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GREENSBORO — A Guilford County Superior Court judge agreed Monday to lift a five-year-old gag order on city council members that prevented them from commenting on police bodycam footage from a 2016 arrest.
It’s been nearly seven years since the four men were arrested after they reportedly were kicked out of a McGee Street bar.
Zared Jones of Greensboro had alleged that Greensboro police officers harassed him and his friends during the incident, escalating tension and leading to their arrests in September 2016.
A 1-minute, 45-second video of the arrests posted on YouTube gained public attention in 2017. Court documents indicate there are about four hours of police bodycam footage from the incident.
Various groups, including the City of Greensboro, petitioned the Guilford County Superior Court for permission to release the bodycam footage. Such a petition is required under state law.
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The city’s petition, however, did not include allowing the public to see the video. City Attorney Chuck Watts said Tuesday that the City Council would have to request this in a new petition if it wants it publicly released.
In her 2018 order, Superior Court Judge Susan Bray — who has since retired from the bench — gave permission for the City Council, along with the city’s Police Community Review Board and two of those arrested in the incident to review the bodycam footage. However, she also issued a gag order preventing them from publicly discussing it. Violation of the order carried up to a $500 fine and up to 30 days in prison, Bray ruled.
The city appealed the gag order up to the state Supreme Court, which found Bray had abused her discretion in the matter.
The matter was reheard by Judge Vance Bradford Long in Superior Court on Monday.
Mayor Nancy Vaughan said she watched the video years ago and that she didn’t think Jones had a case.
As far as publicly releasing it, Vaughan expressed concerns that other people shown in the video may not want it released.
“I am all for transparency and releasing videos,” she said, “but we also have to balance people’s right to privacy.”
Mayor Pro Tem Yvonne Johnson said she hasn’t watched the video. However, she said she will ask that the city file a petition to make them public.
“I think people have a right to see it,” she said. “Part of their tax money is paying for the cameras.” | https://greensboro.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/bodycam-greensboro-gag-order-lifted/article_ee4863a4-0562-11ee-8bd7-bf60b6a717e9.html | 2023-06-08T12:54:40 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/bodycam-greensboro-gag-order-lifted/article_ee4863a4-0562-11ee-8bd7-bf60b6a717e9.html |
A guide to Milwaukee's Riverwest neighborhood
What do the Fur Factory, the Nut Factory and Toy Factory all have in common?
They're all artist residences in the Riverwest neighborhood, which is among the city's more than 75 distinct neighborhoods.
Here's what to know about Riverwest.
Riverwest has a history of being a hub for artists, activism
The neighborhood became a hub for artists in the 1970s thanks to the countercultural revolution sweeping the nation during that time. These artists saw shuttered factories, tanneries and storefronts as prime spaces for galleries, art studios and even an opera company, Florentine Opera.
That counter-revolution also spawned a wave of activism thanks to students from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee crossing the river seeking cheaper housing.
Several community organizations were established including the East Side Housing Action Committee in 1972. The group was instrumental in foiling attempts to turn Locust Street into a four-lane thoroughfare that would replace homes and businesses. The group was also instrumental in giving the neighborhood its moniker in 1978.
The neighborhood was the site of some of Milwaukee’s open housing marches in the 1960s, led by then-Ald. Vel Phillips. A frequent target was then Ald. Eugene Woehrer’s home on E. Burleigh Street.
Where the Riverwest neighborhood is located
Riverwest is bounded by the Milwaukee River on the east and the south by Commerce Street, Holton Street on the west, and East Capitol Drive on the north.
Riverwest is home to restaurants, bars and breweries
The original Cafe Corazon opened in Riverwest in 2009 before expanding to other locations across Milwaukee.
Centro Cafe opened in 2009 with a cozy dining space and Italian cuisine; Bar Centro hosts live jazz next door.
Scardina Specialties at 715 E. Locust St. offers panini, fresh-cooked pasta, take-and-bake pizzas and daily specials.
The Art Bar is a Riverwest classic at 722 E. Burleigh St.; next-door diner Wonderland opened in 2019 after a massive building renovation.
Tiki bar Foundation is open seven nights a week at 2718 N. Bremen St., offering a world-class tropical drink menu and huge selection of rum.
If that doesn't wet your whistle, there are several breweries dotted around Riverwset, including Black Husky Brewing, Company Brewing, Gathering Place Brewing Company, and Amorphic Beer.
What makes Riverwest special
Riverwest has its own radio station, newspaper, the Riverwest Currents, farmers market on the 2700 Block of North Pierce, and grocery co-op. It's also home to its own Quaker meeting house located on N. Gordon Place. Its annual 24-hour bike race, Riverwest 24, takes place each year on the last weekend in July and draws thousands of riders and spectators.
The neighborhood also has two street festivals called Locust Street Festival and Center Street Day Festival.
Riverwest's Beerline trail pays homage to history
The Beerline Trail connects both Harambee and Riverwest. The 2.7-mile-long trail meanders from the Milwaukee River and N. Humboldt Ave. to W. Capitol Dr. near N. 3rd St. The half-mile northern leg, completed in 2015, runs uninterrupted from E. Keefe Ave. to the north side of W. Capitol Drive.
It takes its name from one of the main industries that once used this now-defunct railway. Beer companies such as Schiltz, Blatz and Pabst hauled beer throughout the state using the rail line.
But the former rail line is most famous for the circus that traveled the 200-plus miles from Baraboo to Milwaukee. The Great Circus Parade attracted thousands who came to see ornate circus wagons, a menagerie of animals and circus performers including clowns that marched down the street to Veterans Park on the lakefront.
Begun in 1963, the parade continued for many years until it ended in 2009. The parade paid homage to many circuses founded in the state including the founders of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Actor Ernest Borgnine served as the parade’s “Grand Clown” for nearly three decades.
When the railway was abandoned in the 1990s, Riverwest residents banded together to turn the rail line into green space. Now, it’s dotted with art installations and 10 murals, including one that’s an ode to the circus parade and beer.
Riverworks Development Corp. hosts a music series on the trail featuring local acts, food trucks and vendors selling arts and crafts.
New to Riverwest? Here's how to access city services:
- Riverwest is split between the 6th and 3rd aldermanic districts. You can find resources at https://city.milwaukee.gov/CommonCouncil/CouncilMembers/District6 and https://city.milwaukee.gov/CommonCouncil/CouncilMembers/District3.
- Find your garbage and recycling schedule at city.milwaukee.gov/sanitation/GarbageRecyclingSchedules.
- Learn how to register to vote and find your polling place at city.milwaukee.gov/election/Voter-Info.
- Contact Riverwest Development Corp. to learn more about thier financial clinic, business development and creative placemaking at https://www.riverworksmke.org/riverworks-development-corp.
Sources: Encyclopedia of Milwaukee; Milwaukee: City of Neighborhoods by John Gurda
Tell us about your Milwaukee neighborhood. We want to hear from you!
What makes the Havenwoods neighborhood special to you? Do you have any photos in the neighborhood you'd like to share? Visit bit.ly/MKE_Neighborhoods to get involved. | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/08/milwaukees-riverwest-neighborhood-guide/69990853007/ | 2023-06-08T13:01:12 | 1 | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/08/milwaukees-riverwest-neighborhood-guide/69990853007/ |
Milwaukee officials consider yanking permit for Intermodal Station's parking lot after another rash of car break-ins
Milwaukee officials would love for people to ditch their cars and take a train or bus from the Intermodal Station, but a series of break-ins at the transportation hub's main parking lot has led a city committee to recommend denial of the lot's license to operate.
Ald. Robert Bauman points the finger of blame at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for failing to invest in security measures like a fence, dedicated parking lot attendants and security cameras.
“The fact that it’s a public entity that owns the lot and just sticks their head in the sand and is unwilling to spend the money, I think is pretty outrageous, particularly when they can spend literally billions of dollars expanding freeways, they can spend a couple hundred thousand to properly secure the lot,” Bauman told the Journal Sentinel. “They are the Department of Transportation not the Department of Highways.”
It might not be that simple.
When the Intermodal Station was renovated in the early 2000s, the DOT leased out the entire property to Milwaukee Intermodal Partners. Milwaukee Intermodal Partners then leased the parking lot to Interstate Parking. Under this agreement, Milwaukee Intermodal Partners is responsible for the security of the station and parking lot, according to the DOT and the parking lot operator.
In response to Bauman, the DOT pointed to Milwaukee Intermodal Partners as the responsible party for additional security measures, saying that when the department was approached with security concerns they "have acted in good faith."
"WisDOT also felt it was necessary to enhance the level of security patrols at the facility," the WisDOT Office of Public Affairs wrote to the Journal Sentinel. "In discussions with MIP about security upgrades, MIP declined to fund a second security guard to allow for extra patrols at the parking lot in the evening and overnight hours.
"WisDOT stepped up and is funding a second security guard to increase security for the entire property, including the passenger parking lot. The Department believes we’ve acted in good faith with the lessee to address issues as they arise and will continue to do so."
Officials with Milwaukee Intermodal Partners could not be reached for comment, but the president of Interstate Parking said the group had made some security updates.
Tony Janowiec, the Interstate president, said MIP is working with the DOT and Interstate Parking to find a workable solution. Janowiec added that when the lease was negotiated 25 years ago, security was not a major concern and that conditions changed in the post-pandemic years.
Janowiec said he believes that security measures, while contractually the responsibility of Milwaukee Intermodal Partners, is still something the DOT should contribute to.
"I own 14 lots in Milwaukee and manage 50 other lots," Janowiec told the Journal Sentinel. "This would be the first lot in the history of the city to have its permit denied, and that's just not going to happen. The Licensing Committee and Alderman Bauman have both made clear to us that if we present a security plan by the Common Council meeting on June 20 our license will be renewed. All parties are working towards a resolution and we will get there."
According to Bauman, the procedure followed by the licensing committee Tuesday was created five years ago because of similar problems at the Intermodal lot. The Common Council will make a final decision on the permit application at its full meeting on June 20.
In the last year, a police investigation on the parking lot reported 13 separate instances in which officers were dispatched to the lot for complaints ranging from break-ins to thefts of cars.
“It’s a killer for passengers, and I think it’s a horrible situation for people we’re trying to encourage to use the train and leave their car behind and use public transit,” Bauman said. “People are fearful that when they get home, the car is gone, broken into or damaged, or all their contents stolen.”
The station, 433 W. St. Paul Ave., is in Bauman's aldermanic district.
Bublr Bike employee Ntirenganya Kabayita told the Journal Sentinel that Bublr Bikes regularly parks its vehicles in the lot. Almost a year ago, one of the company's trucks had its windows smashed in.
But, Kabayita does not believe the lot should be closed.
"This is happening everywhere," Kabayita said. What will closing this lot achieve?" | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2023/06/08/license-committee-nixes-intermodal-lot-permit/70295434007/ | 2023-06-08T13:01:18 | 0 | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2023/06/08/license-committee-nixes-intermodal-lot-permit/70295434007/ |
A longtime Fort Worth tradition is canceled this year. The air show that has taken place at Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport for the last 32 years will not happen this fall.
AllianceTexas Aviation Expo, formerly known as the Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show, issued the following statement on Wednesday morning.
"The AllianceTexas Aviation Expo has been a Hillwood and community tradition for 32 years. It has brought together aviation leaders and enthusiasts from around the world and has entertained hundreds of thousands of families while showcasing the incredible growth of the Alliance region.
Largely as a result of that growth and due to unavoidable conflicts in scheduling and logistics, Alliance Air Productions will not host the AllianceTexas Aviation Expo in 2023. We completely understand and are sensitive to the disappointment of the many loyal and dedicated sponsors, volunteers, and fans.
We remain committed to the goals of bringing family entertainment to North Texas, supporting local communities, and opening doors to various career paths in aviation and aerospace. Please know that plans for future events are being evaluated."
The cancellation is impacting aviation groups like the Fort Worth Aviation Museum. For nearly 25 years, the museum has inspired children to look to the skies for inspiration in future careers.
"Our primary goal is to inspire kids towards careers in aviation and aerospace and to educate the community to 109 years worth of aviation achievements here,” said Jim Hodgson, executive director of the Fort Worth Aviation Museum.
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For many years, they have run a kids discovery zone at the air show. That community outreach was a critical opportunity for exposure to the museum’s programs for kids, adults and veterans.
“Around 25,000 people of the 100,000 who came out to the show came to the Discovery Zone. We do 10,000 to 12,000 a year here, so in one weekend, we did two years’ worth of visitation up there,” said Hodgson.
Major aerospace and defense companies like Lockheed Martin and Bell have a long history in Fort Worth. The air show at Alliance Airport has showcased those companies and the aviation community that has been built around them.
"Here in this community and the Metroplex -- where we built planes for 46 countries and 27 iconic airplanes have come out of here -- to not have a major air show, is really kind of saddening," said Hodgson.
Over the last few years, growth has been occurring at Alliance Airport and the surrounding area. Cargo is a major operation there, with FedEx, Amazon and many other companies operating distribution and air cargo centers at the airport.
The show requires a large zone of airspace – known as a box – in order to operate. The big crowd draws like the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds especially need the space.
"Depending on what kind of performances you’re going to have, the size of that box changes. If you're going to have acts like the Blue Angels or the Thunderbirds, the box becomes larger because the airplanes are higher speed. They go higher, and do all of these things,” explained Hodgson.
The safety measurements require that there is no ground movement below that airspace while a show is in progress.
"It’s all safety related. So the geometry of what was taking place at Alliance, with the other warehouses and things that are there, made it very difficult to have static displays. To have people come out and look at those and then they would have to vacate the area for the flight demonstrations," Hodgson explained.
Since 2020, expo planners said they've been working to reconfigure the show to accommodate different logistical challenges.
"Alliance Air Productions is committed to exploring options for the future that allows the show to be enjoyed the way it was meant to be enjoyed – jet team performance and optimal viewing for attendees combined with education, entertainment, and aircraft static displays," Alliance Air Productions said in a follow-up statement to NBC 5.
Either way, shock has spread through the community over the news of the air show’s cancellation.
"Air shows are important. Twenty percent of the public here works in aviation-related businesses. That's one of the highest percentages of anywhere in the country,” said Hodgson. "It's part of the fabric of the community. To not be able to showcase that I think is kind of disappointing." | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/air-show-at-alliance-airport-in-fort-worth-canceled-this-year/3272975/ | 2023-06-08T13:07:54 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/air-show-at-alliance-airport-in-fort-worth-canceled-this-year/3272975/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/deceased-newborn-found-on-a-west-fort-worth-lawn-2/3273107/ | 2023-06-08T13:07:55 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/deceased-newborn-found-on-a-west-fort-worth-lawn-2/3273107/ |
A man police say gunned down a woman outside an Austin-area gas station last week has been charged with murder, and the woman’s family says the killing should be investigated as a hate crime as she was targeted because she was gay.
Akira Ross, 24, was fatally shot Friday night while she pumped gas in Cedar Park, 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of Austin, according to the Cedar Park police. She died at the gas station, and the shooter fled in a vehicle.
Cedar Park police identified Bradley Stanford, 23, as the suspected shooter. He was arrested Sunday in Inglewood, Texas, near Corpus Christi, more than 200 miles (322 kilometers) away from where the shooting happened.
Stanford was being held in the San Patricio County Jail on one count of murder before he was transferred Wednesday to Williamson County, officials confirmed. The San Patricio County Sheriff’s Office said an attorney is not yet listed for Stanford.
Police have not said what might have led to the shooting, and a spokeswoman for Cedar Park police declined comment Wednesday.
But Ross’ partner and her father both told the Austin American-Statesman that Stanford yelled gay slurs before opening fire. Ross’ partner said she recorded part of the confrontation on her phone and that she gave her phone to Cedar Park police.
Anthony Hill, Ross’ father, told the American-Statesman that what witnesses who saw the killing told him makes him believe bigotry was the motivation and that “it was a hate crime.”
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Cedar Park police have said only that Stanford and Ross exchanged words before the shooting.
“Our initial investigation revealed Stanford and Ross did not know each other,” Cedar Park police said in a statement. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/family-of-texas-woman-killed-says-shooting-was-a-hate-crime/3273063/ | 2023-06-08T13:07:58 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/family-of-texas-woman-killed-says-shooting-was-a-hate-crime/3273063/ |
As state and federal deadlines loom, state and local organizations are looking to enlist the help of nonprofits who provide high-speed internet connection to Southwest Ohio residents, or the Ohioans who need it.
In the last month, United Way of Greater Cincinnati has formed an alliance with 39 organizations across 16 counties in southwest Ohio providing residents with affordable, high-speed Internet.
But work remains to be done.
As healthcare, education, commerce, and a host of other elements of daily life become increasingly digital, communities that don’t have high-speed internet now face challenges. United Way is the agency spearheading the creation of accurate broadband maps for Southwest Ohio, and closing the “digital divide,” between communities that have adequate internet access and those that don’t.
The digital divide disproportionately affects people in rural areas, older adults, people of color, households with low incomes, people with disabilities, veterans, and older adults, said Kristina Scott, Director of Public Policy for United Way of Cincinnati. Digital access is also a problem for those who have been incarcerated, and are reintegrating into society.
“We know there’s more people doing this work. If we don’t know what’s out there, we don’t know if we are serving the needs of Ohioans and those groups,” Scott said. “These efforts help ensure every Ohioan has the technology, skills, and resources needed to fully engage in their communities, seek and often maintain employment, better connect with loved ones, learn, and access healthcare and other essential services.”
The most recurring issues cited by residents include lack of digital skills, affordability and accessibility of internet, and acquiring devices.
Broadband internet has a minimum 25 megabits per second download speed, and 3 Mbps upload speed, but 100 mb/s download and 20 mb/s upload is is considered the standard by Broadband Ohio. Many people don’t have broadband internet available to their homes, and those that do often only have one or two providers to choose from.
What the Southwest Ohio cohort lacks at the moment is full and accurate knowledge of which communities need broadband cables in the ground and Wi-Fi signals in the air, to ensure all Ohio residents have access to a broadband signal.
United Way’s Digital Inclusion Asset Map aims to fix this, by collecting input from Ohio residents about their access to high-speed internet. Additionally, Ohio’s Broadband Internet Access survey aims to identify these communities and individuals that don’t have broadband access in their homes.
At stake is Ohio’s cut of $42.5 billion in federal funding for broadband, through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. A second, smaller pot of $2.75 billion in digital skills and training funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, is also available for states, Scott said.
The deadline for states to submit their plans to the federal government is June 30.
“An incomplete map means we risk this once-in-a-generation opportunity to equip our neighbors to work from home, use online banking and access their medical records,” she said.
The agency is also holding pop-up events around Southwest Ohio in the coming weeks to talk with residents about what they want to see with broadband access in their communities.
“We really want people to participate in the process and make their voices heard,” Scott said.
Broadband pop-ups, Southwest Ohio Regional Digital Inclusion Alliance, by county:
1. CLARK: Free Legal Clinic at Clark County Library – 201 S Fountain Ave., Springfield, (June 10: 11AM-1PM)
2. PREBLE: Community Fun Fest – Historic Downtown Eaton at the intersection of Rt.127 & Rt. 35 (June 10: 3PM-5PM)
3. BUTLER: Butler County Developmental Disabilities Softball Game– 4850 Groh Lane, Fairfield. (June 9 : 6-8PM)
4. MIAMI: Bradford Public Library– 138 E Main St., Bradford. (June 15: 1:30-3:30PM)
7. MONTGOMERY: West Dayton Block Party– 1816 Harvard Blvd., Dayton, OH 45406 (June 24 4:30-6:30PM)
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/have-bad-internet-ohio-wants-to-know-how-to-get-people-connected/WI6FHN7KZBGKDMEUSBFS4H36XQ/ | 2023-06-08T13:12:07 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/have-bad-internet-ohio-wants-to-know-how-to-get-people-connected/WI6FHN7KZBGKDMEUSBFS4H36XQ/ |
SAN ANTONIO — A man has died from his injuries after he was shot in the chest during an argument with two men late Wednesday night.
Police responded around 8:52 p.m. to the 800 block of W Laurel for reports of a shooting in progress.
When officers arrived, they found a man in his 30s with a single gunshot wound to his chest.
He was taken to BAMC in life-threatening condition, where he was pronounced dead from his injuries.
A witness told police she was hanging out in front of her house and called police following the shooting.
The victim was able to tell officers that he had been walking down the street when he got into an argument with two men in the middle of the road. One of the men pulled out a weapon and shot him.
Police didn’t know what the argument was about, nor did they have any additional information about what the man was doing in the area or where he was going.
SAPD ground and air searched the area, but could not find the two suspects in this incident.
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Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/man-dead-after-shot-in-chest-during-argument-with-two-men-in-five-points-area-sapd-san-antonio-texas-police-gun-weapon/273-5646fb4c-948e-4e35-9599-f47cd9bdd9d3 | 2023-06-08T13:16:08 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/man-dead-after-shot-in-chest-during-argument-with-two-men-in-five-points-area-sapd-san-antonio-texas-police-gun-weapon/273-5646fb4c-948e-4e35-9599-f47cd9bdd9d3 |
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP – Food trucks, business banners and front yard sales weren’t on the agenda for the Middle Township Committee on Monday, but were discussed at length just the same.
Some business owners suggested the township too vigorously enforced rules against the use of flags and banners to advertise, while there were also concerns raised about a pop-up collection of food trucks.
Township officials said they sought to balance competing interests, including those of businesses and neighbors, but needed to enforce the laws with an even hand.
Terri Marks, a veterinarian and the owner of South Paw Animal Hospital on Route 9, said she had been issued a notice of violation and told she needed to remove a banner from in front of her business or risk being fined.
There is a sign on the building and a sign on the front lawn identifying the business, but she told members of Township Committee that she has long used a banner to let customers know she was open, without any complaint in the past.
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The sign ordinance also prohibits pinwheels, strings of flags and other eye catching displays, she said. She asked for a change to the ordinance.
“I have flown a banner for 22 years. I have never known this to be a problem,” she said. “I don’t think it’s unsightly. There’s no foul language on it. It basically says ‘This is who I am and I’m open.’”
Marks also suggested there are several businesses which have banners, and said she understood the need to enforce ordinances, especially where there are safety concerns, but wanted to be able to return her banner to her business.
Other business owners also raised the issue, including an water ice business where the owner said customers could not tell if it was open if the banner was not at the front of the store.
Another business owner raised First Amendment concerns, saying someone displaying a Confederate or pride flag would amount to protected speech.
Township administrator Kimberly Osmundsen said Township Committee could ask the Planning Board to review the ordinance and potentially recommend changes. But that would take months, and business owners say the busiest season is starting now.
“Look, every ordinance is written for a purpose, and no ordinance is perfect,” said Mayor Timothy Donohue.
He said he would review the ordinance to see if there was any leeway. There are some
“I’m not saying, tell people they can break the law. I’m saying lets figure out how we can be reasonable in the short term,” Donohue said. The township should clearly define what is allowable under the ordinance.
“The ordinance was put in place because there were too many banners,” said township engineer Vincent Orlando. “Someone would put one out, then this guy would put up four, the next guy would put up six.”
Resident Dawn Robinson had her own questions, about an issue with a friend she allowed to sell items from the front of a property she owns. She said police came after someone called alleging that he was selling stolen goods.
Donohue clarified that no one from the township made any accusation that the items were stolen, but needed to investigate. Osmundsen said Robinson had applied for a yard sale license, but was not eligible because there is no house on the lot in question.
Robinson mentioned other situations where people are selling items, including someone who sells tie-dye materials all summer, and another who has a food truck in a lot in the Whitesboro section.
The fact that some people are doing something does not make it legal, Donohue said.
“Should I be calling the police on everybody else?” Robinson said. “I don’t know how they’re all getting missed.”
Robinson said she also owns a food truck. She said she did not mind getting the licenses needed to operate, or following the township rules on where she can open, but suggested other operators may not be as careful.
“That gentleman has been told that he needs to go for site plan approval because that’s not a permitted use,” Osmundsen said.
One food truck operator started selling food from a property in the Whitesboro section of the township, Donohue said, and after a while other food trucks arrived at the same spot.
Many towns have tried to figure out the best way to deal with food trucks.
“We want to encourage businesses, especially small businesses, but we have to balance that with the rights of restaurant owners, we health and safety, with health department issues,” Donohue said.
No one mentioned the name of the food truck or its operator at the meeting.
“What’s happening now is ‘give me an inch and I’ll take a mile’ kind of situation. I like the gentleman. I’ve known him for a long time, but it’s a blatant disregard for the law,” Donohue said.
Orlando said the township has presented options to the food truck owner. A violation could be issued to the property owner, Osmundsen said, if the use continued without a variance and site plan.
He said he has been exploring how other towns govern food trucks, if they can operate on public streets or private property, whether they can serve food within a certain distance of exiting restaurants and other operational issues.
Food truckers were reportedly a $1.5 billion industry last year, which had been growing steadily but saw a slight decline in 2022. Sea Isle City has a food truck festival planned for June 23 and 24 at 63rd Street and Landis Avenue, and food trucks have become an increasingly visible part of the local food scene.
Donohue sees potential for Middle Township, but said officials would have to carefully consider any potential ordinance governing food trucks.
“We want to do it in a fair way, but I think the situation that is happening there is kind of forcing our hand,” Donohue said. “In my mind it shouldn’t be happening at all.” | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/business-owners-sign-ordinance-middle-township/article_f55c98b0-0579-11ee-ae10-670a66877826.html | 2023-06-08T13:17:07 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/business-owners-sign-ordinance-middle-township/article_f55c98b0-0579-11ee-ae10-670a66877826.html |
KENOSHA — Lemon Street Gallery, 4601 Sheridan Road, is hosting an opening exhibit from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 10, for its latest exhibit.
The show, running through June 25, features works by Joan Hoss, Kristie Matteau and Diana Becker.
The reception is free and features refreshments.
The gallery is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.
Also at the gallery, the third Thursday of each month is "Creatives Club," from 5 to 8 p.m.
This event is free and open to the public.
Participants are welcome to "bring in your current art project, whether it's a painting, drawing, mixed media, crochet, poetry or lyrics to work on it with us," organizers said. "Get to know some fellow artists, get motivated to work on your project and have some snacks."
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If you're looking to start a new project, the gallery has "art supplies, stuff to make collages, and painting/drawing supplies so you can start a new project with us."
There's one "Golden Rule" of Creatives Club: Do not critique someone's work unless you are explicitly asked for feedback.
Lemon Street also offers art classes in painting, pottery, stained glass and other mediums, and has a clay studio on site.
For more information, go to lemonstreetgallery.org or check the gallery’s Facebook page. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/artists-reception-june-10-at-kenoshas-lemon-street-gallery/article_1a67e6fe-03cd-11ee-9e67-5b59dd4ef53d.html | 2023-06-08T13:19:42 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/artists-reception-june-10-at-kenoshas-lemon-street-gallery/article_1a67e6fe-03cd-11ee-9e67-5b59dd4ef53d.html |
SOMERS — Jerry Smith Farm, 7150 18th St., features newborn farm animals at “Babies on the Farm,” open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. two Saturdays and Sundays, June 10-11 and 17-18.
Admission is $10 and can be purchased online at jerrysmithfarm.com or at the gate. Kids 2 and younger are free.
The festival features "an array of adorable baby animals," organizers said. "From fluffy chicks and playful lambs to foxes, skunks and even a kangaroo, the farm becomes a lively playground."
The event also includes presentations on animal care, allowing children to learn about animal life cycles, habitats and basic farming practices.
A Fennec Fox Encounter, a Skunk Encounter and a Kangaroo Encounter are all available, for an extra fee.
The encounters take place from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and must be scheduled in advance by calling Colleen at 847-849-6303. (Note: Animals will take intermittent breaks throughout the day, determined by the handler as needed. Encounters are based on the animal’s voluntary participation and are subject to close early if the animal does not wish to participate.)
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Tickets are $60 for the 15-minute Fennec Fox Encounter. A maximum of two people can sign up for one 15-minute time slot. If you’d like to bring a friend, you can add a second person to join you for $40. Participants must be over the age of 5, and children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult. The charge for a kangaroo or skunk encounter is $30. The second person costs $20.
At all animal encounters, the handler will go over rules and directions. Guests are seated for encounters and will be taught the appropriate way to hold, pet, and interact with animals. Guests are allowed to take photographs.
During the festival, visitors can also interact with piglets, calves, lambs, bunnies and baby goats.
General admission also includes a bouncing pad, a petting zoo and hay rides.
Food will be available for purchase, and vendors will be at the venue. For more information, visit jerrysmithfarm.com. Note: All attractions are weather dependent. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/babies-on-the-farm-is-june-10-11-and-17-18-at-jerry-smith-farm/article_78151192-03c7-11ee-b0b2-8730cea3bbba.html | 2023-06-08T13:19:48 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/babies-on-the-farm-is-june-10-11-and-17-18-at-jerry-smith-farm/article_78151192-03c7-11ee-b0b2-8730cea3bbba.html |
BRISTOL — The free concert Bristol Woodstock, which debuted in 2021, takes place Wednesday nights, from June 14 through Aug. 16, in Bristol Woods County Park, 9800 160th Ave.
The music goes from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is free.
This summer’s lineup includes:
- June 14: Burgundy Ties
- June 21: CrossOver
- June 28: Clarissa
- July 5: Indigo Canyon
- July 12: Trophy Husbands
- July 19: Katz Sass
- July 26: Kurt Gunn
- Aug. 2: Judson Brown Band
- Aug. 9: Listening Party
- Aug. 16: Lucky Pickers
Audience members should bring lawn chairs and/or picnic blankets. Each concert is subject to weather conditions.
The event is free to attend "and fun for all ages," organizers said. "Featuring a variety of music genres, Bristol Woodstock is sure to get anyone on their feet."
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For more information, go to kenoshacounty.org/2249/Parks-Events and “like” Kenosha County Parks on Facebook. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/bristol-woodstock-concerts-start-june-14/article_d2c30c98-03d1-11ee-8cfc-43ce382a15c2.html | 2023-06-08T13:19:54 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/bristol-woodstock-concerts-start-june-14/article_d2c30c98-03d1-11ee-8cfc-43ce382a15c2.html |
KENOSHA — An outdoor German-style Biergarten -- featuring Hofbräuhaus Bier from Munich -- is "popping up" on Downtown Kenosha's lakefront, in Celebration Place.
The biergarten will be open 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, June 15-16, and noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 17.
Visitors can enjoy German and U.S. beers, along with hard cider, sausage and pretzels, food trucks and live music. There will also be children's activities and stein-hoisting contests.
Organizers said authentic steins and drinking boots will add to the traditional German atmosphere at the event.
A second pop-up biergarten is July 20-22, in the same location.
The event, hosted by Milwaukee-based BrewFest Partners, has free admission and is designed to be family friendly. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/german-style-biergarten-popping-up-in-kenosha-june-15-17/article_24b7615e-03d5-11ee-a780-4b5f103e9a02.html | 2023-06-08T13:20:01 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/german-style-biergarten-popping-up-in-kenosha-june-15-17/article_24b7615e-03d5-11ee-a780-4b5f103e9a02.html |
Here’s a sampling of things we love this week:
More live, outdoor music
Betsy Ade and the Well-Known Strangers — who are no strangers to the local music scene — are performing this evening at the new band shell in Old Settlers Park in Paddock Lake. The 6 to 8 p.m. ribbon cutting and concert on June 8 kicks off the new "Rhythm on the Lake" concert series in the park, 24100 75th St. (Highway 50). Concerts continue 6 to 8 p.m. each Thursday through Aug. 17. Admission is free. Note: Bring your own chair, unless you're going to dance the whole time. That works, too.
Bark if you love baseball!
The Kenosha Kingfish are hosting a big-time celebrity at the team's June 11 game: The team’s Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Day features none other than Chase, the main Paw Patrol character. “He’ll be here for the whole game,” team owner Bill Fanning said, “taking photos with kids — and adults.” The German Shepherd puppy is a police dog, who moonlights as a super spy on the animated TV series. To purchase tickets, call 262-653-0900, log on at kingfishbaseball.com or go to the ticket office at Simmons Field.
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A rolling party
Two questions: Do you like beer? Do you like bicycles? If you answered "yes" and "of course," grab your bicycle and head to Public Craft Brewing Co., 628 58th St. in Downtown Kenosha, for "Pedals and Pints." The weekly bike ride starts from Public Craft at 11 a.m. every Saturday, heading to "local spots to enjoy some brews with friends." Their motto? "Beer, bikes, and buds!" The ride is free to join and, if you're nice, maybe someone will buy you a beer, too.
Strawberry fields forever
Summer's favorite fruit is getting some love from Wendy's. The fast food chain has brought back its strawberry Frosty flavor, available through late summer. The fruity frozen treat will temporarily replace the vanilla flavor and join the chocolate Frosty. The cool dessert isn't the only treat Wendy's is adding to the menu this summer — the popular Summer Strawberry Chicken Salad is also available again, for a limited time.
Polka, polka, polka
Milwaukee’s season of ethnic festivals starts with a big one: Polish Fest is June 9-11 at the Summerfest Grounds in downtown Milwaukee at the lakefront. Billed as America’s largest Polish festival, the three-day festival includes traditional food and music, as well as vodka tastings. Just point us in the direction of the Non-Stop Polka Stage. For more details, go to polishfest.org.
Stars and stripes forever
Wednesday is Flag Day, celebrating the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. Whether you have the Stars and Stripes waving in the wind on your porch or on a lapel pin, find a way to celebrate Old Glory on June 14. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/hot-takes-what-we-love-this-week-june-8-15-2023/article_a6af7592-03e5-11ee-a3a6-bbac5cee1a06.html | 2023-06-08T13:20:07 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/hot-takes-what-we-love-this-week-june-8-15-2023/article_a6af7592-03e5-11ee-a3a6-bbac5cee1a06.html |
June is national Camping Month, and we have plenty of wonderful places to pitch a tent in Wisconsin and our neighboring states. For a guide to our state campgrounds, go to travelwisconsin.com.
Betsy Ade and the Well-Known Strangers — who are no strangers to the local music scene — are performing this evening at the new band shell in Old Settlers Park in Paddock Lake. The 6 to 8 p.m. ribbon cutting and concert on June 8 kicks off the new “Rhythm on the Lake” concert series in the park, 24100 75th St. (Highway 50). Concerts continue 6 to 8 p.m. each Thursday through Aug. 17. Admission is free. Note: Bring your own chair, unless you’re going to dance the whole time. That works, too.
The new outdoor beer garden in Pleasant Prairie is open again today. The Lake Andrea Beer Garden offers craft beers, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and an ongoing lineup of food trucks, live music and other events. The beer garden is located along the southwest shore of Lake Andrea, next to — but not part of — the beach area. Admission is free. The beer garden is open 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday-Friday and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through early autumn. For more details, visit the Facebook page (“LABeerGarden”) or log on at VisitPleasantPrairie.com.
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Looking for live music tonight? The Rhythm Dogs Blues Jam starts at 8:30 tonight at Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave. It’s free, and everyone is welcome.
The Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 First Ave., is hosting the Transparent Watercolor Society’s annual exhibit, showcasing paintings from the top transparent watercolor artists in the country. Admission is free. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. www.KenoshaPublicMuseum.org.
All aboard! Kenosha’s Downtown electric streetcars are running seven days a week, offering wonderful lakefront views. The streetcars run 11:05 a.m. to 6:35 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:35 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The fare is $1 for ages 13 and older and 50 cents for kids ages 5-12 (free for kids age 4 and younger). An all-day pass is $3.50. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-area-events-for-thursday-june-8/article_701ca8ec-0534-11ee-bfd9-8f70600514e4.html | 2023-06-08T13:20:13 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-area-events-for-thursday-june-8/article_701ca8ec-0534-11ee-bfd9-8f70600514e4.html |
KENOSHA — The Kenosha History Center, 220 51st Place (on Simmons Island along the Kenosha harbor), has a new event this summer: Cars and Coffee, taking place this week on June 11.
The free events take place 8 a.m. to noon in the venue's parking lot on the Second Sunday of each month, through Sept. 10.
Car enthusiasts will be showing off their classic vehicles.
Also, the History Center will open early, at 9 a.m., for tours. The gift shop will also be open, and food vendors will be there, too.
The History Center also hosts its Cruise-In Nights, from 4 to 8 p.m. on the last Friday of each month, May 26 through Sept. 29.
On those nights, the History Center stays open until 7 p.m.
These events are free and open to all classic vehicles.
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Note: The June 30 Cruise-In also features the Kenosha Taco Fest. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-history-center-hosting-cars-and-coffee-on-june-11/article_df848144-03e2-11ee-8786-afedd3fea59f.html | 2023-06-08T13:20:19 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-history-center-hosting-cars-and-coffee-on-june-11/article_df848144-03e2-11ee-8786-afedd3fea59f.html |
KENOSHA — The Kenosha Pops Concert Band is getting ready to open its 101st season, with weekly concert themes through the summer.
Craig Gall starts his 21st season as the band's musical director, joined by Kathy Ripley — also the band director at Kenosha's Tremper High School — who returns to the Pops for her second season as assistant conductor.
This season's themes and special guests include:
- 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 14: “Pops in Technicolor”: “We kick off our second century of concerts with all the colors of the rainbow brought to life through music,” Gall said.
- 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 21: “Pops by the Numbers”: “Numerically speaking, you might hear a ‘number’ you like tonight,” Gall said.
Pre-concert entertainment at 6:15 p.m.: The Dave Braun Trio
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Guest vocalist with the Pops: Lou Rugani
- 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 28: “Stately Splendor”: Gall calls this program “a musical travelogue of the United States,” with songs such as our own “On, Wisconsin.”
Pre-concert entertainment at 6:15 p.m.: The Hungry Five German band
- 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 4: “Star Spangled Pops": The Pops performs “patriotic and march favorites to help you celebrate the 4th,” Gall said.
- 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 5: “Patriotic Re: View”: “Not a fan of the 4th of July crowds and parking problems? Join us tonight at the band shell for a no-stress, hassle-free concert of patriotic music,” Gall said.
Pre-concert entertainment at 6:15 p.m.: Lighthouse Brigade Band, directed by Laura Shapovalov
- 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 12: “Kinderkonzert: Pops on Safari”: This program, aimed at children, causes Gall to exclaim “Lions and tigers and bears … oh, my!”
“The entire family is invited to join us on our musical safari through the animal kingdom, celebrating all creatures great and small” he said.
Pre-concert entertainment at 6:15 p.m.: Bone Appetit, a trombone choir
- 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 19: “A Century of Warner Bros.”: This program offers “a snapshot of music from 100 years of remarkable motion pictures from one of the early leaders in the American film industry,” Gall said.
- Guest vocalist with the Pops: Miss Kenosha 2023 Willow Newell
- 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 26: “A Tribute to Frank Germinaro”: “This is an evening of selections that were programmed frequently by our late musical director,” Gall said.
- Guests: Andrea Germinaro and Sandy Wade
- Note: This is an indoor concert, taking place in Carthage College’s A.F. Siebert Chapel.
- 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2: “That’s All, Folks”: “Our farewell concert of the summer features band and audience favorites to close the season,” Gall said.
Note: All outdoor concerts, Including July 4, take place on the band shell ion Pennoyer Park, on Seventh Avenue at 35th Street, along Kenosha's lakefront. The indoor concert on July 26 is at Siebert Chapel on the Carthage College campus.
As time goes by
As he gets ready to start his 30th season with the Pops (he was a band member and then assistant conductor before becoming the musical director), Gall still sounds surprised he’s been with the group that long — and how fast that time has gone.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the band so far,” he said. “It’s a great bunch of people and a very good band. That’s what keeps the audiences coming back.”
He is quick to thank the city of Kenosha for its support.
“It says a lot for the city of Kenosha that they’ve supported this wonderful band for more than 100 years. I’m happy to be carrying on that tradition,” said Gall.
Pre-season concert
Before starting its outdoor season on June 14, the Kenosha Pops Concert Band is performing an indoor concert Saturday, June 10, at Kenosha's Civil War Museum, 5400 First Ave.
The free hourlong concert starts at 2 p.m. and will feature "a nice mix of music from the Civil War era but not limited to that," Gall said. "It's always a great way to start our season, and we look forward to seeing everyone at the museum." | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-pops-concert-band-starts-101st-season-on-june-10/article_6d16dd32-03d8-11ee-96a8-33b3b7b68af1.html | 2023-06-08T13:20:25 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-pops-concert-band-starts-101st-season-on-june-10/article_6d16dd32-03d8-11ee-96a8-33b3b7b68af1.html |
KENOSHA — The Kenosha County Historical Society hosts Library Park Historic Walking Tours on the second Saturday of the month, running through October.
The next tour date is Saturday, June 10.
The organization also operates the Kenosha History Center and the seasonal Southport Light Station Museum.
Each tour begins at 11 a.m. at the Civil War Memorial/Winged Victory Statue north of the Simmons Library in Downtown Kenosha's Library Park and typically lasts 90 minutes, with a leisurely walk around the park discussing the architectural and historical significance of most buildings. The tours are led by volunteer historians.
The Library Park Historic District is one of four historic districts designated in the City of Kenosha.
Tours are $10 per person, and reservations for the Walking Tour must be made in advance. Contact the Kenosha History Center to make reservations at 262-654-5770. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenoshas-library-park-historic-walking-tours-on-june-10/article_e4070bfa-03e3-11ee-9a42-b3dec49a7e73.html | 2023-06-08T13:20:32 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenoshas-library-park-historic-walking-tours-on-june-10/article_e4070bfa-03e3-11ee-9a42-b3dec49a7e73.html |
Twilight Jazz returns to the Anderson Arts Center grounds, 6603 Third Ave., for another season of free outdoor performances on Kenosha's lakefront.
The 2023 20th anniversary season starts June 13 and continues every other Tuesday through Aug. 22.
This year's lineup features:
- June 13: John Crawford Band
- June 27: Street Jaxson Band
- July 11: Kal Bergendahl Project
- July 25: Ivy Ford Band
- Aug. 8: Dave Braun Trio
- Aug. 22: Deeppockets
For two decades, the Twilight Jazz Summer Concert Series has established itself as one of Kenosha’s signature events, drawing crowds throughout southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Funds raised during the concert series support and sustain the Anderson Arts Center and the Kemper Center and help to promote the arts and art education in the community.
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Grounds open at 6 p.m. for the concerts, which are 7 to 9 p.m. Concert-goers should bring lawn chairs and/or blankets. No seating is provided.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase. No carry-ins of alcohol are allowed. Families are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets.
For more details, go to andersonartscenter.com or call 262-925-8040.
New this year: Audience members are asked to bring new pillows to be donated to local families at Women & Children’s Horizons. Donations of new pillows will be collected during each of the Twilight Jazz concerts this summer. Spectrum Wealth, Tax & Accounting is hosting this pillow drive. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenoshas-twilight-jazz-concerts-start-june-13-at-anderson-arts-center/article_03c19fb2-03dc-11ee-a470-8fa830f7044f.html | 2023-06-08T13:20:38 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenoshas-twilight-jazz-concerts-start-june-13-at-anderson-arts-center/article_03c19fb2-03dc-11ee-a470-8fa830f7044f.html |
RI cannabis commission nominees head to Senate for full approval. Who they are.
Gov. Dan McKee’s three picks for the new Cannabis Control Commission each pledged to regulate Rhode Island’s nascent adult-use marijuana industry equitably and evenly on Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 10-to-0 to send their nominations on to the full Senate for consideration.
Who are the nominees?
Layi Oduyingbo
Two of the nominees, Kimberly Ahern, McKee’s deputy chief of staff, and Robert Jacquard, a former longtime Cranston representative, were familiar to lawmakers. The third nominee, Layi Oduyingbo, a lawyer like the other two nominees, seemed less so, but received the same encouragement and support from the committee.
Oduyingbo described himself as the son of Nigerian parents who came to the Ocean State “with nothing in order to provide excellent opportunities for their future children. That is exactly what we have received.”
He thanked his mother “for her unlimited sacrifices, and my wife who has always supported me. She is an excellent wife, mother, motivator ... and a speech language pathologist if anyone is looking for one,” he said, drawing chuckles from committee members.
Oduyingbo received an accounting degree from Providence College before changing gears and earning a law degree from Roger Williams University.
As a student lawyer for Rhode Island Legal Services, he said he worked with clients with open cases in the Department of Children, Youth & Families and in that role witnessed how socio-economic factors like race and income “played a factor in them ending up before the court.”
He also worked as a corporate lawyer for a “world company that has its headquarters in Providence," advising various divisions on “ethics and compliance matters” before eventually starting his own law firm in Cranston, where he helps “victims of employment discrimination.”
As a person of color, he said, “I must say that historically, the policing of drugs has disproportionately affected Black and brown communities.” Noting that the Rhode Island law legalizing recreational use of marijuana includes social equity provisions for these communities, he said, “it is up to the commission to carry out its duties in a way that is equitable and just.”
More on retail pot:Under threat of a $10K-per-day fine, RI retail pot company takes down billboards
Kimberly Ahern
Ahern, who would serve as the commission’s chair, has worked for two governors, McKee and Gina Raimondo, and before that worked for nine years as a special assistant attorney general under three attorneys general.
If confirmed, she said, she would implement policies of the marijuana legalization act “that are safe, transparent and equitable in the years to come.”
She said her previous work on criminal-justice groups focused on “breaking down barriers” to the social reentry of formerly imprisoned people “will inform my awareness on social equity moving forward ... I’m eager to get started on those aspects as well.”
Like Oduyingbo, Ahern is also a parent, of two young children, and said “health and safety standards will be a top priority" for her.
In congratulating Ahern on her nomination, Sen. Matthew La Mountain, who worked with her in the attorney general’s office, said, “I don’t think the governor could have picked anyone better to chair this commission ... I have no reservations you will continue to do great work for this commission.”
Robert Jacquard
Robert Jacquard worked as a police officer for 23 years in Cranston, and also represented his home city as a state representative from 1993 to 2021, and is now in private law practice.
Testifying in his behalf, fellow Cranston state Sen. Hanna Gallo came with a basket of adjectives to describe him: “The most genuine, patient, kind, ethical – he has excellent judgment – intelligent, hardworking, team person, people skills, … who will go to the ends of the earth for anybody.”
Jacquard told the committee he had been married for 20 years and was the proud father of one daughter who had done five tours of duty in the military and is now an air-traffic controller working for the Federal Aviation Administration.
He said he attained his law degree after years of night school and had a diverse clientele from which he had learned much.
More on legal pot:Marijuana growers plead with RI regulators to move faster. Here's what they say is at stake
He said the legalization law, which among other things gives the commission the power to dispense licenses for more marijuana stores, is “pro-business, maximizes revenue to the state, protects the public and it also implements a lot of social equity mandates.”
“And I think that, if the commission works within the framework of the act, we are going to be very successful in the state with this nascent industry.”
Jacquard said the public will be looking to see that the commission makes its decisions "fairly and evenly."
"And I pledge to work with the members of the commission, if appointed, to do just that," he said. | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/06/08/retail-pot-in-ri-cannabis-commission-nominees-move-forward/70297664007/ | 2023-06-08T13:20:43 | 1 | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/06/08/retail-pot-in-ri-cannabis-commission-nominees-move-forward/70297664007/ |
Thinking of a short road trip? There are plenty of summer season celebrations along the I-94 corridor from Milwaukee to Chicago:
JUNE
Jazz in the Park
When: Thursdays, through Aug. 31. The music starts at 5 p.m.
Where: Cathedral Square Park, 520 E. Wells St. in Milwaukee
Known for: The outdoor concert series, established in 1991, attracts more than 5,000 concertgoers each week and offers a variety of food and beverage options from local vendors. Concerts feature a diverse lineup of performers. The opening concert showcases Kavon Cortez Jones and The Next Paperback Hero, playing the “funkiest jazz on the planet." This year's concert series wraps up Kenosha's own Kal Bergendahl Project.
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Admission: Free
More information: easttown.com
Cathedral Square Marketplace
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, June 11 to July 9; and July 23 to Aug. 27
Where: Cathedral Square Park, 520 E. Wells St. in Milwaukee
Known for: Fresh produce from more than 100 Wisconsin farmers, locally made crafts, live local entertainment (starting at 10:30 a.m.), crafters, bakers and chefs, plus a free outdoor yoga class (starting at 9 a.m.).
Admission: Free
More information: easttown.com
Chicago Blues Festival
When: Thursday-Sunday, June 8 to 11. Open 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday and noon to 9 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
Where: Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. in Chicago
Known for: Billed as the largest free blues festival in the world — and the largest of Chicago’s music festivals — more than 500,000 fans are expected at the four-day festival.
Admission: Free
More information: cityofchicago.org
Milwaukee Night Market
When: 5 to 10 p.m. on four Wednesdays: June 14, July 19, Aug. 16 and Sept. 13
Where: In Downtown Milwaukee on West Wisconsin Avenue between Second Street and Vel R. Phillips Avenue.
Known for: Featuring vendors, performances and artists. Or, as organizers describe it: "The Milwaukee Night Market transforms the heart of downtown into an exciting fusion of all the city has to offer."
Admission: Free
More information: mkenightmarket.com
Lakefront Festival of Art
When: Friday-Sunday, June 16 to 18. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
Where: On the south lawn of the Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 N. Art Museum Drive in Milwaukee
Known for: Beautiful art from 100-plus jury-selected artists from across the nation. You'll also find food, live music and activities. Needs a break? Lounge in the Beer Garden or Wine Garden.
Admission: $17 for adults (in advance; $22 at the gate). $17 for students (with ID) and senior citizens (65 and older). Free for children uner age 12 and military veterans and teachers (with ID). Note: Admission includes access to the museum.
Note: The festival continues, rain or shine. Come prepared by bringing anr umbrella.
More information: mam.org/events/lfoa/
Polish Fest
When: Friday-Sunday, June 9 to 11. Open noon to midnight Friday-Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Henry W. Maier Festival Park, 200 N. Harbor Drive in Milwaukee
Known for: Billed as America’s largest Polish festival, the three-day festival has brought the best of Polish culture and heritage to Milwaukee’s lakefront for 40 years. Includes traditional food and music, as well as vodka tastings, the Non-Stop Polka Stage and the Little Miss Polish Fest pageants, ages 4 to 17.
Admission: $5 on Friday before 5 p.m.; $10 after 5 p.m. $15 at the gate for adults on Saturday and $12 for senior citizens (55 and older). Sunday admission is $10 at the gate. Everyone gets in free on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., before the Mass. Also on Sunday, get in free from 2 to 5 p.m. by donating two or more canned fruit or vegetables (non expired and unopened). Children 15 and younger are always admitted for free with an adult. Free admission also to members of the military and veterans (with an ID).
More information: polishfest.org
Summer Soulstice
When: Noon to midnight on Saturday, June 17
Where: Prospect and Farwell avenues, along North Avenue, in Milwaukee
Known for: The one-day street festival offer live music, along with food, arts and crafts and family activities.
Admission: Free
More information: theeastside.org
Summerfest
When: Thursday-Saturday on three consecutive weekends: June 22-24, June 29-July 1 and July 6-8. The festival is open noon to midnight daily.
Where: Henry W. Maier Festival Park, 200 N. Harbor Drive, on Milwaukee’s Downtown lakefront.
Known for: Billing itself as “the world’s largest music festival and Milwaukee’s cornerstone summer celebration,” Summerfest features the 23,000 capacity American Family Insurance Amphitheater, plus 11 additional stages, a huge selection of food and beverages, marketplaces and interactive exhibits.
Admission: The $130 Power Pass includes one admission for all nine days; a three-day Pass is $62. Daily admission is $26 for adults.
Headliners include: June 22, Eric Church; June 23, Zac Brown Band; June 24, James Taylor & His All Star Band; June 29, Dave Matthews Band; June 30, Odesza; July 1, A Boogie wit da Hoodie and Trippie Redd; July 6, TBA; July 7, Zach Bryan; July 8, Imagine Dragons.
More information: summerfest.com
Concerts in the Gardens
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, June 22 to Aug. 31
Where: Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Drive in Hales Corners
Known for: The summer concert series "invites music lovers to pack a picnic along with their blankets and lawn chairs."
Admission: Free for the concerts (and Boerner Botanical Gardens) after 6 p.m. on concert dates.
More information: boernerbotanicalgardens.org
Cedarburg Strawberry Festival
When: Saturday-Sunday, June 24-25. open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 .m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Downtown Cedarburg
Known for: This festival features strawberry brats, strawberry chicken wraps, strawberry shortcakes, strawberry wine. Did we mention there will be strawberries?
Admission: Free
More information: cedarburgfestival.org
JULY
Music in the Park
When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays, July 10-Aug. 28; and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, July 12-Aug. 16
Where: Lake Park Summer Stage, 2975 N. Lake Park Road in Milwaukee
Known for: Musical Mondays features a diverse lineup. The Wednesday performances are geared toward children and families. Note: Concerts move inside if the weather is bad.
Admission: Free
Note: bring your own chairs, blankets, food and beverages.
Special opening concert: The series kicks off with a 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, performance by the Florentine Opera: Mozart in the park, featuring scenes from Mozart’s most beloved operas. No knowledge of opera required. It's billed as "fun for the whole family."
More information: lakeparkfriends.org
Bastille Days
When: Thursday-Sunday, July 13 to 16. Open 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Where: Cathedral Square Park, 520 E. Wells St. in Milwaukee
Known for: This French-themed celebration kicks off with the Storming of the Bastille 5K Run, possibly the best name for a fun run. The street fest also features live music, French cuisine, wine tastings and a 43-foot Eiffel Tower replica.
Admission: Free
More information: easttown.com
Milwaukee Air and Water Show
When: Saturday-Sunday, July 22 to 23
Where: Milwaukee’s lakefront, from Bradford Beach and parts of McKinley Beach.
Known for: Thrills in air and on the water. The show features armed forces demonstrations, including the Navy Blue Angels.
Admission: Free for the general public. However, tickets are sold for the reserved seating areas, located at CenterPoint. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the website or in person during the event.
More information: mkeairwatershow.com
German Fest
When: Friday-Sunday, July 28 to 30
Where: Henry W. Maier Festival Park, 200 N. Harbor Drive in Milwaukee
Known for: Festival mainstays are bratwurst, beer and potato pancakes. You’ll also find plenty of oompah-pah bands and the annual Dachshund Derby (on Sunday).
Admission: $5 on Friday only. Adults are $18 at the gate ($15 in advance). Senior citizens (60 and older) and students (with ID) get in for $7. Free for children age 12 and younger, with an adult. Everyone gets in free from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, at the South Gate only, by donating three cans of healthy fruits or vegetables, for the Hunger Task Force.
More information: germanfest.com
Brady Street Festival
When: Saturday, July 29, from noon to 11 p.m.
Where: Brady Street, between Van Buren Street and Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee
Known for: Five stages featuring local bands performing.
Admission: Free
More information: bradystreet.org
AUGUST
Chicago Air and Water Show
When: Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 19 to 20. Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days.
Where: North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago
Known for: Thrilling formation flying and water stunts — and enormous crowds. There’s a reason this is billed as “the largest spectator event in the United States.”
Admission: Free
More information: cityofchicago.org
Mexican Fiesta
When: Friday-Sunday, Aug. 25 to 27. Open noon to midnight daily.
Where: Henry W. Maier Festival Park, 200 N. Harbor Drive in Milwaukee
Known for: Since it began in 1973 as a south side street festival to celebrate Mexican Independence Day, Mexican Fiesta has evolved into one of Wisconsin’s largest Mexican festivals and a showcase for the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation, which sponsors the event in an effort to award scholarships for young Hispanic men and women.
Admission: $24 at the gate ($19 in advance). Free for children age 8 and younger. Free admission to everyone from noon to 3 p.m. on Friday. Also, free admission from noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday for senior citizens (65 and older), people with disabilities, military active duty personnel and veterans (with ID).
More information: mexicanfiesta.org
Chicago Jazz Festival
When: Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 31 to Sept. 3. Open
Where: Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. in Chicago
Known for: The festival "promotes all forms of jazz through free, high-quality music programming. The festival showcases Chicago's local talent alongside national and international artists," according to organizers.
Admission: Free
More information: cityofchicago.org
SEPTEMBER
PetFest
When: Saturday, Sept. 23. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: The Summerfest Grounds in downtown Milwaukee at the lakefront
Known for: A variety of pet-focused attractions and activities, including dock diving, agility and lure courses, main stage presentations including training and trick clinics and a pet-themed marketplace. A highlight is the pet costume contest.
Admission: Free
Information: petfestmke.com
Festa Italiana
When: Friday to Sunday, Sept. 8-10. Open 4 to 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Italian Community Center grounds, 631 E. Chicago Ave. in Milwaukee
Known for: Food, a mass and procession, a bocce tournament and live music all weekend.
More information: iccmilwaukee.com/festa-italiana
Taste of Chicago
When: Friday-Sunday, Sept. 8 to 10
Where: Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St. in Chicago
Known for: An enormous variety of food, plus entertainment.
Admission: Free
More information: cityofchicago.org | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/road-trips-festivals-take-place-along-the-i-94-corridor/article_d1124e82-03e4-11ee-955a-4f1de89c467f.html | 2023-06-08T13:20:44 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/road-trips-festivals-take-place-along-the-i-94-corridor/article_d1124e82-03e4-11ee-955a-4f1de89c467f.html |
Unpredictable killers: Rip currents tear along RI beaches. Here's how to stay safe
Rip currents are among lifeguard Andy Lavallee's biggest concerns, and with good reason. The stealthy, unpredictable killers claim about 100 lives in the United States each year, including several in Rhode Island over the last few years.
On wavy, windy days, rip currents can tear along Rhode Island's ocean beaches, appearing out of nowhere and disappearing almost as abruptly. Scarborough and East Matunuck state beaches tend to see the most rip currents, sometimes with "multiple rip currents occurring at the same time at both beaches," according to Michael Healey, a spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Management.
Lifeguards at Scarborough and Matunuck made about 100 rescues last summer, most of them the result of the powerful currents, Healey said. A captain at Scarborough, Lavallee has lost count of how many rescues he's made over the 14 years he's worked for the DEM. "Most of the time, it is a rip," he said.
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Rip currents have been blamed for at least four deaths in Rhode Island over the last three years: a Massachusetts man who went swimming in heavy surf at Scarborough after the beach had closed on a night in July 2020, a 10-year-old Providence girl and 35-year-old Central Falls man who tried to save her at Warwick's Conimicut Point in June 2021, and a 9-year-old boy who died off Easton's Beach in Newport last July.
With thousands of people heading for the beach this summer and the ocean relentlessly pounding the shoreline, rip currents will continue to emerge from the depths and pull swimmers from the shallows. But beachgoers can increase their chances of staying safe thanks to improvements in forecasting, by taking precautions and by knowing what to do if they get caught in a rip.
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What are rip currents?
Rip currents are powerful currents of water that move away from shore at surf beaches, according to NOAA. They're often created when waves hit the shore and then a large volume of water recedes back out into the ocean through a narrow channel that's typically deeper than the surrounding bottom.
Structures such as jetties or piers can create rip currents as the water recedes along the solid fixture. Those rip currents remain in one place and are typically permanent, but the rip currents that may be the most confounding for swimmers and lifeguards are the ones that form sporadically along beaches due to a combination of factors such as waves, tide and the shape of the bottom.
Those rip currents can run for a few minutes or for hours. Rip currents can be as narrow as 10 or 20 feet, but some can be 100 yards wide, according to Greg Dusek, a senior scientist for NOAA who studies rip currents. Rip currents typically extend from near the shoreline through the surf zone and past the line of breaking waves, according to NOAA. They're usually no more than a couple hundred feet long, but Dusek says some can extend a quarter-mile from shore.
"You don't need a long rip for people to have problems," Dusek said. "All it takes is for someone to get pulled from where they can touch bottom to where they can't."
Rip currents can flow away from the beach at 5 mph, which Dusek acknowledges "doesn't sound like much," but "it's basically top-end Olympic swimmer speed."
Can meteorologists forecast rip currents?
The ability of forecasters to predict days when rip currents will happen has improved, thanks to the work of scientists like Dusek. In February 2021, NOAA launched a national rip current forecast model developed by Dusek that can predict the hourly probability of rip currents along U.S. beaches up to six days out, according to NOAA.
The model uses wave and water level information from the National Weather Service's Nearshore Wave Prediction System to predict the risk of rip currents on a scale of 0 to 100%, NOAA says.
The model means forecasters can predict rip currents with more certainty than ever before, according to Dusek. “Before this, forecasters were manually predicting rip currents on a large section of the ocean twice a day and only a day or two into the future. The earlier prediction has the potential to substantially increase awareness and reduce drownings,” he said in a NOAA article on the model.
Local National Weather Service offices like the one in Norton, Massachusetts, which covers Rhode Island, have access to the national model as they put out advisories, assessing the rip-current risk at low, medium or high.
"The TV meteorologists pick up on it, and that probably is the biggest dissemination of the information," said Glenn Field, warning-coordination meteorologist for the weather service in Norton. "All the lifeguards know to look for it every day, too."
Several factors are considered in the forecast, including feedback the meteorologists have received from lifeguards, according to Field.
"The worst days tend to be from distant tropical storms and hurricanes," which could be a thousand miles away, Field said.
Long-period swells, waves at shore of 4 feet or greater and wind gusts higher than 25 knots will trigger a medium or high advisory.
Can you spot a rip current?
As a scientist and surfer, J.P. Walsh is familiar with rip currents. A professor at URI's Graduate School of Oceanography and director of its Coastal Resources Center, he's better than most at spotting them. He's also well aware of their danger, having helped rescue swimmers from their grip.
Like other surfers, Walsh has used rip currents to his advantage, hitching an easy ride away from shore as he goes to catch another wave off Point Judith or Matunuck.
The science of forecasting rip currents "is getting better," Walsh said, "but the general ability to predict them is always going to be limited." After all, weather forecasters can predict the likelihood of thunderstorms, but they can't say exactly where and when the lightning will strike.
"You really need to be attentive," Walsh said. "All beaches on wavy days can have them."
Andrew Sprague, lifeguard captain at East Matunuck State Beach, knows to keep watch, especially on "big-wave days when water builds up. Rip currents tend to form in the same areas, "lower spots," Sprague said.
Rip currents are more noticeable from an elevated vantage point. "What you're looking for is changes in how the waves are breaking on shore," Dusek said. Is there a gap between the breakers? "It's where the waves aren't breaking," he said. "The deeper water is where rips are formed."
Another telltale sign is a stream of foam, sand or sediment flowing away from shore. Still, Dusek said, "The ocean is dynamic. Sometimes it can be hard to spot them, even for experts."
What if you get caught in a rip current?
Swimmers who get caught in a rip current should not try to swim against it, directly back to shore, because the current is too strong, experts say. Swimmers should instead swim parallel to the shore until they're out of the current.
"The worst thing you can do is try to swim right back to shore or start panicking," Dusek said. Swimmers caught in a rip current should try to relax, call for help. Even if they stay in the current, it will dissipate. "If you can stay afloat on the water, you will get rescued," Dusek said.
The currents sometimes even circulate back toward shore, Walsh said.
Dusek and Walsh both emphasized that beachgoers should swim near lifeguards so someone can help if they get into trouble. And don't be afraid to ask a lifeguard about rip currents. "The best thing you can do is swim near a lifeguard," Dusek said.
Sprague said the state's lifeguards are well trained to handle beach emergencies, including rip currents.
"They can pull you pretty far offshore," Sprague said, "We usually get people before they get too far."
When the whistle blows, "the training and adrenaline kick in," Lavallee said. "The training really does take over. It becomes muscle memory." | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/06/08/rip-currents-rhode-island-beach-how-to-stay-safe-in-the-ocean/70269912007/ | 2023-06-08T13:20:49 | 1 | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/06/08/rip-currents-rhode-island-beach-how-to-stay-safe-in-the-ocean/70269912007/ |
Witches, madness and murder.
Lots of murder.
That's the blueprint for Shakespeare's tragedy "Macbeth."
But it's not usually also a fun evening out at a Wisconsin state park — until now.
Summit Players Theatre is taking its version of "Macbeth" around the state for the group's 2022 Shakespeare in the State Parks tour.
After focusing on the Bard's comedies, why turn to the tale of a doomed Scottish general?
"We did 'Romeo & Juliet' back in 2019, so this is not our first brush with tragedy," said A.J. Magoon, the troupe's executive director. "We know what works with our audience, and we were willing to take it on."
When it comes to Shakespeare's tragedies, "Macbeth" works better for the Summit Players than some of the playwright's other works.
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"'Macbeth' has an economy of action," Magoon said. "It's tragic yet adventurous, too, unlike 'King Lear and 'Hamlet,' which are more thoughtful and philosophical tragedies. In this show, swords fly and there are witches."
To make the show family friendly, he said, "we find a way to stylize the violence and rougher elements of the play."
He describes this version of "Macbeth" as "spooky but not scary. Our angle is: It's like the fun of going our trick-or-treating on Halloween. It's fun to be a little scared, but we don't take it too far."
Magoon added that having kids see "Macbeth" is educational, both through the pre-show workshop, and in an emotional way, too.
"Kids are capable of handling a lot that gets thrown at them, and they enjoy being trusted with these big emotions," he said. "A tragedy is like rehearsing for real life: There are big, scary emotions in a fake environment. You'll drive home safe after the show, so you can enjoy falling into the story because you know it's a safe space."
Shakespeare 101
To help people get ready for the 7 p.m. show at Bong, the acting company leads a 45-minute pre-show workshop on Shakespeare, designed to help modern audience members get over their fear of the Bard’s works.
The free workshop is interactive, with theater games and a discussion about Shakespeare, plus a preview of the show.
“The educational workshop is a great way for kids and families to get into the world of the play we’re doing,” Magoon said. “It goes over the characters, the themes and the plot in an interactive and simple way so that, by the time the performance rolls around, even kids who have never seen Shakespeare before have a baseline for what’s going on.”
But what if I hate Shakespeare?
Getting people over the “Shakespeare hump” can be difficult, Magoon concedes.
When someone tells him, “I can’t understand the language in Shakespeare’s plays, so I can’t go to the show,” he’s quick to respond.
“I don’t think that’s true. Of course, it’s easy to think that,” he said. “People are introduced to Shakespeare in school or somewhere when they’re younger, and they get this sense that his plays are dense and impenetrable — like another language.
“We really focus on making things understandable in a few ways: When our adapter and director, Maureen Kilmurry, cuts the scripts, she concentrates on taking out the weird references, the old jokes and the phrases that only made sense 400 years ago. And when we’re rehearsing, we make sure our actors understand what they’re saying. They can paraphrase the whole show into modern English if needed.
“The goal,” he said, “is always clarity, and the result is a show anyone can enjoy. It doesn’t matter if you understand every single word, you still get the jokes and you can follow the plot and care about the people. That’s what we’re after.”
Trimming the Bard
There are just six actors in the Summit Players' version of "Macbeth," which helps immensely in keeping the play running efficiently.
"All the credit goes to Maureen (Kilmurry), who trims the play every summer for us," he said. "This show was a big challenge, because there are a lot of characters in 'Macbeth.' She condense a lot of the Scottish lords into one lord. He says all the lines that the different lords as a group say. It's all about trying to cut some of the long speeches yet retaining the story."
Started at Bong
The Summit Players Theatre was founded in 2014 by Hannah Klapperich-Mueller, who was inspired after a family camping trip.
“I was walking past a wooden amphitheater in a state park, and I thought ‘wouldn’t it be great to go there and do a show?’” she said.
At that time, Klapperich-Mueller was an undergraduate student at Marquette University, and she enlisted some of her classmates into doing a tour through Wisconsin’s state parks.
The troupe’s first show was at Bong, and the park still holds a special place for the Players.
“There’s a reason we always start at Bong,” Magoon said. “What an incredible crowd. The first year, Bong was our first show, like always, and we were taking bets in the car: Would we get 10 people to show up? Fifteen, maybe 20? We had 75 that first year, and every year since, we’ve gotten that kind of warm reception: 70 people, 80 people, sometimes more than 100.
“The crowd at Bong was the first real indication that what we were doing was important to people, not just to us,” he said. “It’s one of the reasons we decided to turn Summit into a real company, and it’s one of the reasons we’re still around today.”
Magoon said audiences continue to support the summer tour because "it's free; it's a high-quality, professional show; it's for anyone to experience and enjoy — and it all takes place in our beautiful parks."
Now that Summit Players has been doing this for almost a decade "people make it part of their summer," Magoon said, "which is a testament to the incredible work of all the artists, administrators and the people who fund us. And we thank the audiences, too. If there's no audience, we don't have a show."
As for why Shakespeare's plays continue to be performed hundreds of years after they were written, Magoon says modern audiences — and actors — can still relate to these characters.
"There's just something about how clearly Shakespeare articulates parts of the human experience," he said. "You can relate to seomthing in all of his plays through those characters. In 'Macbeth,' it's looking at ambition and what does it mean to want power? What does it mean to be a man? What does it mean to care about your country? Or care about your society?
"Shakespeare wrote these plays that have big themes, and those big, human themes still resonate."
------------------
If you go
What: Summit Players Theatre's production of Shakespeare's “Macbeth”
Where: Bong State Recreation Area, 26313 Burlington Road (Highway 142)
When: Friday, June 9. A 45-minute educational workshop begins at 5:30 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m. The play runs about an hour and 15 minutes. All ages are welcome (recommended for kids age 8 and up).
Shakespeare 101: The free pre-show workshop is interactive, with theater games and a discussion about Shakespeare, plus a preview of the show. “The educational workshop is a great way for kids and families to get into the world of the play we’re doing,” the troupe's executive director, A.J. Magoon, said. “It goes over the characters, the themes and the plot in an interactive and simple way so that, by the time the performance rolls around, even kids who have never seen Shakespeare before have a baseline for what’s going on.”
Rain or shine: The show must go on, whatever the weather. If the weather Friday is bad, the performance will move inside Shelter No. 3, next to Wolf Lake at Bong.
Cost: The workshop and show are free; however, a Wisconsin state park vehicle admission sticker is required to enter Bong. The cost is $8 per day ($3 for ages 65 and older) for Wisconsin residents. Annual park admission stickers are also available ($28 for Wisconsin residents; $13 for ages 65 and older). Also, donations to the theater troupe can be made at their website, summitplayerstheatre.com.
About the show: In this tragedy, written in the early 1600s, Macbeth, a Scottish general, receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders King Duncan and takes the Scottish throne for himself. He is then wracked with guilt and paranoia. Forced to commit more and more murders to protect himself, he soon becomes a tyrannical ruler. The bloodbath and consequent civil war swiftly take Macbeth and Lady Macbeth into the realms of madness and death.
-----------------
One show, 22 parks
This year’s Summit Players Theatre's Shakespeare in the State Parks tour covers 22 parks and state forests and will take the players all over Wisconsin.
The traveling theater company, now in its ninth season, will bring "Macbeth" to areas across Wisconsin from June 9 through Aug. 19.
“We work in state parks because Wisconsin has such a great park system,” said Executive Director A.J. Magoon. “We can hit virtually every nook and cranny of the state and invite communities from all over to join us for workshops and performances.
“And the parks are so great. We want people to know that, no matter what they’re going for, they can go to the parks for a good time, and that they should come back time and time again.”
The troupe added two news park this season: Governor Thompson, in the far northeast corner of the state, near Crivitz (June 24) and Amnicon Falls, in the far northwest corner, near Superior (July 8).
"We are pushing to get to all four corners of the state, and adding Governor Thompson State Park helps us hit that goal," Magoon said. "We're excited to try out a new northern park.
While he's reluctant to name a favorite state park — "that's like making me name a favorite child" — he does mention his love for Copper Falls State Park, in the northwest part of Wisconsin, near Lake Superior (show on July 7), Rib Mountain near Wausau (July 14) and the Kettle Moraine State Forest Pike Lake Unit, near Hartford (Aug. 18). "That park has a beautiful amphitheater," he said, "and the Friends of the Park do a Friday fish fry while we're there. It's a real dinner theater vibe."
The tour starts, as always, in our own Bong State Recreation Area on Friday, June 9, with future nearby stops in Blue Mound State Park near Madison on June 18; Kohler-Andrae in Sheboygan on July 15; Mirror Lake, near Wisconsin Dells, on July 22; and ending the season at Havenwoods State Forest in Milwaukee on Aug. 19. There's also an earlier performance in Havenwoods, on July 10.
You can find the entire schedule and an interactive tour map at summitplayerstheatre.com. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/shakespeare-in-the-state-parks-tour-kicks-off-june-9-at-bong/article_33070930-03b7-11ee-a5db-b38b362eef18.html | 2023-06-08T13:20:50 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/shakespeare-in-the-state-parks-tour-kicks-off-june-9-at-bong/article_33070930-03b7-11ee-a5db-b38b362eef18.html |
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A man is behind bars after shooting at a St. Petersburg police officer who was in an unmarked car Wednesday night, according to the police department.
It happened just before 11:45 p.m. at the intersection of 14th Avenue South and 35th Street South.
Police said 23-year-old Savarion Miller fired at the officer, who was uninjured and able to drive off. The officer did not shoot back.
Miller then fled the scene of the shooting and later crashed his car at the intersection of 38th Avenue North and 21st Street North, the police department reports. Officers in the area were able to arrest him.
Miller is charged with attempted first-degree murder, driving with a suspended license, leaving the scene of a crash with property damage and reckless driving with injury.
The investigation is ongoing. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/man-shoots-at-st-pete-officer/67-4a0c4114-b781-4e34-aa6d-99ffad5c48ed | 2023-06-08T13:22:48 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/man-shoots-at-st-pete-officer/67-4a0c4114-b781-4e34-aa6d-99ffad5c48ed |
CEDAR FALLS — A recent parking incident has led the city to consider reforming its permit system for downtown municipal lots.
The City Council voted 4-3 on Monday to look into residential parking permits for those lots. That would allow people who show proof of residency in the area to keep their vehicles in the lots all the time instead of only 48 hours.
Councilmembers Susan deBuhr, Dustin Ganfield and Kelly Dunn opposed the motion.
Staff will likely come back with more details and options for new rules before the end of the year in response to Councilmember Simon’s Harding proposal.
Right now, the number of individual permits available for a particular lot is capped at 20% of the spaces there. They can be purchased by people for $35 per month but vehicles can remain parked in one spot for no more than 48 consecutive hours.
According to the city, the 48-hour ordinance was adopted in October 2019 because of certain issues with mostly residents leaving their vehicles in the lots for extended periods of time, concerning residents and business owners about available spaces and making it challenging for snow removal.
How many people this change would impact was not immediately known by city staff.
The 48-hour ordinance is notably “easier” to enforce and more complaints often are filed during snow storms, leading the city to often put out reminders of the limit. Vehicles that don’t move interfere with snowplows and salt trucks attempting to remove snow in public right-of-ways.
Monday’s discussion came after Julie Shimek, downtown resident and owner of Vintage Iron Co., 104 Main St., earlier this year publicly made a parking complaint known publicly. Her vehicle had been towed in January from the Second Street East Lot because of allegedly having been in violation of the rule while out of town.
Shimek’s case was dismissed and her payment for the tow was reimbursed. The city ultimately indicated “there was no violation that could be cited pursuantly to the current city code.”
She and Dawn Wilson, another downtown resident and owner of Cup of Joe, 102 E. Main St., were present Monday to voice their support for the proposed change.
The clerk’s office and parking division recommended sticking with the current ordinance. However, they left open the possibility of “a temporary long-term parking” option when needed where residents could “pay an additional cost per day thru a separate application process.”
Twenty-five citations have been issued in more than three years. Vehicles are generally parked for at least 72 to 96 hours before they’re towed, but that’s a rare occurrence unless a complaint has been filed or it’s obvious they haven’t been moved.
Change in policy
The council also addressed a possible change to policy following the handling of the controversial LGBTQIA+ Month proclamation in May. Mayor Rob Green initially said he wouldn’t sign it and then changed his mind following an outcry from supporters of the declaration.
The council votes on all proclamations, per a recent change to policy. However, members supported the idea of City Attorney Kevin Rogers coming back with language that removes their involvement in proclamations.
Green takes issue with his office administering the declarations because his reading of city code indicates it is not directly given the responsibility – with the exception of emergency declarations, an authority under state code.
“Special presentations” are an allowable event as part of any meeting agenda. As the meeting’s presiding officer who sets the agenda, councilmembers note he could bring awareness to certain topics that way as opposed to proclamations. Still, the council would have some level of involvement because of its majority power to overrule him on any proposed agenda items.
In other business, the council unanimously approved:
Conveying 2.15 acres of city-owned land, at the corner of Production Drive and Technology Parkway in its industrial park, to Adam Haynes, owner of Bitcoin mining company Simple Mining. Construction of a new 9,600-square-foot building is planned after the company outgrew space it leased at 2412 Waterloo Road.
Reappointments of Donna Mallin and Julie Kliegl to the Human Rights Commission as well as Alan Stalnaker and Erik Blanchard to the Parks & Recreation Commission.
The resignation of Kendra Wohlert from the Art & Culture Board.
An agreement with Peters Construction Corporation for $40,958 to rebuild the damaged wall at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course Pro Shop on the southwestern end of the building by Oct. 21.
Cities With the Highest Rental Vacancy Rates
Cities With the Highest Rental Vacancy Rates
The US rental vacancy rate has been steadily declining since the Great Recession
Over half of renter households spend at least 30 percent of their income on rent
States in the South and Midwest have the highest rental vacancy rates
I've covered city government for The Courier since August 2021. I'm a Chatham, NJ native who graduated from Gettysburg College in 2018 and previously worked for publications in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/cedar-falls-residential-permits-to-be-considered-for-downtown-municipal-lots/article_c149a876-0527-11ee-8198-b787d035469e.html | 2023-06-08T13:27:14 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/cedar-falls-residential-permits-to-be-considered-for-downtown-municipal-lots/article_c149a876-0527-11ee-8198-b787d035469e.html |
A bipartisan bill co-sponsored in the U.S. Senate by Indiana Sen. Todd Young and Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown would crack down on unfair trade of steel products, particularly with serial offenders.
“Leveling the Playing Field Act 2.0," which is officially known as “Eliminating Global Market Distortions to Protect American Jobs Act of 2023,” would sharpen enforcement tools to combat repeat offenders of U.S. trade remedy laws and address the growing issue of cross-border subsidization in which countries like China subsidize exporting industries in other countries to sneak around tariffs.
“The American steel industry is the backbone of the U.S. economy and produces the cleanest steel in the world. But the industry has faced repeated surges of unfairly traded steel imports in recent years —due largely to dumped and subsidized imports from many countries and regions, including those that produce steel with higher carbon intensity than U.S. steelmakers," American Iron and Steel Institute President and CEO Kevin Dempsey said.
In the House of Representatives, the bill is sponsored by Reps. Bill Johnson, R-OH, and Terri Sewell, D-AL.
It would help address cases where Chinese steelmakers built export-oriented steel mills in countries like Vietnam and Indonesia, Dempsey said.
"American steelmakers have successfully sought relief under the U.S. trade remedy system, only to face new surges of steel imports of the same products from other countries not subject to the original antidumping or countervailing duty orders," he said. "By strengthening the effectiveness of the U.S. trade laws, this bill will help give the American public confidence that their government has every tool available to fight for a level playing field for the American steel industry and our workers."
The legislation builds upon the Leveling the Playing Field Act that became law in 2015. It would establish successive investigations targeting repeat offenders and serial cheaters.
“Our bipartisan bill will protect American jobs and combat China’s unfair trade practices,” said Sen. Young. “China has distorted the free market by dumping undervalued products and subsidizing industries, actions designed to harm American businesses and workers. This legislation will help level the playing field to ensure the United States can outcompete the Chinese Communist Party.”
The bill would crack down on country hopping through China’s Belt and Road Initiative that circumvents American tariffs by shifting production to other Asian countries.
“China is always coming up with new ways to distort the global market, cheating Ohio companies out of business and Ohio workers out of jobs. Our bill will help the U.S. fight back with new, innovative tools, allowing us to crack down on repeat offenders and serial cheaters,” Sen. Brown said. “Ohioans can out-compete anyone — they just need a fair, level playing field.”
It's estimated about half of the unfair trade cases involve steel. But the United States also handled unfair trade cases with a number of other products like engines, furniture, hardwood, plywood, welded pipe, solar panels, pipes, tubes, wood moldings, truck trailer chasses, tires magnesium, paper, industrial materials, shrimp, carrier bags, magnesia bricks, kitchen cabinets and quartz countertops.
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Pierogi stand, Brown Skin Coffee and Alpha Family Resale opening; Ixxa and Dan's Pierogies updating
Region native Joseph S. Pete is a Lisagor Award-winning business reporter who covers steel, industry, unions, the ports, retail, banking and more. The Indiana University grad has been with The Times of Northwest Indiana since 2013. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/bill-would-crack-down-on-unfair-steel-trade-repeat-offenders-and-country-hopping/article_e4c2ea2e-0568-11ee-ab43-3b1a0822ef54.html | 2023-06-08T13:27:15 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/bill-would-crack-down-on-unfair-steel-trade-repeat-offenders-and-country-hopping/article_e4c2ea2e-0568-11ee-ab43-3b1a0822ef54.html |
Waterloo City Councilor Johnathan Grieder speaks during his re-election campaign announcement on Tuesday at SingleSpeed Brewing Co.
CHRIS ZOELLER Courier Staff Photographer
Attendees listen as Waterloo City Councilmember Johnathan Grieder speaks during his re-election campaign announcement on Tuesday at SingleSpeed Brewing Co.
CHRIS ZOELLER Courier Staff Photographer
Attendees clap as Waterloo City Councilmember Johnathan Grieder speaks during his re-election campaign announcement on Tuesday at SingleSpeed Brewing Co.
WATERLOO — After four years of sitting in the Ward 2 City Council seat, Jonathan Grieder is running for an at-large position.
He announced his campaign to a group of supporters at SingleSpeed Brewery on Tuesday evening.
“We need solid leadership that’s consistently going to represent all of Waterloo at the at-large seat,” he said. “So that’s why I’m running.”
The at-large seat that is up for grabs is currently held by Dave Boesen. The other at-large position is filled by Rob Nichols, whose term ends in December 2025.
Greider expressed pride in the work he’s done during his first term. He listed some of his accomplishments as making diaper changing stations required in new or renovated businesses; reforms with the Waterloo Police Department, such as improving morale and staffing levels; helping fire stations to not be “browned out”; crafting an ordinance to make Waterloo a carbon-free community; leading an ordinance to ban conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth; and helping create a task force to reduce gun violence in the city.
If elected, he wants to continue working on these issues but laid out some new areas of interest, as well. One of those included equitably investing in all neighborhoods in the city. He said in the past, Waterloo has been divided in more ways than one.
“Certain decisions made decades ago still filter down to the quality of life and job opportunities and educational attainment of too many of our residents in Waterloo,” he said. “We need to do something about that because no matter where you live, you should absolutely be able to seize every opportunity that’s available.”
He also aims to work on ensuring there are affordable homes in the community and creating interest in young people staying or moving to the city, noting the population drop recorded in the 2020 Census.
He said that young people, such as Millenials and Gen-Z age groups, want to come to Waterloo but better opportunities in other cities pull them elsewhere. He wants to figure out the answer on how to encourage those people to come back and stay.
“These folks … are looking for different things than a white picket fence in the suburbs,” he said. “They’re looking for affordable housing near things that are attractions to them.”
More additions have been added to the city, he said, such as the new Arena Football League team, the Lost Island Themepark, and potential changes to public transportation routes.
As for his current place on the council, he believes that residents know where he stands on issues.
“I think I bring a drive,” he said. “There are challenges that face our city and I have gone and looked at these issues, done my research and … it’s been a team effort. When I see something that is challenging folks in Waterloo, I put in 110% everyday.”
Grieder, 33, has lived in Waterloo since 2017. He teaches social studies at West High School and has a wife and two daughters.
The election takes place on Nov. 7. The other council spot on the ballot besides Ward 2 and one at-large seat is Ward 5, currently represented by Belinda Creighton-Smith. Mayor Quentin Hart’s fourth term also ends this year. No other re-election campaigns have been announced.
The 2024 presidential field, in the order they've announced
Attendees listen as Waterloo City Councilmember Johnathan Grieder speaks during his re-election campaign announcement on Tuesday at SingleSpeed Brewing Co.
Attendees clap as Waterloo City Councilmember Johnathan Grieder speaks during his re-election campaign announcement on Tuesday at SingleSpeed Brewing Co. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/waterloo-ward-2-councilmember-jonathan-grieder-running-for-at-large-seat/article_188a4efa-03d5-11ee-9f81-33f7961f98dd.html | 2023-06-08T13:27:20 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/waterloo-ward-2-councilmember-jonathan-grieder-running-for-at-large-seat/article_188a4efa-03d5-11ee-9f81-33f7961f98dd.html |
ST. JOHN — When Tom Hocker first began documenting all the construction in St. John, he was driven by one fundamental question.
"Starting with a field, how do you make something out of nothing?"
“I was fascinated by how you can take a field, and with a few truckloads of sticks, make a personal space, a house, that people inhabit and make their own."
As Hocker began exploring the town even more, photographing celebrations, church services and neighborhood get-to-togethers, his initial question expanded.
“How do all these little units connect with each other besides just getting in each other’s way at a stop sign," Hocker said.
“I’m exploring how St. John is evolving a sense of community, given the fact that there’s no town center, there’s just a bunch of people moving in from different locations. It’s a hodge-podge collection of houses. How do you turn that into a community?"
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For Hocker, it really comes down to "what brings people together?"
Over the past two years, Hocker has traveled around St. John photographing farmer's markets, schools, festivals, cemeteries, community gardens, garage sales, town meetings, local businesses and more. After collecting thousands of images, Hocker has printed and framed a select array to display at the St. John VFW Auxiliary Post 717. The gallery will be open to the public this Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and this Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; the VFW hall is located at 10400 W. 93rd Ave.
Documenting St. John
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hocker started driving around St. John, just as a way to get out of the house.
Even though he's lived in the town for 20 years, he found himself discovering new areas.
"I didn’t realize how much was being built up in subdivisions," Hocker recalled.
The Texas native credits his interest in photography to the three years his family spent in Japan. His father was stationed at a military base in Japan and Hocker recalled being fascinated by the local carpenters that worked with hand tools.
"I think it was very important for my aesthetic development," Hocker said.
He went on to study photography at the IIT Institute of Design at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. In the 1970s and 80s, he worked as a public relations staffer, photographing the former Inland Steel Mill in East Chicago. A few years ago Hocker received a grant through the Indiana Arts Commission, or IAC, to make large prints of some of the photos he took at Inland Steel. He's also received a IAC grant for poetry writing.
After photographing some of the building in St. John, Hocker got the idea for a photo project that documented the town's history and growth. After getting approval from the town council, Hocker applied for another IAC grant and received $3,900. The town has been posting Hocker's work on Facebook for the last few months and the prints will eventually be hung in the Historical Society Room of the town hall.
Throughout the project Hocker said he would just "roam around" the town, stopping by block parties, open houses, construction sites, anywhere he saw people gathering.
“I have very few pictures that don’t have a human presence," Hocker pointed to a photo he took of a white cross leaned against a powerline. "Even this, there’s no person, but there is the human element of a memorial."
Hocker's images show how quickly the town has changed; from a farm community made up of German immigrants, to one of the fastest-growing communities in the state. The gallery includes a photo of John Hack's grave, the farmer that founded St. John when he immigrated from Germany in 1837. He also photographed a number of the town's earliest homes, structures that date back to the mid 1800s.
Pointing to a portrait depicting the Maxberry family sitting on the front steps of their farmhouse, Hocker said he "arranged one last playdate at grandma's."
Cindy Maxberry owned the farmland that was the last piece of property Schilling Development acquired to construct The Preserve subdivision. Hockery photographed the family as they hunted deer on the property in the fall of 2021. The adjacent photo showed the farmhouse being demolished just three months later.
“You had people moving out from the mills, first to Hammond out of East Chicago, then to Munster. Each of band of community was thinking they’re the last before the countryside, they’ll be the ultimate suburb… and so it’s very fragmented," Hocker said.
According to the U.S. Census, between 2010 and 2022, St. John's population grew from 14,850 residents to 22,847.
He hopes to build on the photography project, perhaps focusing on a few of the families he's met throughout the past two years, documenting their lives. Hocker is also working on a similar project with Kolling Elementary School. The school has a unit on "knowing your community" and Hocker said the Kolling principal approached him about displaying photos depicting St. John.
Throughout the project, Hocker said people were generally pretty excited to be included. Armed with his colorful business cards, Hocker would approach residents with the same pitch every time.
“I said, 'I’m telling the story of St. John and I would like to add your story to it.'"
For now, Hocker said he thinks the story of St. John is still evolving. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/st-john/the-story-of-st-john-region-photographer-spent-2-years-documenting-the-growing-town/article_f47bbb56-053d-11ee-9326-4b51ebed1c6c.html | 2023-06-08T13:27:21 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/st-john/the-story-of-st-john-region-photographer-spent-2-years-documenting-the-growing-town/article_f47bbb56-053d-11ee-9326-4b51ebed1c6c.html |
WATERLOO — Some of the Cedar Valley’s youngest artists showcased a unique art installation Tuesday — one that invited visitors to close their eyes and “please touch” for a change.
The Youth Art Team presented its annual large-scale art installation. This year’s project, a collaboration with Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, focused on the different ways the visually impaired experience art.
The local nonprofit aims to create lifelong relationships between children ages 5-18 and the community through art. Its leadership team, some of the oldest artists in the program called the Imagination Coalition, selected this project more than a year ago.
Coalition member Viviana Lopez, 16, said the project was as much about sharing the experiences of the visually impaired as it was about the artists’ own creations.
“We wanted to give other people the chance to see how others live,” she said. “It’s not an everyday experience ... You get to see how people who don’t get to see live and how they operate.”
Starting last fall, the group met on Sunday afternoons to learn about the experiences of visually impaired people and to create their own artwork based on those experiences. Their work culminated in the exhibition at the Youth Art Team’s headquarters at 325 E. Park Ave.
Upon entering the building, guests were handed a slip of paper with a number to queue to enter the central part of the exhibition, a roughly six-foot-wide cube structure enveloped in black curtains that the artists referred to simply as “the room.”
The room is a space the artists created to simulate total blindness and to give all people, no matter their level of sight, an opportunity to experience art through touch, smell and sound. Upon pulling aside the curtains and stepping into the dark room, guests had a minute and a half each to run their hands over the four textured walls, feeling different fabrics from smooth silk to a rougher felt material.
Ccents of different essential oils permeated the room, and a playful piano tune sounded from one corner. As a whole, the experience was meant to invoke feelings of home, coziness and belonging.
Elena Lopez, 17 and Viviana’s sister, is the oldest member of Youth Art Team. Creating the room for the public stands out as a unique part of her years with the program.
“First we had artwork, and we were just going to put it in a classroom. Then the idea came up, let’s build a room,” she said.
“Usually it’s just us in the arts center, coming every Sunday, and no one else would be here,” she said. “I knew that one day people would come in, so seeing it now is really exciting.”
Approximately 125 people attended. Adel Kessler, a former special education teacher, wore a Youth Art Team shirt she purchased at a previous event.
“It’s just an incredible program,” she said. “Every single one of the kids was wonderful to interact with, and it’s just great seeing them and all of their hard work here tonight.”
When not immersed in the room, guests participated in a number of stations led by the artists, who taught attendees to write their names in Braille and create textured artworks using a variety of fabric and paper scraps.
Tables also displayed works created by students at IESBVI who are blind or have impaired vision. Guests were encouraged to touch the canvases, which were covered with a variety of media including paint, sawdust, Braille dots and salt, all used to create unique textures.
A popular feature were the glasses Youth Art Team members created to simulate different vision impairments, including cataracts, tunnel vision and total blindness. The public could take the glasses around the installation and experience the artwork through the lenses of different vision impairments.
The glasses were inspired by one of many educational opportunities the group had last fall when preparing for the project. IESBVI visited with the students and brought simulation goggles to show the students the wide spectrum of visual impairments. It was the students’ decision to bring that experience to a wider audience by creating their own versions of the goggles using plastic pairs of safety glasses covered with different materials such as plastic wrap and duct tape.
The group also met virtually with two artists, John Bramblitt, a Texas-based painter with total blindness, and Jill Wells, a Des Moines artist whose brother lost his sight. They also heard from the friend of a volunteer who is blind, allowing the students to ask honest questions to fully understand the lifestyles of people with vision impairments and how they engage with art.
Youth Art Team is made up of 50-65 students, three staff members, and a large group of volunteers. Staff members emphasized the leading role students take in their projects.
“We aren’t calling the shots,” said Heather Skeens, operations and development director. “They make all the decisions. That group of students, the Imagination Coalition, is really our leadership group.
“It’s youth driven,” she added. “It’s all about them, but we use art as the cohesive strategy.”
Although the exhibition is over, the young leaders in Youth Art Team aren’t finished using what they learned to educate others.
“This is only the first step in the project,” said 14-year-old Sophie Matlock, a member of the Imagination Coalition who has been a part of the Youth Art Team since she was in third grade.
“This room is our first milestone, there’s going to be many to hit along the way. We got to this room because we wanted people who aren’t blind or visually impaired, or even if they are, to be able to know what it feels like to use your other senses other than sight,” she said.
“Eventually at the end of this project, we want to have teachers who teach visually impaired students be able to have an art lesson that they can teach in class.”
More information on the program can be found online at youthartteam.com.
Cities With the Highest Rental Vacancy Rates
Cities With the Highest Rental Vacancy Rates
The US rental vacancy rate has been steadily declining since the Great Recession
Over half of renter households spend at least 30 percent of their income on rent
States in the South and Midwest have the highest rental vacancy rates
Maddie Conyers of Waterloo, 3, closes her eyes as she feels the braille dots in an acrylic paint art piece during the Youth Art Team's new installation, which focuses on how the blind and visually impaired experience art.
Jordan Vernoy and his daughter, Eloise, 9, try on the different glasses simulating various visual impairments during the Youth Art Team's new installation, which focuses on how the blind and visually impaired experience art.
Visitors line up to walk through "the room," a darkened space simulating total blindness, while experiencing the space through sound, touch and smell, during the Youth Art Team's new installation, which focuses on how the blind and visually impaired experience art.
Harper Hoskinson of Cedar Falls, 6, writes her name in braille during the Youth Art Team's new installation, which focuses on how the blind and visually impaired experience art. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/youth-look-at-how-blind-experience-art/article_e76afb2a-055b-11ee-9d8f-5fdf18befaa6.html | 2023-06-08T13:27:23 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/youth-look-at-how-blind-experience-art/article_e76afb2a-055b-11ee-9d8f-5fdf18befaa6.html |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) – Dozens of people came out to Birmingham’s town hall to express their concerns about predatory towing downtown. The city taking notes so the current ordinance can be updated for the first time in ten years.
City Councilman Darrell O’Quinn says towing complaints have increased dramatically in the last six to twelve months. He says the last time towing in the city was addressed was in 2013.
“This predatory towing is causing people not to want to come downtown,” says Matthew Lyons, a Birmingham resident.
Many people at Monday’s town hall shared their own experiences with predatory towing.
“I was towed from a parking lot where I had paid for parking, I paid for three hours of parking, there were no other cars in the lot so it’s not like the lot was at capacity and I was a few minutes late returning from a meeting and found that my car had been towed,” says Lyons.
“I went to purchase something to eat for the evening. I was in the restaurant just 10 minutes picking up my dinner and within 10 minutes I came back, this young lady said, I gave her the description of my car, and she said she watched within 30 seconds my car be taken away,” Latasha Simpson, a prospective business owner in downtown Birmingham, said.
Some say the signs posted in different lots downtown are ‘ambiguous’ and there needs to be more clarification on what the rules for the lots are. O’Quinn says he’s happy people expressed these concerns.
“That was something that hadn’t been expressed to us previously, I think that was really valuable for us to hear. I think there were several other things that were mentioned that I think were aspects that we will now address in the changes we are considering,” O’Quinn said.
O’Quinn says the city’s attorneys will have a lot of good information to take from the town hall to adjust the ordinance draft so it can be proposed before the council in the near future. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/community-shares-concerns-ideas-about-fixing-predatory-towing-in-downtown-birmingham/ | 2023-06-08T13:38:07 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/community-shares-concerns-ideas-about-fixing-predatory-towing-in-downtown-birmingham/ |
YORK, Pa. — When you think of golf, what do you see?
Fresh manicured fairways? Rolling greens? Carts for the taking?
But how does a golf course make this happen?
FOX43's Tyler Hatfield went to Heritage Hills Golf Resort in York Township, York County to learn what it takes to create the best playing experience every day.
The employees say it all starts with maintaining the grounds. But, this isn't your father's lawn mowing technique.
“We mow greens every day; they're mowed at an eighth of an inch. So even a little bit of growth every morning is mowed off," said Richard Green, grounds superintendent at Heritage Hills. “On the fairway, it has five cutting heads, and they're adjusted to a half inch.”
Grounds crews also have to “cut cups”—which means moving the pen around the green.
“If we get a lot of play one day, we'll move it from the back to the center and move it around," said Green. "So we're not wearing out this very fine grass.”
As the morning progresses, players need a way to go out on the course.
That’s where starters and player assistants come in.
Evan Winters, a starter at Heritage Hills, said he has to get to the course at 6 a.m. and take golf carts down from the garage.
Winters said the better prepared you are, the less stressful this job can be.
“I bring down all the carts in the barn. I stage them, wash them and get them ready," said Winters. "That way when it does get busy, you're already set up, and you can kinda feel like you don’t have to rush everything. You can just enjoy the day a little more.”
But Winters said the best part is assisting players on the golf course.
“I love the freedom of it; I love being able to come out here," said Winters. "I help people love the game even more and just make their lives easier on the course.”
And to make their lives easier, Shane Stell, operations manager at Heritage Hills, says it takes more than meets the eye.
“It’s not just going off the first tee every single day," said Stell. "We have to shotgun people backwards, forwards, mornings, afternoons, so there’s a lot of planning that goes on for the daily running of the course.”
All the employees at Heritage Hills agree on one thing about working on a golf course.
And it's pretty simple.
“Love golf and be passionate about golf," said Winters. "If you don’t love golf, it might not be the place for you.” | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/working-on-a-golf-course-green-tyler-tries-it/521-fc3c7f4a-c0bb-4aa7-8475-f370baf3f6a8 | 2023-06-08T13:42:21 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/working-on-a-golf-course-green-tyler-tries-it/521-fc3c7f4a-c0bb-4aa7-8475-f370baf3f6a8 |
This 1980s rager returns to the Twin Cities following past Bloomington performances at the Castle Theatre and Daddios bar. Six long-haired rockers will be laying out heavy tracks from artists like Mötley Crüe, Poison, Twisted Sister, Bon Jovi and Gun N’ Roses.
The Ball also has a few wicked originals on deck, including “Play Dangerous” and “I Wanna Bang.”
Vocalist and guitarist Brian Durbin, who performs under stage name “Mick Jäger,” explained that latter track doesn’t have explicit lyrics. He said their music video for it is a homage to Warrant’s music video for “Big Talk,” with Durbin costumed as the same psychopathic businessman shown in the album art for “Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.”
With “Mick” enchanting shouts of smashing, you can bet both their covers and originals will get your bones shaking and your fists pumping.
Durbin, 36, said Kiss and Aerosmith are his favorite all-time artists, but Mötley Crüe tops out for the 1980s hair band era.
He said discovering Mötley Crüe’s “Dr. Feelgood” on MTV was one of his first childhood memories. He said he didn’t really figure out what their music was until they played for the WWF TV series 10 years later, but “I just thought it was awesome.”
“There’s tons of fire and chaos … and big drums, loud guitars, screaming vocals. It had my name written all over it,” said the singing “Jäger.”
He also listed “Appetite for Destruction” by Gun N’ Roses as one of his top five albums. He said Hairbangers Ball plays “Sweet Child of Mine” and “Welcome to the Jungle" at almost every show, giving him an opportunity to show off his vocal chords. They’ve also gone to “Paradise City.”
But it’s not all about hitting the high notes. Durbin said bringing “a whole lot of attitude and energy” is also a priority.
“These guys weren’t expecting to be recreating this stuff in their 60s ... this is definitely music that was created by young dudes in their prime,” said Durbin.
He then invoked Def Leppard’s manta from “Rock of Ages”: “It’s better to burn out than fade away.”
Still, Durbin said the advanced technicalities of glam rock music tends to be overlooked, as people may write off all the big hair, makeup and spandex as a joke.
The Hairbangers Ball lineup also includes band owner and keyboardist Jennifer Remis, or "Polly Pantz," bassist Jon Macak as "Rod Viper," guitarist Benny McCulloch as "Nikki Thunders," "Clare Crush" on keys, and Seth Shulman as "Jack Charlotte" on drums.
All contribute to band vocals. Durbin said several of their players have music degrees, including Shulman, who graduated from Berklee College of Music and learned percussion as his fifth instrument. He's also an accomplished pianist.
Every month, he said the band records another song from the 1980s and posts it to their YouTube page. Most recent was another Warrant cover: “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”
While other 1980s tribute bands might roster the same 30 or 40 hit songs, Durbin said they like to look for hits of the past that are not played as much, or even a couple of deep cuts on occasion.
“We’re always looking for new ways to make our sets fun and exciting,” he said.
He pointed to Bon Jovi’s “Raise Your Hands” as one of their successful set openers. Durbin added “Nobody’s Fool” is another cool cover, noting Hairbangers Ball will joke that when you’re at their concert: “Cinderella isn’t a Disney movie, it’s a rock 'n’ roll band.”
Scenes of their YouTube video for “Nobody's Fool” were filmed at the Castle Theatre.
Hairbangers Ball is all about audience participation. Durbin said the first time he saw attendees singing along to lyrics at his band’s show, he got “a little misty-eyed.”
And with that, the game is afoot for the Twin Cities. For a long time, Durbin said they’ve played monthly in Bloomington, Indiana, and have called it their home away from home. He said they’ve pitted Bloomington, Illinois, versus Bloomington, Indiana, across weekend shows, and have challenged our city to steal that title in a good, old-fashioned friendly competition.
He said they’ve had great turnouts and crowd participation in recent years in Bloomington, Illinois, too. So, Durbin said, they might reconsider which Bloomington will be their favored tour stop.
And there you have it, Bloomington-Normal. The ball is yours — but can you rock it like a hurricane?
Members of the band Journey pose after receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Friday, Jan. 21, 2005, in Los Angeles. Band members are, from left, Jonathan Cain, George Tickner, former lead vocalist Steve Perry, Aynsley Dunbar, Neal Schon, Robert Fleischman, Ross Valory, Steve Augeri, Steve Smith and Deen Castronovo. Over a 30-year period, Journey released 18 albums, selling 50 million copies on the strength of radio hits such as "Don't Stop Believin'," "Who's Crying Now," and "Open Arms." (AP Photo/Nick Ut)
FILE - This Aug. 6, 2013 file photo shows members of the band Journey, from left, Jonathan Cain, Arnel Pineda, and Neal Schon during a panel discussion on the Independent Lens documentary "Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey," at the PBS Summer 2013 TCA press tour in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)
Arnel Pineda, left, and Neal Schon of the rock band Journey perform onstage following a panel discussion on the Independent Lens documentary "Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey," at the PBS Summer 2013 TCA press tour at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2013, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
Call it what you will – Arena Rock, Stadium Rock, Concert Rock – the music of Journey defined the big rock and roll sound of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Journey performed ballads and scorchers with equal skill and passion led by Neal Schon's remarkable guitar and the soaring vocals of Steve Perry. The band is one of the 2017 inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Members of the band Journey pose after receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Friday, Jan. 21, 2005, in Los Angeles. Band members are, from left, Jonathan Cain, George Tickner, former lead vocalist Steve Perry, Aynsley Dunbar, Neal Schon, Robert Fleischman, Ross Valory, Steve Augeri, Steve Smith and Deen Castronovo. Over a 30-year period, Journey released 18 albums, selling 50 million copies on the strength of radio hits such as "Don't Stop Believin'," "Who's Crying Now," and "Open Arms." (AP Photo/Nick Ut)
Steve Perry, Jonathan Cain, Neal Schon
ASSOCIATED PRESS
A 1987 photo of the rock group Journey. From left, are: Steve Perry, Jonathan Cain, Neal Schon. (AP Photo)
Journey
Robb Cohen
Journey performing live at Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on Friday, September 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (Photo by Robb D. Cohen/Invision/AP)
Jonathan Cain, Arnel Pineda, Neal Schon
Chris Pizzello
FILE - This Aug. 6, 2013 file photo shows members of the band Journey, from left, Jonathan Cain, Arnel Pineda, and Neal Schon during a panel discussion on the Independent Lens documentary "Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey," at the PBS Summer 2013 TCA press tour in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)
Arnel Pineda, Neal Schon
Chris Pizzello
Arnel Pineda, left, and Neal Schon of the rock band Journey perform onstage following a panel discussion on the Independent Lens documentary "Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey," at the PBS Summer 2013 TCA press tour at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2013, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
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.
Headbanging from left in winter 2022 in Peoria are three of six glam rockers with Hairbangers Ball: Benny McCulloch as "Nikki Thunders," Brian Durbin as "Mick Jäger" and Jon Macak as "Rod Viper."
FOR THE PANTAGRAPH
Dion C. Smith / Xplicit Impressions | https://pantagraph.com/entertainment/local/hairbangers-ball-to-thrash-80s-glam-rock-for-saturdays-on-the-square/article_08b7a2b0-0557-11ee-97e4-3ff2cf4b7110.html | 2023-06-08T13:47:07 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/entertainment/local/hairbangers-ball-to-thrash-80s-glam-rock-for-saturdays-on-the-square/article_08b7a2b0-0557-11ee-97e4-3ff2cf4b7110.html |
75 years ago: Bloomington man becomes oldest to travel Colorado River
Learn to navigate the Newspapers.com database, perform browsing and complex search functions, and save clippings using a free user account. Tutorial developed by the University of Alabama Libraries.
How Time Flies is a daily feature looking back at Pantagraph archives to revisit what was happening in our community and region.
100 years ago
June 4, 1923: Upon recommendation of the park board, the city council voted last night to change the name of Stein's Grove. Board members said a more appropriate name should be chosen. Upon motion of Alderman Donovan, the council went on record asking suggestions of an appropriate name through the newspaper.
75 years ago
June 3, 1948: George W. Parker, 1314 E. Grove St., recently claimed the title of "the oldest man on record to take the rough boat trip down the Grand Canyon section of the Colorado River." Parker, 72, takes the title from Urbana, where a University of Illinois botanist in his 70s had claimed it before. Parker was accompanied on the recent trip by his son, Dr. Robert Parker of Bloomington, and his daughter and family, Mr. and Mrs. Glen Kemp and son Parker of Lexington.
50 years ago
June 3, 1973: At least two candidates are in the running for the acting or permanent presidential appointment at Illinois State University. Dr. Gene Budig and Dr. Francis Geigle were mentioned Friday by those who met with J. Robert Barr, chairman of ISU's Board of Regents.
25 years ago
June 3, 1998: The Bloomington City Council approved a liquor license for a new downtown restaurant, despite the opposition of some area residents and business owners. The council also took steps to address concerns by asking city administrators to find money to pay for four police officers to patrol the area during peak bar hours to enforce laws against vandalism, public drunkenness and other problems. The restaurant is Juju's Sports Bar & Grill at the Knights of Columbus building, 525 N. Center St.
101 years ago: See vintage Pantagraph ads from 1922
George W. Parker, left, and son Dr. Robert Parker appear with maps and slides they brought back from a recent trip down the Colorado River. The elder Parker recently became the oldest man on record to take a rough boat trip down the Grand Canyon section of the river. The image comes from the Pantagraph Negative Collection, now preserved and being digitized by the McLean County Museum of History. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/history/75-years-ago-bloomington-man-becomes-oldest-to-travel-colorado-river/article_7bd3bcf2-0557-11ee-adcc-7be64f27e139.html | 2023-06-08T13:47:08 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/history/75-years-ago-bloomington-man-becomes-oldest-to-travel-colorado-river/article_7bd3bcf2-0557-11ee-adcc-7be64f27e139.html |
Average daily flows
Snake River at Jackson 289 cfs
Snake River at Palisades 14,168 cfs
Snake River at Heise 16,885 cfs
Snake River at Blackfoot 10,855 cfs
Snake River at American Falls 9,095 cfs
Snake River at Milner 0 cfs
Little Wood River near Carey 608 cfs
Jackson Lake is 70% full.
Palisades Reservoir is 90% full.
American Falls Reservoir is 92% full.
Upper Snake River system is at 88% of capacity.
As of June 6 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/average-daily-streamflows/article_da988d0a-057d-11ee-b239-8b7c52c1fa9c.html | 2023-06-08T13:51:05 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/average-daily-streamflows/article_da988d0a-057d-11ee-b239-8b7c52c1fa9c.html |
Professor Frank Thomas Hamill, at age 30, left his home in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, to teach school in Carson City, Nevada. Prior to that, Hamill was the principal of schools in Ligonier.
When Hamill became the principal in Carson City, he purchased a ranch in Idaho, on Shoshone Creek, just north of the Nevada border. For three years, he spent his summer vacations there, some 15 miles south of Rogerson.
A single man for most of his life, Hamill married Jessie Mitchell of Oaks, North Dakota, in 1915. Less than a year later, at the age of 33, Hamill was slain by an 11-year-old waif. He left behind his widow, parents and nine siblings.
Hamill’s body was found Aug. 17, 1916, outside his ransacked cabin, by C.C. Vance, who had stopped to ask Hamill whether he had seen any stray sheep.
"Shoot him," 12-year-old Harold Lovelace told his younger brother, Lynn. "I don't want to shoot him," Lynn argued. "Shoot him," Harold insisted.
A posse led by Twin Falls County Sheriff Frank Kendall followed tracks of a horse and wagon that zigzagged 120 miles through Twin Falls County from Hamill’s cabin to the Owsley Ferry on the Snake River — where the unknown suspects tried to cross the river but had no money to pay — then back south, where the trail was lost.
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Meanwhile, a woman known only as Mrs. Tolman reported to Probation Officer Virgil Ormsby that two boys in her care were missing. Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Pennywell had left her two sons, Harold Lovelace, 12, and Lynn Lovelace, 11, with Tolman while the couple traveled to Montana to look for work.
Soon, Buhl Marshal J.F. Baymiller telephoned Ormsby to tell him the two missing boys had been seen 4 miles west of Buhl by a former Rogerson resident who knew the Pennywell family. Ormsby asked the marshal to lock the boys in jail until he could get there, the Aug. 24 edition of the Twin Falls Weekly Times wrote.
When Ormsby arrived in Buhl, he found in the boys’ possession Hamill’s pocketbook and a half-dozen guns stolen from ranchers along the way.
In a surprise confession, the boys told Ormsby how Lynn shot Hamill in the head when he caught them at his cabin.
The brothers were held in the county jail for several months before their trial. Their mother and stepfather, unaware of the boys’ situation, heard about their plight on their train ride home from Montana. Their mother later told a reporter that her “boys were not bad boys, only mischievous.”
During the boys’ trial, defense attorney W.P. Guthrie played heavily on the sympathy of the jurors.
“The boys have no comprehension of what they had done,” Guthrie said.
Even the newspapers seemed sympathetic.
“They are ragged, forlorn, deserted, homeless lads, and their plight and the awful crime they committed have stirred the community as it probably has never before been stirred,” the Times wrote. “The pathetic features of a terrible occurrence make crime one of the most unique in the history of the West.”
In the end, the jury agreed. After less than two hours of deliberation, the jury found Lynn Lovelace not guilty of murder and Harold Lovelace not guilty of accessory to murder.
The boys were sent to the Idaho Industrial Reform School in St. Anthony, an institution for the commitment of wayward or incorrigible youth, runaways or without proper parental care.
Hamill is buried in his hometown in Pennsylvania.
Editor’s note: This feature first ran June 3, 2021, in the Times-News and at Magicvalley.com.
Mychel Matthews is the senior reporter for the Times-News. The Hidden History feature runs every Thursday in the Times-News and at Magicvalley.com. If you have a question about something that may have historical significance, email Matthews at mmatthews@magicvalley.com. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/the-murder-of-thomas-hamill-part-2/article_eb391ceb-9ecc-5f9b-8c3b-458a5ecacffc.html | 2023-06-08T13:51:12 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/the-murder-of-thomas-hamill-part-2/article_eb391ceb-9ecc-5f9b-8c3b-458a5ecacffc.html |
Nickelback will play Pinnacle Bank Arena on Oct. 3.
The concert will be the Canadian hard rock band’s first Lincoln show in a 30-year career that has seen it sell more than 50 million albums worldwide, becoming the most successful rock band of the first decade of the 2000s and seventh-most popular artist overall.
The band's “How You Remind Me,” which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 Singles chart in 2001, was the best-selling rock song of that decade and the first of its eight Billboard Mainstream Rock chart-toppers, which include “Too Bad,” “Never Again,” “Photograph” and “Animals.”
The band is touring in support of “Get Rollin’,” its 10th album, which was released last year.
Despite, or perhaps because of the band's success, Nickelback has been scorned by critics and often ridiculed on social media, becoming, for non-fans, the band you love to hate.
But singer Chad Kroger, who says the band jokes about its reputation, maintains the negative attention, which he believes is the result of their songs being played across radio formats, has backfired on the haters as it has kept the band in the press loop.
And last week, he told a Tucson, Arizona, radio station that the hate is fading away.
“That kind of used to be a thing,” Kroger told KFMA-FM. “I shouldn't say, 'That kind of used to be' — that was definitely a thing for a long time. And I think there's been a softening; there really has, thankfully. I'm not sure if it's because we receive a ton of love on TikTok or whatever the hell it is, but for whatever reason, the teeth have kind of been removed. It's really nice; it's really nice to not be public enemy No. 1”
The Nickelback concert is the 13th 2023 concert announced for or held at the arena.
10 most memorable concerts at Pinnacle Bank Arena
Nov. 9, 2013: Pink
Nov. 23, 2013: Elton John
July 14, 2014: Paul McCartney
Jan. 17, 2015: Fleetwood Mac
July 11, 2015: Neil Young
March 26, 2016: Carrie Underwood
Aug. 18, 2017: Kendrick Lamar
Oct. 20, 2017: Garth Brooks
March 24, 2018: Lorde
Oct. 2, 2018: Odesza
Five great opening acts
Reach the writer at 402-473-7244 or kwolgamott@journalstar.com. On Twitter @KentWolgamott
L. Kent Wolgamott, the recipient of the 2018 Mayor’s Arts Award, has written about arts and entertainment for Lincoln newspapers since 1985, reviewing thousands of movies and concerts and hundreds of art exhibitions. | https://journalstar.com/life-entertainment/local/music/nickelback-to-play-pinnacle-bank-arena-in-october/article_1474567e-05a3-11ee-a96a-53f5fd2dd014.html | 2023-06-08T13:53:20 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/life-entertainment/local/music/nickelback-to-play-pinnacle-bank-arena-in-october/article_1474567e-05a3-11ee-a96a-53f5fd2dd014.html |
For the first time since Pinnacle Bank Arena opened a decade ago, the cost to rent the suites and loge boxes is going up, a move city officials said will standardize the prices and put them more in line with other regional arenas.
The West Haymarket Joint Public Agency — the entity that manages finances of the arena and redevelopment of the surrounding area — on Wednesday approved increases in the base rates for the arena’s 36 suites and 20 loge boxes.
The increases will be phased in over up to four years of the contracts, which can be seven or 10 years. In the last three years of the contract, the price will increase 4% each year, an effort to avoid more big increases at the end of the new contracts, said City Attorney Yohance Christie.
The base price increases range from 10% to more than 30%, and some of the increases are larger because similar suites have been priced differently. City officials standardized the pricing so similarly located suites would be the same price, which means price increases will vary.
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The suite prices are divided into three tiers. Tier 1 suites will increase from $65,000 to $72,000; Tier 2 suites from $45,000 to $60,000 and Tier 3 will now cost $55,000. City Finance Director Lyn Heaton said the current price of Tier 3 is hard to determine because they're different prices based on when the contracts began.
The loge box prices will increase from $26,996 to $28,000.
Heaton said the vast majority of suite contracts will come up for renewal at the end of August, though some have already been renewed at higher prices and some are not yet up for renewal.
About half of the loge boxes will come up for renewal at the end of August.
The JPA hired a consulting firm to do a market analysis of arenas in the area and based the increases on its analysis, Heaton said.
Last year the suites and loge boxes generated $1.95 million in revenue, money Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said was important to maintain the arena and keep it a positive experience for guests, performers and athletes.
Gaylor Baird and City Councilman Tom Beckius both voted to approve the increases. University of Nebraska Regent Tim Clare abstained.
In other action Wednesday, the three-member board unanimously approved a five-year, $2.3 million agreement with First Data Merchant for a new “point of sale” system for food and drink sales at the arena. The current system, Christie said, is outdated and slow.
The board also approved an agreement with DLR Group of up to $17,500 to do a structural assessment of the pedestrian ramp that runs between the arena and the post office.
Staff pointed out some cracks and exposed rebar along the ramp, which arena officials decided should be evaluated. Once DLR is done with the evaluation, the arena will bid the project and get the ramp fixed, officials said.
The board also agreed to let contractors use JPA land to store their equipment while it rehabs about a mile of an old sewer line installed in 1936. The $2.6 million project, which will come out of city wastewater coffers, is part of a larger effort to rehab the entire length of the old line.
Contact the writer at mreist@journalstar.com or 402-473-7226. On Twitter at @LJSReist.
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Margaret Reist
Local government reporter
Margaret Reist is a recovering education reporter now writing about local and county government and the people who live in the city where she was born and raised.
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Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/government-politics/cost-of-pinnacle-bank-arena-suites-and-loge-boxes-going-up/article_556b9b3c-0586-11ee-b5d4-87eb8e234de0.html | 2023-06-08T13:53:27 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/government-politics/cost-of-pinnacle-bank-arena-suites-and-loge-boxes-going-up/article_556b9b3c-0586-11ee-b5d4-87eb8e234de0.html |
For most Americans, memories of childhood summers conjure images of pool parties, beach outings, long days, and warm starry nights. Even though you can't remember your first summer, based on scientific data, it is safe to say it was most likely one of the coolest of your life, regardless of when you were born.
For millions of people—especially in the western third of the country—the excitement that builds up in spring, while looking forward to vacation months, has turned into apprehensiveness and forethoughts. The imagery of fun outdoor activities has been replaced by recollections of wildfires, dense smoke, arid land, heat waves, and drought.
From West Texas to the Pacific Coast, summer average temperatures have progressively risen anywhere from 2 to 4 degrees Fahrenheit in the last five decades, propelling mid-2021 and 2022 to the top spots of the heat charts.
The rest of the country is experiencing a similar trend, though not as sharp. Average summer temperatures in America's Heartland and the South have increased 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit, while the eastern states—from the Carolinas to Maine—have seen their thermometers go up 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit on average since 1971.
To illustrate what summer weather was like in the U.S. from 1920 to 2022, Stacker consulted data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Summer is defined as the months of June, July, and August. Each metric is ranked relative to the entire timespan, while average comparisons look just at the historical average from 1901 and 2000.
What was the weather like for your very first summer? Take a look, and you may remember more than you think—or learn something new about summers before your time.
You may also like: Windiest states in America | https://journalstar.com/news/local/weather/weather-forecast-nebraska-omaha-lincoln-cold-front/article_1a94d1be-053f-11ee-9918-9f49ea479269.html | 2023-06-08T13:53:33 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/weather/weather-forecast-nebraska-omaha-lincoln-cold-front/article_1a94d1be-053f-11ee-9918-9f49ea479269.html |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Kansas Humane Society says adult dog (An adult dog is >6 months old) adoption fees are being waived today and Friday due to capacity issues.
The Kansas Humane Society has seen a large influx of pets over the last year and continues to remain at capacity. KHS says 70% of the adoptable animals come as unclaimed animals from Wichita Animal Services. Both share the Murfin Animal Campus.
KHS says the waived fees don’t cover expenses of care, and they rely on donations to keep helping animals. For more on how to donate, click here.
To see pets up for adoption, click here. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/kansas-humane-society-waives-adult-dog-adoption-fees-for-2-days/ | 2023-06-08T13:53:37 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/kansas-humane-society-waives-adult-dog-adoption-fees-for-2-days/ |
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — An 86-year-old man is missing from DeKalb County, according to police on Thursday.
DeKalb County Police Department said Kum Song was last seen on Wednesday leaving block 2000 of Fisher Trail.
He is described as 5 feet and 7 inches tall, weighing 176 pounds. The police department added he has brown eyes, grey hair and also provided a photo.
DeKalb Police said that Song only speaks Korean.
Anyone with information about Kum Song's disappearance is asked to contact the SVU at 770-724-7710.
Download our 11Alive News app for all the latest breaking updates, and sign up for our Speed Feed newsletter to get a rundown of the latest headlines across north Georgia. MORE WAYS TO GET 11ALIVE:
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- Look at our TV guide to see when we're airing on cable TV | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/missing-in-georgia/kum-song-86-year-old-missing-dekalb-county-police/85-0a3b99b2-81cc-41ad-b1b7-b3a891e4e4aa | 2023-06-08T13:55:41 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/missing-in-georgia/kum-song-86-year-old-missing-dekalb-county-police/85-0a3b99b2-81cc-41ad-b1b7-b3a891e4e4aa |
ST. LOUIS, Mich. (WJRT) - Police are asking the public to help reunite a runaway 14-year-old girl with her family in Gratiot County.
The St. Louis Police Department says Mylianna Wheeler left home and is refusing to return. Investigators don't believe she is in any danger, but she has to come back.
Police say Wheeler was listed as a runaway in the national criminal justice database and anyone caught harboring her could face criminal charges. She may be in the Midland or Freeland areas.
St. Louis police believe Wheeler may have dyed her hair and may not wear her glasses to disguise her identity.
Anyone with information about where she can be located should call Gratiot County Central Dispatch at 989-875-7505. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/14-year-old-reported-missing-from-gratiot-county/article_2c0fa20a-05f0-11ee-8aaa-bf1c7e2c10eb.html | 2023-06-08T13:59:26 | 0 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/14-year-old-reported-missing-from-gratiot-county/article_2c0fa20a-05f0-11ee-8aaa-bf1c7e2c10eb.html |
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - The city of Flint was hoping to spend some federal dollars to help crack down on drivers who speed through neighborhoods.
However, that never happened at Wednesday night's meeting because the council failed to take action.
The Finance Committee agenda included a $150,000 proposed expenditure for more speed humps to place in residential areas. Funding would come from the city's American Rescue Plan Act allotment.
Continued conflict among council members kept them off track from the agenda and the item didn't pass Wednesday.
The Flint Police Department believes the speed humps are a tool to keep children in the city safe.
"Though roadways are meant for motorists, kids often cross those or play in those," said Flint Police Det. Sgt. Tyrone Booth. "And we want them to be safe when doing so."
Wednesdsay's meeting ended before council members even had a discussion on the speed humps.
"Unfortunately, we've seen some tragic accidents that have taken place throughout the communities north, south, east, west in the city of Flint And we are trying our best to dodge that situation," Booth said. "We are posting these in places where we are getting complaints of reckless and high-speed driving."
Sixth Ward Councilwoman Tonya Burns said crashes could have been avoided if additional speed humps were in place. She recalled a recent crash on Eldorado Drive, where a driver ran a stop sign, crashed into a garage and pushed two vehicles into a home.
"So, we've seen it time and time again there's so many people that request them so one thing for sure everybody wants a speed hump on their street," Burns said.
Flint already has placed more than 25 humps around the city. Burns would be in favor of adding more if council members bring up the resolution for discussion.
"I support speed humps, especially around parks," she said.
City officials did not specify how many speed humps they could purchase and install with the $150,000 expenditure. The speed humps item will appear on the next Flint City Council Finance Committee agenda. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/150-000-possibly-going-towards-speed-humps-for-city-of-flint/article_789a9a02-05ab-11ee-b521-df5b911326d7.html | 2023-06-08T13:59:27 | 0 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/150-000-possibly-going-towards-speed-humps-for-city-of-flint/article_789a9a02-05ab-11ee-b521-df5b911326d7.html |
MARION TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJRT) - The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is continuing to investigate a deer that remains at a Saginaw County retreat center.
The DNR recently saw a deer named Zoey inside an enclosure and told Ronda Mau, who runs Deer Haven Spiritual Retreat, to release the deer because the animal was getting too big.
Mau said a DNR conservation officer told her the deer would be killed if she didn't release it into the wild. She said the officer gave her a one-day deadline to let Zoey go on Monday.
But Mau still had the deer on Wednesday while the DNR continued investigating the matter.
Mau has kept Zoey for a full year as a therapy animal for children and adults in the area. She said Zoey's mom was hit by a car and Zoey somehow ended up in her driveway in Saginaw County's Marion Township.
Mau has been working with the Michigan DNR on rehabilitating fawns and she has a license to do so.
The DNR released the following statement on the situation:
"We have received reports of an illegally held deer at a rehabilitation center located in Brant Township, Saginaw County. We are currently gathering relevant information to assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action. White-tailed deer are wild animals that can behave unpredictably. They should never be treated as pets and should be held in captivity only by those with appropriate licenses to do so. We understand the public's concern regarding this issue. This is an ongoing investigation, and we will provide additional information when it becomes available." | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/embattled-deer-remains-at-saginaw-county-retreat-center/article_0ce6fbe0-057c-11ee-8675-57b00931b4b1.html | 2023-06-08T13:59:29 | 0 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/embattled-deer-remains-at-saginaw-county-retreat-center/article_0ce6fbe0-057c-11ee-8675-57b00931b4b1.html |
Paulding Road between Lafayette and Calhoun streets will have intermittent lane restrictions Monday, according to the Fort Wayne Traffic Engineering Department.
A road crew will be working in the area and should finish June. 19.
For more information, call 311 or visit www.trecthefort.org. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/paulding-road-lane-restrictions/article_6c1382ec-05fd-11ee-a6ad-d79274e8a5c9.html | 2023-06-08T13:59:57 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/paulding-road-lane-restrictions/article_6c1382ec-05fd-11ee-a6ad-d79274e8a5c9.html |
Fort Wayne police are investigating a pedestrian crash that critically injured a man early today.
Officers said they were called to the North Clinton and Grove streets intersection at 4:48 a.m. and found the victim in serious condition, but hospital staff determined he had life-threatening injuries.
Police believe the collision happened as a vehicle was northbound on North Clinton. The driver phoned 911 immediately, officers said.
No other vehicles or people were involved and no further information was provided. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/pedestrian-critical-after-crash-in-fort-wayne/article_e87858ea-05e8-11ee-b573-eb624e960efc.html | 2023-06-08T14:00:03 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/pedestrian-critical-after-crash-in-fort-wayne/article_e87858ea-05e8-11ee-b573-eb624e960efc.html |
Mamas' Caucus on Capitol Hill has roots in Detroit group
Washington ― A growing congressional caucus on Capitol Hill has its eye on working mothers and its roots in a Detroit-based group that advocates for policies that help mothers and families of color.
The Mamas' Caucus, coming up on its one-year anniversary this summer, seeks to "empower" mothers of color by pushing for adoption of policies such as paid family leave, affordable child care, reducing disparities in Black maternal health, and basic needs for women and their families.
The caucus is led by three-term U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Detroit, a mother of two who also worked with the group Mothering Justice when she was in the state Legislature, she said. The caucus started with Tlaib as chair and Democratic Reps. Cori Bush of Missouri, Grace Meng of New York and Nikema Williams of Georgia and has since grown to 17 members, including men and lawmakers who aren't parents themselves but who support the "Mamas' Agenda."
"Mothering Justice, they came to me and said we really want a caucus that primarily focuses on mothers," Tlaib said. "They want to be able to have direct access to members of Congress that are working in partnership around these policy issues."
The group is watching closely to see the impact on mothers as pandemic-era emergency aid expires for many around the country, including extra food assistance and automatic re-enrollment in Medicaid, as the cost of raising children continues to grow due to inflation and other factors.
Also on the wish list is some of the social spending ideas from President Joe Biden's original Build Back Better proposal that were never enacted, such as child care subsidies, paid family leave and elder care.
"We know that our government can step up when these issues are a priority," said Danielle Atkinson of Royal Oak, the founder and national executive director of the nonprofit Mothering Justice.
Atkinson offered the example of World War II, when women were needed to build weapons of war, and child care was affordable. A more recent example comes from the CHIPS Act: The Biden administration said earlier this year that computer chip makers seeking a slice of $150 million in subsidies would have to spell out how they plan to provide child care for their employees and construction workers in order to qualify.
"We have eyes on the ground with the Mamas' Caucus, who can flag that, say, this measure is going through — can we insert something here to help? Can we think about it here?" Atkinson said.
"We're on the ground and organizing, and that's just not our role. But we have we have partners now in Congress. ... We're so excited about it because it's not only a statement of, 'We are moms, and we understand the burden of caregiving and breadwinning,' but also, 'We're also here to bring our wisdom to legislation.'"
Mothering Justice, established in 2012 as a leadership development and advocacy organization, has also worked on efforts to raise the minimum wage in Michigan and Florida, and other organizing efforts in Lansing.
Atkinson acknowledged that House Republicans' narrow majority likely limits what the Mamas' Caucus can accomplish in this session of Congress, but she said Mothering Justice will also seek out conversations with Republican lawmakers to advance priorities.
"I was lucky enough to be Rashida's guest President Trump's last State of the Union, and he mentioned something about child care and one Republican woman (member) was clapping," Atkinson recalled.
"They're struggling with that, too, so how do we separate them from this ideology that is not serving them? Nor is it serving anyone in the country to really work on these issues of like meat and potato, dining-room-table issues that are keeping moms up at night?"
The Mamas' Caucus and Mothering Justice recently held an event at the Library of Congress to talk about its agenda and recruit more members of Congress to join. The caucus also partnered with the Democratic Women's Caucus to hear from White House advisers on recent executive orders on child care and the care economy.
Atkinson said part of what Mothering Justice hopes to do is expose lawmakers to mothers, so they can hear from one another and learn from those connections.
"Everything we do is about breaking that isolation that moms are in ... and they're thinking these things are my fault. 'I can't afford child care because it's my fault,' or 'I don't have paid leave because I had the wrong job when I had a kid,'" Atkinson said.
"We're saying you're not alone. Common problems have collective solutions and we can work on them together. That's when we can get the ball moving on changing things."
mburke@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/08/mamas-caucus-on-capitol-hill-has-roots-in-detroit-group/70258412007/ | 2023-06-08T14:11:21 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/08/mamas-caucus-on-capitol-hill-has-roots-in-detroit-group/70258412007/ |
BLOOMINGTON — On June 21, the McLean County Museum of History will hold a gala for this year's History Makers, recognizing individuals in the community for their contributions to bettering McLean County.
History Makers are nominated every year. And, according to the museum's website, there is no need for the nominees to be public figures.
However, they must "have a significant story to tell: perhaps it is one of service to their country and community; maybe it is a successful career, whether in a trade, business, profession or social service; or maybe their family together has left a lasting legacy for McLean County," the website reads.
The gala features a dinner as well as "live dramatizations celebrating the lives and legacies of History Makers." Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the program begins at 6:15 p.m. in the Brown Ballroom at Illinois State University.
Tickets are available until Friday at the museum, 200 N. Main St. in downtown Bloomington, or by phone at 309-827-0428.
Here are this year's honorees in alphabetical order:
Dotti Bushnell
Bushnell, of Bloomington, owned and operated The Garlic Press in uptown Normal for several decades before handing it off to her daughter, Sarah McManus, and Pam Locsin.
She said the honor was "kind of flabbergasting at first, because I'm not that public of a person."
Bushnell said the store, a long-standing pillar of uptown, was primarily a kitchen store.
Bushnell bought the store in 1976, when Bushnell said TV chefs like Julia Child and "all that kind of thing was bubbling up. It was just the time."
She equated The Garlic Press to a hardware store with regular product demonstrations.
"I can't imagine having a store where you put things on the shelf and just sat there and waited," she said.
Hank and Mary Campbell
The Campbells, of Normal, were nominated because of their work with individuals in marginalized or vulnerable communities.
The two are both retired from Illinois State University.
Mary Campbell said they are hesitant to step into the spotlight, but "I know we have to act as role models."
Hank Campbell has been active with Habitat for Humanity for decades, building nearly 40 houses that he can remember.
Since moving to McLean County in 1976, Mary Campbell has advocated for equitable treatment and economic opportunities for formerly incarcerated women and those in vulnerable situations.
"I'd say that a lot of the reason that we get a lot of things done is because there are a lot of really good people out there who, if you just give them a reason ... they'll step up and help," she said.
Guy Fraker
A retired lawyer, Fraker was nominated for his work with the Looking for Lincoln project as well as his efforts in conservation.
"It's a big deal," Fraker said of the award. "I don't want to sound immodest. When I say that, it's the honor that's the great thing. Whether I deserve it or not, that's another issue entirely."
Fraker said he was the first chairman of the "action arm of the Abraham Lincoln Heritage Area," Looking for Lincoln. He said they were responsible for laying the groundwork for the markers and placards around Central Illinois that detail Lincoln's relationship to specific areas.
But he said his work in conservation, at the ParkLands Foundation and Nature Conservancy, were much more important.
"It's sort of God's work, to preserve His creation," Fraker said.
Charles and Willie Halbert
The Halberts, of Bloomington, are being honored for their work fighting for civil and human rights, as well as social activism in forming Bloomington-Normal Not In Our Town.
Willie Halbert said the nomination to History Maker is not just their honor.
"Everyone that has congratulated us, my response has always been, 'You are a part of that story.' We couldn't do or be the people we are if we didn't have the support of people in the community," she said.
The Halberts have been active in McLean County's social justice and civil rights struggles for decades, organizing nonviolent protests and marches as well as working with the local NAACP chapter, not to mention both of them holding various positions of civic engagement.
"When you see wrong, you have to do something. You have to do something," Willie Halbert said.
"When you take a stand, you don't do it for the recognition. You do it because that's what you believe in," she said.
James Harden, executive director of engagement and social emotional learning in Champaign Unit 4 School District, delivered the keynote speech Saturday, June 3, at the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington.
Recently graduated high schoolers received over $80,000 in scholarships during the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington.
Bradley Ross Jackson, president of the Bloomington-Normal NAACP Youth Council, at the 2023 NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington.
Carla Campbell-Jackson, vice president of the Bloomington-Normal NAACP, at the NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington.
James Harden, executive director of engagement and social emotional learning in Champaign Unit 4 School District, delivered the keynote speech Saturday, June 3, at the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington.
James Harden, executive director of engagement and social emotional learning in Champaign Unit 4 School District, delivered the keynote speech Saturday, June 3, at the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington.
Michael Coleman, previous recipient of Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Mentoring and Providing Scholarships, delivers remarks on Saturday, June 3, at the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. lined up to give out scholarships at the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington.
Brandon Caffey of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. presented students with scholarships on Saturday, June 3, at the Joint Scholarship Celebration at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington.
Members of the local Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. gave out scholarships at Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington.
Photos: Bloomington-Normal NAACP, other groups present $82K in scholarships
The Bloomington-Normal NAACP and a number of other groups handed out over $80,000 in scholarships to recent high-school grads in Bloomington and Normal.
James Harden, executive director of engagement and social emotional learning in Champaign Unit 4 School District, delivered the keynote speech Saturday, June 3, at the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington.
D. JACK ALKIRE, THE PANTAGRAPH
Recently graduated high schoolers received over $80,000 in scholarships during the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington.
D. JACK ALKIRE, THE PANTAGRAPH
Bradley Ross Jackson, president of the Bloomington-Normal NAACP Youth Council, at the 2023 NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington.
D. JACK ALKIRE, THE PANTAGRAPH
Carla Campbell-Jackson, vice president of the Bloomington-Normal NAACP, at the NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington.
D. JACK ALKIRE, THE PANTAGRAPH
James Harden, executive director of engagement and social emotional learning in Champaign Unit 4 School District, delivered the keynote speech Saturday, June 3, at the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington.
D. JACK ALKIRE, THE PANTAGRAPH
James Harden, executive director of engagement and social emotional learning in Champaign Unit 4 School District, delivered the keynote speech Saturday, June 3, at the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington.
D. JACK ALKIRE, THE PANTAGRAPH
Michael Coleman, previous recipient of Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Mentoring and Providing Scholarships, delivers remarks on Saturday, June 3, at the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington.
D. JACK ALKIRE, THE PANTAGRAPH
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. lined up to give out scholarships at the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington.
D. JACK ALKIRE, THE PANTAGRAPH
The Bloomington-Normal NAACP held its annual Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington.
D. JACK ALKIRE, THE PANTAGRAPH
Brandon Caffey of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. presented students with scholarships on Saturday, June 3, at the Joint Scholarship Celebration at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington.
D. JACK ALKIRE, THE PANTAGRAPH
Members of the local Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. gave out scholarships at Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/mclean-county-museum-of-history-readies-for-history-makers-gala/article_d46c233a-0562-11ee-888c-cbc5890fbd62.html | 2023-06-08T14:12:59 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/mclean-county-museum-of-history-readies-for-history-makers-gala/article_d46c233a-0562-11ee-888c-cbc5890fbd62.html |
Bill Schrader, who helped transform Scottsdale from a 'small little town', dies at 93
Bill Schrader, who went from herding cows as a kid in south Phoenix to helping to shape much of the Valley’s recreational, political and economic landscape, died May 18 at age 93. His career, which ranged from mayor of Scottsdale to president of water and power utility Salt River Project, coincided with the transition of the Valley from a largely agricultural region to one of the nation’s largest metro areas.
Schrader played a pivotal role not only in continuing Salt River Project’s growth but also in expanding Scottsdale’s boundaries and helping to create recreational facilities from Arizona Falls to the expansive Scottsdale greenbelt along Indian Bend Wash. He served on numerous civic and philanthropic groups, often in leadership roles, including Scottsdale’s Parada del Sol festival board, the Phoenix Zoo and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.
William Perry Schrader was born at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix on Aug. 20, 1929, at a time when Arizona counted just a bit more than 400,000 residents. Parents William Lawrence Philip Schrader and Lolah Savanah Hurt were in the dairy business and lived in South Phoenix near 27th Avenue and Baseline Road. In 1941, his parents moved the dairy to Scottsdale on 100 acres at the corner of Hayden and Indian School roads. He recalled the trek in a video recounting some of his life’s highlights.
Because the Salt River was flowing there at the time, Schrader and his family’s herd crossed over by bridge.
“We drove all of our cattle right down the middle of Tempe ... cows was walking on the sidewalk,” he said.
“People didn’t think anything of it,” he said. “They just followed all of us across the bridge.”
Schrader attended and graduated from Scottsdale High School, class of 1948, and studied agribusiness at Arizona State College (now Arizona State University). He also served in the Arizona Army National Guard, where his hearing was damaged from firing cannons, said his son, William Schrader Jr., in a eulogy.
At age 21, he married his high school sweetheart, Alfreda Bondena Stevenson, and they eventually had four children — three sons and a daughter.
A key player in Scottsdale's expansion
While working at the dairy, Schrader became active in Scottsdale politics. He was elected to the City Council in 1958 and then mayor in 1962. Soon came one of the most momentous decisions in the city’s history.
Tipped off that Phoenix was considering a land grab that could have hemmed in Scottsdale to the north, Schrader oversaw a response that dramatically expanded the city’s acreage. Phoenix was considering the annexation of Thunderbird Field, which started as a military training field on the current site of Scottsdale Airport.
If successful, Phoenix might have annexed land all the way to the McDowell Mountains to the northeast, recounted businessman Paul Messinger, who served on the Scottsdale City Council and later in the state Legislature and was a friend of Schrader’s dating to childhood.
Schrader went home after receiving the tip, milked his cows and called a meeting of key city officials for the following day. They devised a proposal to annex DC Ranch, a cattle expanse in an unincorporated area. The owners agreed, and in 1963, Scottsdale added 34 square miles, expanding its borders to Carefree Highway, establishing Scottsdale Road as part of the boundary with Phoenix and securing what became Scottsdale Airport.
“Scottsdale used to be a small little town, but now Scottsdale is a huge town, and I’m very proud of that,” Schrader later said in the video tribute, which was produced by Salt River Project board member Keith Woods.
Schrader also was instrumental in establishing Scottsdale’s Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt — a stretch of parks, ponds and golf courses — in a flood zone. “That’s what we did, and now it’s probably one of the most useful (recreation) parts of the state,” Schrader said.
The alternative could have been a concrete channel, Woods said.
But Schrader didn’t stay mayor for long, giving up the post to spend more time with family and continue with the dairy business, when his days sometimes would start at 4 a.m. milking cows. Back then, disgruntled Scottsdale residents could and sometimes did look him up in the phone book and call him at home.
Schrader's son William Jr. said his father’s work ethic was shaped by his farming background and “remained a trademark throughout his life.”
Guiding utility during a difficult stretch
After resigning as Scottsdale's mayor, Schrader became more active with Salt River Project. He started as a board member in 1964, was elected vice president in 1990 and became president in 1994, serving in that capacity for the next 12 years and overseeing the expansion of the Kyrene and Santan generating stations, purchase of the Desert Basin Generating Station and adding to the infrastructure at Theodore Roosevelt Dam.
“He served three eventful terms as president at SRP, earning the organization recognition for accomplishments in water management through a record drought, in outstanding customer service and in volunteerism and community service,” said current President David Rousseau. “Bill also advanced SRP’s unwavering commitment to safety and safe working conditions.”
Schrader’s tenure as president came at a critical time after the utility endured three rounds of layoffs that cut the staff by more than 20%, recalled Mark Bonsall, a senior executive who later became Salt River Project’s general manager. The cuts followed years of overstaffing and overbuilding and left a “dispirited and demotivated group of employees.”
But Schrader connected with employees “handshake by handshake, meeting by meeting, visit by visit, story by story and eyeball by eyeball,” Bonsall said. “Over time, the cynicism and wariness gave way.”
Schrader also guided the utility through a treacherous stretch of deregulation with a focus on controlling costs, providing high-quality service and expanding community engagement, Bonsall added.
Woods said he feels Schrader made Salt River Project a more family-friendly place for employees. For example, under Schrader, managers, board members or others who traveled for work to conferences or meetings were allowed to bring their spouses and kids along, provided they paid for them separately. Previously, that wasn’t allowed, said Woods, who has been affiliated with the utility for 27 years.
Schrader also was a “straight shooter,” Woods added. “If he didn’t like you, he would tell you; but if he respected you, you knew it.”
Varied philanthropic and other interests
Schrader also was involved with various community groups including the boards of the Phoenix Zoo, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Maricopa Community Colleges, Scottsdale Rodeo, Scottsdale Jaycees and Scottsdale Charros philanthropic group. While at Salt River Project, he helped establish the Arizona Falls canal park and hydroelectric plant near Indian School Road and 56th Street, which opened in 2003.
“Bill Schrader was the most generous volunteer I’ve ever known, with his resources and with his time,” said Terrill Lonon, Salt River Project’s former corporate secretary. “That’s something he grew up with: giving and recognizing what people need and helping them.”
He received on behalf of Salt River Project a Points of Light Foundation award from President George H.W. Bush, recognizing the company's community service. The two conversed over a gin martini each. That wasn’t Schrader’s favorite drink, his son William Jr. recalled, “but it was that day.”
Schrader was an avid golfer, elk hunter and fisherman who took frequent trips to the area around Cholla Bay, Mexico, and vacations in the White Mountains, where he was a member of the local country club and especially enjoyed the forest during monsoon rains.
The family farm later relocated to Gilbert and eventually to Chandler. In the process, dairy cows were replaced by cotton and alfalfa. One farm foreman, William Turner, worked for the family for more than 60 years, William Jr. said.
Schrader was preceded in death by his son Larry, daughter Alisa and his wife Bondena, to whom he was married for 53 years. He is survived by his sons William Jr. and Travis, 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, along with longtime companion Anna Mae Fritz.
A funeral service was held June 3 at Scottsdale United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Scottsdale Charros.
Reach the writer at russ.wiles@arizonarepublic.com. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/scottsdale/2023/06/08/bill-schrader-former-srp-president-and-scottsdale-mayor-dies-at-93/70299142007/ | 2023-06-08T14:13:03 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/scottsdale/2023/06/08/bill-schrader-former-srp-president-and-scottsdale-mayor-dies-at-93/70299142007/ |
Free parking on NAU campus offered throughout the summer
FLAGSTAFF — Travelers looking to hike, camp or otherwise enjoy the summer in Flagstaff won't have to worry as much about weekend parking thanks to Northern Arizona University.
The school announced Wednesday that it will offer free community parking in three large parking lots on campus during weekends throughout the season.
Free parking outside the Skydome (P66), the Kitt Recital Hall and Cline Library (P13) and the Lumberjack Stadium (P7A) will begin this weekend and run through Aug. 13.
During the area's peak travel season, you can expect the parking lots to fill up quickly, especially considering the vast majority of Flagstaff's visitors, about 84%, travel to northern Arizona by car.
According to the most recent Flagstaff Visitor Study, 57% of visitors came to town in their own cars while another 27% used rental cars.
"By providing free weekend parking, NAU seeks to expand access to its campus, allowing visitors to enjoy the walking, running and biking routes that connect the campus with the City of Flagstaff’s extensive urban trail system, public swimming at the Wall Aquatic Center, the Kitt School of Music concert series, the NAU observatory and other community-focused events and programs scheduled on campus this summer," the university said in a news release announcing the plan.
A map of the campus parking lots is available on the university website.
Reach the reporter at LLatch@gannett.com.
The Republic’s coverage of northern Arizona is funded, in part, with grants from Vitalyst Health Foundation and Report from America. To support regional Arizona news coverage like this, make a tax-deductible donation at supportjournalism.azcentral.com. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/06/08/northern-arizona-university-free-parking-lots-campus/70299046007/ | 2023-06-08T14:13:10 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/06/08/northern-arizona-university-free-parking-lots-campus/70299046007/ |
Rep. Greg Stanton pushing to bring Amtrak passenger train service back to Phoenix
Rep. Greg Stanton is pushing to return long-distance train access to Phoenix, the largest city in the U.S. to not have intercity passenger rail service.
In doing so, Stanton, D-Ariz., is continuing his work as Phoenix mayor to expand train access and promote public transportation.
Not having intercity rail service not only impedes the mobility of Phoenix residents, but others trying to visit Arizona's capital, leading to negative financial consequences.
“Phoenix is the largest city in the United States without access to passenger rail service,” Stanton said Tuesday at a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing on Amtrak operations. “As other communities have gained access to passenger rail, they’ve experienced significant new economic opportunities. But Arizona has missed out.”
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Amtrak's return, Stanton said, would be an “opportunity to connect our communities, make them more accessible and productive, and more internationally competitive. Opportunity to boost our regional economies with better access to jobs and more private investment along the route. Opportunity to ease congestion along Interstate 10 and help reduce air pollution.”
Stanton has long been a proponent of mass transit. As mayor from 2012 to 2018, Stanton advocated for and expanded light rail service in Phoenix. In 2014, he told Bloomberg: "I love public transportation."
Amtrak is seeking to improve and extend service using about $716 million provided by the 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
On Monday, Amtrak turned in applications for those enterprises, which include the Corridor Identification and Development Program.
Part of this initiative would include bringing back to Phoenix a stop for the Sunset Limited, a train that runs from New Orleans to Los Angeles. The Sunset Limited stopped Phoenix service in 1996 because of the cost of upgrading the train tracks between Buckeye and Wellton, east of Yuma. The train instead was redirected to Maricopa, about 35 miles away from Phoenix.
The Arizona Department of Transportation has put forward a proposal to the Corridor ID program to advance train development in the state, backed by $3.5 million in state dollars for planning.
Stanton and other lawmakers are also pushing for the long-sought-after train service between Tucson and Phoenix, but that is likely to come after the Sunset Limited stop.
"This support for the Return to Phoenix Project will finally bring together Arizona communities, the railroads, and Amtrak to develop a comprehensive plan to connect Phoenix and Tucson with passenger rail and connect Phoenix to Amtrak’s nationwide network,” Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., said in a written statement.
The traffic-plagued I-10 highway is the only way of traveling to and from Phoenix and Tucson.
Phoenix freeways getting a makeover:Here's what to expect in 2023
Tara Kavaler is a politics reporter at The Arizona Republic. She can be reached by email at tara.kavaler@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @kavalertara | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/06/08/rep-greg-stanton-pushes-for-return-amtrak-passenger-rail-service-in-phoenix/70300137007/ | 2023-06-08T14:13:14 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/06/08/rep-greg-stanton-pushes-for-return-amtrak-passenger-rail-service-in-phoenix/70300137007/ |
Golf carts are allowed on this Arizona city's roads, but official cautions about safety
There are few places in the Phoenix area where it’s legal to ride a golf cart on the roads — but be cautious, one southwest Valley city is warning.
“We’re very much a golf cart community,” Litchfield Park City Manager Matthew Williams said.
Williams said it’s common to see kids get dropped off at school in golf carts, or for families to drive to the grocery store in golf carts. But as common as golf carts are in the community, there are a few rules people should keep in mind to avoid danger (or a citation).
Williams said people have to be of the legal driving age and have a driver’s license to drive a golf cart on public roads, while the laws on private property like a golf course may be different.
The golf cart also must be registered and insured, just like any other car on the road, and not go faster than 25 mph.
People must be seated at all times in the golf cart, Williams said. The city has been having an issue with kids hanging off the side of the golf carts and taking selfies, he said.
“It’s an accident waiting to happen, unfortunately,” Williams said.
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Golf cart drivers should also be mindful that Litchfield Park has sidewalks and also pathways, which Williams said are typically wider than sidewalks.
Golf carts are allowed on pathways but not allowed on sidewalks.
They can be driven on residential streets like Old Litchfield Road but are not allowed on more busy thoroughfares such as Dysart Road, Camelback Road, Litchfield Road or Indian School Road.
Williams said Litchfield Park hasn’t had many golf cart incidents, with the last one happening several years ago.
Sgt. Manny Rios of the Avondale Police Department, which patrols Litchfield Park, said three traffic stops have been conducted on golf carts since July 2022 in the area, each of which resulted in warnings given by officers.
Williams added that there will be no pathways that allow golf carts in the Litchfield Square area under development.
"We want to continue to be a golf cart community. That's very important. But we want drivers to be safe and nobody to get hurt," Williams said.
Reach the reporter at ahardle@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @AlexandraHardle. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/southwest-valley-traffic/2023/06/08/here-are-litchfield-park-golf-cart-rules/70275568007/ | 2023-06-08T14:13:23 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/southwest-valley-traffic/2023/06/08/here-are-litchfield-park-golf-cart-rules/70275568007/ |
Part hotel, part homeless shelter: How one Mesa hotel does both
At a glance, the Windemere looks like just another budget hotel on Mesa’s Main Street. And, in part, it is.
But hidden from street view is its other purpose: For the past three years, the 114-room hotel and conference center has also been a temporary refuge for people experiencing homelessness.
Hotels turned shelters took off during the COVID-19 pandemic, with cities across the country taking advantage of vacant rooms to house their unsheltered populations and prevent viral spread.
Most of these projects are all-or-nothing, meaning local governments rent or buy the properties and use them entirely for shelter space. The Windemere, however, simultaneously operates as both a commercial hotel and a city-sponsored emergency shelter.
Like so many things during the pandemic, the project was born out of quick thinking and an immediate need. In May 2020, Detective Aaron Raine of the Mesa Police Department was given three days and an unprecedented mission: find somewhere for the city’s unhoused population to stay.
“I went door-to-door to probably 100 hotels in the area and asked to rent rooms,” Raine said.
What started as a three-month pilot program celebrated its three-year anniversary in May.
During the pandemic, the city also partnered with three other hotels in the area. Only the Windemere still remains in what is now known as the “Off the Streets” program.
Housing program expands:Mesa moves forward with purchasing The Grand Hotel for homelessness services
Paying customers stay in a separate building and utilize about a quarter of the Windemere’s rooms, while people in the city’s program occupy the remaining 85 rooms.
Participants are referred to the 90-day program by Mesa first responders, park rangers and community providers. Women, families, older adults and people with multiple disabilities are given priority, said Raine, who continues to oversee the program.
“Our goal is to try to get the most vulnerable of the vulnerable off the street,” Raine said.
The program does a good job of it, according to the city’s data. As of May, it has served more than 1,500 people with a success rate of nearly 75%, meaning those people left for transitional housing or another housing program.
'A little piece of humanity': Unlike most shelters, hotel accepts pets, couples
The program isn’t cheap. Leasing rooms at the Windemere costs about $1.7 million a year, said Deputy City Manager Natalie Lewis at a May 11 City Council meeting.
But the city cut a better deal than the average customer. Rooms at the Windemere currently average between $80 and $100 a night, hotel booking websites show. When averaged out, the city pays about $50 a night.
The hotel sometimes attracts out-of-town guests for big events like MLB spring training, Raine said. But that’s not the norm.
“Frankly, a lot of the rooms that are being leased, for the most part, are other people who are pretty close to being in our program because they're down on their luck,” he said.
Hotels offer an alternative to traditional congregate shelters, which aren’t for everyone. Congregate shelters can bunk dozens or even hundreds of people in just a few large rooms. They’re also typically segregated by sex, and most don’t allow pets.
The Windemere accommodates both couples and pets.
“It’s preferred, actually,” Raine said of couples staying together. “I get two-for-one.”
Meals, medical care, supportive housing:Flagstaff motel will become housing for the homeless
Rooms are in high demand. The program is typically full and has a waitlist for families, who are given bigger rooms with a kitchenette.
Mesa's hotel initiative is funded by the city and is run in conjunction with Community Bridges Inc., a behavioral health and addiction treatment nonprofit that oversees similar programs at several other hotels throughout the Valley.
In addition to shelter, residents of the Windemere are provided medical and behavioral health services and assistance finding permanent housing. They also get some of the small luxuries typical of hotels, such as weekly room cleanings, fresh towels and tiny bottles of shampoo.
“I think it gives them a little piece of humanity sometimes,” said Maria Wildey, Community Bridges’ senior director of housing and community integration.
For subscribers:West Phoenix corridor to be transformed with shelter, affordable housing, workforce training
The future of Mesa's 'Off the Streets' program
In May, Mesa authorized $7.4 million to purchase another hotel to house people experiencing homelessness in order to make the “Off the Streets” program permanent.
Owning the Grand Hotel, a 72-room hotel just a mile down the road from the Windemere, means the city will have full control over the property and won’t have to pay to lease rooms or cover extra charges, like pet fees, which amount to an additional $10 per day, Raine said.
Having more shelter space also allows the city to enforce its urban camping laws, Lewis said. That means people who are sleeping outside and refuse to go into an available shelter can be arrested or cited.
Like most hotels turned into shelters, the Grand Hotel will be used entirely for housing and will not simultaneously operate as a hotel.
Even after the Grand Hotel launches, Mesa could continue leasing rooms at the Windemere if additional space is needed.
“It’s possible, and likely probable, until we get a handle on our scope of homelessness,” Raine said.
Juliette Rihl covers housing insecurity and homelessness for The Arizona Republic. She can be reached at jrihl@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @julietterihl.
Coverage of housing insecurity on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Arizona Community Foundation. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/mesa/2023/06/08/mesa-windemere-hotel-off-the-streets-housing-program-for-homeless-population/70282157007/ | 2023-06-08T14:13:29 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/mesa/2023/06/08/mesa-windemere-hotel-off-the-streets-housing-program-for-homeless-population/70282157007/ |
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) – A motorcyclist from Kingsport died after being injured in a Washington County, Virginia crash, according to Virginia State Police (VSP).
A release from the VSP states that at 5:50 p.m. on Sunday, June 4, a Harley-Davidson was heading south on Route 91 and entered the Route 773 intersection. While it was going into a curve, investigators said the operator lost control and was thrown from the motorcycle.
The motorcyclist, identified as Ryan Conklin, 24, was reportedly thrown into the northbound lane and hit a Kia Sorento that was stopped and waiting to turn.
Conklin was transported to the Johnson Memorial Hospital. According to the VSP, he died later on Sunday.
He had been wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, the release stated.
The driver of the Kia was not injured, and no charges were placed as a result of the crash. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/vsp-kingsport-motorcyclist-dead-after-crash-in-washington-county-va/ | 2023-06-08T14:17:51 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/vsp-kingsport-motorcyclist-dead-after-crash-in-washington-county-va/ |
The Coconino National Forest contains a sizable percentage of Arizona’s second-largest landform, the Mogollon Rim. You likely know that the Grand Canyon holds first place in this category. Also called the Tonto Rim, or simply "the Rim," the Mogollon stretches from west of Sedona to near the New Mexico state line.
It was named after the Spanish Governor of the Province of New Mexico, Juan Ignacio Flores Mogollon, who served from 1712–1715. Some have a hard time with the pronunciation of the word Mogollon, which is correctly intoned as muggy-OWN. There is much history and lore associated with this fascinating landform, and American writer Zane Gray did much to popularize the area in the early part of the 20th century.
But what about its geologic origins? The story is no less interesting.
First of all, the Mogollon Rim contains an identical sequence of rock layers as that exposed in the upper half of the Grand Canyon. That is why the Mogollon Rim and the Grand Canyon appear so similar.
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However, there is one notable exception. The Mogollon Rim area contains a layer of rock that the Grand Canyon does not, called the Schnebly Hill Formation. It is composed of about 700 feet of red sandstone deposited some 280 million years ago in a sandy desert that was adjacent to a shallow sea. This layer is exposed as you begin a hike up into the West Fork of Oak Creek or on Cathedral Rock. It extends north to underlie Flagstaff but pinches out and disappears entirely by the time the same layers are exposed in Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
The formation of the Mogollon as a modern landform is a story that begins only about 80 million years ago. If one could go back in time and stand at the site of today’s scenic vista at the top of the Oak Creek Canyon switchbacks, nothing present on the landscape today would be visible. In fact, instead of standing on top of the Mogollon Rim overlooking the head of Oak Creek Canyon, one could look south along a gently rising plain to the foot of a large mountain range where the city of Prescott would be later founded.
Geologists have given the name Mogollon Highlands to this long-gone mountain range, suggesting a geologic connection between the Rim and the Highlands. These mountains once stretched from near Bisbee through Tucson, Phoenix, Prescott, Kingman and on toward Las Vegas. Of course, no human ever saw the Mogollon Highlands, but the evidence comes from sand and gravel that was washed out of them and preserved in small pockets on top of the Rim today. The gravel contains rock types that are only located in the Prescott area -- a neat bit of detective work to understand the former geography of the region.
The Mogollon Highlands were still delivering gravel north to the Sedona area by about 25 million years ago, but, curiously, the gravel only reached as far as House Mountain volcano near the Village of Oak Creek.
For years, the identical-looking gravels left on the Mogollon Rim and those beneath it were thought to be the same, merely faulted and separated into disjunct positions. I and other geologists conducted detailed mapping of the area and found that the lower gravel was halted on its northward journey by some imposing landform, and we proposed it was likely an early incarnation of the Mogollon Rim.
Thus, the Mogollon Rim was “born” sometime between 30 and 25 million years ago, as colorful layers of sandstone were progressively stripped back toward the north from the ancient Highlands (yes, the rocks of the Mogollon Rim once stretched much farther south before they were eroded). Later the Highlands were faulted and eroded away entirely, leaving a few gravel deposits in the area of the Mogollon Rim. Portions of the ancestral Rim are preserved beneath the House Mountain volcano.
Over the last 6 million years Oak Creek has carved its beautiful canyon back into the edge of the Rim. The next time you head to Sedona on Highway 89A, stop at the Oak Creek Vista and begin to see this landscape with new eyes!
Coconino Nat'l Forest/Flagstaff Nat'l Monuments
Wayne Ranney is a geologist and educator who studied the rocks near House Mountain volcano beneath the Mogollon Rim.
The NPS/USFS Roving Rangers volunteer through a unique agreement between the Flagstaff-area national monuments and the Coconino National Forest to provide Interpretive Ranger walks and talks in the Flagstaff area each summer.
Submit questions for the Ask a Ranger weekly column to askaranger@gmail.com. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/ask-a-ranger-arizonas-second-dominant-landform-the-mogollon-rim/article_076c17c6-0596-11ee-817a-3be2c6459360.html | 2023-06-08T14:19:37 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/ask-a-ranger-arizonas-second-dominant-landform-the-mogollon-rim/article_076c17c6-0596-11ee-817a-3be2c6459360.html |
Check out these top stories and more in The Times and nwi.com.
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Video provided in partnership with The Times, JEDtv and WJOB. Sponsored by Strack & Van Til. Weekend weather sponsored by NIPSCO. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/219-news-now-check-out-the-early-weekend-forecast-with-matt-holiner-6-8-23/article_9adde04c-0600-11ee-8543-4f9add02889c.html | 2023-06-08T14:19:38 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/219-news-now-check-out-the-early-weekend-forecast-with-matt-holiner-6-8-23/article_9adde04c-0600-11ee-8543-4f9add02889c.html |
PORTAGE — Motorists are warned to avoid the area near Portage High School Thursday evening as a large crowd is expected for the annual graduation ceremony, according to Portage police.
The graduation ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the school site at U.S. 6 and Airport Road.
"We are expecting an extremely large amount of traffic to converge on the area," police said.
Northbound Airport Road will be closed at U.S. 6, access to American Way will be closed in both directions at Airport Road and the southeast entrance to the high school at American Way will also be closed, according to police.
Those attending the graduation event should enter the school property from Airport Road at Pan Am Boulevard, from the north-south access road off Lute Road and from Scottsdale Road.
"(Mitchell) Taebel still maintains a delusion that he and the ARTIST will be married and, if elected President, that the ARTIST will be his First Lady," charges say.
A limited amount of handicap parking will be available by entering from Scottsdale Road and from Lute Road, police said. Those seeking that parking are encouraged to arrive early.
"Graduation typically draws thousands of attendees to the area and often a large majority attempt to arrive around 6:30 or later," police said.
"Even with traffic and parking plans in place, extensive delays are unavoidable, especially the closer we get to the event time. Please plan your travel time accordingly."
Porter/LaPorte County Courts and Social Justice Reporter
Bob is a 23-year veteran of The Times. He covers county government and courts in Porter County, federal courts, police news and regional issues. He also created the Vegan in the Region blog, is an Indiana University grad and lifelong region resident.
Motorists are warned to avoid the area near Portage High School Thursday evening as a large crowd is expected for the annual graduation ceremony, according to Portage police. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/portage-graduation-expected-to-foul-traffic-thursday-in-area-of-u-s-6-and-airport/article_610474b8-05fa-11ee-b1e0-8baa65e2acad.html | 2023-06-08T14:19:39 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/portage-graduation-expected-to-foul-traffic-thursday-in-area-of-u-s-6-and-airport/article_610474b8-05fa-11ee-b1e0-8baa65e2acad.html |
Not all people who love to be outdoors are committed to making activities such as hiking, biking, skiing and climbing safer for everyone. Not everyone is prepared to trudge into uncomfortable situations, trading in large amounts of their free time for no opportunity of financial gain.
But search and rescue volunteers are.
This week, search and rescue squads from 25 states and five countries are in Coconino County for the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) annual conference, studded with events that focus on building skills and disseminating the latest technical, life-saving information.
The conference doesn’t kick off at an ordinary event center. Instead, on Tuesday, teams started getting out in Flagstaff’s signature ponderosa pine forests to share skills and network with volunteers who share a similar passion for saving lives in the backcountry.
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“The MRA’s mission is to provide life-saving care through search and rescue and education,” explained Cassandra Powers, a rock rescue technician with Coconino County Search and Rescue.
She said of the roughly 1,200 search and rescue (SAR) Units in North America, fewer than 100 are accredited through the MRA.
In order to achieve MRA membership and accreditation, teams have to test their skills in wilderness search, high-angle rope rescues, and alpine rescues in snow and ice.
Members then enjoy the benefits of conferences -- such as the one that is currently taking place in northern Arizona this week.
“We get to network with people from out of state or units that we otherwise wouldn’t have come in contact with," Powers said. "We’re all held to the same standard. It’s really cool to see how other teams train and what their training structure looks like and what their teams look like. There’s a lot of collaboration that happens between units when we come together."
Collaboration and skill sharing is especially important at this particular moment in history, Powers added.
“Across the board, across the country, every SAR unit is seeing increased mission numbers,” Powers said.
In the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, more people than ever were inspired to get outside to hit trails, attempt outdoor climbing, camp, ski and fish. But the rise in recreation also meant an increase in outdoor accidents and incidents.
“There is a boom in outdoor recreation,” Powers said. “We have new hikers out there who are just learning how to enjoy the outdoors -- which results in more search and rescue missions. We have to meet that demand.”
There was the sound of clicking carabiners and ropes being secured over the steady undercurrent of birdsong Wednesday morning as a class of SAR volunteers prepared for one of several pre-conference training events.
In Kachina Village near the Pumphouse Wash Trailhead, SAR team members from all over the country were learning how to maximize their resources in a rope rescue — a powerfully important skill as demand for rescuers increases.
“We are providing a three-day course on small-party assisted rescue. We’re focusing on how to provide immediate services with just a few people and just a little bit of gear -- which is kind of different than most search and rescue teams,” said Alison Sheets, the president of MRA, as she gestured toward a cliff and a team of instructors in helmets gearing up for the day. "When they get called out it’s a lot of people with a lot of gear and it takes a little bit longer. So this is what we would call our hasty teams or companion rescue. There’s a bunch of ropes hanging on the overhang. There is a lot of work today on travel on ropes, and how to free people from stuck situations or help injured folks.”
SAR volunteers gave up three days for the small-party assisted rescue training, starting their day at 8 a.m. Wednesday, learning and practicing techniques until around 5 p.m.
“This is relatively new for a lot of technical rescue or mountain rescue teams,” said Jamie Weleber, who is a Mountain Rescue Unit leader for Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue. "A lot of techniques come from the caving community, also they come from Europe. A lot of the European technical rescue teams will utilize these kinds of techniques, and they’re starting to percolate into the culture of rescue in North America. That’s by and large through things like the Mountain Rescue Association conference and classes like this small-party assisted rescue class."
The skills SAR team members learn at the conference are free to acquire, Sheets said.
That’s for good reason.
“The MRA believes that search and rescue should be free. It’s just better for everyone," Powers said. "We don’t want somebody to not call 911 because they can’t afford a rescue. The sooner people call 911, the safer it is for the units responding. The MRA is comprised of pretty much just unpaid professional volunteers. All of our training is done on volunteer time."
Powers said there are times when Coconino SAR volunteers find themselves in austere and challenging conditions. She referenced spending the night on a snowy Mount Elden with a patient who broke their ankle and battled hypothermia while waiting for a helicopter to arrive.
In times like those volunteers lean on each other.
“We’re all really close, because we do spend so much time together in these austere remote environments that would otherwise be an uncomfortable situation, but because we’re together we feel good and confident,” Powers said.
Still another part of that confidence comes from training.
“These are skills that people are hungry to have,” Weleber said. "There are a lot of representatives from a variety of different teams. A lot of the systems that they’re learning here are things that their home teams don’t do yet, but they’re trying to get the skills to be able to bring that information back to their home teams to see how they can potentially incorporate that into the standard operating procedures their home teams may have."
The instruction Coconino County’s SAR team will get, alongside the hundreds of other visiting volunteers this week, is supplemental to the training they’re required to receive every year.
“We have an academy we got through, and we have to test and re-test every year to remain on the team so that we keep our skills sharp," Powers said. "When you go over the edge, your life is in your teammates' hands. It’s really wonderful to trust fall, to have those people that you’ve been training with on the other end of the line."
Coconino County has roughly 130 SAR volunteers responsible to responding to incidents across more than 18,000 square miles of landscape.
The MRA conference gives Coconino County volunteers the opportunity to share the local landscape and augment their already specialized knowledge.
“A lot of the techniques that are being taught in this class are things we are looking at incorporating into our systems,” Weleber said.
Several preconference trainings took place this week simultaneously. One class did “Artificial High Directional Training” near the Oak Creek Overlook. On Thursday a trip to the Grand Canyon was planned to look over the Search and Rescue supply cache and learn more about helicopter use. During the conference teams will be given the chance to learn about other ares of the field, such as drone use, working with search and rescue dogs, and even psychological first aid.
“People who are being rescued are always very apologetic, and we try to put them at ease by letting them know we are honored to be able to respond. We would be out hiking anyway, so why not hike and help somebody at the same time?” Powers said. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/coconino-county-search-and-rescue-hosts-international-training-and-conference/article_b140da08-056d-11ee-b5c6-47784d487b88.html | 2023-06-08T14:19:43 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/coconino-county-search-and-rescue-hosts-international-training-and-conference/article_b140da08-056d-11ee-b5c6-47784d487b88.html |
CROWN POINT — A Crown Point man remains at large after exposing himself to a teenage female McDonald's co-worker.
Devyn Sandifer, a 20-year-old McDonald's employee who is currently on bond for a 2021 attempted murder charge, was charged Tuesday with sexual battery, criminal confinement and public nudity at the McDonald's on 109 Avenue.
Sandifer grabbed a 16-year-old employee's neck, buttocks and arms and asked her to have sex with him, police said. The teen also said Sandifer kissed her without her consent, according to police.
According to charging documents, Sandifer was caught on security video pulling his pants down and exposing himself. Sandifer then grabbed the front collar of the victim's polo shirt and swiftly pulled her close to his chest, police said in a probable cause affidavit.
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The victim tried swiping her hand away from him and told Sandifer to leave her alone and that she is 16-years-old, officers reported.
What you missed this week in notable Northwest Indiana crimes and court cases
This week's local crime and court updates from The Times.
Na Torries Brown, 23, was charged with neglect and battery on Wednesday for accidentally shooting his girlfriend's 3-year-old on April 18, according to court records.
A former Porter County police officer convicted for child neglect that left his young son severely disabled received a fair trial, per the Indiana Court of Appeals.
Paris Hewlett, 20, faces several domestic battery charges for allegedly hitting his girlfriend and an employee in the Hammond McDonald's parking lot.
Ahmeel A. Fowler, 27, of Pingree Illinois, faces a murder charge in connection to the 1-year-old's remains found in a Hammond pond in November 2021.
Merrillville man threatened his girlfriend with a box cutter while she held their infant, police say
Mark Abel, 36, was charged on Friday with intimidation, criminal confinement, domestic battery and neglect of a dependent, court records stated.
Hammond Police are seeking the public's help in locating William Davis, 73, who was described by police as mentally disabled and potentially in need of medical attention.
A customer alleges she paid a costly deposit to Jose Gonzales, 52, of Portage, who promised to put up a fence in her yard. Then, Gonzales stopped answering her calls.
Police said they found 23 videos shot inside the bathroom.
"I just want to say I'm deeply, deeply sorry," Charles Trumble said through sobs.
Valpo man given 10 years, labeled violent predator for repeatedly molesting 8-year-old, records show
When asked if he thought the girl was making up the allegations, Kevin Herbert responded, "It certainly as hell does not sound like she is making things up," police said.
"John stated he was more worried about the damage to his vehicle and bonding his son out of jail."
Gerald Reed, 59, was exonerated of an Illinois murder conviction in 2021 and he was sentenced to 10 years for a Hammond robbery on Thursday.
Jaqueline Jefferson, 44, was charged on Friday in connection to allegations that she bruised and restrained a bedridden patient, who is mentally incapacitated.
A judge has struck down a portion of a state law that prevented Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr., and all individuals under indictment, from carrying a handgun in public.
A Whiting man convicted last year and sentenced to 180 years in prison for his role in a 1998 Hammond triple murder received a fair trial, according to the Court of Appeals. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/region-mcdonalds-employee-charged-with-sexual-battery-of-co-worker/article_89a1dc56-0552-11ee-a9fe-e3a93f332e49.html | 2023-06-08T14:19:49 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/region-mcdonalds-employee-charged-with-sexual-battery-of-co-worker/article_89a1dc56-0552-11ee-a9fe-e3a93f332e49.html |
The Flagstaff City Council adopted the phase one specific plan and zoning map amendments for the new Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) campus Tuesday night, along with the development agreement.
Plans for the campus have been underway since April 2021, with the current list of items working its way through the city approval process since March.
Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) plans to develop a 172-acre property next to Fort Tuthill County Park as a replacement for the current FMC, alongside a new ambulatory care center (ACC) and, eventually, a larger health and wellness village.
The specific plan, zoning map amendments for the first phase of the project, were up for approval Tuesday after a first reading was approved May 16. The project’s development agreement, which also includes some requirements for its second phase, was also brought to this week's meeting.
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Phase one of the project is primarily the new hospital, ACC and some supporting work on infrastructure such as parking and roads. Similar items will be brought to the city for approval before phase two -- which will focus more on constructing the surrounding health and wellness village, including housing, retail, research and more.
Mayor Becky Daggett noted that city council will be discussing the site plan for the project, addressing an item that is usually completed between city staff and the applicant without being presented to the public.
City council moved to adopt the three items unanimously, though Vice Mayor Austin Aslan was absent and thus did not vote.
Council moves project forward
Council’s questions and NAH’s presentations mostly focused on the same three areas: the timing of the planned lowering of Beulah Boulevard’s intersection with Purple Sage Trail, some specifics of sustainability efforts and addressing misinformation they’d seen in public discussion of the project.
After the presentations and public comments, several councilmembers shared their thoughts on the project, with all of them saying they’d researched the project and met with community members on the subject and that they would like to move the new hospital forward.
“I look at this as a regional decision,” said Councilmember Miranda Sweet. “It doesn't just affect me up here or us or those in the room. It affects a lot of people that are using our medical system. I realize there are a lot of questions and concerns, and this is not perfect and it probably never will be perfect, but I believe we need to start somewhere. I agree with some of my colleagues that we have found the findings to move this project forward.”
Councilmember Deborah Harris responded to those asking to delay the project in public comment as well as misinformation she’d seen more broadly in the community, comparing it to the response to projects on the Rio de Flag.
“We need to understand that this community has grown, is growing and will continue to grow,” she said. “We would be better served by taking our energies and trying to make sure that we’re managing that growth appropriately.”
Harris added: “Progress means making a decision. Keeping this thing going for month after month is another way of stopping the project. We've seen it happen. This is a tactic that will be used millions of times and will continue to be used. ...I would just encourage us to really think about all of those folks who are going to come after we're gone and are going to live in this community. Yes, carbon neutrality, we have to pay attention to that, but it doesn't mean that we have to stop every project that comes to us because we don't like it, because it does not meet our agenda. That just doesn't make sense.”
Daggett also addressed the commenters, saying that meetings with several of them had led to some of the additional environmental measures discussed in this meeting (the LEED gold level and carbon measurements, specifically). She also said the concerns with housing and climate related to the project showed her that the city codes needed to be updated to reflect its goals on both items.
Intersection timing
The main change to the development agreement NAH was requesting was a shift in the timing of grading Beulah’s intersection with Purple Sage Trail to accommodate a future Interstate 17 underpass.
While NAH will be funding and completing the construction regardless of the timing, it is asking to complete the grading portion at a later time, once the plans for the underpass are more finalized.
The city’s request was that NAH complete the grading during this phase of the project, alongside the widening of Beulah and other traffic construction that NAH will already be completing on the project. The underpass has been in the regional plan since before this project started and the city has expressed some concerns about disruption to the hospital, should the grading take place after it has opened.
NAH was asking to delay due to cost (the presentation said the changes to the graduation solution has already increased costs from $5.7 million to over $12 million) and the changing nature of that regional plan.
As part of NAH’s presentation, Guillermo Cortes of Shephard-Wesnitzer, Inc. spoke about the history of the underpass, as well as NAH’s solutions for how the grading could be completed after the hospital opens without disrupting access to the area.
An I-17 underpass at this intersection has been part of the city’s plan since 2005, Cortes said, though the project has not yet started to be planned on its own.
As part of his presentation, Cortes outlined some challenges he saw with completing the underpass, including the need for lane closures on the interstate, coordination with the U.S. Forest Service and Arizona Department of Transportation, the potential use of Beulah Boulevard for detours and a trenching rather than boring approach to construction.
Overall, he estimated that project would take over two years to complete, using a phased approach similar to the one he outlined for NAH’s work on the intersection. (The underpass itself would not be completed by NAH.) At most, he said, the intersection would need to be lowered by 9 feet.
“We’re not here to argue that the project should be removed or anything; it is in the regional transportation plan. What we’d like to see, though, is that it is postponed,” Cortes said.
Cortes continued: “We looked at what it would do to be able to drain this thing from a gravity perspective versus a pump station. Obviously, we don't want to see pump stations because the maintenance of those pump stations, but ultimately to go ahead and bore under I-17 was quite a bit more costly. That's the reason we're here in the first place -- is to go ahead and lower this intersection is extremely costly. So why not wait, postpone, until that undercrossing is actually funded?”
He then explained NAH’s proposal for sequencing during the grading, closing only part of the road at a time to allow for continued access to the hospital, including for emergency vehicles. With this plan, NAH is proposing to complete the grading in three phases.
Cortes noted that the plans for Beulah include a 26-foot boulevard in the center of the road in front of campus that was included to accommodate future left-turn lanes as needed. But it also allows additional room during this construction, he said, allowing NAH to lower one side of the road at a time while the other is still in use.
“Capacity will obviously be reduced, but we feel by letting employees know that they can access the hospital from the north ... we think we can save the capacity for that Purple Sage and Beulah intersection for the real emergencies,” he said.
Councilmember Jim McCarthy noted that he had spoken to experts with both the city and MetroPlan about the underpass who told him that the project will be needed regardless of the hospital -- though the timing is still unknown. He asked that the earlier grading be required, saying it would be more efficient to complete the construction at the same time and noting that the regional plans for moving Beulah had already been changed at NAH’s request.
“The various entities I've talked to say this is an important road. We can’t delete it, so we need to do it. So the issue is when should we do it,” he said. “...It's way more efficient to do it now ... [and] from what I understand, it probably will happen.”
In response to a question from Councilmember Lori Matthews, Cortes said an overpass is not feasible, as it would require at least 40 feet of filling to go from the other side “up and over” the highway.
Councilmembers discussed this request when making a motion on the development agreement. Apart from Matthews, who recommended requiring some assurances from NAH and allowing for the delay, they all supported the original recommendation from city staff, requiring the grading to be completed during this phase of construction.
Council approved the development agreement with the original requirement still included.
Residents ask for delay, approval
While there were fewer public comments and attendees than in recent meetings (only seven commented, compared to 40 on May 16), the room still had plenty of residents who’d come to watch the FMC-focused part of the meeting.
Five commenters expressed concern with the project, with most specifically bringing up a desire for continued expansion of sustainability efforts.
Michelle James of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future, who has commented at almost every meeting on the topic, said the organization was asking that more time and consideration be given to the project, asking city council to place a public referendum on the ballot while citing a similar referendum given by the City of Tempe last year.
“F3 believes that the citizens have the right to make the decision about the new hospital, the largest infrastructure project that has been proposed in Flagstaff in many decades,” she said. “This is a project where many questions remain unanswered, including the total cost to taxpayers and the full impacts to the community of moving the hospital."
After the comment section, the city attorney stated that city council would not be able to create this sort of referendum.
Two commenters focused on environmental efforts, asking that NAH be required to receive the LEED gold certification rather than simply attempting to meet its standards.
“Flagstaff is known as a leader in the area of managing its carbon footprint, and we would like to see that continue through the implementation of the goals that are in our regional plan,” said Stefan Sommer of the Northern Arizona Climate Alliance. “We’ve only gotten into this conversation recently, and we think that more could probably have been achieved if we’d been in the conversation from the very beginning."
He added: “Since they are not seeking the actual certification for [LEED gold], that puts the pressure on you because you will have to be the overseers of that and find some verification.”
Another two commenters were in favor of the project: a representative of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and an attorney who is working on the project.
Whitney Cunningham of Aspey, Watkins and Diesel had read letters on behalf of the Odegaards at a few meetings throughout the process, and said he was now sharing his own perspective on the project.
He listed several expansions that had taken place over the 40 years he’d lived in Flagstaff (including at Gore, Northern Arizona University and FMC’s current building), saying these were “generational investments” that allowed the city to continue to serve the community as it grew.
“NAH has been making a $50 million investment in roads, a $5 million investment in fire facilities, they're going to build a park bigger than Foxglenn, they're going to reduce energy consumption by 50% and fossil fuel usage by 75%. This only happens if this project moves forward,” he said. “Advocating to make a project as good as it can be is proper and it should happen. It’s made this project better, but refusing to compromise, taking an all-or-nothing position, wanting to say no or wanting to say delay or wanting to say defer so this project never occurs is a loss to our community that leaves a lot of empty hands and it makes us poorer. This is a generational investment; we should support it.”
In Council's discussion at the end of the meeting, Sweet asked for continued engagement on the project as it continues to develop.
"The work is just beginning," she said. "This is one step in a lot of steps to come and I'm going to rely on all of you to meet with me the night before and ask questions and hopefully make me think more and more about what we're deciding on."
A recording of Tuesday’s council meeting is available online, with discussion of the FMC plans beginning about 50 minutes in. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/education/city-council-approves-phase-one-plans-for-new-flagstaff-medical-center-campus/article_fdabbcc4-058a-11ee-8b81-6306a946e647.html | 2023-06-08T14:19:49 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/education/city-council-approves-phase-one-plans-for-new-flagstaff-medical-center-campus/article_fdabbcc4-058a-11ee-8b81-6306a946e647.html |
First Financial Bank has outlined its progress toward its corporate social responsibility goals.
The Cincinnati-based bank, which has branches in Highland, Hobart, Hammond, Schererville, Gary and Crown Point, released its 2022 Corporate Social Responsibility Report, its second annual report. It spells out accomplishments with First Financial Bank's environmental, governance, employee engagement and community initiatives.
“First Financial embraces our responsibility to conduct business ethically, responsibly and as good stewards of the resources in our care, and I am proud to share the accomplishments of our team in these areas,” said Archie Brown, president and CEO.
The bank said it is now spending $7.9 million with diverse vendors. That accounts for 38.2% of its supplier spending, up from 31.7% in 2021.
It also made progress toward more diverse leadership. Women make up 27.3% of the bank's executives and senior managers, up from 22.9% in 2021. It increased the number of women in mid-level manager positions to 57%, up from 41.2% in 2021.
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On the charitable front, it increased United Way employee donations by 4.9% to $778,097 last year. The bank itself contributed $1.2 million in matching funds, an increase of 6.1 percent from 2021.
First Financial Bank's financial literacy initiatives nearly doubled to reach 30,138 people last year. It reduced paper use by delivering 66% of client statements electronically.
The bank also noted 52.3% of its facilities attained an energy use intensity rating below the median level for its industry.
“We truly want to improve the communities we serve, and this report shows how that drive for wide-ranging growth is core to everything we do on a daily basis,” said Roddell McCullough, chief corporate responsibility officer.
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Pierogi stand, Brown Skin Coffee and Alpha Family Resale opening; Ixxa and Dan's Pierogies updating
Open
Open
Closed
Renovated
New mural
Opening
Opening
Coming soon
Coming soon
Expanded
Expanded
219 News Now 5/19/23
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Unbeatable Eatables, DRIPBaR Crown Point, Taco Depot and Flashback Antiques open; Da Burger House closes | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/first-financial-bank-outlines-corporate-social-responsibility-initiatives/article_fdc501aa-055a-11ee-acad-275907066411.html | 2023-06-08T14:19:55 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/first-financial-bank-outlines-corporate-social-responsibility-initiatives/article_fdc501aa-055a-11ee-acad-275907066411.html |
The Flagstaff City Council this week endorsed the effort to create the new Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument.
The move comes after Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs endorsed the effort last week, and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland visited the region last month, speaking with local tribes on the subject.
Both Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett and Vice Mayor Austin Aslan attended Haaland’s visit.
In speaking to Council, Rose Toehe, the city coordinator for Indigenous initiatives, referenced the permanent ban on uranium mining that a monument designation would create.
It is an issue that has long been controversial in northern Arizona, especially for tribes, with deep historic and cultural ties to the area.
“Many of the Indigenous nations in the area, their members have perished or continue to suffer due to uranium mining. The plants, forests, and animal-relatives have suffered and perished as well,” Toehe told the council. “We all know too well as Indigenous people the devastation left behind and the people left with little recourse.”
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Throughout the years, it has not been uncommon for the Flagstaff City Council to provided its support to various political or conservation efforts, especially regarding the Grand Canyon and the issue of uranium mining.
In 2017, Council passed a resolution opposing the transport of uranium mined near the Grand Canyon through Flagstaff, declaring the city a “nuclear-free zone.” Then, in 2019, Council also passed a resolution supporting a long-term federal mining ban around the Canyon.
Currently, new mining claims around the Grand Canyon are paused after a 2012 moratorium was implemented by the Obama administration.
That moratorium could lapse in 2032.
Although the resolution of support is largely symbolic, with a final decision on the national monument to be made by President Joe Biden, it could represent growing support for the monument designation from Anglo communities across northern Arizona.
The most recent push for protections began in April when a coalition of tribes asked the Biden administration to protect 1.1 million acres around the Grand Canyon.
The coalition includes leadership representatives of the Havasupai Tribe, Hopi Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, Kaibab Paiute Tribe, Las Vegas Band of Paiute Tribe, Moapa Band of Paiutes, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, Navajo Nation, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, Yavapai-Apache Nation, Pueblo of Zuni, and the Colorado River Indian Tribes.
The effort has also been backed by environmental and conservation groups such as the Grand Canyon Trust and Sierra Club.
Advocates say a national monument designation would prevent new mining claims from being issued while maintaining existing uses, such as hiking, hunting, fishing, grazing and camping. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/flagstaff-city-council-backs-tribes-in-push-for-grand-canyon-monument/article_348004c8-057a-11ee-8b53-1f20cf51492d.html | 2023-06-08T14:19:55 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/flagstaff-city-council-backs-tribes-in-push-for-grand-canyon-monument/article_348004c8-057a-11ee-8b53-1f20cf51492d.html |
Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte recently gave 48 automated external defibrillators to a variety of organizations.
The nonprofit distributed the AEDs to American Legion Post 83 , Anam Cara Stables , Beats for Bub, Colton Davis Foundation, Citizens Concerned for the Homeless, Dunes Arts Foundation , First Lutheran Church , Foundation Property Management , Friendship Botanic Gardens , Independent Cat Society, Kankakee Township Volunteer Fire Department , La Lumiere School, LaPorte Community School Corporation , LaPorte County Historical Society Museum , Michigan City Area Schools , Michigan City Pop Warner Football and Cheer , MSD of New Durham Township , New Hope Missionary Baptist Church , Paladin, Service League of Michigan City , Solid Waste District of LaPorte County, St. Paul's Episcopal Church , Town of Long Beach and Tri-Township Consolidated School Corp.
The Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte recently held its 2023 Round 1 AED Celebration at the HFL Conference & Learning Center in which it distributed $102,164 in AEDs, cabinets and signage to the 23 community grantees.
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It's part of foundation's When Seconds Count: AED Initiative that seeks to ensure the community has life-saving devices.
So far, it has awarded 185 AEDs, handing out $435,398 in grant funding in LaPorte County.
The 2023 Round 1 AED Celebration included live demonstrations, readiness checks and talks from public safety officials like LaPorte Fire Chief Andy Snyder and Andrew McGuire, the administrator of La Porte County EMS.
The Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte accepts grant applications for its When Seconds Count: AED Initiative once per year, starting on February 14. Governments, nonprofits and schools are welcome to apply.
Overall, The Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte has awarded more than $38 million worth of funding in LaPorte County since 2017, when it was funded from the sale of the former IU Health Hospital in LaPorte.
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Pierogi stand, Brown Skin Coffee and Alpha Family Resale opening; Ixxa and Dan's Pierogies updating
Open
Open
Closed
Renovated
New mural
Opening
Opening
Coming soon
Coming soon
Expanded
Expanded
219 News Now 5/19/23
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Unbeatable Eatables, DRIPBaR Crown Point, Taco Depot and Flashback Antiques open; Da Burger House closes | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/healthcare-foundation-of-laporte-gives-out-automated-external-defibrillators/article_0ab92484-05ad-11ee-b776-9f92baf88959.html | 2023-06-08T14:20:02 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/healthcare-foundation-of-laporte-gives-out-automated-external-defibrillators/article_0ab92484-05ad-11ee-b776-9f92baf88959.html |
LAPORTE — Members of the public have the chance to own some of the original wooden seats in the near century-old Civic Auditorium.
A one week online auction for the seats is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. Friday. The bidding will end at 12 p.m. June 16.
Civic Auditorium Director Brent Binversie said 270 of the 1,382 seats in the building, where the late comedian Bob Hope once performed, will go up for bid. He said there are just three single seats in the building while the rest come in sections of mostly 13 held together on a single steel frame.
The single seats and sections of two to seven seats along with a handful of 13-seat sections will be available for bidding, he said.
Binversie said the rest of the seats will be turned over to Larson Danielson Construction, the LaPorte-based company hired to take out the seats as part of the final stage of a $6 million modernization of the building.
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Larson Danielson was involved in constructing the Civic Auditorium, which was completed in 1929.
“We’re very happy to have them involved in the renovation project here in 2023,” Binversie said.
Binversie said work is scheduled to begin on removing the old seats on June 12. They will be replaced with plastic seats that are two inches wider with cushions and cup holders.
The seating aisles and steps will be widened. Hand rails in the aisles are also going to be installed.
A majority of the work is scheduled to be completed in early August, with the rest wrapping up in the fall.
Binversie said the idea is for the audience to feel more comfortable and safer while attending concerts, sporting events and other functions. He said the upcoming improvements, which include air conditioning, will better position the Civic Auditorium for hosting additional events, particularly during the summer.
Binversie said he believes there will be a good response to the auction because of the history of the seats. He said the seats also carry sentimental value for people who used to attend LaPorte High School basketball games years ago, when the facility was the home of the Slicers, or were there for some other major event or special occasion.
“We have received a lot of calls about when they are going up for sale,” he said.
The bidding will start at $50 for single seats, increasing to $350 for 13-seat sections.
Money collected from the auction will be placed into the general fund of the parks department, which oversees the Civic Auditorium.
Big name acts who performed there in more recent times include country music superstars Randy Travis and Clint Black along with the late Davey Jones of the Monkees.
Park Department Superintendent Mark Schreiber said Charlie Finley brought his World Series champion Oakland A’s to the Civic Auditorium for a banquet in the early 1970s. Finley, who died in 1996, lived just outside LaPorte.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for those who want a piece of LaPorte history to be able to own it,” Binversie said.
Information is available at laportecivicauditorium.com and on the Facebook pages of the Civic Auditorium, the Park Department and the City of LaPorte. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/city-of-laporte/own-a-piece-of-history-laporte-civic-auditorium-seats-up-for-auction/article_8763569c-0488-11ee-ab98-470ff51cb84b.html | 2023-06-08T14:20:08 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/city-of-laporte/own-a-piece-of-history-laporte-civic-auditorium-seats-up-for-auction/article_8763569c-0488-11ee-ab98-470ff51cb84b.html |
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
I’m no lawyer or accountant, but it may well be that Tucson Citizens, and not TEP, have been paying TEP’s franchise fee since the current franchise agreement began in 2001. Does that matter? It does if you’d like TEP to pay their contractual debts with their own money and not yours!
The 2001 Franchise Agreement requires TEP to pay the City a franchise fee of 2.25% of revenues. Check your TEP bill and you will see that YOU are being billed for the Franchise Fee. It sure looks like TEP Customers are paying that fee. Apparently, TEP is allowed to collect this money through their billing, then take the money and turn it back to the City, saying “Voila, We just paid Our required Franchise Fee.”
If you look at the current Franchise Agreement Tucson voters approved in 2001 it obligates TEP to pay the City of Tucson a Franchise Fee in exchange for permission to run poles and electric lines on right-of-ways owned by Tucsonans. Look in your backyard and you will likely see TEP’s poles and wires strung along your back alley. That alley is a City established right-of-way that allows the City to have access and provide you with City Services such as City Water, City Trash removal, etc. for which you pay a monthly bill to the City. Or maybe poles and wires run in front of your house. The streets and sidewalks are also City right-of-ways. These are publicly owned right-of-ways. Those are the right-of-ways TEP uses to distribute their electricity through the neighborhood, and to your house.
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So why should TEP make YOU pay for the privilege the franchise agreement requires THEM to pay? The cost of poles, wires and maintenance are already folded into the rate base which you pay on your TEP bill under “Delivery Services”. I know of no other costs to TEP associated with the “permission” the franchise agreement gives them.
“Permission” to access and use Tucson’s property is what was given when citizens voted for the existing Franchise Agreement. And you, Tucson, should be compensated for that. Why should TEP customers automatically underwrite TEP’s 10.2% profit-taking?
At 2.25%, TEP’s required Franchise Fee amounted to approximately $14 million this past year. For the sake of argument, let’s say TEP’s franchise fees would have generated an average of $10 million per year over the past 22 years. The franchise fee over that time period would then have totaled $220 million. If $220 million had not been taken out of the productive pockets of Tucsonans, they might have generated additional value and interest. If we only adjust for inflation, it totals $300,000,000!
The Mayor and Council struggle every year to make the best use of taxpayer funds. This year’s competing programs, whether for water, police and fire services, transportation, parks and recreation or a myriad of social services all continue to be monetarily stressed. Even the urgently needed Climate Action Plan suffers a lack of upfront funding. The missing $300,000,000 from TEP could go a long way to better fund these needs. Or maybe return the funds to those who paid their bills, not knowing the ruse.
Again, I am no lawyer or accountant, so I hope the Mayor and Council have a good answer as to why Tucsonan’s are apparently paying TEP’s required franchise fee. And if there is no good reason for putting this fee on the backs of Tucsonans it obviously needs correction. And if it is only there because the current franchise agreement allows that to happen, I suggest Mayor and Council adjust priorities to better reflect the interests of the Citizens of Tucson in the next franchise agreement now being crafted for implementation prior to 2026.
Ron Proctor is a Climate Activist and past Co-Chair of the City of Tucson Climate Change Committee | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-does-tep-owe-tucson-citizens-300-000-000/article_ce95c128-03c3-11ee-a6c9-bfa80740f6aa.html | 2023-06-08T14:22:05 | 1 | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-does-tep-owe-tucson-citizens-300-000-000/article_ce95c128-03c3-11ee-a6c9-bfa80740f6aa.html |
'I can be a phenomenal Black woman': Nikki Giovanni's decades of work inspires artists
When LaKeisha Fears-Perez was a little girl attending Sarah Moore Greene Elementary School in Knoxville, the written word was her comfort. She put all her thoughts and feelings into poems she jotted down in journals.
“It was something beautiful that came from within me that didn't have to be critiqued,” she told Knox News.
She developed a deep connection to the work of Nikki Giovanni, the poet, author and activist who often writes about the same Knoxville she knows so well. Giovanni's writings inspired Fears-Perez to not only continue writing but to delve deeper into different art forms like painting, dance and theater.
“It allowed me to move beyond my circumstances and it allowed me to see that there are great possibilities,” she said.
“Knowing that she was born in Knoxville … (made) you feel like ‘I can do this too. I can be more than just. I will be beyond my circumstances. I can be a phenomenal Black woman. I'm OK in my skin. I am a beautiful human being.'”
'Because I just love it':Nikki Giovanni celebrates 80 years with Knoxville on her heart
The simple joy in writing she found as a young girl continues on a greater scale into adulthood. Fears-Perez is doing her part to inspire others as Giovanni inspired her. Through child care and art therapy programs, she helps children and adults express themselves through poetry, visual and performing arts, music, and athletics. Many of her events are at her home or churches.
She's part of a group in Knoxville that has organized poetry slams, open mic nights and art auctions.
“I think what we're doing now is just trying to live her legacy, to do the best for the greater with what we have,” she said. “We just don't stop.”
Physical reminders of Giovanni's time in Knoxville
Giovanni is honored with a historical marker that stands in front of Cal Johnson Recreation Center on Hall of Fame Drive. The plaque acknowledges her family ties to what used to be called Mulvaney Street, its significance, and her legacy as the “Princess of Black Poetry.”
Giovanni – who turns 80 this June – has left a mark on Knoxville, but the force of her impact extends well beyond the historical plaque that bears her name.
Renee Kesler, executive director of Beck Cultural Exchange Center, Knoxville’s hub for Black history and culture, calls Giovanni a friend. She met the poet in the early 2000s and says she “unquestionably” and “undeniably” has been inspired by her work and friendship.
Giovanni always makes a stop at the Beck Center when she visits Knoxville. She recently sent 47 boxes of her personal history to be preserved at the cultural center.
“For me, that's the ultimate compliment because she knows that we're going to be good stewards of the resources she's entrusted to us and that this is her home,” Kesler told Knox News. “We will honor her legacy for generations.”
The exhibit will also honor her family, including her beloved grandparents, “who really left an indomitable mark on this community,” Kesler noted.
“They were community-minded people. They were educators. They were advocates. They were community folks," she explained. “It feels natural that we would celebrate that.”
Giovanni's waves of influence
Giovanni’s literary work and her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement are felt throughout Knoxville, especially to the community where the historical marker stands. For those who visit Cal Johnson Park and Recreation Center, the plaque is a beacon of hope and makes Giovanni “touchable,” Kesler said.
“It's one thing to say someone on the national stage was a great literary person, a great artist, a great cultural icon. … (But) it's a whole other level to say I look up to someone who literally was born in my backyard, who came from right where I came from,” Kesler explained.
Fears-Perez said Giovanni’s drive to shine a spotlight on Black culture and experience is evident today in programming put on by other local organizations such as the Carpetbag Theatre, The Bottom community space, Alex Haley Farm in Clinton and Highlander Research and Education Center in New Market.
“What Nikki Giovanni did, she created a fantastic foundation,” Fears-Perez said. “And now each person that looks at her is adding to the foundation and making improvements.”
Fears-Perez was involved in the creation of the “Love is the Answer” mural behind the Change Center on Harriet Tubman Street. The mural commemorates 25 people who died due to gun violence before the age of 20.
She compares the intention behind the mural to Giovanni’s “A Good Cry” (2017), a collection of poems that reflect on the joys and pain of her life and the people who shaped it.
“Even though we have been through the struggle and those parents have lost their children, where do we go from here? How do we evolve from it? How do we make this alley where these faces are on the wall, how do we transform it to a healing place?” she said.
Carrying Giovanni’s legacy forward
Fears-Perez and Kesler both say it’s important to carry the torch of Giovanni’s legacy.
“She gives this generation and the generations to come permission to lift their voice. For so long, much of Black history and culture has been silenced,” Kesler said.
For those of all ages who have been moved by her poems and essays about Knoxville, or inspired by the ease with which she shared her authentic self, Giovanni's effect on our corner of the world is both wide and deep.
“She has already set a bar that quite possibly may never be attained, but it is certainly something for which we could all strive,” Kesler added.
Honoring Giovanni’s 80th birthday
Yolande "Nikki" Giovanni was born June 7, 1943, in Knoxville. Filled with writing on topics such as race, gender, sexuality and social justice, her illustrious career has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Oprah Winfrey’s living legends.
She contributed to the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Arts Movement. She was friends with the greats such as James Baldwin and Nina Simone. She even mingled with a few royals.
Though she’s seen it all and done it all, she’s never forgotten Knoxville. And she’s not finished. Her next work, entitled "A Street Called Mulvaney," is set to be released in 2024.
“I love Nikki Giovanni, and I want to make her proud,” Kesler continued. “Her 80th birthday is a moment of reflection for me to be able to say, ‘Yeah. I want to be just like her when I grow up.’”
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. Twitter @dturner1208.
Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe. | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/08/nikki-giovanni-deep-influence-culture-creativity-knoxville/70180846007/ | 2023-06-08T14:23:50 | 1 | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/08/nikki-giovanni-deep-influence-culture-creativity-knoxville/70180846007/ |
AUBURN, Calif. — Drivers are advised to avoid streets near School Park in Auburn after overnight flooding.
The flooding happened around 4:30 a.m. on College Way between Auburn Folsom Road and High Street, according to the Auburn Police Department.
A water main underneath the road broke and caused water leakage, which pushed up through the asphalt and flooded the road. The water supply was turned off. The cause of the water main leak is unknown at this time.
College Way is closed as of Thursday morning.
Watch more on ABC10 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/auburn-grass-valley/flooding-auburn-college-folsom-road/103-99d5bf9a-516d-4025-9504-0f52afb7ab0d | 2023-06-08T14:31:30 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/auburn-grass-valley/flooding-auburn-college-folsom-road/103-99d5bf9a-516d-4025-9504-0f52afb7ab0d |
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The mother of the 6-year-old Richneck Elementary School student who shot his teacher earlier this year is now facing federal firearms charges. Her lawyer tells 13News Now that she plans to enter a guilty plea.
25-year-old Deja Taylor was charged with being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm and making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.
According to court documents filed Monday, Taylor made a false claim on the firearms transaction form she filled out when she bought a 9mm handgun in 2022. Section G of that form asks, "Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance?"
Prosecutors said Taylor lied when she answered no, and that she was actually a marijuana user.
While marijuana is legal in Virginia, the form notes that "the use or possession of marijuana remains unlawful under Federal law regardless of whether it has been legalized or decriminalized for medicinal or recreational purposes in the state where you reside."
Taylor is already criminally indicted on a charge of felony child neglect and a misdemeanor charge of endangering a child by reckless storage of a firearm.
Taylor's son shot first-grade teacher Abby Zwerner on January 6 inside her classroom at Richneck Elementary School.
Police had previously said the boy’s mother legally purchased the gun, but the federal complaint now claims she lied on her application to purchase and possess the gun.
Taylor's attorney, James Ellenson, issued a statement Monday afternoon saying his client will plead guilty to the federal charges:
Deja Taylor will enter guilty pleas to the charges that were filed today as an information by the U.S. Attorneys’ office of the Eastern District of Virginia. The information was an agreed procedure which eliminated the need for the government to take the case to a grand jury. Our action follows very constructive negotiations we had with federal authorities. The terms of the agreement, which we believe to be fair to all parties, will be disclosed when we enter the guilty plea. That should occur later this week or next.
We intend to present mitigating evidence that we trust the Court will view favorably at sentencing later this year following preparation of a pre-sentence report.
We thank the US Attorney's office for its good faith participation in discussions.
The shooting that occurred on January 6, 2023, at Richneck Elementary School was a tragedy for all parties, most especially teacher Abby Zwerner for whom we wish a complete recovery.
Attorney James Ellenson | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/deja-taylor-newport-news-federal-charges/291-5a6e4dcf-726a-4b95-b789-bfbe58252e1f | 2023-06-08T14:31:32 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/deja-taylor-newport-news-federal-charges/291-5a6e4dcf-726a-4b95-b789-bfbe58252e1f |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Seven people were shot in Sacramento's Del Paso Heights neighborhood Wednesday. The Sacramento Police Department said all seven people are expected to survive.
The shooting happened around 10:30 p.m. near the 1600 block of Grand Avenue. Officers found an adult at the scene who had been shot at least once.
Another adult who had been shot at least once was found in the 3000 block of Elm Street.
Five other adults who had each been shot at least once were located at a hospital. The police department is investigating the shooting.
This is a developing story and it will be updated as more information becomes available.
Watch more on ABC10 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/7-people-shot-del-paso-heights-sacramento/103-0cf9f28e-8cb4-44ba-8148-2281561d04ea | 2023-06-08T14:31:38 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/7-people-shot-del-paso-heights-sacramento/103-0cf9f28e-8cb4-44ba-8148-2281561d04ea |
SEATTLE — A series of free summer events at Pier 62 in Seattle kicks off Thursday.
The events hosted by Friends of Seattle Waterfront range from live music, dance and fitness classes, IndigiQueer Festival, Korea Expo and Festival, Folklore Mexicano Tonantzin performances, Caribbean Sea Fest, art, skateboarding, and more.
A free fitness event set for Sunday will be led by Tiana Duncan, the founder of Indigo Movement and a licensed massage therapist. The event is an hour-long full-body kickboxing and mobility class.
Duncan said all ages and all fitness abilities could participate from 11 a.m. to noon.
Her fitness classes happening throughout the summer are aimed at creating a safe and welcoming space for everyone to work out.
Duncan described herself as a champion for diversity, social justice, LGBTQ+ rights and environmental preservation.
She launched The Duncan Connection, a non-profit providing holistic resources, fitness classes, and swim lessons to underserved communities in the South Seattle area.
Duncan identifies as queer.
“This is my community," Duncan said. "Even if I wasn’t queer, I would advocate for a group that is marginalized. I think we as people are forgetting that with marginalized communities - if one community is being under attack - it’s going to be a ripple effect down the line.”
As Pride Month gets underway, Duncan said it's important to ensure health and wellness settings are safe and welcoming to everyone, including the LGBTQIA+ community.
“We have to come back to humanity as all humans," Duncan said. "Regardless if you’re able to resonate with this community or not, we’re still humans and we all deserve to be treated equally and fairly across the board.”
Duncan said there are ways health and wellness businesses can create inclusive and safe spaces for people of all abilities and from all communities.
“Creating paperwork and documentation that actually asks people what their pronouns are," Duncan said. "That makes them feel respected and seen. At the end of the day as humans – it’s all about respect.”
Duncan will be hosting several summer series fitness events. You can see the full schedule of free events at Pier 62 by clicking here.
"I’m super excited about this event," Duncan said. "It’s free. All ages, all fitness abilities are welcome. Just come up and have a good time.” | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/lgbtq/seattle-queer-entrepreneur-health-fitness/281-c3280623-4524-4892-921f-71c3178dd318 | 2023-06-08T14:32:31 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/lgbtq/seattle-queer-entrepreneur-health-fitness/281-c3280623-4524-4892-921f-71c3178dd318 |
BALTIMORE — Michael Harrison is stepping down as Baltimore Police Commissioner.
Mayor Brandon Scott made the announcement Thursday morning.
Deputy Commissioner Richard Worley has been nominated to replace Harrison.
Former Mayor Catherine Pugh appointed Harrison back in February 2019, while he was serving as commissioner with the New Orleans Police Department.
Much like his time in Louisiana Harrison's entire stint as top cop in Baltimore was spent under a federal consent decree, which remains in place today.
In each of his four years leading the department, Baltimore has surpassed 330 homicides.
This year, however, the City is on pace for less than 300 murders. If the trend continues it would mark the first time since 2014 the grim milestone isn't reached.
So far in 2023 — 121 homicides have been reported — 29 below the number this time last year.
Harrison leaves with about nine-months left on a five-year contract that pays him north of $300,000 annually. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/michael-harrison-steps-down-as-bpd-commissioner | 2023-06-08T14:39:42 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/michael-harrison-steps-down-as-bpd-commissioner |
Listen to any song or watch any movie or documentary about coal mining and inevitably you’ll find yourself deep in a mountain, dim lights radiating and dust circulating in the air.
Not so in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin, where the majority of coal mining takes place on the surface instead of the underground passages often associated with Appalachian mines. Yet, black lung among Wyoming coal miners is still a concern and its prompting outreach from the U.S. Department of Labor after years of local work.
Black lung disease, known formally as coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, is the debilitating lung disease caused by inhaling coal dust over time. The dust scars the lungs and can leave them looking charred, hampering a person’s ability to breathe. It can be fatal, and it leaves some coal miners disabled after years of exposure with no cure.
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Common perception has held that black lung only affects underground miners, but that’s not the case, said Sarah Salveson-Jones, the program director for the Northwest Community Action Programs of Wyoming’s (NOWCAP) Black Lung Clinic based in Sheridan.
In Appalachia, black lung is engrained in the culture around coal mining, Salveson-Jones said. Unlike Wyoming, West Virginia has a state black lung program and some communities have their own black lung associations. That’s in part because the disease presents more severely. The signs of inhaled coal dust are often visible on the X-rays of underground miners, while black lung is less clear for surface miners, who often qualify for benefits based on their pulmonary function tests.
“I didn’t hear about it once over here until I started at the clinic,” Salveson-Jones said.
In Wyoming, just 25 coal miners and their families actively receive benefits for black lung, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Division of Coal Mine Workers’ Compensation, well below that of eastern states like Kentucky, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
At the same time, Wyoming is the national leader in coal production, more than tripling the next closest state of West Virginia. The industry employs more than 4,600 workers, according to the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services.
Though black lung is most prevalent in central Appalachia, which has seen a resurgence in the disease, research shows that it can impact surface miners, including those who have never worked underground. Surface miners can also inhale silica dust as they and their machines break rocks, leading to silicosis, another lung disease that can lead to permanent lung damage.
“Our guys just don’t come [for screening and care],” Salveson-Jones said. “They hear that surface mining does not cause black lung. They think that if they don’t work underground, they’re gonna be fine.”
Outreach
For years, NOWCAP’s black lung program has been working with coal miners in Wyoming and across the West to screen for black lung, fighting the misconception that the disease doesn’t affect surface miners and helping them to connect to medical care and apply for financial compensation under the Black Lung Benefits Act. The organization is one of 15 nationally and the only one in Wyoming to receive funding from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration to support miners with black lung.
Through NOWCAP, miners can access free screenings that consist of a pulmonary function test and an X-ray reviewed by a doctor certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for recognizing black lung. If the miners qualify, Salveson-Jones and counselors with the organization help them to file claims with the Department of Labor and can assist them in accessing health care.
Miners disabled by black lung receive a minimum of $737.90 each month, as well as financial coverage for their medical treatment, which often includes lung rehabilitation. The disability benefits extend to dependents, so even after a miner dies from the disease their family can continue to receive compensation. Though the money may not seem enough for some, especially in light of a report released earlier this year that showed federal black lung benefits are not keeping pace with inflation, it can make a difference.
“It’s life changing for some of these people,” Salveson-Jones said.
On Tuesday, the Department of Labor announced that its Division of Coal Mine Workers’ Compensation would also conduct black lung outreach in Wyoming for the first time. From June 13 to 15, the agency alongside NOWCAP will host events for current and former coal miners at the community libraries in Rock Springs, Wright and Gillette. At the day-long events, miners will be able to learn more about eligibility for the federal disability program as well as get help filing or re-filing claims, according to a Department of Labor press release.
The educational push follows similar events in Indiana and Illinois last year and an awareness campaign the agency launched last year to inform coal miners about their rights.
Salveson-Jones said NOWCAP will continue to advocate for Wyoming coal miners with black lung while educating about the disease and the importance of screening, even for surface miners.
“They don’t have to use us, but I just want them to know,” she said. | https://trib.com/news/local/business/health-care/black-lung-in-wyoming-coal-miners-prompts-department-of-labor-outreach/article_b2641ba0-0493-11ee-9f7a-db2375927e49.html | 2023-06-08T14:41:58 | 0 | https://trib.com/news/local/business/health-care/black-lung-in-wyoming-coal-miners-prompts-department-of-labor-outreach/article_b2641ba0-0493-11ee-9f7a-db2375927e49.html |
DERBY, Kan. (KSNW) — Smoke on the Plains, Derby’s annual barbeque and music festival is returning for its 12th year.
The festival takes place June 9th and 10th at High Park in Derby. There will be food trucks, and a Kids Corner featuring princess and superhero lessons, inflatable bounce houses, face painting, and other activities.
Visitors can sample and judge professional barbeque during two competitions following the Kansas City Barbeque Society rules and judging. Saturday will feature a morning 5K run and a car show.
There will be live music throughout the festival, with concerts on both nights. For more information and a complete schedule of events, click here. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/derbys-12th-annual-bbq-and-music-festival-returns/ | 2023-06-08T14:54:27 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/derbys-12th-annual-bbq-and-music-festival-returns/ |
Here is your Duluth News Tribune Minute podcast for Thursday, June 8, 2023.
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RIVERVIEW, Fla. — Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputies are searching for more information and potentially two drivers after a woman was hit and killed on Big Bend Road in Riverview.
Deputies said they were called just after 5 a.m. Tuesday to the intersection of Big Bend Road and Mercadier Lane — just west of U.S. Highway 301 — in response to a crash.
When they arrived, deputies said they found a woman badly injured in the westbound lanes. Despite life-saving efforts, the woman died at the crash site, the agency said in a news release.
Witnesses at the scene reportedly told deputies the woman was walking beside her bicycle as she tried to cross Big Bend Road when she was hit by potentially several drivers.
One driver in a yellow Camaro did stop and remain at the scene, deputies said. The agency added the driver is cooperating with investigators.
Now the search is on for two drivers who may have been involved. The first driver of interest was described to be driving a silver or white lifted F150 pickup truck. Deputies said the truck was driving westbound on Big Bend Road after the crash, coming from northbound US Highway 301.
The second driver of interest was driving a dark-colored SUV; investigators said they aren't sure where the car came from before it was seen going westbound on Big Bend Road after the collision.
Both vehicles may have damage to their front bumper and undercarriage because of the crash.
Anyone who may have been in the area around 5 a.m. on June 6 or has any information that could help investigators is asked to call 813-247-8200. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/big-bend-road-hit-and-run-investigation-hillsborough-county/67-92364da7-7295-4ed8-855b-205f260c1b2c | 2023-06-08T14:58:43 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/big-bend-road-hit-and-run-investigation-hillsborough-county/67-92364da7-7295-4ed8-855b-205f260c1b2c |
Name: Lainy Ristau
School: Indian Trail High School & Academy
Nickname: Lain
Parents: Jeremy and Carly Sowma
Most memorable high school moment: My most memorable high school moment was on both of my senior nights. I have played varsity tennis since I was a freshman, and I remember giving speeches to seniors for their senior night on the team. I had always been so excited to have a senior night but I thought that it would be so long until I got to that point. It came way more quickly than I thought and before I knew it I was having my senior nights for tennis and for basketball. It felt really nice to be celebrated and I enjoyed looking back and reminiscing on all the good moments that I had with all my teammates and accomplishments throughout my four years. My teammates, coaches and family made these nights super special for me and was without a doubt a very memorable way to end my high school sports career.
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Most influential teacher: Patrick Metzler in Biology and AP Biology; Mr. Metzler has been a super influential teacher for me because he has taught me to look beyond the grade that I receive and focus on enjoying the material that I am learning. I had him as a freshman for biology and I had always felt super comfortable going to him for any topics I was struggling on. As an incoming freshman that was a little scary for me to do. This year I am in AP biology and I continue to learn new things everyday, not only do I learn but I feel that he brings an energy to the subject that makes the class super enjoyable.
School activities/clubs: Choir/madrigals, freshman mentors, Link Crew, National Honor Society, student government, Spirit Squad
School athletics: Basketball, tennis
School offices held: Vice President of National Honors Society; Chair Leader of Spirit Squad
Honors, letters or awards: Honor Roll all 4 years; All state honorable mention for tennis freshman year; MVP freshman year tennis team; sectional champ junior year(tennis); round of 16 finalist 2 years(tennis); state qualifier all four years(tennis); Sportsmanship award (basketball); Wisconsin High school Athlete of the year candidate (tennis)
Out-of-school activities/hobbies: Hanging out with family and friends; working out; reading; baking; playing with my dog and little brother
College choice: Winona State University in Winona, Minn.
Intended major/field of study: Medical Laboratory Science, also am committed to play tennis.
Role model: My mom
Three words that best describe my role model: Loving, Hardworking, Selfless
What I hope to accomplish in my lifetime: What I hope to accomplish in my lifetime is to become a role model for my future kids just as my mom has become mine. I wish to become a scientist and work in a lab and work with clinical trials and help treat diseases that affect the brain. As I know that this will take a lot of work, I know that my mom would be no where without the hard-work and perseverance that she gives every day. I definitely want to be someone who others look up to and make as their role models. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-teen-2023-lainy-ristau-of-indian-trail-high-school-academy/article_0b0d0048-03fc-11ee-bec0-d798be37a5c3.html | 2023-06-08T15:04:16 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-teen-2023-lainy-ristau-of-indian-trail-high-school-academy/article_0b0d0048-03fc-11ee-bec0-d798be37a5c3.html |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Little Rock Police Department has asked for the public's help locating a missing woman.
20-year-old Aliyah Arnold was last seen in the Little Rock area on June 7.
Anyone with information regarding Arnold's whereabouts is encouraged to contact Detective Boyd at (501) 404-3016, Detective Dearing at (501) 401-3014, or the Little Rock Communications Center at (501) 371-4829. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/missing-persons-reports/little-rock-police-missing-woman/91-6605aeff-d497-4fb6-a3bf-4f03a4c34fa8 | 2023-06-08T15:04:58 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/missing-persons-reports/little-rock-police-missing-woman/91-6605aeff-d497-4fb6-a3bf-4f03a4c34fa8 |
BELLA VISTA, Ark. — The Bella Vista Police Department has activated a Silver Alert in the search for a missing man in Benton County.
75-year-old Garland McAbee Jr. was last known to be at 3 Glenwood Lane near Lake Loch Lomond around 4:30 p.m. on June 7.
He is described as being 6'0" in height and weighing about 200 pounds with short gray hair and brown eyes.
He was last seen wearing a navy blue t-shirt and gray sweatpants.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact Chief Graves at (479) 855-3771. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/missing-persons-reports/silver-alert-missing-bella-vista-man/91-8cceb0d0-e115-463d-b3fc-23d9f449be69 | 2023-06-08T15:05:04 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/missing-persons-reports/silver-alert-missing-bella-vista-man/91-8cceb0d0-e115-463d-b3fc-23d9f449be69 |
DENNIS TOWNSHIP — A township man was arrested last week after pornography depicting children was found by authorities on his cell phone and computer, the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office said on Thursday.
Mark Jeffrey Wieland, 42, of the township's Dennisville section, is charged with third-degree possession of child pornography, the Prosecutor's Office said in a news release.
He was taken to Cape May County jail following is arrest, the Prosecutor's Office said.
Jeffery remained in the facility as of Thursday, according to the Sheriff's Office's county inmate list.
Wieland's arrest on child pornography charges is the second the Prosecutor's Office announced this week.
State Police and the Prosecutor's Office investigated a lead by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about child pornography being downloaded by Wieland.
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Multiple computers and cellphones were taken from Wieland's home during a May 30 search of his home, the Prosecutor's Office said.
Wieland faces three to five years in state prison if convicted. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/dennis-township-child-porn-arrest/article_d0aad0a6-05fe-11ee-8f56-9b48807e8589.html | 2023-06-08T15:05:58 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/dennis-township-child-porn-arrest/article_d0aad0a6-05fe-11ee-8f56-9b48807e8589.html |
All the remaining mail-in votes from Tuesday's primaries in Atlantic County won't be counted until the night of June 13, when the county Board of Elections will hold a meeting and watch them be counted by machine.
So candidates in close Democratic primaries in Atlantic City and Pleasantville will have to wait a week for a better idea of their chances at victory.
It can't happen sooner, because under state law mail-in ballots must be accepted through June 12, as long as they are postmarked on or before election day, Atlantic County Board of Elections Chair Lynn Caterson said Wednesday.
"Rather than constantly meet and handle maybe 50 ballots, we have an already planned meeting next Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.," Caterson said. "At that point, all the mail-in-ballots will have had to come in."
So far 6,000 mail-in ballots have been counted, she said. No one knows yet how many are still in the postal system to be delivered.
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There are also hundreds of mail-in ballots that were collected from drop boxes in the final collection at 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted, Caterson said.
There had been three earlier collections that day, and those ballots have been counted, she said.
On June 13 the board will also count provisional ballots that have been investigated and found to be valid, Caterson said.
Atlantic County Superintendent of Elections Maureen Bugdon's office must investigate provisional ballots before they can be counted.
Bugdon could not be reached Wednesday to see how many provisionals were used on election day.
People use provisional ballots at the polls when someone challenges their right to vote in a particular district, or when they have received a mail-in ballot but show up in person on election day.
In that case, the superintendent must first make sure the voter didn't also return the mail-in ballot, and she cannot start that investigation until after June 12, when the Board of Elections can report on everyone who returned mail-in ballots.
Atlantic City, Pleasantville and Mullica Township were the only municipalities in the county with local contested primaries.
In Mullica Township Republican Charles Muller is well ahead of his opponent, incumbent Republican Committeeman Christopher Silva. The vote there stands at 463 to 209.
But in Atlantic City Challenger Viana "Vivi" Bailey is ahead of Democratic incumbent Councilwoman LaToya Dunston by just 4 votes, with Bailey at 264 and Dunston at 260.
In Pleasantville the race for the Democratic nomination for the ward 2 council seat is just 17 votes. Incumbent Councilwoman Joanne Famularo has 356 to challenger Irvin O. Marino-Rodriguez's 339.
In last year's general election 73% of provisional ballots used were because the voter had received a mail-in ballot, Caterson said. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/atlantic-county-primary-election-results/article_fc1133b0-055a-11ee-b840-738ab0ad0b7b.html | 2023-06-08T15:06:00 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/atlantic-county-primary-election-results/article_fc1133b0-055a-11ee-b840-738ab0ad0b7b.html |
Gastonia City Council makes a decision on Pride Month proclamation
A divided city council in Gastonia passed a proclamation acknowledging Pride Month.
The proclamation — a document issued by a government body to formally commemorate a particular time period — came under intense discussion in a recent committee meeting, with Councilman Jim Gallagher heavily opposing it.
While Gallagher said most recently that he opposes it because he considers LGBTQ+ issues a divisive political topic, he has previously cited his conservative Christian religious beliefs as a reason for opposing the proclamation.
The Gastonia City Council most recently acknowledged Pride Month in 2018, when one council member, Jennifer Stepp, was absent. The council members who were present, which included Gallagher, approved the proclamation unanimously.
On Tuesday evening, Councilwoman Donyel Barber made the motion to add the proclamation to the city's council meeting agenda, paving the way for it to be passed.
Gallagher gave another speech opposing the motion, saying that LGBTQ+ Pride is one of the largest sources of political, ideological and religious controversy in the nation.
"On top of my own religious beliefs and personal convictions, and even forgetting about the guidelines themselves for a moment, I will simply never vote to bring the very thing that we are watching in real time cause so much conflict in our country, strife and dissension in our country to our very doorstep," he said.
While she did not make a public statement, Councilwoman Jennifer Stepp was the only other vote along with Gallagher against the Pride proclamation. Stepp said in an interview that she voted against the proclamation because she felt it was a divisive political issue and therefore did not meet the council's guidelines for what kind of city proclamations are allowed.
"Both parties do have stances on gay rights. Maybe it shouldn't be, but hot-button issues, you know, those that are emotional and part of our core value system and make up who we are, are often the very ones that become the most political," she said.
When asked if she opposed it for ideological reasons, she referred back to the proclamation guidelines, but added that she is a Christian.
"Well, I mean, I do have my own beliefs, but my decision was based on the guidelines," she said.
Clark Simon, a Gastonia resident and the former president of Charlotte Pride, received the proclamation along with supporters. He said in an interview that prior to the meeting, he was cautiously optimistic, and he was pleased that it passed.
"I think it just showcases that Gastonia is willing to move in the right direction if they are nudged and are shown that it is important to not just the queer community here, but all the people who live here and support that community," Simon said. | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/06/08/gastonia-city-council-acknowledges-pride-month/70297094007/ | 2023-06-08T15:14:05 | 1 | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/06/08/gastonia-city-council-acknowledges-pride-month/70297094007/ |
LOCAL
Investigation underway after material found floating in the river
Kara Fohner
The Gaston Gazette
Gaston County Emergency Management and the Gastonia Fire Department's hazardous materials team are investigating material found floating in the South Fork Catawba River, the county said in a news release.
The foamy, white material is floating into Gaston County from north of the county, the county said. The material was originally sighted in Indian Creek near the Gaston-Lincoln county line, a county spokesperson said.
The material is believed to be non-hazardous, but residents should avoid swimming or paddling in the river during the investigation.
No further information was released. | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/06/08/investigation-underway-after-material-found-floating-in-the-river/70294461007/ | 2023-06-08T15:14:11 | 0 | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/06/08/investigation-underway-after-material-found-floating-in-the-river/70294461007/ |
Jenna Perdue loves outer space, and while she admits she isn’t exactly cut out to be an astronaut, that isn’t going to stop her from shooting for the stars.
Come next fall, the Northeast Guilford graduate will be attending North Carolina A&T to study computer graphics technology.
By combining a relatively new interest with one she’s had for years, Perdue has an opportunity to show off space exploration to those who would rather stay on the ground. The dream job is to become a web designer for NASA.
“Ever since I was young, I would look up at the stars and just think ‘this is so crazy,’” Perdue said. “We get such a view every single night and it’s so amazing that there is so much out there. You can really get caught in the moment sometimes. Then you just look up at the stars and you’re like ‘this is so beyond me.’”
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Perdue is a little nervous about making the giant leap to college, saying that she is going to miss the people and supportive community aspect of being at Northeast Guilford the most.
Perdue does not know many people who are also going to NC A&T, but she is not going to let a little discomfort stop her.
During her junior year, not enough people signed up to form a women’s tennis team, which made Perdue the lone woman on the men’s varsity squad.
“I was definitely feeling like I was almost out of place,” Perdue said. “Sometimes when I got on the court, it felt like people underestimated me, but I just had to push forward and keep going. Tennis is something I really enjoy, and I’m not going to let a little worry deter me from enjoying this.”
Perdue is one of 180 graduating seniors from Northeast Guilford High School. The graduation ceremony will happen at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/graduate-profile-northeast-guilfords-jenna-perdue/article_6b6f3ca4-0487-11ee-b96e-6f782b3a04e4.html | 2023-06-08T15:16:48 | 1 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/graduate-profile-northeast-guilfords-jenna-perdue/article_6b6f3ca4-0487-11ee-b96e-6f782b3a04e4.html |
GREENSBORO — Grimsley High School graduating senior Arvin Akkiangady remembers sitting in Spanish class, copying down verbs on the day in March 2020 that his teacher first told him school could potentially close due to COVID-19.
"That’s when I put down my pencil and really thought, this is serious and shouldn't be taken lightly," he said.
Akkiangady is one of more than 5,000 Guilford County Schools students graduating this spring. While some smaller schools have already held their graduations, the bulk of students will graduate Friday, Saturday and Sunday of this week. Friday is also the last day of classes for most schools in the district.
Here in Guilford County and elsewhere, the class of 2023 is the first high school graduating class to have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in all four years of high school.
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That started freshman year, when schools closed and remote learning began.
"Especially when it first happened, switching to virtual was really, really hard," Smith High School graduating senior Amani Turner said. "Trying to get up for your classes, the motivation is kind of lost."
When members of the Guilford County Schools' class of 2023 started their sophomore year, the district had ramped up remote learning, in an attempt to make it more regular and more rigorous.
For Akkiangady, that was a fruitful, challenging time. He remembers getting curious about the subjects he was exploring through remote learning, and developing himself physically and mentally, including through meditation.
But for Smith High School graduating senior Kevin Reyes, that first semester of sophomore year was marked more by disconnect. Lacking in person learning, he didn't feel motivated to participate in school and started to think he'd probably drop out and focus on working.
Smith High School 12th grade Counselor Lakisha Bostick said that even more than for last year's class, school staff had to work harder to re-engage current seniors who had become used to focusing on work during remote learning.
What changed things for him, Reyes said, was when his advisor, Queen Besong, got worried about his academic situation and drove out to his house with a packet of work for him to do, to get back on track to pass his classes for first semester, telling him she'd come back later to pick it up.
"It was like, I still have a chance," he said. "I was like, 'let me put my mind to it.'"
That helped him keep up his motivation through the start of the next semester of that sophomore year.
By March 2021, many Guilford County Schools high school students were returning to school part-time, and almost all the class of 2023 was back full time by the start of junior year in the fall.
Being back together in school had some of its own challenges, however.
"We had to focus on school but then, also a lot of people were getting sick, and so people were scared and anxious about that and trying to do sports while masked and it was just a lot going on," said Grimsley graduating senior Aya Labtimi.
For Olivia Lantz, who sat next to Labtimi at Grimsley's graduation practice on Wednesday, senior year was the best year of high school. That was something expressed by many of the other students interviewed: They were relieved to be having a relatively normally year, even if they've still been putting in some extra work in academically to make up for things missed earlier in high school during remote learning.
Reyes said he's been really happy to be seeing all his friends, and graduating together.
"It's sad it's coming to an end, but this is real life," Reyes said. "So we've just got to see what we do next." | https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/school-class-2023-pandemic-guilford-county-smith-grimsley/article_1a09a310-055c-11ee-8366-13f79eab93a4.html | 2023-06-08T15:16:54 | 1 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/school-class-2023-pandemic-guilford-county-smith-grimsley/article_1a09a310-055c-11ee-8366-13f79eab93a4.html |
GREENSBORO — Capt. Stephanie Mardis will become the newest assistant chief in the Greensboro Police Department, Chief John Thompson announced this morning in a news release.
When her promotion becomes effective June 14, Mardis will oversee the management bureau, which includes resource management, training, fiscal management, public safety IT, and office of community engagement.
Mardis joined the department in March 2002 as part of the 80th Greensboro Police Academy and has held assignments in patrol, criminal investigations, vice narcotics, and watch command.
In 2019, Mardis was promoted to captain and led the criminal investigations division through 2022 and previously served over the professional standards division. She has a master's of public administration and public policy from Liberty University and graduated from Bennett College with a bachelor of science in biology.
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Mardis, who earned Rookie of the Year in 2002, was recently recognized by Bennett College Alumnae, Women Providing Healing and Promoting Hope, and Mothers Standing Against Gun Violence. She also is a graduate of the Administrative Officers’ Management Program at North Carolina State University, Senior Management Institute for Police, Leadership Greensboro, and Other Voices.
A promotion ceremony is scheduled for June 12 at 1 p.m. at The Carolina Theatre. In addition to Mardis, the ceremony will recognize the careers and promotions of others in the department.
Interim Assistant Chief/Captain Leslie A. Brown retired May 31 from the department after serving the city for 28 years. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/greensboro-police-chief-promotes-mardis-a-bennett-college-alumna-to-assistant-chief/article_7fc0c25e-0603-11ee-9e35-bbbf3d727fef.html | 2023-06-08T15:17:00 | 1 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/greensboro-police-chief-promotes-mardis-a-bennett-college-alumna-to-assistant-chief/article_7fc0c25e-0603-11ee-9e35-bbbf3d727fef.html |
DALLAS — Heaven and Havanna are unforgettable. There's just something about both of them that leaves a lasting mark on your heart. We know they will get adopted.
Heaven and Havanna are tonight's Wednesday's Child.
Between high fiving a porcupine, chasing around a fast-moving turtle and feeding giraffes, great memories were made at the Dallas Zoo.
"I love you. I love you too," said sisters Havanna and Heaven to one another.
By far, the most memorable moment of the zoo adventure was simply being in the presence of these girls.
Heaven, 7, is loveable, shy and full of cuddles. She's proud of her name, too. Heaven said her name is special because God selected it for her. She also said it's a name you don't forget.
"It rhymes with Kevin and eleven!" she said.
Havanna, 6, is very independent. She loves to dance, sing and play outside. Everyone in her circle calls her highly intelligent.
Both of the girls need plenty of love and attention from parents.
When asked what she like to do for fun, Havanna said, “I like to make people proud of me.”
Big sister Heaven also wants to make a family proud of her simply by being herself.
"I like to love on people and snuggle on people," she said.
Micah Russell is their CPS caseworker. She said these sisters are bonded.
"They love each other very much, and they always want to stay together and be together," Russell said.
“They always come give me a hug when they see me. They're super sweet. Havanna sees everyone as a family. It could be a stranger. It could be someone she met two seconds ago, and she considers them family."
Russell said the perfect forever family will adopt these girls together and help them to keep thriving.
"They would do well with parents who are patient and loving and willing to work with them on things they need as they grow up," she said.
After two and a half years in foster care, it's time for these little flowers to blossom in a home with plenty of sunshine!
"I'm happy, thankful and loved for!" said Heaven, when asked how she feels today.
These precious children will make a family very proud to call them daughters.
For more information on how to adopt Heaven and Havanna, please send all approved home studies to LaQueena Warren at LaQueena.Warren@dfps.texas.gov. Please remember to include Heaven and Havanna's name within the subject line.
If you're not licensed, please visit adoptchildren.org to find out more information on how to become licensed to foster and/or adopt or contact LaQueena Warren at 817-304-1272.
If you would like to read more Wednesday’s Child stories, click here. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/outreach/wednesdays-child-sisters-6-year-old-havanna-and-7-year-old-heaven-adoption/287-56683805-8388-4676-91fa-0e75d0a2d30e | 2023-06-08T15:23:28 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/outreach/wednesdays-child-sisters-6-year-old-havanna-and-7-year-old-heaven-adoption/287-56683805-8388-4676-91fa-0e75d0a2d30e |
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio's major sports radio station is making programming moves and adding a new show.
94.1 FM San Antonio Sports Star's midday show "The Blitz with Jason Minnix and Joe Reinagel" will move from its current 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. time slot to a new slot of 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., beginning Monday.
In addition, a new sports show is coming to the sports radio dial. "Extra Innings with Pledger" will make its radio debut on Monday. It'll be hosted by long-time producer James Pledger and is set to focus on all the sports news of the day, Monday through Friday.
The new weekday host is more than ready to hit the airwaves.
"I'm excited for the opportunity," Pledger said. "This has legitimately been a dream to have a weekday show."
Pledger will be working triple-duty, remaining as producer of "The Blitz" while taking on the challenge of hosting his new show in addition to co-hosting "The Saturday Morning Hangover" for the station.
"I've worked for this for so long. I have long wanted to be in both worlds because of the creativity that I use when producing, how it differs from creating a show," he said. "(I) love flexing both of those creative muscles."
The Houston native's radio path started in 2002 when he served as an intern at KNBT radio in New Braunfels. He's since been a staple with the San Antonio Sports Star, filling in on-air when needed for all of the station's programs.
Pledger has gained a fan following for his takes, deep sports knowledge, humor, love of pop culture and humility.
"I want to thank everyone who's believed in me, the many listeners who have been vocal on social media and on the phones," said Pledger. "Colleagues like Rob (Thompson), Rudy Jay and Jason (Minnix), who gave me my first internship so many years ago back in 2002 at KNBT in New Braunfels."
"Joe (Reinagel) and Mike (Jimenez) who've helped groom me, and my Saturday Morning Hangover family: RJ Ochoa, and my current Saturday Morning Hangover co-hosts Jack (Thompson) and Katie (Goodman) all of them have had a hand in helping me become who I've been."
"Extra Innings with Pledger" will air from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on 94.1 FM.
"I'd like to thank Director of Sports Operations Tim Spence, who since coming to San Antonio Sports Star has said he's seen something in me and believed in me, as well as former program director Ari Temkin," Pledger said.
Twitter: @KENS5, @JeffGSpursZone | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/san-antonio-sports-star-radio-texas-the-blitz-minnix-reinagel/273-b777bbea-10c9-446f-b826-299ab02ef964 | 2023-06-08T15:23:34 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/san-antonio-sports-star-radio-texas-the-blitz-minnix-reinagel/273-b777bbea-10c9-446f-b826-299ab02ef964 |
WATAUGA, Texas — A North Texas K9 officer has died after struggling with medical issues.
The Watauga Police Department shared to its Facebook page on Wednesday that K9 Kai, a seven-year veteran, was laid to rest.
"It is with regret that the Watauga Police Department wishes to share that our faithful and loyal K9 Officer Kai was put to rest today after a courageous struggle with some medical issues," the department said in its post. "During Kai's 7 years as an officer, he had a successful and decorated career. He has been an invaluable member of our department and the community. He will be missed."
The post was shared hundreds of times and garnered thousands of reactions and condolences from the North Texas community.
North Richland Hills PD was among those who expressed condolences.
"Deepest condolences. He will be missed. -K-9 Koba & Luka & the entire NRHPD team," the comment read.
More Texas headlines: | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/watauga-k9-kai-dies/287-d284f751-c33e-446c-806a-6f547423a7f7 | 2023-06-08T15:23:41 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/watauga-k9-kai-dies/287-d284f751-c33e-446c-806a-6f547423a7f7 |
Flagler Schools to audit Flagler Youth Orchestra account after 18-year 'oversight'
During a school board meeting Tuesday, board member Will Furry and others questioned why a non-school employee and her husband had direct access to a district bank account.
Additionally, they questioned why the Flagler School account has never been audited.
Since the Flagler Youth Orchestra's inception 18 years ago, its director, Cheryl Tristam, and her husband, Pierre, have been signers on the account.
After what some board members and district staff recognized as an “oversight,” a four-year transactional audit of the account is already underway and is expected to be finished between the end of June and the beginning of July, officials said.
Furry, who gave way to the discussion after he questioned the organization's structure in the previous school board meeting, said he was "not happy" to hear the account had never been audited after being told otherwise.
He also expressed frustration over the fact that the orchestra’s director is not a district employee, but rather a contractor who oversees the program.
The Flagler Youth Orchestra was initially created in 2005 as an after-school strings program. Today, it provides instruction on “violin, viola, cello and bass, orchestral performance opportunities at all skill levels” to more than 350 area students.
According to Flagler Schools Chief Financial Officer Patty Wormeck, Tristam was tasked with “growing” the program by the school board at the time, with the help of former Superintendent Bill Delbrugge.
“When we found this out, we contacted Ms. Tristam, because we needed to get oversight of this account,” Wormeck said. “We needed to take ownership.”
Board member Colleen Conklin (who also served on the board in 2005) said she knew “this was an internal account,” and that it was the finance staff’s understanding at the time of the account’s creation that it was audited annually.
“Those are things we need to discover and find out,” Conklin said, adding that it is the district’s fault for not ensuring the account was audited every year. “What happened? Was it a change in superintendent? A change in staff? How did it fall through the cracks?”
Furry said it was a "problem" that the FYO account has the district's EIN number and yet has as its signer a district contractor instead of a district employee.
"We have a memorandum of understanding with Cheryl Tristam, signed several years in a row, and she is signing as the person of the (FYO,)" Furry said. "They should be using their own account or have their own entity − whether it's a 501(c)(3) or a corporation."
He also saw as problematic the fact that banking statements from the account were sent to Tristam's home address, which Wormeck confirmed to be the case.
Transactions between the program and FlaglerLive
In an interview with The News-Journal, Tristam said she was not told at the time that an audit was required.
“I wasn’t really given a whole lot of instruction when this account was set up,” Tristam said.
She added that she started as a volunteer and was put on the account as a signer, “so if we accepted donations, if we needed to purchase violin bows, things like that, we had a means to do it.”
“I had no frame of reference of what an audit would look like or that that was a requirement of this type of an account,” Tristam said.
She said she always knew that the district’s EIN number was on the account, but that she thought "this was more like a booster account." She was not aware that there were differences in oversight treatment given between different types of accounts.
Tristam and her husband, Pierre, who runs FlaglerLive, were working with the Flagler Symphonic Society during that time and wanted to start a strings program. That is when Delbrugge told Tristam, “We will fund the teachers if you run the program.”
The first year, they executed the program as volunteers, which is why, she said, the three names were on the account.
One year later, after the program was more successful than she had anticipated, Tristam asked that she be compensated for her work, and requested that her husband’s name be taken off the account.
“But apparently that did not happen,” she said. “I didn’t have the authority to take Pierre’s name off.”
After Furry asked why Pierre Tristam’s and Delbrugge’s names were still on the account after all this time, Wormeck said she did not know.
Board member Christy Chong then raised a question about the fact that Tristam is listed as the treasurer of her husband’s online publication, FlaglerLive.
Initially, Wormeck said that there had been transactions from the school district's account to FlaglerLive for “advertising” purposes.
Possible conflict of interest
Furry asked School Board Attorney Kristy Gavin whether the situation could characterize a "conflict of interest."
"It is not the best practice," Gavin answered. "This is an internal account, and it has to comply with our internal account rules. Our internal account rules are 'whoever is the bookkeeper does not sign checks.'"
However, Wormeck corrected herself after she received a text message from Tristam, in which the orchestra director claimed that the transactions were in fact made by FlaglerLive to the program’s account.
“In all the years we have been doing this, (Pierre Tristam) has never written a check, he has never gone out and purchased anything. And the audit will show that," Cheryl Tristam said.
Wormeck said she, along with the district’s finance director, Keri Whitmore, and Tristam herself, went to the bank where the account was registered, closed it, and opened a separate account (still dedicated to the Flagler Youth Orchestra), but with only the two district employees as signers.
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‘We are not a nonprofit’
Tristam said that much of the confusion around this situation was due to the fact that members of the community and the school district “thought that we were a nonprofit.”
“So a conspiracy theory has been in play based on this incorrect information that we were a different type of account than what we actually are,” Tristam said.
“(The Flagler Youth Orchestra) is a district program – it’s their program,” Tristam said. “And we were asked to run in on their behalf back in 2005.”
She said that while the confusion is “understandable,” she said some of it has to do with a “faction of people that despise my husband.”
“They are looking for any way that they can show that he has somehow benefited financially off of this arrangement with the school district,” Tristam said.
In a statement to The News-Journal, Furry called Tristam's reaction "a bit melodramatic."
"No one is after her or her husband. What we are seeking is the truth and transparency," Furry wrote. "In the May 16 school board workshop, I asked her some very direct questions regarding the FYO finances and Mrs. Tristam responded with misleading answers. She brought this scrutiny onto herself."
Furry raised concern over the fact that every year, the school district has a memorandum of understating (MOU) with the Flagler Youth Orchestra, which is essentially an MOU “with ourselves,” he said.
MOUs would usually mean “that there is an entity or a person on the other side of that.”
He said that the fact that so many were under the impression that Flagler Youth Orchestra was a nonprofit is “concerning.”
“We are going to have to really look at this structure,” Furry said. “I would suggest that we have an outside counsel to review the structure of this, and to be certain that we are in compliance with both corporate structure and tax law.
“If we can get assurance that we are doing the right thing here, then we can move forward and continue in this manner. But this is really messy,” he added.
Tristam said the program raises funds through concert tickets, donations and maintenance fees for the instruments charged to those using the program’s instruments.
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The program is tasked “each year with offsetting the cost of the (five) teachers.”
“The school district pays the teachers directly. The school district does not put money in this account,” Tristam said. “We write checks to the school district to offset the cost of the teachers.”
She also mentioned that when she gets paid, she is paid “directly” as a 1099 contractor. | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/flagler/2023/06/08/flagler-youth-orchestra-undergoing-audit-after-18-year-oversight/70297490007/ | 2023-06-08T15:28:05 | 0 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/flagler/2023/06/08/flagler-youth-orchestra-undergoing-audit-after-18-year-oversight/70297490007/ |
Eating disorders don’t discriminate. But men, women of color are less likely to be diagnosed
Chita Gastelum, an immigrant who identifies as Indigenous and Latino, remembers coming to the U.S. and growing up with the American pressure to diet.
“It’s like a culture shock,” she said. As a “curvy” woman, Gastelum found American norms of acceptance as different. "I see the harm that it can cause in women, especially coming in from other countries and just trying to live the American life.”
Eating disorders are on the rise in the U.S., including among teen girls. Women are more likely to suffer from eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia, but research, diagnosis and treatment lag for men, LGBTQ individuals, and Latina and Black women.
Medical experts are calling for better screening methods to better understand who develops eating disorders. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, 20 million women – and 10 million men – in the U.S. will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. Nutrition education, psychotherapy and support groups continue to be ways to treat a condition that is difficult to dislodge.
People with eating disorders might feel the need to have a limited diet, and end up focusing more on food or healthy eating, said Gastelum, 52, who has been in remission for two decades after being diagnosed with an eating disorder after a high-risk pregnancy.
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“You don’t participate in events – you start to isolate,” said Gastelum, a former Mexico resident who lives in Tucson. “You really limit yourself to things that you withdraw from usual social activities. It also creates a lot of anxiety.”
Eating disorders don’t discriminate.
“I think the most important message is that eating disorders can affect people of all genders, all sexual orientations, all ethnicities, all races and all sizes,” said Dr. Jason Nagata, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco. “It’s important to realize that you can’t just tell that someone has an eating disorder based on how they look. There’s a lot of diversity in eating disorders.”
Men develop eating disorders that are often underdiagnosed
Symptoms of eating disorders in men can often be missed or under-recognized, making it harder to properly diagnose and treat, Nagata said. “We just don’t have the equivalent formal diagnoses that capture the male experience,” he said.
Men’s problems with disordered eating may mean they strive for bigger body size to reflect society’s linking of masculinity with muscle. Men may binge eat vast amounts of food in one sitting, go for protein while restricting carbs or fats and cram on supplements like steroids, as well as excessive or compulsive exercise, Nagata said.
“There are a subset of those who will start just living at the gym all day and obsess about their appearance,” Nagata said. “After a certain point, it becomes an obsession or preoccupation, where anytime they’re spending outside of the gym or not eating high-protein diets becomes stressful and impairs their quality of life.”
A binge-eating disorder involves a lack of control and rapidly eating large amounts of food, at least once a week for a minimum of three months.
It’s known as “muscle dysmorphia,” but can also be called “bigorexia or reverse anorexia.” The person could be of a routine size or even considered muscular, but that’s not what they see.
“Maybe they’re trying to gain muscle and bulk up, engaging in supplements or muscle-building activities to try to achieve that,” Nagata said.
Eating disorders in men also take longer to diagnose, which puts them at a higher risk of health complications or death, according to the eating disorders group.
“I think that the typical screening questions for family practice doctors or pediatricians are often focused on weight loss,” Nagata said. “They might ask about fasting or skipping meals, severe restriction of food intake or behaviors like vomiting, taking laxatives or diuretics to lose weight.”
Eating disorders are also feminized, such as a diagnosis that associates an eating disorder with the loss of a menstrual period. Nagata said that gender-biased diagnoses have since been dropped.
But the stigma remains and can lead to men being reluctant to seek treatment.
Nagata said he thinks there needs to be more research and categories that better understand the concern of body image issues in men and boys. “Whether it’s concerns about muscularity, concerns about exercise and really capturing that in a way that can really help identify those who are struggling,” he said.
Disorder disproportionately affects LGBTQ people, women of color
Most of the people diagnosed with anorexia and bulimia are women – two-thirds of teenage girls across the U.S. report they are actively trying to lose weight, Nagata said. “I think that just reflects some of these pressures that exist for various social and cultural reasons.”
Gastelum said her family was not aware of her eating disorder, which she thinks may have started when she was 15. “Because of my culture, eating disorders do not exist,” she said.
Gastelum said her mother also struggled with the pressure to be thin. “My mom didn’t know she had an eating disorder, but I saw the signs in her as well,” she said.
Most research focuses on cisgender women, but a 2020 study in the Journal of Eating Disorders, says “lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults and adolescents are more likely to experience eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors” brought on by stigma and the stress of discrimination.
“We know that transgender youth have really, really high rates of eating disorders, particularly due to the mismatch between their gender identity and their sex assigned at birth,” Nagata said. “There can be a lot of comorbid issues with that and eating disorders and body image.”
Race also affects whether people get help.
Women of color are missing from research, as with other clinical trials, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
It’s because of stigma, Gastelum said. People who fit the body image of white, thin, cis-female are more likely to get further evaluated.
“It’s really more difficult for BIPOC individuals than white people to have been even asked by a doctor about eating disorder symptoms,” she said, using a shorthand description for Black, Indigenous and people of color.
The National Eating Disorder Association reports that Black women are also significantly less likely to be recommended treatment compared to white counterparts with the same symptoms.
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Treatment focused on regulating emotions
Clinical treatment centers offer a range of services from psychotherapy, education on nutrition and community support to help manage an eating disorder.
April Vancelette, clinical director and founder of Woodleaf Eating Disorder Center in San Francisco, has been working with patients since 2007 at the intensive outpatient facility. The center helps treat anorexia, restrictive eating, bulimia and binge-eating disorder and hosts programs online and in person.
“We focus less on nutrition and more on the psychotherapy piece,” Vancelette said.
People can be easily overwhelmed during treatment for an eating disorder, she said. “We found that some people were not even going to treatment because the emphasis was so much on food and not enough on the systemic underlying emotional reasons why it was there.”
Vancelette said the purpose of individualized treatment isn’t to just fix the symptoms — that’s why they approach their therapy with questions like, “What purpose is it serving? How is it helping you?”
Vancelette said for most people, the root of their eating disorder is generally about emotional regulation.
“It is universal that people with eating disorders are using their eating disorder, whether it’s anorexia, bulimia, binging, overeating, purging, to manage their emotions,” she said. “That’s kind of the crux of it.”
Gastelum, a family mentor specialist with online telehealth service Equip Health, said she hopes to see more education surrounding eating disorders.
“That’s what I would like to see though — a decrease in eating disorders and just having more awareness, more medical providers, learning about it, the signs of the treatments. So I’m hoping for that.”
Gastelum said one of the biggest steps in recovery is speaking to someone trusted or finding a community support group.
“If you’re someone who’s going through an eating disorder, and you’re not really sure about it,” Gastelum said. It’s important to be able to “speak how you feel because … we live in a society where a lot of times we’re taught not to express our emotions.”
“My message is don’t be afraid to speak up. Don’t be afraid to reach out because that is going to make a huge difference.”
For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-health/2023/06/08/eating-disorder-diagnosis-gaps/70294923007/ | 2023-06-08T15:32:08 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-health/2023/06/08/eating-disorder-diagnosis-gaps/70294923007/ |
Cochise County passes new jail tax, 2 of 3 officials canvass the vote
After a close election to fund a new jail with a new excise tax, two of three Cochise County supervisors voted Tuesday to accept the canvass of results for the May 16 special election. The third board member abstained from voting.
Elections results show that 51.47% of voters supported an excise tax for 25 years to help pay for and operate a new jail. Voter turnout was 32% of county voters with 25,048 voters casting ballots out of the total 76,219 registered voters.
On May 25, the county Board of Supervisors acting as the Jail District Board of Directors, voted two to one to canvass the results. Supervisors Peggy Judd and Ann English voted to canvass the results, while Supervisor Tom Crosby voted against the action. On Tuesday, when the Board met to accept the results, Crosby abstained from voting.
Crosby was critical of having a mail-in ballot election because of how the county verifies voters' identification without the use of an ID.
During the May 25 meeting, Recorder David Stevens said for mail-in ballot elections signatures are verified using the bar code on the address of the ballot that brings up the voter's record and recent signature. If the signature on the envelope is different than the most recent signature in the voter's record, then previous signatures in the record are used to verify the signature.
Stevens said 21 ballots were rejected due to lack of signatures while 420 ballots were rejected because they were received after the election.
Judd, who replaced English as the board chair said the election was conducted “as good as can be.”
She also noted how this need for a new jail has been known for many years.
“This was a timely matter, but also we have been working on it for seven years. We don’t have another way to get the money,” Judd said about the need for a tax.
“We need this, we needed a jail,” she said.
The state of the jail
The Bisbee jail is one of three in the county, while two temporary holding facilities are located in the surrounding areas: one in Sierra Vista — the county's most populated city — and one in Willcox.
According to the county, the current jail in Bisbee is in dire need of replacement, as the repairs needed to bring the jail up-to-date are costly.
During public forums throughout the county preceding the election, county staff and law enforcement officers spoke about the needs of the jail. Some issues included metal tubes running through hallways, major leaks and electrical failures, inmates sleeping on floors, officers’ desks in hallways, and more.
At times, the jail has also held double the number of inmates it was designed to hold. In addition to constructing a new facility, the county has reiterated that one of its top priorities for the new jail will be increased medical and mental health services.
Following the passage of the excise tax, the Board of Supervisors, as the Jail District Board, will take the next steps which include conducting viability studies and requests for proposals, according to the county.
Reach the reporter at sarah.lapidus@gannett.com. The Republic’s coverage of southern Arizona is funded, in part, with a grant from Report for America. To support regional Arizona news coverage like this, make a tax-deductible donation at supportjournalism.azcentral.com. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/06/08/cochise-county-passes-new-jail-tax-2-of-3-officials-canvass-the-vote/70299408007/ | 2023-06-08T15:32:14 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/06/08/cochise-county-passes-new-jail-tax-2-of-3-officials-canvass-the-vote/70299408007/ |
NIPSCO is during the public to be safe around construction zones this summer.
The Merrillville-based gas and electric utility is asking people, especially the young, to take precautions around construction sites while school is out for summer break and construction season is in full swing.
Video provided in partnership with The Times, JEDtv and WJOB. Sponsored by Strack & Van Til.
The NiSource subsidiary also encourages parents to talk to young children and teens about steering clear of construction work while construction season is at its peak. It notes that construction is on the upswing as a result of economic growth in Northwest Indiana.
In addition to utility projects, construction workers are out building roads, homes, businesses, parks, business parks and medical offices all across the Calumet Region.
The construction industry employs an estimated 7.5 million workers nationwide and they're typically out in full force for the seasonal work during the summer, according to the National Safety Council.
NIPSCO estimates it has invested $2.7 billion in its infrastructure over the past decade. The utility has installed 11,475 new utility polls, laid 44 miles of gas pipeline, rebuilt 144 electric stations and installed 420 miles of electrical destruction wire across Northern Indiana.
“At NIPSCO, we are driven by the mission to deliver safe and reliable energy to our customers,” said Matthew Ireland, NIPSCO Safety Manager. “Safety is paramount in everything we do, and we want members of the communities we serve to stay safe this summer in and around construction and work zones by increasing their awareness and taking the necessary steps to help keep our employees, contractors and the public out of harm’s way.”
The utility is urging people not to run, walk, ride or play near construction equipment or sites, especially trenches or dirt piles. It asks people to walk around on sidewalks or designated walkways.
People should avoid being distracted by their phones while passing through construction zones and put off talking, texting or playing games until they've passed by, NIPSCO said. They should have situational awareness, looking and listening for construction vehicles or equipment.
They should try to make eye contact with equipment operators to ensure that they are seen.
If possible, people should try to avoid construction sites altogether, NIPSCO said. They should always stay outside of orange cones and fenced-off areas, watching for falling objects and listening for any instructions flaggers might have.
Construciton zones are empirically dangerous, data shows. An average of 55 workers or pedestrians are killed by vehicles in construction zones every year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The National Safety Council estimates that work zone deaths have soared by 63% since 2010.
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Pierogi stand, Brown Skin Coffee and Alpha Family Resale opening; Ixxa and Dan's Pierogies updating
Open
A new pierogi concession stand at U.S. Steel Yard in downtown Gary has turned every Gary South Shore RailCats home game into Pierogi Fest, especially on dollar pierogi Wednesday.
The concession stand along the first base line by right field sells three potato pierogi with buttered onions and sour cream for $5 and five for $8. The large-sized pierogi are just $1 each on Wednesdays.
Joseph S. Pete
Open
It's one of many concession options at the park, including hot dogs, Polish sausages, tacos, walking tacos and Ben's Soft Pretzels. 18th Street Brewery, which has locations in Hammond and Gary's Miller neighborhood, took over the former Devil's Trumpet spot this season after that Hobart-based craft brewery closed. It offers 18th Street's acclaimed craft beers like Candi Crushable as well as a limited food menu that includes pulled pork sandwiches.
The Dollar Pierogi Night on Wednesday is just one of many weekly promotions this season, including $5 signature cocktails for Sunday Fun-Day, all-you-can-eat hot dogs, popcorn and peanuts for $15 for AYCE Mondays, $3 tacos and $5 margaritas for Taco Tuesdays and $3 domestic beers for Thirsty Thursdays.
Joseph S. Pete
Closed
Righteous Ribs closed its sit-down restaurant at The Steel Yard in downtown Gary and is now operating as a mobile barbecue business that caters to backyard barbecues and special events.
Originally from East Chicago, Righteous Ribs serves ribs, rib tips, brisket, turkey, wings and other barbecue staples. It took over the former R & R Sports Bar & Grill space in the minor league baseball stadium in 2020. It was originally home to a Bennigan's when the Steel Yard first opened as a major downtown redevelopment project in 2002, but that national sit-down restaurant chain has long since gone out of business.
Joseph S. Pete
Renovated
Also in pierogi news, Dan's Pierogies in downtown Highland completely renovated its dining room to have a "new, upbeat" look. The artist Ochoart did a personalized mural with the anthropomorphic pierogi that serve as the Dan's Pierogies mascot. The wall-sized mural depicts the history of the Polish restaurant that dates back to 1998.
Joseph S. Pete
New mural
Dan's Pierogies sells pierogies and other Polish cuisine for dine-in at 2945 Jewett Ave and also offers frozen pierogies to take home. It also does pop-ups and is especially well-known for its annual booth at Pierogi Fest in Whiting, where it draws some of the longest lines every July.
Joseph S. Pete
Opening
Brown Skin Coffee will soon provide Gary with a jolt of caffeine.
The new coffee shop is located at 1921 W. 25th Ave. by the Fresh Market supermarket just off the Grant Street exit of the Borman Expressway. It will serve single-origin coffee, loose-leaf tea and wines from around the world.
A soft opening is planned for Monday, to be followed with a grand opening that will include food and drink tasting, a jazz band and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
"We are excited to bring the authentic experience of Brown Skin Coffee to Gary," said Shana Tate, a Gary native and CEO of Brown Skin Coffee. "We believe that our single-original coffee, loose-leaf teas and wine will entice the appetite of greatness for the citizens of Gary, Indiana. Our goal is to provide our customers with an unforgettable experience."
She founded Brown Skin Coffee as a mobile coffee bar based out of the back of a Mini car three years ago.
The business grew and she opened a brick-and-mortar location in Brownsburg in central Indiana.
Joseph S. Pete
Opening
The coffee shop aims to provide an authentic experience in a "cozy and elegant atmosphere" that gives people a place to unwind or socialize. The coffee house will hang the work of local artists on the walls, where it will be available for sale. It will have regular events throughout the week, including Wine Down Wednesday and open mic nights.
Brown Skin Coffee has a full espresso bar with drinks like a flat white, affogato and macchiato. Signature drinks include a Rolo Latte, Red Velvet Latte, Lavender Matcha Latte and Brown Sugar Babe Coffee. It prepares coffee in a number of ways, including with V60, Chemex and a French Press.
Non-coffee options include MUD/WTR and kombucha.
The cafe serves breakfast items like avocado toast, breakfast burritos, omelets, grits, biscuits and gravy and chicken and waffles. It also has a variety of baked goods like butter croissants, brioche bread, loaf cake and Madeleines.
Lunch options include quesadillas, air-fried Boujie Wings, a BLT wrap, a fajita wrap, a ham & swiss wrap, salads and soups like tomato basil and New England Clam Chowder.
For more information, call 219-281-2155, visit brownskincoffee.com or find the business on Facebook.
Joseph S. Pete
Coming soon
Alpha Family Resale is coming to Winfield this summer.
The thrift and consignment store plans to open soon at 10763 Randolph St.
"My wife and I want to help people in this area," owner Tim Koedyker said. "The first program will be for mothers and newborn babies who can't afford things. We looked at a resale shop to be the generator for the funds."
It's now accepting donations at its location at the Doubletree Plaza in Winfield, in the same shopping center as the Baja Restaurant and the Strack & Van Til that was previously a WiseWay.
"We just got some demolition done and are doing painting and fixtures," he said. "We're hoping to be open by the end of June or the first part of July."
The resale store will specialize in gently used clothes and household items.
"It's used clothing for people who want something new but are OK with it being old. People don't realize how much it saves the planet to keep these items from going to a landfill," he said. "We can find people that could use these clothes. The cost of everything is also going up whether gas prices or food. Everything is getting more expensive so this can help the community."
Joseph S. Pete
Coming soon
Alpha Family Resale also will sell household items like decor and kitchenware. It will not carry larger items like appliances or furniture. People can donate household items or clothes in bags in a donation bin out in the back of the store.
"We're going to help people afford things they normally couldn't," he said. "People can come in here and browse and see things that weren't in here yesterday."
The store is a 501(c)3-registered nonprofit that plans to pour proceeds into community causes.
"We're talking to the township trustee to find people that do need the assistance, for baby goods or something like that," he said. "Once our bills are paid, our rent and electrical and whatever, we plan to support nonprofit programs."
For more information, call 219-776-2779, email info@alphafamilyresale.org , visit alphafamilyresale.org or find the business on Facebook.
Joseph S. Pete
Expanded
Ixxa Coffee Roasters & Plant Shop expanded in Hammond's Robertsdale neighborhood and is now offering seating for the first time.
The coffee shop and plant store at 1720 Calumet Ave. just opened its outdoor patio and urban garden Saturday, and also recently added an apothecary section. It previously focused on a to-go coffee business as plants take up all the floor space inside the cafe.
It was founded last year by Jose Marin, who does the coffee roasting, and his wife, Stephanie Mora, who runs the plant store. The married couple from Los Angeles added al fresco seating and a garden on the left side of the building.
"It's an urban oasis," Marin said. "There's an urban garden where people can take home a couple of tomatoes for dinner that night. We're about providing value to the customers and community as much as possible. We're in on the urban garden trend. People who want to grab some tomatoes or cucumbers are more than welcome to do so."
They also will grow peppers and herbs in 12 beds.
"They're available to taste for free," he said. "If you want to try something out, you can pick it off the vine. We want to encourage people to eat organic and grow their own food. They can see what it tastes like right off the vine or bring some to add to a salad for dinner that night. We'll have hanging herb gardens where people can take clippings."
The patio also has about 16 seats at several tables. They plan to have live music, hosting different artists out on the patio throughout the summer. Upcoming events will be posted on its Instagram page.
"Hopefully, we'll have some blues or jazz," he said. "We'll also host discussions of gardening, sustainability, native plants and the benefits of native plants."
Joseph S. Pete
Expanded
Ixxa also recently expanded to add apothecary products.
"We have pictures and powders for moods, sleep, anxiety, pain, general illness, immunity boosting," Mora said.
It stocks Anima Mundi goods from Brooklyn.
"They are Costa Rican and indigenous healers," she said. "We've worked with this brand for awhile. They have pictures and medicine like sleep aides, to mitigate pain, for when you're feeling sick, for anxiety or a bit of depression. They have products that help with the mind as well as cognitive health, such as with mushrooms like Reishi, Cordyceps or Lion's Mane. They have health benefits so you don't have to rely on just pharmaceutical medicine. They work with nature for healing like with products for gut health and detox."
They are working to incorporate apothecary products into drinks at the coffee bar and looking to add other brands in the future.
"If you're sick and tired of putting chemicals in the body and really don't know or understand what's in them you can harness the power of nature, of herbs and plants," she said. "You can grow your own medicine from home. We're exploring herbalist tinctures and the healing power of nature."
Ixxa also is looking to add indoor seating, expanding its wholesale business to serve more restaurants and coffee shops and looking to offer subscription coffee packages in which people can sign up to get locally roasted coffee beans every month.
"We're very excited to be adding the patio space," Marin said. "We'll be creating the same vibe and energy sitting with the plants in a kind of urban oasis."
It recently expanded its hours to 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information, call 219-232-8138 or visit ixxacoffee.com .
Joseph S. Pete
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Unbeatable Eatables, DRIPBaR Crown Point, Taco Depot and Flashback Antiques open; Da Burger House closes
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Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/nipsco-urges-public-to-be-safe-around-construction-zones-this-summer/article_f6ce992e-055a-11ee-b935-6bed0daae0a8.html | 2023-06-08T15:33:36 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/nipsco-urges-public-to-be-safe-around-construction-zones-this-summer/article_f6ce992e-055a-11ee-b935-6bed0daae0a8.html |
Room for all: Women Writing for (a) Change provides structure, empowerment
Humiliating others receives the frowning-face emoji in Women Writing for (a) Change. The group is an arts education and writing organization that teaches people, many of whom are females, to lead. All gender identities are welcome, but harsh criticism is not, unless that's exactly what a writer/participant specifically requested. As national founder Mary Pierce Brosmer says in her book "Women Writing for (a) Change," shaming is unwelcome.
One of several upcoming events is Summer Solstice Circle 2023. From 6:30 to 9 p.m. June 20, attendees will welcome summer. Adults of all genders as well as writers of all genres and experience levels are encouraged to register. The cost is $30, and registration closes June 17. Bloomington chapter's new creative director, Mary Beth O’Brien, will facilitate.
Who is part of the Women Writing for (a) Change
People writing and listening in groups has been the focus of this organization since 1991. That's when Brosmer, a Cincinnati poet, got fed up with observing women being muted and founded Women Writing for (a) Change.
So Brosmer stopped criticizing and started assembling girls and women. At first, 15 gathered each week to write and hear. The number grew, and later the Feminist Leadership Academy of Cincinnati started to train and license facilitators. Sister schools popped up throughout the country, and Beth Lodge-Rigal started a chapter in Bloomington. The local group meets at various sites and also has its own location, on South Washington Street. Year-round events include retreats, workshops and genre-specific classes.
Tuition help is available for writers
Discounts on tuition are available for classes, retreats and other events that cost $15 and up. In addition, case-by-case financial help may apply. Management looks at writers' financial needs, their willingness to commit to an entire program and available funds. Visit womenwritingbloomington.org/tuition-assistance/ for more information.
Everyone gets a chance
For those who have been frustrated during meetings and clubs where unreserved personalities can roll over the quieter types, Women Writing for (a) Change offers space, time, attention and structure, led by professional, trained and paid "facilitators."
But what good is group writing if people can't critique?
Writers — and that refers to everyone, not just professionals — choose the type of feedback they want. You can ask for praise only or get radically brave and open your ego to everything. Facilitators remind the writers that listeners' comments need be about the writing, not the writer. "Presuming goodwill," or that a writer is not intending to offend, is a principle.
The organization also uses the "heart/gut" system, which defines the difference between the feelings of the writers and those of the listeners. There is usually a gap between what one person writes and what another hears.
Confidentiality and conscious feminist leadership training
Facilitators teach how to hear the writers' stories as stories, not necessarily facts. They encourage participants to comment or write without worrying about hurting someone's feelings. Here, lack of restraints often lead to freedom of thought.
So, confidentiality is routinely explained and reinforced.
Bloomington chapter's new creative director
Mary Beth O'Brien is the new creative director for the Bloomington chapter, and she is still transitioning into her leadership role.
"People think, 'Oh, no. I'm not a writer,'" O'Brien said over the phone. "But we are wide open."
For those who have never tried a Women Writing for (a) Change workshop or class, she said it's often like this: "Come and write about (a subject). We're going to explore a topic." Participants also will learn about "circles" and "soul cards." Circle means a class or course. Soul cards start out as blank pieces of paper, on which participants write comments or questions they might have after a reading.
"They write their experiences from that circle."
Any woman or girl, and sometimes men, are welcome
All women are welcome, regardless of gender identification. Men, too, are welcome at some of the events. Programs for youth, such as this spring's "Hike and Write" and summer writing camps (full with wait list) have been hits. Peer at the clever company logo, designed by Kim Evans, to find a pen in a tree!
Because the program is highly structured, its set of guidelines ensures not only space and privacy but uninterrupted time to speak.
"We provide great boundaries for everyone in the circle," O'Brien said.
A stone is one technique that keeps working. "When it's someone's turn to speak they hold a stone. It's very visible to the group members, and grounding for the speaker."
Several programs coming up
Visit womenwritingbloomington.org/ to see a list of upcoming programs. One is called Public Read Around — “Voices from our Circles” from 5-6 p.m. June 14 at Juniper Art Gallery, 615 W. Kirkwood Ave. Writers will share their work in the art gallery, and admission is free and open to the public
Visit womenwriting.org/ for the national website.
For the Bloomington chapter, visit womenwritingbloomington.org/. | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2023/06/08/bloomingtons-women-writing-for-a-change-nurtures-empowers-people/70293492007/ | 2023-06-08T15:33:43 | 1 | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2023/06/08/bloomingtons-women-writing-for-a-change-nurtures-empowers-people/70293492007/ |
History Center garage sale: Everything from fancy hat pins to vintage movie posters
A sandstone belt buckle embedded with an egg-sized Imperial jasper stone. Hand-sewn Barbie doll clothes. Bejeweled hat pins, six of them. A dark blue Samsonite overnight train case from the 1950s. A vivid Susan Roth fabric collage.
A 70-year-old movie poster promoting Ernest Hemingway's "The Snows of Kilamanjaro" with Gregory Peck, Susan Hayward and Ava Gardner. China dishware from Royal Doulton, some from the rare "Monks in the Cellar" series.
Solid hickory rocking chairs state prison inmates made decades ago.
These are the kinds of things people donate to be sold at the Monroe County History Center Garage Sale. These are the kinds of things you can buy at the event this Friday and Saturday.
The sale, sometimes called an "extravaganza," is at 4015 W. Profile Parkway on Bloomington's west side. Hours are 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Busy weekend in Bloomington:Strawberry Shortcake Fest, Granfalloon, Handmade Market
As always, an eclectic collection of cast-aside possessions owners and heirs brought for the sale awaits. The 33,000-square-foot warehouse contains interesting items from the past, original works of art, antique furniture, household items and much more than can be named.
Ever heard of Michael Aram? Two silver bowls he designed may catch your eye and tempt your wallet. You never know what you might encounter. Last year, there were two armadillo purses; this year, none.
The event, in its fifth decade, brings in more than $100,000 for the non-profit local history museum.
This year, every purchase will cost more — 7% more — because of a just-passed law that requires non-profit sales at events such as this that raise more than $20,000 to collect state sales tax.
Garage sale organizers aren't happy about the change, since it will increase costs and mean longer lines as volunteer cashiers figure how much tax each customer owes.
Still, where else can you find a framed 1960s crewel embroidery of a big fish, minnows and a crawdad for $4? Or a 1972 poster that maps the Land of Narnia for just a buck? How about a pair of rhinestone shoe clips? A giant framed photo someone took at Mount Rushmore at its completion in 1941?
Volunteers who review items and assess their value often wonder about the history behind a painting, a delicate crocheted doily like grandma used to make, a century-old porcelain doll in a stained dress or that old movie poster, which was one of four someone dropped off.
Or the dozens of Precious Moments figurines, priced two for one.
And where did all of those those ceramic cats, clearly someone's treasured collection, come from?
Longtime garage sale orgaizer Kathy McFall said given the volume of donations and work put into preparing them for display, she and other volunteers can't take time to dwell on what came before they were sent to the sale.
But sometimes, there's a clue.
An 8-by-10-inch framed photograph of a old bicycle with a metal basket overflowing with grapes leans on the wall in the art section. A blue first-place ribbon from the Monroe County Fair is affixed to the frame. The entry tag on the back identifies the photgrapher of "Bicycle Landscape" as Randi Richardson. There's a Spencer phone number listed, but no year.
Randi, your award-winning shot is priced at $15.
There's a stark black-and-white photo of Peter the Great's Leningrad summer palace, professionally framed with a note on the back. It was purchased, "in Taskent, U.S.S.R, a gift to Dave from Janet."
That was in 1983. With the fall of the Soviet Union a few years later, Taskent became the capital of the now-independent nation of Uzbekistan.
But what about Dave and Janet, a reporter might ask. What took them to that part of the world 40 years ago? How did their lives progress? And how is it that this special gift landed at the history center garage sale with a $20 pricetag?
Contact Herald-Times reporter Laura Lane at llane@heraldt.com or 812-318-5967. | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/08/history-centers-big-garage-sale-is-friday-and-saturday-in-bloomington/70295355007/ | 2023-06-08T15:33:45 | 1 | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/08/history-centers-big-garage-sale-is-friday-and-saturday-in-bloomington/70295355007/ |
LANCASTER, Pa. — The Lancaster Bureau of Police is searching for a missing teen.
Police say Janel Tavarez, 14, of Lancaster, was reported missing on June 6.
Anyone aware of Tavarez' whereabouts is asked to call 717-735-3300 or submit a tip online. Information can be provided anonymously. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county/police-searching-for-janel-tavarez-teen-missing-lancaster/521-fe424495-ec79-4a40-aa1c-539ef093456e | 2023-06-08T15:34:31 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county/police-searching-for-janel-tavarez-teen-missing-lancaster/521-fe424495-ec79-4a40-aa1c-539ef093456e |
ENGLEWOOD, Fla. — Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a death at an Englewood boat ramp.
Deputies say the investigation is taking place at Bay Heights Park, 1000 S McCall Rd.
This is an ongoing investigation; count on NBC2 for updates. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/charlotte-county/2023/06/08/death-investigation-at-englewood-boat-ramp/ | 2023-06-08T15:38:00 | 1 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/charlotte-county/2023/06/08/death-investigation-at-englewood-boat-ramp/ |
CAPE CORAL, Fla. — A Cape Coral pastor is coming under fire nationwide after appearing to support the death penalty for gay people.
This matter is all playing out on Twitter. Pastor Tom Ascol of the Grace Baptist Church, who offered a prayer at the governor’s inauguration, is now caught up in an anti-gay law in Uganda that is being condemned by conservative U.S. Senator Ted Cruz.
Ascol admits that he has been met with a firestorm of controversy since sparring with Senator Cruz over a law in Uganda that calls for criminalizing the gay lifestyle, even calling for the death penalty in some cases.
“I think homosexuality should be prohibited in a society that is going to flourish,” said Pastor Ascol.
He appeared, by many, to support executing gay people citing an Old Testament bible quote on Twitter.
“It says that any man who lies with a man as he lies with a woman is to be put to death because it’s an abomination of God,” Ascol stated.
He was reacting to a tweet from conservative Senator Ted Cruz, who called the Uganda law horrific and wrong.
When asked directly by NBC2 News if he supported the law that calls for the death penalty for homosexuals, Ascol responded, “I would say as an American living in a constitutional republic, I wouldn’t want to argue for the execution of homosexuals. I wouldn’t do that.”
However, he believes homosexuality should be considered a crime.
“I think we were better off as a society when sexual immorality of every sort was illegal,” Ascol said.
Reverend Craig Cranston of St. John The Apostle Church in Fort Myers condemned the pastor’s approach.
“Is he loving us as LGBTQ people and the community by saying we need to be arrested or criminalized,” Reverend Cranston asked.
“It’s all about how we care for one another. What did Jesus say? Love one another, love yourself and love God,” Cranston concluded.
Governor Ron DeSantis’ office did not respond with a comment on the pastor’s controversial remarks. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/lee-county/2023/06/07/cape-coral-pastor-facing-backlash-for-social-media-spat-about-law-that-calls-for-gay-people-to-be-put-to-death/ | 2023-06-08T15:38:06 | 0 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/lee-county/2023/06/07/cape-coral-pastor-facing-backlash-for-social-media-spat-about-law-that-calls-for-gay-people-to-be-put-to-death/ |
BLOOMINGTON — A Normal man and woman were both charged with harassing a witness involved in a child sexual assault case pending in McLean County.
Carlos D. Cregan, 35, and Melina Aguilar, 32, are each charged with harassment of witnesses (Class 2 felonies), accused of asking a witness to lie on the record.
According to charging documents, they harassed or annoyed a person who may be expected to serve as a witness in a pending legal proceeding to cause mental anguish or emotional distress.
Prosecutors said Cregan told a witness that "all she has to do is lie and I'll stay out of her life."
Cregan is currently charged with two counts of attempted criminal sexual assault, 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and four counts of criminal sexual assault in a separate case.
Charging documents indicate one victim, a girl between ages 13 and 17, was involved in this case.
Cregan is accused of committing these offenses between May 1, 2022, and Aug. 26, 2022, in Normal.
He was jailed in McLean County in lieu of posting $5,035 and was ordered for finger printing. Aguilar was jailed in McLean County in lieu of posting $1,035.
An arraignment was scheduled for June 23.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is pouring into the U.S. East Coast and Midwest and covering the capitals of both nations in an unhealthy haze. It's delaying some flights Wednesday, sending school recesses indoors, forcing the cancelation of events and prompting people to fish out pandemic-era face masks. Canadian officials have expanded evacuation orders and asked other countries for help fighting more than 420 fires nationwide. Meanwhile, air quality with what the U.S. rates as “hazardous” levels of pollution has extended into central New York, with massive tongues of “unhealthy” air extending as far as Virginia and Indiana. A National Weather Service meteorologist in Maryland, Zack Taylor, says weather conditions that could blow away the smoke won't change for a few more days.
June 7, 2023
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Updated mug shots from The Pantagraph
Bryant Lewis
Bryant Lewis, 28, of Bloomington, is charged with home invasion causing injury, a Class X felony. His next appearance is Dec. 30.
Connor Wood
Derek Roesch
Derek Roesch of Saybrook was charged Thursday, Nov. 10 in McLean County Law and Justice Center with several counts, including:
-Two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, Class 2 felonies
-One count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon while on parole, Class 2 felony
-Two counts of unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a felon, class 2 felonies
-One count of unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a felon while on parole, class 2 felony
-Unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver (greater than 2000 grams but less than 5000 grams), a class 1 felony
-Unlawful possession of cannabis (greater than 2000 grams but less than 5000 grams), a class 2 felony
-Unlawful possession of a controlled substance, psylocibin less than 15 grams, a class 4 felony
-Unlawful possession of methamphetamine, less than five grams, a class 3 felony.
-Unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, a class A misdemeanor
Justin M. Mata
Justin M. Mata, 28, no address given, is charged with possession of less than five grams of meth with intent to deliver, a Class 2 felony, and possession of less than five grams of meth, a Class 3 felony. He was released on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond and his next appearance is Dec. 30.
Connor Wood
Marcus D. Wesley
Marcus D. Wesley, 36, is charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon in a vehicle (Class 4 felony), unlawful possession of cannabis (Class 3 felony) and unlawful possession of cannabis with the intent to deliver (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Phillip Tinch
Phillip Tinch of Normal was charged Thursday, Nov. 10 at the McLean County Law and Justice Center with several felonies including:
- Five counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, more than one but less than 15 grams of a substance containing cocaine, a Class 1 felony.
-One count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, less than one gram of a substance containing cocaine, a Class 2 felony.
Trisha L. Hanke
Trisha L. Hanke, 36, is charged with theft of over $10,000 (Class 2 felony). Court documents indicate she knowingly took $14,000 belonging to a Love's Travel Stop, in LeRoy, where she was employed.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
William B. Givens
William B. Givens, 49, no address given, is charged with unlawful possession of five to 15 grams of meth with intent to deliver, a Class 1 felony, possession of less than five grams of meth with intent to deliver, a Class 2 felony, possession of five to 15 grams of meth, a Class 2 felony, and possession of less than five grams of meth, a Class 3 felony. His next appearance is Dec. 30.
Connor Wood
David L. Oliver
David L. Oliver, 51, of Bloomington, is charged with predatory criminal sexual assault.
Kenneth E. Funk
Kenneth E. Funk, 27, is charged with residential burglary (Class 1 felony) involving an apartment in Lexington on Dec. 31, 2022.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jordan R. King
Charges have been filed against Jordan R. King, 34, for violation of the Illinois Violent Offender Against Youth Act.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Holly M. Isaacson
Isaacson
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kenneth L. Minton
Kenneth L. Minton, 51, is charged with aggravated home repair fraud (Class 2 felony) and theft (Class 3 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tony L. Jackson
Tony L. Jackson, 50, is charged for violation of the Illinois Violent Offender Against Youth Act (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Britley L. Hilger
Britley L. Hilger, 32, is charged with aggravated battery (Class 2 felony) after she supposedly punched a McLean County Detention Facility officer in the chest.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jasmine L. Smith
Jasmine L. Smith, 31, is charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol (Class 2 felony) and five counts of endangering the life or health of a child (Class A misdemeanors).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jackie S. Claypool
Jackie S. Claypool, 46, appeared for a Friday bond court hearing for two new cases which charged her for one count of burglary (Class 2 felony), four counts of forgery (Class 3) and one count of deceptive practices (Class 4 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Noah R. Demuth
Noah R. Demuth, 22, of Evanston, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer, a Class 2 felony, aggravated battery in a public way, a Class 3 felony, mob action, a Class 4 felony, and obstructing a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor. His next court date is Feb. 17.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Brandon L. Parsano
Brandon L. Parsano, 39, is charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, a Class 2 felony. His next appearance is Feb. 17 for an arraignment.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Alexander N. Williams
Alexander N. Williams, 24, was charged Feb. 2 with the following:
3 counts of unlawful delivery of cannabis between 30 and 500 grams - Class 3 felonies. 2 counts of armed violence - Class X felonies. 1 count of unlawful possession of cannabis between 2,000 and 5,000 grams with the intent to sell - a Class 1 felony. 1 count of unlawful possession of cannabis between 500 and 2,000 grams with the intent to sell - a Class 2 felony. 3 counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon - Class 3 felonies. 1 count of unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a felon - a Class 3 felony 3 counts of violating the Illinois FOID act - Class 3 felonies.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Carlos Sanchez-Solozarzano
Carlos H. Sanchez-Solozarzano, 22, was charged with 1 count of criminal sexual assault, a Class 1 felony.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jaylin S. Bones
Jaylin S. Bones was charged with four counts of first-degree murder stemming from a homicide in Bloomington last year. A McLean County grand jury also returned a bill of indictment charging him with attempted first degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm (Class X felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jordan R. King
Jordan R. King, 34, was charged with violating the Illinois Violent Offender Against Youth Act (Class 2 felony) a second time in under a month.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Dominique M. Banks
Dominique M. Banks, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery involving strangulation (Class 2 felony). The incident happened in October 2022 and involved one victim.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Austin T. Daugherty
Austin T. Daugherty, 29, was charged with burglary (Class 2 felony) after he entered an Avis Car Rental, 3201 Cira Drive, in Bloomington, without permission and with the intent to commit theft.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Sandra M. Lewis
Sandra M. Lewis, 77, is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance containing MDMB-4E-PINACA, a synthetic cannabinoid, with the intent to deliver (Class X felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Samantha E. Morris
Samantha E. Morris, 40, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer (Class 2 felony) after supposedly spitting on a Colfax police officer.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Nolan C. Love
Nolan C. Love, 46, appeared in court Friday for a bond review hearing after being charged with aggravated domestic battery involving strangulation (Class 2 felony) on Feb. 26.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Nikkita L. Sandefur
Nikkita L. Sandefur, 36, is charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance (Class 2 felony) containing cocaine.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Katlin M.B. Wilson
Katlin M.B. Wilson, 32, is charged with aggravated identity theft (Class 2 felony) after being accused of fraudulently obtaining money exceeding $300 but not exceeding $10,000 from a 60 year old man.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Eli C. Garozzo
Eli C. Garozzo, 20, is charged with two counts of home invasion, a Class X felony, two counts of attempted armed robbery, a Class 1 felony, and two counts of residential burglary, a Class 1 felony. His bond was set at $200,000 as a 10% bond, meaning he must pay $20,000 plus fees to be released. His next appearance is an arraignment on April 13.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tysean T. Townsend
Tysean T. Townsend, 35, is charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle (Class 2 felony), three counts of child abduction, aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer and obstructing justice (Class 4 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Curtis J. Byrd
Curtis J. Byrd, 31, is charged with two counts of burglary (Class 2 felony), two counts of fraud and two counts of financial institution fraud (Class 3 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Noral K. Nelson
Noral K. Nelson, 31, was charged with reckless discharge of a firearm (Class 4 felony) after he was arrested in connection to a shooting along the 1500 block of S. Main Street.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Charles J. Tankson
Charles J. Tankson, 23, was charged with burglary (Class 2 felony), theft and two counts of unlawful use of a debit card (Class 3 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Davis, Micah S
Davis was charged with 3 counts of arson, Class 2 felonies, and 3 counts of criminal damage to property, Class 4 felonies.
His next court date is May 5 at 9 a.m.
PROVIDED BY THE MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Livingston, Joshua D.
Livingston was charged with 2 counts of possessing stolen vehicles, Class 2 felonies, possession of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony, and criminal damage to government property, a Class 4 felony.
His next court date is May 5 at 9 a.m.
PROVIDED BY THE MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kevin L. Ewen
Kevin L. Ewen, 42, appeared in a Thursday bond court hearing and was charged with aggravated battery (Class 2 felony), obstructing a peace officer (Class 4 felony) and two counts of resisting a peace officer (Class A misdemeanor).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Emmanuel K. Mpay
Emmanuel K. Mpay, 23, appeared in a Thursday bond court hearing following a grand jury indictment for two counts of criminal sexual assault (Class 1 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Ahmad S. Manns
Ahmad S. Manns, 19, appeared in a Friday bond court hearing and was charged with cannabis trafficking (Class X felony), unlawful possession of cannabis with the intent to deliver (Class 1 felony) and unlawful possession of cannabis (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Dylan R Mann
Dylan R Mann, 31, appeared Friday in bond court following four grand jury indictments for two separate cases relating to aggravated assault and battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tony L. Jackson
Tony L. Jackson, 50, was charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle (Class 2 felony), domestic battery, violation of an order of protection and driving while license revoked or suspended (Class 4 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
William R. Linden
William R. Linden, 79, was released Tuesday on felony burglary charges for trying to pass a forged check at Busey Bank.
Zadek U. Moen
Zadek U. Moen, 20, is facing six felony drug charges after being arrested by the Illinois State Police on Thursday.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Zachary T. Willis
Zachary T. Willis, 27, is charged with aggravated domestic battery by strangulation (Class 2 felony) and domestic battery subsequent offense (Class 4 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Cecily M. Sexton
Cecily M. Sexton, 39, was charged with two counts of burglary, a Class 2 felony; one count of forgery, a Class 3 felony; financial institution fraud, a Class 3 felony, and possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tonisha A. Jackson
Tonisha A. Jackson, 27, was charged with aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, a Class 3 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
James A. McConnaughay
James A. McConnaughay, 53, appeared in a Friday bond court hearing before Judge Amy McFarland. McConnaughay is charged with unlawful possession of 5-15 grams of methamphetamine (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jessica M. Longberry
Jessica M. Longberry, 38, appeared in a Friday bond court hearing before Judge Amy McFarland. Longberry is charged with burglary (Class 2 felony) and forgery (Class 3 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Barry D. Guyton
Barry D. Guyton, 26, was charged with two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon (Class 2 felonies) two counts of unlawful possession of 15-100 of cocaine with the intent to deliver with one being a Class X felony and the other being a Class 1 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Keon E. Spiller
Keon E. Spiller, 22, appeared in a Friday bond court hearing before Judge Amy McFarland and was charged with attempted escape after his jury trial reached a verdict.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Melina Aguilar
Melina Aguilar, 32, was charged with harassment of witnesses (Class 2 felonies) after asking a witness to lie on the record.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Carlos D. Cregan
Carlos D. Cregan, 35, was charged with harassment of witnesses (Class 2 felonies) after asking a witness to lie on the record.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Contact Mateusz Janik at (309) 820-3234. Follow Mateusz on Twitter:@mjanik99
Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox! | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-courts/mclean-county-witness-harassment/article_52a778fc-0569-11ee-ba1f-53748497b3d8.html | 2023-06-08T15:44:19 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-courts/mclean-county-witness-harassment/article_52a778fc-0569-11ee-ba1f-53748497b3d8.html |
Protestors gathered and were joined by Second District Council Member Katherine Jones in front of the Virginia State Capitol following the recent shooting at the Huguenot High School graduation.
This is continuing online coverage of the fatal shooting that took place outside the Altria Theater Tuesday after the Huguenot High School graduation.
Updates from Richmond Times-Dispatch staff writers and editors will be posted throughout the day as more information becomes available.
9 a.m.: Law enforcement officials say they are still looking for information from the community that could help in the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Tuesday's shooting — especially photos or videos.
Anyone with information can call the Richmond Police Department's tip line at (804) 646-6741. The FBI's Richmond field office has also set up a site where people can submit photo or video.
7:15 a.m.: In a press release Wednesday afternoon, Richmond police indicated that the third victim who had been taken to the hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries was now in stable condition.
Wednesday night, Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras sent an email to RPS parents to notify them that schools would be closed for the remainder of the school year, with no classes held Thursday or Friday. Other school events, like moving on ceremonies were also canceled. School division employees were asked to report to work Thursday on their normal schedule "to process (Tuesday's) events as a community and to complete close-out tasks."
"I recognize this will be very upsetting to many students, families, and staff," Kamras wrote. "However, given how on edge our community is right now, and given that three more RPS students were shot last night, I felt this step was necessary to safeguard the RPS family. Thank you for your grace and understanding."
Though classes are not in session, students and families can still go to school buildings to drop off technology, retrieve medication or other student items and pick up grab-and-go breakfast and lunch.
Kamras also announced the rescheduled times for graduation ceremonies that were set to be held this week:
Open High School: Friday, June 9, 9 a.m., at Richmond Community High School
Franklin Military Academy: Monday, June 12, 9 am, at Franklin Military Academy
Armstrong High School: Monday, June 12, 11:30 am, at Armstrong High School
Thomas Jefferson High School: Monday, June 12, 2 pm, at Thomas Jefferson High School
John Marshall High School: Tuesday, June 13, 9 am, at John Marshall High School
George Wythe High School: Tuesday, June 13, 12 pm, at John Marshall High School
As added security measures, no bags of any kind will be permitted at the rescheduled ceremonies; nor will flowers, balloons or any amplified devices. All attendees will also be subject to search. More details about ticketing and livestream options will be released Thursday, Kamras said.
Counseling services are being made available to students. Family members can call the ChildSavers Immediate Response Helpline at (804) 305-2420 or the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority at (804) 819-4100.
Who was killed in the Richmond shooting?
Shawn Jackson, 18, and his stepfather, Renzo Smith, were the two victims who died of wounds sustained during Tuesday's shooting. Jackson had just graduated.
What is the condition of the other victims?
Five other victims, all male, were struck by gunshots.
One of them, a 31-year-old man, was treated for a potentially life-threatening injury, but police said Wednesday afternoon that all five victims besides Jackson and Smith were in stable condition.
Jackson's sister, Rennyah Jackson-Smith, 9, was struck by a car nearby during the confusion following the shooting. She received treatment on scene and was later transported to an area hospital. Her aunt, Datrell Glover, said Wednesday that Jackson-Smith is currently in a wheelchair, but is expected to be able to walk again.
Who is the accused shooter?
Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney Colette McEachin confirmed in an email to The Associated Press Wednesday morning that Amari Ty-Jon Pollard was arraigned in Richmond General District Court on two counts of second-degree murder in connection with the shooting.
The case was continued until June 21 while Pollard, 19, works to hire an attorney, McEachin said. In the meantime, the court ordered that he be held without bond.
Police confirmed Wednesday that Pollard is the suspect they arrested Tuesday night. Acting Police Chief Rick Edwards said in a joint briefing with Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras and Mayor Levar Stoney Wednesday morning that a long-standing dispute between Pollard and Jackson was a possible motive for the shooting.
Photos: Richmond reacts to mass shooting after graduation ceremony
GALLERY: Mass shooting after Richmond graduation ceremony | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-courts/richmond-huguenot-shooting-shawn-jackson-renzo-smith-amari-pollard-thursday-updates/article_2b0f6cea-060a-11ee-b795-130e921b3479.html | 2023-06-08T15:51:49 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-courts/richmond-huguenot-shooting-shawn-jackson-renzo-smith-amari-pollard-thursday-updates/article_2b0f6cea-060a-11ee-b795-130e921b3479.html |
Police have revealed that the incident that caused significant backups for southbound drivers on Interstate 95 early Thursday morning was a shooting.
According to a spokeswoman for the Virginia State Police, a 31-year-old man from Chester was driving south on I-95 near the Bells Road and Willis Road exits shortly before 4 a.m. Thursday when he was hit by gunfire coming through his driver-side window.
The driver was taken to VCU Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.
The state police investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Virginia State Police at (804) 609-5656.
Photos: Smoky haze blanketing parts of US and Canada
A tourist uses a cell phone to capture images as haze blankets over the Washington Monument seen at a distance, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Washington. Smoke from Canadian wildfires is pouring into the U.S. East Coast and Midwest and covering the capitals of both nations in an unhealthy haze. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Julio Cortez
In a view toward Brooklyn, a boat maneuvers the East River near the Manhattan Bridge, left, and Brooklyn Bridge in New York on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Smoke from Canadian wildfires is pouring into the U.S. East Coast and Midwest and covering the capitals of both nations in an unhealthy haze. (AP Photo/Alyssa Goodman)
Alyssa Goodman
People in Camden, N.J., view the hazy Philadelphia skyline, Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Intense Canadian wildfires are blanketing the northeastern U.S. in a dystopian haze, turning the air acrid, the sky yellowish gray and prompting warnings for vulnerable populations to stay inside. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Matt Rourke
Masons work during hazy conditions in Philadelphia, Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Intense Canadian wildfires are blanketing the northeastern U.S. in a dystopian haze, turning the air acrid, the sky yellowish gray and prompting warnings for vulnerable populations to stay inside. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Matt Rourke
CORRECTS DATELINE TO FORT LEE, NOT ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS - A Man talks on his phone as he looks through the haze at the George Washington Bridge from Fort Lee, N.J., Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Intense Canadian wildfires are blanketing the northeastern U.S. in a dystopian haze, turning the air acrid, the sky yellowish gray and prompting warnings for vulnerable populations to stay inside. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Seth Wenig
Traffic moves along West Street past One World Trade Center, in this mirror image reflected in the facade of a building, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in New York, amidst smokey haze from wildfires in Canada. Smoke from Canadian wildfires poured into the U.S. East Coast and Midwest on Wednesday, covering the capitals of both nations in an unhealthy haze, holding up flights at major airports and prompting people to fish out pandemic-era face masks. (AP Photo/Andy Bao)
Andy Bao
Pedestrians pass the One World Trade Center, center, amidst a smokey haze from wildfires in Canada, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in New York. Smoke from Canadian wildfires poured into the U.S. East Coast and Midwest on Wednesday, covering the capitals of both nations in an unhealthy haze, holding up flights at major airports and prompting people to fish out pandemic-era face masks. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Julie Jacobson
A man talks on his phone as he looks through the haze at the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, N.J., Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Intense Canadian wildfires are blanketing the northeastern U.S. in a dystopian haze, turning the air acrid, the sky yellowish gray and prompting warnings for vulnerable populations to stay inside. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Seth Wenig
New York City is covered in haze as photographed from the Empire State Building observatory, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Yuki Iwamura
New York City is covered in haze as photographed from the Empire State Building observatory, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Yuki Iwamura
People view New York City in a haze-filled sky from the Empire State Building observatory, Wednesday, June. 7, 2023, in New York. Smoke from Canadian wildfires poured into the U.S. East Coast and Midwest on Wednesday, covering the capitals of both nations in an unhealthy haze, holding up flights at major airports and prompting people to fish out pandemic-era face masks. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Yuki Iwamura
A Southwest airliner approaches LaGuardia Airport in New York, Wednesday, June 7, 2023. The Federal Aviation Administration paused some flights bound for LaGuardia Airport and slowed planes to Newark Liberty and Philadelphia because the smoke from wildfires in Canada was limiting visibility. It also contributed to delayed arrivals at Dulles International Airport outside Washington. (AP Photo/David R. Martin)
David R.Martin
Golfers watch their shots at the driving range at Valley Country Club in Sugarloaf, Pa., as smoke from wildfires in Canada fill the air, Wednesday June 7, 2023. (John Haeger/Standard-Speaker via AP)
John Haeger
New York City is seen in a haze-filled sky, photographed from Staten Island Ferry, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Yuki Iwamura
The Statue of Liberty, covered in a haze-filled sky, is photographed from the Staten Island Ferry, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Yuki Iwamura
A police officer wearing a mask directs traffic as an air quality health advisor was issued in New York on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki).
Andres Kudacki
Women enter a taxi wearing masks as an air quality health advisory was issued in New York on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki).
Andres Kudacki
Traffic moves along Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in New York, amidst smokey haze from wildfires in Canada. Smoke from Canadian wildfires poured into the U.S. East Coast and Midwest on Wednesday, covering the capitals of both nations in an unhealthy haze, holding up flights at major airports and prompting people to fish out pandemic-era face masks. (AP Photo/Andy Bao)
Andy Bao
Evening commuters travel on Broad Street past a hazy City Hall, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Philadelphia. Smoke from Canadian wildfires poured into the U.S. East Coast and Midwest on Wednesday, covering the capitals of both nations in an unhealthy haze, and prompting people to fish out pandemic-era face masks. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Matt Slocum
Smoke from a steel plant in Hamilton, Ontario, rises against a setting sun, as smoke from wildfires blankets the sky on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)
Chris Young
The sun rises over the lower Manhattan skyline as seen from Jersey City, N.J., Thursday, June 8, 2023. Intense Canadian wildfires are blanketing the northeastern U.S. in a dystopian haze, turning the air acrid, the sky yellowish gray and prompting warnings for vulnerable populations to stay inside. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Seth Wenig
Haze blankets the United States Marine Corps War Memorial as the sun rises, Thursday, June 8, 2023, in Arlington, Va. Smoke from Canadian wildfires is pouring into the U.S. East Coast and Midwest and covering the capitals of both nations in an unhealthy haze. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Alex Brandon
Haze blankets the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, Thursday, June 8, 2023, as seen from Arlington, Va. Smoke from Canadian wildfires is pouring into the U.S. East Coast and Midwest and covering the capitals of both nations in an unhealthy haze. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Alex Brandon
The sun rises through the haze, Thursday, June 8, 2023, in Arlington, Va. Smoke from Canadian wildfires is pouring into the U.S. East Coast and Midwest and covering the capitals of both nations in an unhealthy haze. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Alex Brandon | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-courts/vsp-interstate-95-shooting-chesterfield-bells-road/article_a1fd343c-0609-11ee-852d-47e0367f47aa.html | 2023-06-08T15:51:55 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-courts/vsp-interstate-95-shooting-chesterfield-bells-road/article_a1fd343c-0609-11ee-852d-47e0367f47aa.html |
The Chesterfield County School Board has voted to give its next board members a 60% raise, effective Jan. 1 after a new board is elected.
Current board members receive a $17,549 annual salary, and starting Jan. 1 the board's five members will each receive a $28,000 salary, with the chair receiving an additional $2,000.
Its members will be among the highest paid in the state.
The board voted 3-2 to approve the raise at its Tuesday evening meeting. There was no discussion.
Local school boards can only vote to increase their members' salaries during election years, according to state code. The raises go into effect after the new board members take over.
People are also reading…
The only school board whose members receive a higher salary than $28,000 at present is the Fairfax County School Board, according to a database compiled in February by the Virginia School Board Association.
Fairfax is the largest school division in Virginia with 180,100 students enrolled this school year. The Chesterfield County Public Schools division enrolled 63,916 students this academic year, according to state data, about one third the number of students in Fairfax.
Fairfax has 12 school board members while Chesterfield has five.
Two of the three Chesterfield school board members who voted to approve the raises are running for reelection this fall: Bermuda representative Anne Coker and Clover Hill representative Dorothy Heffron.
The two members who voted against the raises have not filed to run for reelection: Debbie Bailey, who represents the Dale district, and Ryan Harter, who represents the Matoaca district. (Harter is seeking the Republican nomination for a Chesterfield seat in the House of Delegates in a June 20 primary.)
Midlothian representative Kathryn Haines, who voted to approve the raises but is not running for re-election, said it was exceptionally brave for the two members that are running for election to approve the raises.
“If we want high-functioning school boards and we want good governance, then we're going to have to pay school board members a rate that enables you to take a job that does not require as many hours or to take a job where you can take (paid time off) and not jeopardize the family finances," Haines said in an interview.
"School board members are most impactful when engaged in good governance, and good governance involves translating the vision and values of a community into policy, which is not an easy task."
The Henrico School Board, whose five members are currently paid $22,371, voted to approve a 8.2% pay increase starting July 1. The raise is commensurate to the one all school board employees will receive next year. The board chair receives an extra $2,000.
Henrico's enrollment this year was 50,389 students, about 13,500 fewer than Chesterfield.
Members of the Richmond City School Board each receive an annual salary of $10,000, with the board chair receiving an extra $1,000. The board’s pay has remained the same since at least 2001.
The Hanover County School Board’s annual salary established for its members has remained at $8,000 since 2006 when the General Assembly approved legislation on the matter, increasing the maximum pay from $4,600 to $8,000. Its chair receives an additional $1,100.
Richmond graduation mass shooting: Complete coverage
This is continuing Times-Dispatch coverage of a shooting that killed two after a Richmond high school graduation ceremony.
This is continuing coverage from The Times-Dispatch of Tuesday's shooting in Monroe Park.
• Shooting after graduation ceremony ignites fresh anger about gun violence
• Tuesday shooting was 2nd at school-related event this year in Richmond
• Timeline: What happened after the Huguenot High School graduation
• In their words: How elected officials are reacting
• City, school officials speak following Monroe Park violence
• 'Who is in charge?' says Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears
• Video: Police respond to shooting near Altria Theater
• Photos: Shooting after Huguenot High School graduation ceremony
Tuesday's shooting outside the Huguenot High School graduation ceremony was the second to occur at a Richmond public school function this year.
The shooting left two dead and five more injured, one with life-threatening conditions.
GOP Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and Democrats clashed on social media after she made comments in the wake of a shooting following a Richmond graduation ceremony.
Officials reacted Tuesday to a shooting in Richmond following a high school graduation ceremony:
Interim Chief Edwards, Mayor Stoney and Superintendent Kamras speak following shooting outside Altria Theater
Police respond to shooting near Altria Theater
This is continuing coverage from The Times-Dispatch of Tuesday's shooting in Monroe Park.
• Richmond graduation mass shooting: Complete coverage
• Graduate, father killed in shooting after Richmond commencement ceremony
• Shooting after graduation ceremony ignites fresh anger about gun violence
• Tuesday shooting was 2nd at school-related event this year in Richmond
• Timeline: What happened after the Huguenot High School graduation
Seven people were shot — two fatally — Tuesday evening outside the Altria Theater in Richmond, following Huguenot High School's graduation ceremony. Here's what we know right now.
Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras didn't know Shawn Jackson well, he said in a joint press briefing with Mayor Levar Stoney and Acting Police Chief Rick Edwards Wednesday morning at Richmond Police Department headquarters on Grace Street.
Graduation had ended, and the nearly 300 students exited the theater onto the street. Then Fabiola Chesnut heard about 10 gunshots in rapid succession.
In a new statement Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears says "the one that pulled the trigger is ultimately responsible for his heinous actions."
A day set aside for pomp and circumstance ended with two dead, a woman mourning her husband and her son, and a public outcry against gun violence.
18-year-old Shawn Jackson struggled in school, said Huguenot High School Principal Robert Gilstrap. But despite that, he graduated Tuesday afternoon.
Huguenot High School graduation before the shooting.
Protestors gathered and were joined by Second District Council Member Katherine Jones in front of the Virginia State Capitol following the rec…
This is continuing coverage from The Times-Dispatch of Tuesday's shooting in Monroe Park.
• Richmond graduation mass shooting: Complete coverage
• Graduate, father killed in shooting after Richmond commencement ceremony
• Shooting after graduation ceremony ignites fresh anger about gun violence
• Tuesday shooting was 2nd at school-related event this year in Richmond
• Timeline: What happened after the Huguenot High School graduation | https://richmond.com/news/local/education/chesterfield-school-board-votes-to-give-next-board-60-salary-increase/article_98202c94-057d-11ee-85d2-27c46ac67d0b.html | 2023-06-08T15:52:02 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/education/chesterfield-school-board-votes-to-give-next-board-60-salary-increase/article_98202c94-057d-11ee-85d2-27c46ac67d0b.html |
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