned on. He didn't call for medical help for the people he shot because "they didn't deserve it," and he had no remorse for shooting them, detectives stated in the documents.
Byers is accused of killing within a four-hour period 41-year-old Nicholas Arnstad at a canal near 24th and Oak streets in Phoenix, and in Mesa 41-year-old Julian Cox at Beverly Park near Alma School Road, 41-year-old Stephen Young near Country Club Drive and Second Avenue, and 40-year-old John Swain near Main Street and South Extension Road.
Police:Suspect tied to 4 Phoenix, Mesa killings fueled by dislike of drug use, homelessness
Police also say Byers shot and wounded 36-year-old Angela Fonseca, who is hospitalized and is expected to survive. Police found her near Stewart and Main streets.
After his arrest, Byers told police he disliked drug users because his brother had abused fentanyl, according to court documents.
No new information on the case was available, which remains open, as of Thursday evening, according to Richard Encinas, Mesa Police Department spokesperson.
“The police department early in the investigation was looking at whether the victims were homeless and if that was one of the reasons Byers targeted them. We have not made that connection as the case has progressed,” Encinas told The Republic.
Byers was scheduled to appear in court on Friday. He was not eligible for bail release because of the severity of the charges and because he represented a danger to the community, court documents stated.
Local leaders react to deadly shootings
“The circumstances of the shootings that occurred in Mesa last weekend are heartbreaking and deeply concerning," Mesa Mayor John Giles said in a prepared statement. "The hardships felt by those experiencing homelessness are unimaginable, and threats to personal safety are inexcusable. If anyone feels unsafe for any reason, we encourage them to call 911 immediately."
Shelley praised Mesa police for bringing in the resources necessary to track down the suspect.
“I think they saved a lot of lives for how they handled this and brought this to a swift conclusion,” she said.
Mesa’s Vice Mayor Francisco Heredia, who represents the area where the shootings took place, expressed his gratitude to the police department for the quick work in arresting the suspect.
Heredia said he was “shocked” and saddened to hear about the deaths.
Phoenix-area homicides in May 2023:What we know
No one deserves to be shot for their situation, he said.
“To know that this person had that in mind, as far as targeting homeless folks, it’s sad to see.”
Heredia said the negative rhetoric around unsheltered people goes too far.
State Rep. Lorena Austin, D-Mesa, who also represents the area, said she, too, was saddened by the shootings.
"We are facing serious issues with political and social negative rhetoric about very under-recognized communities and vulnerable ones," Austin said.
Mesa Councilmember Jenn Duff, who represents the area wheone of the shootings took place, said in a statement, “It is hard to imagine someone targeting the most vulnerable among us. My heart aches for the families of the victims.”
Homeless interactions in Mesa parks grow
At Beverly Park, the scene of some of the shootings, as well as other city parks, homeless interactions involving park rangers have escalated since 2020 and more so in the summer months.
City data shows the majority of interactions with park rangers are routine contacts, but some escalate to warnings and some end with assistance to services.
City employees have noticed an increase of unsheltered people in the parks. In an effort to address the issue, later this year Mesa will add cameras in parks that will connect to the Real Time Crime Center, Mesa's high-tech operations and dispatch hub.
The city will also add four park rangers to help with response times and make parks more accessible.
Giles encouraged unsheltered residents to seek help.
"The City of Mesa continues to increase resources to connect those experiencing homelessness with pathways to stable housing. We encourage those on the brink or already experiencing homelessness to call Mesa’s Hope Line at 480-644-HOPE for assistance finding a safe place to stay,” Giles said.
Reporters Elena Santa Cruz and Laura Daniella Sepulveda contributed to this article.
Reporter Maritza Dominguez covers Mesa/Gilbert and can be reached at maritza.dominguez@arizonarepublic.com or 480-271-0646. Follow her on Twitter @maritzacdom. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/mesa-breaking/2023/06/02/deadly-shooting-spree-in-mesa-and-phoenix-sparks-community-reaction/70279922007/ | 2023-06-02T13:46:04 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/mesa-breaking/2023/06/02/deadly-shooting-spree-in-mesa-and-phoenix-sparks-community-reaction/70279922007/ |
Weekend freeway closures are back in metro Phoenix. Here's what to know
Following a week of no highway improvement projects because of the holiday weekend, the Arizona Department of Transportation is back in full swing with a slew of closures and restrictions for Valley freeways this weekend.
Notable closures will be seen along stretches of Interstates 10 and 17, U.S. 60 and Loops 202 and 303.
ADOT advised drivers to allow for extra time and plan alternate routes. Drivers should be prepared to slow down and merge safely when venturing through work zones.
Travel and roadway conditions can always be checked at az511.gov to stay up to date.
Westbound I-10 closed between US 60 and 32nd Street
Details: Westbound Interstate 10 will be closed between U.S. 60 (Superstition Freeway) and 32nd Street as part of the ongoing I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project.
The following ramps will be closed:
- Westbound U.S. 60 ramps to westbound I-10.
- Westbound U.S. 60 on-ramps at McClintock Drive, Rural Road and Mill Avenue.
- Westbound I-10 on-ramps at Elliot and Baseline roads.
- Southbound State Route 143 on-ramp at University Drive.
- Westbound I-10 off-ramp at 40th Street (several weeks beginning June 3 at 12:01 a.m.).
When: 10 p.m. Friday, June 2, to 4 a.m. Monday, June 5.
Alternate routes: Motorists are advised to expect heavy traffic delays. Westbound I-10 drivers can use eastbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) or eastbound U.S. 60 to northbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) to westbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) to get past the closure.
Those heading to the West Valley can use west/northbound Loop 202 (South Mountain Freeway) to reach I-10 near 59th Avenue.
Northbound I-17 closed between Thunderbird Road and Loop 101
Details: Northbound Interstate 17 will be closed between Thunderbird Road and Loop 101 for a pavement improvement project.
The northbound I-17 on-ramps at Dunlap Avenue, Peoria Avenue and Cactus Road will be closed.
When: 9 p.m. Friday, June 2, to 5 a.m. Monday, June 5.
Alternate routes: Drivers can use State Route 51 to westbound Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) to get to I-17 past the closure. Northbound I-17 can exit ahead of the closure and take northbound 19th Avenue.
Eastbound Loop 202 closed between Priest Drive and Loop 101
Details: Eastbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) will be closed between Priest Drive and Loop 101 (Price Freeway) in the Tempe area for a pavement improvement project.
The eastbound Loop 202 on-ramp via northbound State Route 143 will be closed (eastbound Sky Harbor Boulevard on-ramp to Loop 202).
When: 9 p.m. Friday, June 2, to 5 a.m. Monday, June 5.
Alternate routes: Eastbound I-10 to eastbound U.S. 60 can be used as a detour.
Westbound US 60 closed between Mesa Drive and Loop 101
Details: Westbound U.S. 60 (Superstition Freeway) will be closed between Mesa Drive and Loop 101 (Price Freeway) for a pavement improvement project.
The following ramps will be closed:
- Westbound U.S. 60 on-ramps at Gilbert Road, Stapley Drive, McClintock Drive, Rural Road and Mill Avenue.
- Westbound I-10 between U.S. 60 and 32nd Street.
When: 9 p.m. Friday, June 2, to 5 a.m. Monday, June 5.
Alternate routes: Westbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain or Santan freeways) can be used as alternate routes. Drivers can exit ahead of the closure and take Southern Avenue or Baseline Road to travel beyond the closure.
Westbound Loop 303 closed between I-17 and Lake Pleasant Parkway
Details: Westbound Loop 303 will be closed between Interstate 17 and Lake Pleasant Parkway for new interchange construction.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, June 2, to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 3.
Alternate routes: Westbound State Route 74 to southbound Lake Pleasant Parkway can be used to travel past the closure.
Eastbound Loop 303 closed between Lake Pleasant Parkway and I-17
Details: Eastbound Loop 303 will be closed between Lake Pleasant Parkway and Interstate 17.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 3, to 5 a.m. Monday, June 5.
Alternate routes: Northbound Lake Pleasant Parkway to eastbound State Route 74 can be used to travel beyond the closure.
I-10 narrowed to one lane in both directions between Verrado Way and SR 85
Details: Interstate 10 will be narrowed to one lane in both directions in areas between Verrado Way and State Route 85 in Buckeye for a widening project.
When: 9 p.m. Friday, June 2, to 9 a.m. Saturday, June 3, and 9 p.m. Saturday, June 3, to 6 a.m. Sunday, June 4. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-traffic/2023/06/02/arizona-freeways-weekend-closures-june/70279388007/ | 2023-06-02T13:46:10 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-traffic/2023/06/02/arizona-freeways-weekend-closures-june/70279388007/ |
Check out these top stories and more in The Times and nwi.com.
Mrvan backs bipartisan debt limit increase to prevent first default: https://bit.ly/42qiv3H
Federal suit: Michigan City mayor seeking re-election wrongfully demoted, defamed firefighter: https://bit.ly/43wg5Ss
Stay connected with all your Region News at www.nwi.com.
Video provided in partnership with The Times, JEDtv and WJOB. Sponsored by Strack & Van Til. Weekend weather sponsored by NIPSCO. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/219-news-now-check-out-the-weekend-forecast-with-matt-holiner-6-2-23/article_48b601d6-013d-11ee-8c12-5f39e66539bf.html | 2023-06-02T13:49:07 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/219-news-now-check-out-the-weekend-forecast-with-matt-holiner-6-2-23/article_48b601d6-013d-11ee-8c12-5f39e66539bf.html |
CROWN POINT — A Chicago man faces battery charges in connection with the beating of a mentally disabled man in a Munster Taco Bell parking lot.
Dominique Jones, 28, was charged May 25 with aggravated battery and battery resulting in serious bodily injury, according to court records.
Charging documents say witnesses saw Jones kick a man in the head and flee the scene in a burgundy vehicle. Records indicate that the man remained on the ground, unaware of the day, year or current president when police asked.
Hospital records revealed that the victim, who suffered from a neurological problem, had missing teeth, wounds to the mouth and an abrasion to the arm after the beating.
After investigating the area, a police officer gained access to surveillance video from the town of Munster and surrounding businesses.
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The officer wrote in the probable-cause affidavit that the videos showed Jones and a woman entering a red 2016 Ford Fusion after having a verbal altercation in a neighboring parking lot before the man’s beating. The woman drove to the Taco Bell lot, 7949 Calumet Ave., when Jones exited the vehicle and continued to argue with her.
Surveillance footage showed the victim walking near the red Ford and Jones yelling at him, according to the affidavit. Jones then punched the man, knocking his glasses and hat off, and repeatedly stomped his head while the man lay unconscious on the ground.
Jones then entered the red Ford and headed northbound on Calumet.
Jones’s first appearance in court has not been set because, as of Thursday, he was wanted on an arrest warrant, according to court records.
What you missed this week in notable Northwest Indiana crimes and court cases
This week's local crime and court updates from The Times.
Ricky A. Scott III, 25, had the murder charges against him dismissed Thursday. He was accused of murdering Uriel Arambula at a Hammond tire shop in 2020.
Listen to the final chapter of Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles that examines the circumstances surrounding a death in a New Jersey resort town.
Police collected a total of 29.5 grams of fentanyl from these purchases over the course of their investigation, charges stated.
A special investigation by Lee Enterprises showed that of 105 agencies serving communities identified as diverse, 76 underrepresented the percentages of people of color by 10 points or more.
An Indiana man is entitled to restitution for a Florida vacation he couldn't take due to the stay-at-home order issued by Gov. Eric Holcomb, the Court of Appeals has ruled.
Jaqueline Jefferson, 44, was charged on Friday in connection to allegations that she bruised and restrained a bedridden patient, who is mentally incapacitated.
Gerald Reed, 59, was exonerated of an Illinois murder conviction in 2021 and he was sentenced to 10 years for a Hammond robbery on Thursday.
A judge has struck down a portion of a state law that prevented Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr., and all individuals under indictment, from carrying a handgun in public.
A Whiting man convicted last year and sentenced to 180 years in prison for his role in a 1998 Hammond triple murder received a fair trial, according to the Court of Appeals.
A Chicago woman says she was beaten and her French bulldog was stolen at gunpoint as she was taking it for a walk in her northwest side neighborhood.
🎧 Reporter Karen Robinson-Jacobs discusses the racial makeup of police departments in relation to the communities they serve. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/police-say-chicago-man-kicked-beat-mentally-disabled-man-in-taco-bell-parking-lot/article_7522f8d8-00ab-11ee-b692-87dd02028caa.html | 2023-06-02T13:49:13 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/police-say-chicago-man-kicked-beat-mentally-disabled-man-in-taco-bell-parking-lot/article_7522f8d8-00ab-11ee-b692-87dd02028caa.html |
COURIER STAFF
CEDAR FALLS — The University of Northern Iowa has announced a new bachelor of art’s in sports administration. The degree will be available to students beginning in August.
The program includes both online and in-person delivery options and can be tailored to fit either part-time or full-time study schedules.
Part of UNI’s Department of Individual Studies, the program is designed to prepare students for management positions within the sports industry. Students will develop a core understanding of business concepts in the context of sports, leisure services, event and facilities management.
In recent years, national parks have experienced a surge in visitors, breaking previous records. The appeal is clear: they offer stunning vistas, chances to observe wildlife, enjoyable hikes, and more. While all national parks have something to offer children, certain parks excel in providing a memorable experience for little ones. Yair Ben-Dor has more.
“For several years, we have offered a minor in this field, and we’re very excited to offer a more in-depth and highly flexible major option in sports administration,” Fabio Fontana, kinesiology professor and program coordinator said in a news release. “We know this in-demand employment opportunity will provide students with the foundation they need for a successful, fulfilling career in the sports industry.”
Students enrolling in the program will take a variety of courses in business, communication, sports administration, sports marketing, sports event management and technology. Additionally, they will participate in a hands-on internship experience in the field.
Those interested can learn more and apply at online.uni.edu/sports-admin .
Most and least educated states in America
Most and least educated states in America
More than 50 million Americans each year attend public elementary and secondary schools, according to the National Center for Education Statistics , making the country's schooling system one of the farthest-reaching (and most impactful) government services. And while debate over alternatives like charter schools rages on, one thing is undebatable: The future of the country lies in our youth, and our ability to educate them.
Because education is handled at the state level, from curricula and budgets to graduation requirements, a standard American education is hard to define.
To help understand areas with the highest educational attainment, Stacker used data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (released in December 2020) to construct a weighted index that measures the relative education level for every state. This index evaluates each state's population older than 25 across seven educational tiers, ranging from individuals not educated past eighth grade to those with graduate or professional degrees.
For each segment of these tiers, a points-based indexing system was applied in direct proportion to the estimated years of schooling for each level of educational attainment. Lastly, the full range of index scores was normalized to a 0 to 100 scale, with 100 representing the most educated state in the United States. What follows is a ranking from least to most educated of all the 50 states, using the percentage of people who earned a bachelor’s degree as a tiebreaker.
Where does your state stack up? Read on to discover which states are the most educated in the U.S.
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Unsplash
#50. West Virginia
- Education index: 91.45
- Less than high school: 4.3%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 8.8%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 40.3%
- Some college, no degree: 18.6%
- Associate's degree: 7.3%
- Bachelor's degree: 12.4%
- Graduate or professional degree: 8.2%
Pixabay
#49. Mississippi
- Education index: 92.23
- Less than high school: 5.1%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 10.4%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 30.4%
- Some college, no degree: 22.3%
- Associate's degree: 9.8%
- Bachelor's degree: 13.7%
- Graduate or professional degree: 8.4%
Unsplash
#48. Louisiana
- Education index: 92.23
- Less than high school: 4.9%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 9.9%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 34.0%
- Some college, no degree: 20.9%
- Associate's degree: 6.2%
- Bachelor's degree: 15.7%
- Graduate or professional degree: 8.4%
PxHere
#47. Arkansas
- Education index: 92.39
- Less than high school: 4.8%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 8.6%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 34.0%
- Some college, no degree: 22.3%
- Associate's degree: 7.2%
- Bachelor's degree: 14.8%
- Graduate or professional degree: 8.3%
Pixabay
#46. Kentucky
- Education index: 92.76
- Less than high school: 5.5%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 8.2%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 32.9%
- Some college, no degree: 20.8%
- Associate's degree: 8.3%
- Bachelor's degree: 14.2%
- Graduate or professional degree: 10.0%
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Max Pixel
#45. Nevada
- Education index: 93.20
- Less than high school: 5.5%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 7.8%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 28.1%
- Some college, no degree: 25.5%
- Associate's degree: 8.3%
- Bachelor's degree: 16.2%
- Graduate or professional degree: 8.6%
Stan Shebs // Wikimedia Commons
#44. Alabama
- Education index: 93.25
- Less than high school: 4.3%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 9.5%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 30.8%
- Some college, no degree: 21.4%
- Associate's degree: 8.5%
- Bachelor's degree: 15.9%
- Graduate or professional degree: 9.5%
Max Pixel
#43. Oklahoma
- Education index: 93.43
- Less than high school: 4.0%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 7.9%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 31.3%
- Some college, no degree: 23.3%
- Associate's degree: 7.8%
- Bachelor's degree: 16.8%
- Graduate or professional degree: 8.7%
Urbanative // Wikimedia Commons
#42. Texas
- Education index: 93.66
- Less than high school: 8.2%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 8.1%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 25.0%
- Some college, no degree: 21.6%
- Associate's degree: 7.2%
- Bachelor's degree: 19.5%
- Graduate or professional degree: 10.4%
GoodFreePhotos
#41. Tennessee
- Education index: 93.80
- Less than high school: 4.6%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 7.9%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 32.1%
- Some college, no degree: 20.7%
- Associate's degree: 7.3%
- Bachelor's degree: 17.2%
- Graduate or professional degree: 10.1%
You may also like: Most conservative colleges in America
GoodFreePhotos
#40. Indiana
- Education index: 94.03
- Less than high school: 3.7%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 7.5%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 33.4%
- Some college, no degree: 20.2%
- Associate's degree: 8.8%
- Bachelor's degree: 16.9%
- Graduate or professional degree: 9.5%
Max Pixel
#39. New Mexico
- Education index: 94.14
- Less than high school: 6.0%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 8.4%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 26.5%
- Some college, no degree: 23.4%
- Associate's degree: 8.4%
- Bachelor's degree: 15.4%
- Graduate or professional degree: 12.0%
Thomas Shahan // Wikimedia Commons
#38. South Carolina
- Education index: 94.55
- Less than high school: 4.1%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 8.4%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 29.1%
- Some college, no degree: 20.5%
- Associate's degree: 9.8%
- Bachelor's degree: 17.8%
- Graduate or professional degree: 10.3%
Pixabay // Picryl
#37. Arizona
- Education index: 95.05
- Less than high school: 5.5%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 7.4%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 23.9%
- Some college, no degree: 25.2%
- Associate's degree: 8.6%
- Bachelor's degree: 18.4%
- Graduate or professional degree: 11.1%
W. Bulach // Wikimedia Commons
#36. Ohio
- Education index: 95.09
- Less than high school: 2.8%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 6.8%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 33.0%
- Some college, no degree: 20.4%
- Associate's degree: 8.7%
- Bachelor's degree: 17.6%
- Graduate or professional degree: 10.7%
You may also like: 25 oldest colleges in America
Max Pixel
#35. California
- Education index: 95.10
- Less than high school: 9.2%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 7.5%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 20.5%
- Some college, no degree: 21.1%
- Associate's degree: 7.8%
- Bachelor's degree: 21.2%
- Graduate or professional degree: 12.8%
Max Pixel
#34. Florida
- Education index: 95.11
- Less than high school: 4.8%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 7.0%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 28.6%
- Some college, no degree: 19.9%
- Associate's degree: 9.8%
- Bachelor's degree: 18.9%
- Graduate or professional degree: 11.0%
Pixabay
#33. Idaho
- Education index: 95.19
- Less than high school: 3.3%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 5.9%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 27.4%
- Some college, no degree: 26.0%
- Associate's degree: 9.8%
- Bachelor's degree: 18.6%
- Graduate or professional degree: 9.0%
Wikimedia Commons
#32. Georgia
- Education index: 95.21
- Less than high school: 4.6%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 8.2%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 27.7%
- Some college, no degree: 20.3%
- Associate's degree: 7.8%
- Bachelor's degree: 19.2%
- Graduate or professional degree: 12.1%
Sean Pavone // Shutterstock
#31. Missouri
- Education index: 95.24
- Less than high school: 3.1%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 6.9%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 30.6%
- Some college, no degree: 22.2%
- Associate's degree: 7.9%
- Bachelor's degree: 18.0%
- Graduate or professional degree: 11.2%
You may also like: 50 best colleges in the Midwest
Pixabay
#30. South Dakota
- Education index: 95.49
- Less than high school: 3.0%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 5.3%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 30.2%
- Some college, no degree: 21.1%
- Associate's degree: 11.5%
- Bachelor's degree: 19.9%
- Graduate or professional degree: 8.9%
GoodFreePhotos
#29. North Carolina
- Education index: 95.70
- Less than high school: 4.5%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 7.7%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 25.7%
- Some college, no degree: 21.2%
- Associate's degree: 9.7%
- Bachelor's degree: 20.0%
- Graduate or professional degree: 11.3%
Public Domain Pictures
#28. Michigan
- Education index: 95.77
- Less than high school: 2.9%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 6.3%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 28.9%
- Some college, no degree: 23.4%
- Associate's degree: 9.4%
- Bachelor's degree: 17.7%
- Graduate or professional degree: 11.4%
Pixabay
#27. Iowa
- Education index: 95.78
- Less than high school: 3.1%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.9%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 31.0%
- Some college, no degree: 21.0%
- Associate's degree: 11.6%
- Bachelor's degree: 19.3%
- Graduate or professional degree: 9.3%
Max Pixel
#26. Pennsylvania
- Education index: 95.82
- Less than high school: 3.2%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 6.3%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 34.7%
- Some college, no degree: 15.9%
- Associate's degree: 8.5%
- Bachelor's degree: 19.0%
- Graduate or professional degree: 12.4%
You may also like: 50 best colleges on the East Coast
GPA Photo Archive // Flickr
#25. Wyoming
- Education index: 95.97
- Less than high school: 1.8%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 5.0%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 29.1%
- Some college, no degree: 25.5%
- Associate's degree: 11.2%
- Bachelor's degree: 17.5%
- Graduate or professional degree: 9.9%
Pixabay
#24. Wisconsin
- Education index: 96.15
- Less than high school: 2.7%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 5.1%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 30.6%
- Some college, no degree: 20.6%
- Associate's degree: 10.9%
- Bachelor's degree: 19.7%
- Graduate or professional degree: 10.4%
Pixabay
#23. Delaware
- Education index: 96.15
- Less than high school: 3.5%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 6.4%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 31.3%
- Some college, no degree: 18.9%
- Associate's degree: 7.9%
- Bachelor's degree: 18.6%
- Graduate or professional degree: 13.4%
Bruce Goerlitz Photo // Shutterstock
#22. Alaska
- Education index: 96.24
- Less than high school: 2.5%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.6%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 28.0%
- Some college, no degree: 26.7%
- Associate's degree: 8.6%
- Bachelor's degree: 18.3%
- Graduate or professional degree: 11.2%
Max Pixel
#21. North Dakota
- Education index: 96.25
- Less than high school: 3.1%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.3%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 26.4%
- Some college, no degree: 22.3%
- Associate's degree: 13.8%
- Bachelor's degree: 21.8%
- Graduate or professional degree: 8.2%
You may also like: 50 college majors that earn the least money
USFWS Mountain-Prairie // Flickr
#20. Rhode Island
- Education index: 96.51
- Less than high school: 5.1%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 6.1%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 28.3%
- Some college, no degree: 18.0%
- Associate's degree: 8.4%
- Bachelor's degree: 20.4%
- Graduate or professional degree: 13.8%
Public Domain Pictures
#19. Nebraska
- Education index: 96.57
- Less than high school: 3.8%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.8%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 26.1%
- Some college, no degree: 22.8%
- Associate's degree: 10.6%
- Bachelor's degree: 21.0%
- Graduate or professional degree: 10.9%
Pixabay
#18. New York
- Education index: 96.68
- Less than high school: 6.1%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 7.0%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 26.0%
- Some college, no degree: 15.5%
- Associate's degree: 8.7%
- Bachelor's degree: 20.5%
- Graduate or professional degree: 16.0%
Matthew Rutledge // Flickr
#17. Maine
- Education index: 96.78
- Less than high school: 2.6%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.8%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 31.5%
- Some college, no degree: 19.3%
- Associate's degree: 10.1%
- Bachelor's degree: 20.0%
- Graduate or professional degree: 11.8%
Pixabay
#16. Hawaii
- Education index: 96.79
- Less than high school: 3.7%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.3%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 27.4%
- Some college, no degree: 20.9%
- Associate's degree: 10.7%
- Bachelor's degree: 21.7%
- Graduate or professional degree: 11.2%
You may also like: Best value colleges in every state
Pixabay
#15. Illinois
- Education index: 96.86
- Less than high school: 4.8%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 6.0%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 26.0%
- Some college, no degree: 20.5%
- Associate's degree: 8.1%
- Bachelor's degree: 21.1%
- Graduate or professional degree: 13.6%
Joseph Norton and Ronald Frazier // Wikimedia Commons
#14. Kansas
- Education index: 96.98
- Less than high school: 3.6%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 5.5%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 25.9%
- Some college, no degree: 23.0%
- Associate's degree: 8.7%
- Bachelor's degree: 21.1%
- Graduate or professional degree: 12.3%
James Watkins // Flickr
#13. Montana
- Education index: 97.02
- Less than high school: 1.9%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.5%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 28.8%
- Some college, no degree: 23.4%
- Associate's degree: 9.3%
- Bachelor's degree: 21.5%
- Graduate or professional degree: 10.6%
Unsplash
#12. Oregon
- Education index: 97.18
- Less than high school: 3.5%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 5.7%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 22.7%
- Some college, no degree: 25.4%
- Associate's degree: 8.9%
- Bachelor's degree: 20.8%
- Graduate or professional degree: 12.9%
Pixabay
#11. Utah
- Education index: 97.52
- Less than high school: 2.7%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 5.0%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 22.8%
- Some college, no degree: 25.7%
- Associate's degree: 9.7%
- Bachelor's degree: 22.5%
- Graduate or professional degree: 11.5%
You may also like: 50 best public colleges ranked from least to most expensive
Pixabay
#10. New Jersey
- Education index: 98.01
- Less than high school: 4.9%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 5.3%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 27.2%
- Some college, no degree: 16.4%
- Associate's degree: 6.5%
- Bachelor's degree: 24.2%
- Graduate or professional degree: 15.5%
Andrew Zarivny // Shutterstock
#9. Washington
- Education index: 98.06
- Less than high school: 3.7%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 5.0%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 22.0%
- Some college, no degree: 23.3%
- Associate's degree: 10.0%
- Bachelor's degree: 22.4%
- Graduate or professional degree: 13.6%
Unsplash
#8. Minnesota
- Education index: 98.42
- Less than high school: 2.9%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.0%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 24.6%
- Some college, no degree: 21.0%
- Associate's degree: 11.5%
- Bachelor's degree: 23.7%
- Graduate or professional degree: 12.4%
Pixabay
#7. Virginia
- Education index: 98.50
- Less than high school: 4.1%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 6.2%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 24.0%
- Some college, no degree: 19.2%
- Associate's degree: 7.8%
- Bachelor's degree: 22.0%
- Graduate or professional degree: 16.8%
Pixabay
#6. Vermont
- Education index: 98.60
- Less than high school: 2.2%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 5.1%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 28.8%
- Some college, no degree: 17.1%
- Associate's degree: 8.7%
- Bachelor's degree: 22.5%
- Graduate or professional degree: 15.5%
You may also like: 50 best colleges on the West Coast
Public Domain Pictures
#5. New Hampshire
- Education index: 98.61
- Less than high school: 2.1%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.8%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 27.4%
- Some college, no degree: 18.5%
- Associate's degree: 10.2%
- Bachelor's degree: 22.7%
- Graduate or professional degree: 14.3%
Pixabay
#4. Connecticut
- Education index: 98.63
- Less than high school: 4.0%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 5.3%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 26.9%
- Some college, no degree: 16.8%
- Associate's degree: 7.7%
- Bachelor's degree: 21.8%
- Graduate or professional degree: 17.5%
Pixabay
#3. Maryland
- Education index: 98.85
- Less than high school: 4.0%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 5.8%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 24.6%
- Some college, no degree: 18.7%
- Associate's degree: 6.7%
- Bachelor's degree: 21.5%
- Graduate or professional degree: 18.6%
PxHere
#2. Colorado
- Education index: 99.48
- Less than high school: 3.4%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.9%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 21.4%
- Some college, no degree: 21.1%
- Associate's degree: 8.4%
- Bachelor's degree: 25.6%
- Graduate or professional degree: 15.3%
Unsplash
#1. Massachusetts
- Education index: 100.00
- Less than high school: 4.4%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.9%
- High school graduate or equivalent: 24.0%
- Some college, no degree: 15.4%
- Associate's degree: 7.6%
- Bachelor's degree: 24.1%
- Graduate or professional degree: 19.6%
You may also like: The most conservative public colleges in America
Pixabay
Most and least educated states in America
Each year, around 50 million young Americans attend public elementary and secondary schools, according to the National Center for Education Statistics , making the country's educational system one of the farthest-reaching and most impactful government services. And while the debate over alternatives like charter schools rages on , one thing is undebatable: The future of the country lies in our youth, and our system's ability to provide an education that will enable them to create productive and meaningful lives for themselves.
Because education is handled at the state level—from curricula and budgets to graduation requirements—a standard American education is somewhat hard to define. Formal academic education is one of the ways children and young adults obtain the information needed to seek individual enrichment. Moreover, the social interaction inherent in public educational settings helps young people develop the traits and skills needed to thrive in diverse social environments.
To what extent education influences a person's ability to achieve a satisfactory level of well-being has been a constant matter of discussion among psychologists, sociologists, educators, and philosophers ever since the time of Socrates; however, there is greater consensus about how education affects living conditions . To wit, education has a causal relationship with income, housing, public policy, lifestyle, and health care. A study published by Virginia Commonwealth University's Center of Society and Health found that people in the U.S. with less education face "serious health disadvantages." According to the report, those whose formal education ended with high school "live with greater illnesses, have a shorter life expectancy, and tend to generate higher medical care costs."
To help understand areas with the highest educational attainment, Stacke r used data from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates , released in 2022, to determine areas with the highest educational attainment. This index evaluates each state's population across seven educational tiers, ranging from individuals not educated past eighth grade to those with graduate or professional degrees. States are ranked by the percentage of the population with a graduate degree. Ties are broken by the percentage with a bachelor's degree or higher.
How does your state stack up? Read on to discover which states are the most educated in the U.S.
michaeljung // Shutterstock
#52. Puerto Rico
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 14.1%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 7.6%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 28.0%
- Some college, no degree: 11.9%
- Associate's degree: 11.0%
- Bachelor's degree: 19.6%
- Graduate or professional degree: 7.8%
Terri Butler Photography // Shutterstock
#51. West Virginia
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 3.8%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 8.1%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 40.1%
- Some college, no degree: 18.5%
- Associate's degree: 7.7%
- Bachelor's degree: 13.0%
- Graduate or professional degree: 8.8%
Canva
#50. Arkansas
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 4.6%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 7.7%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 34.1%
- Some college, no degree: 21.7%
- Associate's degree: 7.7%
- Bachelor's degree: 15.5%
- Graduate or professional degree: 8.8%
Eduardo Medrano // Shutterstock
#49. North Dakota
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 2.6%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.1%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 26.1%
- Some college, no degree: 22.0%
- Associate's degree: 14.1%
- Bachelor's degree: 22.2%
- Graduate or professional degree: 8.9%
Jacob Boomsma // Shutterstock
#48. Mississippi
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 4.7%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 9.7%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 29.8%
- Some college, no degree: 22.1%
- Associate's degree: 10.5%
- Bachelor's degree: 14.2%
- Graduate or professional degree: 9.0%
Canva
#47. Nevada
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 5.3%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 7.6%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 27.8%
- Some college, no degree: 24.6%
- Associate's degree: 8.6%
- Bachelor's degree: 17.0%
- Graduate or professional degree: 9.1%
Jacob Boomsma // Shutterstock
#46. Louisiana
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 4.6%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 9.2%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 33.1%
- Some college, no degree: 20.9%
- Associate's degree: 6.7%
- Bachelor's degree: 16.3%
- Graduate or professional degree: 9.2%
Canva
#45. Oklahoma
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 3.8%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 7.4%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 30.8%
- Some college, no degree: 22.9%
- Associate's degree: 8.2%
- Bachelor's degree: 17.5%
- Graduate or professional degree: 9.3%
Sean Pavone // Shutterstock
#44. South Dakota
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 2.7%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.8%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 30.1%
- Some college, no degree: 20.7%
- Associate's degree: 11.8%
- Bachelor's degree: 20.6%
- Graduate or professional degree: 9.4%
Steven Frame // Shutterstock
#43. Idaho
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 3.2%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 5.6%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 26.5%
- Some college, no degree: 25.6%
- Associate's degree: 9.9%
- Bachelor's degree: 19.5%
- Graduate or professional degree: 9.6%
Charles Knowles // Shutterstock
#42. Iowa
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 2.8%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.4%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 30.6%
- Some college, no degree: 20.5%
- Associate's degree: 12.0%
- Bachelor's degree: 20.0%
- Graduate or professional degree: 9.7%
Grindstone Media Group // Shutterstock
#41. Indiana
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 3.5%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 6.7%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 33.0%
- Some college, no degree: 19.9%
- Associate's degree: 9.0%
- Bachelor's degree: 17.7%
- Graduate or professional degree: 10.1%
KYPhua // Shutterstock
#40. Alabama
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 3.8%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 8.8%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 30.5%
- Some college, no degree: 21.3%
- Associate's degree: 8.9%
- Bachelor's degree: 16.5%
- Graduate or professional degree: 10.2%
Sean Pavone // Shutterstock
#39. Kentucky
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 4.8%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 7.6%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 32.8%
- Some college, no degree: 20.6%
- Associate's degree: 8.6%
- Bachelor's degree: 15.1%
- Graduate or professional degree: 10.6%
f11photo // Shutterstock
#38. Wyoming
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 1.8%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.5%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 28.4%
- Some college, no degree: 25.2%
- Associate's degree: 11.6%
- Bachelor's degree: 17.9%
- Graduate or professional degree: 10.6%
Canva
#37. Tennessee
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 4.0%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 7.2%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 31.6%
- Some college, no degree: 20.6%
- Associate's degree: 7.6%
- Bachelor's degree: 18.2%
- Graduate or professional degree: 10.8%
CrackerClips Stock Media // Shutterstock
#36. Wisconsin
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 2.4%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.7%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 30.0%
- Some college, no degree: 20.2%
- Associate's degree: 11.2%
- Bachelor's degree: 20.7%
- Graduate or professional degree: 10.8%
Tony Savino // Shutterstock
#35. South Carolina
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 3.5%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 7.7%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 28.7%
- Some college, no degree: 20.2%
- Associate's degree: 10.0%
- Bachelor's degree: 18.6%
- Graduate or professional degree: 11.2%
jdross75 // Shutterstock
#34. Texas
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 7.6%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 7.5%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 24.5%
- Some college, no degree: 21.2%
- Associate's degree: 7.5%
- Bachelor's degree: 20.4%
- Graduate or professional degree: 11.2%
kintermedia // Shutterstock
#33. Ohio
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 2.7%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 6.2%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 32.6%
- Some college, no degree: 20.0%
- Associate's degree: 8.8%
- Bachelor's degree: 18.4%
- Graduate or professional degree: 11.3%
photo.ua // Shutterstock
#32. Montana
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 1.6%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.1%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 27.8%
- Some college, no degree: 23.4%
- Associate's degree: 9.5%
- Bachelor's degree: 22.3%
- Graduate or professional degree: 11.3%
Jon Bilous // Shutterstock
#31. Nebraska
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 3.8%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.5%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 25.6%
- Some college, no degree: 22.5%
- Associate's degree: 10.7%
- Bachelor's degree: 21.5%
- Graduate or professional degree: 11.4%
Jacob Boomsma // Shutterstock
#30. Alaska
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 2.3%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.5%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 28.5%
- Some college, no degree: 25.6%
- Associate's degree: 8.6%
- Bachelor's degree: 19.1%
- Graduate or professional degree: 11.5%
mffoto // Shutterstock
#29. Florida
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 4.4%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 6.6%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 27.9%
- Some college, no degree: 19.5%
- Associate's degree: 10.1%
- Bachelor's degree: 19.8%
- Graduate or professional degree: 11.7%
pisaphotography // Shutterstock
#28. Missouri
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 2.8%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 6.3%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 30.5%
- Some college, no degree: 21.6%
- Associate's degree: 8.2%
- Bachelor's degree: 18.9%
- Graduate or professional degree: 11.8%
Joe Hendrickson // Shutterstock
#27. Arizona
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 4.9%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 6.8%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 23.5%
- Some college, no degree: 24.6%
- Associate's degree: 9.0%
- Bachelor's degree: 19.3%
- Graduate or professional degree: 11.9%
antsdrone // Shutterstock
#26. Michigan
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 2.6%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 5.8%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 28.5%
- Some college, no degree: 22.8%
- Associate's degree: 9.7%
- Bachelor's degree: 18.6%
- Graduate or professional degree: 12.0%
Jacob Boomsma // Shutterstock
#25. Utah
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 2.5%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.4%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 22.7%
- Some college, no degree: 25.1%
- Associate's degree: 9.9%
- Bachelor's degree: 23.5%
- Graduate or professional degree: 12.0%
f11photo // Shutterstock
#24. North Carolina
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 4.1%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 6.8%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 25.2%
- Some college, no degree: 20.8%
- Associate's degree: 10.0%
- Bachelor's degree: 20.9%
- Graduate or professional degree: 12.1%
Derek Olson Photography // Shutterstock
#23. Hawaii
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 3.4%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 3.9%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 26.8%
- Some college, no degree: 20.5%
- Associate's degree: 11.0%
- Bachelor's degree: 22.2%
- Graduate or professional degree: 12.2%
Leigh Trail // Shutterstock
#22. Maine
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 2.1%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.2%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 30.9%
- Some college, no degree: 18.9%
- Associate's degree: 10.3%
- Bachelor's degree: 21.0%
- Graduate or professional degree: 12.6%
Joseph Sohm // Shutterstock
#21. New Mexico
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 5.4%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 7.8%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 26.0%
- Some college, no degree: 23.3%
- Associate's degree: 8.9%
- Bachelor's degree: 15.8%
- Graduate or professional degree: 12.7%
turtix // Shutterstock
#20. Georgia
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 4.4%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 7.4%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 27.2%
- Some college, no degree: 19.9%
- Associate's degree: 8.2%
- Bachelor's degree: 20.2%
- Graduate or professional degree: 12.8%
Sean Pavone // Shutterstock
#19. Kansas
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 3.5%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.9%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 25.7%
- Some college, no degree: 22.7%
- Associate's degree: 8.9%
- Bachelor's degree: 21.6%
- Graduate or professional degree: 12.8%
Sean Pavone // Shutterstock
#18. Minnesota
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 2.7%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 3.7%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 23.9%
- Some college, no degree: 20.5%
- Associate's degree: 11.6%
- Bachelor's degree: 24.6%
- Graduate or professional degree: 13.0%
Canva
#17. Pennsylvania
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 3.0%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 5.6%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 33.8%
- Some college, no degree: 15.7%
- Associate's degree: 8.7%
- Bachelor's degree: 19.9%
- Graduate or professional degree: 13.2%
Zack Frank // Shutterstock
#16. Oregon
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 3.3%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 5.2%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 22.5%
- Some college, no degree: 24.9%
- Associate's degree: 9.1%
- Bachelor's degree: 21.7%
- Graduate or professional degree: 13.3%
Josemaria Toscano // Shutterstock
#15. California
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 8.7%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 7.1%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 20.4%
- Some college, no degree: 20.5%
- Associate's degree: 8.0%
- Bachelor's degree: 21.9%
- Graduate or professional degree: 13.4%
Canva
#14. Delaware
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 3.2%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 5.7%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 30.4%
- Some college, no degree: 18.8%
- Associate's degree: 8.2%
- Bachelor's degree: 19.4%
- Graduate or professional degree: 14.2%
Real Window Creative // Shutterstock
#13. Washington
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 3.5%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.6%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 21.8%
- Some college, no degree: 22.7%
- Associate's degree: 10.2%
- Bachelor's degree: 23.1%
- Graduate or professional degree: 14.2%
kan_khampanya// Shutterstock
#12. Rhode Island
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 4.7%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 6.2%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 27.9%
- Some college, no degree: 17.7%
- Associate's degree: 8.2%
- Bachelor's degree: 20.9%
- Graduate or professional degree: 14.4%
Sean Pavone // Shutterstock
#11. Illinois
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 4.6%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 5.6%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 25.4%
- Some college, no degree: 20.1%
- Associate's degree: 8.2%
- Bachelor's degree: 21.8%
- Graduate or professional degree: 14.4%
marchello74 // Shutterstock
#10. New Hampshire
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 2.1%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.3%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 27.3%
- Some college, no degree: 17.8%
- Associate's degree: 10.3%
- Bachelor's degree: 23.4%
- Graduate or professional degree: 14.9%
Wangkun Jia // Shutterstock
#9. Colorado
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 3.2%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.4%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 20.6%
- Some college, no degree: 20.5%
- Associate's degree: 8.5%
- Bachelor's degree: 26.7%
- Graduate or professional degree: 16.1%
Maciej Bledowski // Shutterstock
#8. New Jersey
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 4.6%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.9%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 26.4%
- Some college, no degree: 15.9%
- Associate's degree: 6.7%
- Bachelor's degree: 25.1%
- Graduate or professional degree: 16.4%
Kamira // Shutterstock
#7. Vermont
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 1.8%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.3%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 28.0%
- Some college, no degree: 16.5%
- Associate's degree: 8.6%
- Bachelor's degree: 24.2%
- Graduate or professional degree: 16.7%
haveseen // Shutterstock
#6. New York
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 6.0%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 6.6%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 25.2%
- Some college, no degree: 15.2%
- Associate's degree: 8.9%
- Bachelor's degree: 21.3%
- Graduate or professional degree: 16.8%
Canva
#5. Virginia
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 3.7%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 5.5%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 23.8%
- Some college, no degree: 18.7%
- Associate's degree: 7.9%
- Bachelor's degree: 22.8%
- Graduate or professional degree: 17.6%
Canva
#4. Connecticut
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 4.0%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.9%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 26.1%
- Some college, no degree: 16.6%
- Associate's degree: 7.8%
- Bachelor's degree: 22.3%
- Graduate or professional degree: 18.2%
Laura Stone // Shutterstock
#3. Maryland
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 3.8%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 5.4%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 23.9%
- Some college, no degree: 18.4%
- Associate's degree: 6.9%
- Bachelor's degree: 22.0%
- Graduate or professional degree: 19.5%
Real Window Creative // Shutterstock
#2. Massachusetts
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 4.2%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.6%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 23.2%
- Some college, no degree: 15.1%
- Associate's degree: 7.7%
- Bachelor's degree: 24.8%
- Graduate or professional degree: 20.4%
lunamarina // Shutterstock
#1. Washington D.C.
Highest level of education completed:
- Less than 9th grade: 3.2%
- 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.5%
- High school graduate (includes equivalency): 15.5%
- Some college, no degree: 12.4%
- Associate's degree: 3.0%
- Bachelor's degree: 25.5%
- Graduate or professional degree: 35.9%
Orhan Cam // Shutterstock
Want to see more like this?
Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/uni-launches-new-sports-administration-bachelors-degree-program/article_8c50a5e0-00a7-11ee-9ae9-372608ec9f36.html | 2023-06-02T13:49:58 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/uni-launches-new-sports-administration-bachelors-degree-program/article_8c50a5e0-00a7-11ee-9ae9-372608ec9f36.html |
Why are Lincoln Memorial Drive, Hoan Bridge, I-794 closed the first weekend in June 2023?
If you're out for an early morning drive around Milwaukee on Sunday, you should probably avoid the Hoan Bridge and Lincoln Memorial Drive — or at least a portion of it.
That's because both will be temporarily closed to accommodate a closed-loop course for the annual UPAF Ride for the Arts, Wisconsin's largest one-day recreational bike ride. UPAF raises operating funds for performing arts organizations such as the Milwaukee Symphony and Milwaukee Repertory Theater. It also provides one-time grants to arts organizations. UPAF Ride for the Arts is its signature annual fundraising event.
Here's a quick guide to the June 4 event and where to expect road closures.
What is the route for the UPAF Ride for the Arts?
The 20-mile course stretches from Milwaukee to Cudahy, crosses the Hoan Bridge and showcases other scenic landscapes.
- It's northern edge is at Lincoln Memorial and North Lake Park drives in downtown Milwaukee
- It's southern edge is at Pennsylvania and Edgerton avenues in Cudahy
- The starting and finishing line for the ride is at Henry Maier Festival Park, the Summerfest grounds
What roads will be closed for the ride?
The major roadways that will be completely closed to traffic for the duration of the ride include a portion of Interstate 794 from Lincoln Memorial Drive to Edgerton Avenue. It will be closed to traffic from 7 to 11 a.m.
Riders must clear the route by 11 a.m. Vehicular traffic will resume along the route shortly thereafter.
How long will the Ride for the Arts road closures last?
For four hours, from 7 to 11 a.m. The event itself is scheduled to last until noon.
How much space do drivers have to give cyclists when passing them?
Drivers are required to give cyclists at least three feet clearance when passing them on the street and need to maintain clearance until safely past the bicycle, according to state law.
Are cyclists required to stop at red lights?
Bicyclists facing a red signal at the intersection may, after stopping as required for not less than 45 seconds, proceed cautiously through the intersection before the signal turns green if no other vehicles are present at the intersection, according to state law.
Cyclists proceeding through a red signal need to yield the right-of-way to any vehicle traffic and pedestrians.
More:What rights do you have as a pedestrian or bicyclist on Wisconsin roads?
More:After decades-long prohibition, bicycles are now allowed on Milwaukee's playgrounds | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/02/upaf-ride-for-the-arts-2023-to-partially-close-some-milwaukee-roadways/70273338007/ | 2023-06-02T13:54:22 | 0 | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/02/upaf-ride-for-the-arts-2023-to-partially-close-some-milwaukee-roadways/70273338007/ |
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Contact Us | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/video-shows-attack-shooting-on-septa-bus/3577851/ | 2023-06-02T14:09:52 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/video-shows-attack-shooting-on-septa-bus/3577851/ |
BLOOMINGTON — First installments for McLean County property taxes are due Monday, June 5.
Payments not received by the McLean County Treasurer & Tax Collector's Office or postmarked by June 5 will be subject to a 1.5% interest penalty, per Illinois statute.
Tax payments can be mailed or dropped off in person at the Government Center, 115 E. Washington St., Bloomington, IL 61701. A payment drop box is located in the parking lot of the Government Center.
Tax payments can also be made at most local banks, but but taxpayers should confirm with their bank first.
Credit card and E-check payment options are available in the office, online or by phone. There is a convenience fee for card payments.
Contact 309-888-5180 or treasurer@mcleancountyil.go , or visit mcleancountyil.gov/tax for more information.
Contact 309-888-5130 or assessor@mcleanil.gov for questions regarding assessments.
Bloomington plants Arbor Day tree at Sheridan Elementary
'THE GIVING TREE'
Fourth grader Aliciah May gives a readers theater presentation of "The Giving Tree" on Friday at Sheridan Elementary School in Bloomington. The City of Bloomington’s Beautification Committee chose Sheridan as the recipient of its annual Arbor Day tree and held a planting ceremony there on Friday.
GINA LAVAZZA, FOR THE PANTAGRAPH
043023-blm-loc-arborday5.jpeg
Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe gives the official Arbor Day Proclamation on Friday at Sheridan Elementary School in Bloomington. The City of Bloomington’s Beautification Committee chose Sheridan as the recipient of its annual Arbor Day tree and held a planting ceremony there on Friday.
GINA LAVAZZA, FOR THE PANTAGRAPH
043023-blm-loc-arborday4.jpeg
Fourth graders help plant a tree on Friday at Sheridan Elementary School in Bloomington. The City of Bloomington’s Beautification Committee chose Sheridan as the recipient of its annual Arbor Day tree and held a planting ceremony there on Friday.
GINA LAVAZZA, FOR THE PANTAGRAPH
043023-blm-loc-arborday3.jpeg
Fourth graders Christian Nobles, left, and Aliciah May give a readers theater presentation of "The Giving Tree" on Friday at Sheridan Elementary School in Bloomington. The City of Bloomington’s Beautification Committee chose Sheridan as the recipient of its annual Arbor Day tree and held a planting ceremony there on Friday.
GINA LAVAZZA, FOR THE PANTAGRAPH
043023-blm-loc-arborday2.jpeg
Fourth graders help plant a tree on Friday at Sheridan Elementary School in Bloomington.
GINA LAVAZZA, FOR THE PANTAGRAPH
Contact Olivia Jacobs at 309-820-3352. Follow Olivia on Twitter: @olivia___jacobs
Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox!
Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/mclean-county-property-tax-payments-due-monday/article_eb0d73f4-00a9-11ee-a553-bbc86f44b149.html | 2023-06-02T14:11:36 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/mclean-county-property-tax-payments-due-monday/article_eb0d73f4-00a9-11ee-a553-bbc86f44b149.html |
As a wildfire continued to burn in Ocean County, New Jersey, the smoky conditions contributed to the hourslong closure of a miles of the Garden State Parkway just as folks head to the Jersey Shore for the weekend.
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority -- which operates the Garden State Parkway -- announced Friday morning just after 5:30 that the combination of wildfire smoke from the Allen Road Wildfire in the Bass River State Forest and dense fog led to the closure of the GSP between the Atlantic City Expressway (Exit 38) and NJ 72 (Exit 63).
As of 7:15 a.m., NJ 511 tweeted that northbound and southbound traffic was being diverted from the GSP.
Get Tri-state area news and weather forecasts to your inbox. Sign up for NBC New York newsletters.
The GSP is a critical road for people accessing Jersey Shore points. No word yet when traffic might return to normal. In the meantime, adjacent U.S. Route 9 could be used as an alternate through parts of the closure.
Stafford police tweeted Friday morning that due to the GSP closure that traffic was being diverted on Route 72. They warned drivers to expect delays.
Finally, after 9:30 a.m., the Garden State Parkway announced that both northbound and southbound lanes were open again. They warned however of slower speeds between exits 48 and 52.
This all came as firefighters tried to contain a massive wildfire that has burned thousands of acres of a New Jersey forest and at one point threatened buildings.
As of 5 p.m. Thursday, the Allen Road Wildfire in Ocean County's Bass River State Forest was 50% contained after burning 5,000 acres. As of 8 a.m. Friday, the fire was still at 50% contained.
"A backfiring operation to help contain the fire continued today to assist in achieving containment goals," the forest fire service said.
Firefighters first responded to the blaze Wednesday afternoon at 4:45 p.m. The fire was initially burning in only several dozen acres, but quickly spread.
At least six homes were threatened by the flames and evacuated and the Timberline Campground was evacuated, the forest fire service said. In total, about 40 people were evacuated.
As of Thursday evening, Allen Road and Oswego Road remained closed as well as Stage Road between North Maple Avenue and Rt. 679 and Route 679 between Rt. 563 and Leaktown Road.
While zero residential structures were threatened as of late Thursday, the Timberline Campground and the Batona Trail in Bass River State Forest remained closed.
Fire officials expected the battle against the blaze to take some time to fully contain.
The smoke from the Allen Road Fire was blowing over other parts of New Jersey and Delaware, adding to an already rough air quality due to Canadian wildfire smoke.
This is the latest wildfire to strike the Garden State amid a stretch of mostly dry weather.
Sign up for our Breaking newsletter to get the most urgent news stories in your inbox. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/bass-river-wildfire-garden-state-parkway/4388220/ | 2023-06-02T14:14:54 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/bass-river-wildfire-garden-state-parkway/4388220/ |
Kinsley Schernikau could easily have been describing a pack of 10-year-old boys on Wednesday.
Some just want to play, she said. Others want to hang out and watch.
"And there are some that want to run, run, run — and wrestle," she said. "It's kind of our job to just make sure they are playing appropriately and that we deescalate anything before it turns into anything big."
Adventures in babysitting, right?
She was actually referring to her job as a member of the paw patrol, a group charged with keeping order at Off Leash, Lincoln's first dog bar, which opened last week at 1975 M St.
Its opening comes a week before Lincoln's second dog bar — Urban Hound — is scheduled to open at 48th and Van Dorn streets.
The dog bar concept is not new. Virtually every major city has one. Yelp has a list of the top 25 dog bars in America. Omaha entered into the fray in February 2021 with a 12,000-square-foot dog park, bar and eatery.
People are also reading…
And that's what caught Brandon Akert's attention.
The Lincoln native and University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate has flexed his entrepreneurial muscles by co-owning a catering business and Gate 25, a Haymarket bar that will celebrate its 10th anniversary in late August.
But a dog bar — a new challenge in an untapped market — scratched a hard-to-reach itch that had everything to do with his love for dogs.
"This concept is not unique by any means," he said. "But I've always had an affinity for it. It's a classic thing where it's stuck to the coasts and starts in the south, and just takes forever to get (to Nebraska)."
Ryenne Leising, a bartender at both Gate 25 and Off Leash, said she thought Akert was joking when he told her of the dog bar idea. Slowly, she said she warmed to the idea.
"There's nowhere in Lincoln like it," said Leising, who owns a golden retriever named Soren. "A lot of people with dogs feel like their dogs are their kids. And so it's a place you can bring dogs. It's a place you can actually bring your dog and you know that it's OK for them."
Off Leash is housed in a former auto body shop. Its high ceilings, 8,000-square-feet of indoor and outdoor space provide dogs with plenty of room to play.
The outdoor area features a child's pool and AstroTurf to run on. Inside, polished concrete floors and a garage door that is open in the summer allows them to run inside and out.
Meanwhile, a number of tables — inside and out — offer dog owners a place to sit and relax with a drink while their dogs play.
There is also an area where food is allowed and dogs are required to be on leash, while their owners can eat something, play a board game or just unwind.
The bar is free to people, but a day pass for their dog is $10. Monthly and yearly passes are also available.
There was one day last week when there were 31 dogs in the bar at once and Akert said there were no major issues.
"It felt very comfortable and all the dogs were interacting," he said. "That shows we were really good at getting to it before any sort of incident happened."
There will be episodes, Akert acknowledged. Dogs, like everyone, play with different levels of enthusiasm.
Akert mentioned one dog that liked to run, creating a track that started in the outdoor play area and circled inside and back to where he began. The dog urged a handful of other dogs to run with him. By the time their convoy was complete, a dozen or so dogs had formed a furry hazard to everyone around them.
And there were other dogs that didn't like it. Some barked. Others growled. It had the potential for a fight, but it was quickly halted.
"I thought the dogs were gonna be getting in fights all the time, but there really hasn't been that many issues, which actually surprised me a lot," Leising said.
Dogs that do get out of line are put into doggie timeout, a caged area, for a minimum of 10 minutes, which he said will eventually teach them proper behavior.
Rules are rules. There are no folded newspapers to the snout, but dogs are expected to abide by the rules — as are their owners.
Before entering the bar that is guarded by two chain-link gates an online disclaimer must be completed.
"We're kind of like a theme park and the theme is dogs, right?" he said. "And so we do run a risk that people could get bit or people could interact wrong."
Dogs, according to the law, are technically personal property — the responsibility of the owner, Akert said. The waiver makes that clear from the outset.
"The waivers is a level of protection for insurance purposes and everything in between," he said. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/off-leash-lincolns-first-dog-bar-opens-its-doors/article_74a6ce26-ffec-11ed-aeda-b7e0f8a11ea5.html | 2023-06-02T14:24:46 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/off-leash-lincolns-first-dog-bar-opens-its-doors/article_74a6ce26-ffec-11ed-aeda-b7e0f8a11ea5.html |
AUGUSTA -- The training that goes into becoming an investigator within the Fire Marshal's office can be weeks to months long.
So when a team like this one graduates... It's a pretty special moment.
Fire investigator Andrew Whitney and his K9 "Cheeto" recently graduated from a 4 week long arson dog training program.
This program, that was sponsored by state farm, took advantage of Cheeto's keen smelling and trained the 2-year-old to track down the source of suspicious fires.
Cheeto will be formally introduced next Tuesday. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/fire-marshals-office-announces-new-k9-graduate/article_88a7e176-014f-11ee-8262-e3c2a9c78c5d.html | 2023-06-02T14:28:18 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/fire-marshals-office-announces-new-k9-graduate/article_88a7e176-014f-11ee-8262-e3c2a9c78c5d.html |
PULASKI COUNTY, Va. – An investigation is underway after two were pronounced dead with gunshot wounds at a residence in Pulaski County Tuesday, according to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said at around 6:20 p.m., the sheriff’s office responded to 5997 Wilderness Road Lot 28 in Dublin in reference to a report of multiple gunshots with potentially two victims inside the residence.
According to authorities, deputies located a male and female inside the residence with gunshot wounds, both of which were pronounced dead by rescue personnel.
We’re told that during the incident, there were two children inside the residence, both unharmed and taken to a neighbor’s residence until the Department of Social Services could arrive and assist.
Authorities said the male was identified as 27-year-old Jimmy Brewer III of Dublin, Virginia, and the female was identified as 25-year-old Ashley Ray, also of Dublin, Virginia.
The sheriff’s office said the incident was determined to be isolated and there was no further threat to the public.
Both Brewer and Ray were transported to Medical Examiner’s Office in Roanoke and the investigation is still ongoing, authorities said. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/02/two-dead-after-shooting-incident-on-wilderness-road-in-pulaski-county-authorities-say/ | 2023-06-02T14:33:02 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/02/two-dead-after-shooting-incident-on-wilderness-road-in-pulaski-county-authorities-say/ |
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — Flames destroyed a home in Northumberland County Friday morning.
The Milton Fire Department shared Facebook photos of the fire on Golf Course Road in Turbot Township, near Milton.
Flames broke out at the home around 3:30 a.m.
Firefighters said everyone got out safely but two dogs died in the fire.
There is no word on the cause.
Developing story; check back for updates.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/northumberland-county/flames-gut-home-near-milton-turbot-township-golf-course-road/523-4264ae86-80fb-4388-9020-29150e745f29 | 2023-06-02T14:36:03 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/northumberland-county/flames-gut-home-near-milton-turbot-township-golf-course-road/523-4264ae86-80fb-4388-9020-29150e745f29 |
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Milford High School graduates students
33 PHOTOS | https://www.delawareonline.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2023/06/02/milford-high-school-graduation-2023/11996802002/ | 2023-06-02T14:36:56 | 0 | https://www.delawareonline.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2023/06/02/milford-high-school-graduation-2023/11996802002/ |
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream coming to Visalia this summer
Two new restaurants are preparing to open their doors to Visalians, including an ice cream shop and sandwich joint.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream will celebrate its grand opening this summer, bringing more than 45 different ice cream flavors to Visalia's main boulevard.
The franchise started in Ohio in 1945 when Alice Handel began using fresh fruit from her backyard garden to create homemade ice cream, according to Handel’s history page. Since then, the franchise has expanded to more than 10 states.
Each batch of homemade ice cream is made fresh daily from Handel’s original methods and recipes. Flavors range from location to location, with some stores offering brownie dough, peppermint bark, New York cheesecake chunk, cinnamon sticky bun, French silk pie, eggnog, snickerdoodle, horchata, and chocolate marshmallow.
The restaurant also offers sherbet — including lime, orange, pineapple, red raspberry and pink champagne — as well as flavored ice.
Jersey Mike's Subs is also preparing to celebrate its grand opening and will open right next door to Handel's.
The sandwich joint opened its first location in 1956 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, according to Jersey Mike's history page. Since then, the franchise has opened more than 2,000 locations. The sandwich shop is hiring ahead of opening.
However, no date has been given.
Jersey Mike's Subs bakes its own bread daily and uses locally grown produce as well as lean meats and fine, aged cheeses — both sliced right in front of you when you order. They also top sandwiches off with their signature red wine vinegar and an olive oil blend.
Menu items include hot and cold sandwiches, like their ham and provolone and their chicken Philly cheese steaks.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream and Jersey Mike's Subs are located at 3301 S. Mooney Boulevard, next to Pizza Guys and Dave's Hot Chicken, near the Sequoia Mall. | https://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/story/news/local/2023/06/02/handels-homemade-ice-cream-coming-soon-to-visalia/70269560007/ | 2023-06-02T14:42:17 | 0 | https://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/story/news/local/2023/06/02/handels-homemade-ice-cream-coming-soon-to-visalia/70269560007/ |
INDIANAPOLIS — As Hoosiers hit the road for summer travel this season, nurses at Ascension St. Vincent want to make sure families are also packing the appropriate car seat.
That's because, right now, staff at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital are seeing more and more injured children due to improper car seats or a lack of seating altogether.
"Car seats are complicated, without a doubt," said Lori Baldwin, registered nurse and injury prevention manager. "There are many options, and they are not standardized."
However, Baldwin said taking a few minutes to make sure your children are in the appropriate seat can make a big difference.
"If kids are safely buckled, then we can prevent some major injuries," Baldwin said. "Accidents are going to happen, so we are here to serve."
For all caregivers, Baldwin said there are three main steps to making sure your child is safe while riding in a car.
First, consider the vehicle you are driving and refer to the vehicle's manual when it comes to which seat is best for a child.
"You need to follow the vehicle instructions on where the proper places are to put children in a vehicle," Baldwin said.
Second, know the height and weight requirements and limits on each seat.
"There are a lot of different seating options, but they are not necessarily standardized," Baldwin said.
That means the best seat for one 4-year-old boy may not be the same seat for another.
Third, Baldwin reminds caregivers to ensure they know how to properly secure the car seat in the vehicle.
"Should you use the lower anchor tether system, or should you use the vehicle seatbelt to secure the seat?" Baldwin asked.
"We see very small children that are well-secured in their seats from being babies," Baldwin said. "It's that transition to another age where we start to see confusion or lack of proper seating."
As a reminder, there are state laws in Indiana when it comes to car seats.
- All babies under age 1 and less than 20 pounds must be in a rear-facing car seat.
- All children under 30 pounds must be in a forward-facing car seat.
- All children under 8 must be in a car seat or booster seat.
- All children under 16 must be in a booster seat or wearing a seat belt, depending on their weight.
In addition, Baldwin said children must be in, at least, a booster seat until they are 8 years old and 4'9".
"This is where we see kids start to get out of seats a little too soon," Baldwin said. "They hit that magical 8-year-old age, but they are not 4'9"."
In addition to the safety regulations, Ascension St. Vincent also uses what it calls "Take Me There" stickers. They are filled out by caregivers and placed on car seats. That way, in case of an accident, first responders know basic information about the child, even if the caregivers are not able to communicate.
Just as trauma season starts for local emergency departments, Baldwin reminds caregivers that properly using a car seat can prevent major injury.
In fact, Baldwin and her pediatric injury prevention team are now taking their tips on the road.
"That's a huge part of my job, is being out and about in the community," Baldwin said.
Baldwin's team plans on being at the Indianapolis Zoo to talk to families and share free advice three times in June:
- Friday, June 2: 9 a.m. to noon
- Friday, June 16: 9 a.m. to noon
- Friday, June 23: Noon to 4 p.m. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/car-seat-safety-summer-travel-tips/531-24c225a9-a491-4388-a6d7-2fd4baeee551 | 2023-06-02T14:43:38 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/car-seat-safety-summer-travel-tips/531-24c225a9-a491-4388-a6d7-2fd4baeee551 |
To address rising emergency calls and an increasingly overworked staff, the Casper Fire-EMS Department is hoping to add a dozen people to its ranks over the next two years.
The plan is to hire six new firefighters during the 2024 fiscal year and another six come 2025, said Fire Chief Jacob Black.
Right now, the department has about 75 personnel, but it’s never at full force. People go on vacation or parental leave, or get injured or sick. Then there’s turnover — the department anticipates 25 to 30 people to leave in the next five years, said Black.
“One unplanned retirement can cause a vacancy for a minimum of six months before we get someone hired and trained to be a firefighter,” he said.
The crunch has been especially severe lately, Black said. From August to December of last year, the department was consistently down between 13 and 14 people.
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Its ranks weren’t always this lean. According to Black, the agency had over 100 personnel before the economic bust of the ‘80s. And it was probably responding to just a couple thousand calls a year back then, he said.
The volume of calls coming into the Casper Fire-EMS Department is much higher these days. Black said he expects the agency to receive between 9,300 and 9,500 in 2023.
It’s not uncommon for the department to get more service calls than on-duty staff can accommodate.
When that happens, firefighters have to work overtime — lots of it.
That affects the quality of service the agency can provide while also making working conditions worse for employees, Black said.
“It’s causing more injuries, more issues with with burnout,” he said.
The Casper Fire-EMS Department anticipates spending about $330,000 in overtime by the end of fiscal year 2023, according to figures published in the city’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2024. In 2022, that number was a little under $306,000.
“We would rather invest those dollars into permanent positions and a better and more efficient service model than straining our guys having a less efficient service delivery, rolling the dice on these critical calls and hoping that two critical calls don’t come in at the same time,” Black said.
The top priority will be adding firefighters to the agency’s truck and rescue companies, he said. Right now, the city just doesn’t have enough people to staff those teams 24/7.
But the services they provide are critical, Black said. The rescue company is specially equipped to carry out rope rescues and respond to medical emergencies. Think car crashes, where responders have to be prepared to help an injured person out of a confined space on uneven terrain.
The truck company, meanwhile, operates the department’s only aerial apparatus — the long mechanical arm used to tackle structural fires, especially in high rises.
Recruitment won’t be easy. Prospective firefighters have to endure rigorous training and testing, as well as background checks and psychological and physical evaluations, Black said.
“When I was hired, there was 400-plus people that tested for positions,” Black said. “Now we’re lucky if we get 100.”
The department’s planning to ramp up its testing schedule over the next five years in order to speed up hiring, he said. | https://trib.com/news/local/casper/casper-fire-ems-department-looks-to-grow-ranks-by-12-over-next-two-years/article_a0473436-00bd-11ee-87ce-6b86fba978ab.html | 2023-06-02T14:45:04 | 1 | https://trib.com/news/local/casper/casper-fire-ems-department-looks-to-grow-ranks-by-12-over-next-two-years/article_a0473436-00bd-11ee-87ce-6b86fba978ab.html |
A 57-year-old Wishek man died when the concrete truck he was driving crashed in Logan County.
A tire blew while the man was eastbound on state Highway 13 around 10 a.m. Thursday, according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol. The truck overturned in the ditch about 4 miles east of Lehr, and the driver was ejected from the vehicle.
He was taken to a Wishek medical center, where he died of his injuries. His name wasn't immediately released. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/wishek-man-dies-in-concrete-truck-crash/article_42f083e8-0147-11ee-9dd9-1f3f15c63583.html | 2023-06-02T14:55:02 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/wishek-man-dies-in-concrete-truck-crash/article_42f083e8-0147-11ee-9dd9-1f3f15c63583.html |
The traffic signals at the intersection of Washington and Expressway in Bismarck will be shut down for upgrades starting at 10 p.m. Monday.
Police officers will be on site to provide traffic control. The shutdown will last only a few hours, with signals back operating for the Tuesday morning commute, according to the state Department of Transportation. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/traffic-signal-work-set-at-bismarck-intersection/article_e11937c0-00b8-11ee-a162-ef245ac8b614.html | 2023-06-02T14:55:08 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/traffic-signal-work-set-at-bismarck-intersection/article_e11937c0-00b8-11ee-a162-ef245ac8b614.html |
Here is your Duluth News Tribune Minute podcast for Friday, June 2, 2023.
The Duluth News Tribune Minute is a product of Forum Communications Company and is brought to you by reporters at the Duluth News Tribune, Superior Telegram and Cloquet Pine Journal. Find more news throughout the day at duluthnewstribune.com. Subscribe and rate us at
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. | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/listen-stauber-votes-to-raise-debt-ceiling | 2023-06-02T14:59:19 | 1 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/listen-stauber-votes-to-raise-debt-ceiling |
Crime Stoppers are looking for three suspects who entered a CVS located on Lee Blvd, Lehigh Acres, after midnight and committed a grand theft.
The three women were wearing white shirts, black shorts, and sandals and had two small children with them.
If you recognize them, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS, submit a tip online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com, or on the P3 Tips mobile app. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/lee-county/2023/06/02/three-women-wearing-the-same-outfit-on-the-run-after-committing-grand-theft-in-a-cvs-in-lehigh-acres/ | 2023-06-02T14:59:42 | 0 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/lee-county/2023/06/02/three-women-wearing-the-same-outfit-on-the-run-after-committing-grand-theft-in-a-cvs-in-lehigh-acres/ |
YORK, Pa. — There will be street rods revving up their engines in York this weekend.
The 49th annual Street Rods Nationals East rolled into the York State Fair Grounds on Friday.
The event featured over 3,500 classic and custom cars from across the country. Many of these vehicles are fan-favorites from car enthusiasts, including street rods, muscle cars, hot rods and classic cars and trucks, all over thirty years old.
Popular attractions also returned, like the East Pinstripers Brigade Bash and charity auction, Women's World, Nitro Knockout, Pinup Girl Contest and Best Men's Beard.
Street Rods National East runs from Friday, June 2 to Sunday, June 4. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/49th-annual-street-rod-nationals-east-york/521-2ecaf13d-df88-49a6-a734-c38db8814af7 | 2023-06-02T15:09:22 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/49th-annual-street-rod-nationals-east-york/521-2ecaf13d-df88-49a6-a734-c38db8814af7 |
LANCASTER, Pa. — A Lancaster County police chief is retiring after 36 years.
Thomas E. Rudzinski, chief of the Manheim Township Police Department, spent his last day on duty Friday, the police department said.
Rudzinski joined the department in May 1987, rising up the ranks of Sergeant and Lieutenant before being selected as Chief of Police in April 2017.
A resident of Manheim Township, Rudzinski has shown over the years "that he cares about the community he spent his life serving," the police department said.
Rudzinski has earned six life-saving awards, a Distinguished Service Award, eight firearms proficiency awards and three Chief awards over his 36-year tenure.
He is currently serving as third vice president of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, is the immediate past president of Central Pennsylvania Chiefs, and his the current chairman of the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.
"Manheim Township Police thank Chief Rudzinski for his service and wish him an enjoyable retirement," the police department said. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county/manheim-township-police-chief-thomas-rudzinski-retirement/521-feea102a-b298-4bac-9946-4bfa29c32604 | 2023-06-02T15:09:28 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county/manheim-township-police-chief-thomas-rudzinski-retirement/521-feea102a-b298-4bac-9946-4bfa29c32604 |
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Walking has powerful health benefits. It can protect you against heart disease, type 2 diabetes, even cancer. And according to a new study, your risk of premature death decreases as your daily step count increases. Consumer Reports helps you track your steps to better fitness and health.
Do you get 10,000 steps a day? For most of us, that’s roughly 5 miles. But if that sounds like too lofty a goal, take heart: People who step less may still see big health benefits.
High step counts have been associated with a lower risk for sleep apnea, reflux, and depression. But even a 15-minute stroll can improve mood, reduce stress, and help you sleep better.
Generally, experts say the more you walk, the more benefits you’ll get. Need some motivation? A fitness tracker or smartwatch could help you reach your goals.
CR tests both types of gadgets to count your steps, check your heart rate, and track your sleep. It recommends the Fitbit Inspire 3 for $99.95 and the Apple Watch SE for $249.
"Remember, there’s really no single magic number of steps. Any amount of walking that gets you up and out of your chair is a step in the right direction," said Catherine Roberts of Consumer Reports.
To figure out your step goal, start by estimating how many steps you take in a typical week, then increase your daily average by 500. Once you can hit that new number regularly for a week, add another 500.
Ready to get started?
Wear bright colors and shoes that fit well. Walk with good posture. If you have balance problems, consider using walking poles. And if you need music or a podcast to stay motivated, make sure you’re still aware of your environment to keep you safe and let you enjoy the journey.
As with most aspects of living a long, higher-quality life, staying fit may help reduce brain disease risk and help maintain cognitive strength. So walking now may keep you walking for years to come. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/10000-steps-do-you-really-need-that-many-consumer-reports-walking-benefits-health-diseases-set-goal-fitbit-apple-watch/83-df4ad305-faf7-4b4f-b7b9-ed4a86bccf0d | 2023-06-02T15:11:22 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/10000-steps-do-you-really-need-that-many-consumer-reports-walking-benefits-health-diseases-set-goal-fitbit-apple-watch/83-df4ad305-faf7-4b4f-b7b9-ed4a86bccf0d |
MAURICE RIVER TOWNSHIP — The man wanted for allegedly trying to abduct a 7-year-old boy at a Cumberland County Wawa over the weekend was arrested, according to State Police.
Joseph Thomas Cannon, 79, of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, was charged and is being held in Cumberland County jail, according to court records.
Cannon allegedly tried luring the boy out of a Wawa on Route 47 in Maurice River Township with candy before grabbing him after the child denied his offer. The child broke from the man's grasp, running to his mother in the women's restroom before the man could be located by her.
A video released on Wednesday showed the car speeding away from the convenience store.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-arrest-in-connection-with-attempted-child-abduction-in-maurice-river-township/article_49a0aa3a-0154-11ee-b03a-3fc30fbb1caf.html | 2023-06-02T15:16:34 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-arrest-in-connection-with-attempted-child-abduction-in-maurice-river-township/article_49a0aa3a-0154-11ee-b03a-3fc30fbb1caf.html |
BASS RIVER TOWNSHIP — A fast-moving forest fire that started Wednesday afternoon is likely to burn through about 6,000 acres of Bass River State Forest before it is fully out, state fire officials said.
Smoke from the fire could be seen in portions of Atlantic and Cumberland counties.
“The fire was exhibiting extreme fire behavior, so that plays into us not being able to get our equipment in to safely direct-attack the fire,” John Earlin, incident commander in the emergency response, said Thursday during a news conference held about a mile from the flames.
On Friday morning, the fire and fog caused the closure of the Garden State Parkway from Exit 38 to Exit 63 in both directions. The stretch of roadway was reopened before 10 a.m. once conditions improved.
Due to the heavy smoke conditions with a wildfire, the Garden State Parkway Southbound Ramps are closed. Traffic has been diverted to Route 72 East.
— Stafford Police NJ (@StaffordPolice) June 2, 2023
Please expect heavy delays on Route 72 and avoid the area if possible. Thank you for your patience. pic.twitter.com/heGCrDFqDO
Earlin said the intense heat and compacted areas of forest limited emergency response to setting a barrier around the fire.
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Dry weather is expected to impact the region and could fuel the fire for days, leaving roads closed and the immediate area on high alert, state fire officials said.
By the time it’s extinguished, the fire could cover 6,000 acres.
The fire reached 5,000 acres Thursday afternoon and was about 50% contained. No structures were considered in its path.
The fire was first seen off Allen Road about 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, Fire Warden Greg McLaughlin said. It started in a wildfire-prone area of the forest.
UPPER TOWNSHIP — A campground devastated by a large fire that torched close to two dozen cam…
Allen and Oswego roads were both closed. Stage Road was closed between North Maple Avenue and Route 679, and Route 679 was closed between Route 563 and Leektown Road.
Firefighters were on scene within about 20 minutes of the first reports, McLaughlin said.
On Thursday afternoon, crews were seeking to establish a perimeter around the fire to curtail the flames.
“We want to get our arms around it as much as possible,” McLaughlin said. “Once we have our arms around the fire, then we can start to talk about how confident are we, in terms of that, holding the fire within this space. As we get more confident that the fire is going to remain in that space, then we start to look at containment.”
Nearby, six structures and about 40 people at the Timberline Campground were threatened, spurring evacuation orders. The campground was still told to remain on Thursday afternoon, officials said.
Little Egg Harbor Township’s Bob Kociban was at his campsite at Timberline when the fire erupted.
About 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, authorities began shouting over loudspeakers to evacuate.
“Me and a few other people were standing there and were like, ‘This is pretty damn close,’” Kociban, 56, said of when he captured images of the fire as it began to be seen over the trees.
Record warmth, both for high and low temperatures, threaten to go down Thursday. The peak of the inland heat will be here and new data tells me that the shore's warmest day could be Thursday as well.
Not far from Kociban’s camper was a home shared by Linda Michel and Art O’Brien, who were both ordered out of their residence about two hours later.
“We heard some sirens, and then we went out and looked, and we could see a little plume of smoke,” said O’Brien, 64, of New Gretna. “It was real close to where we were at.”
Neither O’Brien nor Michel had before been evacuated from their home for an emergency, he said.
“It was a little nerve-wracking, not knowing what was really happening, and how devastating a fire can be, as you see with some of the fires on TV. They’re taking a lot of people’s homes out, and quickly,” O’Brien said.
State firefighters prepare for wildfire season by treating sensitive woodlands in the offseason through prescribed burns, a process in which fire is intentionally set in a controlled manner to remove elements, such as dry leaves, that could prolong fire.
The area off Allen Road where Wednesday’s fire was had not been treated by prescribed burns, but a spot southwest of it was, McLaughlin said.
The flames Thursday were being guided by a path of dense woods and ground fuel, eventually leading to areas previously left vacant of dry leaves and grass through a prescribed burn.
Atlantic County officials warned residents of potential air quality issues related to the fire.
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — A detached garage that was on fire led to a nearby forest catching afl…
“Multiple fires may impact the air quality for Atlantic County residents for an unknown period of time, though there are no current alerts,” according to a statement from Linda Gilmore, public information officer for the county. “Atlantic County public health officials remind residents to take precautions as wildfire smoke can pose a threat to those with heart and lung conditions, pregnant women, older adults, children, and outdoor workers.”
Egg Harbor Township schools sent an email to parents Thursday saying they were keeping students inside due to reports of poor air quality as a result of the fire.
The stench of charred forestry met America Garcia at her home not far from Oakcrest High School in Mays Landing, followed by the sight of haze.
“I see a whole bunch of smoke everywhere, and I’m like, ‘This has to be a wildfire,’” said Garcia, 36.
The effects became more apparent to her when she dropped her children off at the George Hess Educational Complex nearby, seeing adults outside who wore masks to hide their noses from the smell.
“I hoped the school wouldn’t let the kids outside for recess,” Garcia said.
WILDFIRE UPDATE: Allen Road Wildfire – Bass River State Forest
— New Jersey Forest Fire Service (@njdepforestfire) June 1, 2023
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is working to contain of a wildfire burning in the area of Allen Road in Bass River State Forest.
The wildfire has reached 2,000 acres in size and is 10% contained. pic.twitter.com/549DxmQLEn
While we have had decreased air quality due to the fires in Nova Scotia, this fire in NJ has caused more concentrated areas of smoke, such as the one circled, to spread across the southern part of the region. As winds shift southeast today, these areas of smoke may shift as well. pic.twitter.com/gvkFnkwdvj
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) June 1, 2023 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/garden-state-parkway-reopens-after-wildfire-smoke-causes-closure-fire-50-contained/article_a30fbf1a-006f-11ee-93fb-730f0942d74d.html | 2023-06-02T15:16:40 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/garden-state-parkway-reopens-after-wildfire-smoke-causes-closure-fire-50-contained/article_a30fbf1a-006f-11ee-93fb-730f0942d74d.html |
How Gainesville officials prepare for hurricane season
Hurricane season began June 1
Hurricane season is officially here and Gainesville leaders say they are already prepped and ready to go.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts as many as four major hurricanes during the 2023 season. Gainesville officials review processes, procedures and partake in scenario-based trainings throughout the year to prepare for the season, according to a city-issues press release. From stockpiling supplies to creating flood water mitigation plans, the city has been getting ready for the season for a while now.
With supply chain issues and a high demand for supplies like bottled water and batteries, the city has had to prioritize keeping inventory shelves stocked, according to the release.This process can take months and even years.
The Gainesville Fleet Management team, which maintains and repairs 1,600 municipal vehicles a year, also states that windshield wiper blades and tires are always in demand during the storm season.
“We’re stockpiling parts and topping off our fuel supplies,” said Fleet Director Jason Foster. “We make sure the bucket trucks, bulldozers and all vehicles are ready, so once a storm passes, response teams can head out to cut down trees and clear roads or replace utility poles,” he said.
More:What Alachua County residents need to know to stay safe during hurricane season this year
More:In hurricane season's most active month, GRU safety facilitator stays ahead of storms
Barry Corp., the GRU supply chain manager, said GRU ordered storm season supplies over a year ago.
“We already have an order in for next year, and are working on the order for the 2025 storm season,” Corp said.
Preparing for the storm
When it comes to parks, city officials make sure they have a concrete plan for preparing days before a storm, This includes securing picnic tables, umbrellas, chairs and even playground swings, according to the release.
“We tie down anything and everything that could move or be torn away in winds over 35mph,” said Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Director Roxana Gonzalez. “After the storm has passed, we’ll look for trees that were damaged and branches that may still fall, and we’ll open the parks once we’ve secured the paths and trails as best we can.”
With heavy rain comes the potential for flooding. This can cause problems for drainage systems and pumps. Jennifer McElroy, a GRU waste/wastewater environmental engineer, said GRU works year-round conducting inspections and performing preventative maintenance.
“Each of our water treatment or reclamation facilities will house a team on-site 24/7 until the storm response is complete,” she said.
The city and GRU work with various partners to ensure a functional plan once a storm hits. This includes GRU hardening the wastewater collection system with Alachua County counterparts, and the city’s solid waste division identifying debris collection sites with the county to collect vegetation after a storm passes.
“In the days prior to a storm, we plan for mutual aid needs, and adjust trucks and equipment – from being set up for construction activities – to being ready for storm work,” said Ray Jordan, GRU electric transmission and distribution manager. “We focus on maintaining relationships with our partners year-round to ensure that we will be able to receive mutual aid quickly as well as provide it as needed,” he said.
Tips for the public
The city also offers tips for residents to prepare for storm season.
If a local emergency has been declared and a storm is expected to bring sustained rainfall and regional flooding the city will make sandbags available, said Public Works Director Brian Singleton.
Last September, the city was able to fill 32,000 sandbags ahead of Tropical Storm Ian, according to the release. Bags should be placed in front of doors and garages to prevent stormwater from entering the house.
It’s also advised to create an evacuation plan, disaster plan, and to have an emergency kit prepared.
Gainesville Fire Rescue District Chief of Emergency Management Sean Withers suggested printing out important insurance documents and other records you would need if you evacuate. He also said to create a kit with clothing, medications, first-aid supplies, and food and water.
“There really is no time like the present to prepare for hurricane season,” Withers said. | https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/local/2023/06/02/how-gainesville-officials-prepare-for-hurricane-season/70277450007/ | 2023-06-02T15:21:25 | 0 | https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/local/2023/06/02/how-gainesville-officials-prepare-for-hurricane-season/70277450007/ |
Gaylord man faces assault with intent to murder charge
GAYLORD — Jeremiah Handrich of Gaylord appeared in Otsego County Court on Tuesday on a charge of assault with intent to murder.
He appeared before Judge Michael Cooper, who set a $100,000 cash/surety bail for Handrich. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 8 with a preliminary hearing set for June 15.
Handrich is accused of assaulting a man after the Otsego County Sheriff's Office said deputies were summoned to Munson Otsego Memorial Hospital for an assault complaint in the early morning hours of May 27.
The deputies met a man who had been beaten and was suffering from injuries. The sheriff's office has not identified the injured man or said if he knows the suspect. Deputies went to a home in Hayes Township and found Handrich.
Handrich has several previous felony convictions, including an assault of a police officer and a domestic violence offense involving the assault of a pregnant individual.
The sheriff's office has not responded to requests for comment. | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/gaylord/2023/06/02/gaylord-man-faces-assault-with-intent-to-murder-charge/70272486007/ | 2023-06-02T15:25:23 | 0 | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/gaylord/2023/06/02/gaylord-man-faces-assault-with-intent-to-murder-charge/70272486007/ |
GRAND BLANC, Mich. (WJRT) - A pedestrian sustained critical injuries from a hit-and-run crash in a Grand Blanc neighborhood.
Police found a male victim lying unconscious along a street in the Kings Pointe subdivision off Genesee Road on Thursday. Investigators determined he was hit by a vehicle, but none were around at the time.
An ambulance rushed the victim, who was not identified, to Ascension Genesys Hospital. He was listed in critical condition on Friday.
The Grand Blanc City Police Department says a motorist showed up at the scene while officers were still conducting an investigation. The motorist claimed they may have hit the victim.
Police detained the motorist for questioning, but they don't believe the motorist was intoxicated when the crash happened. No criminal charges were announced from the investigation Friday.
Anyone with information about the incident should call Grand Blanc City police at 810-694-1111. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/pedestrian-badly-injured-from-hit-and-run-in-grand-blanc-neighborhood/article_f1504784-0151-11ee-87bf-d7d60466beea.html | 2023-06-02T15:27:58 | 0 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/pedestrian-badly-injured-from-hit-and-run-in-grand-blanc-neighborhood/article_f1504784-0151-11ee-87bf-d7d60466beea.html |
AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin City Council approved an $88 million settlement on Thursday that ends two current lawsuits between the City of Austin and Lonestar Airport Holdings, LLC.
The settlement now allows for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to move forward with its Airport Expansion and Development Program (AEDP).
The expansion program was announced in 2021 as a way to address airline and passenger activity growth. The program would create a new midfield concourse and supporting infrastructure, which includes a new connector tunnel to the main terminal and new taxiways. This would mean the South Terminal facility and 30 other vacant airport-owned buildings would need to be removed.
Later this fall, the South Terminal will be transferred over to the Department of Aviation. Right now, all airline, vendor and business operations will remain under LoneStar Airport Holdings, LLC until the transfer is completed. The terminal will continue to be operational until the required removal, which is expected to happen in 2025.
The airport plans to relocate airline services that work with South Terminal to the Barbara Jordan Terminal and other facilities.
There are already improvements being made at the airport, including the installation of a new checked luggage handling system, TSA checkpoint remodeling and improvements and a 30,000-square-foot concourse expansion. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/austin-airport-settlement/269-f16d481f-5f78-4549-b220-de9cb8d524ce | 2023-06-02T15:28:29 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/austin-airport-settlement/269-f16d481f-5f78-4549-b220-de9cb8d524ce |
Judge won't shield documents in sex abuse lawsuit against Diocese of Knoxville
Documents in a searing lawsuit against the Catholic Diocese of Knoxville cannot be kept secret, a Knox County judge has ruled.
The Catholic Diocese of Knoxville asked the judge to hide court documents from the public as it defends itself against a man who says he was raped by a seminarian and who is calling into question the leadership of Bishop Richard Stika.
The diocese cited Knox News’ ongoing investigative reports when it asked the judge to protect documents related to the church’s sexual abuse review board and from “private meetings of priests of the diocese.”
A spokesperson previously said the diocese was only seeking to protect a small percentage of documents.
"This motion is not well-taken," Circuit Court Judge E. Jerome Melson said before ruling to keep the documents open.
The lawsuit was filed by a former church employee who says he was raped by a former church seminarian. The man says the diocese, led by Stika, interfered with the investigation and worked to discredit him, allegations Knox News has independently confirmed.
Knox News is not naming the man, even though the diocese successfully petitioned the court to require the suit to be refiled under his legal name, because he says he was the victim of a sexual assault.
What the church asked to be hidden
Documents related to ‘Vos Estis,' and why it’s important
Of all the documents the diocese wants to protect, these are likely the most damning.
Beginning in 2019, the Catholic Church created a way for priests and others to make complaints about bishops, James Connell, a whistleblower priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and canon lawyer, told Knox News earlier this year.
The name of this new reporting process is “Motu Proprio Vos Estis Lux Mundi,” or simply Vos Estis, and it was created by Pope Francis.
The church would like to keep these investigative reports secret and previously asked Melson to protect them. Melson declined the church's request last summer but gave the diocese the opportunity to revisit the request.
Those documents are not supposed to be privileged or private, per church law, Tom Doyle, a former Jesuit priest and canon lawyer who is an expert in clerical sex abuse, previously told Knox News.
In a similar case in 2022, a New York State Supreme Court justice ordered the Archdiocese of New York turn over its entire Vos Estis investigative file after the lawyers argued the documents should remain secret.
It’s likely, Connell said, that the Vos Estis reports about Stika are what prompted a visit to the diocese last fall by high-ranking church officials.
Documents and communications of its sexual assault review board
Review boards were created by the Roman Catholic Church to address a flood of sexual abuse findings in the early 2000s.
A review board advises a bishop when allegations of sexual abuse are made against church leaders, primarily priests, and are supposed to give victims the opportunity for validation from the church, especially in old cases protected by statute of limitation rules.
In recent weeks Knox News has published stories detailed from communications from the review board.
Documents and communications of private meetings with priests
This broad request could be seen as a cover to blanket any interactions Stika has had with priests – in private or in group settings – over the past two years, and it's a way for the church to suppress specific comments from the bishop, who admitted in recent court filings to telling priests that the man who said he was sexually assaulted was the predator.
Tyler Whetstone is a Knox News investigative reporter focused on accountability journalism. Email tyler.whetstone@knoxnews.com. Twitter @tyler_whetstone.
Liz Kellar is a public safety reporter. Email lkellar@knoxnews.com. Twitter @LizKellar. | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/02/judge-knoxville-diocese-records-cant-be-kept-secret-in-abuse-lawsui/70258175007/ | 2023-06-02T15:29:42 | 0 | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/02/judge-knoxville-diocese-records-cant-be-kept-secret-in-abuse-lawsui/70258175007/ |
The Tucson region has seen some success at landing new companies and local business expansions in recent years, despite the economic chaos created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
But the Old Pueblo still faces evolving challenges — and some new opportunities as well — as the pandemic has forever disrupted some traditional business and economic-development models, the head of the local economic-development agency Sun Corridor Inc. says.
“I thought that by now, we’d be back to normal. I was so wrong,” Sun Corridor’s Joe Snell said Wednesday at a sold-out annual meeting luncheon crowd at the El Conquistador Tucson Hilton Resort.
“These are different times — looking back at the last three years, the drivers have obviously changed,” said Snell, who became head of what is now Sun Corridor in 2005.
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Major disruptions in the global supply chain caused by the pandemic have prompted more companies to look to relocate or expand domestic production for critical products like semiconductors and medical devices, Snell said.
Sun Corridor has seen a 40% increase in the number of manufacturing project prospects in the past three years, while demand for office projects has plunged 78%, he said.
Meanwhile, the growing use of electric vehicles has more than tripled inquiries about automotive-related projects, said Snell.
Last December, Utah-based startup American Battery Factory announced plans to build a new headquarters and its first “gigafactory” to make proprietary lithium iron phosphate battery cells at a site south of the Tucson International Airport, with a planned investment of more than $1 billion and potentially up to 1,000 jobs.
The company says it’s on track to break ground this summer at its site at Pima County’s Aerospace Research Campus.
Also in December, Tucson-based Sion Power Corp. announced it would expand production of its lithium-metal battery cells for EVs to a 111,400-square-foot building on Tucson’s south side and hire 150 workers when renovations are completed, and the factory is expected to be up and running in 2026.
Other business relocations and expansions in the past three years include a major expansion of Roche Tissue Diagnostics’ Marana site, an expansion of Advanced Financial Co.’s local customer-service center, an expansion by self-driving truck developer TuSimple and the relocation of autonomous driving startup Pony.ai.
“Despite all of the chaos, it’s been pretty good the last three years,” Snell said, crediting the early efforts by local business leaders to respond to the pandemic.
Lacking ready space
While Sion found an existing building that suits its purpose, the lack of move-in-ready industrial space in the Tucson area remains a major concern, Snell said.
“We have a shortage of buildings we can put companies in, and we also have a shortage of large parcels of land that are suitable for manufacturing,” he said, calling Tucson “a victim of its own success.”
“What worries me is projects that are taking a sniff at us but flying right over us” because of the lack of industrial space, Snell said.
The Tucson area also needs major investments in infrastructure, including fixing many local roadways, installing new power lines and new high-speed broadband networks, he said, noting that poor roads alone can turn off prospective companies.
Workforce development and talent attraction remain major drivers of companies’ site-selection decisions, Snell said.
Talent recruiting and retention was a major thrust of “The Pivot Playbook,” an initiative by Sun Corridor in 2021 to recalibrate its efforts amid the pandemic.
The plan also included things like leveraging business migration toward medium-size markets, adding shovel-ready building sites and speculative industrial buildings, developing new workforce training programs and boosting local tourism.
Efforts to boost talent attraction include “ThriveinTucson.com,” an online portal hosted by Sun Corridor that touts Tucson’s urban energy, arts and culture, affordability, lifestyle, sports, education including the University of Arizona and major employers.
Changing landscape
Judy Rich, president and CEO of TMC Health and outgoing chair of Sun Corridor, said Tucson is on an upward trajectory as Sun Corridor focuses on attracting new companies as well as helping local firms expand.
Sun Corridor is a mainly business-funded nonprofit organization supported by “investors” including most of the region’s biggest employers and partners, including local governments, the UA and the Tucson Airport Authority. It was founded in 2015 as a successor to Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities Inc.
“But the economic landscape is changing fast... there may not be a going back to the normal that we knew before,” said Rich, who, after three years as Sun Corridor chair, was replaced by Susan Gray, president and CEO of Tucson Electric Power Co. parent UNS Energy Corp.
While Tucson looks forward to building up its green-energy industries, including battery manufacturing, an energy-policy expert told the Sun Corridor crowd that the nation has a lot of work to do to make the transition to clean energy.
Clean-energy dilemma
Keynote speaker James W. Coleman, a Southern Methodist University law professor who is a non-resident senior fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, said U.S. electricity generation from coal-burning power plants had dropped since 2010 to 19% of total generation in 2020, natural gas had risen sharply to a 40% share, with renewables and nuclear each about 20%.
While renewable energy resources like solar and wind are expected to generate 49% of global energy by 2050, natural gas is needed for now to balance the power grid by supplying power when the sun isn’t shining, and the winds aren’t blowing, Coleman said.
Amid the ongoing energy transition, America’s power grids have been pushed to their capacity, Coleman said, noting that most of the U.S. including the Southwest is now at “elevated” risk to potentially run short of operating reserves in above-normal summer conditions.
Battery storage of renewable energy is one solution, but a major issue in the transition to renewable energy and transportation electrification is America’s dependence on China and other nations for critical battery materials, Coleman said.
While the U.S. is the world’s top producer of oil and natural gas, it doesn’t crack the top 10 for the most important commodities in the energy transition, including lithium and cobalt, he noted.
“We have a lot of dependence on countries we don’t want to depend on,” Coleman said.
Besides mining raw materials, China is the leading processor of lithium, cobalt and rare-earth elements used in many electronic devices and makes 66% of the world’s EV battery cells, he said.
Local solutions
A current push to boost U.S. mining of critical metals includes the planned Hermosa mine in the Patagonia Mountains south of Tucson, which plans to mine zinc and manganese, two critical minerals used to make electric vehicle batteries and other products for the growing clean-power economy.
In early May, the proposed $1.7 billion project became the first mine to be accepted into an Obama-era program streamlining the federal permitting process for critical infrastructure.
Emerging technologies, including new forms of energy storage and new battery chemistries, could help the U.S. in its energy transition, Coleman said.
American Battery Factory is touting its lithium-iron phosphate battery technology, which doesn’t use nickel or cobalt used in common lithium-ion batteries.
Boosting infrastructure
While the federal government has allocated some $390 billion to clean-energy initiatives, including solar, wind, hydrogen and carbon capture, as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, new power transmission lines and pipelines must be built to take full advantage of the funding, Coleman said.
“All of these sources, — solar, wind, hydrogen and carbon — are going to be extremely dependent on developing linear infrastructure, power lines and pipelines,” he said.
Coleman said to reach the clean-energy goals, the project permitting process must be accelerated, noting that provisions in the recent debt-ceiling deal in Congress include provisions to set time guidelines for environmental reviews.
Contact senior reporter David Wichner at dwichner@tucson.com or 520-573-4181. On Twitter: @dwichner. On Facebook: Facebook.com/DailyStarBiz | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/tucson-faces-post-covid-hurdles-challenges-in-attracting-firms/article_532f97b8-0006-11ee-b2f4-773adbb9c810.html | 2023-06-02T15:32:24 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/tucson-faces-post-covid-hurdles-challenges-in-attracting-firms/article_532f97b8-0006-11ee-b2f4-773adbb9c810.html |
Go up and down Tucson's old tourist strip, and you'll catch intriguing glimpses of the city's past.
Old motor courts, symbols of a new way to travel when they were built in the mid-1900s, line old U.S. Highway 80. You can follow them along East Benson Highway, South Sixth Avenue, North Stone Avenue, West Drachman Street, North Oracle Road and West Miracle Mile. Some are still functioning as motels, mostly low-end operations.
Of course people want to preserve these old places, especially the cool signs. Preservationists crowded a Pima Community College board meeting May 22 to insist that the board save the three old motor courts the college owns along Drachman, next to its downtown campus.
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The problem is, there is only one reliable way to reuse the old motor courts and make a go of it without a major investment: Turn them into low-income housing. There have been a couple of other success stories, such as the Downtown Clifton, now a boutique hotel on South Stone, and Monterey Court, a restaurant music venue and retail hub along Miracle Mile.
But from Benson Highway in South Tucson to North Oracle Road and Miracle Mile in Tucson, the simplest solution for saving these decaying old icons is to bring them up to code and use them as bottom-rung housing. And that's not what Pima Community College is looking at, which makes preserving them expensive.
Complicating matters further, it was the old board majority, including leading historic preservationist Demion Clinco, that bought the three motels. In November, Clinco was voted out, and the new board majority is looking more skeptically at the old board's nearly $4 million investment in the three properties.
The board is considering four possibilities for its motor courts. The cheapest option, at $3.7 million, would involve tearing down all three motels but preserving the signs and making the area into a parking lot. The most expensive option would be $35.7 million to rehab the Frontier Motel and Copper Cactus, but preserve only the front part of the Tucson Inn while building a new structure on that old motel's grounds.
Unsurprisingly, they would be put to use as college buildings, not housing. And that means it would likely cost more to make them into useful structures.
'Lowest level of the housing food chain'
This is nothing like what's going on in South Tucson. There, Casa Maria, the longstanding charity with a soup kitchen on E. 25th Street, bought a motor court called El Camino Motel, at 297 E. Benson Highway, in March.
The cost of the 20-unit property was $850,000; Casa Maria plans to raise $400,000 to upgrade the units by adding kitchenettes. The strategy is to keep bottom-end housing available in the low-income town of 1.2 square miles.
"They're the lowest level of the housing food chain," Casa Maria's Brian Flagg told me. Naming off other similar sites, he said "We need places like Spanish Trail, the 6th Avenue Suites, the motels owned by PCC. It really, truly needs to be affordable."
Flagg, Roxanna Valenzuela and Cesar Aguirre formed a three-person team who are both affiliated with Casa Maria and were elected to the South Tucson City Council last year. While they've had a hard time winning a majority for their favored housing policies on the council, they are having more success with the same pursuits at Casa Maria.
One of their key ideas is to minimize the displacement of existing residents that happens when outsiders come in and redevelop properties to rent to higher-income tenants.
After the El Camino purchase, they are going after three other motor courts in the city: The Arizona, Paradise and Star motels. They are also trying to enlist the city in seeking to expel the owner of the Spanish Trail and South 6th Avenue Suites.
"This would result in approximately 365 units saved and would cost roughly $7 million," Flagg said in a letter to Casa Maria supporters.
Transformations have succeeded
Within the city of Tucson, at least four old motor courts have become low-income housing. The Downtown Motor Hotel on South Sixth Avenue was transformed into the Downtown Motor Apartments — a new, four-story apartment building behind the old motel's preserved office and sign.
Ghost Ranch Lodge on West Miracle Mile became low-income housing for seniors and disabled people, thanks to a hard-fought efforts to assemble federal, state and local grants and tax credits.
Now the city is transforming three older motor courts along North Oracle Road and Miracle Mile into housing: The No-tel Motel (formerly the DeAnza), at 2425 North Oracle, the Don Motel just north of that, and the Amazon Motel, 1135 W. Miracle Mile.
The project involving the former No-tel Motel, dubbed the Milagro on Oracle, incorporates two old motels that are separated by a vacant lot, where a new four-story, 48-unit structure will be built. The total construction cost is estimated at $14 million.
The Amazon Motel, on the other hand, won't change that much and will serve as studio apartments for those coming out of homelessness, said architect Corky Poster, who is designing both projects and is a fan of preserving and reusing the old motels.
"We are adding kitchenettes," he said of the Amazon. "There’s an alcove in those units that is plumbed and perfectly set up."
The construction cost will be about $2 million.
Preservation should be priority
The Pima Community College motels are in two special districts of Tucson. "Thrive in the '05" is a multifaceted effort to improve life in the 85705 zip code. The Miracle Mile Historic District joined the National Register of Historic Places in 2017, thanks to Clinco's nomination.
At the May 22 Pima College board meeting, preservationists argued the new board is obliged to preserve the buildings that the previous board, including Clinco, bought.
"I understand the current board is sort of inheriting these buildings that they may or may not have asked for," architect Carlos Lozano said. "But I believe you’re inheriting a moral duty to do the right thing. It's not a legal duty — it's a moral duty."
But in my opinion that's defining the board's duty way too narrowly. Along with their duty to try to preserve these properties, they also have financial duties to students, employees and taxpayers not to blow millions of dollars on a boondoggle.
Theresa Riel, the current board chair, beat Clinco by 60 percent to 38 percent in the November 2022 election despite a big-money campaign in Clinco's favor. She's earned some deference to her position. Greg Taylor also won his seat in November, and Wade McLean was appointed in January.
The other two board members, Maria Garcia and Luis Gonzales, abstained from voting for the board's plan for the motels in 2021. None of the supporters are still on the board.
"They’re beautiful buildings," Riel told me. "It would be so cool to fix them up. The problem is none of that fits in with our business plan."
She added, "We’re not in the business of renting out low-income homes."
I don't expect them to become landlords to the poor, but I do expect them to find ways to preserve a good portion of what they bought. The Tucson Inn, the most iconic of the motels, could easily go the route of the Downtown Motor Hotel: A preserved front portion and a new building in the condemned back portion.
The other two motels could go any direction, especially if the college would consider off-loading one or both to a new owner. Then, the most logical and inexpensive reuse, housing, could be an option.
To me, the only tragic choice would be to raze them for more parking. Tucson has done plenty of that over the years, and should have learned from our mistakes by now.
Tim Steller is an opinion columnist. A 25-year veteran of reporting and editing, he digs into issues and stories that matter in the Tucson area, reports the results and tells you his conclusions. Contact him at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @senyorreporter | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/tim-stellers-column-pcc-board-deserves-flexibility-on-preserving-old-tucson-motels/article_266e9ee2-fe60-11ed-a01f-b32a4411eaff.html | 2023-06-02T15:32:30 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/tim-stellers-column-pcc-board-deserves-flexibility-on-preserving-old-tucson-motels/article_266e9ee2-fe60-11ed-a01f-b32a4411eaff.html |
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writers:
As owners of the Historic Hotel Congress since 1985, we have understood the importance of preserving the rich heritage and iconic landmarks that define Tucson. These places not only tell the story of our city’s past but also serve as crucial anchors for its future. That is why we are concerned about the current fate of the Tucson Inn, Frontier, and El Rancho, now owned by Pima Community College (PCC).
Over the years, Hotel Congress has stood as an example of how a historic building can be revitalized to breathe new life into a community. When we took on the task of restoring this property, we were met with skepticism. But we believed that by preserving and celebrating its history, we could help to spark a rejuvenation in downtown Tucson. Today, Hotel Congress stands as a vibrant center for culture, arts, and hospitality, attracting visitors to our Downtown community and is known around the world.
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Tourism remains an economic cornerstone of our region. Recognizing the need for a skilled culinary and hospitality workforce in our post-pandemic world, in 2021, we met with the PCC Chancellor and college leadership. We outlined the immense potential the Tucson Inn, Frontier, and El Rancho historic properties held to serve as a center of excellence in the hotel, hospitality, and culinary arts. We offered our support, hoping to collaborate to see these buildings transformed into a viable training center. In that meeting, we were assured that PCC would restore and adaptively reuse them.
It’s with disappointment that we have learned about the possibility of a new board considering the demolition of these buildings.
The three historic buildings are testament to our city’s 20th-century identity. They are a reflection of the city we were and the city we could become. Losing them would be a disservice to future generations.
A future where these buildings are demolished and parking lots take their place is reminiscent of Urban Renewal. As we bid farewell to Lee Lambert, a leader who understood the importance of preserving our history, we implore the decision-makers to save these landmarks from destruction.
We propose the college formally designate these buildings as city historic landmarks and issue an RFP for public-private partners that would restore and operate the buildings as a hospitality and culinary arts living-lab training center. A place where aspiring chefs, hoteliers, and hospitality professionals can learn and grow, all while honoring our city’s legacy. This endeavor would not only preserve our history but also address the critical need for skilled workers in these industries.
Richard and Shana Oseran are the owners of Hotel Congress | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-preserving-our-historic-icons-demolishing-the-tucson-inn-frontier-and-el-rancho-is/article_b9da739a-ffd2-11ed-b0ce-e700b680d444.html | 2023-06-02T15:32:48 | 1 | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-preserving-our-historic-icons-demolishing-the-tucson-inn-frontier-and-el-rancho-is/article_b9da739a-ffd2-11ed-b0ce-e700b680d444.html |
Dupont Road from Lima Road to about 2,000 feet west of Lima Road will be restricted from Monday to Wednesday during resurfacing, the city of Fort Wayne said today.
For questions or to report problems, contact the city's transportation engineering department at 427-1172. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/dupont-road-part-limited-during-resurfacing/article_589381c8-0151-11ee-8ac7-3f5002c2b8e3.html | 2023-06-02T15:43:54 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/dupont-road-part-limited-during-resurfacing/article_589381c8-0151-11ee-8ac7-3f5002c2b8e3.html |
A couple was left shaken and injured after a stranger ran up and began an onslaught of anti-Asian racist comments and physical attacks as the victims were trying to get inside their Uber last month.
Police say the attack happened around 1:30 a.m. in Manhattan's Koreatown off West 32nd Street.
The man responsible has yet to be identified by the NYPD, who released the first images of the wanted suspect on Friday.
The couple were attempted to climb into the rideshare they hailed when police say the attacker delivered the hateful comments before things turned physical. He then spit on the female victim and shoved her male partner to the ground, where he was kicked several times.
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Police say a number of bystanders witnessing the attack rushed over to intervene, prompting the perp to flee the area. He's still wanted by authorities nearly two weeks later.
The suspect was seen wearing a white hooded shirt, blue jeans and gray shoes.
His victims, both 39 years old, refused medical attention, according to police. The NYPD's Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating the incident. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/couple-climbing-into-uber-beaten-berated-in-racist-attack-in-nycs-koreatown/4388678/ | 2023-06-02T15:46:00 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/couple-climbing-into-uber-beaten-berated-in-racist-attack-in-nycs-koreatown/4388678/ |
NEW YORK — Cynthia Weil, a Grammy-winning lyricist of notable range and endurance who enjoyed a decades-long partnership with husband Barry Mann and helped write “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “On Broadway,” “Walking in the Rain” and dozens of other hits, has died at age 82.
Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, married in 1961, were one of popular music’s most successful teams, part of a remarkable ensemble recruited by impresarios Don Kirshner and Al Nevins and based in Manhattan’s Brill Building neighborhood, a few blocks from Times Square. With such hit-making combinations as Carole King and Gerry Goffin and Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, the Brill Building song factory turned out many of the biggest singles of the ‘60s and beyond.
Weil and Mann were key collaborators with producer Phil Spector on songs for the Ronettes (”Walking in the Rain”), the Crystals (”He’s Sure the Boy I Love”) and other performers, and also provided hits for everyone from Dolly Parton to Hanson. “Don’t Know Much,” a Linda Ronstadt-Aaron Neville duet they helped write, was a top 5 hit that won a best pop performance Grammy in 1990.
Their most famous song, a work of history overall, was “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” an anthem of “blue-eyed soul” produced by Spector as if scoring a tragedy and sung with desperate fury by the Righteous Brothers. “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” topped the charts in 1965 and was covered by numerous other artists. According to Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), no other song was played more on radio and television in the 20th century.
But when Weil and Mann first played “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” for the Righteous Brothers, the response from singers Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield was “dead silence.”
“Bill said, ‘Sounds good for The Everly Brothers not the Righteous Brothers,’” she told Parade magazine in 2015. “We thought ‘Oh, God.’ Then Bobby said, ‘What am I supposed to do while the big guy’s singing?’ and Phil (Spector) said “You can go to the bank.’”
While many of Weil’s peers struggled once the Beatles caught on, she continued to make hits, sometimes with Mann, or with such partners as Michael Masser, David Foster and John Williams, with whom she wrote “For Always” for the soundtrack to Steven Spielberg’s “A.I. Artificial Intelligence.” Mann helped write Parton’s pop breakthrough “Here You Come Again”; the Peabo Bryson ballad “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again”; James Ingram’s “Just Once”; the Pointer Sisters’ ”He’s So Shy”; and Lionel Richie’s “Running With the Night.” In 1997, she was in the top 10 again with Hanson’s “I Will Come to You.”
“When they are successful, songs are like little novels. They have a beginning, a middle and an end. You feel what the person is feeling who’s singing it and it paints a picture of the human condition,” Weil, who eventually published the novel “I’m Glad I Did,” told Parade.
Her talents reached well beyond love ballads. She and Mann wrote one of rock’s first anti-drug songs, “Kicks,” a hit for Paul Revere and the Raiders in 1966. She also had a knack for lyrics about ambition and aspiration, such as “On Broadway” and its unforgettable opening line, “They say the neon lights are bright/on Broadway.” The Animals had a hit with her tale of working class frustration, “We’ve Got to Get Out of This Place.” The Crystals’ ”Uptown” was a 1961 hit that touched upon race and class in ways not often heard in rock’s early years.
____
Downtown he’s just one of a million guys
He don’t get no breaks
And he takes all they got to give
‘Cause he’s got to live
But then he comes uptown
Where he can hold his head up high
Uptown he knows that I am standing by
_____
Weil and Mann were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, with King introducing them at the Rock Hall ceremony. Mann and Weil were supporting characters in the hit Broadway musical about King, “Beautiful,” which opened in 2013 and documented the intense friendship and rivalry between the two married couples. Mann and Weil’s musical “They Wrote That?” had a brief run in 2004.
Weil, the daughter of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe, was born in New York City and studied piano and ballet as a child. She majored in theater at Sarah Lawrence University, but was encouraged by an agent to try songwriting. By age 20, she was working for the publishing company of “Guys and Dolls” composer Frank Loesser, and would soon meet her future husband.
“I was writing with a young Italian boy singer, the Frankie Avalon of his day, named Teddy Randazzo, when Barry came in to play him a song,” she told the Los Angeles Times in 2016. “I asked the receptionist, ‘Who is this guy? Does he have a girlfriend?’ She said, ‘He’s signed to a friend of mine, Don Kirshner, and if I call Donny, maybe you can go up there to show him your lyrics and meet Barry again.’ So that’s what she did. And that’s what I did. He didn’t have a chance.” | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/2023/06/02/cynthia-weil-dead/11112522-015a-11ee-9eb0-6c94dcb16fcf_story.html | 2023-06-02T15:46:16 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/2023/06/02/cynthia-weil-dead/11112522-015a-11ee-9eb0-6c94dcb16fcf_story.html |
It’s not an easy task to walk through the doors of Coconino County’s juvenile court.
A metal detector looms over the path to a courtroom, juvenile detention, and a number of services children and families often only encounter on their worst days.
To make walking through those doors and tackling everything beyond them a little bit easier, Coconino County Juvenile Court has added some new staff members to their ranks.
One wears a perpetual smile and dense curly fur. His name is Blue, and he’s an outgoing labradoodle who will march straight up to any newcomer for a big snugly hello.
Blue is a mirror image of his handler, Lionel Scott, who more often than not is dressed head to toe in his K9 partner’s namesake color.
Scott is the probation supervisor at Juvenile Court. Dressed in a pair of jeans and a Dodgers baseball cap, he is a ball of energy -- which, consequently, is the exact the phrase he used to describe his K9 co-worker and brand-new round-the-clock companion.
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Blue and Scott will work together in Juvenile Detention, and eventually be sent out to schools across the county for outreach and community-based crime prevention.
“It’s not something you see every day. You don’t [usually] get to have animals back in a detention center,” Scott said. "Having him back there -- and he goes back once or twice a day -- it just brightens up their day. I mean, it’s better than just sitting in their rooms or just doing homework and stuff. They can actually have a companion back there. He really enjoys it, and they enjoy it.”
Coconino County Juvenile Court is one of the only certified trauma-informed court agencies in the United States. While its role sometimes involves dishing out punishment, Scott says the primary goal of Juvenile Court is to build brighter futures, encourage good choices and help kids to tackle obstacles.
Blue will play a big role in that process. He’s one of two new facility dogs acquired just two months ago by Coconino County Juvenile Court. It’s nearly impossible not to smile when you see Blue and his fellow facility dog Franklin.
Franklin, like Blue, has jet-black fur. He’s been trained, like Blue, to be a fully fledged service dog capable of passing public access tests.
Unlike Blue, Franklin is mellow. He’s an English Labrador with a slightly square head and a caring pair of chocolate-brown eyes.
His job is a little bit different than Blue’s, as is his origin story.
Whereas Franklin’s curly-furred companion is the first to tackle tail-wagging meet-and-greets, Franklin is more likely to hang back and sit quietly — at least until the treats come out.
Franklin’s handler is Nicole Snow, a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) coordinator. She is measured, calm.
Whereas Scott and Blue drip with enthusiasm and glimmer combined with youthful energy, Snow and Franklin both exude calm. Their kind, amiable temperament has the power to settle a room and set a person at ease.
In many ways, Franklin might resemble Fanta, the facility dog who has served for years as a pillar of support for victims of crime at Victim Witness Services of Northern Arizona.
“I had been talking about eventually wanting a courthouse dog,” Snow said. "With Fanta in the community, we had seen that it was a possibility -- having dogs partner with people to work with children and families in crisis."
Now, she lives and works with Franklin, who is similar to Fanta in both color and breed, but also in his job description and disposition. Years Fanta’s junior, he will work most often in the courtroom or in therapy settings.
“Franklin, he’ll be working with the dependency unit, the CASA unit,” Snow said. “We deal with children that are in the foster care system and families that have had their children removed. He’ll be working with special advocates and also working with children.”
Canine connections
Both Franklin and Blue came from Assistance Dogs of the West (ADW), based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. At ADW, the dogs choose their jobs. They also choose their handlers.
“In order for a dog to pick me, I had to go to Santa Fe three times. I met about 15 different dogs. Actually, the first time I went out to Santa Fe, I met Blue,” Snow said. “Blue is an absolutely fantastic dog. When I worked with him, I was like, 'I don’t know if he’s the dog for me.' His energy is really amped up. He’s fantastic, but he wasn’t my match.”
In her case, the third time was the charm. She met Franklin, and he had an attitude that was perfectly calibrated for supporting children and youth in the courtroom.
Blue was the first dog Scott met, and it was love at first sight.
“It was really weird. Meeting him for the first time, it was like, if I was a dog this would be me,” Scott said. “It felt like he was picking me.”
For the first month, both handlers worked on bonding with their dogs and on foundational training.
On the first day, the handlers were practicing walking with their leashes in hand — and no dogs attached. After a few moments, the dogs, off-leash, fell into step beside their handlers. Blue went straight to Scott after only an hour of interaction. Franklin took his place by Snow’s side.
The bonds between the dogs and their handlers were forged quickly.
“I don’t think any of us realized, especially them, just how much work they were going to have to put into it. They’ve done a really good job. Its 24/7 work,” said Israel Garcia, the deputy director of juvenile court. “I remember those first couple weeks. They were burnt out.”
Scott likens the experience to having a newborn. It’s an adjustment in every aspect of the handler’s lives. The handlers were adding a new dog to their existing families while developing important professional skills and bonds on the clock. Even the meal plan for Franklin and Blue took some adjustment.
The cost of both dog’s meals, at least, are covered.
Franklin’s acquisition and ongoing care are sponsored by Coconino County CASA for Kids, a local nonprofit that supports the work of court-appointed advocates through fundraising.
Blue’s care is paid for through probation fees and state funding.
Every cost, both emotionally and literally, associated with the dogs is more than worth it, Scott said.
“I appreciate them, because I have passion for this work like nobody’s business, and I didn’t think anyone could match my passion for this until I met Blue. He’s way better at it, and he has more passion just to make the world a better place for kiddos and whoever needs it,” he said.
Scott said he remembers the first time he took Blue into detention. He was nervous about the experience, but Blue wasn’t at all.
“We were taking a kiddo to court and they were like, ‘Can you bring your dog back?’ And I was like, ‘Yes.’ I brought him back and I was super nervous. He was fine. I let him walk around the pod area. Then, he just went and introduced himself. Because I used to work back in detention, I’ve never seen a kid light up like they did when being with a dog,” Scott said.
Franklin’s first day on the job was memorable, too.
“I brought him into court. It was the first time he met a child in court," Snow said. "He just sat by their feet and the child pet him the whole court appearance. He usually sticks by me, but in that moment he went to the child and sat with them. A dog’s ability to connect with people can happen so much quicker than we can. He was able to connect with that child way quicker than I ever would have been in that moment. I think that’s the power of the dogs.”
Both dogs will play an increasingly critical role in the trauma-informed work that’s done through the court, Snow said.
“We are with people on the worst days of their life. Any way that we can connect with people and dogs -- and dogs can do it faster than we can sometimes. There’s research that shows dogs lower cortisol levels and increase oxytocin. There’s a scientific part about it,” Snow said. “We’re just trying to figure out new ways to connect with our community, to be present with people on their worst days in a kind and compassionate way. The dogs are part of that philosophy.”
Garcia hopes that Blue in particular will help steer young people clear of criminal behavior early.
“We talk about everything kind of as trauma-informed. Everybody has trauma. Meeting those needs is what the dogs do. They help relieve that,” Garcia said. “Also, people tend to open up more and get more comfortable. When we’re trying to give drug abuse education, the kids are more comfortable and open to learning.”
By August, Blue should be able to start classroom work. Both dogs still have some miles to travel in training, and they’ll be gradually increasing their workloads along the way.
In the interim, it’s clear how much care, devotion, and even delight the dogs and their handlers take in their work and in one another. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/pawsitive-changes-coconino-county-juvenile-court-welcomes-two-facility-dogs-to-team/article_24715bf6-fff6-11ed-b356-1350a6bdaa0c.html | 2023-06-02T15:46:34 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/pawsitive-changes-coconino-county-juvenile-court-welcomes-two-facility-dogs-to-team/article_24715bf6-fff6-11ed-b356-1350a6bdaa0c.html |
ARLINGTON, Texas — A former Arlington police officer will not serve prison time – but rather six years of community supervision – after pleading guilty to criminally negligent homicide in the 2018 shooting death of a man during a traffic stop.
Bau Tran was not sentenced to prison and received deferred adjudication after his plea agreement was approved on May 26, according to Tarrant County court records. So, if Tran successfully completes the terms of his probation, then the conviction will be removed from his record.
Tran shot and killed O’Shae Terry, 24, after Terry tried to drive away when police stopped his car on Sept. 1, 2018.
Body camera footage shows the stop going smoothly until an officer with Tran said she smelled marijuana and needed to search the SUV.
Tran, who was standing on the passenger side of the SUV, told Terry to turn off the vehicle. Body camera footage shows the windows rolling up and Tran putting his arms inside the vehicle.
As Terry starts to pull forward, Tran's arms are still inside the SUV and he fires into the vehicle, striking Terry.
Arlington police said after the shooting, officers found a gun, more than a pound of marijuana and ecstasy inside the vehicle.
Tran was placed on restricted duty by the Arlington Police Department after the shooting and ultimately, was fired in 2019.
Tran was indicted on the third-degree felony charge in May 2019. As part of his guilty plea, he also will have to pay a $600 fine and $300 in court costs, according to court records.
More Texas headlines: | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/former-arlington-officer-no-prison-time-shooting/287-59aede3f-0fa7-4db0-bd75-fb72095eaf80 | 2023-06-02T15:51:31 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/former-arlington-officer-no-prison-time-shooting/287-59aede3f-0fa7-4db0-bd75-fb72095eaf80 |
Southbound drivers are experiencing significant delays on Interstate 95 in Richmond Friday morning after a crash that has shut down multiple lanes of traffic.
The Virginia Department of Transportation first reported the crash, which occurred about half a mile north of the Belvidere Street exit, at 8:20 a.m. Friday.
Shortly after 9 a.m., the left shoulder, left lane and center lane were closed, and backups had stretched as far as Bryan Park, approximately three miles.
Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible and expect delays.
This morning's top headlines: National Spelling Bee; debt ceiling; NBA Finals
Dev Shah is the champion of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The 14-year-old from Largo, Florida, had his spelling career interrupted by the pandemic, then didn't make it out of his regional bee last year. He was brimming with confidence in his final opportunity, asking precise questions about obscure Greek roots. His winning word was “psammophile,” and his root knowledge made it a layup. Dev takes home the winner's trophy and more than $50,000 in cash and prizes. Charlotte Walsh, a 14-year-old from Arlington, Virginia, was the runner-up.
Fending off a U.S. default, the Senate has given final approval to a debt ceiling and budget cuts package. It's now on its way to President Joe Biden’s desk to become law before a fast-approaching deadline. The Senate ground through late-night voting Thursday to wrap up work on the hard-fought deal. The compromise package negotiated between Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy leaves neither Republicans nor Democrats fully pleased with the outcome. But the result cuts spending for two years and suspends the debt limit until 2025 after the next presidential election. Biden says he will sign it into law as soon as possible.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says there can be no cease-fire in the war in Ukraine unless it is part of a “just and lasting” peace deal that includes Russia’s military withdrawal. Blinken said Friday that “a ceasefire that simply freezes current lines in place" and enabled Russian President Vladimir Putin to “rest, rearm, and re-attack” would not be "a just and lasting peace.” In a speech during a visit to Finland, Blinken said that Russia must also pay for part of Ukraine’s reconstruction and be held accountable for its full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February last year.
The nation’s employers stepped up their hiring in May, adding a robust 339,000 jobs, well above expectations and evidence of enduring strength in an economy that the Federal Reserve is desperately trying to cool. Friday’s report from the government reflected the job market’s resilience after more than a year of rapid interest rate increases by the Fed. Many industries, from construction to restaurants to health care, are still adding jobs to keep up with consumer demand and restore their workforces to pre-pandemic levels. Yet there were some mixed messages in the jobs figures, which also showed that the unemployment rate rose to 3.7%, from a five-decade low of 3.4% in April.
U.S. authorities have expanded slots to seek asylum at land crossings with Mexico through a mobile app for the second time in less than a month, seeking to dispel doubts it isn’t a viable option. There are now 1,250 appointments at eight land crossings, up from 1,000 previously and 740 in early May. Blas Nuñez-Neto, Homeland Security assistant secretary for border and immigration policy, said Thursday in Harlingen, Texas, that the expansion reflects a "commitment to continue to expand lawful options for migrants.” Texas has sued to end what the state government considers an illegal method of boosting immigration.
An Iowa task force has completed a search for survivors at the site of a partially collapsed Davenport apartment building and is moving ahead to shore up the structure so recovery efforts can begin. Rick Halleran is chief of the task force’s Cedar Rapids division. He said the search for survivors was completed Thursday evening after electrical equipment connected to the building were controlled. He said Friday the building has been unstable and needed to settle before further action could take place. “We do what the building tells us to do," he said.
Jordan’s crown prince has married the scion of a prominent Saudi family in a palace celebration attended by royals and other VIPs from around the world. Massive crowds gathered in a mood of excitement across the kingdom, as the young Hashemite royal was presented to a global audience. The marriage of Crown Prince Hussein and Saudi architect Rajwa Alseif has drawn a star-studded list headlined by Britain’s Prince William and his wife Kate. But it also holds deep significance for the region. It emphasizes continuity in an Arab state prized for its stability and refreshes the monarchy’s image after a bitter palace feud. It also could even help Jordan forge a strategic bond with its oil-rich neighbor, Saudi Arabia.
Journalists across the U.S. will walk off their jobs next week at publications owned by Gannett, the largest newspaper chain in the U.S. Their union said Thursday that the mostly one-day strike will start June 5. It aims to protest the company’s leadership and cost-cutting measures imposed since its 2019 merger with GateHouse Media. It will coincide with Gannett's annual shareholder meeting. Protesters will urge shareholders to express their lack of confidence in CEO Mike Reed, who has overseen the chain since the merger. Gannett shares have dropped more than 60% since that deal closed amid a tumultuous period for the news business.
Nikola Jokic got a triple-double in his NBA Finals debut, Jamal Murray scored 26 points and the Denver Nuggets had little trouble with the cold-shooting Miami Heat on the way to a 104-93 win in Game 1 of the title series on Thursday night. Jokic finished with 27 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds for the Nuggets, who waited 47 years to make the finals and didn’t disappoint. Aaron Gordon scored 16 and Michael Porter Jr. added 14 for Denver, which trailed for all of 34 seconds and eventually led by as many as 24. Bam Adebayo finished with 26 points and 13 rebounds for Miami, which shot 41 percent. | https://richmond.com/news/local/traffic-alert-interstate-95-south-crash-friday-june-2-2023/article_5d67f54e-0147-11ee-87a5-93ce4647f733.html | 2023-06-02T15:53:31 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/traffic-alert-interstate-95-south-crash-friday-june-2-2023/article_5d67f54e-0147-11ee-87a5-93ce4647f733.html |
Muncie Community Schools names its 2022-23 Teachers of the Year
MUNCIE, Ind. – Muncie Community Schools has named its 2022-23 Teachers of the Year at each school in the district.
All award recipients were presented with commemorative plaques by their building principals and now become eligible for the overall district Teacher of the Year award, which will be presented at the start of the 2023-24 school year, MCS announced last week.
“We have some unbelievably dedicated teachers at Muncie Community Schools and we’re grateful for all of them,” MCS Director of Public Education and CEO Lee Ann Kwiatkowski said in a press release. “The ones selected here are the best of the best, and we couldn’t be happier to let everyone know how valuable they are in educating our future leaders.”
Recipients were all nominated by fellow teachers and chosen from a group of finalists based on four categories: student success, student engagement, professional growth and colleague feedback. Each “Teacher of the Year” will receive an additional $1,000 in salary. Additionally, administrators will select two district Teachers of the Year – one representing primary level schools and one for secondary level schools. Those teachers will each receive an additional $2,000 in salary.
In addition to a Teacher of the Year, each school also named a Rising Star, Support Person of the Year and a Partner in Education. Below is the complete list of awards.
∎Longfellow Elementary:
Teacher of the Year – Donna Cunningham
Rising Star – Emily Wolford
Support Person of the Year – Karla Mallory
Partner in Education – Union Missionary Baptist Church
∎Grissom Elementary:
Teacher of the Year – Melinda Sheffield
Rising Star – Cole Haro
Support Person of the Year – Kim Brown
Partner in Education – SSC Services
∎North View Elementary:
Teacher of the Year – Andrew Hacker
Rising Star – Amanda Miller
Support Person of the Year – Judy Mullis
Partner in Education – Shawna Waters (Second Harvest)
∎South View Elementary:
Teacher of the Year – Haley Maupin
Rising Star – Madison Hilbish
Support Person of the Year – Dailynn Shelton
Partner in Education – Dr. Kathryn Fletcher
∎West View Elementary:
Teacher of the Year – Angela Bryan
Rising Star – Molly Whitesell
Support Person of the Year – Tracey Williams
Partner in Education – Samara Newnam
∎East Washington Academy:
Teacher of the Year – Courtney Miles
Rising Star – Savannah Oliphant
Support Person of the Year – Brittany Wallace
Partner in Education – Jane Poole
∎Northside Middle School:
Teacher of the Year – Tiffany Turner
Rising Star – Allison Harris
Support Person of the Year – Tiffany Moore
Partner in Education – Glad Tidings Church
∎Southside Middle School:
Teacher of the Year – Jensen Matchett
Rising Star – Jaelyn Hence
Support Person of the Year – Alexis Haynes
Partner in Education – Ivy Tech Enrollment Services and Office of Diversity, Equity and Belonging
∎Muncie Central High School:
Teacher of the Year – Allen Kidd
Rising Star – Matt Miller
Support Person of the Year – Mike Mueller
Partner in Education – SSC Services
Muncie Area Career Center/Youth Opp. Center:
Teacher of the Year – Chris Horner
Rising Star – Mark Sherfick
Support Person of the Year – Roger Craft
Partner in Education – Auxilio | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2023/06/02/muncie-community-schools-names-its-2022-23-teachers-of-the-year/70273098007/ | 2023-06-02T15:55:18 | 1 | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2023/06/02/muncie-community-schools-names-its-2022-23-teachers-of-the-year/70273098007/ |
BALTIMORE — An Inner Harbor restaurant has been closed by the health department for a rodent infestation.
⛔️FACILITY CLOSURE⛔️
— B'more City Health (@BMore_Healthy) June 2, 2023
June 1, 2023
Name: BLACKWALL HITCH
Address: 700 E. PRATT ST, 21202
District: 11
Reason for Closure: RODENT INFESTATION
Inspector: 2645
FACILTY MUST CORRECT ALL VIOLATIONS AND PASS REINSPECTION
Blackwall Hitch, which opened on Pratt Street in 2019, was shut down Thursday, according to a city health department tweet.
On the same day, Ovenbird Bakery, on South Exeter Street in Little Italy, was also closed for a rodent infestation.
⛔️FACILITY CLOSURE⛔️
— B'more City Health (@BMore_Healthy) June 1, 2023
June 1, 2023
Name: OVEN BIRD BAKERY
Address: 300 S. EXETER ST., 21202
District: 1
Reason for Closure: RODENT INFESTATION
Inspector: 2125
FACILTY MUST CORRECT ALL VIOLATIONS AND PASS REINSPECTION
Both businesses must pass reinspection to be allowed to reopen. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/inner-harbor-restaurant-closed-for-rodent-infestation | 2023-06-02T15:58:06 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/inner-harbor-restaurant-closed-for-rodent-infestation |
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) — Anyone with information about the death of a man in Lee County is asked to come forward.
Lee County Sheriff Jim Johnson made the plea in a social media video Thursday. Open this link to watch the video.
He’s referring to the death of Randy Price, 70. Deputies found his body Sunday morning, May 28 at his home on County Road 1303 east of Guntown.
He had been shot. The death is being investigated as a homicide.
Related - Homicide investigation underway after body found in Lee County
Investigators have spent the week working to gather as much information as possible, Johnson said.
He said this is believed to be an isolated incident.
Anyone with information should call the Lee County Sheriff’s Department at 662-432-2623. | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/anyone-with-information-about-lee-county-homicide-asked-to-come-forward/article_94133d76-0159-11ee-821b-0347d4af38ed.html | 2023-06-02T16:02:10 | 0 | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/anyone-with-information-about-lee-county-homicide-asked-to-come-forward/article_94133d76-0159-11ee-821b-0347d4af38ed.html |
ROANOKE, Va. – Choo-choo! The Queen of Steam is on her way home.
The 611 is set to return to the Star City Friday, according to Virginia Museum of Transportation officials.
We’re told the steam locomotive is set to arrive between 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
According to officials, 611 left from Shenandoah Friday morning, and travel time could vary based on other rail travel. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/02/queen-of-steam-to-return-to-roanoke-friday/ | 2023-06-02T16:04:46 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/02/queen-of-steam-to-return-to-roanoke-friday/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – Thousands of athletes from all over the world are coming to the Roanoke Valley for the Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge Triathlon.
During the race, athletes will swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles, and run 13.1 miles. Sunday, June 4 will be the start of the race at 6:30 a.m. at Carvins Cove for the swimming portion. Then athletes will bike across the Blue Ridge Parkway and then end up at River’s Edge Park in Downtown Roanoke, where they will run a half marathon.
When athletes finish the race, they can celebrate this huge accomplishment at the IRONMAN Village.
Drew Wolff, the Regional Director with the IRONMAN Group said, “This is just a beautiful community number one and this is a hotbed for outdoor activity, so it really fits the community and lifestyle that our athletes enjoy. But it is also the community here that brought us to Roanoke.”
With this race, comes some major traffic impacts. The race will affect the Blue Ridge Parkway, Lee Highway, Pollard Street, Wiley Drive, and most of Downtown Roanoke. There is a full breakdown of road closures and a map available to navigate the weekend.
Even though the big race isn’t until Sunday morning, you can take part in IRONMAN activities all weekend long. At the village, you can interact with official IRONMAN partners and vendors. Some of those vendors include the National Park Service, Fond Memory Graphics, and Play Tri, the official triathlon store.
If you want to relax with a cold drink, Athletic Brewing Company and Starr Hill Brewery will be on site.
Some of the exhibitors you can visit include IRONKids and Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
Organizers from the race have been planning this event for a year, but set up started on Monday.
“We started building tents here, creating our Ironman village. Getting everything ready for the athletes both here at Rivers Edge North and out at Carvins Cove where we will have the swim and transition one,” Wolff said.
If you have a little one who wants to take part in the weekend’s festivities, they can sign up for the IRONKids fun run. That takes place at 6 p.m. at the IRONMAN Village on Friday, June 2.
Organizers of the Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 have announced that after this year’s race, the event will be paused.
Officials said the pause is due to road improvements that are set to be made to the Blue Ridge Parkway. According to a statement, the goal is to bring the race back to Roanoke in the future.
IM23 703VBR CourseMap Swim 020623 Cc by WSLS on Scribd
IM22 703VirginiasBlueRidge CourseMap Run 040722 Cc by WSLS on Scribd | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/02/thousands-of-athletes-flooding-to-the-roanoke-valley-this-weekend-for-the-carilion-clinic-ironman-race/ | 2023-06-02T16:04:52 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/02/thousands-of-athletes-flooding-to-the-roanoke-valley-this-weekend-for-the-carilion-clinic-ironman-race/ |
Date set for implosion of Detroit's incinerator smokestack
Detroit ― The Detroit incinerator is nearing the final phase of a yearlong demolition process and city officials issued a warning for nearby Poletown East residents Friday that a controlled implosion will take place later this month.
The former Waste Energy Facility, commonly known as the trash incinerator, will be demolished on the morning of June 11 with a controlled implosion of the facility's smokestack.
“The full demolition of the incinerator is a relief to many people in the city,” said Tyrone Clifton, director of the Detroit Building Authority. “We owe it to them to remove this unwanted structure from their community in as safe a manner as possible, and we have the best team in place to do that.”
The incinerator's stack, located at 5700 Russell near the intersection of Interstates 94 and 75, has contributed to air pollution and health concerns for surrounding neighborhoods for 34 years, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said.
The incinerator hasn't been in operation for four years. In 2019, after pressure from the city to invest in air quality improvements, Detroit Renewable Power announced it would permanently shut down its trash-burning operations at the complex. At the time, its private owners said the plant was too old and costly to keep open. Since then, the city's trash has been going to landfills outside of the city.
The plant, originally built and operated by the city of Detroit starting in 1989, had been regarded by state officials as the largest municipal solid waste incinerator in Michigan.
Last May, the Detroit Building Authority selected Homrich Wrecking as the company to perform the demolition following a competitive bid process, the mayor's office said. As part of its proposal, Homrich has been selling scrap metals from the facility, which is generating approximately $1.3 million that will cover the cost of the demolition. Any surplus proceeds will go to the Greater Detroit Resource Recovery Authority.
Once the smokestack is down, full demolition of the facility should be completed by July. The future use of the site has not been determined, the mayor's office said.
All hazardous materials inside the complex, meanwhile, were removed and disposed of prior to the dismantling and demolition proceeding. Dykon Explosive Demolition will demolish the smokestack with the use of controlled explosives that will cause the tower to fall westerly on the incinerator property, away from the closest residential area.
The mayor announced last year that the complex was being dismantled and eventually would be entirely removed. In April, the city began notifying community organizations that the stack would come down sometime in June.
Although there are no residences inside the impact area of the implosion, the Department of Neighborhoods last week began conducting door-to-door outreach homes outside the impact area to notify them of the June 11 implosion date and provide more information.
Prior to the implosion, workers will close Russell and Ferry streets to establish a safety perimeter. Crews also will conduct wetting with water misting machines before, during and after the implosion to contain dust. Immediately after the event, cleanup teams will begin cleaning roads and sidewalks in the immediate area. Workers also will be checking air quality and conducting vibration monitoring before and after the event.
Residents closest to the area should keep windows closed as a precaution.
srahal@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @SarahRahal_ | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/02/date-set-for-implosion-of-detroits-incinerator-smokestack/70278182007/ | 2023-06-02T16:08:24 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/02/date-set-for-implosion-of-detroits-incinerator-smokestack/70278182007/ |
Warren man accused of raping two women he met online charged with assault
A Warren man suspected in at least two May sexual assaults of women he allegedly met online has been charged, police said.
Orlando Lavale Marshall, Jr., 28, was arraigned Thursday in Warren's 37th District Court on nearly a dozen charges, including first-degree criminal sexual conduct, armed robbery, assault, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of cocaine. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison for the criminal sexual conduct charge and up to life for the armed robbery charge.
A judge set Marshall's bond at $530,000 and scheduled his next court appearance for June 13.
According to police, a woman reported she was raped by an armed man the week of May 19, 2023, in a vacant home on Coleen Avenue near Eight Mile and Schoenherr roads. She told detectives she met the suspect through an online dating website.
A second woman reported to police that she was raped by a man a week later at the same vacant house on Coleen Avenue. She said she also met the suspect online.
Police placed the house under surveillance and on May 28 they saw a man fitting the suspect's description approaching the home with a woman, officials said. They intervened and the suspect ran away.
However, investigators were able to identify the suspect as Marshall.
Two Days later, Warren police officers located and arrested him at a home in Detroit, they said.
"Unfortunately, we know from our experience that these women are likely not his first or only victims," Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer said in a statement. "We encourage anyone with information or who may have been a victim to come forward to the Warren Police Department."
Anyone with information about the suspect or the alleged sexual assaults should call Warren Police Det. Nicholas Lienemann at (586) 574-4881 or email him at nlienemann@warrenpd.org.
cramirez@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @CharlesERamirez | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/macomb-county/2023/06/02/warren-man-28-accused-in-may-sex-assaults-in-vacant-house-charged/70280695007/ | 2023-06-02T16:08:30 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/macomb-county/2023/06/02/warren-man-28-accused-in-may-sex-assaults-in-vacant-house-charged/70280695007/ |
Boy, 10, accused of stealing SUV, driving it on I-75 near Saginaw
A 10-year-old Saginaw County boy is accused of stealing a car last weekend and driving it on Interstate 75 near Birch Run, Michigan State Police said.
The incident happened last Saturday, officials said on Thursday.
Police dispatchers received a call from OnStar, General Motors Corp.'s in-vehicle safety and security communications service, that a 2017 Buick Encore had been stolen from a home on Hess Ave in Buena Vista Township. The community is a suburb of Saginaw.
OnStar reported the vehicle was traveling south on I-75. State police troopers located the vehicle near the freeway's Burch Run exit and attempted a traffic stop. The driver refused to pull over, they said.
Meanwhile, authorities received 911 calls reporting a child was driving a car on I-75.
OnStar disabled the vehicle safely after it bumped into a guardrail, which caused minor damage to the SUV, police said. After the car stopped, a juvenile exited the vehicle and ran but was quickly taken into custody.
No injuries were reported and the boy was taken to the Saginaw County Juvenile Detention Center.
cramirez@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @CharlesERamirez | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/02/boy-10-accused-of-stealing-suv-driving-it-on-i-75-near-saginaw/70281319007/ | 2023-06-02T16:08:36 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/02/boy-10-accused-of-stealing-suv-driving-it-on-i-75-near-saginaw/70281319007/ |
1 dead, 1 wounded in Westland shooting
Charles E. Ramirez
The Detroit News
One person is dead and another wounded after an early Thursday morning shooting in Westland, police said.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing but it does not appear random, they said.
Officers were called at about 2 a.m. Thursday to a location in the 37000 block of Scottsdale Circle near Newburgh and Joy roads for a report of shots fired. They arrived and found a 32-year-old Romulus man with a gunshot wound.
During their investigation, police found a second gunshot victim, a 36-year-old Dearborn Heights woman.
Both victims were taken to a hospital where the man is listed in stable condition. However, the woman succumbed to her injury and died.
cramirez@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @CharlesERamirez | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/06/02/1-dead-1-wounded-in-westland-shooting-thursday/70281086007/ | 2023-06-02T16:08:42 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/06/02/1-dead-1-wounded-in-westland-shooting-thursday/70281086007/ |
Nearly a fifth of the continental U.S. is currently experiencing moderate to exceptional drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
While the West is currently experiencing a brief reprieve from its driest period of the last 1,200 years—other parts of the country, like the Central U.S., are experiencing spells of unusual dryness.
In periods of drought, levels of major reservoirs and rivers can fall dramatically. Groundwater systems to 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 Texas with the worst droughts in the week leading up to May 23, 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. Any counties which are not experiencing drought are not included in the slideshow. Where over 25 counties are experiencing drought, the 25 counties with the highest severity levels are listed.
Texas statistics
– Abnormally dry: 18.7%
– Area in drought: 42.3% (#11 nationally)
— Moderate drought: 20.8%
— Severe drought: 13.7%
— Extreme drought: 7.3%
— Exceptional drought: 0.5%
#1. Dallam County (tie)
– Abnormally dry: 0.0%
– Area in drought: 100.0%
— Moderate drought: 0.0%
— Severe drought: 9.6%
— Extreme drought: 90.0%
— Exceptional drought: 0.4%
#1. Dallam County (tie)
– Abnormally dry: 0.0%
– Area in drought: 100.0%
— Moderate drought: 0.0%
— Severe drought: 9.6%
— Extreme drought: 90.0%
— Exceptional drought: 0.4%
#1. Gillespie County (tie)
– Abnormally dry: 0.0%
– Area in drought: 100.0%
— Moderate drought: 0.0%
— Severe drought: 14.1%
— Extreme drought: 73.5%
— Exceptional drought: 12.4%
#1. Gillespie County (tie)
– Abnormally dry: 0.0%
– Area in drought: 100.0%
— Moderate drought: 0.0%
— Severe drought: 14.1%
— Extreme drought: 73.5%
— Exceptional drought: 12.4%
#1. Kerr County (tie)
– Abnormally dry: 0.0%
– Area in drought: 100.0%
— Moderate drought: 0.0%
— Severe drought: 19.3%
— Extreme drought: 56.7%
— Exceptional drought: 24.0%
#1. Kerr County (tie)
– Abnormally dry: 0.0%
– Area in drought: 100.0%
— Moderate drought: 0.0%
— Severe drought: 19.3%
— Extreme drought: 56.7%
— Exceptional drought: 24.0%
#1. Sherman County (tie)
– Abnormally dry: 0.0%
– Area in drought: 100.0%
— Moderate drought: 0.0%
— Severe drought: 39.8%
— Extreme drought: 29.4%
— Exceptional drought: 30.7%
#1. Sherman County (tie)
– Abnormally dry: 0.0%
– Area in drought: 100.0%
— Moderate drought: 0.0%
— Severe drought: 39.8%
— Extreme drought: 29.4%
— Exceptional drought: 30.7%
#1. Hansford County (tie)
– Abnormally dry: 0.0%
– Area in drought: 100.0%
— Moderate drought: 0.0%
— Severe drought: 18.5%
— Extreme drought: 49.1%
— Exceptional drought: 32.4%
#1. Hansford County (tie)
– Abnormally dry: 0.0%
– Area in drought: 100.0%
— Moderate drought: 0.0%
— Severe drought: 18.5%
— Extreme drought: 49.1%
— Exceptional drought: 32.4%
#1. Kendall County (tie)
– Abnormally dry: 0.0%
– Area in drought: 100.0%
— Moderate drought: 0.0%
— Severe drought: 0.0%
— Extreme drought: 43.4%
— Exceptional drought: 56.6%
#1. Kendall County (tie)
– Abnormally dry: 0.0%
– Area in drought: 100.0%
— Moderate drought: 0.0%
— Severe drought: 0.0%
— Extreme drought: 43.4%
— Exceptional drought: 56.6% | https://cw33.com/news/local/counties-with-the-worst-droughts-in-texas/ | 2023-06-02T16:09:26 | 0 | https://cw33.com/news/local/counties-with-the-worst-droughts-in-texas/ |
DALLAS(KDAF)—North Texas can expect weekend rain starting this Friday. As the day progresses, the temperature will rise from the mid-60s to the mid-90s. There will be lower temperatures and rain tonight, but no severe weather is expected.
NWS Fort Worth said, “Today (Friday) will be mostly sunny and seasonably warm with high temperatures in the upper 80s and lower 90s. Shower and thunderstorm chances will increase from west to east tonight with the best storm chances across western North Texas. Severe storms are not expected but frequent lightning and locally heavy rainfall will accompany the stronger storms. Tonight’s lows will range from the mid-60s to the lower 70s”.
On Saturday, there will be rainfall but not heavy rainfall throughout DFW.
“A complex of storms may invade North Texas early Saturday morning with additional development possible during the afternoon. The bulk of the rainfall will be north of the I-20 corridor”, NWS Fort Worth said.
On Sunday, there will be storms happening throughout the day, which may cause flooding.
NWS Fort Worth, “More widespread showers and storms are expected during the day Sunday. Slow-moving cells may produce heavy rainfall, which could result in flooding issues”. | https://cw33.com/news/local/north-texas-can-expect-rain-all-weekend-long-raining-during-the-2023-pride-celebrations/ | 2023-06-02T16:09:32 | 0 | https://cw33.com/news/local/north-texas-can-expect-rain-all-weekend-long-raining-during-the-2023-pride-celebrations/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Salvation Army and Westlake Ace Hardware are joining forces to help Wichitans stay cool this summer. It is part of the annual fan drive that will take place through June 18.
Customers at Wichita Westlake Ace Hardware stores will be encouraged to donate to the cause by rounding up their purchases at the register.
Last year, customers in Wichita donated more than $3,200, resulting in 225 box fans given to the Salvation Army for distribution.
You can donate online by clicking here. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/fan-drive-to-benefit-the-salvation-army/ | 2023-06-02T16:17:42 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/fan-drive-to-benefit-the-salvation-army/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The 51st Annual Wichita Riverfest kicked off Friday morning with the Admiral’s breakfast at the Hyatt.
This year’s Admiral is Kaye Monk-Morgan. She will serve as the official ambassador for Riverfest.
“Excited that it’s come. So many folks and volunteers have poured time and energy into planning this to bring it forth for our community to get to enjoy it. It’s a real gift,” she said.
Monk-Morgan is looking forward to having a turkey leg and a funnel cake. She is also excited for Gospelfest, Shaggy and the Gin Blossoms.
The tradition of Admiral Windwagon Smith was established in 1974 when John Bell first wore the red coat during the third Riverfest, then known as the Wichitennial River Festival. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/riverfest-kicks-off-with-admirals-breakfast/ | 2023-06-02T16:18:32 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/riverfest-kicks-off-with-admirals-breakfast/ |
TRAFFIC
Pedestrian seriously hurt in Glendale collision; Camelback closed between 51st, 55th aves.
Ellie Willard
Arizona Republic
Camelback Road is closed between 51st and 55th avenues as Glendale police investigate a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian near 53rd Avenue and Camelback Road.
Glendale police said the road will be closed for several hours and they ask the public to use alternate routes of Bethany Home Road or Indian School Road.
The pedestrian involved in the crash was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the other vehicle remained on scene as detectives investigate the cause of the collision. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/glendale-traffic/2023/06/02/camelback-road-closed-51st-and-55th-avenues-after-collision/70281531007/ | 2023-06-02T16:19:16 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/glendale-traffic/2023/06/02/camelback-road-closed-51st-and-55th-avenues-after-collision/70281531007/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – A 9-year-old girl was shot early Friday in Orange County, deputies said.
The shooting happened in the 1800 block of Powers Drive.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said the girl gained access to an unsecured firearm and was accidentally shot.
A family member drove the girl to Arnold Palmer Hospital, where she’s expected to recover.
“We do not have any additional details to release at this time,” deputies said in a statement.
It’s not known if anyone will face charges.
An investigation is ongoing. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/02/9-year-old-girl-shot-in-orange-county/ | 2023-06-02T16:26:22 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/02/9-year-old-girl-shot-in-orange-county/ |
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – He may be 94 years old, but Korean War veteran Johnnie Kelly’s memory is sharper than most people half his age.
He can easily tell you his service serial number and the day he received it – Sept. 12, 1952.
“I spent one year, one month and 15 days in Korea,” Kelly recently said, remembering his time serving in the U.S. Army where he was drafted. In that relatively short time in the Army, Kelly received two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart.
Kelly was drafted into the military and found himself in the Korean War shortly after.
During the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953, Kelly said his unit was 30 miles north of the 38th parallel into North Korea, sleeping in what he described as a “two by four...2 foot wide, 4 foot deep.”
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On April 18, 1953, Kelly remembers the brutal battle on Pork Chop Hill – officially designated “Hill 255″ – and the scars that come with fighting in a war. He said his company went up the west end of the hill and came out the east end. When they did, only four were able to walk off uninjured.
“It was cold, miserable and dangerous the whole time I was there,” Kelly recalls. “You know, people talk about that was a conflict but from my point of view, it was a war. Because the same they do in that conflict – if you want to call it – they did in a war. What they did, they killed you. And that was it.”
Kelly recalls serving with a young man that joined the service when he was around 16 or 17 years old, possibly using someone else’s identification to join. He said when the boy’s mother found out, the Red Cross promised her the boy would never be sent overseas.
The boy did end up in Korea, and Kelly remembered being in a trench with him one fateful day.
“I heard something funny, and he stopped talking,” Kelly said.
Kelly said a Chinese sniper took out the soldier in an instant.
That death stuck with Kelly for many years and he said he suffered a nervous breakdown and did some “stupid things.” The VA treated him with medication for years that didn’t work, until one day he met a VA psychologist who would change his life.
Kelly recalled what she said, like it was yesterday. She told him “we” are going to get rid of it.
“I had it, and she said ‘we,’” Kelly said.
She told Kelly that when he remembered and had bad thoughts to tell himself, “No, no I don’t have that because you’re not with me no more.”
He remembers the psychologist sitting in the corner and saying these words, “I’m not taking you with me. I’m leaving you here.”
Every time he thought about it, he was supposed to say those words, and he did. He admits that he had to get rid of all of that “stuff” in his head, so he wouldn’t have it anymore – to carry that burden.
Kelly admits that it sounds silly and acknowledges it may not work for everyone, but it worked for him.
“If you have something that’s not right, get rid of it, if you can get rid of it by doing that,” Kelly said. “People can help you, but you gotta help yourself ... The people don’t have the problem. You got it.”
Kelly was married for 54 years to his wife Louisa, who passed away in 2008. They had one daughter together and they have one grandson and three great-grandchildren.
“It’s amazing how much God did for me,” Kelly said.
Kelly isn’t allowed to drive his beloved truck anymore, but you may catch him cruising the streets of Deltona on his motorized scooter, waving to friends and strangers alike.
If you happen to find yourself in a conversation with him, get comfortable. You may not be going anywhere for a while.
You can listen to every episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate in the media player below: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/02/amazing-how-much-god-did-for-me-94-year-old-korean-war-veteran-reflects-on-struggles-triumphs/ | 2023-06-02T16:26:27 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/02/amazing-how-much-god-did-for-me-94-year-old-korean-war-veteran-reflects-on-struggles-triumphs/ |
COCOA BEACH, Fla. – An attempt to oust the city manager of Cocoa Beach failed on Thursday evening after a “no confidence” vote went 3-2.
The room was filled with city staff during the meeting, all of whom showed support for City Manager Robin Hayes.
Cocoa Beach City Commissioner Skip Williams initially called for the “no confidence” vote, leading to the crowd of about 200 people showing up to support Hayes.
Hayes was hired in 2022 after the previous city manager retired, and her past experience included serving as the city manager for Mount Dora.
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The Cocoa Beach CFO, fire chief and deputy police chief all told the commission that Hayes is the change the city needs, and they felt as though she’s bullied on social media because of the ongoing investigation of Police Chief Scott Rosenfeld.
Rosenfeld has been on paid leave for several months after allegations of harassment and creating a hostile work environment.
Cocoa Beach Mayor Ben Malik said it was “absurd” to question Hayes’ ability to do her job.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/02/cocoa-beach-city-manager-stays-on-following-failed-no-confidence-vote/ | 2023-06-02T16:26:34 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/02/cocoa-beach-city-manager-stays-on-following-failed-no-confidence-vote/ |
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A man suspected of burglarizing a Deltona home and threatening a neighbor with a knife was arrested Thursday after attempting to flee through the woods, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Christopher Sosa, 33, is accused of breaking a window and cutting a screen door at a home along Azora Drive in order to force his way inside, the sheriff’s office said in a statement. Deputies responded to the home around 1:45 p.m., reporting that Sosa had pointed a knife at and threatened to kill a neighbor who had come outside.
Deputies learned Sosa had been a prior, unwanted guest at the home for about three weeks, allegedly not paying rent or contributing in any way during that time period, the statement reads. Over time, the home’s residents had told Sosa multiple times that he was no longer welcome, deputies added.
Though Sosa had left by the time the sheriff’s office arrived, a deputy saw him driving along Saxon Boulevard, according to the statement. Sosa drove away at high speed when the deputy attempted to make a traffic stop, at one point hitting the bumper of another deputy who tried to prevent him from entering the parking area of Pine Ridge High School, the sheriff’s office said. While driving south on Howland Boulevard, a deputy deployed stop sticks and punctured one of Sosa’s rear tires.
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The car later became disabled and was abandoned on the side of State Road 415 as Sosa ran into the woods, deputies said. A citizen aided the sheriff’s office’s search by reporting the sight of a man leaving the woods near the Seminole County line, and Sosa was eventually arrested after being seen by law enforcement again around 4 p.m., now in the brush about 400 yards west of SR-415.
Sosa was taken into custody without further incident. Body camera video shows he was made to ride in the bed of a pickup truck out of the undeveloped area.
Sosa faces charges of burglary of an occupied dwelling, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, resisting an officer without violence, armed trespassing on school property and two counts of criminal mischief, deputies said.
As of Friday morning, Sosa was still in Volusia County Branch Jail on a $45,500 bond amount, according to the sheriff’s office.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/02/deputies-in-deltona-arrest-burglary-assault-suspect-who-ran-into-woods/ | 2023-06-02T16:26:40 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/02/deputies-in-deltona-arrest-burglary-assault-suspect-who-ran-into-woods/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – An Orlando firefighter was presented with three awards on Friday after his heroics saved the life of a Seminole County deputy during a fiery crash.
In March, Orlando Fire Department Lt. Benjamin Wootson III was off duty and taking his son to a soccer game when he witnessed an SUV driven by Deputy Matthew Luxon slam into an overpass support and catch fire near Sanford. By the time Wootson had darted to the wreck, ammunition in the vehicle had begun to go off, but the firefighter still rescued Luxon and got him a safe distance away as the two waited for more help, watching the SUV become engulfed in flames.
“I think I made the agreement I’ll mow his yard for the rest of my life,” said Luxon, joking with Wootson when the pair reunited on Friday.
Wootson received three awards during a recognition ceremony at Fire Station 1 in downtown Orlando:
- The “Life Saving” award, presented by the Orlando Fire Department for actions taken to save the life of a fellow public safety officer.
- Another “Life Saving” award, presented by Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma.
- The “Off Duty Hero” award, presented by Seminole County Fire Department Lt. Brad Dickey.
“Lt. Benjamin Watson III has served with the Orlando Fire Department since 2013, and so that’s only 10 years of experience but he performed like he was a 30-year veteran. He didn’t think about it, but he acted intuitively based off of his skills and his training and pretty much what you’re trained to do. You don’t think about it, but it just comes to you intuitively with your years of experience,” Orlando Fire Chief Charlie Salazar said before asking Wootson’s wife, Sarah, to stand. “When speaking to him and speaking to his wife, you know, every one of us comes to work each and every day and we risk our lives and so, you know, behind every good professional public safety individual, there’s always a support structure behind each and every one, whether that’s a spouse, a fiancé or family members, and we can’t do this job without your support, so I want to make sure that you understand how much we appreciate you for that.”
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Wootson said he hoped his story can inspire others.
“I definitely wanted to say thank you to my family for their constant support, as being a first responder, it generally adds stress to any family dynamic,” Wootson said. “Ultimately, I do want to thank God for giving Matt a second breath to live life. Because of him, Matt is still with us today. That is quite humbling, seeing the outreach support for doing what’s right, words can’t express my gratitude for that. If there are any takeaways from all of this, my hope is to inspire others to get involved, to do what’s right. Those challenging moments give us the opportunity to grow and to have a positively impactful meaning to other people’s lives.”
Presenting the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office’s award to Wootson, sheriff Lemma praised the firefighter’s demeanor.
“Knowing that he pulled Matt to safety, I called him just 30, 45 minutes after that, he was actually still on his way taking his son to soccer practice, and I told him how incredibly grateful that I was, our organization was and the citizens of Seminole County for him going clearly above and beyond the call of duty that morning, putting himself in harm’s way. And his response to me, I’m going to paraphrase the quote, ‘It’s simply what we do,’ with the highest level of humility, asking for nothing in return, just wanting to go on about his business,” Lemma said. “That is a true reflection of a hero.”
Wootson in May became the first firefighter to receive the “Back the Blue” award, given to him by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody.
“It’s an honor in itself to be the first firefighter to receive this and ultimately it should be a testament of the Orlando Fire Department from the training that we all receive and how we act on and off duty,” Wootson said at the ceremony. “I want to thank my family for always supporting my daily shenanigans... and ultimately, I want to thank God for putting us in a position to where we were to inflict change on an individual’s life.”
See Friday’s ceremony again in the media player below:
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/02/orlando-firefighter-honored-after-pulling-seminole-deputy-from-fiery-crash/ | 2023-06-02T16:26:46 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/02/orlando-firefighter-honored-after-pulling-seminole-deputy-from-fiery-crash/ |
TITUSVILLE, Fla. – The Titusville Police Department is searching for a 16-year-old girl who has been missing for a week.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said Lillian Bower-Hansman was last seen Friday, May 26.
The girl’s mother told News 6 that her daughter went to Titusville High School last week and hasn’t been seen since.
Lillian was described as 5 feet, 6 inches tall, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black shirt, blue jeans and yellow shoes.
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The FDLE’s website lists her as a runaway.
Anyone with information is asked to call Titusville police at 321-264-7800.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/02/titusville-police-search-for-missing-16-year-old-girl/ | 2023-06-02T16:26:53 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/02/titusville-police-search-for-missing-16-year-old-girl/ |
Abnormally dry month for Indiana impacts farmers, but how severe is it?
Hose in hand, 19-year-old Thaddeus Goecker trails behind a Kubota Ranger, a small off-road utility vehicle driven by his older brother Lance — who he calls "the boss man." Lugging behind the vehicle is a large tank of water. As the brothers work their way up and down fields of tomatoes, broccoli, strawberries and melons, Goecker hoses down each and every one of the plants.
This isn't how they normally water their crops. It's hard labor that takes the farm workers a whole day. In fact, if rain comes regularly, they don't have to do it at all. But their Seymour-based family farm, called VanAntwerp's, hasn't seen rain in a while. And neither have many parts of the state, including Central Indiana.
Central Indiana climate:Knozone Action Day declared for June 2, 2023
Indiana has been abnormally dry this month. Meteorologists say a few weeks without precipitation can be typical, but a trend in dry conditions requires farmers to work overtime.
"It kind of gets us behind because we have other stuff that we need to be doing," Goecker said. "When we're planting new stuff, they need to be watered in every day. If we don't have the rain to water them in, we have to go do it ourselves out in the field."
Sneeze a lot?Allergies are rough now. Here are some tips to help.
How severe is the lack of rain?
A June 1 report from the U.S. Drought Monitor showed that most of the state is abnormally dry. The site says abnormally dry areas can experience stress on dryland crops and rangeland, brown lawns and gardens needing more water.
In May, the Indianapolis area saw rain levels at 2 inches below normal, meteorologist Andrew White said. The driest parts of the state, he said, are near Lafayette and southeast of Indianapolis, which is where Goecker's farm is located.
White said it's not unusual to see a two-week period without rain. In this case, high pressure staying in the area for a long time is causing the dryness — which is the same reason it's so hot.
More on the heat:'Dome' over Indianapolis brings days of heat. What you need to know to stay safe.
But for farmers like Goecker, these two-plus weeks with no rain mean more work and higher bills. While the Southern Indiana farm has a pond and is hooked up to city water, it also has 11 greenhouses of tomato plants with automatic watering systems. When you factor in filling tanks of water during a dry period, it adds up.
Farmer: 'You're trying to outguess the weather'
Dean Fallis, 75, of West Point, Indiana, is facing a similar issue. His Central Indiana greenhouse and farm called Bloomers is west of Lafayette. He mainly produces herbs, flowers and vegetables.
His farm is in an abnormally dry area. When he faces a dry spell, he needs to adjust his morning schedule.
Over the past two weeks, he's been getting up at 5 a.m. to switch valves for his T-Tape irrigation system, which he said he's glad he added this year to make up for the lack of rain. This tape runs along the flower beds and gardens and, once water is pumped through it, expands and drips water onto the plants.
"The plants are growing, you gotta take care of 'em," Fallis said. "If you don't, they die. That's motivation enough."
In the farming business, fighting with the weather is the "same as always," he said.
"Either too much rain, not enough, the wind, frost," Fallis said. "You're trying to outguess the weather, which is getting tougher and tougher all the time because of climate change."
Scrub Hub:What are the risks of algal blooms and how does my family stay safe?
Is Indiana facing a drought? When will it rain again?
White, from the National Weather Service, said the next seven to 10 days don't look promising for rain. The only shot of precipitation, he said, is in forecasted pop-up afternoon showers that will still leave most of Indiana dry.
But Central Indiana isn't in a state of drought at the moment. The National Weather Service defines a drought as a "deficiency in precipitation over an extended period."
White said there are better chances for rain during the middle to end of June. He can't predict what parts of Indiana should expect that precipitation, though.
Meteorologist Jason Puma said while Indiana is heading toward a drier part of the year, it is difficult to forecast whether droughts will occur.
Watch this:Huge swarm of bees distracts Indy 500 crowd, but ultimately, 'if they sting, they sting'
Precautions should be taken during a dry spell
If you're outdoors grilling or making a fire, be cautious of any loose embers. The hot, dry weather increases the risk of grass catching fire.
Puma, from the National Weather Service, said he encourages residents to listen to their local governments for guidance on water usage.
You can also monitor how dry your location is by visiting droughtmonitor.unl.edu.
What's the weather forecast in Indianapolis?
Here's the Indianapolis forecast for the next few days from the National Weather Service, as of June 1:
Friday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 92. East-northeast wind 6 to 9 mph.
Friday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. East-northeast wind around 8 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 93. Northeast wind 7 to 10 mph.
Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 88.
Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.
Monday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.
Tuesday night: A 10 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2023/06/02/indiana-drought-indianapolis-weather-temperature-rain-dry-abnormal/70260254007/ | 2023-06-02T16:28:40 | 1 | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2023/06/02/indiana-drought-indianapolis-weather-temperature-rain-dry-abnormal/70260254007/ |
An Oakwood family was enjoying a day at the beach Memorial Day when nine people, including four children, were shot and wounded just feet away at Hollywood Beach in Florida.
Adam Wightman was with his sons 7-year-old Everett and 2-year-old Alex building sand castles and his wife, Mechelle, pregnant with the couple’s third child, was relaxing in the waves when suddenly shots rang out close by.
“It was crowded where the shots were fired, heard a bunch of loud bangs. I only counted maybe about seven but it was in quick succession,” Wightman said.
Immediately, Wightman said he had his sons crouch down and tried to cover them. His wife ran out of the water to them, also keeping the boys crouched down, he said.
“People just started to run, you heard a few screams,” he said. “As soon as the shooting stopped I ran straight toward it where people were running from. I’m not sure why.”
Wightman said there was smoke in the air from the gunfire. He saw two women laying on the beach who had been shot, one at least twice in the legs. A man took off his shirt to help her, he said.
“Then I looked over and I saw just a kid, just a young teenager, maybe about 15, and he rolled over and he had his hands on his chest,” Wightman said.
When the teen lifted his hand from his chest “blood started gushing out” from a wound inches from his heart.
“I ran closer, I crouched down by him as he was laying in the sand,” he said.
No one seemed to immediately notice the teen who was next to some trash cans. Another bystander placed his hands on top of the teen’s hands, helping him to apply pressure.
“I was telling him, ‘you’re going to be OK,’ he was taking really shallow breaths,” Wightman said. When a police officer approached and radioed for help, “I told him, ‘help is coming.’”
He then returned to his family, which included his sister who lives in Hollywood.
Wightman and his wife had planned to be in the Oregon District night night of the August 2019 mass shooting in Dayton, but decided against it. He never imagined his family would be so close to another shooting, the experience leaving him on edge.
“I feel like me and my family are just sitting ducks. It’s hard to feel safe after that,” he said. “What mattered to me the most was to know that my kids stayed down and low to the ground.”
Police said the shooting happened shortly before 7 p.m. Monday as a fight between two groups of people that escalated into gunfire in front of a busy stretch of shops on the Hollywood Oceanfront Broadwalk. There already was a heavy police presence to oversee the big crowds for the holiday weekend at the popular beach destination about 11 miles south of Fort Lauderdale and 20 miles north of Miami.
Police spokeswoman Deanna Bettineschi said four children between the ages of 1 and 17 were hit, along with five adults between 25 and 65.
“It was definitely a relief to know that he didn’t die,” Wightman said of the teen he tried to comfort.
Police said five handguns were recovered, including two that were stolen, and two men, both 18, were arrested on weapons charges. Investigators were still seeking to identify three others involved in the shooting.
The Memorial Day shooting was one of at least 268 mass shootings in the U.S. so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as one with at least four people shot, not including the shooter.
The shooting is hard to explain to young children, but Wightman said he and his wife talked about it calmly, that it did happen, but want to make sure their sons feel safe.
“My 7-year-old, I don’t think he understands the gravity,” said Wightman, who said the boy son spoke of it to another relative as if it were something in a movie.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/oakwood-family-just-sitting-ducks-at-florida-beach-during-memorial-day-mass-shooting/QSRCJRFUENAHNJO2XEMMPRORNQ/ | 2023-06-02T16:28:59 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/oakwood-family-just-sitting-ducks-at-florida-beach-during-memorial-day-mass-shooting/QSRCJRFUENAHNJO2XEMMPRORNQ/ |
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force officially opens a permanent exhibit devoted to combat search and rescue operations Saturday , exploring the premium the Air Force and its partners placed on the lives of soldiers and Marines.
Found in the museum’s second building, the exhibit shows how the Air Force became the primary service for search and rescue missions in the Vietnam War era, a pride of place that continues to this day, said museum research curator Bryan Carnes.
Initially, the Air Force was not the service of choice for such missions, Carnes said. A combination of Army and Air Force crews tackled these tasks, with the Army relying on its skills in mobilization and insertion, and Airmen relying on training for specialized airborne and scuba operations.
“They were more equipped to handle those situations,” Carnes said. “The Air Force became the primary rescue force in Southeast Asia. It was the pararescue forces, the trained specialists who were able to be lowered down to rescue individuals, who had the medical training, and the pilots who knew how aircraft handled when hovering above mountains and water.”
Aerial refueling of helicopters was invented at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Carnes noted, another strength giving the Air Force a leg up in perilous rescue missions.
Once thought impossible, pilots and civilian engineers at Wright Patterson set the stage for showing that “probe-and-drogue” refueling connections with helicopters could actually work, leading to the first helicopter in-flight refueling between a modified CH-3 and C-130 in 1966, according to the museum.
That innovation led to bigger and better helicopters able to travel longer distances.
The exhibit also explores Piqua native William Pitsenbarger, a pararescueman who gave his life supporting a company of 134 U.S. soldiers pinned down by a Viet Cong battalion of some 500 troops in April 1966.
Volunteering to assist on his day off, Pitsenbarger was lowered into the firefight with a medical bag, splints, a rifle and a pistol. He cared for the wounded for hours until he himself was mortally wounded. He was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant, and he received the Air Force Cross.
Carnes said the exhibit was created with the help of veterans and their families, including vets who took part in what has been called the “secret war” in Laos, military operations denied by three presidents.
“The experience has been great,” Carnes said of working with veterans. “It’s talking to them and telling their stories, and being able to tell their stories for everyone to see.
“With them walking through the exhibit, they just started crying; they were very appreciative,” he added. “It’s great on our end. It’s more of a healing process for them.”
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/that-others-may-live-air-force-museum-readies-new-search-and-rescue-exhibit-for-saturday-opening/B22DVOE6OVHXVLQEYBIFMUUOYI/ | 2023-06-02T16:29:05 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/that-others-may-live-air-force-museum-readies-new-search-and-rescue-exhibit-for-saturday-opening/B22DVOE6OVHXVLQEYBIFMUUOYI/ |
CARMEL, Ind. — The Department of Justice has closed its investigation into the possible mishandling of classified documents found at former Vice President Mike Pence's Indiana home.
The DOJ sent a letter to Pence's attorney Thursday informing him that, after an investigation into the potential mishandling of classified information, no criminal charges will be sought.
A Justice Department official confirmed the authenticity of the letter to Pence's lawyer.
The former vice president and Indiana governor is launching his widely expected campaign for the Republican nomination for president in Iowa next week.
Pence will hold a kickoff event in Des Moines on June 7, the date of his 64th birthday, according to two people familiar with his plans who spoke on condition of anonymity to share details ahead of the official announcement. He'll also release a video message as part of the launch.
The FBI discovered documents with classified markings at Pence ’s Carmel, Indiana home in January and February.
Pence is the third current or former top U.S. official, joining former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, to have their homes scoured by FBI agents for classified records. The willingness of Pence and Biden to permit the FBI to search their homes, and to present themselves as fully cooperative, reflects a desire by both to avoid the drama that enveloped Trump last year and resulted in the Justice Department having to get a warrant to inspect his Florida property.
The FBI had already taken possession of what Pence’s lawyer previously described as a "small number of documents" that had been “inadvertently boxed and transported” to Pence's Indiana home at the end of the Trump administration.
Pence, according to his lawyer Greg Jacob, had requested a review by his attorneys of records stored at his home “out of an abundance of caution” during the uproar over the discovery of classified documents at Biden's home and former private office. When the Pence documents were discovered, Jacob said, they were secured in a locked safe and reported to the National Archives. FBI agents then collected them.
Material found in the boxes came mostly from the Naval Observatory residence where Pence lived while he was vice president. Other material came from a West Wing office drawer.
Pence has said he was unaware the documents had been in his possession.
“Let me be clear: Those classified documents should not have been in my personal residence,” Pence said recently at Florida International University. “Mistakes were made, and I take full responsibility.”
“We acted above politics and put national interests first," he said. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/doj-not-seeking-criminal-charges-mike-pence-classified-docs-indiana-home/531-a2486f14-fe10-4e28-b9ae-ce45ee18904f | 2023-06-02T16:32:30 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/doj-not-seeking-criminal-charges-mike-pence-classified-docs-indiana-home/531-a2486f14-fe10-4e28-b9ae-ce45ee18904f |
INDIANAPOLIS — A man was allegedly going nearly 100 mph moments before a deadly crash on the east side the day after Christmas.
The crash happened around 6:30 p.m. Dec. 26 in the 8300 block of East Washington Street, east of South Franklin Road.
Multiple witnesses told police they saw Bendrick Phillips Ford Crown Victoria going around 100 mph right before the crash. Investigators said data from the car showed Phillips was going 95 mph and had the pedal to the floor. The speed limit in that area was 35 mph.
Phillips' car collided with a red Chevrolet HHR, killing the driver, Jaiden Marion. A passenger in the car was left in critical condition.
NOTE: The above video is from a report at the time of the crash.
Phillips and a passenger in his car were taken to the hospital in stable condition.
Investigators found Marion was pulling in to a Dollar General when Phillips car slammed into the passenger door. The force of the collision sent Marion's car spinning and rolling before coming to a stop on its side.
In an interview with police, the passenger in Phillips' car told officers she told Phillips multiple times to slow down.
Police claim, Phillips said he was just test driving the car after he bought and picked it up.
Phillips is facing charges for reckless homicide and two counts of criminal recklessness. He has an initial hearing set for June 5. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/man-charged-in-december-crash-that-killed-1-injured-3-on-east-side-of-indianapolis-bendrick-phillips-jaiden-marion/531-4b9371eb-4f42-497a-9fcd-cd857400faf1 | 2023-06-02T16:32:36 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/man-charged-in-december-crash-that-killed-1-injured-3-on-east-side-of-indianapolis-bendrick-phillips-jaiden-marion/531-4b9371eb-4f42-497a-9fcd-cd857400faf1 |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — City Manager Cathy Ball told News Channel 11 on Thursday the city’s contract with red light camera management company Redflex ended in November 2021.
A few months later in January 2022, the city reportedly conducted a survey to determine if the cameras were effective.
“We have not had a contract with [Redflex] since November of 2021. And part of that was we would have to rebid that contract per our purchasing regulations. So when we knew we had to rebid it, we looked at the value and the impact those red lights made in reducing crashes at those intersections,” said Ball.
The survey found no significant difference in crash-related injuries whether there was a camera or not.
Redflex reportedly removed the cameras in March. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/red-light-cameras-removed-in-johnson-city/ | 2023-06-02T16:32:56 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/red-light-cameras-removed-in-johnson-city/ |
What you need to know about Bessemer City's Juneteenth event and artwork on display
In January 2023, Bessemer City teamed up with high school art teacher Pamela Underwood to ask Bessemer City’s youth to, “display what Juneteenth meant to them." The resulting art will be displayed at Bessemer City's 5th annual Juneteenth festival.
The collaboration required Bessemer City High School’s art students to do a "deep dive" into the history of Juneteenth as well as other aspects of African art and culture.
In honor of Juneteenth, the day when Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Texas to let the people know that the war was over, and slavery had officially ended in every state, Bessemer City hosts a yearly celebration.
This year, Bessemer City human resources and City Clerk Hydeia Hayes, with the assistance of City Manager Josh Ross, approached Underwood to arrange the partnership. Underwood, who has been teaching at Bessemer City High School for 20 years, says the relationship between the city and the high school's arts department truly began over eight years ago.
"Bessemer City is a very progressive town in regard to the fine arts, and they're open to collaboration," Underwood said.
Ultimately, five pieces of art from Underwood's students were selected and enlarged for display at the festival. The rest of the artwork will still be available for viewing in a separate tent.
Underwood created a lesson plan that required students to conduct research into topics related to Juneteenth, and African art and culture. Underwood asked students to pay specific attention to textiles in their research, since, “Bessemer City is the textile city,” she said.
In the making of their art, some students were especially inspired after learning about Bessemer City math teacher Maxwell Baidoo’s Ghanaian heritage. Tenth-grade student Janaiya Glenn said her artwork was most inspired by Baidoo’s explanation that each color and pattern of African textiles holds a different meaning. Glenn hopes that her art will impact viewers by, “helping people learn about their culture and different cultures.”
Glenn said this project has impacted her because, "It's cool to learn things I would have never known if [Underwood] hadn't brought it up."
Some students made art relating to other aspects of African culture. Tenth-grade student Brisayra Villamil Guzman was inspired by symbolism after learning that the Zulu tribe had two flowers to represent them. Guzman hopes her art will, “spark curiosity to go and learn."
According to Guzman, she has personally enjoyed the experience of, "learning about other cultures that aren't our own."
Aside from African-inspired artwork, visitors at Bessemer City’s Juneteenth festival can expect to find music playing all day (including an interactive drum circle), and vendors distributing handcrafted goods including shea butter, jewelry, and more. The festival will take place from 6-10 p.m., Friday, June 16, at 114 W. Virginia Ave. | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/06/02/bessemer-city-works-with-high-school-students-for-juneteenth-display/70268304007/ | 2023-06-02T16:45:53 | 0 | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/06/02/bessemer-city-works-with-high-school-students-for-juneteenth-display/70268304007/ |
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