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COLUMBUS, Ohio — A Columbus City Schools high school senior who spent the first 10 years of her life at a refugee camp in Uganda is graduating at the top of her class.
Julianne Lukambo was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa.
"Due to the ongoing war, we had to move to Uganda as refugees, so that's where I spent most of my childhood," she told 10TV.
Now, she's ending her senior year as valedictorian with $240,000 in college scholarships.
"I was kind of surprised because I wasn't like keeping count of the amount, but I think first of all I did keep my grades up throughout my entire time in high school. That's something that helped me a lot. And also, I would say getting involved, networking, and branching out. It really helps you a lot with getting recommendations and having them [teachers] recommend you for different scholarships," she said.
Northland’s senior class, currently, has earned $5.6 million in scholarships. In total, so far, Columbus City Schools seniors have earned $33,172,272.00 in scholarship and aid money. Lukambo is among the top 50 earners.
"Overcoming the adversity that I have had to overcome to reach where I am today has been a real challenging journey, and I would say that from coming from where I'm from, to here now, I would've never expected it, so overcoming all of that is something I'm really grateful for and proud of," she said.
Lukambo plans to attend the University of Dayton majoring in computer science. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/columbus-high-school-senior-earns-240000-scholarships/530-63f875c5-4b49-471f-b567-f2f952493db6 | 2023-06-02T19:57:46 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/columbus-high-school-senior-earns-240000-scholarships/530-63f875c5-4b49-471f-b567-f2f952493db6 |
MISHAWAKA, Ind. — An Indiana man is telling the story of how he completed an incredible feat that few others have.
He conquered Mt. Everest!
Daniel Laidig says he's dreamt of summiting the world's tallest mountain since he was in the seventh grade.
This year, he made the dangerous seven week-long journey to stand on the top of the world.
"When you're standing on that summit, it's a pretty amazing feeling – talk about exhilarating," Laidig said.
And if you're thinking about getting out there and doing it yourself, Laidig has some advice. He was unable to conquer Everest his first try, back in 2001, due to inclement weather and sickness. The key? Stay determined.
"Go conquer something. And when you stand at the top of anything, it feels pretty good," Laidig said.
He's now climbed 5 of the "7 Summits," known as the tallest mountain peaks on each continent.
And, with two more to go, he says there are plenty of other mountains – both big and small – to conquer.
For now, he just can't wait to get a new view from the top. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana/inspiring-indiana/indiana-man-climbs-mt-everest-daniel-laidig/531-98aba3c6-8511-4db9-a752-a150ce878018 | 2023-06-02T19:57:47 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana/inspiring-indiana/indiana-man-climbs-mt-everest-daniel-laidig/531-98aba3c6-8511-4db9-a752-a150ce878018 |
CHEYENNE — A woman suspected of setting fire to a Casper abortion clinic last year pleaded not guilty Friday to a federal arson charge.
Lorna Green, 22, appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kelly H. Rankin for her arraignment. She is charged with trying to burn down Wellspring Health Access abortion clinic in central Casper, which was under construction and weeks away from opening at the time.
Green wore a floor-length dress covered in a bright blue and yellow pattern resembling Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night." She smiled at times during the hearing.
Her father, whom she currently lives with while free on bond, sat in the corner of the courtroom's front row. She looked back at him a few times before the hearing to make eye contact -- sometimes smiling and once with wide eyes. Before the proceeding, attorney Ryan Semerad, who is representing Green, chatted with her about what classes she's taking at Casper College.
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Once the hearing started, Rankin asked Green if she understood the charges she was facing and the potential prison sentence of five to 20 years if she's found guilty.
She answered yes. She only spoke with one-word answers throughout the proceeding.
Authorities learned of the fire while responding to a burglary report at 3:30 a.m. on May 25, 2022, at Wellspring Health Access. Officers noticed smoke pouring from the northeast corner of the building, which sits along East Second Street in the central part of the city.
Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the blaze, but the building sustained significant damage. The fire engulfed an entire room and spread down a hallway to the others; florescent lights melted and fell the floor, the federal complaint in Green's case states.
Police soon released photographs and video footage that showed a woman wearing a hoodie and face mask to conceal most of her head bringing a gas can into the clinic. Investigators say she was inside for 15 minutes.
“Through witness accounts and video surveillance, investigators identified a suspect who had gained entry by breaking a window, pouring gas in the facility, then leaving just prior to the reporting party calling in suspicious activity,” Casper police said in a statement at the time.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms offered a reward for information that led to the woman's arrest. Almost 10 months passed, and no suspects were identified despite the photos and video of the suspect.
In March, the reward was raised to $15,000 with the help of an anonymous donor. Authorities received more tips about the arsonist's identity.
Four of the 12 tipsters identified Green as the suspect, which led to the charges, the U.S. Attorney's office statement said.
A detective performed a comparative analysis of Green with the security footage.
“The similarities are readily apparent, including: the wide widow’s peak with deep hair recession, and the hair can be seen to be combed or lie in the same direction; the suspect’s eyes are relatively wide-set, and this appears consistent also for Green; both Green and the suspect have similarly dome-shaped foreheads,” the official complaint says.
Green spoke with authorities for the first time on March 21 after they searched her family home in Casper, the federal complaint filed in her case states. She admitted she was the person in the security footage.
She told investigators she was opposed to abortions and knew the clinic was going to offer them, the complaint states.
“Green stated she did not like abortion and was having nightmares which she attributed to her anxiety about the abortion clinic, so she decided to burn the building,” the complaint says.
She was living in Laramie at the time, the federal complaint states. She bought gas cans at the local Walmart and drove to Casper that night with the alleged intention of setting the building on fire.
Green drove straight to Laramie afterwards, the complaint states. She arrived around dawn. Green told investigators she tossed the pants she was wearing but kept her dark hoodie and pink shirt, which she had to wash repeatedly to rid of the smell of gasoline. She also took one of the two gas cans with her.
Green was jailed for a time after her arrest, but released a week later on a $10,000 bond that didn't require her to put up any money. She currently lives at her parent's Casper home, works for DoorDash and attends college part-time.
Her jury trial is currently scheduled for July 24. | https://trib.com/news/local/crime-courts/woman-suspected-of-casper-abortion-clinic-arson-pleads-not-guilty/article_b478ef8a-00c7-11ee-8996-57411afe390c.html | 2023-06-02T20:07:49 | 0 | https://trib.com/news/local/crime-courts/woman-suspected-of-casper-abortion-clinic-arson-pleads-not-guilty/article_b478ef8a-00c7-11ee-8996-57411afe390c.html |
PLEASANT PRAIRIE -- The Lake Andrea Beer Garden marked its grand opening with a ribbon cutting Thursday, marking the beginning of a season of drinks, food and events along the lakeshore.
Located on the southwest shore of the lake, the Lake Andrea Beer Garden will operate from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Fridaym and noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, through early autumn.
Pleasant Prairie village staff and leaders gathered to celebrate on Thursday, listening to a brief presentation by Visit Pleasant Prairie Executive Director Sarah Howard and beer garden operators Michael Grab, Anthony DeBartolo and Mike Honold.
The theme of the day was teamwork and cooperation, which Howard emphasized as Visit Pleasant Prairie’s “biggest strength.”
“It’s really thrilling to see it come to fruition,” Howard said. “Like any goal or vision, it doesn’t work if only one person has it.”
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Honold had a similar sentiment, thanking the many parties involved in the beer garden’s creation.
“Public-private partnerships are unique, and as we’ve seen over the course of the last six months, it takes everyone,” Honold said. “Let’s get it open."
Prairie Springs Park, already a popular destination for residents, made a good location for the beer garden, Village Trustee Michael Pollocoff said.
“It’s a really nice setting, especially on weekends and evenings; the park is hopping,” he said. “Come out and have a drink, it’s a nice setting.”
Plans for a permanent beer garden began after a pop-up beer garden along Lake Andrea proved exceptionally popular last year. Although more permanent infrastructure is still to come, Howard said the Lake Andrea Beer Garden was a “shining example” of what Visit Pleasant Prairie can do.
“Prairie Springs Park is a gem for Pleasant Prairie, and it often gets utilized for sports enthusiasts and the tourism draw,” Howard said. “We wanted a venue that everyone can participate in.”
A second destination project is in the works, Howard said, and is expected to be announced this summer.
Coming this summer adjacent to the Lake Andrea Beer Garden will be the Pleasant Prairie HarborMarket, a collaboration between Kenosha Common Markets Inc., operator of Kenosha HarborMarket, and Visit Pleasant Prairie.
The Pleasant Prairie HarborMarket will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on three Sundays: June 18, July 16 and August 20 at Prairie Springs Park, 9900 Terwall Terrace, Pleasant Prairie. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/now-on-tap-lake-andrea-beer-garden-holds-grand-opening-in-pleasant-prairie/article_a1f3174c-0166-11ee-928c-3f8f92c091ff.html | 2023-06-02T20:09:21 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/now-on-tap-lake-andrea-beer-garden-holds-grand-opening-in-pleasant-prairie/article_a1f3174c-0166-11ee-928c-3f8f92c091ff.html |
One last time.
For the 85 students in LakeView Technology Academy’s Class of 2023, it would be the final formal gathering as a group, many of its members together for four years.
Decked in electric blue gowns and caps, they marched to their seats inside the Indian Trail High School and Academy Auditorium Thursday night, some waving to the hundreds of friends and family who proudly packed the venue. Others soon-to-be graduates appeared to be focused on the task of just, well, graduating.
The sea of blue was accentuated with gold, silver and white — stoles of distinction — summa, magna and cum laude, respectively. In fact, the majority of this cohort held cum laude status or better. And, all the while they strode with both purpose and playfulness.
They were that kind of class.
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Before they would take to the stage to be formally acknowledged for the four years of toil and triumph to arrive at this point, their peer leaders made sure that they would never forget it.
“Remember the middle school lunch table where you made the most horrific chocolate milk concoction and tried to get somebody to drink it for two bucks?” said Joshua Clark, who was received with giggles. Clark along with Madelyn Andresen, gave the class welcome.
“In spite of COVID, we managed to keep most of our mental sanity as we took countless honors, AP and dual-credit courses,” Andresen said.
They recalled difficulties of the pandemic and the resurgence of school spirit marked by the return of prom, the “Graveyard Gala.” the end of the year picnic for student government and “an amazing senior trip,” Clark said.
Long journey
Brian Yao, who delivered the senior class message, removed his mask quipping that they hadn’t seen the lower half of his face of the past three years, until now.
Known as the class’ resident “bug expert” Yao spoke of the long journey being finally over.
“For some of you, it might be sad to leave a place it's almost been like a second home for the last four years. For some of you, it might be exciting to move on to college and beyond or perhaps graduating is just a light at the end of a very long tunnel,” he said.
Yao said he thoroughly enjoyed the four years he spent at the school.
“I’m very thankful for all that LakeView has given me,” he said.
He encouraged his peers to remember the friendships they had forged, the field trips, and the projects and, for him, “all those box elder bugs,” he said.
“We have faced tremendous challenges that nothing could’ve prepared us for with our freshman year cut short by the pandemic and our sophomore year marked by overnight switches between virtual and in-person learning,” he said.
He said the pandemic “still casts a shadow over us.”
“We were scared, isolated and frustrated, at first, but working together, teachers, staff and students overcame all our problems and now, having weathered that storm, we’re stronger than ever before,” he said. “One of my favorite things about Lakeview and what really sets us apart is how we learn. Here we go above and beyond textbooks and we're encouraged to reach out and explore on our own.”
Carving their path
He urged them to take a look around at everyone who has had an influence on them and to thank them.
“Wherever we go in the future. We will all still belong to Lakeview together and I wish you all the best of luck no matter where life takes you,” he said. “Now that we have graduated it's up to us, the class of 2023 to bring everything we've done it like for you with us and carve our own path into the world.”
Prior to the class crossing the stage, Principal Bethany Ormseth told seniors she was proud of them and to remember the importance of embracing failures and setbacks in their pursuit of personal success.
“I encourage you to consider how to use your talents, passions and knowledge to contribute to the betterment of society. Be compassionate, empathetic, and kind in your interactions with others. Seek opportunities to lift others up … and be a good force in this world,” she said. “I encourage you to stay true to yourselves. Society may try to define success for you but remember that your path is unique. Say `Yes,’ to big things, live in the moment. You can and will do great things. Let yourself do those great things. I can't wait to see what the future holds.”
'Cheering each other'
Before the traditional moving of the tassel, seniors Erica Bando and Pierce Pereira delivered the senior reflection.
“We will continue to cheer each other on from near and far,” said Bando.
“Who knows what the future may hold for us?” said Pereira.
They also reminded them to stay grounded.
“Success isn’t just measured by the size of your of your house or the figure in your bank account, but also by your personal happiness,” Bando said.
“We hope the happiness in store for you looks a lot like being surrounded by people you love and celebrating life’s greatest moments,” Pereira said. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/principal-to-lakeview-techs-class-of-2023-stay-true-to-yourselves-let-yourself-do-those/article_653edaf0-00f5-11ee-b43a-a7a73aab7d87.html | 2023-06-02T20:09:28 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/principal-to-lakeview-techs-class-of-2023-stay-true-to-yourselves-let-yourself-do-those/article_653edaf0-00f5-11ee-b43a-a7a73aab7d87.html |
Delaware State Police charged a man and a teenage girl after a brawl broke out at a high school graduation.
The melee played out at the conclusion of Sussex Central High School graduation on Tuesday, May 30, state police said in a news release.
"... at approximately 8:40 p.m., troopers working the graduation detail at Sussex Central High School were alerted to a large crowd of people fighting outside of the main gate to the ceremonies," police wrote Thursday. "Troopers responded and observed a 48-year-old Millsboro woman being kicked and punched by a 16-year-old girl, who was yelling and then began walking away from the area. There was also a 29-year-old Millsboro man who was seen punching at people during the fight, including this same teenage girl."
Troopers caught up to the girl -- who isn't a Sussex Central student -- and her dad on the other side of the school's softball field, police said. But neither of them would talk.
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Police broke up the fights and dispersed the crowd, but none of the victims of the fight stuck around, state police said.
The next day, the 48-year-old woman and her 15-year-old daughter -- who also isn't a student at the school -- reported their injuries to police. "The woman had a scratch on her nose, and the girl had a black eye and a swollen nose," police said.
On Thursday, police announced the arrest of David Cupery. Cupery -- believed to be the 29-year-old man mentioned by police -- had turned himself in to face misdemeanor offensive touching and disorderly conduct charges. He was Cupery was arraigned and released on his own recognizance. It was unclear if he had an attorney who could comment for him.
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On Friday, state police said the 16-year-old had turned herself in the day before and was charged with third degree assault and disorderly conduct. She was arraigned and released to her parent.
The Indian River School District in a statement said it "is fully cooperating with the Delaware State Police investigation."
"This incident does not reflect the values we attempt to instill in our students and we are disappointed that certain guests chose to tarnish what was a night of celebration for members of the Class of 2023 and their families," the school district said. "We sincerely appreciate the assistance of the Delaware State Police in restoring order at the event and assuring the safety of those in attendance."
Sign up for our Breaking newsletter to get the most urgent news stories in your inbox. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/man-girl-charged-after-fight-breaks-out-at-del-high-school-graduation/3578079/ | 2023-06-02T20:16:45 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/man-girl-charged-after-fight-breaks-out-at-del-high-school-graduation/3578079/ |
Tobacco giant Altria has completed a $2.75 billion purchase of vaping firm NJOY, staking out a position in the biggest part of the smoke-free tobacco business.
Henrico County-based Altria, which makes Marlboro cigarettes, the nation’s biggest-selling brand with more than 40% of the market, has been moving aggressively into products that deliver nicotine but without the smoke that contains the tar, chemicals and carbon monoxide that cause cancer and lung disease.
With NJOY, it now has products for people who want to use e-cigarettes, while a joint venture with Japan Tobacco announced last year brings a product that heats cigarette-like tobacco sticks. These add to the company’s existing oral and pouch tobacco products.
“The completion of this transaction is a transformative step in our goal of moving beyond smoking,” said Billy Gifford, Altria’s CEO.
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NJOY has received marketing granted orders from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a critical approval for selling vaping items, for six of its products, accounting for a major share of the 23 such orders the FDA has issued.
Its ACE device is the only e-vapor device that has won such a marketing authorization. The other five orders are for its nicotine pods, with concentrations ranging from 2.4% to 6%.
NJOY’s ACE device and its pods are sold in 33,000 U.S. stores, and Altria said its initial plans to expand sales will bring the product to about 70,000 outlets. Those account for about 70% of vaping products and 55% of cigarette sales in U.S. chain and convenience stores.
E-vaping products now have the largest share of the smoke-free market, with more than 14 million adult tobacco users who spend some $7 billion on them.
Altria moved to buy NJOY shortly after it shed all of its $12.8 billion investment in Juul earlier this year. Altria had owned 35% of Juul, but that firm’s e-cigarettes stirred controversy because some had sweet, candy-like flavoring. In 2020, the FDA banned all e-cigarette flavoring other than tobacco or menthol.
The FDA also issued an order barring Juul from selling any of its e-cigarettes, but later stayed that order.
Meanwhile, governments and individuals filed thousands of lawsuits against Altria and Juul, alleging a wide variety of damages. Last month, Altria settled roughly 6,000 of these for $253 million.
Altria has agreed to pay up to $500 million more depending on regulatory approvals for other NJOY products.
It is paying for the purchase with cash, commercial paper and a $2 billion loan. It expects NJOY to be adding to cash flow by 2025.
Collection: Our 'From the Archives' series
Despite the planned evening festivities, it was a rather quiet morning. The people, horses and wagons that had filled the streets on their way…
For 24 grueling hours, the city of Richmond held its collective breath as heavy rains beat down and the James River continued to swell with ea…
In a letter to the editor in the April 16, 1910, edition of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, one author wrote: “Manchester is Manchester no longer. The ancient city closed its eyes last night as of yore, but slept, and will sleep forever as a ward of Richmond.”
Nearly 2 million came out in early May 1975 to witness the opening of Kings Dominion amusement park.
As the church bells chimed signaling the start of early afternoon, Oregon Hill came alive. | https://richmond.com/news/local/business/altria-completes-2-75-billion-purchase-of-vaping-firm/article_7315cec0-0165-11ee-b701-0f5709200a01.html | 2023-06-02T20:17:24 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/business/altria-completes-2-75-billion-purchase-of-vaping-firm/article_7315cec0-0165-11ee-b701-0f5709200a01.html |
LEASES
Commonwealth Commercial Partners LLC reports the following transactions:
Richmond Rolfing LLC leased 800 square feet at 6740 Forest Hill Ave. in Richmond.
Southern Bank & Trust Co. leased 3,240 square feet at 7130 Glen Forest Drive in Henrico.
Cushman & Wakefield — Thalhimer reports the following transactions:
Pinnacle Treatment Centers VA-II LLC leased 31,754 square feet of retail space at Midlothian Center, 101-271 Wadsworth Way, in Chesterfield.
Triton Stone Group of New Orleans renewed its lease of 24,000 square feet of industrial space at 10471 Washington Highway in Ashland.
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Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists P.C. renewed its lease of 19,628 square feet of office space at 7611 Forest Ave. in Henrico.
Miles & Stockbridge P.C. subleased 11,005 square feet of office space at Riverfront Plaza West, 901 E. Byrd St., in Richmond.
Naborforce Inc. subleased 6,016 square feet of office space at 3015 W. Moore St. in Richmond.
West End Needlepoint leased 4,800 square feet of retail space at Gleneagles Shopping Center, 10426 Ridgefield Parkway, in Henrico.
Westwood Athletics leased 4,280 square feet of retail space at 1105 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. in Richmond.
Vivo Infusion Virginia LLC leased 2,000 square feet of retail space at Harbour Pointe Village Shopping Center, 13700 Hull Street Road, in Chesterfield.
Morgan Keller Inc. leased 1,368 square feet of retail space at The Westbrook at Brewers Row, 1601 Overbrook Road, in Richmond.
Hudson Enterprises subleased 1,165 square feet of office space at the Winchester Building, 10800 Midlothian Turnpike, in Chesterfield.
SALES
Commonwealth Commercial Partners, LLC reports the following transaction:
2419 Grenoble LLC purchased 23,760 square feet at 2419 Grenoble Road in Henrico from Nick G. Athos and Carol O. Athas for $2,050,000. Colton Konvicka and Ben Bruni represented the seller.
Cushman & Wakefield — Thalhimer reports the following transactions:
2811 Rady LLC purchased 22.87 acres of industrial-zoned land at 2811 Rady St. in Richmond from Magnolia Development Co. LLC for $725,000 to be used for truck/trailer parking. Danny Holly handled the negotiations on behalf of the seller.
8209 W Broad Street LLC purchased 8209 W. Broad St. in Henrico, a former bank branch, from Atlantic Union Bank for $1,600,000. Will McGoogan handled the negotiations on behalf of the seller.
Richmond homes for big families
5 Bedroom Home in Chesterfield - $780,000
Welcome to LeGault Homes at Summer Lake. The Aveline is Absolutely Gorgeous and Breathtaking! This home is to be built sitting on .33 of an acre offering privacy, trees, and nearby trails. This home has many included features: 1st floor Guest Room, Screen Porch, Office/Study, Pella windows offering tons of natural light, large kitchen w/island that is great for cooking and entertaining that opens up to a large living room, Kemper Echo Series 42" kitchen cabinets soft close, granite kitchen countertops, 5" Mannington Engineered included 1st floor (except for bedrooms) & includes second-floor hallway, carpet in bedrooms with 6lb padding, Mudroom, 2nd-floor Primary with double WIC, luxury primary bath, tile primary bath floor, and tile shower, tile floors in secondary baths, stand-alone tub, brushed nickel accessories, fireplace included w/ surround and mantle, Frigidaire appliances, Tankless Water Heater, Recess Lights, 8 total Cable/Data or Phone Prewires, Ceiling Fan Prewires, Designer lighting package, Crown Molding, Elongated Toilets and so much more! Some items showing on the floor plan may be optional.
6 Bedroom Home in Williamsburg - $688,878
EXCLUDES LOT PRICE The Bellview is a magnificent home designed with a household's growing needs in mind.. This 2-story model has a spacious open living area complete with a stunning kitchen perfect for the inspired home chef. State-of-the-art appliances and a large center island outfit this kitchen with all that is necessary for meal times. The large dining room has space for that farmhouse table with room to seat everyone. And the breakfast nook or island are great for the grab and go meals of a busy household. The large living room has two French doors that open out to a bright airy sunroom. The first floor also has space for the much-needed mudroom, a first-floor bedroom with attached bath and another bedroom or office space. This sprawling floor plan flows into a second level with a retreat-like primary suite. The large bedroom opens onto a sun-filled sitting room as well as a luxurious bath and walk-in closet. Three more bedrooms complete the second floor, as well as a decked-out media room and second-floor laundry. High-end finishes like granite countertops and hardwood flooring are used throughout. *Prices may vary depending on layout".
5 Bedroom Home in Chester - $537,550
Welcome to The Landings at Meadowville - Chesterfield’s hidden gem. Packed w/ amenities along the James River & set in the Thomas Dale district. Premier homes on flat, wide lots. Enjoy river access, amenities & convenience to major highways. MEET THE SAINT LAWRENCE! The beautiful exterior features an upgraded craftsman elevation with front porch and 2-car SIDE LOAD garage! Enter the home into the spacious foyer that flows into a convenient flex room! Use it how you want or even add French doors for a library! Continue into the large, open family room with sight lines to the gourmet kitchen. The open layout lets you eat, entertain or simply hang out. The kitchen, with oversized island, granite countertops, walk-in pantry, ample cabinetry, and ALL stainless appliances, is truly a chef's dream! You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Tucked off of the family room is a private office OR optional 1st fl bedroom! Upstairs, 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, open loft, and laundry room await. But perhaps your biggest help will be from the room we’ve designed just for you - The Owner’s Suite—with a walk-in closet and spa-like bathroom—you’ll get the rest you need! 3x6 rear landing included
5 Bedroom Home in Mechanicsville - $499,000
LONG ESCROW PERIOD, PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB OCCUPANT. Extraordinary custom Transitional located close to the Cold Harbor Battlefield on 2.68 private acres featuring: brick front, 9'ceilings, triple crown molding, hardwood flooring, cherry cabinets, Corian counters, abundant lighting in kitchen, breakfast area, upgraded appliances, gas log fireplace, vaulted, bright Florida room w/ ceramic flooring, 1st floor primary suite, primary bath w/double vanity sink, garden tub, ceramic shower stall, large walk-in closet, 4 more bdrms on 2nd flr, walk-in storage, wireless thru-out home, Aurora lighting system w/5 stations, alarm system, irrigation system (5 zones front, sides,& rear), dual zone A/C,275' drilled deep water well with oxygen injection system and central water charcoal purification, 8x10 shed to convey(no elec.), paved driveway, 2 car side entry garage,12x14 Trex deck.The back of the home features an open backyard with a deck; the perfect spot for grilling, entertaining, or relaxing on a warm summer day! Conveniently located a short drive from 295 and 360! Set your appointment to see this lovely home today!
5 Bedroom Home in Moseley - $820,725
4 Bedroom Home in Fredericksburg - $669,990
Spacious two-story foyer.. Elegant formal dining room, great for entertaining. Private home office for telecommuting. Open kitchen with island & cozy dining area. Impressive owner’s suite with sitting room. Relaxing owner’s bath with shower, split vanities & dual walk-in closets. Finished basement rec room included for additional living space.
4 Bedroom Home in Fredericksburg - $704,990
Formal living and dining room off foyer.. Striking kitchen with island and breakfast bar. Spacious great room with ample windows and optional fireplace. Cozy dining area off kitchen with access to backyard. Private home office off kitchen. Luxurious owner's suite with spa bath and walk-in closet. Optional Extra Suite on first floor for overnight guests. Finished basement rec room included for additional living space.
4 Bedroom Home in Manakin Sabot - $1,500,000
Rare opportunity in Manikin Sabot!!Here is your chance to own this custom built home by J.R. Walker Homes resting on a 3 acre wood lot across from Hermitage Country Club. This custom Cape style home consisting of full wrap front porch, covered rear porch w/exterior being stone & hardiplank. 1st floor consisting of the following:Office off of foyer w/ cased openings, 1st floor bedrm suite w/ custom full bath & huge walk-in closet, large family room w/ fireplace opening to huge eat in custom kitchen w/ granite tops, stainless steel appliances, island & breakfast area. Off kitchen you will find a 13 x 9 walk-in pantry, huge utility room w/ drop zone area built-ins & half bath which leads to the attached 3 car garage. 1st floor also consist of 10 foot ceilings & hardwd floor’s throughout. 2nd floor consisting of 3 large bedrooms one w/ its own private bath & the other 2 share a full bath, huge 23 x 21 rec room area also an expandable walk in attic that is 15 x 32 that could be finished. Unfinished Basement can be added for 70K. This house has not been started yet & we have other plans that we could custom build . Again don’t miss this rare opportunity!!!!!
4 Bedroom Home in Mechanicsville - $1,281,113
Build the Madison on your lot or ours! The stunning Madison plan is starting construction with a December move-in! This home offers a first floor Owner's Bedroom and Bathroom and was featured in Homearama this year. The spacious Family room, Dining room and Kitchen make this space perfect for the family that likes to entertain. Walk out onto the oversized covered rear porch and gain exterior entertaining space. Secondary bedrooms are upstairs with an open loft, great for a rec room or secondary tv room! The oversized 3 car garage gives you plenty of room for parking and storage. With 10' ceilings on the first floor, 9'ceilings on the second floor, Hardie plank siding, metal porch roof, vaulted ceilings in the upstairs loft and a 12' slider door leading from the Family Rm to the Covered Porch, LVT throughout first level, this home lacks nothing! This plan is truly worth seeing! Photos show example of Madison home already built. See Sales Rep for the full list of options to be built into this home and the Builder's Incentive to use our preferred Lender...$15k in April!!!
5 Bedroom Home in Henrico - $385,000
Wonderful Quad level home with spacious lot and upgraded amenities! This home is located just off Pump Road with convenient access to Short Pump and I-64. Home features refinished hardwood floors (1st & 2nd floors), ceramic tile, new carpet (3rd floor) and engineered wooden flooring (basement); 2 master bedrooms with en-suite and 3 other bedrooms; large living room with adjacent formal dining room; renovated eat-in kitchen with granite counters and back-splash, custom cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting, pantry and pocket door to dining room; basement level family room and laundry room with direct walk out access; front porch; 3.5 baths with tile floors and upgraded vanities; low maintenance vinyl and brick exterior; large corner lot (0.40 acres) with huge fenced-in back yard and spacious driveway / off street parking. Set up an appointment now to see this wonderful well-maintained West End home before it's gone!
5 Bedroom Home in Ashland - $846,099
Welcome to Lankford’s Crossing! The “WILTON” plan, two level living at its BEST! Florida Split floor plan with a huge wide-open Family Room+Kitchen+Dining Area. Includes 5 bedrooms, fabulous front porch and 4 car garage! Elevation "B" and EMERALD PACKAGE including 9ft ceilings, fireplace, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, 42" cabinets with crown molding, hardwood floors throughout in living areas. Plans from 1500sf to 4000sf available. This neighborhood has lots from .4 acres to 13 acres with walking paths to the town of Ashland. Choose from over 20 lots at this price point! With Public Water, Sewer, Natural Gas, and HIGH SPEED INTERNET! RCI BUILDERS is a semi-custom builder that will allow modifications to their floor plans as well as all clients get to utilize a DESIGN CENTER to select all of their finishes and colors! *NOTE: HOME IS TO BE BUILT. PICTURES SHOWN ARE SAMPLES FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AND MAY NOT REPRESENT FINISHED CONSTRUCTION DETAILS.
5 Bedroom Home in Chester - $570,000
Are you looking for a full finished walk-out basement? This is it! This home is only 9 months old and is gorgeous. Built by HHHunt and is the Hillcrest model with the Heritage style elevation. The property sits on a large, well landscaped lot with a fenced in backyard that overlooks the woods. The choices the seller made are just perfect from the beautiful Quartz countertops, to wood laminate flooring, gas fireplace, fully finished basement with bedroom and full bath, upgraded owner’s en suite bath and so much more. Sellers are sad to go. No need to build when you can move in now and enjoy the wonderful amenities that Meadowville Landing offers.
5 Bedroom Home in Williamsburg - $458,439
EXCLUDES LOT PRICE This 2,620 sq ft layout is designed for the active modern household.. The first floor has an expansive living area complete with hardwood floors throughout. The designed-for-convenience kitchen has granite countertops and 36-42" cabinets. The large center island is not only perfect for meal prep, but doubles as a gathering spot for all. The sophisticated dining room is perfect for entertaining. The second floor is expansive enough to contain 4 bedrooms and an elegant primary retreat. The primary suite in this home was designed for multi career life, keeping in mind different sleeping schedules, with access to the closet both from the bath and bedroom. On the right lot, this home can come with a side-loading garage for maximum curb appeal. Screened porch is optional. *Prices may vary depending on selection of floor plan*
5 Bedroom Home in Williamsburg - $534,473
EXCLUDES LOT PRICE Custom Homes Of Virginia now offers homes for an emerging lifestyle of multi-generational living, which we call our MULTIPLY - Gen-FLEX models.. Your extended household needn't give up their privacy to share a home with you. Each MULTIPLY - Gen-FLEX model has its own living quarters (including a primary bedroom and bath, a full kitchen, and dining/living room) as well as a private entrance. Your immediate household has plenty of space in the Kellan-Gen-FLEX home as well. From your two car garage and a handy mudroom to the large open kitchen flanked by a dining room on one end and your living room on the other, your first floor is open concept through and through. Upstairs, you'll find a retreat including a den/play room, a conveniently located laundry room, three more bedrooms, and a bath for a large or growing household. Most importantly, your primary suite with a spa bath for your personal R & R.
5 Bedroom Home in Williamsburg - $426,385
EXCLUDES LOT PRICE The Flagmont II 's open concept first floor offers the household equal room to relax as well as entertain.. The second floor provides a respite from everyday living, with a sumptuous primary suite that houses a richly finished spa bath. Placing laundry room with bedrooms was a stroke of genius, of which your family can share, with the two other bedrooms and bath on that floor. Your third story can be your signature. It's large enough for two more bedrooms and a bath or any configuration you can conjure within its footprint. Though we offer many upgrades in our base price there may be additional upgrades, not included, in the photos shown.
7 Bedroom Home in Williamsburg - $474,257
EXCLUDES LOT PRICE Even a large household could get lost in the Kellan V.. Though the home sports 7 bedrooms and 4 full baths, it still reserves room for a large playroom or den, media room for a get away. The primary suite is on the first floor with a brightly lit primary bedroom and luxurious spa bath. You have a choice of venues and plenty of room when entertaining, be it in your open living area or on your rear covered porch and deck. Though we include great standard features, some home owners request additional upgrades that may not be included in our base price. Check with your agent.
5 Bedroom Home in Williamsburg - $438,073
EXCLUDES LOT PRICE The Kelvin 2 story has great bones for entertaining or just hanging about.. It maintains the second floor, four bedrooms, including the elegant primary suite and its attending huge walk in closet, with its spa bath, so comforting, one dreads the end of its requirement. The third floor can be your fifth bedroom, or it can become magical as a Media Center, Exercise room, or turned over as a den. The choices are many. The amount listed does not include land and/or development cost. If you have your own lot, wonderful, otherwise, we have an eye upon various locations on which you can build your home. Contact your Agent. Your choices throughout the home can probably be met with our standard upgraded features, however some different upgrades shown in these photos may not be included in our base price.
5 Bedroom Home in Williamsburg - $459,261
EXCLUDES LOT PRICE The Kenston is our most requested home.. This home has proven flexible, hence our 3 models plus a MULTIPLY - Gen-FLEX ready to build. The Kenston 3 Story was requested so often we decided to post it as a stand alone model, so one can do a quick comparison. This home offers the same amenities as the Kenston, with its 5 bedrooms including a large primary suite, and enticing spa bath with dual walk-in closets. Go up one floor to the expansive room, full bath and walk in closet, and your imagination is in charge. Second primary bedroom? en? Media Center? It's entirely up to you! Though most of your wants are included in our standard features, some updates, not included in our base price, may be included in these photos. Check with your agent.
5 Bedroom Home in Williamsburg - $461,892
EXCLUDES LOT PRICE Our Lochlan model is a sophisticated home with stately exterior features that give it unique character.. Along with the Hardy siding and custom stone accents, this 2-story beauty has an optional second floor balcony adorning its facade. The covered porch off the back of the house also extends the living area to create additional entertaining space. The first-floor flows easily from a classic dining room into an open kitchen with a large island perfect for food prep and gatherings. The sun-drenched living room and optional breakfast nook complete the main space with large windows lining the back wall. The first floor also boasts a bedroom with bathroom which can serve as a guest room or office. The second floor contains 3 bedrooms and an impressive primary suite complete with a large walk-in closet and enticing bathroom.
5 Bedroom Home in Williamsburg - $423,142
EXCLUDES LOT PRICE The Riley II, like The Riley, is designed to maximize every square foot of space.. The open first floor plan is equally friendly to quaint gatherings and entertainment. The second floor houses the sumptuous primary suite with its luxurious bath and closet that's large enough to sleep four! There are two other bedrooms and a bath located on the second floor. To make short of wash day, the laundry room is right there. The third floor contains two more bedrooms and a bath. Of course, that's our vision, yours might be different. Though we offer many upgrades in our base price there may be additional upgrades, not included, in the photos shown.
5 Bedroom Home in Williamsburg - $461,997
EXCLUDES LOT PRICE The Ronan II has all the wonderful features as the two story version, plus a considerable third floor, which can serve as a fifth bedroom, or, however you can envision the large additional space, including a full bath and a sizeable walk in closet.. The first floor is open concept, which allows great space for entertaining, but each area is well defined incorporating architectural elements. The inviting second floor primary suite, utilizes nearly half of the second floor, and is everything one could hope for. The three brightly lit bedrooms and the laundry take up the rest of the 2nd floor. Though we offer many upgrades in our base price, there may be additional upgrades not included in the photos shown.
5 Bedroom Home in Williamsburg - $479,372
EXCLUDES LOT PRICE The Rourke is a wonderful home for entertaining.. The open concept living area creates venues both indoors, around the kitchen island, and outdoors to the screened porch and open deck. The large primary suite is found on the first floor as well and, it too, opens to the screened porch. The sumptuous spa bath and oversized walk in closet completes this chamber, while the office, mud room and laundry completes the first floor. Upstairs you find two more bedrooms, and two full baths, and an outsized bonus room that is your for the making. Your desires can probably be met with our standard upgraded features, however some different upgrades shown in these photos may not be included in our base price. *The screened porch is optional.*
6 Bedroom Home in Williamsburg - $494,473
EXCLUDES LOT PRICE While the front elevation of our Leigh model may seem very similar to our wildly popular Kenston model, there are plenty of differences inside so we decided she deserved to be set apart.. Downstairs, you'll find open concept living, complete with an office that could be used in a variety of ways. You'll also discover a massive walk-in pantry! The second floor hosts four bedrooms. Three great sized bedrooms share a full bath while the primary suite boasts an amazing spa-like bathroom retreat and a beautiful closet. The third floor is what really sets the Leigh model apart, though. You'll find not only another bedroom and a full bath, but also a HUGE media room, a separated living space and an awesome wet bar area. It's almost like having an apartment on your third floor! *It is optional to add the 60 inch bar.* Oh...and did we mention there is a balcony off that third floor? The options of ways to use this space are limitless. What will you dream up?
4 Bedroom Home in Henrico - $1,350,000
Stunning new basement plan with 1st Floor 10 foot ceilings, 9'8" in basement. Screen porch. 2 story foyer. Custom build. Coffered ceiling and paneled molding in Dining Room. Wolf appliances and Miele dishwasher in high end kitchen. Third floor can be finished at additional cost to include 5th bedroom/ bath and Loft! Only 9 remaining lots and selling fast!
5 Bedroom Home in Midlothian - $2,192,000
This beautiful home will be built on one of Hallsley's largest lots! An open floor concept complete with a kitchen fit for a chef along with a custom prep kitchen, oversized dining area and two story family room this home has so much to offer. Also on the first floor you will find a guest suite with attached bath, and walk in closet. On the second floor there are three bedrooms each with a walk in closet and private bath. The primary bedroom is also on the second floor complete with a soaking tub, huge walk in shower, his and hers closets and a balcony. Heading down to the basement you will find bedroom 5, an exercise room, and a rec room that walk out to a gorgeous patio.
4 Bedroom Home in Ashland - $913,933
R-CI Builder's Madison floor plan was featured in 2020's Homearama in Hickory Hill! You will fall in love with the wrap around front porch with multiple double door entrances. This 4000+sf home features 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and a 3 car side entry garage. The upgrades are endless! This open floor plan boasts 9' ceilings on the first floor, an open kitchen with upgraded appliances, custom cabinetry, a large island, with a large walk in pantry (ask about our tap room option) off to the side. Perfect for entertaining! The family room has a gas fireplace and 16' multi slide door which leads you onto the oversized covered rear porch. There is also a formal dining room and office with double pocket doors on the first level. Large, first floor owner's bedroom with updated en suite master bath layout with optional wet room, freestanding tub, and upgraded cabinets. Upstairs you'll find three additional bedrooms all with walk in closets and two full baths. Loft with vaulted ceiling is perfect for additional space! Multiple lots to chose from in this new community. Ask about our $5,000 incentive. House is to be built - photos are of another completed home for visual purposes.
5 Bedroom Home in Midlothian - $1,757,600
Upon entering this stunning home, you are greeted by a two story foyer with a formal dining room to the left and a home study to the right. The spacious kitchen features commercial appliances, quartz countertops, a walk in pantry and butlers pantry; all open to the breakfast nook and large family room complete with a gas fireplace and beams. Also on the first floor is a guest suite. The basement offers tons of space too! On the second floor you will find three bedrooms each with walk in closets and attached bathrooms. Also on the second floor is primary bedroom with oversized closet and spa like bathroom. Anticipated completion spring 2023.
4 Bedroom Home in Mechanicsville - $1,087,335
Build this house on your lot or ours! The Elliott plan, RCI Builder's newest First Floor Owner's Suite home, is spacious for the family who likes to entertain. This plan offers 4 bedrooms with an option for a 5th and 3.5 baths. The First Floor Owner's Suite features vaulted ceilings, luxury owner's bath with freestanding tub and oversized ceramic tile shower. Two large walk in closets feature built-ins by Closet Factory. The family room and foyer boast 12' coffered ceilings with gas fireplace. The open kitchen with Island features Kitchen Aid gas cooktop, wall oven/microwave, dishwasher and French door refrigerator. Don't forget to check out the spacious Butler's Pantry and tucked away office for convenience. Upstairs features spacious bedrooms, a loft, and a Bonus Rec Room. The Elliott comes complete with front, rear and side covered porches which offer size options. Customize your plan to fit your needs.
4 Bedroom Home in Williamsburg - $1,870,000
Welcome to 130 West Landing in Burwell's Landing of Kingsmill in Williamsburg, Virginia. This elegant custom home is tucked away on the 15th hole on Plantation Course on .73 Acres. The features are endless with endless zero grout line marble floors throughout, 34' great room ceilings, walk around balcony, spacious kitchen layout with 3 islands, multiple dishwashers, AGA and Wolf Ovens, Butler's Pantry, formal spaces, eat-in kitchen, and a sunroom with imported marble fireplace. The primary suite is on the first floor with marble floors, sitting room, full bathroom, additional bedroom on the first floor, mudroom and designated office with walnut cabinetry. The upstairs is expansive with a fully renovated wet bar, exercise room, open recreation area or loft, and 2 additional bedrooms with full baths. Au Pair or Inlaw suite on the second floor with 4th bedroom. There are 8 total bathrooms with each bedroom having an en suite. The stately exterior has professional landscaping design, zoned sprinkler, 3 car garage, 4 updated HVAC units, sealed crawlspace, and a whole house generator. A true masterpiece with design and style!
5 Bedroom Home in Moseley - $959,900
RARE Spec Home in Banyan Cove of Magnolia Green! Featuring 5 BR, 4.5 BA, 4263 sq ft, open floor plan, gourmet kitchen w. cabinets to the ceiling & custom wood hood, screened rear porch, and 2nd floor loft/game room. Stunning exterior boasts hardiplank siding, full front porch w. craftsman columns. Tons of UPGRADES! Be welcomed into a bright & airy foyer flanked by office/study w. hidden bookcase storage area. Notice incredible details throughout, including 5 1/4" wide hickory wood floors & craftsman trim & wainscoting. Expansive family room centers around cozy, gas FP. and custom built bookcases. Gourmet kitchen is a dream w/granite island & adjacent butler's pantry w. ice maker and glass wall cabinets. Morning room opens to lovely screened porch featuring composite decking w. stamped concrete patio. Retreat upstairs to premier primary suite offering WIC, access to laundry & en suite BA w/tile floors, granite dual vanity, free standng tub & walk-in shower w. tile to the ceiling. Spacious loft is the perfect kids lounge or flex room. BRs 3 & 4 share adjacent hall BA & BR 2 boasts private BA! Fully finished 3rd floor w. huge full bath & tile shower + WIC.
5 Bedroom Home in Ashland - $987,579
5 Bedroom Home in Moseley - $994,262
5 Bedroom Home in Chesterfield - $769,990
Move in ready! The Concord Plan. This new two-story home showcases an appealing modern design, with a three-car garage for added convenience. The first floor features an open-plan layout among the Great Room with fireplace, multi-functional kitchen with WHITE cabinets & casual breakfast room, plus a formal living room/dining room & a secluded study. The second floor hosts a loft that adds shared living space to the home & four bedrooms including a lavish owner’s suite. All this plus a partially finished basement. Haynes Bridge is a collection of single-family homes in Harpers Mill, a master-planned community in Chesterfield, VA. Residents have access to a variety of onsite amenities including a clubhouse, swimming pool, waterslide, parks, walking trails & over 240 acres of reserved open space. Plenty of popular restaurants & stores nearby, including the Chesterfield Towne Center & Short Pump Town Center. Up to $15,000 towards Closing Costs with the use of preferred lender. Photos of similar style home. Model home located at 16118 Deltic Lane.
4 Bedroom Home in Ashland - $907,911
The Elliott features 3 car garage, 4 bedrooms and 3 and a half baths. Many upgrades added and included!!!! Total square footage 4266!
4 Bedroom Home in Ashland - $889,850
Welcome to Independence Farms, featuring the beautiful Madison plan elevation B. This plan features 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, first floor office space, 3 car garage, and mudroom. Optional finished third floor space is available! The large first floor owners suite is tucked away for privacy with a luxury owner bathroom! Upstairs has a spacious loft with vaulted ceiling. Independence Farms is an Emerald package community including 9ft ceilings, fireplace, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, 42" cabinets with crown molding, hardwood floors throughout in living areas. You'll love the large 10 acre tracs of land just minutes from the town of Ashland. Other lots available and! NOTE: This home is to be built.
5 Bedroom Home in Chesterfield - $390,000
Springford Farms boasts a variety of large 1-3 acre estate lots in the heart of Chesterfield. This lovely community features new homes built by West Homes, where we pride ourselves on providing our customers well-built, stylish homes at a GREAT price! The homes in Springford Farms range from 2,900-4,339 sq. ft. and are located only minutes away from Hull Street and 288.
4 Bedroom Home in Powhatan - $1,200,000
Custom-built home by Dogwood Homebuilders.
5 Bedroom Home in Moseley - $850,380
5 Bedroom Home in Moseley - $756,524
5 Bedroom Home in Mineral - $1,998,000
Resort style living in this Luxury Waterfront Retreat, situated along the tranquil shores of Lake Anna's private side, which offers spectacular views and calming privacy. High-speed fiber internet is available here! No detail was omitted from this beautiful residence that has 250ft of shoreline, huge views & the most breathtaking sunsets you'll see on the lake. Open floor plan perfect for entertaining your family & friends. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms & a loft for the kids to hang out or for additional sleeping. Relax in over 5,500+ SQFT with amenities galore, including a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, home theatre, wet bar with an oversized island, upgraded countertops, double wall oven, massive kitchen center island, Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring, Hardiplank siding, extensive hardscaping & so much more. Stroll down to the water's edge, past the fire pit & step onto your large boat dock with two slips, electric lifts, storage room, tiki bar, sun deck, covered area to relax under & swimming area. Your very own private sandy beach awaits you! This retreat is a great investment & already has over $91K in vacation rentals booked for 2023. Comes furnished so you can enjoy it right away!
4 Bedroom Home in Ashland - $1,099,000
Build this house on your lot or ours! The Elliott plan, RCI Builder's newest First Floor Owner's Suite home, is spacious for the family who likes to entertain. This plan offers 4 bedrooms with an option for a 5th and 3.5 baths. The First Floor Owner's Suite features vaulted ceilings, luxury owner's bath with freestanding tub and oversized ceramic tile shower. The his and hers walk in closets feature built-ins by Closet Factory. The family room and foyer boast 12' coffered ceilings with built in bookcases flanking the gas fireplace. The open kitchen with Island features Kitchen Aid gas cooktop, wall oven/microwave, dishwasher and French door refrigerator. Don't forget t check out the spacious Butler's Pantry and tucked away office for convenience. Upstairs features spacious bedrooms, a loft and a Bonus Rec Room. The Elliott comes complete with front, rear and side covered porches which offer size options. Customize your plan to fit your needs. This model home is available for sale with a 14-18mo. leaseback at $5225/mo. Please see Sales Rep for details.
4 Bedroom Home in Chesterfield - $829,900
Stately, custom built home situated on 1.5 acres in sought after Woodland Pond. Open floor plan with a great transitional flow for entertaining. This home was built with care and attention to detail. Special features include 9' over 10' ceilings, extensive crown molding and raised paneled wainscotting on the first floor, stainless Viking/Wolf appliances and custom maple cabinetry. Granite countertops, instant hot water dispenser, 2 pantries, front/rear staircases with upgraded rails/balusters, 2 J&J bathrooms, ceiling fans, walk-in closets;,1500 sq ft of storage space in attics and basement/crawl, 3rd floor attic is plumbed, oversized 3 car garage, front/back irrigation, central vac, Rinnai water heater, Williamsburg ground gutters, Christmas light package, security system. Gas fireplace has granite surround and is flanked by built-in bookcases. Primary bedroom on first floor with sitting area has a large en suite with separate shower and tub water closet and his & hers closets. The conditioned basement/crawl is partially finished making for a great man cave/she shed or workshop. 2 zoned HVAC (2020 & 2021) with gas backup. Grand manor roof replaced 2018. Pending but still showi
7 Bedroom Home in Chesterfield - $969,000
Welcome home to the Hampton home plan. The space your family needs to grow, without compromise. Designed with an extensive grand 2-story foyer, this home plan warmly greets your guests. Complete with a tray ceiling, the formal dining and flex rooms lead you to a spacious great room that meets an outdoor deck that overlooks Lake Margaret. The kitchen features plenty of countertop space, a kitchen island, oversized pantry, quartz countertops, stainless steel wall oven, gas cooktop, with stainless steel range hood. Owner's bedroom showcases a tray ceiling design with dual abundance of closet space, this owner’s suite is something to talk about! The grand bath includes a free-standing tub and spa-like shower. This design offers a finished recreation room, wet bar, and the basement bedroom and full bath are complete for your convenience. Stop by to see this breathtaking Lake View today!
6 Bedroom Home in Henrico - $1,549,950
Designed and built by Norton Bowman, Jr. and Son in 1992. You will enter an elegant center hall with a graceful stairway, superb millwork, Schonbek crystal chandelier and marble floor which opens to handsome formal rooms and casual spaces. There is a splendid living room with fireplace, formal dining room with wainscoting, a gathering room with stone fireplace, cherry wood bar with granite counter, a music room with palladium windows and a chef's kitchen with granite counters and fireplace surround. Upstairs a grand primary suite with bedroom, multiple closets, fireplace, office and bathroom with shower, jetted tub, marble floors and multiple windows and fireplace. Finishing out the second level there are three quest bedrooms with private bathrooms. A third floor offers an au pair suite with kitchenette, bedroom and private bathroom and an office/bedroom, full bath with steam shower and exercise room with sauna. The basement offers a wine tasting bar and vault for wine storage, a hobby room and a three car garage. The rear yard is a summer dream area, heated JoPa, cascading spa, brick terracing, outdoor bar and pool house with shower. It's easy to see the opportunity it presents.
5 Bedroom Home in Chesterfield - $809,990
Ready now! This spacious 4,279 sqft Hampshire home plan with fully finished basement achieves harmony by combining open living spaces with comfortable features. The main level showcases a formal dining room, guest bedroom and full bathroom with an open concept living area. The bright and airy kitchen has a spectacular center island, coupled with gourmet amenities like stainless steel double ovens, quartz counters, and gas cooktop. Upstairs find another open gathering space providing flexible options to suit one’s needs. The primary bedroom includes a large sitting room, oversized walk-in closet, bath with separate vanities and private water closet. A large laundry, full bathroom and 2 additional bedrooms round out the second floor. Downstairs the basement has a huge, finished recreation room, bedroom with walk in closet, full bath and wet bar perfect for entertainment.
5 Bedroom Home in Glen Allen - $766,900
Unique Property in River Mill with 1st Floor Guest Bedroom! Crafted by Homesmith Construction, this gorgeous contemporary Hamilton floor plan flaunts 5 BR, 4 BA, 3,243 sq ft, 1st floor guest suite, premier finishes and incredibly private backyard. Darling front porch greets you at the door, inviting into an open foyer w/double crown molding. Hardwood floors throughout 1st floor and tucked away 1st floor guest suite w/adjacent full bath, are some notable first impressions. Glamorous kitchen showcases large granite center island, Walk-in pantry & tile backsplash. Expansive family room centers around a cozy gas fireplace w/built-in features. Dining area is bright and open, overlooking backyard. Just around the corner, mudroom offers tile floors, built-in drop zone w/hooks & additional walk-in pantry. Retreat upstairs to pristine primary suite featuring huge walk-in closet and luxurious en suite w/dual granite vanity, garden tub and walk-in shower. Family will love the spacious loft, the perfect flex space. Also find 3 additional bedrooms w/jack n' Jill bath as well private bath w/tub/shower. Plenty of storage can be found in pull-down attic as well as attached 2-car garage.
5 Bedroom Home in Richmond - $889,914
FIRST FLOOR LIVING - MOSAIC AT WEST CREEK! The Ashmont features first floor living with all of your must-haves! An Owner's Suite boasting an en-suite bath with a large shower, soaker tub, dual walk-in closets and double vanity. Entertaining is easy with the large kitchen island overlooking the family room. A large open foyer leading into a formal dining room with tray or coffered ceilings. Cozy up to the included fireplace or sip your coffee in the breakfast area or optional sunroom. Two additional bedrooms and a full bath are located on the second floor for additional family members, storage or overnight guests. Personalize this floor plan for additional square footage and include up to 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths! Photos from Boone Homes Gallery; photo of similar home, not home for sale; upgrades shown.
5 Bedroom Home in Beaverdam - $529,999
Welcome home to the WILTON Model with RCI BUILDERS this gorgeous 2 Acre lot in Beaverdam/Hanover County. With the WILTON you get a 3BR+2BA Single level living floorplan with a unique bonus room and 2 Bedrooms on the second level. IN TOTAL 3800sf and w/5BR - 3 Full Baths. Main level features a wide-open Family Room+Kitchen+Dining Area, 16' long full wall multi panel glass slider and Oversized Kitchen Island. Fabulous Outdoor living space includes a 26' x 10' covered porch/Lanai + a Concrete slab Patio. PRICE INCLUDES elevation "D" and the RUBY STANDARDS PACKAGE, 2 car attached garage. Upgrade to the EMERALD UPGRADE PACKAGE and enjoy 9ft ceilings, gas fireplace, granite countertops, SS appliances, 42" cabinets soft close cabinets with crown molding, and a hardwood and ceramic package to get you started. CURRENT BUILD TIME - 10-11 months. RCI is a SEMI-CUSTOM builder - You can choose the options you want, make plan changes to suit your needs, and utilize the builders DESIGN CENTER to choose your finishes! Plans from 2500sf to 4000sf available. *NOTE: HOME IS TO BE BUILT. PICTURES SHOWN ARE SAMPLES FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AND MAY NOT REPRESENT FINISHED CONSTRUCTION DETAILS.
5 Bedroom Home in Chesterfield - $769,890
UNDER CONSTRUCTION! Ready late April 2023! The Vanderbilt features 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths with a fully finished basement, built in wet bar, rec room, bedroom and full bathroom. The 1st floor primary bedroom showcases tray ceiling, and offers a spa inspired bathroom with his and her vanity, frameless shower, separate garden tub, and oversized walk-in closet. The primary bedroom leads out to a back covered porch with a breezeway to the kitchen. The chef's kitchen features quartz countertops, cooktop, stainless steel built-in microwave oven, soft close shaker cabinets, optimal pantry storage, and dedicated casual dining area. The 2-story foyer opens to a flex space that is usable as a home office or formal dining. Washer/dryer located in mud room off the 2-car side load garage. The soaring 2-story living room features a total of 8 windows facing the backyard bringing in plenty of natural light. The oak staircase walks up to the loft with engineered wood floors throughout all the hallways. The remaining 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths (one en-suite), complete the second floor.
4 Bedroom Home in Ashland - $1,079,189
Build this house on your lot or ours! The Elliott plan, RCI Builder's newest First Floor Owner's Suite home, is spacious for the family who likes to entertain. This plan offers 4 bedrooms with an option for a 5th and 3.5 baths. The First Floor Owner's Suite features vaulted ceilings, luxury owner's bath with freestanding tub and oversized ceramic tile shower. Two large walk in closets feature for plenty of space. The family room and foyer boast 12' coffered ceilings and double french doors to extended rear covered porch. The open kitchen with Island features stainless appliances, gas cooktop, wall oven/microwave, dishwasher and French door refrigerator. Don't forget to check out the spacious Butler's Pantry and tucked away office for convenience. Upstairs features spacious bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a large loft space. Unfinished third floor and unfinished room over 3 car garage provide all the storage you could need. The Elliott comes complete with front, rear and side covered porches which offer size options.
4 Bedroom Home in Williamsburg - $925,000
Classic elegance & ready to close is this turn-key all-brick Georgian in award winning Ford’s Colony in ever popular Western Gailes! Highlighted features are 3-CAR garage, 4 bedroom, 4.5 baths, a 1st floor Primary with dual closet, walk-in shower, soaking tub, and adjacent library. Rich Brazilian Cherry flooring, new paint and carpeting. Love the private rear staircase to a 2nd ensuite with living room. The light and airy great room features a Cathedral ceiling, gas fireplace, and built-ins that open to a very spacious kitchen and breakfast area. Culinary kitchen features a dual fuel range, butlers pantry, new quartz countertops, prep sink, and center island. Easy days ahead with the Country Club lifestyle with security! The grand foyer is flanked by a living room with gas fireplace, study, and an elegant dining room. Easy access to airport, beaches, shopping, entertainment, and great dining.
5 Bedroom Home in Manakin Sabot - $738,950
The Lancaster Home Plan TO BE BUILT by Main Street Homes! This dynamic four bedroom plan features a formal dining room with butler's pantry, study, and guest room on the first floor. Additional features of the first floor include the inviting family room, which opens to the spacious breakfast nook and award winning kitchen. The second floor is just as spectacular with four bedrooms and a luxurious owner's suite with amazing owner's bath and closet.HOME NOT YET BUILT. PHOTOS REPRESENT THE FLOOR PLAN BUT ARE NOT OF THIS ACTUAL HOME. LISTING REPRESENTS THE BASE PRICE AND LOT PREMIUM; PERSONAL SELECTIONS WILL BE ADDED INCREASING THE FINAL PURCHASE PRICE OF THE HOME.
6 Bedroom Home in Glen Allen - $2,600,000
The LAST LOT available in the exclusive community of Henley is under construction! Over 7000 square feet of modern luxury coming soon for the discerning lifestyle. The first floor will accommodate large gatherings in the gourmet kitchen with Wolf appliances, a prep-pantry, and the bright & light dining space. The main living area is just steps away from the veranda which overlooks the private acre lot that is perfect for a pool. Plenty of room for extended guests stays with a first floor ensuite bedroom and laundry. Restore and find your balance in any of the many flex spaces perfect for reflection or meditation or catch up on the day’s work in the home office. As you move to the 2nd floor the open floor plan continues with a loft and study space. The primary bedroom with a spa bath and multiple closets is tucked away from the other 3 bedrooms on this level. The basement is where the fun will happen. Room after room of possibilities. Potential theater space, exercise room, storage, large great room with bar and the ability to walk-out right out onto your patio. This showcase estate style home features all the high end finishes you would expect from one of RVA’s top custom builders.
6 Bedroom Home in Manakin Sabot - $2,995,000
Adjoining Deep Run Hunt Club, “Fox Den Farm” is a 92-acre private estate situated off Millers Lane. Surrounded by mature trees & plantings, there are equestrian facilities, chicken coop, dog run, 2 ponds, and every opportunity for peaceful country living. The handsome colonial-styled home consists of the original home plus an addition of a new "main house" built in 1986 w/great care taken to seamlessly blend the 2 structures. Warm heart pine flooring and rich moldings & trim are abundant in the formal rooms as well as in the everyday living areas. Features include 5 bedrooms, 5 full and 2 half baths, library/office, enclosed bar room, first floor primary bedroom suite, 2 family/game rooms, screened porch, brick patios and garden house. A lovely brick terrace & an upper-level open porch overlook the 4+ acre pond. Wildlife sightings are abundant on this magical estate with access to miles and miles of nearby bridle trails.
5 Bedroom Home in Chesterfield - $635,950
The Augusta Home Plan TO BE BUILT by Main Street Homes! This stunning Energy Star certified two-story home offers 9-foot ceilings on the first floor, an open floor plan, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a two-car garage, and 2,836 square feet of living space. This versatile plan incorporates a dining room off the foyer that leads to a spacious gourmet kitchen with large island opening to a kitchen nook and 2-story great room. Located off of the garage, are a spacious laundry room, bathroom, and a guest bedroom or flex room. The first-floor private owner's suite is located off of the great room and offers a large walk-in closet and en suite that includes a double vanity, garden tub, and shower with bench. The second floor has two bedrooms, a bathroom, and an expansive open loft.HOME NOT YET BUILT. PHOTOS REPRESENT THE FLOOR PLAN BUT ARE NOT OF THIS ACTUAL HOME. LISTING REPRESENTS THE BASE PRICE AND LOT PREMIUM; PERSONAL SELECTIONS WILL BE ADDED INCREASING THE FINAL PURCHASE PRICE OF THE HOME.
5 Bedroom Home in Glen Allen - $884,897
5 Bedroom Home in Ashland - $1,060,788
The “MADISON” with 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths 3 CAR GARAGE. Split floor plan with a wide-open Family Room+Kitchen+Dining Area with Huge Master Suite, Office, Dining Room, Flex Room, Mudroom and 10' ceilings on 1st floor! 3 additional bedrooms on 2nd floor with 2 more full baths and loft. 5th bedroom and half bathroom on 3rd floor! Fabulous Outdoor living space options available including a spacious covered porch. INCLUDES elevation "D", and EMERALD PACKAGE including fireplace, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, 42" cabinets with crown molding, hardwood floors throughout in living areas. Plans from 1500sf to 4000sf available. This neighborhood has lots from .4 acres to 13 acres with walking paths connecting to the town of Ashland. Choose from over 20 lots at this price point! With Public Water, Sewer, Natural Gas, and HIGH SPEED INTERNET! RCI BUILDERS is a semi-custom builder that will allow modifications to their floor plans as well as all clients get to utilize a DESIGN CENTER to select all of their finishes and colors!
4 Bedroom Home in Charles City - $1,275,000
Rare waterfront custom home on Morris Creek just outside of Williamsburg in Charles City on 4.4 acres with easy access to the James River. The house is all brick and built by the current owners with a detached garage with finished space above. Nice floor plan with a primary bedroom on the first floor, hardwood floors, stone countertops, white kitchen cabinets, island, stainless steel, and an eat-in kitchen. Enjoy the family room and living rooms with fireplaces. Sunroom off the back and a nice raised patio with water views all day. Ample bedroom and storage space on the second floor with an addition office/den/5th bedroom. The professionally landscaped yard and garden are private and all leading up the private dock with covered boat lift. Multiple outbuildings, trellis, custom shed with hipped roof, and a 100 head extensive irrigation system. No required HOA and just a few minutes from Colonial Williamsburg and 50 minutes to downtown Richmond.
3 Bedroom Home in Richmond - $1,250,000
TO BE BUILT IN RIVER ROAD CORRIDOR! The Lochbriar is a first-floor owner's suite plan with a formal dining room and living room. Walk through the foyer into the large open kitchen and family room. The gourmet kitchen island makes entertaining a breeze. This home is filled with tons of natural light and hardwood floors. Enjoy your morning cup of coffee in the breakfast area overlooking the large patio. Tucked away, you'll find an expansive owner's suite with enormous dual walk-in closets and a luxury ceramic tile bathroom. This home has plenty of options to personalize and suit your lifestyle. Choose an optional sunroom for extended living space. The second floor features 2 full bedrooms and baths. You'll also find a lot of walk-in storage. Choose to finish the walk-in storage for a game room! Boone Quality and Boone Green Features included. We welcome you to customize this plan to personalize your home! Photos from Boone Homes Gallery; photo of similar home, not home for sale; upgrades shown.
5 Bedroom Home in Moseley - $1,200,000
COMPLETELY CUSTOM, ONE-LEVEL LIVING, ALL BRICK, Georgian gem is a William E. Poole plan & part of the Southern Living Historical House Collection on 10.204 acres in Chesterfield. Redesigned interior has an open floor plan with perfect flow for entertaining family & friends. Throughout are 9-12 feet ceilings, Pella windows and doors, 4 inch hickory floors, 9 inch baseboards, 6-12 inch crown, built-in cabinets, Adam's casing, door transoms, and venetian marble. CUSTOM DESIGNED LOADED KITCHEN is a dream! Kitchen opens to the dining area and large family room with open fireplace shared with sunroom that overlooks the patio. The sprawling MULIT-LEVEL BLUESTONE PATIO, WATER FEATURE & GARDEN is a breath-taking extension of the home as an outdoor living space offering a tranquil sanctuary containing fountains, stone fireplace, man-made stream with Koi Pond, beautiful plantings, & built-in propane grill. Master Suite is spacious with fireplace & oval tray ceiling. Master bath has heated tub & steam shower. Walk-in closet & laundry room are accessed from the master bath. A 30 KW generator automatically powers the whole house. You will fall in love with this stately and elegant country oasis!
5 Bedroom Home in Hanover - $774,900
The Elliott plan, RCI Builder's newest Floor plan in Rock Creek. Private large 5-10 acre lots. First Floor Owner's Suite home, is spacious for the family who likes to entertain. This plan offers 4 bedrooms with an option for a 5th and 3.5 baths. The First Floor Owner's Suite features vaulted ceilings, luxury owner's bath with freestanding tub and oversized ceramic tile shower. The his and hers walk in closets feature built-ins by Closet Factory. The family room and foyer boast 12' coffered ceilings with built in bookcases flanking the gas fireplace. The open kitchen with Island features Kitchen Aid gas cooktop, wall oven/microwave, dishwasher and French door refrigerator. Don't forget t check out the spacious Butler's Pantry and tucked away office for convenience. Upstairs features spacious bedrooms, a loft and a Bonus Rec Room. The Elliott comes complete with front, rear and side covered porches which offer size options. You can Build any of RCI's Floorplans in Rock Creek.
4 Bedroom Home in Moseley - $699,900
***ASSUMABLE LOAN @ 2.375%!***UPGRADED, BASEMENT BEAUTY nestled on close to 1/3 acre in the heart of Magnolia Green! Boasting over 4700 sq ft, 4 bdrms (possible 5th), 4.5 baths, NEW CARPET/FIXTURES, FRESH PAINT & seasonal views of the 13th fairway, Grand Cypress Hill is a small,quaint street & the best kept secret in MG. Greet your guests in your grandiose foyer flaunting rich HW's, custom molding & a dramatic L shaped HW staircase. The kitchen will impress any chef w/ a double oven, expansive island, granite counters, NEW fridge, SS Appliances, 5 burner gas stove & is parallel to a sunny morning rm. (Bring your farm table!) The family rm showcases HW's, an exquisite stone FP & NEW CF. The dining rm plays host to your celebrations & the living rm will wow you w custom panel millwork. Spacious mud rm offers NEW flooring & built-ins w sink. 47x26 basement is ideal for movie/game rm & is flanked by an office (5th bdrm), full bath & W/I storage. Huge Primary bdrm flaunts a custom W/I closet, tray ceiling, NEW lighting & luxury bath. 3 additional bdrms (all w full baths & NEW LVT) & a laundry rm w NEW LVT round out the 2nd flr. Deck overlooks trees & is ready for the grillmaster!
5 Bedroom Home in Providence Forge - $509,950
The Jefferson Home Plan TO BE BUILT by Main Street Homes! This exceptional five bedroom and three bath home features a large dynamic great room open to a gourmet kitchen with oversized breakfast nook and island. A formal dining room, study/bedroom and full bath complete the first floor. A luxurious owner's suite with huge walk-in closet is on the second floor along with two additional bedrooms, a laundry room, a full bath, and a finished bonus room/bedroom.HOME NOT YET BUILT. PHOTOS REPRESENT THE FLOOR PLAN BUT ARE NOT OF THIS ACTUAL HOME. LISTING REPRESENTS THE BASE PRICE AND LOT PREMIUM; PERSONAL SELECTIONS WILL BE ADDED INCREASING THE FINAL PURCHASE PRICE OF THE HOME.
5 Bedroom Home in Glen Allen - $847,510
5 Bedroom Home in Midlothian - $810,400
Gorgeous Custom Home in Highly Sought-After Community of Newmarket! The Malvern floor plan features 5 BR, 4.5 BA, 3,364 sq ft, open floor plan, site finished oak hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen, first floor guest suite, & so much more! Step inside to find the inviting foyer, private study, & formal dining room w/ 42' wainscotting & double member crown molding. Head towards the family room offering cozy fireplace w/slate surround & decorative rustic mantle. The chef's kitchen is sure to impress w/large granite island w/ seating, ceramic tile backsplash, 42" craftsman-style cabinets & open views into the family room. Bright morning room is the ideal breakfast nook overlooking private backyard. Around the corner, find mudroom w/tile floors w/ access to the 2 car garage, powder room & convenient 1st floor guest bedroom w/ ensuith bath. Retreat upstairs to the primary suite offering double WICs & luxurious ensuite w/tile floors, separate granite vanities & spa-like WI shower w/tile surround. 3 additional spacious bedrooms, 2 additional bathrooms, & large laundry room w/ tile floors complete the exceptional 2nd floor. Backyard features rear deck, doubling your entertainment space.
5 Bedroom Home in Glen Allen - $758,400
Stunningly Crafted by Homesmith Construction in Beautiful River Mill! Featuring 5 BR, 4 BA, 3,252 sq ft, 1st floor guest suite, open floorplan, site finished oak hardwood floors, & gas fireplace, this magnificent Montague plan has everything you could need and more! Bright and airy foyer opens up to study, the perfect work from home space, & a convenient 1st floor guest suite. The open main living area showcases a gourmet kitchen w/ granite countertops, large center island, ceramic tile backsplash & walkin pantry, all overlooking the stunning great room w/ a beautiful gas fireplace. A formal dining room & cozy morning room surround the main living area, giving ample space for entertaining. Around the corner, find mudroom w/tile floors & access to the attached garage. Retreat upstairs & be blown away by the primary suite offering huge WIC w/ dressing room area & luxurious en suite w/tile floors, granite vanities, & luxurious WI shower w/tile surround. Down the hall, find 2 additional bedrooms sharing a Jack & Jill bath w/ double vanity, tile floors & tub/shower combo. A kids loft w/ ensuite bath completes the 2nd floor, which can easily serve as a 5th bedroom or extra living area!
5 Bedroom Home in Doswell - $2,200,000
Introducing Castle Glen Winery! This gorgeous and unique property sits on a private, 10 acre lot, and features STUNNING 360 degree views. Nestled beside a Civil War National Battlefield, the grounds boast not only a nearly 7700 SF custom built home (The Inn), but also 4400 grape vines and a 2600 SF Tasting Room, operating Thursdays through Sundays. Find yourself inside at the Bubble Bar, or sitting outside with the custom built fire pits, and enjoy the outdoor views with a glass of wine. This space can also be used for events like weddings, private dinners, tastings and more! The Inn is currently featured on Air BnB and VRBO, garnering lots of attention from guests for events like family reunions, bachelorette parties and other large gatherings. Outside the home, you will find a complete OASIS. Gorgeous and meticulous landscaping surrounds the saltwater pool (complete with outdoor bar area with sound bar and TV) and large patio, which features a stone fireplace, seating area and hot tub. Together, the Inn and Tasting room present the perfect business opportunity, ready for its new owner!
4 Bedroom Home in Mechanicsville - $790,900
THIS IS A TO-BE-BUILT HOME** LOT PREMIUM IS NOT INCLUDED IN BASE PRICE Rock Creek, Mechanicsville's hidden gem. This new subdivision of 5 to 10 acres lots of peaceful, country living in the outskirts of Mechanicsville with the convenience of the nearby Atlee corridor. Rock Creek is the first community in this area to offer high-speed internet! RCI Builders offer 10 floor plans from which to choose from. This Madison is a open, two-level living at its finest with generous hardwood package options, 9’ ceilings options, an upgraded trim package available, a gourmet kitchen layout, Hardie siding options, a first-floor primary bedroom and so much more. Build this home or choose from another RCI plan with single-level living, two-level living, and first-floor Owner's Suites options all ranging from 1,800 to 3,600+ square feet. As a semi-custom builder, RCI Builders can personalize our homes to match your family's needs and lifestyle. Visit our Berry model for more information. Located off Westwood Road. 7301 Bailie Drive, Monday 12-5 Thursday-Friday 12-5 Saturday-Sunday 11-5.THE PICTURES SHOWN ARE SAMPLES FROM A PREVIOUS BUILD AND MAY NOT REPRESENT FINISHED CONSTRUCTION DETAILS.
4 Bedroom Home in Chester - $1,599,900
Multi-generational estate on 2.2 acres! 6000+ sq ft home inc. two 1st Floor Bedroom suites, finished basement, 4+ car garage & INCREDIBLE outdoor spaces. Meticulously maintained! Grand front porch, bright Entry Hall w/travertine. Formal DR w/ Brazilian cherry flooring & beautiful millwork. 1st Flr Office w/ custom built-ins, French doors & ceramic. 2-Story Family Rm w/ soaring ceilings & custom built-ins. Sunroom overlooks expansive back yard w/ new GulfStream pool, travertine deck, pavilion with wooded lot w/ mature landscaping, pergola w/ garden, patio & firepit, grill & eating area in view. The Kitchen has Sub-Z fridge, Wolf gas range, massive granite island, impressive limestone range hood, ample & classic custom cabinetry. 1st Flr Primary BR has sitting rm w/ access to private deck, en suite spa bath w/ slipper tub, dual vanities & ceramic shower & amazing closet w/ custom wood shelving. Add'l 1st Floor BR is 2nd Primary BR w/ handicapped accessible en suite bath PLUS 2nd laundry area! Upstairs-3rd Primary BR w/ en suite bath & huge walk-in closet & add'l BR plus 2nd Office. Upper & lower garages. HUGE walk-out Basement Rec Rm has elegant stone fireplace & so much storage!
4 Bedroom Home in Sutherland - $1,275,000
This STUNNING WATERFRONT DREAM HOME on 29 acres in Dinwiddie has the ability to help pay for itself! Bringing the outdoors, community and family together, this custom built home on Lake Chesdin boasts impeccable landscape, wildlife and recreation. Upon arrival you’ll see 10 acres of fenced pastures filled with horses boarded in your 5 stall barn. Generating additional income, your land produces 480 square hay bales worth over $5K! Spotted through the trees is your oversized 3 bay RV garage, detached 4 car garage, gazebo, riding ring, boat house, private beach and large swimming dock. The perfect place for a stunning wedding backdrop as well as a private reception location! Bringing the outdoors inside, this home boasts beautiful waterfront views, natural light, cedar closets, 5 fireplaces, and 2 primary suites. On any given day, take your boat out onto the lake, but not before using the fire-pit in the gazebo overlooking your private beach. Entertain outside using your covered cooking area and enjoy your large rear deck. Come and see the home that provides everything you want plus has the potential to generate income to help pay for itself. *Virtually staged.
5 Bedroom Home in Rockville - $904,900
Breathtaking Craftsman In The Quiet Community of Dogwood Meadows! Featuring high end finishes throughout & situated on a expansive private lot, Jones Homes Modena floorplan offers a flawless layout w/ sought-after 1st floor primary suite & 4 bedrooms upstairs. The stunning rotunda-style foyer will blow you away as you enter the grand double doors, greeting you w/ gleaming hardwood floors & a stately dining room. Custom designer kitchen is ideal for entertaining, including a large island, granite counters, tile backsplash, Wolf appliances & walk-in pantry, and open flow into the family room, showcasing a cozy gas fireplace. The bright & airy breakfast nook, w/ access to the back deck, is open to the family room & kitchen, enhancing the open floorplan & flow. The mudroom offers convenient access to the garage & walk in pantry. Luxurious 1st floor primary suite features an ensuite bath w/ ceramic tile floors, oversized tile surround walk-in shower, soaking tub, separate granite vanities & huge walk-in closet. The second floor offers 4 additional BRs, 2 full BAs, a spacious loft & sizeable laundry room. Enjoy the ease of being minutes from Short Pump in this serene country setting!
5 Bedroom Home in Ashland - $927,215
Welcome Home to Ashley Farms with RCI BUILDERS featuring 10 acre estate style lots. The “WILTON” plan, two level living at its BEST! Florida Split floor plan with a huge wide-open Family Room+Kitchen+Dining Area. Includes 5 bedrooms, fabulous front porch and w 2 car garage! Featuring the FARMHOUSE Elevation "D" and EMERALD PACKAGE including 9ft ceilings, fireplace, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, 42" cabinets with crown molding, hardwood floors throughout in living areas. Plans from 1500sf to 4000sf available. RCI BUILDERS is a semi-custom builder that will allow modifications to their floor plans as well as all clients get to utilize a DESIGN CENTER to select all of their finishes and colors! *NOTE: HOME IS TO BE BUILT. PICTURES SHOWN ARE SAMPLES FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AND MAY NOT REPRESENT FINISHED CONSTRUCTION DETAILS.
6 Bedroom Home in Powhatan - $1,200,000
LOVIN' LIFE ON LOCKIN! Rarely comes the opportunity to purchase a one of a kind property with so many amenities and possibilities. Main house has built-ins, bay window seating with storage and custom cushions, vaulted ceilings, new roof and gutter guards on house and detached garage. 2 car detached garage with heated workshop, pool with paver surround. Pool House is 1520 Sq Feet with lots of potential (rent, VRBO, in-law suite) has Trex decking with front porch overlooking Koi pond with water feature, full kitchen, family room, 2 bedrooms, 1 finished full bath and 1 plumbed in full bath, utility room and heated 3 car attached garage with bathroom. The property is loaded with hardwoods, a stream, gun range, covered deer blind, footbridge, arbor, gravel fire pit, horseshoe pits wood fired boiler that heats pool house and attached garage, irrigation system (disconnected). Total Sq Footage of both homes (3555+1520) is 5075. Please see supplement to this listing for more details and information. 3rd level has HVAC. NOT INCLUDED: Large millstone in back yard gravel fire pit, flag pole in front yard, and bar in garage.
4 Bedroom Home in Goochland - $914,950
BUILD YOUR CUSTOM HOME ON 3+ ACRES IN THE HEART OF MANAKIN-SABOT! The Elliott Plan is RCI Builder's newest 1st-floor owner's suite home with a spacious footprint and outdoor space for the family who likes to entertain! This plan offers an option for a 5th bedroom, comes standard with 3.5 baths, and is customizable to meet your needs. The 1st-floor Owner's Suite features vaulted ceilings, luxury owner's bath with a freestanding tub, an oversized ceramic tile shower, and his and hers walk in closets with optional built-ins. The family room and foyer can boast 12' coffered ceilings with built in bookcases flanking the gas fireplace and the open kitchen comes with an island and a spacious butler's pantry. Also, tucked away on the 1st-floor is a convenient office. Upstairs are the spacious bedrooms, plus a loft area, and a bonus/rec room. Complete with front, rear, and side covered porches and room for a 3 car garage! As a semi-custom builder, RCI offers additional plans and will allow modifications. Buyers will work with a dedicated Design Center Professional to select their interior options, finishes, and color palettes. *Photos shown are of model home and final product may differ.
5 Bedroom Home in Goochland - $657,045
Meet the Siena- a favorite floor plan of Boone homeowners. Walk into the Siena and experience a true, open concept floor plan with flexible dining room, family room, kitchen and breakfast rooms. A 3-car garage is standard on the Siena floor plan, but can be converted to 2-car garage to accommodate a true generational suite with sitting area, bedroom, bathroom and optional wet bar. Upstairs, you will find an open loft with 4 bedrooms, including primary suite with expansive, luxury bathroom and 2 oversized closets and access to laundry room. Choose to convert the loft into an additional bedroom upstairs! Situated across from the farmer's market and the YMCA, Reed Marsh features public utilities and high speed internet on right sized lots with privacy and room to grow yet not too much to maintain. Reed Marsh is just minutes from several parks, outdoor recreation and local shopping! Find your peace and quiet at Reed Marsh by Boone homes. Photos from Boone Homes Gallery; photo of similar home, not home for sale; upgrades shown.
5 Bedroom Home in Mechanicsville - $854,900
Build this house on your lot or ours! The Wilton offers 5 bedrooms, a large screened in rear porch, huge open kitchen to family room space. The main floor offers the Owner's Bedroom with 2 secondary bedrooms. Upstairs find the finished playroom, 2 bedrooms and a full bathroom. This home comes complete with hardwood flooring throughout, ceramic tile floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, ceiling fans and many more upgrades.
4 Bedroom Home in Ashland - $991,684
Welcome to RCI Builder's Madison floor plan! The stunning Madison plan offers a first floor Owner's Bedroom and en suite bathroom with tiled shower and tub and was featured in Homearama 2020. The spacious Family room, Dining room and Kitchen make this space perfect for the family that likes to entertain. Don't miss the large Butler's Pantry! Walk out onto the oversized covered rear porch and gain exterior entertaining space. Three econdary bedrooms and two full bathrooms are upstairs with an open loft - great for a rec room or home office space! The oversized 3 car garage gives you plenty of room for parking and storage. With 9' ceilings, wrap around front porch, and a 12' slider door leading from the Family Rm to the Covered Porch, this home has upgrades everywhere you look! This plan is truly worth seeing! Photos show example of Madison home already built.
5 Bedroom Home in Glen Allen - $635,400
HOME IS NOT YET BUILT - List price reflects base price and structural options only, Purchaser may select design options for an additional cost. Finished SF includes well basement. River Mill was awarded Richmond's first Active RVA Certification community for creating a culture that encourages healthy lifestyles. Whether that is walking or biking the natural trails, strolling along the sidewalks around the community, enjoying the clubhouse, pool or play, this community offers the perfect combination of calmness and convenience. (HOME IS NOT YET BUILT - Photos and visual tour are from the builder's library and shown as examples only (colors, features and options will vary).
5 Bedroom Home in North Chesterfield - $699,900
QUITE THE SHOWPLACE . . . in and out! Exterior STONE front and rear! VERY CLASSY HOME, and it shows like brand NEW! Everything there is 100% QUALITY from top to bottom! Lovely Hardwood Floors and wood millwork! MAIN LEVEL offers 9' ceilings and includes LR, DR, Kitchen, Ensuite Primary BR with gorgeous full bath & double walk-in closets; it opens to another BR or Den/Study. 2ND FLOOR: 2 large BR's + Full Bath. LOWER LEVEL: Gorgeous finished, walk-out basement with HUGE Family Room with gas fireplace, eat-in area, & wet bar. Also there's a bright Office/Study, 16' BR, 8' Walk-in Closet, Full Bath, storage! Park-like setting wherein you decide how you will enjoy the peaceful, quiet outdoors: 16' Deck on 1st Floor; 15.5' Screen Porch and 21' newer Stone Patio on lower level ! There's even a covered front porch for sipping your coffee in the morning! HOA TAKES CARE OF GROUNDS MAINTENANCE! MANY SHOPS & RESTAURANTS IN BON AIR, STONY POINT FASHION MALL, RIVER ROAD SHOPPING... WITHIN 10 MINUTES! Enjoy this most inviting home, buy now, and move in and start making friends in this friendly community so close to everything you want to do! (Don't miss the VIRTUAL TOUR!)
5 Bedroom Home in Ashland - $975,000
Stunning executive lakefront home in an ultra-private setting in Ashland. Arrive to your exclusive neighborhood, go thru the gate and wind to the back of the community where you take your private road across the lake. Enjoy your golf-grade grass and built-in firepit overlooking the 12-acre lake. The all-brick exterior features a wrap around porch where you can enjoy the serene setting. When you go inside, your open floor plan has many features including arched, molded doorways, incredible views from the window filled morning room and a chef’s kitchen with gas cooktop, double wall ovens, fingerprint free stainless appliances, pantry and an oversized island. Off the kitchen is another window-filled room perfect for a study or office. Move up to the second floor where you have four bedrooms, three with ensuite baths, including the owner’s oasis with large walk-in closet, double vanities, tiled shower, and jetted tub. Need more space? Then wander up to the finished third floor that features a full bath, window seating with an ideal lakeview and walk-out storage. Take advantage of this amazing location and reap the rewards of all the current owner has put into this amazing home.
5 Bedroom Home in Hanover - $899,950
RENOVATED & PRICED BELOW APPRAISED VALUE-You must see this exquisite George Wythe House Reproduction Home (minus chimneys) in the prestigious Hanover High School District.This all brick 4200 sqft home is custom-built with meticulous attention to the finest Details.The quality exceeds any builder's highest standard and is situated on 7 beautiful acres;2 acres are cleared. Off Rt 301 turn onto the private road leading to the home,you will be awestruck by the statement it makes.Inside the home, you will be equally impressed with the workmanship and quality.The 1st floor boasts an open floor plan with formal living and dining rooms,a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops,gourmet backspash,KitchenAID stainless appliances,morning room and a very LG family room with fireplace,lg first-floor bedroom with a full bath that can be a sitting room,study or office.The 2nd floor offers a washer & dryer utility room complete with built-in cabinets,3 generous sized bedrooms,2 with Jack-n-Jill baths & master suite you will not want to leave.There is an attached oversized 3-car garage,stone patio and privacy for entertaining and fellowship.The home has HIGH-SPEED INTERNET.Don't miss this one!
4 Bedroom Home in Ashland - $1,054,784
The Elliott plan, RCI Builder's newest First Floor Owner's Suite home, is spacious for the family who likes to entertain. This plan offers 4 bedrooms with an option for a 5th and 3.5 baths. The First Floor Owner's Suite features vaulted ceilings, luxury owner's bath with freestanding tub and oversized ceramic tile shower. Two large walk in closets feature built-ins by Closet Factory. The family room and foyer boast 12' coffered ceilings with gas fireplace. The open kitchen with Island features gas cooktop, wall oven/microwave, dishwasher and French door refrigerator. Don't forget to check out the spacious Butler's Pantry and tucked away office for convenience. Upstairs features three spacious bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a loft, and a Bonus Rec Room on the third floor. The Elliott comes complete with front, rear and side covered porches and a side entry two car garage. Pictures are of the completed model home and are being used for visual purposes only.
5 Bedroom Home in New Kent - $1,299,000
Custom build your dream in Viniterra! The Vintage house plan by 10 Squared Build + Design features a first floor master and guest suite. Upstairs includes three extra bedrooms along with a large game/rec room. The open family room and kitchen open up to the outside with a great porch. Contact us today to customize this design within the master planned gated community of Viniterra; featuring the award winning New Kent Winery and Rees Jones signature golf course. We also have other lots to choose from that this home can be built on. Home is to be built.
4 Bedroom Home in Richmond - $494,990
EXCLUDES LOT PRICE This home is available to be Built On Your Land!. We offer unlimited free no-obligation quotes. Customize our homes as many times as you want. Save the layouts you like, and try out all of our floor plans until you find the perfect home.
5 Bedroom Home in North Prince George - $475,000
TRANQUIL Waterfront OASIS & First Floor Living AWAITS in this GORGEOUS HOME in the Jordan on the James subdivision! Step in from the covered front porch to a marble floored foyer w/a NEW chandelier that leads to an ENORMOUS entertaining area. The LR boasts a gas FP, vaulted ceiling w/ skylights & has access to a sunroom w/2 C/FANs, 4 sliding doors that open to the NEW 27X15 paver patio & vast backyard that overlooks a pond! The kitchen offers a dining area, plenty of wood cabinetry, tile backsplash, granite C/TOPs, breakfast bar, white APPL (DBL wall ovens, gas range/oven, microwave & refrigerator), a 7X3 WI pantry & is steps from a formal DR w/NEW chandelier. The primary BDRM houses an enormous WIC & spa-like bath w/2 vanity areas, jetted tub, easy-entry shower & toilet closet. 3 more BDRMs are on the opposite end of the home & 2 of those BDRMs have attached baths. The 2nd level could be a 5th bedroom, play room or the perfect home office! NEW Plantation shutters, Great closet space, walk-in attic spans the length of the home, 22X21 two car garage, NEW roof 2019, NEW Briggs & Stratton whole home generator, located minutes from the James River & local wineries. Are you ready?
5 Bedroom Home in Powhatan - $676,500
MOVE-IN READY NEW CONSTRUCTION Approx. 13 miles from Westchester Commons Shopping Center with shopping and entertainment. Enjoy all the modern features of this well built Traditional style home with Craftsman details. This plan offers 3,047 sq. ft. of luxury living on a quiet 2.08 acre lot in The Branchway Springs subdivision. On the main level you enter a stunning two-story foyer and spacious great room with gas fireplace that is flanked by custom built-in bookcases. The first-floor Owners Suite features a spacious walk-in closet, modern freestanding tub & elegant tiled shower. The kitchen’s oversized island is perfect for entertaining and features stunning granite counter tops and beautiful back splash, soft close cabinets and elegant lighting. Oversized windows bathe the first floor with light, which also has a walk-in pantry, cozy morning room, built-in cubbies, large mud/laundry room and powder room. The sunroom features French doors that open onto a huge deck. Upstairs you will find, not three, but four generous bedrooms with large closets and two full baths. Additional storage space in the attic and a two-car garage add to the wealth of storage space in this gorgeous home.
6 Bedroom Home in Blackstone - $1,499,000
Magnificent gentleman’s farm on 57+ acres with stunning custom colonial house, 3 separate cottages, fenced pastures, and barns is a must see. Originally built in 1865 with majority added in 2007, this luxury farmstead has 6 large bedrooms & 4 bathrooms in the main home along with wide hallways, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, sunken living room, open gourmet kitchen and dining area, full gym and much more. Constructed with quality, this home was built on steel and concrete framing with architectural shingles and hardi-plank siding. Not to mention hardwood custom cabinetry, doors and flooring throughout, & in the kitchen, granite and concrete countertops, stainless steel appliances and more custom cabinets. The three cottages are zoned bed and breakfast or just bring the family for fantastic memories. Large front and back yard includes swingset and tree house. Approx 17 acres of hardwoods and pines is great for hunting with seasonal creek and deer stands. Approx 10 acres is cleared for hay and 5 acre and 2 acre fenced pastures for livestock with one large barn and 1 loafing shed. The barndominium has a large workshop in the back and a basketball court on the second floor.
10 Bedroom Home in Mechanicsville - $449,950
Solid built all brick home on 2.7 acres with shared pond in amazing Hanover location! This home is well maintained inside and out and has housed a senior living business for many years which has now been sold. Come with your ideas and get ready to personalize for the next chapter! In addition to the first and second floors, there is a two bedroom apartment in the basement! The original property has been subdivided into three lots, the current driveways will be changed and there will be a new road to the property with the entrance on a cul-de-sac. A proximally 20ft of the property is proposed for Rural Point Road widening. Come enjoy country living with amazing convenience and amazing opportunities with AR6 zoning!
6 Bedroom Home in Henrico - $1,499,995
Amazing 110’ of waterfront home within ground salt water heated pool with LED lighting and waterfall in an exclusive, convenient yet private neighborhood. Yard is fully fenced with unobstructed views of the lake which is fully stocked with some of the biggest bass you have seen. Cruise and fish the lake in your pontoon boat! You will feel like you are in your own private vacation home. Watch the sunset from your large private back stamped concrete patio or from the 2-story windowed wall family room or from your kitchen while you make dinner! Relax on the full front porch with stamped concrete. This house has an open floor plan with 2 staircases to the 2nd floor featuring decorative metal handrail. There is an en-suite bath bedroom with walk in closet on the 1st floor perfect for guests or family. Private entrance mud room with deep sink and counter and custom-built bench and hooks for all the coats shoes and backpacks. The 2nd floor has 4 bedrooms, 2 of which are the opposite end of the master for ultimate privacy. The master bedroom is 14’x24’ with beautiful views of the lake and tray ceiling with recessed lights. Master bath is an enormous 36’x15’ with 2 walk-in closet.
5 Bedroom Home in Ashland - $796,263
WELCOME TO THE ROANOKE BY EASTWOOD HOMES! The Roanoke has it all, including guest suite, formal dining room, and a study on the 1st floor. Cooks will find plenty of countertop space, a large pantry, and a designer kitchen with a large island and breakfast nook, all overlooking the large family room with gas fireplace. 2nd floor features a large loft and owners bedroom, which includes 2 walk-in closets, and a soaking tub, shower, and separate vanities in the bath. Bedrooms 3, 4, & 5 all come with walk-in closets, and a Jack and Jill bath. | https://richmond.com/news/local/business/real-estate/commercial-real-estate-highlights-former-atlantic-bank-branch-at-8209-w-broad-st-sells-for/article_c85e1fea-006b-11ee-85b0-4b0591ccc452.html | 2023-06-02T20:17:25 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/business/real-estate/commercial-real-estate-highlights-former-atlantic-bank-branch-at-8209-w-broad-st-sells-for/article_c85e1fea-006b-11ee-85b0-4b0591ccc452.html |
For 34 years, people have come from miles away to gather on sacred ground in King William County and immerse themselves in the culture of the local Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe.
As members of various tribes participated in a traditional powwow celebration set on Memorial Day weekend, attendees witnessed whirling dances and powerful songs that span generations.
Powwow participants processed into the roped-off arena led by a group of veterans, active service members and National Guardsmen. Later, every member of the military, past or present, in attendance was invited into the space as the audience was encouraged to applaud them vigorously.
While some have come back year after year and have a good idea of what to expect, the newcomers were guided through the experience by a master of ceremonies who explained each song and dance as well as the different regalia and tribes who were participating.
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In between dances, guests were encouraged to peruse the wares of various vendors surrounding the dancing ground. Their offerings included jewelry, bows and arrows and colorful fabrics. | https://richmond.com/news/local/through-our-lens-a-celebration-of-culture/article_687c76b0-00c7-11ee-9ab7-af62fa8c21d2.html | 2023-06-02T20:17:27 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/through-our-lens-a-celebration-of-culture/article_687c76b0-00c7-11ee-9ab7-af62fa8c21d2.html |
A Brooklyn man wanted in connection to two separate murders of women in Williamsburg and Schenectady has been arrested after a multi-state manhunt.
Timothy Taylor, 35, was picked up by the U.S. Marshals Service nearly 100 miles from New York City, where he's accused of killing Theresa Gregg back on May 13. The 37-year-old woman was found unconscious inside the apartment she shared with Taylor, police said.
Officers were called to the Bedford Avenue building around 8:30 a.m., where they found a gruesome scene in the fourth-floor unit. Gregg had multiple stab wounds to her neck and across the rest of her body.
Gregg worked as an officer for the Department of Homeless Services. The department released a statement shortly after her death, calling it a "heart-breaking tragedy."
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"We are ever-grateful for Officer Gregg’s invaluable contributions and tireless dedication to serving and supporting vulnerable New Yorkers and ensuring a safe environment for them. This is a tremendous loss for the agency and our city," the statement continued.
Two weeks after her death, Schenectady authorities reported the death of Tishawn Folkes-Taylor. The 44-year-old woman was found dead at her Pleasant Street home on May 28, and Taylor was quickly identified as a person of interest in her killing.
Reports link Taylor and Folkes-Taylor from a previous marriage. Any motive in either killing has not been publicly shared by authorities.
News
U.S. Marshals in Philadelphia said they received a tip that the 35-year-old suspect may be in Center City. Members of their fugitive task force tracked Taylor to a bar around 11:20 a.m. Friday on Chestnut Street and took him into custody.
“Our thoughts are with the children who suffered through this horrific domestic violence, and hope they find some semblance of peace and closure in Taylor’s arrest," Eric Gartner, United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania said in a press release. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-man-arrested-in-murders-of-suspected-girlfriend-ex-wife-weeks-apart/4389348/ | 2023-06-02T20:20:02 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-man-arrested-in-murders-of-suspected-girlfriend-ex-wife-weeks-apart/4389348/ |
Parents accustomed to a mid-to-late summer release of the New York City public schools' calendar for the upcoming year rejoice! It's already out -- and kids are still in school.
The Department of Education released the schedule for the upcoming year on Friday.
Day 1 is Sept. 7, Thursday. And yes, there are a number of "breaks." Get your vacation planning in early.
See the full schedule below:
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Copyright NBC New York | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-school-calendar-for-2023-2024-released-early/4389372/ | 2023-06-02T20:20:05 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-school-calendar-for-2023-2024-released-early/4389372/ |
Downtown Noblesville road closures, traffic delays coming. Here's how long they'll last
Downtown Noblesville commuters should brace for traffic delays and long-term road closures next week as work crews begin the heavy lifting on the $113 million Pleasant Street reconstruction.
Several streets will be closed for five months starting Monday.
“This will be the first major construction associated with the Reimagine Pleasant Street project that impacts residents and motorists,” Mayor Chris Jensen said in a news release.
UnpredictableAbnormally dry month for Indiana impacts farmers, but how severe is it?
The following streets will be closed for 150 days:
- Eighth Street between Mulberry Street and Washington Street.
- Pleasant Street between Sixth Street and Ninth Street.
- Alley between Eighth Street and Ninth Street at Pleasant Street.
Also beginning next week, Walnut Street at Eighth Street will be permanently closed, as well as Seventh Street at Pleasant. Posted roadway and pedestrian detour routes should be used during the closures.
“The construction team has coordinated the closures with our public safety officials and access to all property owners will be maintained during this phase of construction,” Jensen said.
City officials will monitor traffic and make adjustments accordingly, Jensen said.
After two weeks traffic should settle into a regular pattern. If there are still concerns residents can call the Noblesville Engineering Department at 317-776-6330.
The rebuilding extends from Hague Road west of the river to just short of State Road 37 and will include construction of several roundabouts, and bridges over the White River and Cicero Creek.
Call IndyStar reporter John Tuohy at 317-444-6418. Email at john.tuohy@indystar.com and follow on Twitter and Facebook. | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/noblesville/2023/06/02/noblesville-pleasant-street-mulberry-street-washington-street-closures-delays-construction/70281748007/ | 2023-06-02T20:23:37 | 1 | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/noblesville/2023/06/02/noblesville-pleasant-street-mulberry-street-washington-street-closures-delays-construction/70281748007/ |
LANCASTER, Pa. — Lancaster Police and other emergency personnel were dispatched to a section of the Conestoga River Friday morning, where they had to fish a submerged vehicle out of the water.
The incident occurred at 5:55 a.m. near the intersection of Pleasure Road and East Walnut Street, police said.
The vehicle, a white Kia sedan, was unoccupied when it was discovered, according to police. An investigation determined the vehicle had been stolen overnight in the southwest quadrant of the city.
There was one additional vehicle that was stolen from the same area during the same time frame, police said.
Both thefts are under investigation, police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at (717) 735-3301.
Police noted the recent stories about how several Kia vehicles have been stolen recently due to a viral video on Tik Tok, which taught people how to start the cars with USB cables and exploit a security vulnerability in some models sold in the U.S. without engine immobilizers, a standard feature on most cars since the 1990s preventing the engine from starting unless the key is present.
Lancaster City Police Auto Theft Detectives also ask that all Hyundai and Kia owners make sure to follow this guidance:
- Park in well-lit areas, preferably with surveillance camera coverage.
- Lock your vehicle and do not leave the vehicle’s keys or any valuables in your vehicle.
- Contact your local Kia/Hyundai dealership to see if your vehicle is eligible for the software update to prevent the theft of the vehicle. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-police-kia-stolen-conestoga-river/521-d5995144-ca36-4aac-9ef4-4861774ef7ed | 2023-06-02T20:23:47 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-police-kia-stolen-conestoga-river/521-d5995144-ca36-4aac-9ef4-4861774ef7ed |
A group of concerned citizens in Lebanon City held a rally on Friday calling for the removal of a judge who earlier this year released triple homicide suspect Alex Torres-Santos on bail for other drug offenses.
Magisterial District Judge Aurelis Figueroa presided over hearings in February and March in which Torres-Santos, 22, was facing charges for allegedly shooting the same man in the leg on two separate occasions.
On March 30, Judge Figueroa lowered Torres-Santos’ bail from $100,000 to $50,000. He then posted bail and was remanded to house arrest with an ankle bracelet monitor.
Torres-Santos allegedly went on to shoot four people on Tuesday, including two young boys, ages 8 and 9.
“She let these people out that shouldn’t have been out on bail. Make no mistake; we’re here because of the family. And this mom lost three children,” said Terry Lerch, a Myerstown resident who was at the protest outside the Magisterial District Court in Lebanon.
The Lebanon County District Attorney’s office wrote in a statement,
“Over objection, Magisterial Judge Aurelis Figueroa of Lebanon City lowered bail to $50,000.00; if SANTOS posted bail, Judge Figueroa ordered SANTOS wear a house-arrest bracelet. SANTOS
subsequently posted bail and wore a house-arrest bracelet pending trial. SANTOS wore his
bracelet to the homicide; the location monitor and minimal bail imposed by the Judge thus served as no deterrent to a violent criminal willing to take a life.”
Judge Figueroa was elected in 2021 as the first Latina magisterial district judge in Lebanon County. Her term lasts six years.
“Judges make decisions and it affects people’s lives. It started out with parking tickets that she won’t enforce. Everybody is upset with her in this town: the mayor, the judges, lawyers, and she’s had at least 30 complaints,” said Lerch.
A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Board of Pennsylvania said they couldn’t discuss complaints or investigations into judges until charges are filed. However, they pointed out that even if a judge makes a poor decision regarding bail—as long as it falls within the state’s bail determination criteria—it is not necessarily misconduct.
Protesters said it wasn’t just the judge that allowed this crime to happen.
“Why wasn’t [Torres-Santos] monitored better? Does it fall back on his probation officer? Does it fall back on the judge? It’s just a lot of questions that we don’t have answers to,” said protester Lori Washington of Lebanon. “But as a mother and a grandmother, I can’t imagine what that family is going through for losing their children because of poor judgement. He should have never been released.”
Torres-Santos’ preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 15, again before Judge Figueroa.
This time, bail was denied. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lebanon-removal-judge-triple-homicide-bail/521-a752b8e6-2479-4ac8-8a41-8311b8e14124 | 2023-06-02T20:23:53 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lebanon-removal-judge-triple-homicide-bail/521-a752b8e6-2479-4ac8-8a41-8311b8e14124 |
One of the region’s largest soccer tournaments kicks off its 30th year this weekend, with over 200 teams of boys and girls from across the Midwest competing in Beavercreek
The Beavercreek Soccer Association will host the the 30th annual Creek Classic soccer tournament on Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4, at the Ankeney Soccer Complex in Beavercreek.
Over 200 teams, both boys and girls ages 7-19 from recreational and competitive soccer leagues, will come to Beavercreek from across Ohio, as well as Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia, and Michigan.
What brings those teams to Beavercreek is the “on-site format” of the tournament, Tournament Co-director Ben Guthrie said. The Ankeny Soccer complex sports 30 fields, allowing clubs to support their teams and witness matches all in one place.
“This creates a great tournament atmosphere, and allows soccer clubs to watch all their teams play without having to travel to different locations,” Guthrie said.
Families that attend can look forward to a great run tournament with quality fields and game officials, and a midway full of great food and apparel vendors, Guthrie said. On-site health care is provided by Dayton Children’s Medical Center, and new cars from the Jeff Schmitt Auto Group will be on display.
The Beavercreek Soccer Association facilitates soccer for nearly 2,300 boys and girls at the recreational and competitive level through its recreational leagues, Celtic Soccer Club, and The Ohio Galaxies.
Guthrie and fellow co-director Cheryl Henderson have served in that role of the tournament for four years, but prior to that Dianne Thullen and John Ankeney were directors for most of the previous 26 years, Guthrie said.
“30 years is a great milestone,” said Guthrie. “In reaching this milestone I think about the many volunteers that laid the groundwork for the success of the tournament.”
Two of those volunteers have a part of all 30 tournaments: Peggy Mangan has led the Concession Stand for all 30 years and Larry Collins has been “instrumental” in setting up the fields and other roles, Guthrie said.
“We sincerely hope that all participants, parents, and guests will enjoy this memorable weekend filled with the spirit of competitive soccer,” said the Association in the announcement. “The Tournament Committee has worked meticulously to ensure this year’s CREEK CLASSIC will be the best tournament yet.”
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/30th-creek-classic-in-beavercreek-this-weekend-with-more-than-200-soccer-teams/7ODEHUPU7VEITOAQ2UT3R2J6MM/ | 2023-06-02T20:27:49 | 0 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/30th-creek-classic-in-beavercreek-this-weekend-with-more-than-200-soccer-teams/7ODEHUPU7VEITOAQ2UT3R2J6MM/ |
An air quality alert is in effect for Saturday due to potentially elevated air pollution levels.
High temperatures will be in the low 90s with light-to-moderate southerly winds and sunny skies, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.
These conditions are favorable for ground-level ozone, or smog, to form, according to the alert issued by the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission and Regional Air Pollution Control Agency for Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery and Preble counties.
The air quality index forecast is 103 for Saturday.
Any reading of 101 or higher is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” according to the agencies.
The elderly, children and anyone with respiratory diseases should cut back prolonged and heavy exertion. If spending time outside, anyone considered at-risk should take more breaks and do less strenuous activities.
Anyone coughing experiencing a shortness of breath or unusual fatigue should call their health care provider.
The general public is not expected to be affected.
People are encouraged to do the following to reduce ground-level ozone:
- Avoid driving if possible. If not, combine errands or delay them until the air quality alert is lifted. While driving, avoid excessive idling, especially at drive-thru windows.
- Refuel vehicles after 8 p.m., or wait until the alert is over. Make sure your gas cap is on tightly to avoid letting gas fumes escape.
- Limit the use of gasoline-powered equipment around the home, such as lawn mowers, chainsaws, power trimmers and shredders.
- Mow lawns after 6 p.m.
For more information visit MiamiValleyAir.org or call 937-223-6323.
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/air-quality-alert-to-take-effect-saturday/7DNXI363SZARDOOKSSA6Q54WCM/ | 2023-06-02T20:27:55 | 0 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/air-quality-alert-to-take-effect-saturday/7DNXI363SZARDOOKSSA6Q54WCM/ |
Neighborhood is left without a playground after fire. City says rebuild will take months.
LAS CRUCES ― A fire that liquefied much of a playground over the weekend remains under investigation as officials look toward a lengthy rebuilding process.
The cause of the fire, which destroyed all of the play equipment in Valley View Park on May 27, remains unknown as of the publication of this article. According to a news release from the fire department on Wednesday, firefighters arrived at a fire engulfing the playground in flame, spewing a thick black smoke that could be seen for miles. The fire department reported no injuries from the blaze. However, the fire deprived the neighborhoods surrounding the park from accessing a public playground just as the summer began.
Becki Graham, a city councilor whose district encompasses Valley View Park, said the park and playground are a staple for the area's community.
"I think with its proximity to the Munson Center, you'll often see seniors with grandkids convening there," Graham said. "It's just really a big shame."
But according to a City of Las Cruces official, replacing the playground won't happen for a while.
"Depending on what is selected for replacement, it will be between 6 and 18 months. Material delays are expected," City Park Administrator Franco Granillo said.
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How will a new Valley View playground get built?
The City denied the Sun-News an opportunity to interview an official from the Parks and Recreation Department. However, the City did respond to a list of emailed questions with answers attributed to Granillo. Via email, Granillo described the process for rebuilding a playground. He said the first step is determining how the City will pay for it.
"An estimate for a playground this size to include safety surfacing and install will be roughly $90,000 to $130,000," Granillo said, adding that the cost of freight, materials, demolition, and removal could affect the total.
Granillo suggested that legislative funds, such as capital outlay or something from the City's special funds, might cover the price of rebuilding. When asked why the Parks and Recreation Department couldn't fund it from its allocated budget, Granillo said the department sets aside money for park maintenance but not for complete rebuilds.
Graham said she planned on working with the City manager's office to find a solution.
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"I know our default is often to Telshor Fund," Graham said, referring to a special fund in the City's budget for spending to improve health outcomes in Las Cruces. "Park and outdoor recreational equipment are definitely in line, in my opinion."
Once the money is secured, Granillo said the City would pay someone to remove the ruined playground. Next, Granillo said, comes purchasing new equipment. That process would likely add more time to a rebuild.
"Play equipment is custom and needs to be ordered to fit each play set based on design. A vendor may have an inventory on hand, but the Parks department doesn't," Granillo said.
But once new materials are purchased, Granillo said the City would pay for installing the equipment.
Where are the nearest parks and playgrounds?
With Valley View's playground destroyed, area residents have three nearby options. All three options require residents to cross major roads if traveling on foot. The nearest parks are:
- Klien Park, about a mile away on the other side of Lohman Avenue and Amador Avenue,
- Pioneer Woman's Park, about two miles northeast of Valley View Park,
- Young Park, about a mile and a half from Valley View across South Solano Drive.
Justin Garcia covers public safety and local government in Las Cruces. He can be reached via email at JEGarcia@lcsun-news.com, via text at 575-541-5449, or on Twitter @Just516Garc.
Others are reading: | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/community/2023/06/02/months-long-rebuild-ahead-after-fire-torches-valley-view-playground/70275410007/ | 2023-06-02T20:28:53 | 0 | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/community/2023/06/02/months-long-rebuild-ahead-after-fire-torches-valley-view-playground/70275410007/ |
WOODBINE — A borough road was covered in materials from a pigsty after a truck crashed into another vehicle Friday morning,
Firefighters were called to Webster Street and Washington Avenue about 10:30 a.m. after a report of an accident.
"Pig slop" from 55-gallon drums carried on one of the trucks spilled onto the road, causing a mess that had to be cleared, borough firefighters said.
Neither driver was injured.
First responders were on scene for about an hour and a half clearing the crash site. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/pig-slop-covers-woodbine-street-following-crash/article_b3776df0-0162-11ee-ab1f-33da608f1df6.html | 2023-06-02T20:30:06 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/pig-slop-covers-woodbine-street-following-crash/article_b3776df0-0162-11ee-ab1f-33da608f1df6.html |
ABSECON — A New York man is the second in recent weeks to be arrested for visiting a city park with the intention of meeting a teenager for sex, only to find they were set up by an online "predator catcher."
Chen Chao, of Brooklyn, was charged with luring, sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child, according to a criminal complaint filed May 25 in Atlantic County Superior Court.
A first appearance for Chao is scheduled for June 14, the complaint states.
Cameron Decker, who poses as a minor online to lure alleged predators, informed police he was messaging Chao over Grindr, a dating application, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
ABSECON — A Philadelphia man was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly came to Heritage Park t…
Pretending to be a 15-year-old boy, Decker arranged a meeting with Chao at Heritage Park off Mill Road, the affidavit states.
Once at the park, Decker approached Chao, then notified police. Chao was arrested a short time later.
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Earlier last week, days before Chao's arrest, Nashiem Cephas-Lee, 23, of Philadelphia, came to the park after believing Decker to be a 15-year-old girl he'd been chatting with over Grindr. Like Chao, Cephas-Lee was approached by Decker, and police arrived a short time later to arrest him.
Cephas-Lee was released from jail following a detention hearing earlier this week. He was ordered to abide by strict monitoring protocols, including staying offline, unless using the internet to seek employment. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/new-york-man-arrested-in-2nd-absecon-park-teen-meet-up/article_fba8cf60-0171-11ee-980d-eb8200b499b0.html | 2023-06-02T20:30:12 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/new-york-man-arrested-in-2nd-absecon-park-teen-meet-up/article_fba8cf60-0171-11ee-980d-eb8200b499b0.html |
The widow of a former Cumberland County jail inmate is alleging in a federal lawsuit the facility failed to provide him adequate mental health care while incarcerated there last year.
Everett "Danny" Williams III's wife, Amy Williams, of Millville, filed the lawsuit against the jail, Warden Eugene J. Caldwell and the county May 24.
In her lawsuit, Amy Williams alleges the jail failed to provide proper psychological health care, including mental health screenings, to inmates.
County attorney John Carr couldn't be reached for comment. Carr previously said county policy prevents officials from speaking publicly about pending litigation.
The screenings should have included evaluations for suicidal tendencies, the lawsuit states.
The lawsuit further alleges that Caldwell and correctional officers failed to provide adequate measures for inmates known to be at risk for self-harm, despite knowing of multiple suicides at the jail between 2014 and 2018.
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The suit doesn't list an amount of compensation sought.
It was filed one week after the U.S. Justice Department, the county and its Department of Corrections settled over similar allegations brought forth by Amy Williams.
The U.S. Justice Department has reached a settlement with Cumberland County and its Departme…
Under a proposed consent decree, which was still pending formal approval in court, the jail must provide its inmates “adequate” mental health care and medication-assisted treatment in certain circumstances, settling claims made against the facility by the federal government, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said May 17.
Amy Williams is represented by attorney Eric G. Kahn, of Springfield, Union County. A message to Kahn was not returned.
Everett Williams spent nearly two weeks in custody after being arrested Feb. 17, 2022, for undisclosed offenses, according to the lawsuit.
He was admitted to an Inspira facility on that day before being returned to the jail Feb. 24, the lawsuit states.
Inspira Health, a medical company based in South Jersey, operates multiple health care facilities in Cumberland County, but the lawsuit does not specify to which one Everett Williams was brought.
Everett Williams was discovered hanging in an undisclosed part of the jail March 1, 2022, the lawsuit states.
The Justice Department began its review of the jail's procedures after multiple inmates died by suicide at the facility on Broad Street in Bridgeton, the lawsuit states.
Both the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Civil Rights Division began probing the jail’s practices in June 2018 under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, which permits the government to intervene and address “a pattern or practice of deprivation of constitutional rights of individuals confined to state or local government-run correctional facilities.”
In January 2021, the Justice Department gave the county written notice of what it determined were unlawful conditions, including in the paperwork measures to remedy the issues. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/poor-care-led-to-inmates-suicide-in-cumberland-county-jail-spouse-alleges/article_f8db4d16-ffc9-11ed-bc80-377364c1579f.html | 2023-06-02T20:30:18 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/poor-care-led-to-inmates-suicide-in-cumberland-county-jail-spouse-alleges/article_f8db4d16-ffc9-11ed-bc80-377364c1579f.html |
WINNER, S.D. — A man has been charged in Tripp County for the alleged rape of a minor after repeated charges of failing to update his address as a registered sex offender at sites around South Dakota.
The April 18 charges against Myron Songer Jr., 36, include one count each of second-degree rape, statutory rape and sexual contact with a minor.
Court documents allege that on April 3, Songer "sexually penetrate[d] a person through the use of force, coercion, or threats of immediate and great bodily harm," language that aligns with that of South Dakota codified law. The alleged victim was less than 16 years old, according to the court documents.
Songer has pleaded not guilty to the aforementioned charges, with a status hearing to be held on June 15.
Second-degree rape is a Class 1 felony that carries with it a maximum sentence of 50 years in prison and a fine of $50,000. Statutory rape and sexual contact with a minor are both considered Class 3 felonies that each carry a maximum punishment of 15 years of imprisonment and a charge of $30,000.
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Court records indicate a pattern of rapid-fire relocation by Songer, who currently has four active charges against him in four South Dakota counties — each for failing to register a change of address — that have all been filed since the start of 2022.
By South Dakota law, sex offenders must register with the state sex offender database within a three-day period of moving to work or live in a county at risk of facing a felony charge. Notably, the Tripp County charge took place on April 3, the same date and county as the alleged rape. Besides the Tripp County charge, charges for failing to register a change of address have been recorded in Minnehaha, Brown, and Codington counties.
Court documents indicate that Songer has a prior history of violence, with multiple charges against him citing physical and emotional violence. In 2006, he was found guilty of third-degree rape of a minor in Gregory County, for which he served nine years in the state penitentiary. Songer has also had two protection orders placed on him in 2014 and 2022.
The 2014 protection order was requested by the victim of the 2006 crime for which he was imprisoned, who cited fear of retribution, according to court records. Court records also show that the 2022 protection order was obtained by a partner, who cited physical harm done to her by Songer. | https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/local/man-charged-with-rape-of-minor-after-alleged-repeated-violations-of-sex-offender-reporting-laws | 2023-06-02T20:34:35 | 1 | https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/local/man-charged-with-rape-of-minor-after-alleged-repeated-violations-of-sex-offender-reporting-laws |
EDITOR'S NOTE: The profiles of the Ward 4 City Council candidates seeking a three-year term on the council were placed in alphabetical order.
MITCHELL — A trio of candidates with vastly different goals and outlooks on the city are vying to fill the vacant seat of Ward 3 on the Mitchell City Council, which has been held by longtime council member Dan Allen.
The race will be decided on June 6. Ward 3 includes the northeast section of the city.
Jason Bates
Jason Bates has been dedicated to running his downtown business over the past few decades, but now he’s ready to take on a leadership role on the city council.
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After longtime Ward 3 Councilman Dan Allen announced he was not seeking re-election, Bates saw it as a “great opportunity” to serve his constituents in Ward 3 and make their voices heard on the eight-person council.
“I’m coming in with my ears open. I don’t have an agenda. I just want to make a positive difference on the council,” Bates said of his motivation for entering the city council race.
The Mitchell native is a graduate of Dakota Wesleyan University and Mitchell High School and has raised his family in the community. In 2021, Bates threw his hat in the ring for the mayoral election and was defeated by Bob Everson. He said his mayoral run provided him with a valuable learning experience that gave him insight on how to represent the community as a whole.
As the lone downtown business owner among the field of candidates in Ward 3, Bates knows the challenges that small businesses face. Getting more community support to revive Main Street is a vital step toward increasing the city’s sales tax revenue and giving people a reason to shop local, he explained.
“I’d like to see more events downtown that give people a reason to come. Not just downtown businesses, but all local businesses, could see more support from the city,” he said.
Bates suggested moving First Fridays on Main to Saturday — a move he said would attract more people to the events at a better time.
“Rather than scheduling First Fridays on a Friday night when most businesses on Main Street are closed, I think they could move it to Saturday afternoons when businesses are open. Why not do First Saturdays?” Bates said.
While the long history of algae woes that have plagued Lake Mitchell is an area of concern for Bates, he said the city’s plan to work on reducing the phosphorus upstream in the Firesteel watershed and looking at ways for in-lake solutions are positive steps toward a cleaner lake.
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“I think we have the potential to have a great lake. I would love to see a restaurant and boat docks – the kind of lake that brings people to town and spend time and money here,” he said.
The initiated measure on the June 6 ballot that would allow the city to sell eight lots along the lake to help fund future lake improvements has Bates’ support. He pointed to the lake lot initiated measure as a “great idea” to avoid taxpayers having to fund future lake restoration work.
“Anytime we can come up with ways to do big projects without putting on the backs of taxpayers is great,” he said.
Another challenge that Bates hopes to hone in, if elected, is finding ways to create more activities for all ages. Bates believes more entertainment options will help spur more growth at a time Mitchell has seen very little of it.
“We need to draw people that have the skills for the jobs that are hard to fill here. We need more activities. If someone from New York is looking at moving here, and they search online and see we have a nice lake and activities for all ages, we can get those workers,” he said.
Mike Bathke
With several major multimillion-dollar projects looming, Mike Bathke believes Mitchell is at a pivotal moment that will set the stage for many years to come.
Bathke said the big decisions facing the Mitchell City Council will require good leaders to make sound decisions that have the entire community in mind and not a “select few.” That’s why the longtime Mitchell resident and local business owner is vying for a seat on the council.
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“I look at what’s financially in front of the city of Mitchell, and it’s huge. We have an opportunity to do the lake or do the secondary water source that will actually help the city grow. We have to have adequate water to grow our tax base and get people to reside here, which will ultimately help us fund bigger projects like cleaning up the lake,” Bathke said.
The Plankinton native has called Mitchell home since moving to the community in 1991 for a job at a local cement plant. He and his wife raised their children in Mitchell.
A $25 million lake dredging project and potential $60 million secondary water source agreement, Bathke said, are prime examples of the big decisions the council is facing. Although Bathke said he isn’t against dredging in the future, he’s concerned about taking on a $25 million project that will be funded through a 30-year state loan with a roughly 3% interest rate attached to it while the Firesteel watershed is still discharging phosphorus into the lake.
“The lake won’t grow Mitchell, the secondary water source will. I want to see the lake clean as much as we all do, but doing it at a cost of roughly $40 million with interest included when the wetland hasn’t even broken ground is concerning. We can’t get big businesses to come here without having enough water,” he said.
Securing a secondary water source stands as one of the most crucial plans for the future of Mitchell, Bathke said. The city has been exceeding its maximum daily capacity of water more frequently in recent years, which has prompted city leaders to explore an additional Missouri River water supplier to position Mitchell for growth.
And bringing growth, job opportunities and more activity options for all ages are Bathke’s key goals, if elected. To spur economic growth, Bathke suggests the city create an industrial park in a high-traffic area with infrastructure near to attract businesses.
“We don’t have an industrial park. We had the opportunity to have one by the Pepsi building, but we had no infrastructure,” Bathke said. “We have a group that has raised a lot of money to fund a large portion of pickleball courts, so let’s get that built. It’s crazy how popular it is, which means there’s a need.”
As an owner of a concrete company, Bathke said it’s provided him vital experience in understanding budgets and how to pinpoint areas that have returns on investment. The subsidy funding the city council doles out to some local nonprofit organizations each year during budget time, specifically the Chamber of Commerce, are among the decisions that Bathke said haven’t shown a return on investment.
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Some leaders are adamant that Mitchell has a severe lack of housing options and have deemed it a crisis. While Bathke agrees there is a need for additional housing options, he doesn’t believe there is a crisis-level shortage, pointing to homes that have sat on the market for months to a year. To bring more housing, Bathke said using tax dollars to fund housing developments is the wrong approach to building affordable homes and suggested private developers are more equipped to handle housing needs.
“I don’t see a housing crisis. I see we need some more housing options, but not a crisis like we’ve heard people say. The private developers are doing that,” Bathke said, pointing to the handful of housing developments in the early stages that are being led by local developers. “Let the developers do it, not the Development Corporation or other organizations.”
Kimberly Lofgren
Kimberly Lofgren entered the Ward 3 city council race with no agenda and no “axes to grind.”
Rather, Lofgren said she is committed to improving the quality of place and life in Mitchell. And she believes serving on the council would provide her that opportunity.
“I’m not going to come in swinging a sledgehammer. I really don’t have a platform I’m running on. I really just want what’s best for Mitchell, which really all boils down to quality of place,” Lofgren said. “Having things to do, and having a good, clean city is what I want to see.”
Since graduating from Mitchell Technical College and later attaining a graduate degree from Dakota Wesleyan University, Lofgren and her family have called Mitchell home.
As the chief financial officer for the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce, Mitchell Area Development Corporation and Mitchell Main Street and Beyond — a group of local nonprofit organizations that work closely with the city of Mitchell — Lofgren said it’s helped her understand the process of getting projects and plans approved.
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Advancing progress on the Lake Mitchell restoration efforts and revitalizing an aging downtown are two key areas of focus for Lofgren, who said working on both would enhance Mitchell’s quality of life and bring more sales tax revenue to the city. The city’s plan to build a 35-acre wetland in the Firesteel watershed and proposed $25 million dredging project both have Lofgren’s support.
“I like that we have a plan for the lake. Agree with the lake lot sale or not, at least they came up with a way to fund part of it. Before we bought the Kelley property, it was just, 'Talk about it and kick the can down the road,'” Lofgren said.
While reviving downtown Mitchell is something Lofgren dubbed as a big challenge, she said it’s a possible feat. The city’s progress on the streetscape project is a sign of momentum for reviving Main Street, Lofgren said.
She pointed to the 0% interest revolving loan fund through Mitchell Main Street and Beyond and the downtown Business Improvement District (BID) tax as two vital mechanisms that will beautify Main Street and chart a new path forward. The BID tax has been in effect since 2019, which is designed to pool funds together for downtown property owners to tap into for exterior upkeep.
“I’d like to revitalize it, of course. I feel like we keep kind of pushing it back. I like that we are doing it in stages,” Lofgren said of the downtown streetscape project. “Main Street is still one of the best places for entrepreneurs to grow a business. We call around to find out what square footage price range is for vacant places like spots on the south side (of Mitchell), and Main Street spaces are cheaper compared to many others.”
Although Mitchell saw the slowest population growth among the top-10 cities in the state from 2010 to 2020, the latest U.S. Census report showed, Lofgren isn’t letting the stagnation dampen her outlook on the future. Over the past three years, Lofgren said there has been progress on key projects that’s worth celebrating.
“We found a funding source for the lake. We have a plan for the lake. We have a plan for infrastructure replacement. We are doing good things on Main Street to revitalize it. We need to celebrate our wins,” she said, noting the record-breaking sales tax revenue Mitchell collected in 2021 as another win worth celebrating. “We don’t celebrate our wins. It’s so easy to be negative.” | https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/local/mitchell-city-council-election-three-way-race-for-ward-3-seat-to-be-decided-june-6 | 2023-06-02T20:34:37 | 1 | https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/local/mitchell-city-council-election-three-way-race-for-ward-3-seat-to-be-decided-june-6 |
MITCHELL — It will be busy Election Day in Mitchell on Tuesday.
Voters will go to the polls on June 6 to decide a number of key Mitchell Board of Education and City Council positions, along with two ballot measures involving the planned Mitchell High School project and Lake Mitchell.
Voting for all city and school races will take place at the Davison County Fairgrounds, located at 3200 W. Havens Ave. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters in line when the polls close are allowed to stay in line and vote.
For the Mitchell School District, the following races will be on the ballot.
- A Board of Education seat is up for grabs between incumbent Matthew Christiansen and challenger Deb Everson. The winner will receive a three-year term.
- A bond referendum ballot measure will be on the ballot regarding adding athletic facilities to the current Mitchell High School construction project. The bond is for $17 million to add nearly 55,000 square feet of gym space, practice facilities, locker rooms and a new weight room. Passage requires a 60% vote of approval from the public. A “Yes” vote on the ballot approves issuing the bonds for building the facilities, while a “No” vote would be a vote against the plan. If approved, the facilities could be built in time for the start of the 2025-26 school year.
Mitchell School District ballot items are open to voters outside the Mitchell city limits. That includes all voters in Mitchell and Perry townships, plus most voters in Badger, Beulah, Lisbon and Prosper townships in Davison County. In western Hanson County, the Mitchell School District covers nearly all of Plano Township and a majority of land in Hanson and Rosedale townships.
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Three municipal races are on the ballot for the city of Mitchell on Tuesday.
- An initiated measure is on the ballot to change the city ordinance to allow the sale of city-owned park land at Lake Mitchell. A “Yes” vote on the matter would allow the city of Mitchell to sell eight lots along Lake Mitchell, while a “No” vote would leave the ordinance and the lots as is. The lots are located between residences and are undeveloped but are currently considered to be parks. If the measure passes, Mitchell Mayor Bob Everson said the city plans to sell the lots to raise funds to help pay for improvements to Lake Mitchell.
- For City Council in Ward 3, Mike Bathke, Jason Bates and Kimberly Lofgren are on the ballot for a three-year Mitchell City Council term. Longtime City Council member Dan Allen did not seek a new term in Ward 3.
- In Ward 4, incumbent Susan Tjarks and challenger Don Everson are on the ballot for a three year term.
Ward 3 includes the northeast section of the city, including all areas east of Duff Street between Fourth and 11th Avenues, east of Rowley Street between 11th and 15th Avenues, and all territory east of Main Street and north of 15th Avenue.
Ward 4 includes all of northwest Mitchell. That’s defined as city territory west of Main Street and north of 15th Avenue, plus the area west of Rowley Street from 11th to 15th Avenues and west of Duff Street between Eighth and 11th Avenues. Voters who live in the area between Edgerton and Duff Streets and between West Fourth and West Eighth Avenues are also in Ward 4.
(Maps with this story located at mitchellrepublic.com show the City Council ward boundaries and the Mitchell School District boundaries.)
Two races are unopposed for Mitchell City Council. Tim Goldammer will serve a three-year term in Ward 1, replacing Steve Rice, and John Doescher picked up a third term on the council after being unopposed, also good for three years. | https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/local/tuesday-is-an-important-election-day-for-mitchell-heres-whats-on-the-ballot | 2023-06-02T20:34:47 | 1 | https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/local/tuesday-is-an-important-election-day-for-mitchell-heres-whats-on-the-ballot |
STOCKTON, Calif. — The San Joaquin County Fair makes its annual return to Stockton Friday.
The fair is being held at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds at 1658 Airport Way in Stockton from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
From live music to livestock, coordinators say there are plenty of attractions at the fair aside from classic fair foods and carnival rides.
Each day, the fair will feature exhibits, booths from small businesses, livestock, a kid's zone, a carnival, Flo the Clown, JD Platt and his K9 Kings flying dog show, Steve's Fun Balloons, Jeremy the Juggler and Violin on Fire.
At least seven performers will take to the grandstand throughout the weekend with Friday being country night and Saturday's theme being rock tributes.
Performers for 2023's fair include Cynthia Renee & Co, Thunder Rolls, The Sticky Stones, Cougar Adams, Voces Del Rancho, Banda La Maxima and Ultimo Nivel.
Ticket Prices:
- $10 for adult general admission (ages 13 and older)
- $7 for senior general admission (ages 62 and older)
- $7 for child general admission (ages 6-12)
- Free for children 5 and younger
- Free on Saturday only from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Military members with a valid ID
- $35 for a single-day unlimited carnival wristband
Parking:
Parking is available at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds' main lot, accessible from Airport Way and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The parking lot opens at 10:30 a.m. No overnight parking is allowed.
Parking for the fair costs $10 per car or motorcycle.
Watch more from ABC10: 'The best of our county' | San Joaquin Fair preps for 4 days of fun, excitement | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/san-joaquin-county-fair-2023/103-074767bf-287e-462b-8c55-283f2c2cffd4 | 2023-06-02T20:37:30 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/san-joaquin-county-fair-2023/103-074767bf-287e-462b-8c55-283f2c2cffd4 |
GOLDEN GATE, FLA –The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a 15-year-old runaway.
McKayla Tierrablanca was last seen on Tuesday evening near her home along Everglades Blvd. and Golden Gate Blvd. in Golden Gate Estates.
According to her mother, she was wearing grey shorts and a blue hoodie. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/collier-county/2023/06/02/collier-county-sheriffs-office-searching-for-missing-teen/ | 2023-06-02T20:39:07 | 1 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/collier-county/2023/06/02/collier-county-sheriffs-office-searching-for-missing-teen/ |
NAPLES, Fla.— Tin City is excited to welcome back guests after being closed since Hurricane Ian.
June 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, Tin City will be celebrating its 100-year anniversary.
Festivities include anniversary specials, music, and fun for the whole family.
Events will start at 4 pm on Friday and 12 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
For more information, visit, https://www.tincityofnaples.com/ | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/collier-county/2023/06/02/tin-city-naples-celebrates-100-year-anniversary-after-reopening-from-hurricane-ian/ | 2023-06-02T20:39:13 | 1 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/collier-county/2023/06/02/tin-city-naples-celebrates-100-year-anniversary-after-reopening-from-hurricane-ian/ |
BLOOMINGTON — Events styled for LGBTQ+ people and their allies will be shining throughout and around the Twin Cities this month and into the summer.
The Prairie Pride Coalition is promoting a busy June schedule in observation of Pride Month in hand with several other organizations and businesses. Activities kicked off Thursday with a scavenger hunt at the Normal Public Library, displaying Pride flags in the McLean County Museum of History, and a weekly "Pride Idol" night at 10 p.m. Thursdays in June at The Bistro, 316 N. Main St., Bloomington.
Programming continued Friday with Pride in the Park, hosted at Franklin Park by public libraries from both of the Twin Cities. Up next is a Wear Orange to End Gun Violence event from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at Western Avenue Community Center, 600 N. Western Ave., Bloomington.
People can also celebrate Pride in two smaller Central Illinois towns this weekend. Downtown Lincoln will throw a Logan County Pride Fest from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday with food, arts and crafts, and a pet costume contest.
Then from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, the LOVE FOR ALLerton Concert gets rocking at the Allerton Park and Recreation Center, 515 Old Timber Road, Monticello. Suggested donations are $5 per person or $10 per family. Bad Medicine and Lipstick Jodi will perform, and food options will be available.
Prairie Pride Coalition President Dave Bentlin said for many years, people who wanted to celebrate Pride usually had to travel to big cities like Chicago, St. Louis or Indianapolis. But in the past five to seven years, additional smaller events have cropped up in and around Central Illinois, and that trend is a positive step forward, Bentlin noted.
“I believe that people want to celebrate Pride in their backyard,” said Bentlin, adding that this year's local lineup has the most events the community has hosted in one month.
He said since the 1990s, Bloomington-Normal's annual Pride Picnic has been a constant activity to bring together people for food and each other’s company. They can also get to know about other organizations in the community.
That picnic returns at noon Sunday, June 11, to the East Pavilion of Anderson Park, 503 E. College Ave., Normal. Preceding a day before the Pride Picnic is the Bloomington-Normal Pride Parade at Miller Park in Bloomington.
Parade preparations, including car and poster decorations, get into swing at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 10. Vendors and Pride accessories will become available at 11 a.m. that day, with the parade ending at 1:30 p.m.
Bookworms are invited to join a meeting of the True Colors reading group at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 8, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington-Normal, 1613 E. Emerson St. Readers will discuss “I Have Always Been Me: A Memoir by Precious Brady-Davis.”
The Normal Theater will host live music by Jaimee Harris and emily the band at 6 p.m. Monday, June 12; free seating will be first come, first served.
The Unitarian Universalist Church will host a LGBTQ+ Blood Drive from 1-6 p.m. Friday, June 13. And from 7-11 p.m. Saturday, June 24, a “Gaymers Group” will gather for board and card games at Red Raccoon Games, 309 N. Main St., Bloomington.
More events will carry into next month. "Pride Idol" semifinals will be Thursday, July 13, at The Bistro, with finals to follow Saturday, July 29, during the bar’s Pride Fest. The McLean County Museum of History will also perk up with a prismatic lighting display at dusk Friday, July 28.
Bentlin said allies of LGBTQ+ people are just as welcome to join any of these events. He said they have friends, family members, co-workers and children who are part of the LGBTQ+ community or are outward with support as allies.
It’s also not a coincidence to Bentlin that the number of Pride events has been growing in recent years. He said he thinks that’s because people are aware that the LGTBQ+ community — specifically including those who are youths, transgender and non-binary — seem to have been targeted nationwide in politics.
"I think there are people who are stepping forward who want to sponsor and organize activities that demonstrate that this region of the Midwest is a more welcoming and inclusive environment," he said.
Bentlin expressed gratitude for their allies and supporters, and for being able to celebrate Pride in Bloomington. He also said he’s grateful they can recognize that this is a diverse community.
For more information and virtual events promoted by the Prairie Pride Coalition, visit ppc-il.org/events/.
Photos: Looking back at 2019 Pride celebrations around the world
Poland LGBT Rights
Poland LGBT Rights
Israel Gay Pride
Israel Gay Pride
Romania Gay Parade
Romania Gay Parade
Romania Gay Parade
Chile Gay Pride
Chile Gay Pride
Ukraine Gay Pride
Ukraine Gay Pride
Brazil Gay Pride Parade
Philippines Pride March
Philippines Pride March
Nepal Pride Parade
Nepal Pride Parade
Serbia Gay Rights
Serbia Gay Rights
India Pride Walk
India Pride Walk
Italy Gay Pride Parade
Italy Gay Pride Parade
Mexico Gay Pride Parade
Mexico Gay Pride Parade
Portugal Gay Pride
Portugal Gay Pride
Paraguay Gay Pride Parade
Paraguay Gay Pride Parade
Ecuador Gay Pride Parade
Ecuador Gay Pride Parade
Peru Gay Pride Parade
Peru Gay Pride Parade
Colombia Gay Pride Parade
Colombia Gay Pride Parade
Colombia Gay Pride Parade
Turkey Pride
Turkey Pride
2019 Stonewall Day Honoring 50th Anniversary
2019 Stonewall Day Honoring 50th Anniversary
LGBTQ Pride
LGBTQ Pride
Seattle Gay Pride
LGBTQ Pride
LGBTQ Parade Chicago
LGBTQ Pride Chicago
Boston Pride Parade
Capitol Pride Parade
Capitol Pride Parade
Roosevelt Island - Pride Flag
Los Angeles Pride Parade
Los Angeles Pride Parade
Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison
Brendan Denison is our breaking news reporter. Denison was a digital content producer for WCIA-TV in Champaign and a reporter for The Commercial-News in Danville. He can be reached at (309) 820-3238 and bdenison@pantagraph.com.
Mia Postelwaite, 15, of Normal, Mary Garcia, 16, and Amari Thornton, 14, both of Bloomington, pose for a photo during the LGBTQ+ Pride Parade through Miller Park on Saturday, June 12, 2021. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/pride-month-picks-up-speed-in-bloomington-normal/article_d20a7a10-00b7-11ee-91b9-d305daeda787.html | 2023-06-02T20:43:12 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/pride-month-picks-up-speed-in-bloomington-normal/article_d20a7a10-00b7-11ee-91b9-d305daeda787.html |
AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This is sponsored content by Pedernales Electric Coop.
Power Rush Hour happens between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and you can save money and energy by doing your chores before or after those hours. According to PEC, this will help reduce the strain on the power grid by shifting energy use to the times before and after Power Rush Hour.
According to Pedernales Electric Coop (PEC), they broke down the percentage of overall household energy that is used depending on the appliance.
When doing your laundry it takes up 7% of energy use. A dryer uses 5% and a washing machine uses 2%.
The best practice to save energy is by doing the following:
Dryer
- Clean the lint trap before each load
- Check vent hoses twice per year to make sure it's tightly connected to the dryer and not kinked or clogged
- Only run the dryer long enough for the clothes to dry
- Run the dryer at night during the summer
- Heat remains in the dryer if you run it back-to-back
Washing Machine
- Wash clothes in cold water
- Wash full loads
- Adjust the water level to match the load size
- Always rinse closes in cold water
A refrigerator uses 5% of energy use and a dishwasher uses 3%.
You can also save energy by doing the following:
Refrigerator
- Set refrigerator temperature to 34-37 degrees and freezer temperature to zero to 5 degrees
- Clean refrigerator coils annually
- Switch the refrigerator's power-saver on
- Ensure refrigerator door seals are tight
- Defrost the refrigerator or freezer to avoid ice buildup if you don't have a frost-free fridge.
Dishwasher
- Run full loads only
- Run the dishwasher at night in the summer
- Do not use the heat-dry feature
You can view the full breakdown your how appliances run up your energy bill here. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/project-green/project-green-tip-power-rush-hour/269-fbabbfde-1f51-4669-a255-e91faec827aa | 2023-06-02T20:45:32 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/project-green/project-green-tip-power-rush-hour/269-fbabbfde-1f51-4669-a255-e91faec827aa |
HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — A 21-year-old woman was arrested Friday for attempting to murder an unborn child back in April, according to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.
Haley Raborn is accused of trying to have a woman's unborn child killed — she was 11 weeks pregnant at the time, deputies said in a statement.
Deputies say the woman reached out to the sheriff's office after learning about Raborn's plan from her former fiance. Raborn had a previous romantic relationship with the fiance and reached out to him to request that he kill the unborn child by giving the pregnant woman an abortion pill.
The fiance was able to provide Snapchat messages to the sheriff's office that included premeditated instructions on how to carry out the crime, authorities said.
The fiance reportedly told detectives that Raborn offered to pay him with a pair of AirPods once the request was completed. He turned over the abortion pills to deputies.
Detectives met with Raborn at her home, where they say she eventually admitted she did, in fact, try to have the victim take an abortion pill, without the victim's consent.
Raborn was charged with soliciting/attempted murder of an unborn child by injury to the mother. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hernandocounty/woman-arrested-admitting-to-murder-unborn-child/67-7ef4a878-8e85-4a26-9424-06019876928d | 2023-06-02T20:47:47 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hernandocounty/woman-arrested-admitting-to-murder-unborn-child/67-7ef4a878-8e85-4a26-9424-06019876928d |
Interior secretary bans new oil and gas drilling, fracking surrounding Chaco Canyon
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland withdrew more than 336,400 acres of public land in a 10-mile radius around Chaco Culture National Historical Park from new oil and gas leasing and mining claims for 20 years starting Friday. The move was hailed by environmentalists and tribal activists as a step toward protecting the fragile site from the effects of fracking and resource extraction while also calling for greater protections than a temporary halt to new leases.
"Today marks an important step in fulfilling President Biden’s commitments to Indian Country, by protecting Chaco Canyon, a sacred place that holds deep meaning for the Indigenous peoples whose ancestors have called this place home since time immemorial,” Haaland said in a statement.
The ban won't affect current leases, which many Native people, including Navajos with allotted land in the area, depend upon for income. The area is in what's called a "checkerboard" area, where tribal lands, Navajo land allotments and public lands are laid out in little or big squares surrounding the national park.
Haaland's withdrawal is similar to one enacted by then-Interior Secretary Ken Salazar in 2012, where he halted new mining permits in a more than 1-million-acre region of public lands surrounding Grand Canyon National Park. Tribes and environmentalists would like to make that ban permanent and have asked President Joe Biden to name those lands as the U.S.'s newest national monument.
The remote canyon, marked by more than 4,000 pre-contact structures stretching across more than 3,000 years of human history features several large communities forming a major center of ancestral Puebloan culture and history. The distinctive structures, astronomical observatories and art show that Chaco Canyon was a central part of ancestral Puebloan cultures.
Ceremonies, trade and administration were all part of the string of communities along the canyon's washes and slopes. Its heyday was 850 to about 1150, after which the ancestors of the contemporary Pueblo and Hopi peoples moved away in the wake of what some believe to be a long-term drought.
Chaco Canyon, located about 380 miles northeast of Phoenix near the Four Corners area, is also a beloved landmark to many people worldwide and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Tribal resources:Navajo residents fear income losses if the feds halt oil and gas leases near Chaco Canyon
Pueblos, tribal activists and environmentalists applaud the ban, but say more needs to be done
The All Pueblo Council of Governors issued a statement expressing its gratitude for the decision.
"Today's approval of the administrative withdrawal is a resounding triumph for our communities, our sacred lands, and future generations," said Mark Mitchell, chairman of the council and former governor of Tesuque Pueblo. "This decision demonstrates the power of unity and collaboration in the pursuit of preserving our cultural heritage."
Governor Wilfred Herrera Jr. of the Laguna Pueblo said Haaland's action "empowers tribes to preserve their past and current connections in a new era of land stewardship for today and for future generations.” Haaland is a member of the Laguna Pueblo which, like other pueblos, the Hopi Tribe and the Navajo Nation, has cultural ties to the complex and the lands surrounding it.
A coalition of six environmental and Native rights groups also hailed the decision, calling it a good first step toward permanent protection for the culturally and environmentally sensitive region.
“For the past two years, Native Organizers Alliance has worked to support the Greater Chaco Coalition in their call on the Biden Administration to protect the Greater Chaco Landscape," said Judith Le Blanc of the intertribal rights organization.
Robyn Jackson of Diné C.A.R.E said the action was a good first step but more needs to be done to protect the "living communities of Diné relatives, wildlife and plant life" as well as countless sacred sites through the region that should be a priority for the Biden administration.
The Pueblo Action Alliance also acknowledged Haaland's move: "The Greater Chaco Landscape has endured generations of legacy oil and gas extraction," said Julia Bernal, the alliance's executive director.
Environmental groups ranging from the Center for Biological Diversity and the Sierra Club to WildEarth Guardians and the Western Environmental Law Center also hailed the move.
The groups also expressed concerns about the effects of industrial development and fracking in the area.
"More than 90% of Greater Chaco is already either industrialized by oil and gas extraction or promised to industry for more drilling in the future, even as we recognize this activity’s impacts on the area’s communities and the climate," said Ally Beasley with the Western Environmental Law Center.
Alarmed at the proliferation of development and fracking activities in the area, a six-association coalition filed a lawsuit in 2019 challenging new drilling permit approvals. In February, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Bureau of Land Management had violated NEPA requirements to fully assess the effects of greenhouse gas and other emissions from 370 permit applications for oil and gas operations.
Proposed monument:Interior Secretary Deb Haaland talks with Arizona tribes at the Grand Canyon
Agency will review land management in the region
New mining claims have been on hold since January 2022, when BLM initiated a study into the proposed withdrawal. New Mexico stopped issuing mineral leases in the area in 2019.
The Interior Department said it is also undertaking a broader assessment of the Greater Chaco cultural landscape to ensure that public land management better reflects the sacred sites, stories, and cultural resources in the region. In the Honoring Chaco Initiative, BLM and the Bureau of Indian Affairs are holding discussions with tribes, communities, elected officials, and interested parties to explore ways the Interior Department can manage existing energy development, honor lands culturally important to tribes and create a sustainable economic future for the region.
But environmentalists and tribal activists would like to see all energy development halted in the region, citing damage to lands, peoples, waters and other living things.
Bernal of the Pueblo Action Alliance said her coalition will continue to advocate for the end of the fossil fuel economy and to phase out both existing and new oil and gas development.
"The toll of oil and gas drilling has led to harmful community health impacts and serious climate impacts, as evidenced by the methane plume documented in the region," Jackson of Diné C.A.R.E said.
She called on the Biden administration to phase out fossil fuels, clean up and remediate orphaned oil and gas wells in the region and support the creation of a renewable and sustainable economy.
"Our Indigenous communities deserve environmental justice.”
Debra Krol reports on Indigenous communities at the confluence of climate, culture and commerce in Arizona and the Intermountain West. Reach Krol at debra.krol@azcentral.com. Follow her on Twitter at @debkrol.
Coverage of Indigenous issues at the intersection of climate, culture and commerce is supported by the Catena Foundation.
My articles are free to read, but your subscriptions support more such great reporting. Please consider subscribing today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-environment/2023/06/02/deb-haaland-bans-oil-and-gas-drilling-on-lands-around-chaco-canyon/70279850007/ | 2023-06-02T20:49:47 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-environment/2023/06/02/deb-haaland-bans-oil-and-gas-drilling-on-lands-around-chaco-canyon/70279850007/ |
Mulch fire smoke moving toward Gilbert, Chandler as fire continues to burn
Although the May 31 mulch fire that began in the East Valley remains contained, the fire is still burning, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
In line with the original estimation of a 24- to 48-hour burn, no other updates were provided by MCSO.
On Wednesday, Rural Metro Fire spokesperson Shawn Gilleland said that smoke would be lingering throughout the next few days, which crews would continue to monitor.
Previous coverage: Smoke persists after mulch fire near Mesa contained
"Smoke that moved over portions of the Valley yesterday (Thursday) cleared out of the area by mid-morning as temperatures warmed. All PM-2.5 (smoke) monitors within the Phoenix Valley yesterday were in the Good AQI category for the 24-hour average, which is what the EPA federal health standard is based on," Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Communications Manager Caroline Oppleman told The Arizona Republic.
However, light smoke produced from the fire had begun pushing toward the Gilbert and Chandler areas on Friday, but Oppleman noted that it will follow the same trend as Thursday, lifting and clearing out above the surface as the day moves on.
"While short-term light to moderate smoke impacts will be possible as the fire continues to burn, we are not expecting values to exceed the federal health standard," Oppleman said.
ADEQ meteorologist Matt Pace also provided an update via the department's hourly air quality Phoenix forecast.
"While you may smell smoke at the surface, monitors and sensors in the area have not seen values above the health standard set by the EPA. With that said, if you are smelling smoke, you are breathing smoke, and if you are sensitive to it, limit your outdoor activity," Pace said.
A high pollution advisory is in effect Friday through Sunday, June 4, but Pace said it is due to high levels of ozone and not due to high levels of smoke from the mulch fire.
"As for air quality, with light winds for the next several days forecasting ozone to be in the USG category today through Sunday, so an Ozone High Pollution Advisory is in effect. By Monday, winds will help to clear the airshed of ozone and ozone precursors, with values lowering back into the Moderate AQI category," Pace said.
Those interested can monitor the Phoenix Air Quality Index to get up-to-date information on advisories and conditions at https://azdeq.gov/forecast/phoenix. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/mesa/2023/06/02/mulch-fire-smoke-moves-toward-gilbert-chandler/70282272007/ | 2023-06-02T20:49:53 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/mesa/2023/06/02/mulch-fire-smoke-moves-toward-gilbert-chandler/70282272007/ |
El Mirage man arrested in connection with May shooting
Police arrested an El Mirage man on a slew of felony charges early Wednesday morning after investigators tied him to a separate shooting in May.
Officers with El Mirage police responded to a home near 123rd Avenue and Flores Drive at around 4:09 a.m. on May 31 to reports of a domestic disturbance. Officers found 30-year-old Dayvon Brazile lying on the sidewalk with an empty handgun next to him.
Documents say a large amount of personal property was strewn across the road. Officers asked Brazile what was going on, but Brazile was drunk and “highly emotional," court documents state.
The mother of Brazile’s girlfriend told police that she, his girlfriend and Brazile were at a bar earlier that evening when Brazile and the girlfriend got into an argument. Documents say Brazile later called his mother and sister to pick him up from the bar and help him move his stuff out of his girlfriend’s mother’s house in which he had been living for about a month.
The girlfriend and her mother arrived at the home about 45 minutes later and also helped move Brazile out. While that was happening, Brazile got into an argument with his sister before he pinned her to an exterior wall, shouted at her and then threw her to the ground, documents state.
Documents say Brazile then pushed his sister from behind as she got back up and walked away while continuing to yell at her. Police say the incident was captured by the home’s video surveillance system and someone’s cellphone.
Brazile’s sister and mother then fled the area in their vehicle, though police were unable to contact them, court documents state.
Documents say detectives tied Brazile to a shooting that occurred on May 3 involving another man. The man was driving his vehicle to his home on Corinne Drive where he saw Brazile, whom he thought was suspicious, and drove away as Brazile began approaching him, documents say.
Documents state the man returned to his home after initially not seeing Brazile, but then tried fleeing the area when he saw Brazile once again approaching him. It was not immediately clear what prompted Brazile to pursue the man.
Police say the man fled in the vehicle when Brazile pointed a handgun at the vehicle and fired four times, one of the shots striking the man’s cheek. Documents say the man drove to the El Mirage Fire Department for aid and reported the shooting to police.
Responding officers found four bullet shell casings in the area, a 9mm cartridge and a pair of black sunglasses, police say.
Documents say an officer was working on a separate investigation on May 4 when someone mentioned they knew someone who witnessed the shooting and that they lived two blocks away from where it happened.
Police contacted the person, who happened to be Brazile’s girlfriend. The girlfriend said she had gotten into an argument and that Brazile started walking north. The girlfriend began walking after him when she saw a black vehicle with tinted windows with the driver appearing to be waving something and later heard three gunshots.
Documents say she told police she saw Brazile run back toward her and the two ran back to their residence. The girlfriend said she didn’t call police about the shooting because she saw officers arrive at the scene quickly and believed they had already arrested the shooter, according to documents.
Police interviewed the girlfriend again on May 31 when she told detectives that Brazile told her two shots came from the vehicle and that Brazile fired the last shot, though documents note there was no evidence the driver of the vehicle fired at Brazile.
After his arrest, Brazile told police he didn’t own a gun during the May 3 shooting and that he found it on Indian School Road on May 30. He said that his girlfriend told him the driver of the vehicle waved a gun at his girlfriend and the two ran to her mother’s house.
Brazile was booked into jail on numerous charges, including attempted 2nd-degree murder, aggravated assault and possessing a weapon as a prohibited possessor. He is being held on a $1 million bond. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/surprise-breaking/2023/06/02/dayvon-brazile-arrested-on-2nd-degree-murder-aggravated-assault-weapons-charges/70280230007/ | 2023-06-02T20:49:59 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/surprise-breaking/2023/06/02/dayvon-brazile-arrested-on-2nd-degree-murder-aggravated-assault-weapons-charges/70280230007/ |
TUPELO — Lee County officials will soon begin notifying people affected by recent redistricting changes of their new voting precincts, although one precinct has complicated the process.
The Lee County Board of Supervisors approved the redrawing of its district lines in early February, and the Lee County Circuit Court quickly began examining the changes road-by-road to create creating mailouts for the voters affected by the new lines. These mailouts explain the change and where the voters’ new voting precinct is located.
“It is very meticulous work,” Circuit Court Clerk Camille Roberts Dulaney said. “They go road-by-road and change every voter individually."
Further complicating an already complicated process is that the county was already considering a change from the voting precinct in the Auburn community. The precinct is located at the Auburn Community Center in Tupelo.
According to Dulaney, because the community uses the building infrequently, it needs maintenance. She said the county hoped to move the voting precinct to avoid those issues. If the county can't find a suitable replacement, Dulaney said the precinct will stay in the center.
The county will begin sending letters once officials solve the issue, Dulaney said. Lee County Chancery Court Clerk and County Administrator Bill Benson noted the Auburn precinct has 1,285 voters.
“We’ve got to find them a place to go,” Benson said.
Dulaney said while there is some wiggle room, the county has 60 days to notify voters of any changes to their district or voting precinct. She said the most important thing she wanted to impart to voters was to ensure they are still registered and make necessary changes to their voting records before the Aug. 7 primary.
Voters can make changes, check which precinct they need to vote at and check their registration status, among other things, at the Secretary of State’s Office website. Dulaney also noted anyone with questions may call the Circuit Clerk’s office.
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Error! There was an error processing your request. | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/lee-county-officials-continue-redistricting-notification-process/article_51f8ef80-016d-11ee-8138-8b5cd4fc8fe5.html | 2023-06-02T20:50:06 | 1 | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/lee-county-officials-continue-redistricting-notification-process/article_51f8ef80-016d-11ee-8138-8b5cd4fc8fe5.html |
Recent thunderstorms in the area have pounded the region. Some included hail.
Roofs by Nicholas owner Dan Nicholas shared his suggestions to Midlanders looking to minimize roof damage themselves or hire a quality company to repair hail damage.
Nicholas said hail can puncture holes in a roof or can create damage that will cause holes in a roof over time and additional weathering, making it vital to address hail damage quickly.
“Sometimes that hole may take four, five years to fully come to a problem, but normally if you don’t make your claim in a hailstorm within two years, it starts to get to be a pretty big deal of whose fault it is, ‘Iis that leak really caused by a hailstorm?’ so it gets into a big claim debacle,” Nicholas said.
In terms of homeowners making the effort to minimize hail damage themselves, Nicholas said his company offers Class 4 High Impact Shingles – a shingle made to be more durable that a typical asphalt shingle.
Although Nicholas said no roof is “hail-proof,” having a higher-quality, more-resistant product on the roof of a house may help homeowners reduce hail damage.
When a Midlander needs to address hail damage in their home, Nicholas suggests looking for a trusted local roofing company.
“I would normally look at who you know, who you’ve seen around for years,” he said. Roofs by Nicholas has an A+ rating, the Better Business Bureau noted.
Researching and evaluating a roofing company, according to Nicholas, should include asking for qualifications, figuring out how long a company has been in business, asking for certifications with national roofing contractors and asking if a company’s employees has obtained continuing education on changing roof technology and practice. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/roofs-nicholas-s-owner-answers-questions-hail-18132778.php | 2023-06-02T20:53:36 | 1 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/roofs-nicholas-s-owner-answers-questions-hail-18132778.php |
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The Texas Leadership Charter Academy (TLCA) of Midland hosted a special meet-and- greet “Breakfast with Belle & Friends” to help raise money for the school’s theater production version of the famed Disney movie “Beauty and the Beast” that the school presented this spring.
Upon walking into Golf Course Road Church of Christ, attendees interacted and took pictures with the cast. A four-course breakfast of Biscochos, donut holes, fruit, yogurt, scrambled eggs, bacon, pancakes, dipped pretzel rods and marshmallows, cake pops, cupcakes and “The Gray Stuff” was presented buffet style atop beautifully displayed silver and gold platters that were surrounded by tall, lighted tree limbs.
Centerpieces for the tables included balloon bunches, tall pedestal flower pots and pillar candlestick holders topped with red roses. A Belle’s bracelet station and a teacup painting area were also on hand as a la carte activities to raise additional money. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/texas-leadership-charter-academy-midland-18131409.php | 2023-06-02T20:53:42 | 1 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/texas-leadership-charter-academy-midland-18131409.php |
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. 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-opportunities-in-attracting-firms/article_532f97b8-0006-11ee-b2f4-773adbb9c810.html | 2023-06-02T20:53:48 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/tucson-faces-post-covid-hurdles-opportunities-in-attracting-firms/article_532f97b8-0006-11ee-b2f4-773adbb9c810.html |
I love the pace of Tucson’s summers, their lack of traffic and urgency. The inherent bond that emerges between everyone who remains here after the heatwave begins: we love this place, are tied to this place, enough to stay.
But opening a restaurant in Tucson’s springtime can be a daunting prospect. Our slow summer has already started and will only get sleepier for months. This year, though, restaurant openings have been pushed back by dilemmas in supply chains, paperwork and construction deadlines: restaurants must open as soon as they’re ready.
Despite these obstacles, Tucson is lucky enough to be getting a few kinds of food that we haven't seen before: Bolivian street food, Moroccan-inspired sandwiches and Ethiopian mead called tej have all arrived in Tucson this season.
Here are the brave bunch of 15 that have opened in the last few months:
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Adis
Adis Refresqueria started as an Instagram page, where owner Adilene Castro would cater events with her aguas frescas and custom candy mixes. Now, the refresqueria has evolved into a vendor at American Eat Co. selling antojitos like churros and paletas in addition to her classic menu.
Location: American Eat Co., 1439 S. Fourth Ave.
Better Bevs
This drink shop combines techniques of boba tea shops with Mexican flavors and aguas frescas: chamoy mango shave ice, piña colada snow, cucumber lemonade with spicy chile popping boba. Find creative snows, shaved ice, slushes, milk tea and boba here.
Location: 210 N. Fourth Ave.
For more information, follow them on Instagram.
Brille Mead Company
Brille specializes in tej, the style of mead traditionally brewed in owner David Woods' home country of Ethiopia. Based out of Dillinger Brewing Company, Brille currently offers two meads on tap.
Location: Dillinger Brewing Company, 3895 N. Oracle Road
Chick-in Waffle
This chicken-and-waffle spot was founded in Kansas City and their Tucson location was their third location overall — and their first franchise to open outside of Missouri. Their menu features bubble waffles and bone-in and boneless chicken and tenders dipped in a choice of 10 sauces, including maple and Nashville hot.
Location: 5524 E. Grant Road
For more information, check out their website.
The Coop
Cowpig’s first brick-and-mortar location is this vendor spot in American Eat Co., peddling strictly fried chicken. Find sandwiches, loaded fries, tendies and even chicken and waffles here.
Location: American Eat Co., 1439 S. Fourth Ave.
Doughbird
This rotisserie chicken and pizza restaurant is part of Fox Restaurant Concepts, a major player in the industry that got its start in Tucson. Though the first Doughbird locations were in the Phoenix metro, they’ve come home to a midtown location opening May 31.
Location: 2960 N. Campbell Ave.
For more information, check out their website.
Flower Child
Another Sam Fox concept, Flower Child is the kind of restaurant that you can find at a fancy mall in Denver, in Washington, D.C. walking distance from the White House, and now in Tucson. They serve avocado toast, salads and grain bowls.
Location: 2960 N. Campbell Ave.
For more information, check out their website.
La Merguez
Named after a Moroccan lamb sausage, this late-night sandwich cart is posted up at Che’s Lounge some weekends. Their menu is centered around Moroccan-style sandwiches filled with merguez sausage, chicken, halloumi or a vegan option with grilled veggies. Their sandwiches' Khboz (bread) has been custom-baked by local baker Holy Focaccia. For dessert, they have a pastry called Briwat, made out of puff pastry; delicate, slightly sweet cheese and honey.
Location: Che’s Lounge, 350 N. Fourth Ave.
Miss Dessert
Find Hong Kong-style desserts here, like boba and snows topped with flavored jellies, sticky rice, fruit and ice cream. Miss Dessert is a small chain born in Phoenix.
Location: 1800 E. Fort Lowell Road
Oralia Coffee
This petite, industrial-chic cafe offers espresso drinks and pastries, including gluten-free options, close to downtown.
Location: 501 N. Sixth Ave.
For more information, follow them on Instagram.
Pasta La Vista
This midtown pasta shop advertises itself as to-go, but they do have a dining room. Their menu rotates around a few mediums: pasta, pizza and subs. Each is customizable, and you can also order sides like salads and Italian desserts.
Location: 2425 N. Tucson Blvd.
For more information, check out their website.
Pin + Flour
The Eddy Hotel is a new Hilton hotel in the Foothills, and Pin + Flour is its restaurant. Their brunch menu features its cocktails and wine options in as much space as its food options (which include classics like pancakes, French toast, omelettes and benedicts). Its dinner menu is classic American with a few Sonoran touches.
Location: The Eddy Hotel, 4626 N. Campbell Ave.
For more information, follow them on Instagram.
Purple Tree Organic Acai
Tucson mourned André Newman when he died in 2020. The popular acai food truck he began has returned with new owners, who were close friends of his. Their organic acai bowls can be found across town in this mobile operation.
Screwbean Brewing
Screwbean uses brewing as a double entendre — on this Pie Allen patio, you can find freshly-made coffee and in-house brewed beer on tap in stylish adobe quarters.
Location: 103 N. Park Ave.
For more information, follow them on Instagram.
Sumaj Bolivian Street Food
Bolivia is so proud of its cuisine that McDonald's couldn’t take root in Alexandra Gutierrez’s hometown. Alexandra celebrates that cuisine with her baked and fried empanadas, made with her family recipe.
Location: 403 N. Sixth Ave.
On the horizon:
- Cabali — Tiki drinks are loved for their beachy vibes and elaborate recipes. Cabali, owned by the man behind Fini’s Landing, will bring tiki — and an enormous collection of festive mugs — to Oro Valley, at 8195 N. Oracle Road.
- Dos — Borderlands Brewing and Boca’s chef Maria Mazon are continuing their collaboration, after a successful launch of a Sam Hughes location. Dos brings Maria’s culinary chops to the Foothills at 5605 E. River Road.
- Platform 18 and Grey Hen — Platform 18 is a basement bar where window-sized screens fill the walls with videos mimicking a train ride. Its accompanying bar, Grey Hen, will replicate a New Orleans patio indoors. Both concepts come to downtown, 58 W. Congress St., from Phoenix.
- The Jewel Cafe — This future breakfast-and-lunch spot at 431 N. Fourth Ave. has recently found a designer for their space and is set to open by the end of summer. | https://tucson.com/news/local/new-eats-15-new-restaurants-that-opened-in-tucson-this-spring/article_38525be8-00be-11ee-aff9-df516ee92831.html | 2023-06-02T20:53:54 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/new-eats-15-new-restaurants-that-opened-in-tucson-this-spring/article_38525be8-00be-11ee-aff9-df516ee92831.html |
The Pima Animal Care Center is limiting intake for one week due to an increase in infectious diseases among dogs.
Due to a recent surge of incoming dogs with contagious diseases, PACC is moving to emergency-only intake operations from June 3 through June 10 in hopes of managing the surge and preventing the spread, a news release said.
The closure comes at the advice of PACC’s Director of Veterinary Sciences, Dr. Jennifer Wilcox.
It will allow for a “clean break” between dogs exposed to disease and incoming dogs, the news release said.
“Diseased dogs coming into PACC are overwhelmingly unvaccinated,” Wilcox said in the news release. “This puts all the dogs in our care, particularly those who are stressed, at serious risk of illness. Creating what is called a ‘clean break’ is the only way we can sufficiently contain disease and prevent euthanizing otherwise adoptable pets.”
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During this emergency intake period, the shelter will only accept pets in medical distress, pets who pose a public safety risk and any situation involving an injury to a human or animal.
Last month, PACC announced that it was seeing increased distemper coming into the shelter. Since then, the medical team has treated several residential dogs with pneumovirus, which is an infection that allows diseases such as strep zoo or distemper to manifest.
The best way for people to protect their pets and pets across the county is to make sure they are kept-up-to date on vaccines, Monica Dangler, the director of animal services said.
“We know that Pima County residents care deeply about dogs both at PACC and in the community,” Dangler said in a news release. “We are hoping that the community comes forward to foster, adopt, keep pets in their homes and communities, and vaccinate to help us keep dogs across the county safe.”
Adoptions and foster services will remain available for dogs currently at the shelter during the closure. PACC will offer anyone who takes home a dog this week free microchips and canine vaccines for their dogs at home.
For more information on PACC or what to do if you find a stray dog, visit the shelter’s website.
Jamie Donnelly covers courts for the Arizona Daily Star. Contact her via e-mail at jdonnelly@tucson.com | https://tucson.com/news/local/pima-animal-care-center-limits-intake-to-prevent-disease-spread/article_8a2e987e-0171-11ee-ab5c-3b9ee10540b8.html | 2023-06-02T20:54:00 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/pima-animal-care-center-limits-intake-to-prevent-disease-spread/article_8a2e987e-0171-11ee-ab5c-3b9ee10540b8.html |
He presided over 4,000 adoptions. Now Judge Christopher Foley is retiring, his life's mission fulfilled
When Judge Christopher Foley made official the last adoption of his career Friday, he threw his arms in the air and cheered with the little boy he'd invited to sit on the bench.
Foley's family, filling the courtroom gallery, applauded too.
A longtime institution of Children's Court, the judge known for his joyful approach and care for the well-being of Milwaukee County's kids is retiring at 70 having presided over about 4,000 adoptions. He united families, fiercely advocated for children's best interests and in some cases, welcomed them into his own family.
"It's a privilege to touch the lives of so many children and their families — and in turn, to have them, sometimes in very profound ways, touch the lives of myself, my wife, my children," Foley said.
One last return to Children's Court
Foley became a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge 37 years ago, taking the same bench his father, Judge Leander Foley, held, and his great-uncle before him. Together, the three dispensed justice from Branch 14 for 97 years straight.
Foley did several stints in Children's Court, his most recent ending four years ago with a move to Civil Court. In Children's Court, he saw both the horrific and the hopeful. He terminated parents' rights when kids were in unsafe situations and finalized adoptions to give children safe, loving homes, his favorite part of the job.
"The love and courage and commitment of those families to those children — it's almost beyond my comprehension," he said.
He made a special appearance Friday in Children's Court, his last day as judge, to preside over four adoptions.
It was easy to get back into the routine. Foley put on a tie with a colorful cartoon print — he is known for his fun neckwear — and invited the children up to the bench to bang the gavel.
In time for the last hearing of the morning, his family arrived and piled into the courtroom he was borrowing from another judge. Foley's wife, Deb, five of his seven adult children, his three young grandchildren and other relatives watched him work his adoption magic. The little boy and his newly official father asked not to be named in this story for privacy reasons.
"Want to come up and be the judge at your own adoption?" he asked, and got the boy settled in his chair.
Foley asked him to repeat after him: "It's hereby ordered... my allowance will be... $25 a week!"
"I object," his father quipped, laughing.
The man was adopting his grandson. Foley got choked up.
"This is what family does. When kids are in crisis, family needs to step up," he said.
Serving kids beyond the courtroom bench
Children's Court isn't an easy post, but Foley kept returning, fueled by his life's mission of improving the lives of Milwaukee kids.
Most important, in his view: "You have to give a damn about what happens to these kids."
All around, he saw people who cared, from the bailiff he called the "parent whisperer," who could calm any upset guardian, to a woman on the cleaning staff who had a special connection with families.
Crucially, Foley also cared deeply about stepping up and making a difference. He's gone to kids' basketball games, birthday parties and invited them to his own family dinners. Once a child whose adoption had fallen through joined the family on a two-week vacation up north.
From 2015:A childhood bang of the gavel leads to Marquette law degree
Another time, when he heard a kid from his courtroom didn't have a ride to summer school, Foley picked him up from home and dropped him off at school every day before work.
In 2014, he made an unusual public plea for someone to adopt a 12-year-old boy who hadn't been placed with a family. He's still close with the boy, now an adult. The two recently went to lunch and a Marquette basketball game.
And a teen he sent to the Ethan Allen School for Boys for dealing drugs is now his plumber.
"When that contact results in a child flourishing, it's as good as it gets as a judge," Foley said. "I'm so grateful to have had that opportunity to be involved in their lives."
Foley's own children inspired to serve others
Foley always wanted to follow in the steps of his father, a renowned judge. He counts his parents, and his wife Deb, as his inspiration for his tireless work.
"Their selflessness is unachievable, but I try," he said.
Foley also set an example for his own children, teaching them to be of service to others, they said. Most work with kids now as well. His daughter, Rebecca Foley Cramer, even works in the same building, running the county's family drug treatment court.
"You can tell how much family means to him," said his son, Kevin Foley. "I think that's why adoptions are so important to him, because he just has this sense that family is so important. Bringing families together is really a passion of his."
More time with grandchildren in Foley's future
Foley struggled with the decision to retire, not wanting to leave the rewarding work and "incredible" colleagues. But, he admitted, he's a little tired. The emotional cases weigh on him.
And he wants to give mediation a try while he's still able. He'll be joining a Milwaukee-based mediation firm where his father once worked.
He's also looking forward to more time with his grandchildren. After the hearing ended Friday morning, he pulled all three kids onto his lap and handed them his gavel, two-year-old Nora Foley banging it enthusiastically.
He declined a retirement party, wanting to make his exit quietly, his characteristic selflessness evident even at the end of a long career.
"Let me walk out the door and ride my bike off into the sunset, and that’ll be fine with me," he told his colleagues.
In 2014, in the letter asking for someone to adopt the 12-year-old boy, he wrote, "Adoptions are my thing. If I retire and die the 'adoption judge,' I think I will have fulfilled God's plan for me."
Now, in 2023, did he have the same sentiment?
"Yes," he said. "I think I did what God put me here to do."
"I think I have done what would make my parents proud, my family proud. And I hope this helped a lot of kids." | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/02/milwaukee-judge-christopher-foley-retires-after-4000-adoptions/70277325007/ | 2023-06-02T20:57:55 | 0 | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/02/milwaukee-judge-christopher-foley-retires-after-4000-adoptions/70277325007/ |
A union organizer at Amazon who testified before a Senate committee has been terminated by the company, according to the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.
The union says Jennifer Bates is dealing with injuries she received while working at Amazon and that her termination comes shortly after reaching three years of service with the company.
RWDSU said Bates led the charge speaking out against workplace safety issues at Amazon, and what it calls failures by the company to treat workers with respect and their desire to unionize in Bessemer, Alabama, the first Amazon warehouse to file for a union election.
The union said Bates, who has also testified in Washington at a hearing on income inequality, recently took workers compensation leave at Amazon’s recommendation in order to tend to her injuries. When she returned to work, Amazon refused to make adjustments to her work schedule and work type despite repeated doctors’ letters and review by Amazon’s “Wellness Center,” according to RWDSU. Bates continued to deal with her injuries and was sent home by the company. After returning a second time, Bates learned her access to the AtoZ app was disabled. She has appealed her termination but has yet to hear back from the company.
Bates worked at an Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama, where some workers organized the biggest unionization push at the company since it was founded in 1995. Amazon has a history of crushing unionizing efforts at its warehouses and its Whole Foods grocery stores.
Amazon did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/amazon-union-organizer-in-alabama-who-testified-before-senate-committee-is-terminated/ | 2023-06-02T20:59:43 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/amazon-union-organizer-in-alabama-who-testified-before-senate-committee-is-terminated/ |
IRONDALE, Ala. (WIAT) — The City of Irondale is hosting its first auto classic event Saturday.
There will be food trucks and over 300 muscle and luxury cars on display. If you think your car deserves to be shown off, you can register for $20. Proceeds from this event will go toward youth athletics in the City of Irondale. CBS 42 spoke to Irondale Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. about what people can expect at the show.
“Really everything is about the cars,” Stewart Jr. said. “So if you are a car enthusiast, what a wonderful way to spend your Saturday with having an opportunity to be able to look at Porche, Lamborghinis, Mercedes, Ford. We got exotic cars, muscle cars. You think about the type of car that you like, and it will be on that lot.”
The Irondale Auto Classic takes place on Grants Mill Road at Classic Car Motoring. It will be from 12 p.m. to 4 pm., and this is a free event. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/irondale-auto-classic-happening-saturday/ | 2023-06-02T20:59:49 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/irondale-auto-classic-happening-saturday/ |
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — Though the 2022-23 school year just finished, the Tuscaloosa City Schools is already preparing for August.
The TCS announced it is looking to fill about 119 positions for the next school year. There are 60 teacher and 17 bus driver positions available.
“We are looking for passionate and caring individuals who are deeply committed to making a difference in our students’ lives every day,” said Dr. Deron Cameron, executive director of human resources for the TCS, in a release. “TCS is extremely fortunate to have 1,400 compassionate and dedicated employees already, so we look forward to these same types of people joining us.”
The TCS stated it offers benefits including health insurance and state retirement. The school system claims it pays 3.5% higher than that state pay scale.
Bus drivers are given a $2,000 signing bonus, with all training provided by the TCS. The starting wage for bus drivers is $22.87 per hour. Drivers work four hours a day but have the option of taking on more hours.
“TCS has some of the highest-paid bus drivers in the state of Alabama,” TCS Transportation Director Ron Schappacher said in a release. “Some of our employees are happy with just working the minimum hours required, while others earn several thousand dollars additional each month by driving mid-day trips, field trips, and after-school trips. “
Schappacher said the best bus driver candidates are those who have a good driving record and would like to make a positive impact on students. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/tuscaloosa-city-schools-seeking-to-fill-over-100-positions/ | 2023-06-02T20:59:55 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/tuscaloosa-city-schools-seeking-to-fill-over-100-positions/ |
DULUTH — Now would be a great time to invest in companies that produce mosquito repellent. I mean, at the rate that we are dousing our bodies with it this spring, those corporations will need to ramp up production, right?
It’s the topic of choice at any outdoors activity, and most of our indoors gatherings, too. It’s all the, um, buzz.
No sooner had all of our massive snow mountains melted when wave after wave of the little buzzers invaded our personal airspace. So, OFF! is my new cologne. I wear it liberally.
And that’s just to sit and watch TV in the living room.
Want to go outside? Better bathe in mosquito repellent first. It’s either that or death by a thousand tiny vampires. And being covered in bug bites producing an itchy intensity that rivals poison ivy.
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Somebody please pass the calamine lotion … and better pick up some shares of that stock, too.
Here are some DNT highlights from the past week:
Under scrutiny
The general public won’t find out the results of the racial bias audit at the Duluth Police Department for another month, but DNT crime and courts reporter Tom Olsen gave readers an in-depth look at the probe this week.
Check out the five things you need to know about the audit here.
Black beach of Silver Bay
If the pristine sandy beaches of Aruba are a bit too bright for your tastes, there’s a beach a short drive up the North Shore that might better suit you — Black Beach on Lake Superior.
As DNT reporter Jimmy Lovrien writes: “Established as a park just a few years ago, visitors flock to the black ‘sand’ beach, which is exploding in popularity thanks to photos and articles shared online.”
So what gives this beach its inky hue? Find out here.
Return to the Wade
Rejoice, Northland baseball fans … Duluth Huskies baseball returns to Wade Stadium tonight and for the summer.
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To get you prepped for another season of hardball at the Wade, DNT sports editor Brandon Veale sums up everything you need to know before heading out to the old ballpark.
Don’t forget to bring your glove.
Catch a wave
Here are a few more stories from the past week to check out:
- Streaming now: Movies and shows that spotlight Northland talent
- Under reconstruction: Duluth to resume work on Brighton Beach renovation
- Unusual water rescue: Duluth firefighters rescue dog who plunged 30 feet off cliff into Lake Superior
- Astro Bob: Swoon to June’s best astronomical sights
- Safeguarding history:
Restored historic tax credit will help Duluth preserve buildings
Editor's note: Weekly Wave is a newsletter that I publish every Friday morning. Please consider subscribing — it's free — and hits your inbox just once a week. You can sign up here. | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/weekly-wave-we-got-tag-teamed-by-lake-superior-and-mother-nature-1 | 2023-06-02T21:04:48 | 1 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/weekly-wave-we-got-tag-teamed-by-lake-superior-and-mother-nature-1 |
COLUMBIA, Md. — Black Friday is coming early this year for medical dispensaries that added on recreational licenses.
They’re expecting a massive increase in customers on the first of July.
“Other states have shown an uptick of anywhere from 10-20% of the population consumes cannabis so we’re talking about 400,000 to 1,000,000 people and our current customer base is 150,000," said Mitch Trellis, the co-owner of Remedy.
That customer base increase comes with months of exclusivity.
While the state holds a lottery for the first round of recreational licenses, only medical dispensaries like Remedy, who paid to add on the recreational sale, can sell marijuana to anyone.
Other companies likely won’t have the license before the end of the year and might not be ready to sell until this time next year.
Dispensaries are preparing for more sales.
“Lots of parking, lots of registers and you know the most important thing, lots of people because you know the biggest bottleneck is people," said Trellis.
They’ve also been stocking up on product and speaking with vendors about the upcoming increase in demand.
“The vendors need to be increasing their supply, as they are and cannabis is a plant so increasing supply isn’t something that happens overnight with the base product which is a plant that takes 9, 18, 36 weeks to grow depending on what stage you start from," said Trellis.
With recreational cannabis being legal, dispensaries are expecting customers with little or no knowledge of the plant to come inside.
They need to have a way to educate them.
“We tried to create a platform where the vendors have a chance to educate and we do believe that will address a lot of the uncertainty," said Trellis.
Trellis anticipates that every dispensary will have hundreds of people on day one of legalization in Maryland. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/dispensaries-prepare-for-more-sales-when-recreational-marijuana-becomes-legal | 2023-06-02T21:04:57 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/dispensaries-prepare-for-more-sales-when-recreational-marijuana-becomes-legal |
COLUMBIA, Md. — A kitten was crossing Route 29 in Howard County Thursday when somehow it got stuck in a car engine.
Police were called to help out.
Footage of the entire rescue was captured on officer Chang Lee's body-worn camera.
Don't worry, things do end on a positive note.
If you listen real closely, someone in the video asks "can we keep him?"
So you're driving on Route 29 and a kitten runs across the road and somehow gets stuck in your engine... pic.twitter.com/grGNmWTIOv
— Howard County Police Department (@HCPDNews) June 2, 2023
The meowing kitten was safely taken to Howard County's Animal Control and Adoption Center.
The video closes with officer Chang saying "I've never been on a call like this, what in the world?" | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/video-shows-howard-county-police-rescuing-kitten-stuck-in-car-engine | 2023-06-02T21:05:03 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/video-shows-howard-county-police-rescuing-kitten-stuck-in-car-engine |
Lakeland Electric's new power plant is $47.3M over budget and more than a year delayed
LAKELAND — Lakeland Electric staff let the city know they are running $47.3 million over their initial budget and a year behind schedule in building their newest power plant.
David Holdener, LE's power plant construction manager, gave an update on construction of the six reciprocating internal combustion engines, also called RICE engines, purchased to help replace the power-generation capacity lost when C.D. McIntosh Unit 3 was decommissioned in April 2021.
Three city commissioners were present: Chad McLeod, Mike Musick and Sam Simmons.
"Mr. Musick, you asked me a couple months ago what happens when we get to the point we run out of money," Holdener said. "...[W]e are at that point with things."
Lakeland Electric staff estimated it will take two and a half years to build its new power plant. The municipal-owned utility initially budgeted about $145 million to purchase the six, natural-gas powered RICE engines from MAN Energy Solutions in Germany, ship them to Florida and construct the operational base for the new power plant. The initial budget included a cushion of an $18 million contingency fund.
The utility originally had hoped to have the engines start providing power to Lakeland customers this month. Now, Lakeland Electric's revised estimate is the power plant will cost roughly $174.4 million to construct and they hope to have it running in mid-November 2024.
"I hope our estimate right now is very close, but I cannot guarantee that," Holdener said. "We do not want to come to you for additional money. If we do come to you, it will be for good cause."
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What are the problems?
Lakeland Electric got approval from the City Commission to begin the process of decommissioning coal-powered Unit 3 in January 2021. It then put out a request for proposals to purchase the major generator equipment it needed, including the RICE engines, to build the new power plants.
In February 2021, the utility did soil borings to determine whether it could safely build its new power plant. The initial proposed site didn't work, said Chuck Beitel, senior vice president of Sargent & Lundy, a Tampa-based firm hired as the city's consultant for this project. The location would have needed more than $10 million in site work because of poor soil conditions.
"We had all these challenges out there, then we started purchasing major equipment probably about the time COVID hit," Holdener said. Holdener later clarified, while the COVID-19 pandemic started in March 2020, Lakeland and many other areas of the country were hardest hit by the Delta variant of COVID in the summer of 2021.
The spike in COVID-19 cases meant major suppliers and engineers were home sick and others were working from home. Holdener said the expected time frame to get engineered drawings increased from four to six weeks, to upwards of 24 weeks.
Beitel said that as COVID died down and business began to "return to normalcy," many industries began ramping up their production concurrently, creating a shortage of workers and a backlog of projects. This has allowed contractors to pick and choose what projects they work on, he said.
Holdener said the city sent its request for bids on the pre-engineered building to house the RICE engines out to 23 companies. He said he personally called five firms. The city received a single bid for nearly $5.4 million, roughly 54% higher than its estimate of $3.5 million.
The City Commission will vote Monday on whether to award a contract for all the above-grade contracting and RICE equipment installation to Rayco Industrial Inc. out of Selma, Alabama. It was the lowest of three bidders for the project at a total cost of nearly $62.8 million — the city had budgeted $26.5 million for this phase.
Holdener said the substantially increased costs are caused by a supply shortage, existing labor market and inflationary forces.
"It's due to the cost of materials, due to the cost of labor. You see help wanted signs everywhere and you have to pay more to get people to work," he said. "We are feeling all those effects like everyone else."
These costs may continue to rise as the project drags on because of delays. LE officials will ask city commissioners to approve a contract extension with consultants Sargent & Lundy through May 2025 or until the power plant is commissioned at the cost of an additional $1.87 million.
Holdener said Lakeland Electric staff are doing what they can to save money, but the utility won't be cutting corners.
"Our goal is to build a sustainable, operable, maintainable plant with those things that protect us and keep us running in the forefront to make the plant reliable and serve us for a very long time," he said.
Where does the project stand now?
Lakeland Electric has finished driving all its pilings and completed all its underground work. The utility has the structural steel frame constructed that will house the six RICE engines permanently.
Holdener said he expected to have most of the equipment ship this month, with the RICE engines shipping over from Germany in September.
Lakeland Electric will exercise its one-year extension to the power purchase agreement with the Orlando Utilities Commission to keep buying energy as needed to power residents' homes through December 2024. Holdener said OUC will not agree to extend the contract past that, if needed, as it has its own priorities and projects headed into 2025.
Sara-Megan Walsh can be reached at swalsh@theledger.com or 863-802-7545. Follow on Twitter @SaraWalshFl. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2023/06/02/lakeland-electrics-new-power-plant-is-delayed-and-47-3m-over-budget/70276747007/ | 2023-06-02T21:10:36 | 0 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2023/06/02/lakeland-electrics-new-power-plant-is-delayed-and-47-3m-over-budget/70276747007/ |
CARBONDALE, Pa. — About 150 employees from Home Depot volunteered to spend the day getting their hands dirty at Camp Freedom near Carbondale. It's part of the company's mission to give back to veterans and veteran organizations.
"A lot of mulching, a lot of painting, building picnic tables, painting a lot of their decks, and ground beautification to try and make it an environment better for our veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families," said Brad Hendershot.
Team Depot, The Home Depot's associate volunteer force, split up taking on these projects to ease the burden on employees at Camp Freedom, which provides thousands of veterans and first responders a place to find peace in nature.
"It's stuff that we, as a staff of seven, could never get done. We would never have the time to do all of the beautification and some of these projects like this building, turning it into a pavilion. We'd never have time to do it," said Matt Guedes of Camp Freedom.
These projects couldn't come at a better time, as Camp Freedom has plenty of events scheduled through the summer as they continue to grow.
"We just finished our Ag building. We just have to put doors on it, and that will be done. We're cutting a one-mile-long range and then very important, is our next building is going to be our event and education center," Guedes said.
The cost of the projects these volunteers completed adds up to about $60,000 at no cost to Camp Freedom.
"In our region, we do approximately about 100 projects per year, and we really thrive on trying to do as much as we can giving back throughout the course of the year," Hendershot said.
The Home Depot Foundation has pledged to invest half a billion dollars in veteran causes by 2025.
Check out WNEP's YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/team-depot-volunteers-complete-projects-at-camp-freedom-home-depot-veterans/523-652eb47c-8c04-4bb1-b98b-6368b182f259 | 2023-06-02T21:17:25 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/team-depot-volunteers-complete-projects-at-camp-freedom-home-depot-veterans/523-652eb47c-8c04-4bb1-b98b-6368b182f259 |
HAZLETON, Pa. — Navy veteran Dave Merrick is running with a purpose.
Laps on the track at the Hazleton Area High School are just the warmup ahead of the Navy Seal 4x4x48 Challenge.
"It consists of running four miles every four hours for 48 hours straight, and I am doing it in the name of Mike Day," Merrick said.
The challenge is a way to raise awareness of veteran suicide while also raising money for the Navy Seal Foundation.
Even though Merrick never met Senior Chief Mike Day, he says he worked, trained, and bled with men just like him. Day died by suicide earlier this year.
"Sadly, after surviving such a courageous battle and dedicated his life to helping veterans, he also fell victim to the horrors of war."
Merrick has already raised more than $5,000 for the Navy Seal Foundation. He hopes to raise $10,000 by the end of the challenge.
"The Navy Seal Foundation does a lot with Navy Seals that have passed away. They do a lot with the families. They take care of travel, burial. They also provide, in Mike's Case, a lot of counseling for the veterans coming back with PTSD. "
Merrick welcomes anyone who would like to join him for some laps
"I'll start at 4 a.m., 8 a.m., then 12, then 16:00 hours, and so on. So, for the next two days, if you are passing the high school and want to stop by, I will be here."
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 any time of day or night or chat online.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/luzerne-county-veteran-taking-on-4x4x48-challenge-suicide-navy-seal-foundation-hazleton-area-high-school/523-28d915f6-9fdd-4c53-8bb3-731486e8aa3f | 2023-06-02T21:17:34 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/luzerne-county-veteran-taking-on-4x4x48-challenge-suicide-navy-seal-foundation-hazleton-area-high-school/523-28d915f6-9fdd-4c53-8bb3-731486e8aa3f |
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — The sights inside the locker room at the Toyota Sports Complex are a hockey lover's dream.
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are putting lots of items up for sale.
"This is quite popular, we typically get folks lining up at 6 am; last year, we had customers come the day before just to be ready to be the first ones here at the sale," said head equipment manager Jared Mycyk.
The Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins are gearing up for a new season's worth of gear, so they need to make some room.
They're selling everything from sticks, helmets, skates, and other equipment at a discount for local hockey players.
"Here in the Wilkes-Barre Scranton area, there's really not an option for adult men's league players or older youth players to buy equipment. We're able to sell our used equipment that our professional players can no longer use on the ice," said Mycyk.
Along with the gear, the team is selling memorabilia like photos, game pucks, team-issued jerseys, and other apparel.
Officials with the team say fans can only shop in person. Many of them come from a distance.
"We have collectors coming down from Canada. We have messages from people asking what we have available of a certain product because they will personally come or they will send someone on their behalf," said Mycyk.
The locker room sale runs Saturday and Sunday at the complex on Coal Street.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/score-wilkes-barre-scranton-penguins-gear-up-for-sale-jared-mycyk-pucks-sports-equipment-selling-sticks-helmets/523-d39b6896-fe8e-48dd-999d-3cb783e5a83f | 2023-06-02T21:17:35 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/score-wilkes-barre-scranton-penguins-gear-up-for-sale-jared-mycyk-pucks-sports-equipment-selling-sticks-helmets/523-d39b6896-fe8e-48dd-999d-3cb783e5a83f |
MONTGOMERY, Pa. — Five fifth grade students from Montgomery Area Elementary School in Lycoming County recently brought home a national award. The students competed in the eighth annual National KidWind Challenge in Boulder, Colorado.
"We went through a solar challenge, an offshore wind turbine challenge, and the normal wind challenge," said fifth grader Bryar Walk.
Waylynn Barrows, Lyle Huggler, Isaiah Mowrey, Weston Sherman, and Bryar Walk belong to the school's Renewable Energy Club and form the team called the Windbreakers. The students had to build a wind turbine and measure its energy output.
"They tested us in joules with a low speed, medium speed, and then a high speed," Isaiah Mowrey said.
"We got the opportunity to see other people from around the country's stuff that we are doing like turbines and how good they built their blades and all the different designs," Waylynn Barrows said.
Each team member was responsible for different parts of the wind turbine. They showed Newswatch 16 how it works.
"Our design has two main gears that don't generate anything. We have four generators connecting to one big circuit, so they all collect," Lyle Huggler explained.
The kids could not hold back their excitement when they were announced as national champions.
"They went first team and waited a few seconds. Next team and they waited a little bit. My heart was pounding, and then they called the Montgomery Windbreakers, and I was so relieved," Weston Sherman said.
The boys say competing together was the best part.
"Biggest thing I am most proud of them is actually their ability to learn how to work in a group of five when they are all very much leaders," said Peter Ruhl, the team's fifth grade teacher.
The boys will be in sixth grade next year and hope to make it back to the national competition for middle school students.
Check out WNEP's YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lycoming-county/montgomery-area-windbreakers-take-prize-in-national-energy-competition-kidwind-challenge-boulder-colorado/523-e8b55571-404a-47b5-9db2-91f1c8932d28 | 2023-06-02T21:17:35 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lycoming-county/montgomery-area-windbreakers-take-prize-in-national-energy-competition-kidwind-challenge-boulder-colorado/523-e8b55571-404a-47b5-9db2-91f1c8932d28 |
SUNBURY, Pa. — It's almost time for opening day at the Sunbury Community Pool. Employees are doing last-minute preparations and hoping for a record-breaking year.
"Our trademark red and blue slides, our basketball hoops, our climbing walls—we couldn't be more excited about this opening day than what we have in the past," said Ron Pratt, the pool and playground operations director in Sunbury.
Pratt says there is a lot to look forward to at the Sunbury Community Pool this summer, and not just for people who live in Sunbury. Earlier this year, officials in Milton voted to close its community pool. Since the two municipalities are fairly close by, officials in Sunbury are helping out.
"When you take away a community pool from a community, you're taking away a community brick, so we wanted to reach out, help them out, give them 500 passes, and transport the kids so they have the opportunity to enjoy a community pool," Pratt said.
The free passes are available at the Milton Public Library. When Newswatch 16 stopped by, Ashlee and Samantha Landis were getting theirs.
"It's just something fun and easy to do during the summer. It doesn't ever hurt to get some exercise swimming either," Ashlee Landis said.
"I just like swimming, and I thought it would be a good idea and a good opportunity," Samantha Landis said.
The Sunbury Community Pool also runs a program where area businesses sponsor free swimming days.
"And they get the opportunity to see all the features we have, take advantage of them, and possibly come back and pay one day or even buy a membership. That's our goal," Pratt said.
The Sunbury Community Pool opens for the season Saturday at noon.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/northumberland-county/almost-time-to-swim-in-sunbury-swimming-pool-milton/523-dfc9527e-901f-438d-bc87-1533bbd95a13 | 2023-06-02T21:17:36 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/northumberland-county/almost-time-to-swim-in-sunbury-swimming-pool-milton/523-dfc9527e-901f-438d-bc87-1533bbd95a13 |
MIFFLINBURG, Pa. — Fifth graders from Mifflinburg Intermediate School want people to know it's cool to be kind. After a rocky start to the school year, teacher Mark Alexander showed the students videos about kindness and why it's important to do things for others. The students were inspired by the videos.
"I just thought that we could do something like that, so I asked if we could do it. We did about a month of planning," said fifth grader Connor Resseguie.
The fifth graders formed a club called Hoping Hands. They decided to raise money for Kelsey's Dream, a nonprofit based in Mifflilnburg that helps children with cancer.
"We did a coin drive. Our teacher does music. He got money for that from a tip jar. The money just kept coming in," Resseguie said.
"They did chores, they sold things, they did whatever they could to raise money. They set a goal of $5,000," Alexander said.
The students exceeded that goal, raising more than $8,000 for Kelsey's Dream. They presented a check to Kelsey's mom Tina Kuhns, who says the money will go towards the purchase of "Hopper the Cancer Crusher" toys. The toys are given to children with cancer in nearly 200 hospitals across the country.
"This will really help boost that fund for those. That's a big expense for us. We feel keeping them in stock is very important so when children are diagnosed, they have them immediately," Kuhn's said.
Alexander is proud of his students.
"They've turned themselves around, and I've seen a lot of their hearts change for the better. I just want them to know that there's more to life than high PSSA scores. I think it's also important to become great human beings. That was the lesson to be learned here," Alexander said.
Even though this was the last day of school, the students were already thinking about who they will help next year.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/union-county/mifflinburg-students-raise-money-for-kelseys-dream-cancer-nonprofit/523-9dcf1774-9f39-47c6-b7ce-e9d0937b307e | 2023-06-02T21:17:45 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/union-county/mifflinburg-students-raise-money-for-kelseys-dream-cancer-nonprofit/523-9dcf1774-9f39-47c6-b7ce-e9d0937b307e |
NORMAL — Corvettes, Camaros and all kinds of car enthusiasts are driving into Bloomington-Normal this weekend for the Bloomington Gold Corvettes event.
"We have a lot of things going on this weekend," said Guy Larsen, president of Bloomington Gold Corvettes. "The show is open to the public; you do not have to own a Corvette to come. You don't even have to have ever ridden one one, just come in and enjoy."
The Bloomington Gold Corvettes show is in town this Friday and Saturday at Illinois State University with a plethora of cars on display, including the show's special Gold Collection.
This will be the event's 50th year. It began in 1973 as a gathering of Corvette owners at the McLean County Fairgrounds and was first known as the Bloomington Corvette Corral.
Over the years, the event has been held in various locations including Springfield, St. Charles, Champaign and Indianapolis.
Now over 15,000 people are projected to visit the event, with between 3 to 5,000 Corvettes revving their engines around Bloomington-Normal.
Crystal Howard, president and CEO of the Bloomington-Normal Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the direct economic impact of Bloomington Gold is estimated at $1.2 million based on projected attendees and sales from hotels, food, gas and shopping.
"It really does enhance our quality of life," Howard said. "It gives our residents events to go to, so anytime we have a show of this magnitude in town, everyone can go and enjoy the show."
There will be opportunities this weekend to buy and sell memorabilia or auto parts, along with new and used Corvettes. Also planned are two separate seminars on the 2023 Corvette C8 Z06 and the 2024 Corvette C8 E-Ray, which is the first hybrid all-wheel-drive Corvette.
"Some people like to come and see as many Corvettes as they can … and a lot of people live in small areas where they only see a couple Corvettes," Larsen said. "They come here and they see thousands, and then the diehard people I would call the Corvette-addicts, they come (because) they want to see their friends that they've known for many years, they want to see technical things on other cars to help them restore their car, and things of that nature."
"There's a lot of different reasons why people are here, and we try to aim to please," Larsen added.
The seminars will be led by Josh Holder, Corvette chief engineer for General Motors, and will take place both Saturday and Sunday.
The 2023 Gold Collection, which is set up in ISU's Bone Student Center, will be a salute to the Corvette Z06, featuring 30 production and competition Corvettes built with Z06 performance packages.
The Z06 option came in 1963, about 10 years after Chevrolet engineers first released the Corvette in 1953. Those engineers included “Father of the Corvette" Zora Arkus-Duntov, a Belgian-born American engineer who was instrumental in creating the Z06 package as well as the Corvette Grand Sport.
The Z06 has since been offered in five out of eight generations, with the most recent being the 2023 Corvette C8 Z06. Each generation has offered a more powerful version than the last.
At ISU's CEFCU Arena, Corvette and Camaro owners can have their cars judged and be Gold Certified by experts, as well as compete in other categories.
William Baker, division director for 1967 Corvettes at Bloomington Gold, said categories range from Survivor Certification for unrestored Corvettes that are worn in but not worn out in the exterior, interior, chassis and engine; to Gold Certification for Corvettes that are preserved or restored within 95% of the original production of the vehicle.
"It's a competition just like anything else," Baker said. "We don't judge against each other; what do judge against is the scoresheet. A lot of guys like to have that. It's their way of competing."
Baker added there are only two entities that judge and certify Corvettes in the United States: Bloomington Gold and the National Corvette Restorers Society.
"It means a lot for a car to get both awards," Baker said. "If you got a Bloomington guy, he's gonna want to get the NCRS award, and vice versa."
Other certifications include a Gold Certification for Camaros, and the Benchmark, which is awarded to Corvettes that attain Gold Certification and excel in all four categories of Survivor Certification during the same weekend.
Resto Mod certification is offered to Corvettes that are restored and modified more than 50% from the factory condition in the exterior, interior, chassis and engine.
One of the restored cars vying for Gold Certification this weekend is a 1969 C3 Corvette in deep metallic blue with a factory-new LS3 engine that still has a warranty from General Motors and sits on C7 Grand Sport suspension, brakes and wheels.
Luke Brophy, service department director at County Corvette in West Chester, Pennsylvania, said the vehicle was built for a customer who wanted something to drive on the weekends, and incorporated an element of luxury with the saddle brown interior inspired by his Aston Martin Vantage.
For long drives, the vehicle includes creature comforts like a modern stereo and working air conditioning, but it also has kept a majority of its original knobs, levers and other items on the steering column and on both door side panels.
"It's a 'one-of-one' custom build made for that customer … and it drives," Brophy said. "For most people, they love the nostalgic cars, but then they get it in their driveway and they go, 'Who would do this for fun?' because it's laboring, it's work, you really need to know what you're doing, and it's a full-blown hobby, whereas this car is brand new. You can just get in and go."
Another sight to see is a 1962 C1 Corvette in Sebring orange with an LS3 engine that sits on a Roadster Shop frame with coil overs, Billet Specialties wheels, Wilwood brakes, and a 1960 grill as a personal touch.
Owner Chuck Lewis, from Brimfield, Ohio, said he and his friend Michael Capozzio, who owns Classic Corvette Restoration in Chardon, Ohio, built the car over the past four years and just finished it last week in time for the show.
They took special attention to keep it clean under the hood and inside the car, with a custom black interior with Sebring orange stitching all throughout, Lewis said. It has air conditioning and even uses the original controls the car had back in the day.
Lewis said he keeps the car at home and in pristine condition — since it's been restored, the engine has only run for about 11 minutes, and he hasn't put any more miles on it.
"My dad gave me the donor car (and he) is now 88 years old," Lewis said. "I've sent him pictures of it, and he called me several times yesterday to see how things were going, but I'm gonna get the top off of it and take my dad for a ride."
As for the remainder of the weekend, the event will close out with a Gold Tour drive on Route 66 up to Lake Bloomington on Saturday afternoon.
Starting at 7 p.m. Saturday, there will be a Bloomington Gold After Party in uptown Normal with food, drinks, and live music by Karen B and the Baked Potatoes. The party is a free public event hosted by the Town of Normal and sponsored by the Bloomington-Normal Area Conventions & Visitors Bureau.
For tickets and more information about Bloomington Gold, go to BloomingtonGold.com. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/thousands-race-in-for-bloomington-gold-corvettes-show/article_15f0e660-0153-11ee-a36a-c339eebd8044.html | 2023-06-02T21:23:40 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/thousands-race-in-for-bloomington-gold-corvettes-show/article_15f0e660-0153-11ee-a36a-c339eebd8044.html |
$3 million program aims to help Pontiac homeowners, fight blight
Pontiac — The city will invest $3.3 million from its American Rescue Plan Act funding in a three-stage home repair program for low-income residents beginning this month.
Pontiac households making at or less than 80% of the area median income, which can vary based on household size, may be eligible for up to $25,000 for home repairs. Applications for the program are available online and for pickup in-person at City Hall, the Robert Bowens Senior Center, the Ruth Peterson Senior Center, the Pontiac public library and the La Familia nonprofit starting Thursday.
"It's a great opportunity for our residents to make home repairs that otherwise they likely couldn't afford," Mayor Tim Greimel said. "Most of the blight in Pontiac is a result of poor maintenance by landlords or commercial establishments, but in some cases, it's due to homeowners not being able to afford to properly maintain or improve their properties. So this initiative should go a long ways towards helping those homeowners."
Applications for the first stage will be accepted on a first-come first-serve basis until August 18, and applicants can schedule intake appointments with Mathew Turner-Reed, the city's housing development specialist, beginning on June 21 to review their eligibility for the program.
Applicants must currently live in the homes they are seeking to improve and the home also cannot be subject to foreclosure, Turner-Reed said. The applicant must also be current on their mortgage and property taxes.
Proof of home ownership, household income, homeowners insurance, two previous tax returns, the most recent mortgage statement if applicable and the most recent utility bills must all be submitted with an application, Turner-Reed said.
"If the resident has gone through a bankruptcy within the last seven to 10 years, we are requesting a copy of that bankruptcy discharge just to ensure that that does not impede on the livability of the home," he added.
If applicants are deemed eligible for the program on paper, their homes will be inspected by the city. Depending on the severity of repairs needed, they will be fully approved or disqualified, Turner-Reed said.
"We will send out a contractor to begin work, or if the work is too severe or if the home is absolutely in disrepair or anything of that nature, we may have to disqualify them because it may be a completely unsafe environment," he said. "We do want to ensure that any home within the city under this program is safe and healthy to live in (during the construction)."
The city expects a 60- to 90-day delay between the time of a home inspection and when construction work begins. Homeowners will also be asked to sign a release to allow the city to perform work orders.
"The city has selected and vetted approximately seven contractors, several of whom are Pontiac-based contractors, several of whom are Black-owned contractors," Greimel said. "We really take the burden off of homeowners of having to go out and find a contractor and make sure that the contractor does what they're supposed to."
Each of the program's three stages allots $1.1 million. If all applicants in the first stage are granted $25,000 in home repairs, the funding will allow the city to cover 44 homes.
"Some people may apply for less than $25,000 or be awarded less than $25,000. So as a result, I anticipate that we'll probably end up with at least 140-150 homes being renovated through this program in our city," Greimel said.
hmackay@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2023/06/02/pontiac-home-repair-program-low-income-residents-3-million-how-to-apply/70258464007/ | 2023-06-02T21:26:15 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2023/06/02/pontiac-home-repair-program-low-income-residents-3-million-how-to-apply/70258464007/ |
Judge: Wyandotte school cannot turn on controversial 5-G tower while lawsuit proceeds
Wyandotte schools will not be able to turn on a controversial T-Mobile 5-G tower atop Washington Elementary School, a Wayne County Circuit Court judge ruled Friday.
Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Adel Harb's decision came after tower opponents filed a lawsuit that argued adverse health effects could come from RF waves emanating from the tower.
Harb granted the requested restraining order because the plaintiffs — Wyandotte residents Kathryn Teets, Lisa Beck and Melissa Waara — are likely to succeed in the lawsuit and because they will suffer "irreparable harm and loss" if the district proceeds with the communications facility, she wrote. The residents sued the school district, city, board of education, city council, Mayor Robert Desana, T-Mobile, former Superintendent Catherine Cost and more than a dozen other current and former city and district employees.
The lawsuit alleges T-Mobile "hornswoggled" the Wyandotte school district and duped the city engineer into issuing the district an illegal building permit and certificate of occupancy to build a wireless communications facility on top of Washington Elementary School.
Josh Castmore, a Wyandotte resident and the plaintiff's attorney, criticized the district and city in the lawsuit for taking this deal and argued that the permit is illegal because the city's zoning ordinance forbids wireless communications facilities from being located in residential zoning districts, except for municipally-owned or controlled properties.
Instead of listening to residents, elected officials "cowardly lashed back at residents and at the other branch of government," Castmore wrote in the complaint.
"Faced with chicken-hearted and lily-livered elected and appointed City and School District officials who will not enforce the law and are afraid to stand up to a foreign-government-owned corporate bully, the good citizens of Wyandotte have no choice but to choose 'self-help,'" Castmore wrote. "Unless enjoined by this Court, T-Mobile will begin transmitting noxious, dangerous wireless radiation from the antennas atop the Washington Elementary School continuously all day, every day at a site where young children study and play during their most important developmental years."
Cartmore called the facility a nuisance and asked the judge to order the city to shut it down and remove it.
The temporary restraining order Harb granted Friday is the first step in the litigation, which will now continue in Wayne County Circuit Court to determine if the wireless facility can proceed.
Interim Wyandotte Superintendent Carla Harting said in a statement the district is aware of the lawsuit.
"WPS has a legally-binding lease agreement with T-Mobile for the cell tower," Harting wrote in the statement. "The filing of a lawsuit represents a new chapter in the recent debate over the future of the tower. As with all litigation, this matter will be referred to school district legal counsel. The claims made in the lawsuit will be navigated in the court proceedings to follow. Despite the recent debate, WPS emphasizes and renews its commitment to serve the best interests of the school community and ensure the community’s safety and wellness."
A call to Wyandotte's city attorney Friday afternoon was not immediately returned.
The legal action comes nearly two months following the resignation of Wyandotte Public Schools superintendent Catherine Cost amid backlash over a five-year lease signed between the district and T-Mobile, authorizing tower use. The district would get a $1,000 monthly lease payment and $150 for utilities for up to 30 years, according to the lawsuit.
Prior to her resignation, Cost wrote in a March 20 letter posted on the public school district's website that multiple antennas placed on the chimney of the school were analyzed and will emit radio frequency waves that are "well, well below the legal limits, and will not cause harm to children."
Concerns of the costs to move the tower and break contract with T-Mobile loomed, as some suggested the move could potentially cost the district millions of dollars.
"T-Mobile has been in breach of the contract with the School District since day one because the tower, in its current location, violates our zoning laws," Castmore said in a statement to The Detroit News. "It is located in a residential district and should only be located in an industrial zone."
Castmore, who parents two daughters at Washington Elementary School, said he learned of the cell tower in September 2022, when the superintendent sent a letter to parents advising of the construction.
The antennas were placed on the school chimney and awaited activation slated for June 9, when school concludes for the year. The move prompted a group of parents to speak out in February and demand its removal.
Parents opposing the cell tower have said that the Federal Communication Commission's guidelines for evaluating human exposure to RF fields, which were updated in 1996, need to be reviewed and updated to account for the new 5G technology. The guidelines say: "Exposures exceeding the guideline's levels, however, are only likely to be encountered very close to, and directly in front of, the antennas. In such cases, precautions such as time limits can avoid exposure in excess of the guidelines. Individuals living or working within the building are not at risk."
Castmore said his team resorted to legal action after exhausting every avenue to sway the city and the school district to take action.
A hearing scheduled for June 12 would determine whether the injunction would stay in place for the pendency of the case, according to Harb's order.
Wyandotte 5G debate spurs political action
Among the politicians who have expressed support for the parents is U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Detroit, whose district includes Wyandotte. He shares the parents' concerns that the FCC's guidelines need to be updated.
"We are still operating with the guidelines that were placed in 1996 despite significant technological changes," Thanedar said during last week's online forum.
The freshman congressman has said that he's written to the chairwoman of the FCC to look at the guidelines and has called for more funds to go toward long-term research studying the impact of radiofrequency specifically on children.
During an online forum in March, Theodora Scarato, executive director of Environmental Health Trust, said the current FCC guidelines are "based on science that had to do with small animals exposed to high intense amounts in a very short amount of time." She added: "There were not designed to address biological effects or effects from long-term exposures. And they were not set to consider children's vulnerability to wireless radiation. They are more sensitive."
State Rep. James DeSana, R-Ash Township, has introduced legislation that would ban cellphone towers on schools. State Rep. Jaime Churches, D-Wyandotte, and state Sen. Darrin Camilleri, D-Trenton, are critical of the original deal signed by the school board and T-Mobile in June 2018. The lease agreement was approved amid a series of items that needed board approval and without any board discussions.
Camilleri and Churches wrote in a joint statement that "going into a contract like this with a large business entity, without any kind of guardrails or clauses to mitigate the effects of breaking such a contract, should have been more carefully planned out beforehand."
The two added: "When conflicts like this arise, public schools need to have the ability to switch gears without any repercussions to their finances."
jaimery@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @wordsbyjakkar
kberg@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/06/02/wyandotte-schools-washington-elementary-5g-tower-tmobile-lawsuit-restraining-order/70282355007/ | 2023-06-02T21:26:21 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/06/02/wyandotte-schools-washington-elementary-5g-tower-tmobile-lawsuit-restraining-order/70282355007/ |
SAN ANTONIO — A jury will decide the verdict in the trial of Mark Howerton, who is charged with murdering 19-year-old Cayley Mandadi, a Trinity University cheerleader.
An hour and a half was spent in closing arguments—the state argued that Howerton caused the injuries Mandadi experienced. Her official cause of death was blunt force trauma, however defense attorneys argued that Mandadi could have overdosed from high levels of MDMA, or Molly, in her system.
The two were last seen leaving the Mala Luna music festival in San Antonio together on October 29, 2017. In closing arguments, the state attorneys say Howerton was driving around with Mandadi for six hours before he took her to a hospital in Luling.
The state argues that Mandadi arrived to the hospital “lifeless” and without a pulse. Mandadi had her pants around her ankles and there was blood on the front passenger seat of Howerton’s car, according to testimony.
The state attorney’s office displayed pictures of Mandadi’s injuries, included bruising on her arms, legs, and on her ear.
“The defendant beat Cayley Mandadi’s face so hard that it caused her brain to strip away from her skull,” state attorney Alessandra Crenshaw said. The state showed a graphic autopsy photo showing blood in Mandadi’s brain.
To support their case—state attorneys presented text messages between Mandadi and Howerton, including suicide threats that Howerton sent, saying “if I leave it’s death.” The state attorneys reminded the jury of an incident on October 15 when Howerton trashed Mandadi’s dorm room after she went to a frat party where her ex-boyfriend would be. The state attorneys argue that Mandadi was trying to end her relationship with Howerton on the 29th.
Defense attorney John Hunter dismissed the argument as “high school drama” and said the state doesn’t understand the science behind the case.
“You’re not here to decide if [Howerton] is a good boyfriend, those aren’t the issues. The question is whether he intentionally caused her death,” Hunter said.
Closing arguments showed that Mandadi and Howerton left the music festival and had sex in the parking lot near the Whataburger corporate offices off of Highway 281. Defense attorneys say the two had texted about moving to Houston together. Hunter also argued that his client didn’t have criminal intent because he took her to the hospital.
The defense argues that Mandadi’s stimulant use that weekend could have caused hypertension or high blood pressure, which could’ve led to a brain bleed, which he says could have happened if Mandadi had bumped her head while the two were having sex in Howerton’s car.
“There’s reasonable doubt all over the place,” Hunter said.
A hung jury led to the 2019 case being dismissed. The jury in the current case, made up of eight women and four men, started deliberating around 11:20am on Friday. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/jury-begins-deliberations-after-closing-arguments-in-mark-howerton-trial-san-antonio-trinity-cheerleader-murder/273-31637976-7402-4572-8dac-083be558cf1a | 2023-06-02T21:33:15 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/jury-begins-deliberations-after-closing-arguments-in-mark-howerton-trial-san-antonio-trinity-cheerleader-murder/273-31637976-7402-4572-8dac-083be558cf1a |
SAN ANTONIO — New Braunfels Police say six teens were arrested with one sent to a San Antonio hospital after found driving a stolen Kia and crashing into another vehicle Thursday evening.
The incident occurred around 8:15 p.m. near southbound Interstate 35 and Schwab Road Thursday.
Police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle with several teens that were suspected of committing vehicle burglaries in the area. A total of six male teens were inside the vehicle of ages including two 14-year-olds, one 12-year-old, two 13-year-olds and a 16-year-old.
Officials say they located the suspected vehicle as a brown Kia Soul that was reported stolen near Interstate 35 and FM 306.
According to New Braunfels Police, a 14-year-old male driver refused to stop for officers and a chase began down the southbound lane of Interstate 35 that ended with the Kia rear-ending another vehicle near Schwab Road.
The driver of the vehicle was was sent to a San Antonio hospital due to medical complications, officials say.
The teens were detained, processed, and released back in the custody of the parents at the direction of a Juvenile Probation Officer, according to police.
The teens are facing a variety of charges including unlawful use of a motor vehicle, evading in a motor vehicle and theft.
Additional charges may be pending and an investigation is ongoing. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/stolen-kia-new-braunfels/273-f69c4356-583e-433b-96ed-1563598bf7bf | 2023-06-02T21:33:22 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/stolen-kia-new-braunfels/273-f69c4356-583e-433b-96ed-1563598bf7bf |
INDIANAPOLIS — IndyGo riders can now get free locally grown produce at the Julia M. Carson Transit Center every Friday this summer.
This is the sixth year for the Food in Transit program.
And this year, they'll have cooking demonstrations so they can teach people how to cook that produce into a healthy meal when they get home.
Plus, they'll have some free bags of groceries with the rest of the ingredients needed to make that meal.
Organizers said its all part of efforts to connect riders with critical resources and save them an extra trip while doing it.
The Food in Transit program runs every Friday from 2 to 5 in the afternoon, now through Sept. 29. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indygo-growing-places-indy-kicks-off-food-in-transit-at-julia-m-carson-transit-center-indianapolis/531-7d09f483-6aa5-4e1c-bb8b-ec1aa130c639 | 2023-06-02T21:37:51 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indygo-growing-places-indy-kicks-off-food-in-transit-at-julia-m-carson-transit-center-indianapolis/531-7d09f483-6aa5-4e1c-bb8b-ec1aa130c639 |
SEATTLE — Friday is National Gun Violence Awareness Day and the University of Washington and Public Health — Seattle & King County are highlighting the importance of gun lock boxes.
Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children and teens in the country, according to a Pew Research Center study released in April. In Washington state, more than 800 people die by guns every year, according to the advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety.
“About a third to forty percent of households in the state of Washington have firearms in the home,” said UW Medicine pediatrician and firearm researcher Dr. Fred Rivara. “Unless it's stored safely, that firearm is going to pose a greater risk to people in the household than not having a firearm.”
According to the study released in April, the rise in gun deaths among children and teens correlates with the rise in gun deaths among American overall. The Pew Research Center said homicide was the largest single category of gun death among children and teens in 2021 at 60%, followed by suicide at 32% and accidents at 5%. In contrast, suicide accounted for 55% of gun deaths among adults in 2021.
“(A firearm is) going to pose a greater risk of someone in the family using it to commit suicide than the idea that you might shoot an intruder. So, it's really key to make sure that the firearm is safely stored,” said Rivara.
This year, Public Health’s Regional Gun Violence Program’s Regional Peacekeepers Collective, in partnership with community-based organizations, is hosting free community lockbox giveaway events throughout the county Friday.
Free community lockbox giveaway events:
- Seattle Lockbox Giveaway, hosted with Community Passageways Friday June 2, 2023 I 10:00 am to 11:30 am I Parking lot at 23rd Ave & Jackson Street, Seattle
- Skyway Lockbox Giveaway, hosted with Urban Family Friday, June 2, 2023 | 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm | Grocery Outlet parking lot – 11656 68th Ave S, Seattle
- Kent Lockbox Giveaway, hosted with Community Passageways Friday, June 2, 2023 | 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm | City Hall Square – 220 4th Ave S, Kent
- White Center Lockbox Giveaway, hosted with YMCA Alive and Free Friday, June 2, 2023 | 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm | Greenbridge Plaza – 9800 8th Avenue SW, Seattle
- Rainier Beach Lockbox Giveaway, hosted with Rainer Vista Boys & Girls Club – SE Safety Network Friday, June 2, 2023 | 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm | Safeway parking lot – 9262 Rainier Ave S, Seattle
You find more information on Public Health’s efforts to promote safe gun storage on the Lock It Up program webpage.
National Gun Violence Awareness Day takes place on the first Friday in June and kicks off Wear Orange Weekend, which has become the defining color of the gun violence prevention movement. The Day is in honor of Hadiya Pendleton, a fifteen-year-old who marched in former President Barack Obama's second inauguration and died by gun violence in Chicago soon after, and all other lives lost to gun violence. People wear orange because it is what hunters wear to avoid being shot.
At one of the giveaway events in Seattle's Central District, community members also celebrated the ribbon-cutting for a brick-and-mortar space for nonprofit Community Passageways.
"This feels amazing, there's all the effort we put into making it to this point today, all of the narratives, all of the trauma, all of the stories, all of the hard work," Chief Operating Officer Katoya Palmer said. "Today, just seeing the community here, gathered, smiling, although a melancholy conversation of gun violence and its impacts in our community, to know and understand this space is gonna make a different and the gathering today is to celebrate that just ignites my heart."
Community Passageways invests in youth to prevent the school-to-prison pipeline. Palmer says that is an important piece of the puzzle, but she hopes today will also draw awareness to ending all causes of gun violence.
"We want to think about our domestic violence victims as well as our individuals impacted by suicide and their families, those who have lost individuals to suicide," Palmer said. "I wouldn't want a message to go that the only community that needs help is the Black community who may or may not be involved in the street violence, there is a whole community who needs help right now."
Public Health of Seattle and King County has been investing in a number of efforts to prevent gun violence.
"Specifically funding community violence intervention work, which are best practices that our nation is recognizing as critical to addressing gun violence," PHSKC Director of Regional Gun Violence efforts Eleuthera Lisch said. "It's primarily intervention work that's happening with critical incident response, and folks are deploying to scenes to try to calm tensions and connect folks who are directly impacted by gun violence to services."
Lisch says organizations the county works with tend to have the same prescriptions for addressing the root causes of gun violence.
"Access to opportunity is pretty much the biggest sort of element and remediator, because a lot of folks that are impacted by gun violence face stigma that keeps them from being involved in basic opportunities," Lisch said. "I think jobs, as you mentioned housing, and stability economically is a big concern to most folks, unfortunately when folks are deprived of access to resources and opportunity, that drives illegal economy and increases incidents of gun violence."
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit Vibrant Emotional Health’s Safe Space for digital resources. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/public-health-gun-lockbox-giveaways-king-county-national-gun-violence-awareness-day/281-c4220f7f-b4bc-4227-a828-531b81cfe29e | 2023-06-02T21:40:01 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/public-health-gun-lockbox-giveaways-king-county-national-gun-violence-awareness-day/281-c4220f7f-b4bc-4227-a828-531b81cfe29e |
SEATTLE — The City of Seattle is set to begin its transition away from gas-powered leaf blowers.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell issued a directive in May outlining steps for departments within the city to begin transitioning to electric-powered leaf blowers. The order comes after the Seattle City Council passed Resolution 32064 in September 2022.
Resolution 32064 directed the City of Seattle and its contractors to phase out the use of gas-powered leaf blowers by 2025 "or later if necessary" and for businesses and residents of Seattle to phase out the use by 2027.
The primary departmental users of gas leaf blowers within the city, according to the mayor, are Parks and Recreation, Seattle City Light, Seattle Center and Public Utilities. In total, the City of Seattle currently has 427 gas-powered leaf blowers and 77 electric-powered leaf blowers.
Harrell's directive mandates every department only to buy electric-powered leaf blowers starting in July and requires one representative from each department to participate in a transition team.
By the end of the year, each city department will have to perform an assessment of current charging capabilities within each of their facilities and whether any upgrades are required. A transition plan will also be required to include phasing out at least 50% of gas-powered leaf blowers by 2025, 75% by 2026 and 100% by 2027.
The technology in electric leaf blowers is currently not on par with gas ones, and Harrell explained that a more immediate change across the board would greatly impact "municipal landscape maintenance."
Some future considerations for the city were included as well, including the use of electric trucks to improve mobile charging capacity, adjusted landscape design to limit the need for leaf blowers and investment in electrical capacity upgrades at department facilities. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/seattle-transition-electric-powered-leaf-blowers/281-8e6c451a-b677-4d63-9c9f-5ec492a1f66d | 2023-06-02T21:40:08 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/seattle-transition-electric-powered-leaf-blowers/281-8e6c451a-b677-4d63-9c9f-5ec492a1f66d |
MIDLAND, Texas — A judge denied a request Friday to reduce Mario Chacon Jr.'s bond.
Chacon was arrested and charged with the murder of Madeline Pantoja, after Pantoja's remains were found following a search that lasted over a week.
Chacon's lawyer was looking to have the bond reduced from $3 million to $750,000.
The District Attorney's Office said during a hearing on June 1 that Chacon could possibly flee to Mexico if he is let out, since he has family in the area. They also noted that Chacon had an extensive criminal history.
Family and friends of Pantoja were outside the courthouse yesterday protesting the bond reduction hearing.
We will continue to update this story as we receive more information. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/madeline-pantoja-judge-denies-bond-reduction-mario-chacon-jr/513-1dde8a86-d9b0-4029-abc1-75f9dde9177b | 2023-06-02T21:48:19 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/madeline-pantoja-judge-denies-bond-reduction-mario-chacon-jr/513-1dde8a86-d9b0-4029-abc1-75f9dde9177b |
PHOENIX — A man was injured during a shooting incident in Phoenix on Friday.
Around 11 a.m., Phoenix police officers responded to a scene near 35th Avenue and Deer Valley Road for reports of a shooting.
As officers arrived, they found a man with gunshot wounds, officials said. He was then transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.
Detectives responded to the scene and are investigating the incident. The identity of the victim wasn't immediately released.
The investigation into what led up to the shooting and who was involved in the shooting is ongoing.
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Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/man-injured-in-phoenix-shooting-june-2-2023/75-9ce13729-48bb-4abf-bf6e-65e074ac1c04 | 2023-06-02T21:48:19 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/man-injured-in-phoenix-shooting-june-2-2023/75-9ce13729-48bb-4abf-bf6e-65e074ac1c04 |
PHOENIX — A motorcyclist died early Friday morning after he was struck by an SUV in Phoenix.
Charles Hansen, 38, was pronounced deceased at the scene of a crash near 28th and Northern avenues.
Phoenix police said early information suggests Hansen was traveling east on Northern Avenue before an SUV turned in front of him at about 1:20 a.m.
The SUV's driver remained at the scene and showed no signs of impairment.
Investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
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ADOT offers driving tips on its website to help keep people safe on the road.
"There’s always room for improvement when it comes to road safety," the department said on its website.
ADOT's suggestions include:
- Don’t speed or drive aggressively
- Never drive while under the influence of substances
- Avoid distractions while driving
- Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers are doing the same
- When an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, move over
- Stay extra aware in work zones
- Be prepared for weather conditions that make driving dangerous
"Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, downloading the AZ 511 app and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT," the department said. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/motorcyclist-killed-morning-phoenix-crash-police/75-89e8a9b3-5f0f-4f49-9815-408b034c4efc | 2023-06-02T21:48:25 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/motorcyclist-killed-morning-phoenix-crash-police/75-89e8a9b3-5f0f-4f49-9815-408b034c4efc |
PHOENIX — A crash in Phoenix Friday morning has left a man dead.
Around 4:30 a.m., officers responded to a scene near 52nd Avenue and Baseline Road after reports of a crash involving a pedestrian.
Officers found a man with serious injuries when they arrived on scene, officials said. Authorities identified the man as Randy Long, 55.
Long was transported to a local hospital, but he did not survive his injuries and was pronounced dead.
Police said the vehicle involved in the crash remained on scene.
The investigation into this crash is ongoing. Initial information indicates the man was crossing Baseline Road when he was hit by a vehicle going westbound.
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Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/phoenix-crash-leaves-pedestrian-dead-june-2-2023/75-c1d3a354-5e1a-4b7f-abe6-a087db5a59ad | 2023-06-02T21:48:31 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/phoenix-crash-leaves-pedestrian-dead-june-2-2023/75-c1d3a354-5e1a-4b7f-abe6-a087db5a59ad |
MESA, Ariz. — A 24-year-old woman was taken into police custody this week for allegedly running over her boyfriend outside of the East Valley Institute of Technology campus last December.
Gloria Gomez was arrested Thursday and booked into jail for a possible charge of attempted second-degree murder.
On Dec. 22, the suspect's boyfriend was taken to the hospital for severe injuries. Court records show Mesa police reviewed security footage recorded in the EVIT parking lot near Main Street and Longmore, which allegedly showed the boyfriend being chased by a vehicle before he was run over.
Investigators believe the suspect was allegedly impaired at the time of the crash, records show. Gomez told police she didn't intentionally hit the victim.
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12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/woman-accused-running-boyfriend-evit-parking-lot-mesa/75-53fa16d4-1a26-414c-b2c1-12715c3fd500 | 2023-06-02T21:48:37 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/woman-accused-running-boyfriend-evit-parking-lot-mesa/75-53fa16d4-1a26-414c-b2c1-12715c3fd500 |
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A joint lawsuit against recent censorship laws has been filed by multiple Arkansas groups against a bill that would restrict access to books in state bookstores and public libraries.
It challenges sections 1 and 5 of Act 372, on the grounds that they violate the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.
The lawsuit comes as lawmakers in an increasing number of conservative states are pushing for measures making it easier to ban or restrict access to books. The number of attempts to ban or restrict books across the U.S. last year was the highest in the 20 years the American Library Association has been tracking such efforts.
Act 372 was signed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders on March 30 and is slated to go into effect on August 1.
The new law also creates a process to challenge library materials and request that they be relocated to areas not accessible by kids.
The lawsuit names the state's 28 local prosecutors as defendants, along with Crawford County in Van Buren. A separate lawsuit filed last month challenged the Crawford County library's decision to move children's books that included LGBTQ+ themes to a separate portion of the library.
“Together, we have filed this lawsuit to protect the First Amendment rights of Arkansas’ reading community. Arkansas Act 372 robs the state’s readers of their constitutional right to receive information and threatens the state’s booksellers and librarians with extreme punishments for performing their core – and essential – function of making books available to the public," said Pearl's Books, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.
Among plaintiffs in the lawsuit is the Fayetteville Public Library (FPL), who voted to approve a motion to join the potential lawsuit in May, according to FPL Communications Director Samantha Herrera. The FPL board's vote to join the lawsuit was unanimous.
“As an organization, we are concerned about the constitutionality of the impending law, as well as the undue burden on libraries to implement it. We are proud to stand in solidarity with all public libraries in Arkansas by being part of a possible lawsuit” said David Johnson, executive director of Fayetteville Public Library.
Other plaintiffs include Central Arkansas Library System in Little Rock (CALS), Eureka Springs Carnegie public libraries, the American Booksellers Association and the Association of American Publishers.
Parts of this article were contributed by the Associated Press.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/fayetteville-public-library-arkansas-groups-file-lawsuit-restrictive-censorship-laws/527-abd5dcfd-66c7-49d3-a7e4-1c2138c741d6 | 2023-06-02T21:50:48 | 1 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/fayetteville-public-library-arkansas-groups-file-lawsuit-restrictive-censorship-laws/527-abd5dcfd-66c7-49d3-a7e4-1c2138c741d6 |
CASSVILLE, Missouri — 49-year-old Dr. John Forsyth's body was found dead on May 30 after a kayaker called 911 in the Lost Bridge South area of Beaver Lake, the Benton County Sheriff's Office said in a press release.
Forsyth was last heard from in text messages around 7 a.m. on May 21, his brother told the Associated Press. His brother, Richard Forsyth, said authorities called the family Tuesday night to say his brother's body was found.
The press release from the BCSO says Dr. Forsyth was found "in the water, with what appears to be a gunshot wound."
In an interview with 5NEWS, Richard Forsyth stated that "Our understanding was that he was abducted from Cassville, taken to that lake, executed, and thrown in...That is not official. That's not from the police, but that's what we understand at this point."
Richard Forsyth also said that "The truck was parked in a very strange place. The place was mostly concealed where refuse is meant to be... They found security footage that suggests that he may have met a white SUV at the ATM when he parked his car. We don't know much else. We know much else about that day he went missing."
Richard Forsyth also wanted to dispel rumors that his brother was "'living in a trailer and he couldn't afford his life, so he moved on.' That's not true. He was a prosperous wealthy man who spent a lot of what he had for the benefit of others."
No further information was provided by BCSO, and they said this is still being investigated.
Police said the doctor was reported missing when he failed to show up for work later that day at Mercy Hospital in Cassville, a town deep in the Missouri Ozarks.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com and detail which story you're referring to. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/man-shares-details-brothers-suspected-beaver-lake-murder/527-db97b353-1f5d-4914-b7a3-295704400a1c | 2023-06-02T21:50:48 | 1 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/man-shares-details-brothers-suspected-beaver-lake-murder/527-db97b353-1f5d-4914-b7a3-295704400a1c |
MIDLAND, Texas — A judge denied a request Friday to reduce Mario Chacon Jr.'s bond.
Chacon was arrested and charged with the murder of Madeline Pantoja, after Pantoja's remains were found following a search that lasted over a week.
Chacon's lawyer was looking to have the bond reduced from $3 million to $750,000.
The District Attorney's Office said during a hearing on June 1 that Chacon could possibly flee to Mexico if he is let out, since he has family in the area. They also noted that Chacon had an extensive criminal history.
Family and friends of Pantoja were outside the courthouse yesterday protesting the bond reduction hearing.
We will continue to update this story as we receive more information. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/madeline-pantoja-judge-denies-bond-reduction-mario-chacon-jr/513-1dde8a86-d9b0-4029-abc1-75f9dde9177b | 2023-06-02T21:50:48 | 1 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/madeline-pantoja-judge-denies-bond-reduction-mario-chacon-jr/513-1dde8a86-d9b0-4029-abc1-75f9dde9177b |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Woodland Youth Baseball League is selling Tri-Tip sandwiches this weekend to fundraise for a trip to play in a baseball tournament at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York later in June.
Since Tuesday, the league has been cooking the nearly-700 pounds of Tri-Tip steak donated by Walt’s Meats in preparation for the fundraiser, which starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday at The Corner Store on Lewis River Road in Woodland.
The sandwiches come with chips — which were donated by Frito Lay — and a drink for $12 and will help pay for trip tickets and baseball equipment.
Watch the video above to learn more. | https://www.koin.com/local/wa-youth-baseball-league-selling-nearly-700-pounds-of-tri-tip-for-hall-of-fame-trip/ | 2023-06-02T21:52:45 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/wa-youth-baseball-league-selling-nearly-700-pounds-of-tri-tip-for-hall-of-fame-trip/ |
Officials connected to music and art events for the first Jersey North to Shore Festival hope the scheduled programs will entice visitors to come to Atlantic City just as the summer vacation season starts.
The idea of the festival is to offer art, comedy, film and technology events over several days at multiple venues in one municipality to bring vacationers to three different cities during three separate weeks this month.
Atlantic City is first with the most dates from Sunday through June 11. Asbury Park is next from June 14 to 18. Newark closes out the festival June 21 to 25.
“I think that as a whole, the events we are planning are strong enough to attract a broad audience because it provides visitors not only enough to make a day of it in Atlantic City but an excellent opportunity to extend their stay,” said Michael Cagno, executive director of the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University in Atlantic City.
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The Arts Garage received a $4,000 grant from the state to pay for the weeklong programming it is offering during the festival, including a Story Slam on Wednesday and the Stockton Dance Company on June 9, Cagno said.
The Legendary Blue Notes, who recorded such hits as “Bad Luck,” “The Love I Lost” and “Wake Up Everybody,” would not be performing for free June 10 at Rhythm & Spirits on South Tennessee Avenue without a few thousand dollars the state provided to the venue, owner Mark Callazzo said.
North to Shore organizers reached out to Callazzo in January to see if he wanted to be involved. Besides the Blue Notes, Rhythm & Spirits also will offer a flamenco guitarist June 8 and brunch parties with a DJ on June 10 and 11 with no charge for admission.
“It’s exciting. Anything that hopes to shine a light on non-casino events is a positive,” Callazzo said. “It’s a great showcase for what Atlantic City has besides casinos.”
NEWARK — Atlantic City will join with Newark and Asbury Park to stage a statewide monthlong …
Hayday Coffee is hosting the Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s “Community Canvas” Living Mural Project from Monday through June 11. The mural will be installed at the Hayday Coffee Community Canvas, located next to Hayday on South New York Avenue, said Evan Sanchez, co-founder of Authentic City Partners, which owns Hayday Coffee.
“North to Shore is a really special event, combining global headliners with programming from local producers, nonprofits and businesses,” Sanchez said. “It’s always great to see the state investing in local programming and supporting the growth of Atlantic City from within.”
Besides the separate Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall arena shows of Latin pop singer Ricardo Arjona and an R&B concert headlined by Jazmine Sullivan, the biggest Atlantic City concerts affiliated with North to Shore will likely be Dropkick Murphys on Saturday and 311 on Sunday, both of which are part of the Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival at Bader Field.
The beer festival, an institution in its 17th year that is typically held during the first weekend in June, attracted 24,000 people by itself in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jon Henderson, owner of Good Time Tricycle Productions, which produces the event, said he expected 15,000 people to buy tickets to the beer festival, but he was happy to be included in advertising and the website for North to Shore.
“They (North to Shore) have to do it once to figure out what works or doesn’t work,” Henderson said.
Derek Jones, the station manager at WGLS-FM 89.7 at Rowan University in Glassboro, said the Newark leg of the festival is the best of the three, with concerts by Santana, Halsey, Alanis Morissette, comedian Bill Burr, Natalie Merchant and an evening with Stephen Colbert and Jim Gaffigan.
Content by Fortune Web Marketing. In the coming months of New Jersey’s first-ever North2Shore Festival, Atlantic City welcomes local businesses and revelers June 4 to 11 to a statewide celebration of music and the arts.
“The most sizzle is in Newark,” Jones said.
Even though Newark has the better lineup, convincing people to travel there during the summer to attend North to Shore events will be tricky, Jones said. Weekend attractions will be able to draw an audience, but he was skeptical of activities scheduled on weekdays.
“If you are a shore person, there is something else to do,” Jones said, adding festival events can always be supplemented with a trip to the beach in Atlantic City or Asbury Park.
One of the bigger North to Shore events scheduled for Atlantic City is a concert by singer-songwriters Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw on June 9 in the Adrian Philips Theater at Boardwalk Hall.
Heather DeLuca, midday weekday host at hot adult contemporary radio station WSJO-FM 104.9, has been doing on-air ticket giveaways to the Caillat and DeGraw concert along with the Merchant and Morissette shows in Newark. DeLuca plans to attend the Caillat and DeGraw concert.
“What a fantastic thing. There is something for everybody,” DeLuca said about the North to Shore Festival. “They are uniting the state through live entertainment. It doesn’t get better than that. ... I think it was interesting enough right out of the gate. It’s a big thing that you don’t want to miss.”
For more information, visit northtoshore.com/atlanticcity. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/atlantic-city-hopes-for-success-with-first-north-to-shore-festival/article_1b8ef9ec-ff80-11ed-816f-8b8ac4ccf0bf.html | 2023-06-02T21:57:01 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/atlantic-city-hopes-for-success-with-first-north-to-shore-festival/article_1b8ef9ec-ff80-11ed-816f-8b8ac4ccf0bf.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 and was about 80% contained as of Friday afternoon. 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-80-contained/article_a30fbf1a-006f-11ee-93fb-730f0942d74d.html | 2023-06-02T21:57:07 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/bass-river-forest-fire-80-contained/article_a30fbf1a-006f-11ee-93fb-730f0942d74d.html |
BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) — Second Harvest Food Bank and Feeding Southwest Virginia held a press conference Friday to thank Reps. Diana Harshbarger and Morgan Griffith for their efforts to get the Appropriations Act of 2023 passed into law.
The act gives schools and other community partners the ability to give out food for children and families to take home. Before the act was signed, summer food programs had to provide on-site-only meals.
Rhonda Chafin, executive director of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee, said this new law will help them provide food for families more efficiently.
“With this non-congregate waiver, we estimate that we will serve at least 650 children,” said Chafin. “I believe that we will far exceed that number as a result.”
Chafin said they started advocating for this change because of rural counties where families could not meet for on-site meals.
“This means that they’ll have access to food, especially in rural areas where there’s no gathering place, there’s no children’s feeding program, there’s no children’s program at all,” said Chafin. “We are able to operate our programs in those rural areas now based on this non-congregate rural waiver.”
Reps. Griffith and Harshbarger attended the announcement and said their goal is to not let any child go hungry.
“People should understand that there are children going to bed, in this day and time, they are going to bed hungry,” said Harshbarger. “They go home to an empty household, nothing in their refrigerator, and that’s unacceptable.”
The Appropriations Act allows food banks, schools, and other community partners a chance to provide pick-up and delivery meals for families in need.
“We’re able to give them their meals so they can take them home and they can eat them and they can have adequate time to eat rather than keep them in a congregate setting with a very short time frame to consume their meals,” said Chafin.
Families in need of food this summer can contact their child’s school, Second Harvest Food Bank, or Feeding Southwest Virginia. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/change-in-law-allows-summer-food-programs-to-feed-more-children/ | 2023-06-02T21:58:22 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/change-in-law-allows-summer-food-programs-to-feed-more-children/ |
American Methodists are undergoing a period of significant change, as the prominent Protestant denomination fractures along lines of progressive and traditional theology. Despite their disagreements, however, members of the now-two denominations wish each other well.
The Western Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church convened this weekend at the Dayton Convention Center. The Western Ohio Conference includes areas of the state mostly west and south of Columbus.
Among the church policies to be voted on over the course of the summit, the conference voted Thursday afternoon to allow disaffiliation for 172 congregations, of about 961 congregations in Western Ohio. Another 80 disaffiliated last year.
Around 75% of congregations in the Western Ohio Conference, which encompasses most of Western Ohio, chose to stay with the faith.
The tone was emotional Thursday afternoon, as the conference voted to allow those churches to leave the UMC, according to those in attendance.
“We’re working on it as the body of Christ. By its mere definition we’re one in the name of Jesus. And whenever that one body is divided, it’s stressful. It’s sad,” said Jim Wilson, superintendent of the Miami Valley district of the UMC. “We’re just trying to do it with transparency, with integrity, with honesty, and when a church makes a decision, we wish them well.”
The United Methodist Church has been undergoing a slow schism over the course of the last few years. This year is likely to see “the peak” of church disaffiliations, according to the United Methodist News service, under a church law that allows congregations to leave the UMC if they meet certain conditions, including a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the congregation. That law is set to expire at the end of 2023.
So far, annual conferences have approved 3,838 disaffiliations, or about 12.5% of U.S. congregations since the rule took effect in 2019, according to the news service. There are an estimated 30,000 congregations in the U.S., with nearly 13,000 more around the world, according to church statistics.
The most highly publicized flashpoint in the theological debate is over LGBTQ issues and the role of queer clergy. Some progressive churches have defied Methodist doctrine, which bans same-sex marriage and the ordination of openly gay clergy, by adopting more LGBT-inclusive practices.
Many of the departing churches are joining the conservative Global Methodist Church, created last year. Other congregations have chosen to remain independent or join different denominations. Global Methodist Church doctrine states that human sexuality “is a gift of God” and should be exercised as “a loving and monogamous marriage between one man and one woman.”
But some departing Methodists say the divide runs deeper than a single issue.
Divisions over LGBT people are “the symptom of a theological divide within the denomination,” said Brian Straub is an ordained pastor in the Global Methodist Church. “We all believe that gay people are worthy of Christian love. We don’t agree on how to do that.”
Straub is President of the West Ohio Wesleyan Covenant Association, which helps Ohio churches who wish to disaffiliate with the UMC through the process.
Traditional theology, Straub said, says the Church exists to bring salvation to all people. The United Methodist Church’s official mission statement is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
Kenneth Stewart, pastor for Ware’s Chapel in West Manchester in Preble County said the change has “opened up a conversation” in his congregation about what that mission means in today’s world.
“It’s been a really taxing emotionally,” he said. “This issue has torn relationships apart, torn churches apart.”
“The world needs good news, the world needs joy, the world needs a place to belong,” he said.
Stewart said sexual orientation wasn’t the focus of discussion for the Ware’s Chapel congregation, as one social issue does not change the overarching mission of the church.
“We have parishioners who have sons and daughters who are part of the LGBT community, and they have felt the weight of exclusivity,” he said. They want their church to be a place for their family. We all have jobs to do, and that is to be a light to the world.”
In order to disaffiliate, the church goes through a process of prayer and discernment. The church then holds a conference, where all members of the church have a vote, and require a two-thirds majority to start the disaffiliation process.
Then annual conference has to vote to release them, which happened Thursday.
Any church in Western Ohio must pay the previous year’s apportionments, or denominational expenses, in full, along with the full apportionments for the coming year. The church must also pay unfunded pension liability for previous pastors.
Once that happens, the conference releases the congregation from its “trust clause,” a rule dating back to denomination founder John Wesley, which states the church building legally belongs to the conference. The church is then free to disaffiliate with its property intact.
Straub said the process has been relatively painless compared to other parts of the country.
“I really thank Bishop Palmer for his leadership,” Straub said. “Those of us in the Global Methodist Church will continue to lift up our brothers and sisters who are remaining in the United Methodist Church in our prayers. And we pray for God’s blessing upon them.”
“I’m excited for the future, happy that this page can hopefully be turned, and to those disaffiliating, God be with you,” Stewart said. “We only want good to come of this, and hopefully there will be unity and healing.”
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/172-more-ohio-umc-congregations-disaffiliate-in-slow-schism-from-church/Y5XJ27RQ5NGSTCBTRA7D24QSKE/ | 2023-06-02T21:58:26 | 0 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/172-more-ohio-umc-congregations-disaffiliate-in-slow-schism-from-church/Y5XJ27RQ5NGSTCBTRA7D24QSKE/ |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — An East Tennessee State University alumna will sing the national anthem before a Major League Baseball game this weekend.
According to ETSU, Hannah Lawson Blanton will sing ahead of Saturday’s Minnesota-Cleveland game in Minneapolis.
Blanton is a 2020 ETSU graduate with a degree in vocal music education.
“I definitely miss all of the performances and opportunities that I was lucky enough to have at ETSU, and I sadly haven’t had many since graduation and the pandemic,” Blanton said in a release. “Performances with Greyscale, Chorale, the East Tennessee Belles, Opera Theatre and even the men’s choir and jazz band continue to be some of my absolute favorite memories.”
Blanton, a Kingsport native, works as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, which selected her to sing the national anthem after the company reached out to its Minneapolis-based employees for auditions.
She said her current job is helping her achieve her goal of visiting all 50 states and every continent as well as saving for a down payment on a new home.
“Now I get to travel the world and meet new people every single day,” Blanton said. “It’s an absolute dream.”
Saturday’s game between the Twins and Guardians will air on Fox at 7:15 p.m. ET. It will also stream on MLB Extra Innings and foxsports.com. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/kingsport-native-etsu-alumna-to-sing-national-anthem-before-mlb-game/ | 2023-06-02T21:58:28 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/kingsport-native-etsu-alumna-to-sing-national-anthem-before-mlb-game/ |
For at least the third time this year, the Lincoln Police Department is investigating the death of another young child — this time a 5-month-old boy who died at a northwest Lincoln motel Tuesday, according to juvenile court filings.
Authorities responded to the Sunset Inn and Suites, 2920 N.W. 12th St., at around 5 p.m. Tuesday on a report of an unresponsive child, who was taken by ambulance to Bryan West Campus, where he was pronounced dead, Lincoln Police Capt. Jake Dilsaver said in an affidavit filed in juvenile court Thursday.
The child's mother, a 20-year-old woman, told police that her, the child's father and the couple's three children had fallen asleep in the same bed in their hotel room sometime between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. Tuesday, Dilsaver said in the affidavit.
At least 10 hours later, one of the woman's older children — ages 2 and 3 — woke her up, and the 20-year-old soon realized her infant son was not breathing, Dilsaver said.
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The woman called 911 and tried to perform CPR on the child, enlisting the help of other hotel guests, but the 5-month-old was pronounced dead upon his arrival at the hospital, according to the affidavit.
In the court filings, Dilsaver, who leads LPD's Special Victims Unit, said the family appeared to be living in the motel room, which he described as "incredibly cluttered."
He said one of the room's two beds was "entirely uninhabitable" due to the number of items spread across it, and various other items filled the room, including "stale and rotten food" and a large knife left on the floor.
"The filth was to a degree that would hinder a child from being healthy and thriving," Dilsaver said in the affidavit for an emergency custody order for the couple's two surviving children, describing their living conditions as "dangerous" and "undeniably hazardous."
Juvenile Court Judge Shellie Sabata signed the custody order Thursday, placing the two surviving children in the care of Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services.
The cause of the child's death hasn't yet been determined as police await autopsy results, Lincoln Police Capt. Todd Kocian said. And in his affidavit, Dilsaver said police are investigating whether the child's death is the result of criminal wrongdoing.
The Journal Star is not naming the 5-month-old's parents because neither of them have been arrested or criminally charged in connection with the boy's death.
But the police department's investigation — and the order assigning the custody of the two surviving children to HHS — does not mark either agency's first contact with the child's parents, who had been the subject of "multiple prior reports of abuse and neglect," according to Dilsaver's affidavit.
In fact, Dilsaver said, the child's father "had hurriedly tried to organize the clutter" in the motel room as authorities responded "due to past concerns and warnings from caseworkers and police officers."
The parents of the 5-month-old had been the subject of at least three previous child abuse and neglect reports prior to the infant's death, according to police records.
Police had been called to the area near the Sunset Inn and Suites at 11:48 p.m. May 9 after the couple's 3-year-old son was found unattended outside sometime between 5 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. that evening, according to an LPD incident report stemming from that instance.
The same child had been found near 23rd and Orchard streets at around 7:15 a.m. April 27, Lincoln Police Officer Ed Simpson said in an incident report in which he described the offense as "child abuse/neg(lect)."
And the 3-year-old was found in the same block of Orchard Street at around 4 p.m. March 26, according to a nearly identical incident report filed a month before April's report.
The family's connection to that area of Orchard Street is unclear. Neither the child's mother nor father list an address in court records.
Though it's unclear how frequently HHS had been in contact with the family, Dilsaver's reference to prior "warnings from caseworkers" indicate they had been the subject of an ongoing HHS case.
An HHS spokesman said the department could not comment on the case due to the ongoing law enforcement investigation, but speaking generally, said HHS "takes each one seriously."
"For each case, DHHS workers follow an exhaustive evidence-based process to find solutions that are in the best interests of the child or children who are involved," the spokesman, Jeff Powell, said in an email.
The 5-month-old's death marks at least the second child death in Lincoln this year that has come after HHS caseworkers issued warnings to parents.
In March, the police department began investigating the death of a 2-month-old girl after her parents brought her to a local hospital and later lied to police about the circumstances of her death, investigators alleged in court filings.
In that case, the infant's 8-year-old sibling told police the child's father was increasingly upset as he held the crying 2-month-old at his central Lincoln home March 28 when the infant let out a scream before she went "blank," Lincoln Police Investigator Sara Prewett said in April court filings.
Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Christopher Reid sought an emergency custody order in April on behalf of the infant's four siblings — ages 4, 8, 10 and 11 — who had frequently been staying at the man's residence despite warnings to their mother from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
Neither parent has been criminally charged in the 2-month-old's death, which marked at least the second time this year Lincoln Police have criminally investigated the death of a young child.
Prosecutors in March charged a 30-year-old Lincoln woman and her 32-year-old boyfriend with child abuse resulting in the death of the woman's 22-month-old son, who died at an Omaha hospital March 17 following weeks of alleged abuse. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/police-investigating-another-child-death-in-lincoln-court-records-show/article_0f8d1d82-015a-11ee-bb5d-afd35334100e.html | 2023-06-02T22:01:40 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/police-investigating-another-child-death-in-lincoln-court-records-show/article_0f8d1d82-015a-11ee-bb5d-afd35334100e.html |
AUGUSTA- A bill to study providing more on- campus housing at community colleges in Maine has become law.
LD830 directs the system to study housing construction costs, the cost to students, the availability of space on campus and other issues.
Currently two of the seven community colleges in Maine do not have any residence halls.
Representative Daniel Hobbs of Wells sponsored the bill.
He said " In a tight housing market, on-campus housing should be more available to all students, so that finding off campus housing is not added to the list of challenges students already face."
The new law will go into effect 90 days after the current session of the legislature ends. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/bill-to-study-more-community-college-housing-becomes-law/article_b225162e-0184-11ee-8b02-df9f88f5ce33.html | 2023-06-02T22:06:53 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/bill-to-study-more-community-college-housing-becomes-law/article_b225162e-0184-11ee-8b02-df9f88f5ce33.html |
STATEWIDE -- Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife wants you to know this weekend (6/3 - 6/4) is free fishing weekend.
It's a chance for anyone without a fishing license to cast a line anywhere in the state at no cost.
Of course, all other laws and regulations apply...
But grab a friend and enjoy some of the best water ways in the entire world.
For more information, you can visit maine.gov/ifw | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/free-fishing-weekend-june-3rd---4th/article_fcd2bb36-0189-11ee-bda3-2f8e11094a35.html | 2023-06-02T22:06:59 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/free-fishing-weekend-june-3rd---4th/article_fcd2bb36-0189-11ee-bda3-2f8e11094a35.html |
STONINGTON -- Maine lobstermen say they've been struggling to make a living following recent economic and regulatory challenges.
"We get told what we're going to get paid for the product, and we get told what we're going to be charged for the bait. We're the ones providing, and it seems as though we're also getting the short end of the stick," said commercial lobsterman Dwight Staples.
Lobster. It's an undeniable staple of Maine life and cuisine. But the people who bring it to our tables say they're struggling to stay afloat.
With rising inflation, fisherman say they've been hit hard.
"For me personally, it was like $800 a day just to go fishing -- and that was on like a three dollar lobster. So you've [got to] go and you've [got to] catch over 250 pounds before you even break expense," said Staples.
In addition to the rising costs of running a lobster fishing business, lobstermen say that fishing regulations have made it more difficult to turn a profit, even when reeling in a good haul.
"We are complying with every rule or regulation they come down with. From weak links in our rope to gear marking where the rope comes from if there is an entanglement. We've got weak links that are supposed to break at a certain tensile strength. My sternman or myself could get hurt if that thing snaps," said Staples.
These lobster fishing restrictions went into effect last year in an effort to protect endangered North Atlantic Right Whales.
However, lobstermen say the rules are impractical, and have lead to a loss of revenue.
"That doesn't leave a lot for me and it doesn't leave enough for him. Especially with regulations and all that stuff because all this stuff costs money -- the weak links cost money, the ropes cost money, the purple rope costs money," said sternman Carl Shahan.
Fishermen say they're hoping that lawmakers will work with members of the industry to keep lobstering alive.
"We need to be heard, and we need someone -- not just in these groups -- but in the statehouse," said Staples.
Shahan agrees that a change is needed.
"If we don't have a voice, and have somebody talk for us that has some power to handle this -- we won't be anymore." | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/lobstermen-speak-out-about-economic-and-regulatory-struggles/article_f9e97290-0182-11ee-8fee-a3637943e749.html | 2023-06-02T22:07:05 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/lobstermen-speak-out-about-economic-and-regulatory-struggles/article_f9e97290-0182-11ee-8fee-a3637943e749.html |
AUGUSTA -- Maine senators Angus King and Susan Collins joined with more than 60 other senators to pass the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 that will raise the federal government's debt ceiling until January 1, 2025.
Senator King sent out a statement following the vote that read in part quote "Maine people pay their bills when they are due -- the federal government should be no different...there are some compromises in the bill that I wish weren't necessary, but that is inevitable in a divided government. The most important part of the agreement that we passed today is that it averts a catastrophic default that would raise prices, cost countless jobs, and devastate the global economy." | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/maine-senators-vote-to-raise-federal-debt-ceiling/article_95012446-018b-11ee-b63f-0f2f45e83a3a.html | 2023-06-02T22:07:12 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/maine-senators-vote-to-raise-federal-debt-ceiling/article_95012446-018b-11ee-b63f-0f2f45e83a3a.html |
WATERVILLE -- A New York man has been found not guilty in death of a man who was shot to death in Waterville.
A superior court judge announced the verdict yesterday in the murder trial of twenty three year old Jashawn Lipscombe.
Thirty-three-year-old Joseph Tracy was shot in a Waterville apartment in June of 2020.
Prosecutors claimed Lipscombe shot him in the back.
Witnesses say Lipscombe became angry because Tracy was late to give him a ride to the airport.
According to the Morning Sentinel, the judge presiding over the case in the non-jury trial determined the prosecution hadn't proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lipscombe's brother is serving three years in prison after he was found guilty of lying to police and helping his brother flee from the area. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/new-york-man-found-not-guilty-in-waterville-shooting-death/article_d9d0a9ee-018a-11ee-88c0-b32325545a8c.html | 2023-06-02T22:07:18 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/new-york-man-found-not-guilty-in-waterville-shooting-death/article_d9d0a9ee-018a-11ee-88c0-b32325545a8c.html |
BANGOR -- The Penobscot County Fire Chief's Association honored outstanding firefighters during its awards ceremony on Thursday night.
And this year, Aaron Jellison from Orono Fire Department was awarded fire officer of the year.
Kevin Boudreau, who works in both Hermon and Bangor was awarded fire-fighter of the year.
And Bangor's fire Chief, Thomas Higgins was named fire Chief of the year.
Congratulations to all award winners. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/penobscot-county-fire-chiefs-association-awards-local-firefighters/article_3ad9c67a-018c-11ee-9c30-bffac06923a4.html | 2023-06-02T22:07:24 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/penobscot-county-fire-chiefs-association-awards-local-firefighters/article_3ad9c67a-018c-11ee-9c30-bffac06923a4.html |
DALLAS(KDAF)—It’s hard to find a great place to work, but this study reveals places that might be near you. Better hurry though – if the word gets out, they’ll be filled up faster than a free donut stand on a Monday morning.
There are over 20 places in Dallas that are on the list of the best places to work in Texas, according to the college prep website, Niche.
In Texas, there are over hundreds of places that are considered good places to work, check out the list below and see if you agree.
- H-E-B- San Antonio
- Top Golf- Dallas
- Whole Foods Market- Austin
- American Airlines- Fort Worth
- Whataburger- San Antonio
- Southwest Airlines- Dallas
- FedEx Office Print & Ship Services-Plano
- Brinker International-Dallas
- Tenet Healthcare Corporation-Dallas
- Michaels Stores-Irving
- USAA- San Antonio
- Cinemark – Plano
- Keller Williams Realty Inc-Austin
- Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center-Houston
- J.C. Penny-Plano
- AT&T-Dallas
- KFC-Plano
- Parkland Health & Hospital System-Dallas
- GameStop- Grapevine
- JPS Health Network-Fort Worth
- Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple
- Encompass Health Home-Dallas
You can visit the Niche website to see other companies on their list. | https://cw33.com/news/local/what-are-the-best-companies-in-texas-to-work-for-20-companies-revealed/ | 2023-06-02T22:08:11 | 1 | https://cw33.com/news/local/what-are-the-best-companies-in-texas-to-work-for-20-companies-revealed/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. — Nothing says summer has arrived more than fresh fruit and this year’s cherry season is right around the corner. It’s expected to start a little bit later than usual in a few parts of the Pacific Northwest because of our cool and wet spring.
If you’re seeing cherries in your local grocery story, they’re not local because we’re still a few weeks away from harvest season. Growers are optimistic that this season will be better than last year, when a cold and wet spring led to a much smaller crop than normal.
"This year we’re looking at a little later crop, we had a somewhat of a cool spring but not the issues with pollination that we saw last year," said Jon DeVaney, the president of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association.
DeVaney said this year is expected to be one of he best crops they’ve seen in the last couple of summers.
"We’re really going to start get going having cherries in volume over the next couple of weeks, mid-June is really the heart of harvest," DeVaney said.
The heart of harvest is also dependent on weather and climate. Tammi Packer is the co-owner of Packer Orchards out of Hood River. She's expecting a later season in Oregon compared to Washington.
Packer said her crop is running a little behind, by about three weeks, but May’s hot weather really helped with the bloom.
Despite the later start to the season, it's still expected to be worth several hundred million dollars, according to DeVaney.
Some forecast models are already showing highs close to 90 degrees by next week, and if the Portland area does see those temperatures, then there’s a chance the cherry season could pick up sooner. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/cherry-season-summer-pacific-northwest/283-9c49f61b-25ae-4940-b7d8-acbdb103353b | 2023-06-02T22:10:16 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/cherry-season-summer-pacific-northwest/283-9c49f61b-25ae-4940-b7d8-acbdb103353b |
LYNCHBURG, Va. – It’s been one month since 6-year-old Kingston Campbell was shot and killed while playing video games in his home on Floyd Street in Lynchburg - and police have yet to make an arrest.
On Friday, 10 News obtained new court documents about the investigation.
According to the warrants, an anonymous person told police a group parked a car near 17th Street and Spencer Place and then walked off.
The person said gunshots rang out, and the group returned to the car and left.
Police say surveillance footage from the shooting showed the suspects running in the direction of the parked car.
The warrants also reveal police are requesting information from the Verizon cell towers that service Floyd Street and 16th Street, as well as 17th Street, where the suspects and the parked car were seen. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/02/court-documents-reveal-new-details-in-lynchburg-6-year-olds-death-investigation/ | 2023-06-02T22:10:16 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/02/court-documents-reveal-new-details-in-lynchburg-6-year-olds-death-investigation/ |
DANVILLE, Va. – A 14-year-old is facing a second-degree murder charge in connection with the Danville shooting that left 37-year-old Marcus Hairston dead, according to the Danville Police Department.
The deadly shooting happened just after midnight on May 1, as we previously reported.
The teen, whose name was not released, was initially arrested as a person of interest in the murder on May 2, police said.
We’re told the 14-year-old is facing the following charges:
- Second-degree murder,
- Two counts of malicious wounding,
- Three counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony,
- Underage possession of a firearm.
Another person was arrested with the teen on May 2, and they are still in custody on unrelated charges, according to DPD. The person’s name was not released.
Anyone who has information is asked to contact the Danville Police Department by either calling patrol at 434-799-6510 option 4, investigations at 434-799-6508 option 1, and option 1 again, calling 911, contacting Crime Stoppers at 434-793-0000, approaching any officer you see, through social media, via email crimetips@danvilleva.gov, or use the crime tips app CARE. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/02/danville-police-charge-14-year-old-with-second-degree-murder-in-deadly-may-shooting/ | 2023-06-02T22:10:22 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/02/danville-police-charge-14-year-old-with-second-degree-murder-in-deadly-may-shooting/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. — Sunday marks 13 years since Kyron Horman disappeared from Skyline School in Northwest Portland. Kyron was a second grader when he vanished on June 4, 2010. He has not been seen or heard from since.
On the day of his disappearance, Horman wore a black T-shirt with "CSI" in green letters and a handprint graphic. He was also wearing black cargo pants, white socks and black Sketchers sneakers with orange trim. Kyron may have had his glasses on at the time.
The boy's disappearance prompted the largest search-and-rescue operation in Oregon history.
No charges have ever been filed in the case, though investigators have closely scrutinized Kyron’s stepmother. Terri Horman brought Kyron to school the day he disappeared.
In 2012, a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge referred to Terri Horman as a "prime suspect" in the case. Terri Horman has since moved to California and remarried. She has long denied any wrongdoing.
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office said the case remains open and active. “Investigators are using advances in software, digital forensics, and geospatial technology to support and advance their work,” the sheriff’s office said in a written statement.
A $50,000 reward is available for information leading to the resolution of Kyron’s disappearance. The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office is encouraging people to share information about Kyron's disappearance by calling the sheriff's office tipline at 503-988-0560, emailing MCSOTipLine@mcso.us, or contacting the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) tipline at 1-800-THE-LOST, or by providing an online tip at the NCMEC CyberTipLine. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/kyron-horman-disappearance-portland-boy-13-years/283-44fd8b44-a48c-42ac-8e68-8902f4628547 | 2023-06-02T22:10:22 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/kyron-horman-disappearance-portland-boy-13-years/283-44fd8b44-a48c-42ac-8e68-8902f4628547 |
WAVERLY – All Memorial Day decorations at Harlington Cemetery, including temporary vases, urns or flower arrangements -- both living and artificial -- from the Memorial Day holiday will need to be removed from lots by Thursday, June 15.
If not removed, items will be held subject to the order of the lot owner for two weeks, until June 29, and they will be disposed of. The rule does not apply to vases, urns or flower arrangements placed on the monument or concrete foundations or large urns already in place.
This morning's top headlines: Thursday, June 1
The start of June marks the beginning of Pride month around the United States and some parts of the world, a season intended to celebrate the lives and experiences of LGBTQ+ people and to protest against the rollback of hard-won civil rights gains. The events take place in June in time with the 1969 uprising at New York City's Stonewall Inn, a catalyst for global LGBTQ+ movements. This year’s Pride takes place in a contentious political climate where legislative action coming out of many statehouses has banned drag shows and access to gender-affirming care.
There are media reports that Justice Department prosecutors have obtained an audio recording of former President Donald Trump from after he left office in which he talks about holding onto a classified document related to a potential attack on Iran. CNN first reported that Trump suggested on the recording that he wanted to share with others information from the document but that he knew there were limitations about his ability to declassify records after he left office. The comments on the recording, made in July 2021 at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, would appear to undercut his repeated claims that he declassified the documents he took with him from the White House to Mar-a-Lago, his Florida estate, after leaving office.
Former Vice President Mike Pence will officially launch his long-expected campaign for the Republican nomination for president in Iowa next week. That adds another candidate to the growing GOP field and puts Pence in direct competition with his former boss, Donald Trump. 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. Pence’s team hopes his message will resonate with the evangelical Christian voters who make up a substantial portion of Iowa’s Republican electorate.
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.
Ukrainian officials say the latest pre-dawn Russian missile attack on Kyiv has killed at least three people, including a 9-year-old child and her mother. Ukrainian air defenses shot down all 10 cruise and ballistic missiles launched by the Kremlin’s forces Thursday, but falling debris caused damage and casualties on the ground, wounding 16 people. Russia has kept up a steady barrage of the Ukrainian capital and other parts of the country in recent weeks as Kyiv readies what it says is a counteroffensive to push back Moscow’s troops, 15 months after their full-scale invasion. Kyiv was the target of a reported 17 drone and missile attacks last month.
A federal judge did not make an immediate decision on the fate of a revised version of a federal policy that prevents the deportation of hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. A court hearing was held in Houston on Thursday. Attorneys representing the nine states suing to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and lawyers for the federal government and DACA recipients made their arguments to U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen. The judge, who in 2021 declared DACA illegal, didn't say when he would issue a ruling but said he would do so "as expeditiously as we can."
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.
Attorneys for the family of a Black Kansas City teenager who was shot by a white man are criticizing the prosecutor's handling of the case. Civil rights attorneys Lee Merritt and Benjamin Crump said Thursday that Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson has not been aggressive enough in his prosecution of Andrew Lester. The 84-year-old is charged with shooting Ralph Yarl after the teenager mistakenly knocked on Lester's door in April. The criticism comes after a hearing on Thursday where Lester's preliminary hearing was set for Aug. 31 through Sept. 1. A judge agreed earlier this week to seal court records in the case. Family members say they are frustrated with both decisions.
Jurors have found “That ’70s Show” star Danny Masterson guilty of two out of three counts of rape, and he could get 30 years to life in prison. The jury reached the verdict Wednesday in a Los Angeles courtroom, where Masterson was led out in handcuffs. It was the second trial for the 47-year-old actor, after a jury deadlocked in his first. Masterson has been convicted of raping two women at his home between 2001 and 2003. Prosecutors say he drugged the women so he could assault them, then used his prominence in the Church of Scientology to avoid consequences for decades. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/memorial-day-decorations-need-to-be-removed-at-harlington-cemetery-by-june-15/article_23b2f146-00a2-11ee-b630-afe7c54b8dda.html | 2023-06-02T22:10:22 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/memorial-day-decorations-need-to-be-removed-at-harlington-cemetery-by-june-15/article_23b2f146-00a2-11ee-b630-afe7c54b8dda.html |
LEXINGTON, Va. – Virginia Military Institute’s first chief diversity officer, Jamica Love, resigned this week, according to the Washington Post.
Her resignation comes nearly two years after she took on the role after an unprecedented year, following the resignation of its former superintendent, a months-long investigation into its procedures, and reports of racism and sexism on post.
Love had a clear vision to make a change at the institution.
“Institutional cultural change takes time so I don’t expect the bones in the foundation of the institute to change. We are doing some excellent things right now where we are and I don’t want that to ever leave,” Love said in a 2021 interview with 10 News.
According to the Washington Post, the college’s superintendent, retired Army Maj. General Cedric T. Wins, announced Love’s resignation Thursday, saying that Love served “with distinction.”
After Love leaves the institution, her deputy Briana Williams will become interim chief diversity officer, the report said. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/02/vmis-chief-diversity-officer-dr-jamica-love-resigns/ | 2023-06-02T22:10:28 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/02/vmis-chief-diversity-officer-dr-jamica-love-resigns/ |
BELLEVUE, Wash. — A man is in critical but stable condition after he was kidnapped off the street in Bellevue last weekend.
The victim was walking along the 10600 block of Northeast 2nd Street just after 10 p.m. on May 27 when a black SUV pulled up alongside him. Several 911 callers reported that two suspects jumped out of the car and fought with the victim, eventually pulling him inside the car and speeding away.
"It was obvious enough and concerning enough that multiple people recognized, this is out of the ordinary, this isn't some kind of game that's being played or a prank or anything like that, this is a serious disturbance that's happening," said Bellevue Police Captain Joe Nault.
Police investigated the man's disappearance for the next several hours, interviewing witnesses and searching for the vehicle.
Just after 2 a.m., a convenience store attendant at a Chevron in south Bellevue called 911 to report that a disoriented man had walked into the store and appeared to have been assaulted.
After responding to the scene, police and medics discovered it was the same man who had been grabbed off the street hours earlier. The victim was able to confirm his identity and that he had been taken against his will, but wasn't able to provide other details.
"At that point, because of the nature of his injuries, the more urgent pressing need was to get him medical assistance," Nault said. "So we haven't had a chance to get much information from him."
The victim is in critical, but stable condition, according to hospital staff. Police estimate he is in his early 30s.
The gas station where the victim later reappeared was only about a mile and a half from where he was kidnapped, Nault said. However, the victim was gone for four hours, and police are still investigating where the suspects may have taken him during that time.
Police believe this was a targeted incident and that there is no current threat to the public. They are asking anyone who saw the kidnapping or knows anything about the people involved to reach out to the Bellevue Police Department at (425) 577-5656 and reference case number 23-29029.
Nault thanked the multiple people who reported the initial kidnapping and also the gas station attendant who called 911 after the victim reappeared.
"This is exactly the kind of situation where we depend on the community to help," Nault said. "I give a lot of credit to anybody who sees something that looks out of the ordinary and looks dangerous, and has the initiative to pick up the phone and call 911." | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/washington/bellevue-kidnapping-victim-critically-injured/281-32f5f7b4-0588-47ab-a5b0-0ac77a1b9f17 | 2023-06-02T22:10:28 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/washington/bellevue-kidnapping-victim-critically-injured/281-32f5f7b4-0588-47ab-a5b0-0ac77a1b9f17 |
Ann Cabell Baskervill has told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that she plans to resign from her post as the lead prosecutor in Dinwiddie County.
Baskervill said she is leaving to attend graduate school in Paris, where she will start a master's program in international governance and diplomacy at the Paris Institute of Political Studies, colloquially known as SciencesPo.
She described her acceptance as a dream come true that coincided awkwardly with Irvo Otieno’s death in her county.
“I had accepted the offer of admission on March 4, but then Irvo Otieno was killed on March 6 so I didn’t say anything publicly because I didn’t want it to be a distraction from the very important discussion on his case,” Baskervill said.
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She said she did not want news about her personal life “getting in the way.”
“It does break my heart to leave (the Otieno case) open like that,” Baskervill said. “But I know this is the right thing to do."
Her resignation will take effect June 20, she said, giving the county three weeks to organize her replacement.
Normally when a commonwealth’s attorney resigns, the person is replaced by his or her “highest ranking full-time assistant attorney,” according to the Code of Virginia. That same scenario occurred in 2019, when Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney Mike Herring abruptly stepped down, leaving his position to then-deputy Colette McEachin.
For months, Baskervill has been the sole prosecutor in Dinwiddie. Her two former assistant attorneys left for higher salaried jobs elsewhere, she previously explained. Baskervill had repeatedly asked the county to raise the starting salary for the opening, but the Dinwiddie Board of Supervisors has not done so, she said.
But the office did recently hire two assistant commonwealth's attorneys, Thomas Nicholson and Jason Moore. Nicholson started on May 1, and Moore's first day was Thursday.
Under state code, Nicholson could accept the commonwealth's attorney role until the November election. Alternatively, if he does not accept it, an interim commonwealth’s attorney will need to be chosen by a majority of judges in Dinwiddie Circuit Court. Not even employees at the circuit court are certain who their new boss will be come July.
Dinwiddie has three circuit court judges. Two would have to agree on a temporary replacement until the county elects its next prosecutor.
Two candidates have already filed for the posting since Baskervill had announced she would not seek reelection. They are Amanda Mann and Jonathan Bourlier, lawyers in private practices based in neighboring Prince George County.
Whoever replaces Baskervill will inherit the Otieno prosecution, a complex case with a national spotlight. In March, Baskervill charged 10 government employees — including seven Henrico County sheriff’s deputies and three Central State Hospital workers — with second-degree murder in Otieno's death.
Otieno was a 28-year old Black man from Henrico who was apprehended on his front lawn in the midst of a mental health crisis. Later, Henrico police officers jailed Otieno on felony assault charges stemming from his detainment at Parham Doctors’ Hospital. A county spokesperson said these officers were trained in crisis intervention response.
Lawyers for the defendants have said Otieno was acting violently – first at a Henrico Jail facility and later at Central State, a high-security psychiatric hospital in Dinwiddie. Video shows Otieno's death under the weight of deputies and hospital employees. A medical examiner ruled his death a homicide by asphyxiation.
Defendants have already made several appearances in Dinwiddie Circuit Court, where the case is being tried before Judge Joseph Teefey. Teefey, along with Judges Paul Cella and Dennis Martin, may now have the ability to choose who prosecutes the 10 defendants.
Several defendants are scheduled for court dates in August.
Previously, Baskervill said the case merits consideration by the U.S. Department of Justice, which is better equipped to handle the case than she alone.
Kelsey Kovacs, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, said in March that the office was “in contact with authorities” but offered no comment on potential involvement, or indictments, at the federal level. | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-courts/ann-baskervill-irvo-otieno-resign-prosecutor/article_157213f6-00f1-11ee-b694-c7be3ee7b046.html | 2023-06-02T22:16:56 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-courts/ann-baskervill-irvo-otieno-resign-prosecutor/article_157213f6-00f1-11ee-b694-c7be3ee7b046.html |
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — The Hot Springs Police Department is looking for two runaway teenagers believed to be together.
Stacey Charland, 13, and Devin Baker, 15, didn't show up for school on June 1, 2023, and were last seen around 7 a.m. in the 2800 block of Malvern Avenue.
Charland, a white female, is 5-foot-4 inches tall, 110 pounds, and was wearing a blue, brown and white striped short-sleeve shirt, black leggings and white shoes. She was also carrying three large backpacks when she was last spotted.
Baker is a white male with blue eyes and brown hair. He is 5-foot-8 inches tall, around 150 pounds and was last seen wearing a green camo hoodie, black Nike shorts, black Nike shoes and red socks.
According to authorities, Baker refused to share his location after his mother contacted him.
Anyone with information regarding Charland or Baker's whereabouts is encouraged to contact Detective Woodall at (501) 710-6938 or swoodall@cityhs.net. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/missing-persons-reports/two-missing-hot-springs-teens/91-13b742e0-34f4-444b-b496-4d3207850f6c | 2023-06-02T22:27:51 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/missing-persons-reports/two-missing-hot-springs-teens/91-13b742e0-34f4-444b-b496-4d3207850f6c |
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — It’s a sight you’ve likely seen while driving across the Tampa Bay area — storefronts for medical marijuana dispensaries popping up all over.
It’s not just the stores in our area, the entire process involved with the budding medical marijuana industry, from “seed to sale,” is happening here in Tampa.
10 Tampa Bay got an inside look at the cultivation process at FLUENT’s facility in Tampa.
It’s a fully vertical operation — the plants literally tower to the ceiling and the company just announced they’re moving their corporate headquarters here as well.
“We'll probably start with about 40 employees at headquarters and probably grow to 60 or 70. But our main growth is usually in production capacity. We are looking at adding another facility for production that will be in the near-Tampa area,” FLUENT CEO Robert Beasley explained.
“Tampa will now become our focal point. And this move really just gets our leadership closer to where the action is,” Beasley added.
In fact, there’s a lot of action in the Bay area’s medical marijuana industry. Look no further than Sun City Center.
“ACS Laboratory is the largest cannabis and hemp testing laboratory in the eastern half of the United States,” ACS Lab President Roger Brown said.
Florida has some of the strictest marijuana testing policies in the entire country.
"Before you can sell those products to medical patients here in the state of Florida, you have to have them tested and they have to pass the requirements for contaminants to make sure that they're safe for human consumption. And that's what it is that we do here in the laboratory," Brown explained.
It’s likely if you get medical marijuana, scientists at ACS have looked it over.
“The cannabis industry is growing. Every single year. Last year we did $1.3 billion in sales in the state of Florida,” Brown added.
As the Florida Supreme Court mulls whether to approve a ballot question that would allow voters to weigh in on legalizing recreational marijuana next year.
The existing cannabis footprint puts the Tampa Bay area in a unique position for growth if it happens.
“This area here is an amazing, amazing foundation for growth of the business,” Brown added.
“We're watching the growth of this industry across the country, we're eager to see what it does,” Craig Richard said, CEO and President of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, who helped facilitate FLUENT’s HQ move.
“Tampa is starting to get traction, nationally and internationally as a great destination for both businesses and families,” Richard added. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/tampa-bay-medical-marijuana/67-0960b265-5593-4eed-8d85-24ab26dfdd06 | 2023-06-02T22:28:13 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/tampa-bay-medical-marijuana/67-0960b265-5593-4eed-8d85-24ab26dfdd06 |
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — As drivers travel near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, they may notice concrete pyramids and wonder what they are.
Crews recently started putting them in the water with the goal of protecting the environment and the coastline from erosion.
The "wave attenuation devices," also known as "WADs," aim to reduce wave action to mitigate erosion, while allowing seagrass to grow and providing habitat for sea life.
Seabirds could also perch on the WADs and eat fish away. Those watching the project call it a "win-win" for its purpose.
The WADs are placed about 300 to 400 feet offshore, according to FDOT District One drainage design engineer Brent Setchell who explained how they work previously in March.
"During some past hurricanes, the wave action would splash up on the road and deteriorate the asphalt there," Setchell said.
The guardrail would also be ruined because asphalt doesn't mix well with the water, Setchell explains. With the new brake water, crews hope to prevent a lot of splashing and erosion going up on the road.
For now, crews are only putting the WADs on the Manatee County side of the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier, however, other areas in the future are also being considered.
Its added benefit to improving the environment was one of the major reasons why this particular project was chosen.
Fish will still be able to swim through the structures and use the area for habitat while allowing existing seagrass to grow. Setchell said another benefit could be that fishermen take advantage of the fish species that are hopefully going to be more prevalent in the area after the project is complete.
Construction costs were about $5.5 million, Setchell said.
Crews had to stop work on Friday because of the storms but plan to resume on Monday. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pyramid-manatee-county-environment-erosion-wave-attenuation-devices/67-63326ece-6905-49fc-9d81-31f85b0354d6 | 2023-06-02T22:28:19 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pyramid-manatee-county-environment-erosion-wave-attenuation-devices/67-63326ece-6905-49fc-9d81-31f85b0354d6 |
In this file photo from April 2023, ECEC art teachers Amy White and Cheryl Dexter hang artwork done by their students as they prepare for the opening of Tupelo Public School District's elementary art exhibit on at the Gumtree Museum of Art.
TUPELO – The Gumtree Museum of Art will help kids engage their creativity and involve themselves in the local art community this summer.
Next week, the Gumtree Museum of Art host a summer art camp to get children making and creating. Open to children ages 6 to 12, the camp will focus on the works of Henri Matisse, a prominent French impressionist and post-modernist artist.
“I chose Matisse because I think, at that age range, it just works really great,” said Jennifer Levy, local art teacher at Carver Elementary school and leader of the camp.
Campers will work on four or five different projects over week's three-hour sessions, focusing on a couple of Matisse’s prominent paintings.
“His use of color, texture, and pattern is really fun for this age range to explore,” Levy said.
This is Levy’s first year leading the camp, as well as teaching at Carver, since she moved to Tupelo from Salt Lake City, Utah. She said when she pitched the idea of focusing the camp on a single artist to Sally Kepple, the director at the nonprofit Gumtree Museum, she was completely on board with the project.
“I thought it would be a really fun way to work with the community,” Levy said. “I hope we can grow it into a bigger program in the future.”
With her long history working with kids, Levy thinks that engaging their creativity is essential.
“I love working with kids, period,” Levy said. “And art is that place where you can be whatever you want and do whatever you want.”
The camp also provides a way for children to get involved in local art and the community, which was one of the major draws that brought Levy to Tupelo.
“That was one of the reasons I moved to Tupelo from Salt Lake City,” Levy said. “You have an art museum, and you have an art community.”
The camp starts on June 6 and runs through the 9th. There are still a few spots open for any parents who are interested in getting their child involved with the local art community. Snacks and supplies are included in the $150 registration fee. For more information, call 662-213-9543.
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Error! There was an error processing your request. | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/gumtree-museum-to-host-summer-art-camp-next-week/article_8b7cb5c8-0160-11ee-84f9-f72fcc5619ed.html | 2023-06-02T22:30:12 | 1 | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/gumtree-museum-to-host-summer-art-camp-next-week/article_8b7cb5c8-0160-11ee-84f9-f72fcc5619ed.html |
Ex-Eaton woman's federal lawsuit against police dismissed
MUNCIE, Ind. — A former Eaton woman's federal lawsuit — against officers from that Delaware County town's police department who arrested her in 2020 — has been dismissed.
U.S. District Court Judge Robert L. Miller Jr., in a Thursday ruling, said Tiffanie Williams "by all accounts... has abandoned this case."
When she filed the suit last July, Williams listed an address in Apple Valley, California, about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
More recent efforts to contact her have been unsuccessful, and mail sent to the Apple Valley address has been returned as undeliverable. In issuing an earlier order giving her until May 29 to "show cause why the case should not be dismissed," the judge expressed hope Williams might contact the U.S. District Court's clerk or check "the online docket."
In dismissing the lawsuit — which also named Delaware County Sheriff Tony Skinner as a co-defendant — on Thursday, Miller wrote, "The demand that plaintiffs provide contract information is no esoteric rule of civil procedure, but rather the obvious minimal requirement for pursuing a lawsuit."
In the lawsuit, Williams alleged Eaton officers — on July 17, 2020 — had broken into her home, violating her constitutional rights, and "broke my bones and sexually assaulted me."
The confrontation took place at an apartment complex in the 700 block of East Race Street. Eaton police have denied Williams' allegations of misconduct, maintaining their actions were appropriate under the circumstances and within the law.
Criminal charges against the former Eaton woman — including multiple counts of battery against a public safety officer and resisting law enforcement — were transferred from the Delaware County court system to Randolph Superior Court, where a hearing on a motion to dismiss the case is set for Aug. 1.
(Charges against Williams' husband stemming from the same incident were later dropped.)
Eaton officers, including Police Chief Jay Turner, in September 2020 filed their own lawsuit against Williams, claiming she had made "slanderous and false accusations" in Facebook postings and in a series of confrontations.
That lawsuit is still pending in Delaware Circuit Court 4.
Williams, now 38, faces two misdemeanor charges — domestic battery and battery — filed in Henry Circuit Court 3 in March 2022.
In that case, she is accused of striking two family members — one of them her husband — during a confrontation in Henry County on Sept. 8, 2021.
A warrant for her arrest has been pending in that case since April 14, 2022.
Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com. | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2023/06/02/ex-eaton-womans-federal-lawsuit-against-police-dismissed/70283054007/ | 2023-06-02T22:31:24 | 1 | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2023/06/02/ex-eaton-womans-federal-lawsuit-against-police-dismissed/70283054007/ |
Waste Pro leaves Palm Coast and takes recycling bins with it. Here's what to do in the meantime
Palm Coast says it is working to replace the bins but it will take several weeks.
Waste Pro finished collecting garbage from residents in Palm Coast on Wednesday, leaving behind a recycling bin-brouhaha as it left town with not only the bottles, cans and paper, but also the plastic bins residents used to place them by the curb.
The city last year awarded a contract to FCC Environmental Services which started running residential routes in Palm Coast on Thursday.
While FCC will also collect recyclables, residents are initially on their own for finding containers in which to place those recyclables.
Waste Pro had a crew in a separate vehicle following the recycling truck this week. Crews tossed the bottles, cans and paper in the recycling truck and loaded the recycling bins in the trailing truck, leaving residents without a container.
Palm Coast goes with new hauler:Palm Coast contracts new garbage hauler despite pleas from Waste Pro workers
Big Blue:Flagler Beach introduces 'Big Blue,' which recycles bottles into glass mulch and more
The city says FCC will replace the bins in the coming weeks, which will be clearly marked with the Palm Coast logos.
"City staff, in collaboration with FCC Environmental Services, is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and fulfilling all recycling bin requests as soon as possible. The City of Palm Coast sincerely appreciates the patience and understanding of all residents during this transition period," according to a statement from the city.
Whose recycling bins are they?
The city maintains that the bins belong to the residents, city spokeswoman Brittany Kershaw wrote in an email. The city has fined Waste Pro $125 for every bin it removes from residences, Kershaw wrote.
She said her last count from May 31 showed that Waste Pro had collected 7,477 recycling containers.
“The city in no way agrees with Waste Pro’s position that the recycling containers are the property of Waste Pro,” Kershaw wrote.
Kershaw wrote that the city attorney sent Waste Pro an email on May 8 stating that city residents own the recycling bins because they paid for the bins through the solid waste fee residents are charged.
Whose recycling bins are they Part 2?
Waste Pro says it owns the bins.
Waste Pro took out an advertisement in The News-Journal in which it said it told Palm Coast its transition plan included picking up the "Waste Pro branded" recycling bins. Waste Pro stated in the ad that it offered to sell the bins to the city at a discounted price, but the city declined.
“It is perplexing that the city did not take any steps to obtain new recycling bins,” Waste Pro states.
"It is incredible to think that equipment purchased by Waste Pro such as bins, carts and trucks would be considered or thought to be property of the city," Waste Pro stated in the ad.
Here’s how to request a new bin
Residents in need of a new recycling bin should submit a request through palmcoast.gov/connect. Once on the site, select “Create a Case” > “Trash” > “Recycling” > “Concern/Question.”
Residents may also call Customer Service at 386-986-2360 or email customer-service@palmcoastgov.com.
Temporary bins
Residents can use some other container from home as a makeshift recycling bin while awaiting the new bins. The city suggested a plastic tub, a cardboard box or a laundry basket. The city asks that residents clearly mark them with the words “Recycle” to avoid confusion with garbage.
Some bin info
Each residence is allowed 35 gallons of recycled materials each week. Bins, once you get them, will hold 18 gallons of recyclables, which is standard size. Residents wanting a larger recycling bin, recycling containers are available for purchase at local hardware stores and supercenters. | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/flagler/2023/06/02/waste-pro-leaves-palm-coast-and-takes-recycling-bins-as-city-protests/70280146007/ | 2023-06-02T22:39:16 | 0 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/flagler/2023/06/02/waste-pro-leaves-palm-coast-and-takes-recycling-bins-as-city-protests/70280146007/ |
One dead, another critical after being pulled from ocean along Volusia County beaches
A 76-year-old man from Kentucky died Thursday after being pulled from the ocean near Daytona Beach Shores and a Lakeland man was hospitalized in critical condition after getting caught in a rip current off Daytona Beach.
The man from Kentucky was identified as Robert Sarver, from Lawrenceburg who was in the area with family members and was in the water with his grandson, according to the Volusia Sheriff's Office.
No staffed lifeguard tower
Sarver was swimming in an area without a staffed lifeguard tower, according to Beach Safety and Ocean Rescue Deputy Chief Tammy Malphurs.
2 hospitalized:Witness describes scene of dramatic rescue of two brothers caught in rip current
A witness told the sheriff's office he saw Sarver floating face down in waist-deep water, according to a report. He said he went to see if Sarver was playing a prank and then pulled him from the water when he saw he was unconscious.
When a deputy arrived at around 2 p.m., he saw several bystanders performing CPR. First responders took Sarver to Halifax Health Medical Center, but he was pronounced dead, according to the sheriff's office.
Malphurs urged people to use the Volusia County Beaches app to see where staffed lifeguard towers are located before heading to the beach.
The Volusia County Sheriff's office is now in charge of the law enforcement side of the beaches, so they will investigate the cause of death.
"We're not positive if that was a rip-current related or if he had a medical episode," Malphurs said.
Caught in a rip current
A little after 11 a.m. today, three people from Lakeland were swimming in an unguarded area of Daytona Beach when they were caught in a rip current, Malphurs said.
When lifeguards arrived on the scene, two people had made it to shore. Lifeguards pulled a third person to the beach. One man had no pulse, and lifeguards performed CPR. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition, she said.
A condition status wasn't available for the other two people.
"People tend to underestimate the power of a rip current quite often," Malphurs said.
Malphurs estimated that Volusia County lifeguards have rescued over 550 people from the ocean over the past couple of weeks. | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/06/02/1-dead-after-thursday-ocean-rescue-in-daytona-beach-shores/70282198007/ | 2023-06-02T22:39:22 | 1 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/06/02/1-dead-after-thursday-ocean-rescue-in-daytona-beach-shores/70282198007/ |
Hundreds of immigrants gather at Pierson church to protest DeSantis' new immigration law
PIERSON — After Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a sweeping immigration bill (SB 1718) into law earlier last month, opponents across the country have raised concerns about the future of undocumented immigrants in the state.
In the first major sign of opposition to the new law, several protests and rallies took place Thursday, including in six Florida cities: Jacksonville, Vero Beach, Orlando, Immokalee and Pierson.
Several immigrant business owners also went on strike on Thursday as part of the initiative.
In Pierson, almost 300 people, mostly Latin American immigrants, as well as government officials gathered Thursday night at the Mission San Jose of Saint Peter Church in Pierson.
Migrants and Minorities Alliance, a local advocacy organization presided by Maria Elena Valdivia, who is also head of the Farmworkers Association of Pierson, organized the event.
The crowd had the opportunity to hear Valdivia, as well as other public officials, such as Pierson councilwoman Sergia Cardenas and Antonio Jaimes, a legal counsel with the Volusia County Clerk of Court Office.
The new law comes as the southern border sees a high influx of migrants, a situation DeSantis (who announced his bid for president last month) described as "not good for our country."
What challenges do immigrants face?
Attendees also asked questions of Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, who explained how the county's deputies would continue their work as law enforcement agents and not as immigration officers.
“I want to assure you that in my seven years of being the sheriff, we have never been agents of ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) or immigration,” Chitwood told the crowd.
The new law ramps up restrictions against undocumented immigrants in the state by:
- Strengthening employment requirements.
- Banning local governments from contributing money to organizations creating identification cards for undocumented immigrants.
- Barring driver’s licenses issued to non-citizens in other states from use in Florida.
- Repealing a 2014 law that allowed undocumented immigrants to be admitted to practice law in Florida.
One scenario of concern from a few members of the crowd was getting pulled over on the road.
“This bill basically says the same thing we always say: If you don’t have a Florida driver’s license, or a license from another state of which you are a citizen, you will be ticketed for driving without a license,” Chitwood explained.
Another concern included an undocumented person’s decision about whether to seek medical treatment.
Jaimes said that hospitals cannot relay patients’ immigration status information to immigration officers, nor can that information be used as an excuse to refuse treatment for any patient.
Joel Tooley, a pastor and a member of the National Immigration Forum (a Washington D.C.-based nonpartisan advocacy organization), added that hospitals that receive Medicare are required to ask an immigration status question.
“Many advocacy organizations are encouraging people to simply decline to answer those questions, regardless of your immigration status,” Tooley told the crowd.
‘We are working people … not criminals’
At the end of the Q&A, Valdivia thanked everyone for attending the event and encouraged attendees to gather and march outside.
“We don’t know where this bill is going, but we are going to fight it,” Valdivia said. “Because we are immigrants. Immigrants who work hard and help build the economy. We are not criminals; we are not animals to be treated like this.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanic or Latino people are 16.1% of the Volusia County population, which is 579,192 (which puts Volusia's Hispanic population at around 93,000).
Holding signs and waving Mexican, Nicaraguan, Puerto Rican and other countries’ flags, protesters marched around the church’s parking lot, shouting words against the bill and the Florida governor.
“An immigrant is a worker, someone who has to fight to have and provide the best for their family, both here and in their home country,” said Marta Ramirez, a Texas-born citizen whose family, including her husband Angel, is from Mexico. “This is a working people. They are what give life to this country.”
Araceli Escobar, carrying a Mexican flag amid the protestors, said the “Hispanic people will always keep their voices loud.”
“We are working people, people who want to pursue a better lifestyle,” Escobar said. “And above all, we are not criminals. We are people who come to contribute to this country’s economy.”
Miguel Arenas, a Mexican native and a DeLand resident, said he thinks it is “very important” that the immigrant community stays together and support each other.
“If we are divided, they will never listen to us,” Arenas said. “We are much bigger when we get together, and it makes it easier for us to get noticed.” | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/06/02/florida-immigration-protests-against-sb-1718-include-1-in-pierson/70281476007/ | 2023-06-02T22:39:28 | 1 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/06/02/florida-immigration-protests-against-sb-1718-include-1-in-pierson/70281476007/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Wichita Animal Shelter is concerned about something that is happening on almost a daily basis. A spokesperson said more and more dogs and cats are being dropped off at the shelter.
“What has happened this year, which is different than years past, is our intakes have increased drastically,” Lt. Derek Purcell, Wichita Animal Services director, said. “Just for dogs this year, our intakes are up about 34% and for cats, about 10%.”
He said the shelter took in an average of 17 dogs and 16 cats a day last month. Purcell said that means the shelter’s rescue partner, the Kansas Humane Society (KHS), has to find placement for 33 animals every day.
Purcell thinks some people may avoid picking up their lost pets from the Wichita Animal Shelter because of the cost.
“I don’t want those costs to be something that prevents you from getting your dog back,” he said. “So, if you’re at the shelter, your dogs up there, and you need to get the dog back, and cost is the reason you can’t, ask to speak to myself or a supervisor, and we can work something out to make sure that that dog goes home with you. We’d rather have it at your house than our shelter.”
The overwhelming majority of animals that go to the Wichita Animal Shelter wind up at KHS or at an animal rescue organization in the area.
Purcell said the shelter’s resources are limited.
“One thing that citizens can do if … your kids are at home, you want to teach them some responsibility, you can take one of the dogs from KHS and foster it in your house until they can find placement for it with an adopter.”
He said that gives the shelter more room for incoming animals.
As he spoke, Purcell mentioned another problem the shelter faces.
“People often confuse us with the Kansas Humane Society,” he said.
The Wichita Animal Shelter and KHS are in separate buildings but on the same campus at K-96 and Hillside. They also share the same parking lot.
When you are in the parking lot, facing the two buildings, the Wichita Animal Shelter is on the left. KHS is on the right.
“If you’re trying to find your lost pet, you’re going to come see us at the Animal Shelter. If you’re trying to adopt a pet … you will go to the Humane Society,” Purcell said. “We do not do any adoptions at the Animal Shelter through our partnership with the Humane Society. All that takes place over there.”
According to a City brochure, the Wichita Animal Shelter tries to return pets with ID tags or ID chips to their owners. If an animal does not have any identification, the shelter holds the animal for three days to give the owner a chance to find it and claim it.
The shelter posts pictures of its animals on 24PetConnect.com. The site is updated regularly. Officials say your best bet for a successful search is to click on “Lost My Pet.” You can narrow your search by choosing “dog” or “cat,” but do not get any more specific than that. If you find your pet, write down the ID number displayed next it, and call the Animal Shelter at 316-350-3366.
If you do not see your pet, Purcell said you can also visit the shelter. The hours are 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. On Sundays and some holidays, the hours are 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. The shelter is closed on major holidays.
If a shelter animal is not claimed, it faces an uncertain future. It could go to the Kansas Humane Society or an animal rescue organization for adoption. Or it could be euthanized. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/33-pets-a-day-being-left-at-wichita-animal-shelter/ | 2023-06-02T22:44:00 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/33-pets-a-day-being-left-at-wichita-animal-shelter/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Friday marks the first day of Riverfest, and Mother Nature has purchased her button. Event organizers are asking Riverfest attendees to be weather aware this year as storms roll into the area.
At 4:45 p.m., Wichita Festivals, Inc. announced that Friday’s parade and concert are proceeding as planned.
“Weather Update! Today’s Parade and Shaggy are a GO and ON TIME! Download our app for the latest schedule updates and check our website,” said the Facebook announcement.
Last year, Riverfest brought in roughly 330,000 people. Organizers say they anticipate a similar turnout this year.
They’re aware there is a chance for rain and storms on certain days, a problem which made for some delays while prepping for the event.
Former Riverfest Admiral Windwagon Smith Linda Davidson oversees the Wichita Riverfest Food and Beverage Committee. She says that despite the rain, the festival’s 18 food vendors, which include several new options this year, are ready.
“It’s the calm before the storm, but you know, this is what we live for,” she said. “It takes us about 16-20 hours to get all the production elements loaded in.”
Jeremy Wann, vice president of Sure Sound and Lighting, has been in charge of setting up the entire mainstage for the past few years. He says that with the potential for storms, his team is prepared to move the main stage indoors, a challenge considering they won’t be alone.
“Normally, we would use the indoor facilities at Century II,” he said. “With ‘Hamilton‘ going on, some of that stuff has changed a little bit.”
Organizers say a contingency plan is in place to help prevent potential weather delays.
“We do a weather check every day at 10 a.m.,” said Jen Remsberg, director of Marketing and Communications with Wichita Festivals Inc.
“We’ll make the call before we even get the bands on sight to whether we’re going to move inside so that we’re ready for them when they arrive, and we can keep on schedule for the whole day,” Wann said.
Riverfest runs from June 2 through June 10.
To find more information about Riverfest 2023 and what events are coming up, head to their website or download their app on Google Play or the App Store! | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/what-happens-if-it-rains-during-riverfest/ | 2023-06-02T22:44:06 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/what-happens-if-it-rains-during-riverfest/ |
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