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A Hamilton Township man was sentenced Thursday to five years in prison for being linked to nearly 700 videos of children engaging in sexual acts, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said.
William Edson, 22, shared the videos over the social media messaging app Kik around December 2021, the Prosecutor's Office said Friday in a news release. Authorities began investigating in February 2022.
Videos he shared were found on devices taken from him by investigators, and he admitted to detectives that he distributed them over his Kik account, the Prosecutor's Office said.
Edson pleaded guilty to disseminating the videos in January after being charged in July 2022.
He also must register as a sex offender under Megan's Law and will be subject to parole supervision for life. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/hamilton-township-man-sentenced-for-sharing-child-porn/article_9c528200-06c5-11ee-83ca-3fc6568f53d0.html | 2023-06-09T17:13:06 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/hamilton-township-man-sentenced-for-sharing-child-porn/article_9c528200-06c5-11ee-83ca-3fc6568f53d0.html |
A Hamilton Township man assisted in a scheme that used stolen checks to launder more than $9 million, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said Friday.
Isaiah Edwards-Stewart, 31, was arrested Thursday on charges of money laundering, trafficking in personal identifying information, theft, identity theft, possession of false government documents, criminal simulation forgery and computer crimes, the Prosecutor's Office said in a news release.
The agency said stolen money was put into Edwards-Stewart's bank accounts.
Stolen checks were deposited into different bank accounts from various people, after which the funds would be transferred to Edwards-Stewart, the Prosecutor's Office said.
An investigation found that Edwards-Stewart had 1,988 stolen checks worth about $9.7 million, as well as over 1,000 items of personal information and government documents belonging to other people, the Prosecutor's Office said.
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State Police, the Prosecutor’s Office and the FBI investigated. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/mays-landing-arrested-scheme/article_04b79e22-06c9-11ee-b0ae-53af5321663c.html | 2023-06-09T17:13:12 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/mays-landing-arrested-scheme/article_04b79e22-06c9-11ee-b0ae-53af5321663c.html |
OCEAN CITY — E-bikes do not operate recklessly on the Boardwalk.
Some e-bike riders do, residents told City Council as members took up an ordinance banning the battery-powered two-wheelers from the Boardwalk on Thursday.
Most on council agreed, delaying a vote to allow time to gather more information, with a potential for the creation of a committee to weigh the issue.
Mayor Jay Gillian’s administration proposed an ordinance keeping e-bikes off the Boardwalk but allowing them on other bike paths and routes in the city, citing safety concerns about the operation of the bikes.
For more than a year, council has heard from residents concerned about the operation of the bikes on the Boardwalk. The bikes are capable of reaching high speeds, at least relative to the other, pedal-powered bikes riding on summer mornings, and some had stories of reckless behavior by riders.
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Council member Bob Barr brought up a similar story, saying a friend of his had a close call with an e-bike recently. He said his friend could have been seriously injured as a teenage rider whizzed by, apparently not paying attention.
The bikes are heavier than other bikes, with the potential to do more damage.
“We need to send a clear message to these teenagers,” Barr said at the meeting. “This cannot be tolerated.”
OCEAN CITY — Among the persistent issues raised by residents at City Council meetings, conce…
Ocean City has been searching for tools to deal with young people this summer, after rowdy crowds overran the Boardwalk over Memorial Day weekend. Gillian first raised the possibility of an e-bike ban at a news conference outlining strict new rules aimed at rowdy teens, including an earlier curfew, beach closings at 8 p.m. and a ban on backpacks on or near the Boardwalk after 8 p.m.
But the people speaking against the proposal Thursday were not teenagers.
“I’m 73 with a heart condition and a proud owner of an e-bike,” said resident Bill Eberle. He and other speakers said the power assistance of e-bikes allows those with limitations to exercise regularly and to enjoy the Boardwalk. Eberle said his doctors appreciate that he is keeping active, and he enjoys his time riding the boards.
Eberle was one of several people to speak against the proposal. He described the ordinance as unfair and arbitrary, and said it would ban the bikes all year, even though the Boardwalk only gets very crowded in July and August.
Resident Keith Beale asked rhetorically what the problem was with e-bikes.
“Are they too fast? No. Do they swerve into people and are reckless? No. Do they ride where pedestrians are walking? No. Then what’s the problem? Nothing,” he said at the meeting. “The problem’s with the drivers of the bikes. And not just e-bikes.”
The proposed ordinance would address low-speed e-bikes and scooters, by definition those designed to travel 20 mph or slower. There are powered bikes that can travel much faster. But at least one speaker suggested that many of the bikes can get close to 40 mph right off the rack, and with some changes could reach 70.
“I don’t think anybody here are the irresponsible people doing 38 on the Boardwalk,” said David Spengler. “Will there be somebody? In a freaking heartbeat.”
In the summer, bicycles are allowed on the Boardwalk until noon. In 2019, Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation that categorized low-speed electric scooters and e-bikes in the same way as bicycles.
That means they can be operated on streets and bike paths throughout the state. In addition to governing where they can be ridden, the e-bikes do not require registration, insurance or a license.
Some at the Thursday meeting suggested further limiting the time for e-bikes on the Boardwalk, perhaps allowing them until 9 or 10 a.m. before crowds reach their peak.
Most members of council agreed more study and review were needed before a ban is put in place.
“I don’t want to make a rush decision,” said Council member Terrence Crowley, who suggested a committee be created to find more information. “To sit here and make a gut decision, we’re going to miss something.”
Crowley made a motion to table the ordinance, which would allow it to be taken up again at a future meeting or modified. Council member Karen Bergman was the lone vote against tabling it, although she indicated her mind was changed by the comments at the meeting, and calls and emails she received before it.
“Before coming into this meeting at the beginning of the week, I was all for this, because I saw it as a safety risk,” Bergman said. She raised the possibility of a child getting hit or another serious accident. But she also expressed sympathy for the people asking that the bikes be allowed. “I guess I never really understood just how many people depend on these bikes for exercise.”
With the tourist season already underway, Bergman did not want to see a delay in the process, saying the ordinance could be amended before a final vote.
VENTNOR — The city is looking to improve its business districts by cleaning up trash, improv…
But Council President Pete Madden pointed out that even if the ordinance moved forward Thursday, it could not take effect until August at the earliest, because it would need to be advertised before a public hearing and final vote, and then would not take effect for 30 days.
Council member Jody Levchuk said there are plenty of safety concerns with e-bikes, and not just on the Boardwalk. He appealed to parents to enforce safety rules, and said he often sees young people operating the bikes without wearing helmets.
“How are you not worried sick about what’s going to happen to your kid the way they’re flying all over town on their e-bike?” he said. “I hope that’s the best thing to come out of this, that people are thinking about how their kid is leaving to go to school tomorrow and coming home from school on their e-bike.” | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/electronic-bikes-ocean-city/article_65103dc0-06dc-11ee-b600-475a181ef14e.html | 2023-06-09T17:13:18 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/electronic-bikes-ocean-city/article_65103dc0-06dc-11ee-b600-475a181ef14e.html |
Mike Trout, 31, a 2009 Millville High School graduate, is a center fielder with the Los Angeles Angels and was the 2014, 2016 and 2019 American League MVP.
Wednesday: Batting third and playing center field, went 1 for 4 with a solo homer in a 6-2 win over the Chicago Cubs. Trout's homer, his 14th of the season, led off the fourth inning. He also struck out twice.
Thursday: Batting third and playing center field, he went 0 for 3 with a walk and a strikeout in a 3-1 win over the Cubs in the series finale
Friday: Luis Castillo (4-3, 2.55 ERA) is scheduled to start the 9:38 p.m. series opener for the Seattle Mariners in L.A. Trout is 2 for 5 with a solo homer in his career against him.
Stats: Trout is hitting .262 (60 for 229) with 14 home runs, 35 RBIs and 38 runs scored in 60 games. He has walked 30 times and struck out 73 times. His on-base percentage is .361, his OPS .854. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/daily-mike-trout-report-goes-0-for-3-in-angels-win-over-cubs/article_ffa4ea6c-065e-11ee-aa87-1728fe765ea4.html | 2023-06-09T17:13:31 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/daily-mike-trout-report-goes-0-for-3-in-angels-win-over-cubs/article_ffa4ea6c-065e-11ee-aa87-1728fe765ea4.html |
Another wildfire has sparked in New Jersey.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service on Friday afternoon alerted the public to a fire in Browns Mills, Burlington County.
"The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is responding to a wildfire burning in the area of City Line Road," the state forest fire service said in its initial tweet. "Please avoid the area at this time."
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Fire crews were "assessing the situation."
This fire follows several other New Jersey wildfires that burned in the last week, or so, in Jackson Township, Medford and at the Bass River State Forest. The Bass River fire even led to the temporary closure of the Garden State Parkway last Friday.
Check back for updates on this latest wildfire.
Sign up for our Breaking newsletter to get the most urgent news stories in your inbox. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/burlington-county-nj-forest-fire/3582614/ | 2023-06-09T17:14:46 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/burlington-county-nj-forest-fire/3582614/ |
A man pulled up next to a woman to ask for directions to the nearest gas station then laughed as he exposed himself to her, Pennsylvania State Police said.
The incident took place around 7:15 p.m. Thursday along the 1400 block of Poets Alley in Stargazer Village in West Bradford Township, the state police in Embreeville said Friday.
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The woman approached a blue BMW sedan after the driver asked for directions to a gas station, state police said.
"As the victim approached the driver’s side of the vehicle, she observed the operator had exposed his penis and he began to laugh," state police said in Friday's news release. "As the victim turned and began to walk away, the operator asked her to come back and talk with him."
The man then drove out of the neighborhood on Strasburg Road, investigators said.
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Police only gave a vague description of the driver -- saying he appeared to be in his 20s or early 30s.
Troopers asked anyone with information on the incident or who recognizes the car to give them a call at 610-486-6280.
Sign up for our Breaking newsletter to get the most urgent news stories in your inbox. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/indecent-exposure-chester-county/3582598/ | 2023-06-09T17:14:52 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/indecent-exposure-chester-county/3582598/ |
GREENSBORO — With its space full, Guilford County Animal Shelter is celebrating Pet Appreciation Week with free adoptions.
All pet adoptions, including dogs, cats, rabbits and rodents are free today through Sunday.
Fees typically range from $10 to $75, depending on age and species.
The shelter, located on 980 Guilford College Road, is open each week from 12-4 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. Walk-ins are welcome. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/guilford-county-animal-shelter-free-adoptions-rabbits-rodents-rat-mice-cats-dogs-national-pet-appreciation-week/article_777de93e-06dd-11ee-af9b-e38024bcfab4.html | 2023-06-09T17:15:15 | 1 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/guilford-county-animal-shelter-free-adoptions-rabbits-rodents-rat-mice-cats-dogs-national-pet-appreciation-week/article_777de93e-06dd-11ee-af9b-e38024bcfab4.html |
June named Man Up & Mentor month
During June, Big Brothers Big Sisters-Wichita County will make a concerted effort to honor the request of over 30 young men searching for mentors.
The group has designated June as Man Up & Mentor Month.
More:Big Brothers Big Sisters expands to Vernon
Volunteers who mentor spend a minimum of 4 hours monthly with the child they are matched with, engaging in activities such as video games, sports, movies, or any positive activity they choose, according to a news release from the organization.
“Some people are hesitant to see themselves as mentors,” said Jean Hall, BBBS Executive Director. “They don’t think of themselves as someone a child might look up to. But the kids don’t need superheroes. They just need someone who will show up. If you can show up, if you can be there and listen, then you can change a child’s life trajectory.”
The release said a random controlled trial study found that after 18 months, youth enrolled in BBBS programs were 54% less likely to have been arrested and 41% less likely to have engaged in substance use than their peers in the control group.
For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wichita County, visit the website at https://bbbstx.org/be-a-big/, or contact them at (940) 767-2447, amcdonald@bbbstx.org | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/09/june-named-man-up-mentor-month/70303416007/ | 2023-06-09T17:17:06 | 0 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/09/june-named-man-up-mentor-month/70303416007/ |
Woman arrested in injury of a 10-month-old child
Staff Reports
Times Record News
A woman was arrested Friday in connection with the injury of a 10-month-old boy in Wichita Falls.
Adrian Nicole Vetter, 22, was arrested and booked into the Wichita County Jail in lieu of $1 million bail.
She is charged with Injury to a Child.
On Monday, Wichita Falls Police went to a residence on Becky Drive to check on an unresponsive 10-month-old child. The child was transported to United Regional Health Care and then sent to Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth.
WFPD said the boy suffers from two brain bleeds and remained in critical condition Friday morning. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/09/woman-arrested-in-injury-of-a-10-month-old-child/70306874007/ | 2023-06-09T17:17:12 | 0 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/09/woman-arrested-in-injury-of-a-10-month-old-child/70306874007/ |
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Governor Wes Moore on Friday appointed the first eight members of a newly formed Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority.
The board was created during the 2023 general assembly as part of an effort by lawmakers to amend a 2019 bill meant to fund the redevelopment of Pimlico Race Course.
Despite millions in state slot revenue going towards proposed reconstruction, there's been little progress.
One main purpose of the new 13 member board will be to issue a progress report on the stalled efforts by December 1.
MORE: Maryland lawmakers expect progress report on Pimlico Race Course by December 1st
Thoroughbred racing in Maryland has been under a microscope in recent months due to a controversial spike in horse deaths.
Here is a list of the five board members Moore appointed, with background information provided by the governor's office.
Greg Cross, Chairman
Aveteran attorney at Venable LLP., Cross represented horse breeding farms beginning in the 1990s and represented the State of Maryland in connection with the 2009 bankruptcy of the then-owner of the Preakness Stakes, Magna Entertainment. He negotiated a 2010 agreement with the predecessor of The Stronach Group that ensured the Preakness could not be moved out of Maryland. He has represented the Maryland Economic Development Corporation in the acquisition, construction and redevelopment of racing facilities as required by House Bill 897. Through this work, Cross spent the past year actively engaged in conversations with the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, Maryland Horse Breeders Association, Maryland Stadium Authority, and 1/ST Racing regarding options for the future of Maryland racing.
Mary Tydings
Mary Tydings is a leader in talent recruitment and placement. Tydings recently retired after a 35-year career at Russell Reynolds Associates, a major international executive search and leadership advisory firm. During her career she partnered with major national and international foundations, non-governmental organizations, and cultural and higher education institutions to recruit key leaders. Tydings advised board leadership on governance and succession planning, built and led the firm’s social impact sector practice, and served as a member of the firm’s executive committee.
Tydings and her family have long ties to horse racing in Maryland. She participated extensively in riding programs in her youth and her family owned several steeplechase horses. Her uncle, John Schapiro, was the longtime owner of Laurel Park racetrack and her cousin, Joe Davies, is a nationally recognized steeplechase trainer. Tydings is a member of the Board of the Maryland Center for History and Culture and has previously served as a member of the Board of Bowdoin College and Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.
Jeff Hargrave
Jeff L. Hargrave is the Founder and President of Mahogany, Inc., a commercial construction firm specializing in architectural millwork, general contracting, and commissioning services since 1991. Hargrave is a native of Baltimore City. He graduated from Mergenthaler Vocational Technical High School and later studied business management at Catonsville Community College and the University of Phoenix. His career track moved forward steadily from carpenter to foreman, superintendent, and proud owner and CEO of Mahogany, Inc. In 2018 Hargrave won the Ernst & Young Entrepreneurs of the Year award in the service category for the mid-Atlantic region and was also named a national finalist in his category.
Hargrave is a philanthropist who is currently a member of numerous boards that support the community. He is the Chair of Presidents’ RoundTable and Vice Chair of Baltimore Development Corporation. He is a board member for the Greater Baltimore Committee and Maryland Chamber of Commerce. He previously served as the Baltimore region Chapter Chair for the Associated Builders and Contractors.
Alan Foreman (nominated by the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association)
Alan Foreman is one of the leading racing law attorneys in the United States. In addition to his law practice, Foreman is chair and chief executive officer of Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Associations, Inc., based in Stevenson, Maryland, which represents more than 20,000 owners and trainers throughout the United States. He is also a founding director of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and is counsel to many horsemen’s and racing industry organizations. Early in his career, Foreman served as an Assistant Attorney General of the State of Maryland and counsel to the Maryland Racing Commission.
Foreman is the co-author of the widely recognized Task Force Report on Racehorse Health and Safety that followed the spate of catastrophic breakdowns at Aqueduct Race Course in 2011-2012. Foreman represented the Maryland racing industry in the negotiations that developed the Maryland Racing and Community Redevelopment Plan for Pimlico and Laurel Park. His law practice involves all areas of equine and horse racing law representing horse owners, breeders, farms, jockeys, stables, trainers and horsemen’s organizations. He is widely credited with creating the Maryland Jockey Injury Compensation Fund, Inc. in 1984, the nation’s first workers compensation program for jockeys.
Thomas J. Rooney (nominated by the Maryland Horse Breeders Association)
Thomas J. (Tom) Rooney is a former Congressman and currently serves as the president and chief executive officer of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. A thoroughbred owner and breeder who hails from one of America’s great sporting families, Rooney has taken an active role for several years in his family’s Shamrock Farm, a thoroughbred breeding and lay-up operation in Woodbine, Maryland, founded by his grandfather.
Rooney has a deep background in racing and sports. He grew up attending the races with family members in his native Pennsylvania as well as in Maryland, New York, Florida, and Kentucky. Rooney has also served on the board of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association.
As a Congressman, Rooney focused on economic, agricultural, national security and military issues. Prior to becoming a member of the House of Representatives, Rooney served with the U.S. Army as a lawyer in the JAG Corps.
Moore also appointed three ex-officio members of the community who reside near Laurel Park Race Course, Pimlico Race Course, and the Bowie Race Course Training Center. They are Joe Franco, Nicole Earle and Gavin Stokes.
The remaining five members will each be appointed as follows:
- A member appointed by the Senate President
- A member appointed by the Speaker of the House
- A representative from the Maryland Stadium Authority
- A representative from the Maryland Economic Development Corporation
- A member of the Maryland Racing Commission | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/eight-members-appointed-to-new-thoroughbred-racetrack-operating-authority | 2023-06-09T17:17:28 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/eight-members-appointed-to-new-thoroughbred-racetrack-operating-authority |
BALTIMORE — A black bear was tranquilized after hanging out in a tree and roaming a neighborhood in Northeast DC.
Metropolitan Police responded to reports of a black bear in the 1300 block of Franklin Street around 7:30 a.m.
Due to the animal's presence, roads were closed in the area.
A few hours later, the bear climbed down the tree and started running in the backyards of homes in the area.
Police say the bear was tranquilized by the Human Rescue Alliance in the backyard of a home in the 1300 block of Franklin Street a short time later.
Officials from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and a veterinarian from the National Zoo were also on the scene assisting.
MPD is currently on the scene of a large black bear in a tree in the 1300 block of Franklin Street, NE. There are road closures in the area. Animal Care and Control is responding. pic.twitter.com/wX0nKmhXF3
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) June 9, 2023 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/large-black-bear-tranquilized-after-roaming-around-northeast-dc-neighborhood | 2023-06-09T17:17:32 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/large-black-bear-tranquilized-after-roaming-around-northeast-dc-neighborhood |
DULUTH — Tim Howard could hardly believe his own eyes last summer when he read a postcard notifying him that he could no longer vote in his own neighborhood, as he had for years on end.
“I thought it must have been sent in error,” he recalled.
But it was no mistake.
The Gary-New Duluth neighborhood had been split into two separate precincts after decades of voting as a unified community. The new political boundaries were a product of statewide redistricting. “I saw it as kind of dividing our community,” Howard said.
Instead of voting at the nearby Gary-New Duluth Community Center, Howard and other residents who lived on the south side of Commonwealth Avenue were directed to cast their ballots a couple miles to the east at the Goodfellow Community Center in the Morgan Park neighborhood.
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There are neighbors who felt it was a hardship for them to go and vote in another area, and we were able to change that. It may not happen everywhere, but our government was able to react and respond accordingly.
It was no big deal for some, but a real hassle for others.
Case in point: Howard directed city officials’ attention to the Heritage Apartments building, home to a large number of senior citizens living across the street from the Gary-New Duluth Community Center.
Many of the apartment building’s residents no longer drive, and the prospect of a 2-mile walk was a daunting proposition for some folks. Their extremely close proximity to their old voting place made the dislocation that much harder for residents to swallow.
Howard asked city officials to make alternative accommodations, accepting that there wouldn’t be sufficient time to correct the course in 2022.
The latest election cycle proved another story, though.
Duluth City Council President and 5th District Councilor Janet Kennedy heard her constituents’ frustrations loud and clear. “They sounded their horn and said: We need to fix this,” she recalled.
Kennedy said the new political boundaries had an unfortunate effect on the sense of cohesion in Gary-New Duluth.
“They were feeling a little pulled apart. And at one point I said, 'You all are still a community.'"
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While some residents had to travel to Morgan Park to cast their ballots last year, Kennedy committed herself to rectifying the situation this year, and the City Council unanimously voted in May to create a new precinct and open a polling place for all Gary-New Duluth residents in time for this year’s primary and general elections.
Duluth City Clerk Ian Johnson explained that the Gary-New Duluth Community Center will be set up to handle voters from both the neighborhood’s 34th and 35th precincts in August and November, with separate lines, ballots and voting machines provided for both on location.
He explained that the redrawing of state legislative district lines, following the recent U.S. Census, necessitated the breaking of Gary-New Duluth into separate precincts.
“We have to essentially draw a precinct line that conforms with that House boundary,” Johnson said. “We were essentially mandated to follow that division. It should work. But we’ll need to have additional staff there to make it work.”
Kennedy credits city staff for helping to craft a solution.
“There are neighbors who felt it was a hardship for them to go and vote in another area, and we were able to change that,” she said. “It may not happen everywhere, but our government was able to react and respond accordingly.”
Tim Howard has worked as an election judge for several years, although he had a brief break in service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said he experienced the confusion and frustration of local voters firsthand last year.
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Howard shared that sense of frustration, especially when a couple would-be voters arrived via bus at the Gary-New Duluth Community Center after 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, only to learn that they should have stopped at the polls in Morgan Park instead. With voting slated to close at 8 p.m., there was no longer sufficient time for them to catch a ride to the appropriate site.
“The object of my exercise is to try to get as many people as I can to vote,” Howard said. “And I hate like heck turning someone down that doesn’t have the proper ID or the proper proof of where they live. I do everything I can to try to facilitate allowing everyone that’s eligible to vote. And that’s what I’m trying to do.”
Johnson explained that the periodic redrawing of legislative districts is a necessary state function, well beyond the city’s control.
“Redistricting happens every 10 years in response to the Census that’s taken. Some populations shift, people move, people are born, people die, and the idea is just to equalize as closely as possible the number of people living not only in each state legislative district, but in each City Council district, as well,” Johnson said. | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/gary-new-duluth-voters-pull-for-return-to-neighborhood-polls | 2023-06-09T17:21:48 | 1 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/gary-new-duluth-voters-pull-for-return-to-neighborhood-polls |
DULUTH — I get paid to be an editor, but it can be extremely difficult to shut off that function when the meter isn’t running.
Such as when you glance at the rough copy of a research paper one of your children has written, or you catch a misspelled word in the novel you’re reading, or a friend texts you and uses “its” when it should be “it’s” instead. Or they get “there” and “their” mixed up.
Do I say something to correct them? Or do I let it go? I’m off duty, after all.
How about when patrolling the hazardous wasteland of social media, where the rules of grammar, spelling and punctuation hold little power? How high will my anxiety rise when someone posts about their breakfast but has the caps button on lockdown?
Can I stop just short of exercising my need to correct these things? Put the red pen down and slowly walk away?
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Or will I get dragged into a 30-day Twitter war about the Oxford comma?
Wouldn’t I enjoy a little grace, a dash of forgiveness when the paper has an error, or when something is even amiss with Weekly Wave? I hear from like-minded, eagle-eyed readers all the time who are quick to point out our errors. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes. Even 24/7 editors.
It would make life a little easier, wouldn’t it? To see a sign in a homeowner’s front yard with a badly placed apostrophe on the family name and not feel a compelling need to stop and correct that. Or not lecture someone on when to use “every day” versus “everyday.” To read a sentence on a billboard and not imagine filling in the missing commas or hyphens.
I’ll try my best to power down the editing gene later today when I log off from work and begin my weekend, but it’s safe to say that all those lurking crimes against grammar, spelling and punctuation will force the editor out of me again.
I hope you all have a great weekend … and if you see any errors in this newsletter, please be kind.
Here are some DNT highlights from the past week:
Where are the LPNs?
A good story often starts with a simple question asked by a journalist or a reader.
DNT health reporter Laura Butterbrodt asked a question about the dwindling numbers of licensed practical nurses in the health care world and published a fascinating report on her findings.
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Street painter
I’m always amazed at what artists can create, and I enjoy it when our reporters dig into how they do art.
DNT reporter Teri Cadeau recently wrote about a local artist who developed a passion for chalk art a few years back and is now creating incredible murals in Duluth parks this month.
Floating photo magnet
So, what do you call the merging of a pontoon and Peterbilt semitruck cab?
Well, Petertoon, of course.
Last week’s Northlandia from DNT reporter Joe Bowen unveiled the unique creation just perfect for lazy summer days and evenings on the lake.
And, yes, the horn and several other parts of the truck are in working order.
Catch a wave
Here are a few more stories from the past week to check out:
- Fisher kings: Wisconsin, Minnesota near top in best states for fishing
- Low-sodium diet?: Duluth may look to wean itself off road salt
- Carjacking, deepfake porn, no-knock warrants: How did Minnesota change its criminal laws this session?
- Back in circulation: Duluth’s Elevator A sees first ship in nearly a decade
- Double trouble:
Blacklegged ticks carry, probably spread chronic wasting disease
Editor's note: Weekly Wave is a newsletter that I publish every Friday morning. Please consider subscribing — it's free — and hits your inbox just once a week. You can sign up here. | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/weekly-wave-mosquito-repellent-is-this-seasons-cologne-1 | 2023-06-09T17:21:59 | 1 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/weekly-wave-mosquito-repellent-is-this-seasons-cologne-1 |
Another wildfire has sparked in New Jersey.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service on Friday afternoon alerted the public to a fire in Browns Mills, Burlington County.
"The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is responding to a wildfire burning in the area of City Line Road," the state forest fire service said in its initial tweet. "Please avoid the area at this time."
Get Tri-state area news and weather forecasts to your inbox. Sign up for NBC New York newsletters.
Fire crews were "assessing the situation."
This fire follows several other New Jersey wildfires that burned in the last week, or so, in Jackson Township, Medford and at the Bass River State Forest. The Bass River fire even led to the temporary closure of the Garden State Parkway last Friday.
Check back for updates on this latest wildfire.
Sign up for our Breaking newsletter to get the most urgent news stories in your inbox. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/burlington-county-nj-forest-fire/4409229/ | 2023-06-09T17:38:00 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/burlington-county-nj-forest-fire/4409229/ |
MICHIGAN CITY — After spending 522 days in a kennel at the Michiana Humane Society watching others dogs arrive scared and leave happy for their forever homes, the time finally arrived for Duke.
The 3-year-old male brindle pit bull mix, who spent nearly half his young life at the shelter earning the unfortunate title of longest dog resident, was recently adopted, the shelter announced.
"It was clear that as soon as he met Michael (Seamon), he had been waiting for him all along," shelter officials said.
"Michael has been visiting Duke throughout the week to make the transition as smooth as possible and is already committed to his new best friend. And how awesome is this?"
Seamon, of Chesterton, regularly posts photos and updates of Duke on Facebook and even started an Instagram page to track Duke's new life at @theadventuresofdukeandmike.
People are also reading…
Stevce Rajcinoski, 42, was taken into custody by the sheriff's police on a probation violation related to an investigation into the puppy mill.
Duke, who had captured the hearts of those at the shelter in no small part because of his ability to remain upbeat in the very stressful and lonely environment, had been surrendered Dec. 28, 2021 after his former companion died.
The young high-energy guy spent most of each day contained in a relatively small kennel area surrounded by anxious and loud dogs. Occasionally, a stranger would add to his stress by showing up unexpectedly at the fenced gate to stare in and poke at him for a bit, before eventually moving on to check out the other available dogs.
Other than a few short potty breaks each day, occasional visits by volunteers and the rare trip off site, Duke had lived this mundane and lonely life longer than any other dog in anyone's memory at the shelter.
He also overcame Parvo while at the shelter, which is a potentially deadly illness.
"Our kennel staff was able to nurse him back to health around the clock," shelter officials said.
Region Scoopers
The Times featured a story in April on Duke's unfortunate status as longest resident at the shelter, in which Executive Director Johanna Humbert voiced confidence in Duke finding a home soon.
"He's awesome," she said.
"Staff and volunteers have gone above and beyond for him," according to the shelter. "We never give up on our pets."
"Extra training, extra field trips, extra enrichment, extra attention, and extra hope all for Duke. We cannot thank everyone involved in getting Duke to this point. He has found his second chance."
"And thank you, Michael, for seeing the potential that we all saw and giving Duke a home," shelter officials said. "Happy tails, Duke. We love you! 'Adopted' looks good on you, good boy."
The Michiana Humane Society, which has dogs, cats and various critters available for adoption, is at 722 Ind. 212 in Michigan City and be contacted at 219-872-4499.
Is it too hot to walk your dog? 5 safety tips for summer weather
How hot is too hot to walk my dog?
Summer can bring scorching temperatures that leave responsible dog owners wondering when it’s too hot to take their pup on a walk. Dogs tend to overheat more quickly than humans, so paying careful attention to the temperature and your dog’s body language is essential.
As a general rule, if the temperatures are over 90 degrees, you’ll likely want to wait until the cooler evening for a walk. You can also place the back of your hand on the sidewalk or pavement and hold it there for seven seconds. If that’s too hot for your hand, it’s also too hot for your dog’s paws.
How can I prevent my dog from overheating on walks?
Following a few simple safety tips can make long summer strolls just as fun for your dog as they are for you. Here’s what you need to know as the temperatures rise.
1. Timing is everything.
When the sun is at its peak, pavement can become scorching hot. It’s best to save walks for early mornings or late evenings when the temperature is cooler. Skip mid-day walks when the sun is blazing unless you can stroll in a wooded area where the ground gets plenty of shade.
2. Stay hydrated.
Just as it’s important for people to get plenty of water on hot days, it’s also important for dogs. When walking in the summer, grab a cold water bottle and a collapsible dog bowl. If you notice excessive panting or salivation, take a break and give your dog time to hydrate. Freezing low-sodium broth in an ice cube tray is also a great way to get your dog more fluids in the summer.
3. Stay in the shade.
Staying in shady wooded areas is ideal, but for city-dwellers, it’s best to cross to the shady side of the street. Plan your dog's walking routes in areas with more tree or building coverage to keep your dog’s paws cooler. As a bonus, it might help you avoid your next sunburn.
4. Protect their paws.
As mentioned before, if the sidewalk is too hot for the back of your hand, it’s also too hot for your dog’s paws. Stick to grassy areas, or get some breathable dog booties to protect their paws from hot pavement.
5. Watch for signs of overheating.
Dogs produce far less sweat than people, so they’ll need your help to stay cool in the summer.
Watch for common signs of your dog overheating which include:
Excessive panting
Difficulty breathing
Drooling
Weakness
Fatigue
Collapsing
If you notice any of these symptoms, get to a shady spot and offer your dog plenty of water. Wetting your dog’s paws, belly, and ears with cool water can also help bring down their body temperature. You can even store some dog ice cream in the freezer for a special treat when you get home.
Is it safe to walk my dog in the summer?
When walking your dog in the summer, it’s important to keep the warning signs of overheating in mind, especially with dog breeds that have short noses or thick coats. If you follow a few simple safety tips, your dog can enjoy the long summer days and all the extra evening walks that come with the season. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/duke-goes-home-ending-status-as-longest-dog-resident-at-region-shelter/article_632e414c-06d1-11ee-a3bc-87b177e39035.html | 2023-06-09T17:38:33 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/duke-goes-home-ending-status-as-longest-dog-resident-at-region-shelter/article_632e414c-06d1-11ee-a3bc-87b177e39035.html |
It's strawberry season: A guide to local festivals and pick-your-own spots.
One of the best things about summer?
Strawberry season.
There’s nothing quite like a fresh-picked strawberry, whether you’re enjoying the berry itself, or making jam, or, a crowd favorite like strawberry shortcake.
As we ease into the summer season, the strawberry fields are already open and ripe for the picking, and there are festivals aplenty to celebrate the beloved berry.
Whether you want to pick locally, or head out into the SouthCoast, you’ve got your choice of pick-your-own strawberry fields.
Here’s how you can celebrate all things strawberry, in the Taunton area and beyond:
Dighton Historical Society holding Strawberry Festival
The Dighton Historical Society is holding its annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday, June 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dighton Town Hall grounds and the Pavillion on Route 138 in Dighton.
There will be strawberry shortcakes, vendors, music, pony rides and balloon animals for the kids.
For more information, contact dightonmahistoricalsociety@gmail.com.
34th annual Strawberry Festival in Assonet
The 34th annual Strawberry Festival will be held at the bandstand on South Main Street in Assonet on Sunday, June 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.
There will be fun for the whole family, with homemade strawberry shortcake, hot dogs, and lemonade, as well as live music from the Midnight Sun country band. There will also be an assortment of crafters.
To get there:
If you’re coming from Route 24 south, take exit 13 (old exit 10).
If you’re coming from Route 24 north, take exit 11 (old exit 9).
There will be signs to guide you there, and parking is free.
The festival is held every year to help provide scholarships to students from Freetown.
This event is sponsored by the Tuesday Club of Assonet and the Freetown Cultural Council, part of the Mass. Cultural Council.
For more information, visit tuesdayclubofassonet.org.
A Portuguese feast:Taunton to celebrate Portuguese Heritage Month with food, festivities.
Tiverton's third annual Strawberry Social
The Tiverton Farmers Market is celebrating turning three years old and this season’s strawberries. The berry spectacular is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 25.
Shop all the vendors' strawberry specials, and strawberry shortcakes with whipped cream will be available for purchase at the market.
Get your strawberries at the market's new summer location, Tiverton Town Farm Recreational area, at 3588 Main Rd., Rt. 77, Tiverton, RI. This is free and open to the public, with free parking on the back lot.
Pick fresh strawberries at East Taunton’s Spring Rain Farm
If you’re looking to pick your own strawberries, you need only go as far as East Taunton!
Spring Rain Farm, 692 Caswell St., East Taunton, has a pick-your-own strawberry patch that is open for the season. The patch is being managed by Old Earth Orchards, so be sure to follow along on their Facebook page for updated hours and when picking is available.
New public safety complex:What to know about Taunton public safety complex construction — traffic impact to timeline
Langwater Farm to open pick-your-own strawberry fields, hold festival, in Easton
Don’t mind going just a little while out of Taunton?
Langwater Farm, 215 Washington St., North Easton, has strawberries fresh from the patch every day, and they will be opening pick-your-own fields soon. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for pick-your-own updates.
They'll also be hosting a strawberry festival on Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They'll have pick-your-own strawberries, strawberry pizza, chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry treats from The Farmer's Daughter, and more.
Choice from a variety of strawberries to pick in New Bedford
Head over to Keiths Farm and Orchard from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. any day of the week for your choice of berries. During the season they have six varieties of strawberries. Honeoye is considered the tastiest and are the first to be ready. Then you can start picking the Cavendish, Darselect, Winona, Eros, and Idea.
Keith's is sure to help you with all your strawberry needs all season long at 1149 Main St., Acushnet.
Berries galore ready for picking in Middletown
Opening their picking season shortly, Sweet Berry Farm has a pick-your-own season that usually last lasts about three to four weeks. Then they head into their raspberry and blueberry picking season in mid-July.
You can pick your strawberries daily from daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 915 Mitchells Lane, Middletown, R.I.
Pick your dinner essentials in Seekonk
Strawberries are slowly coming in at Four Town Farm, and the season beginning soon. The stand is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. They also have pick-your-own peas at the same time, making it a one-stop shop for dinner prep.
Drive over to 90 George St., Seekonk, to get your goodies.
Portsmouth has some berries ready to be picked
The strawberry plants at Quonset View Farm are growing crowns full of delicious berries. They are ready to be picked from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
The ride to 895 Middle Road, Portsmouth will be worth it when you see the bounty.
The strawberries are ripe and ready in Little Compton
Looking for strawberries and fresh flowers? Look no further than Young Family Farm, where you can pick both from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
The sooner you get your berries the better, at 260 W Main Road, Little Compton, R.I.
Satisfy your craving for strawberry doughnuts at C.N. Smith Farm
C.N. Smith Farm, 325 South St., East Bridgewater, is offering strawberry doughnuts in their Donut Barn. The Donut Barn is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They’ve also got apple cider donuts, ice cream, milkshakes, cold brew coffee, cider slushes, and a lot more treats.
Taunton Daily Gazette/Herald News copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached atkfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today. | https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/entertainment/local/2023/06/09/dighton-assonet-strawberry-festivals-pick-your-own-spring-rain-farm/70293630007/ | 2023-06-09T17:39:14 | 1 | https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/entertainment/local/2023/06/09/dighton-assonet-strawberry-festivals-pick-your-own-spring-rain-farm/70293630007/ |
BLOOMINGTON — The Bloomington-Normal Black History Project and the City of Bloomington will host a Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 17.
The event will take place from noon to 6:30 p.m. at Miller Park, 1020 S. Morris Ave., Bloomington. There will be entertainment, performances, vendors and food trucks on site.
Admission to the zoo will be free and the Bloomington-Normal Barber College will provide free haircuts to youth in the pavilion area.
A special meet-and-greet with the Little Mermaid will take place from 1 to 2 p.m.
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, marks the end of slavery in the United States.
Visit bn-juneteenth.org for more information.
Dancers, historical figures part of Juneteenth celebration
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Signs are held up as part of the dance routine by the BCAI Cultural Arts and Humanities' Stepp Inn Performance Team on Saturday.
Lenore Sobota
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The BCAI Cultural Arts and Humanities' Step Inn Performance Team performs their Juneteenth dance on the north side of the McLean County Museum of History on June 19.
Lenore Sobota
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The crowd listens on Saturday as Willie Holton Halbert portrays Lucinda Posey and relates Posey's story of swimming in "whites only" Miller Park Lake.
Lenore Sobota
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Willie Holton Halbert shouts out a "Merry Christmas" as part of her portrayal of Merlin Kennedy, Bloomington's first "Black Santa," during Saturday's Juneteenth celebration in downtown Bloomington.
Lenore Sobota
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Willie Holton Halbert portrays Bloomington community leader Caribel Washington as part of the Juneteenth celebration in downtown Bloomington on Saturday.
Lenore Sobota
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Chess players were part of the crowd watching Willie Holton Halbert portray key figures in Bloomington Black history as part of the Juneteenth celebration in downtown Bloomington on Saturday.
Lenore Sobota
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Floyd Cooper's book "Juneteenth for Mazie" was part of a Story Walk around the outside of the McLean County Museum of History on Saturday (June 19, 2021).
Lenore Sobota
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Angelica Taylor, coach of the BCAI Cultural Arts and Humanities' Stepp Inn Performance Team, introduces their Juneteenth dance, which she said was designed to "share a bit of our heart with your hearts" during Saturday's celebration.
Lenore Sobota
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Members of BCAI Cultural Arts and Humanities' Step Inn Performance Team take part in a Juneteenth celebration Saturday (June 19, 2021) in downtown Bloomington.
Lenore Sobota
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Members of BCAI Cultural Arts and Humanities' Step Inn Performance Team express themselves through dance in recognition of Juneteenth on the north side of the McLean County Museum of History on June 9, 2021.
Lenore Sobota
Contact Olivia Jacobs at 309-820-3352. Follow Olivia on Twitter: @olivia___jacobs
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Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/bloomington-juneteenth-celebration-set-for-june-17/article_7596a196-06d9-11ee-8c50-7f98e7eb4ab4.html | 2023-06-09T17:39:22 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/bloomington-juneteenth-celebration-set-for-june-17/article_7596a196-06d9-11ee-8c50-7f98e7eb4ab4.html |
Eddy County welcomes Loving fire additions as calls for service increase in 2023
Additions to Eddy County’s Fire and Rescue station in Loving appear needed as emergency personnel responded to 878 calls so far in 2023, said Chief Joshua Mack.
Since 2022 Eddy County Fire and Rescue (ECFR) transitioned from 11 volunteer fire districts to three paid centralized sections covering northern, southern and southwestern parts of the county.
On Tuesday Eddy County’s Board of County Commissioners approved a $1.1 million bid from Waide Construction of Roswell to add a training room, weight room and storage rooms to ECFR’s southern operations in Loving.
More:Hiker falls to death at El Capitan Peak in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Mack said ECFR’s southern personnel cover nearly 60 miles of territory from Brantley Lake State Park to the Texas state line.
He said ECFR aids Loving, Culbertson and Reeves counties in Texas as needed.
“We have seen an increase over the years in (emergency) responses and expect it to continue to rise in the near future,” he said.
More:SENMC hosts Coffee with a First Responder event
Mack said ECFR chose Loving as the base of operations due to high call demands for emergency services.
In a memo to commissioners, Mack said construction at the fire station on Fourth Street would allow for more fire equipment and increased response times to southern portions of the county and the Village of Loving.
Eddy County Manager Roberta Gonzales said a $400,000 grant from the New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s office would pay for the addition along with $776,000 from the State Fire Fund.
According to the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (NMDHSEM), the Fire Service Bureau was responsible for handing out funds from the State Fire Fund to help fire departments across New Mexico in preparation for Insurance Service Office (ISO) surveys, read the agency’s website.
Kevin Willard, ECFR division chief of administration and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), said monies requested for the Loving work were to make sure Eddy County did not lose money for future grants.
“This will be for the engine bays (and) the workout facilities to keep up with ISO,” he said.
More:Loving commits to $450K construction of housing for firefighters
ISO classifies communities based on performance in emergency communications, fire response, suppression and water supply, read the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) website.
“Insurance companies purchasing this data use it to develop underwriting practices-so improved ratings can lead to lower insurance premiums for homes and businesses in many instances,” the website cited.
Gonzales said the Village of Loving provided around $560,000 to remodel sleeping quarters at the fire station.
Once a volunteer fire department, the Village of Loving turned over management of fire operations to Eddy County in 2021.
More:Eddy County to aid West Texas emergency calls in Permian Basin
Gonzales said the Village of Loving plans to transfer ownership of the fire station through a quit claim deed.
She said the Village plans to donate a fire engine and a tanker truck to Eddy County.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter. | https://www.currentargus.com/story/news/local/2023/06/09/eddy-county-approves-1-1m-for-loving-fire-additions-as-calls-increase-fire-services-emergency-calls/70290536007/ | 2023-06-09T17:39:49 | 1 | https://www.currentargus.com/story/news/local/2023/06/09/eddy-county-approves-1-1m-for-loving-fire-additions-as-calls-increase-fire-services-emergency-calls/70290536007/ |
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - Flint City Council President Allie Herkenroder announced that she is resigning from the council effective July 1.
The announcement came during Thursday night's Flint City Council meeting to approve the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget.
Herkenroder pointed to personal health issues that needed to be addressed.
A recall petition was recently filed against Herkenroder after she didn't attend a special meeting in May to look at funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
A process to fill Herkenroder's seat representing the Seventh Ward will begin soon. The Flint City Charter says that applicants need to be accepted before a primary election is held to fill the missing seat. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/flint-city-council-president-allie-herkenroder-resigning/article_18d7a894-06dc-11ee-824b-f3b2b116dd99.html | 2023-06-09T17:40:07 | 1 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/flint-city-council-president-allie-herkenroder-resigning/article_18d7a894-06dc-11ee-824b-f3b2b116dd99.html |
ATLANTA — Drag performers in Atlanta are taking their show to the front steps of East Point City Hall for an "unforgettable evening of entertainment" on Saturday, according to the event's Facebook page.
The celebration, "Drag Down South," hosted by the famous Atlanta Eagle, is meant to show support for the drag community in light of recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation passed in many states nationwide.
"I don't care if you're Republican or Democrat, Independent, if you go into that capital and try to pass any laws against drag queens, you're sick," Ramey said. "Something's wrong with you."
Richard Ramey, the owner of the Atlanta Eagle, said he's bringing the show to East Point because that's his home, for support and because the city has a history with drag.
"If you know anything about East Point, it's kind of known for drag," Ramey said. "The Possum Show was around for many years."
The original Possums, Prissy Cilla and Shenita Lott, are set to perform at the Saturday celebration, along with special guest Grammy and Tony Award Winner Jennifer Holiday and many Atlanta drag legends.
Ramey expressed how important drag is to the broader community and hopes that Georgia doesn't take the same steps that other US states have to ban or limit drag performances.
"I mean, I've heard that even in parts of Tennessee, when you apply for a liquor license, or they're denied your liquor license, if you have drag in your bar," Ramey said, adding later, "I'm really, really hoping and begging Governor Kemp that he does not even attempt to try to do anything like this in Georgia."
A federal judge ruled Tuesday on Tennessee's so-called anti-drag show law that it was unconstitutional. However, questions remain over whether the law will be enforced after the court declares that the decision only applies to the state's most populous county.
Performers work to entertain; for many, entertaining is their livelihood; Ramey said, "it's how they eat, how they pay their bills."
"We're not asking anybody to come to a drag show here at this point if you don't want to," Ramey said. "But you let us be."
The show starts at 7 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m. It is at the East Point City Hall Front Steps 2757 East Point St.
Event organizers said to bring lawn chairs and coolers. And to get more information about the 2022 re-opening of the historic Atlanta Eagle, click here. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/atlanta-pride/drag-down-south-atlanta-drag-performers-east-point-city-hall-unforgettable-entertainment/85-d87b764d-ab95-42d7-9964-5695b89323f4 | 2023-06-09T17:40:49 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/atlanta-pride/drag-down-south-atlanta-drag-performers-east-point-city-hall-unforgettable-entertainment/85-d87b764d-ab95-42d7-9964-5695b89323f4 |
ATLANTA — Arrangments were announced for a Celebration of Life and viewing for Jacky Oh, a former Wild N' Out cast member and the partner of Atlanta comedian and entertainer DC Young Fly.
Known by the stage name Ms. Jacky Oh!, whose real name is Jacklyn Smith died at 32, according to the program's Instagram page. She and DC Young Fly shared three children together, according to the Los Angeles Times - Nova, Nala and Prince.
DC Young Fly took to Instagram on Thursday, announcing the plans for a Celebration of Life and viewing on Saturday at the Jackson Memorial Baptist Church in northwest Atlanta.
More about Jacky Oh's death
The Times reports a now-deleted social media post indicated she had traveled to Miami for a "mommy makeover" surgery. No cause of death for Oh, whose legal name was Jacklyn Smith, has been released.
Wild N' Out's Instagram announcement of her passing shared a statement from BET Media Group: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jacklyn Smith, known to the world as Jacky Oh, a talented Wild N’ Out family member whose impact will be forever treasured and missed. Jacky Oh was a loving friend and beloved colleague of the Wild N’ Out cast throughout five seasons. More importantly, she was a tremendous mother to three beautiful children. The BET Media Group extends our sincere condolences to the Smith family, DC Young Fly, B Simone, Nick Cannon, and all friends who loved and cared for Jacky Oh during this difficult time."
Many people showed support for the family on social media after hearing the news.
"We thank everyone for their well wishes and ask for privacy during this difficult time," DC Young Fly and family said in a statement to 11Alive.
The Atlanta native is an MTV personality and has been a Wild N' Out cast member himself since 2015.
News happens fast. 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. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/celebration-life-viewing-planned-jacky-oh-wild-n-out-cast-member-partner-atlantas-dc-young-fly/85-48b0f010-1430-4b4b-a533-00a092d349b0 | 2023-06-09T17:40:49 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/celebration-life-viewing-planned-jacky-oh-wild-n-out-cast-member-partner-atlantas-dc-young-fly/85-48b0f010-1430-4b4b-a533-00a092d349b0 |
HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — UPDATE: The advisory for this missing child has been canceled. Authorities say the 3-year-old has been located.
---
Police in Henry County need help locating a missing 3-year-old who was last seen Thursday on Deer Run Road in Ellenwood.
The child was last seen around 11:30 a.m. that day, wearing a lime green and blue shirt, blue shorts, and black socks.
In addition, Henry County Police said he may be with 57-year-old man believed to be wearing black shorts or gray jogging pants, and a gray shirt.
Officers said he is driving a white 2011 Cadillac with the Georgia tag number TAU-2222.
At this time, his relationship to the child is not yet known.
Those with any information as asked to contact police at 770-957-9121. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/missing-in-georgia/cameron-williams-missing-henry-county/85-22ce79dd-ecd1-46bf-8a14-5d2c6a080f6e | 2023-06-09T17:41:06 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/missing-in-georgia/cameron-williams-missing-henry-county/85-22ce79dd-ecd1-46bf-8a14-5d2c6a080f6e |
LOCAL
Project REBUILD is accepting applications for a summer pre-YouthBuild Program
The Repository
CANTON – Project REBUILD, a nonprofit organization serving youth in Stark County, is accepting applications for a summer pre-YouthBuild Program that starts Monday.
Youth who may be interested in the organization’s nine-month program are encouraged to apply to get a jumpstart for the July class start.
During the summer program, participants will be paid for nine hours per week and will be able to earn an OSHA 10 certificate, first aid and CPR certificates, participate in financial literacy classes, and participate in service projects.
To submit an application, visit www.projectrebuild.org, or call the office at 330-588-3205, option 4, to learn more. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/2023/06/09/project-rebuild-is-accepting-applications-for-a-summer-pre-youthbuild-program/70302737007/ | 2023-06-09T17:49:30 | 1 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/2023/06/09/project-rebuild-is-accepting-applications-for-a-summer-pre-youthbuild-program/70302737007/ |
'What he did is who he was': Man dies off Daytona Beach after rescuing others from ocean
Fiancée says hotels, county officials should post more rip current warnings
Mark Bryson's last act was a selfless one.
The 42-year-old Lakeland man, having already rescued two children from a hazardous rip current off Daytona Beach, swam out to rescue one more person, a family friend. He didn't make it.
"What he did is who he was," said his fiancee, Lori McElligott. "Even if it wasn't our family, if he saw anybody in danger he wouldn't have hesitated to go rescue them. You know, he helped everybody."
Celebrating a birthday
He and McElligott were in town celebrating their daughter's 7th birthday and the kids' summer break, and they were enjoying a day at the beach with family and friends. It was June 2.
The couple stayed at the Holiday Inn Resort Daytona Beach Oceanfront.
That Friday, Bryson was building a sandcastle with his daughter around 11 a.m. when he noticed another one of his children, and a family friend and her child caught in the water and yelling for help, McElligott said.
Bryson ran into the ocean and brought the kids back to safety and went out again to try to help the woman.
But he got caught in the rip current. Lifeguards performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead after being taken to Halifax Health Medical Center. The lifeguards rescued the woman and another man who had gone into the ocean to help.
No lifeguard on duty
Volusia County Beach Safety did not have a lifeguard on duty at the tower in that section of the beach at the time. County officials urge people to swim in front of manned lifeguard stations.
McElligott said there were no warnings in her hotel about the dangers of rip currents, no one told them about the Volusia County Beaches app, which reports local conditions, and she didn't see any warnings on the beach. She also said there was no way to tell if a lifeguard was simply taking a break from the tower.
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She said there should be more warnings posted along the beach.
"We didn't know there was any danger," she said. "There was nothing posted. There were no signs posted."
A hotel official didn't immediately respond to a voicemail left Thursday afternoon.
It wasn't a good weekend to go swimming. Volusia County Beach Safety made roughly 550 ocean rescues from about May 20-June 2, Beach Safety and Ocean Rescue Deputy Chief Tammy Malphurs said.
'Committed to each other'
McElligott and Bryson met each other over 20 years ago.
What blossomed into a "forever" relationship between the couple started much differently. The two eventually met in high school as a result of Bryson's persistence.
"I didn't want to meet him," McElligott said. "He was the quintessential bad boy from a rough neighborhood kind of thing, and I was the suburban girl from California."
Finally, she agreed to let him call her, and they went on a couple of dates. It didn't take long before she realized he had a "heart of gold," she said.
Bryson first proposed while they were still in high school. They ended up putting it off because of life events and because they wanted a big wedding.
"We didn't need that piece of paper to tell us we were going to be together forever," she said.
They had four children together, who are now 20, 11, 7 and 4 years old.
For work Bryson remodeled homes. In his spare time he liked to work on cars, read comic books, collect watches and take trips with the family.
He was a devoted friend, the kind people called in the middle of the night for help if a pipe broke in their bathroom or their car broke down.
"I would say the biggest thing when it came to his friends: He was their biggest supporter. He was their biggest promoter," McElligott said.
Waiting for dad to come home
Bryson was born and raised in Lakeland and endured a tough childhood, so one of his main focuses was providing a good life for his children, McElligott said.
A couple of the young children made a practice of battling for the first hug when Bryson would come home from work. Bryson would tell his work friends that was the best part of his day.
"He loved everybody, and he loved his kids so much," McElligott said.
McElligott said she wants people to know that Bryson was an amazing man.
"He would have sacrificed himself for anybody in danger. ... He was not going to let anybody die on his watch, and he didn't," she said.
A family friend has launched a GoFundMe page to help with the family's expenses. As of Friday morning, the effort had raised $6,050 of a $5,000 goal. | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/06/09/lakeland-man-died-saving-child-others-from-ocean-fiance-says/70299216007/ | 2023-06-09T17:56:52 | 1 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/06/09/lakeland-man-died-saving-child-others-from-ocean-fiance-says/70299216007/ |
Volusia sheriff: 2-year-old Orange City girl dies after being left in hot car
A 2-year-old girl from Orange City died after she was left in the family's hot car Thursday, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office. The family discovered her still strapped to her car seat where she had been for approximately three hours, according to a report.
The family, which included the girl and two other brothers, ages 8 and 15, told detectives that they had returned to their Highland Drive home about 2:40 p.m. after having lunch in DeLand. The family also has a 14-year-old, according to a report.
The girl's parents found her unresponsive about 5 p.m. still inside the car and drove her to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead just before 6 p.m., the sheriff's office stated.
The high temperature in Orange City on Thursday was nearly 90 degrees, according to one weather website.
A nurse at the hospital told deputies that the parents ran into the emergency room holding the child and saying she was unresponsive, according to an incident report.
The nurse said the parents told her they forgot the child inside the vehicle and she had remained inside for hours.
The parents told deputies that they had returned home after eating out. The parents said after about three hours they left the house to drive to a park to release a rabbit they had been rehabilitating, the incident report stated.
Once they got in the vehicle they realized the girl was still inside strapped to her car seat, the report stated. She was unresponsive.
What we know:7 children have died in hot cars so far this year, 3 in Florida
The Sheriff's Office Major Case Unit is investigating.
The names of the parents were redacted in the report.
In a 911 call, a woman cries and yells and said she was taking her daughter to the hospital.
A 911 call taker asked what happened.
"We forgot that our daughter was in the car," the woman said.
The 911 operator tells her she needs her to pull over.
"No. I've got to go to the ... get to the hospital right now," the woman replied.
The operator asked again for her to pull over so she can give her CPR instructions.
The operator then asked whether the child was awake and breathing.
The woman said no.
Orange City girl would be country's 8th hot car death
Not including the Orange City girl, whose death remains under investigation, seven children have died so far this year in the United States after being left in locked cars where summer temperatures can rise to 130 degrees. Three of the seven deaths occurred in Florida, the most recent in Palm Bay on May 28.
According to News-Journal archive research, the last recorded death of a child in a hot car occurred on Sept. 18, 2015, at Deltona Middle School.
Check back for updates on this developing story. | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/06/09/orange-city-girl-2-dies-after-being-left-in-hot-car-deputies-say/70306021007/ | 2023-06-09T17:56:54 | 1 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/06/09/orange-city-girl-2-dies-after-being-left-in-hot-car-deputies-say/70306021007/ |
Proposal to build 82-unit residential development west of DeLand to go before council
A proposal to build an 82-unit single-family residential development just west of the city of DeLand is expected to come before the Volusia County Council this month.
The Volusia County Council moved two applications needed for the development, a zoning and land use change, to the June 20 council meeting at the request of the developer. It had been scheduled for Tuesday.
The development team is asking for a Comprehensive Plan land use change from rural to urban low intensity for about 29 acres at 1770 West Plymouth Ave. They are also seeking a zoning change from rural agriculture and transitional agriculture to planned unit development.
County staff recommended the requests be denied as did the Planning and Land Development Regulation Commission.
Volusia County staff found it inconsistent with Comprehensive Plan policies to discourage urban sprawl and keep urban growth out of rural areas, according to county documents.
The project would add about 834 daily vehicle trips to the area, according to county documents.
Longer than a flight to Paris:Volusia County Council works toward more efficient meetings
Cobb Cole attorney Michael Woods, who was representing the developer, told the county's planning commission that the city of DeLand's 2050 visioning plan shows the area as part of an urban core and supports a project like this.
Part of the property used to be a fernery and the site is called Sunstate Ferneries. The site has a concrete building, a nearly 1,500-square-foot commercial cooler, and two pole barns.
The project would generate about 25 students, and the school district has enough room for them, according to county documents.
The school board didn't object to the project. | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/06/09/volusia-county-council-to-review-82-home-development-proposal/70298559007/ | 2023-06-09T17:56:55 | 1 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/06/09/volusia-county-council-to-review-82-home-development-proposal/70298559007/ |
After a nearly three-hour closed session, the Britt City Council terminated the employment of Police Chief Mark Anderson on Thursday night.
Anderson, who recently sued the city and Mayor Ryan Arndorfer for discrimination based on sex and sexuality, was relieved of duty immediately after the unanimous vote. Arndorfer was not present at the meeting.
After adjournment, Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Curt Gast declined to give a reason for Anderson's termination.
"The city of Britt and the council will not comment on confidential employee matters," Gast said.
The council also refused to comment on whether there was any concern about new litigation against the city. Gast said the council is still working on a plan regarding an interim or new chief of police.
Madison Fielder Carlson, Anderson's attorney, provided a statement prior to the meeting.
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"If the city were to fire Mark on the heels of his lawsuit, we will certainly be exploring whether that action is further retaliation for Mark’s complaints and lawsuit. We’re hopeful the city will do the right thing tonight, but we’re prepared if it does not," she said.
A request for comment from Arndorfer's attorney on Thursday was not returned.
Anderson filed complaints with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Dec. 2, 2021. The ICRC issued a right to sue letter Feb. 21, and Anderson filed suit May 12.
The lawsuit, filed May 12, claims after Anderson was hired in September 2017, he was added to a group chat that included Arndorfer and former Councilman Chad Luecht, who according to the council minutes resigned in April. The petition states all involved are homosexual, and Anderson was using the group as support because he was going through a divorce.
The petition claims that in late 2017 and early 2018, Luecht and Andorfer began treating Anderson differently, sending him inappropriate and sexually graphic messages via the text group and Snapchat. Anderson allegedly told them he was not comfortable with the messages, but they did not stop.
On Jan. 13, 2020, Anderson told City Administrator Deb Sawyer about the group chat and what was going on. She then told Luecht to stop, which he did, but Arndorfer allegedly did not stop sending inappropriate messages via Snapchat after Sawyer told him to stop as well.
Anderson allegedly received another explicit message July 1, 2021. He did not respond to Arndorfer's message. Later in July, Anderson received a 1.5% pay raise, while other members of the department received 6% raises.
The petition alleges two violations of the Iowa Civil Rights Act for discrimination based on sex and sexual orientation and one violation of the Iowa Civil Rights Act for retaliation.
A trial scheduling conference is scheduled for July 7. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/britt-city-council-mayor-ryan-arndorfer-fires-police-chief-mark-anderson/article_654f4cbc-06d3-11ee-9950-1fb31baef695.html | 2023-06-09T18:00:09 | 1 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/britt-city-council-mayor-ryan-arndorfer-fires-police-chief-mark-anderson/article_654f4cbc-06d3-11ee-9950-1fb31baef695.html |
GLEN BURNIE, Md. — Sparked by an ongoing nationally trending challenge on social media, thieves in Maryland continue to target Kia and Hyundai cars.
Just over the last few days Anne Arundel County Police have responded to multiple auto theft calls in Glen Burnie.
The latest incident occurred overnight Thursday outside a home in the 200 block of Woodhill Drive.
A man reported seeing someone looking inside his 2018 Kia sedan. When he confronted the person, they walked away.
Yet when the man returned to his car, the same person was found inside.
Again the man confronted the individual, at which time they ran away.
Police say the man gave chase ultimately ending up near a building where two more suspects appeared.
One allegedly had a gun and fired. Nothing was struck but the the back window of the victim's car was shattered.
Turns out the original suspect dismantled the car's steering column, a common method used when stealing certain model cars without immobilizers.
MORE: Hyundai, Kia agree to settle $200 million class action lawsuit over car thefts
Officers so far have not been able to located the three suspects, who are described as being in their late teens.
About two-and-a-half hours before this incident, two teenagers allegedly broke the windows out of a Hyundai sedan on Harold Court in an attempt to steal it.
Both teens in this case have been charged.
Then on Tuesday police arrested four other teenagers after they recovered two more stolen Hyundai sedans in the Heritage Hills Community on Juneberry Way. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/kia-hyundai-cars-continue-to-be-targeted-in-anne-arundel-county | 2023-06-09T18:01:05 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/kia-hyundai-cars-continue-to-be-targeted-in-anne-arundel-county |
Detroit opens new housing services office amid rising evictions
Detroit ― The city's housing department on Friday launched a new office to help Detroiters facing emergency displacement from their homes to find stable housing.
The Detroit Housing Services office, developed and administered by the Housing and Revitalization Department, will have 88 city employees to provide case management assistance to Detroiters navigating housing availability, which can be a complex process.
It builds off of the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine, a single point of entry for residents in need of housing support, announced last month. The hotline number is (866) 313-2520.
"We are telling the public that there's a new resource through the helpline. Over the next few months, we will be announcing more programs and resources that Detroiters can access through the HelpLine," said David Bowser, associate director of the city housing department. "We have eligibility criteria right through the helpline and the case worker even helps fill out their intake forms for those resources."
The effort has been ongoing since 2016 but on a much smaller scale, only by referrals, Bowser said.
"This is coming at a very good time as the city is experiencing more evictions and housing foreclosures post-pandemic," he said. "Do not wait until you're displaced to call. If you may feel like you're being evicted or have a court case coming up, call. It will direct you to the resources you need to keep you housed. Not just for renters but for homeowners and homebuyers."
The department is already case managing for 400 residents and Bowser believes it could serve up to 800 people at once. Case managers will address the housing need within 120 days and refer the case to nonprofit service providers.
Detroit Housing Services office will provide documentation help, employment assistance, and housing leads for qualified residents. It will also aid Detroiters with collecting vital documentation needed like birth certificates, and identifications so residents can apply for housing. In many instances, Detroiters have lost these items in home fires or the process of being displaced prior. The office will also financially support the cost of moving and assist with finding employment for Detroiters once they've successfully relocated.
The new office is part of Mayor Mike Duggan's $203 million affordable housing plan, backed by Councilwoman At-Large Mary Waters.
Waters said in 2018, 11-month-old Ca'Maya Davis tragically drowned in a flooded Detroit basement after falling through a hole in a house her mother sought shelter in.
"We have a sacred duty to protect our babies. Now mothers in a housing crisis such as Ca'Maya's mother can call the Ca'Maya Davis Family Resource Center and receive what may well be life-saving assistance," said Waters, who sponsored the creation of the resource center to offer Detroiters a one-stop safety net for all housing issues.
The housing services initiative is funded, in part, with $20 million from American Rescue Plan Act, pandemic relief funds.
srahal@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @SarahRahal_ | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/09/detroit-michigan-housing-revitalization-services-office-hotline-number-to-call-for-assistance/70306276007/ | 2023-06-09T18:03:16 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/09/detroit-michigan-housing-revitalization-services-office-hotline-number-to-call-for-assistance/70306276007/ |
Kilpatrick marks birthday in Beverly Hills with Kim Kardashian, Terry Crews, others
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick celebrated his 53rd birthday Thursday in Los Angeles in the company of big names such as Kim Kardashian, Flint native Terry Crews and others as part of a celebration for a woman who spent two decades in prison for a nonviolent drug offense.
The "Five Years Free" celebration, which Kilpatrick highlighted on his Facebook page, was to mark five years of freedom for Alice Marie Johnson of Tennessee. Johnson was convicted in 1996 on eight criminal counts related to a cocaine trafficking operation and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
After serving two decades in prison, former President Donald Trump in 2018 commuted her sentence following lobbying by Kardashian.
"Incredible night in Los Angeles for my birthday!" Kilpatrick wrote in a post on Facebook. "Great hanging with my baby, my brother Terry Crews, and also, meeting Kim Kardashian."
Kilpatrick, who served as Detroit's mayor from 2002-2008, posted photos with his wife, Crews and Kardashian. The group gathered at Spring Place in Beverly Hills, an event and co-working space frequented by leaders in the entertainment, fashion and artistic industries, according to Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau, the city's primary marketing organization.
Kardashian, 42, was a vocal advocate for Johnson's release. During Thursday's event, the reality star and lawyer-in-training briefed the crowd of her thought processes while urging for Johnson's release, speaking of Johnson's absence from her family while incarcerated.
"At the time, I just was really thinking about what that would've done (to my family), and how one person's decision in a family ... when someone's sentenced — especially to life — can change an entire family," she said, according to an attendee's post on Instagram stories.
Like Johnson, Kilpatrick's sentence was commuted by Trump in January 2021. He served a quarter of his 28-year federal prison sentence for his role in a racketeering and bribery scheme that rocked Detroit City Hall.
But Kilpatrick still faces a mountain of debt. He owes millions to creditors, a figure that includes more than $854,000 in restitution to the city of Detroit as part of a separate text-message scandal that led to his resignation as mayor.
He hasn't paid anything since February 2013, according to Wayne County Circuit Court records, despite selling copies of his memoir for $19.99.
The IRS also hit him with a $634,000 tax lien last year that accuses him of failing to pay money owed from the bulk of his tenure as mayor. He also owes a $390,000 civil penalty to the government stemming from a Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit.
Still, Kilpatrick was all about gratitude on his birthday.
"53 Years! Wow!," Kilpatrick wrote in another post on Facebook. "I should have lost my mind! But when I look back over my life, I realize I MADE IT! Thank you Lord for blessing me. Thank you all for praying for me. Your prayers availed much! Now, Chapter 53! Let’s get it!"
The Associated Press Contributed.
jaimery@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @wordsbyjakkar | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/09/kilpatrick-marks-birthday-in-la-with-kim-kardashian-terry-crews-and-others/70305758007/ | 2023-06-09T18:03:22 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/09/kilpatrick-marks-birthday-in-la-with-kim-kardashian-terry-crews-and-others/70305758007/ |
Michigan woman withdraws no-contest plea in pond crash deaths of her 3 young sons
Holland Township – A western Michigan woman whose three young sons drowned after her SUV crashed into an ice-covered pond has withdrawn her no-contest plea after a judge rejected a plea deal calling for her to serve one year in jail.
Leticia Gonzales, 31, withdrew her plea Thursday, shortly after conferring with her attorneys, The Grand Rapids Press reported. The case will now be set for trial.
The Holland-area woman was in court Thursday to be sentenced. But Ottawa County Circuit Judge Jon Hulsing said he would not go along with her agreement with prosecutors and would sentence her to four to 15 years in prison.
Gonzales was charged in July 2022 with three counts of operating while intoxicated causing death, but pleaded no contest to a single count in her sons' February 2022 deaths.
Ottawa County police said Gonzales was driving her sport-utility vehicle when she veered off the left side of a road, jumped a curb and the SUV rolled into an ice-covered retention pond. Her sons, Jerome III, 4, Jeremiah, 3, and Josiah, 1, drowned while strapped into their child-restraint seats.
Gonzales escaped with only minor injuries. Police allege she was impaired by two doses of methadone, a medication used to treat drug addiction and pain relief, that she had taken the morning of the crash. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/09/michigan-woman-withdraws-no-contest-plea-in-pond-crash-deaths-of-her-3-young-sons/70306922007/ | 2023-06-09T18:03:26 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/09/michigan-woman-withdraws-no-contest-plea-in-pond-crash-deaths-of-her-3-young-sons/70306922007/ |
MSU official: Spartan Strong Fund raises $2 million
A special fund created at Michigan State University in the aftermath of a mass shooting that left three students dead and five critically injured has raised $2 million since it was created four months ago, nearly half of which will go toward cover the remaining undergraduate education of those injured, officials said Friday.
MSU created the Spartan Strong fund in the aftermath of the Feb. 13 shooting to help those most critically impacted by the tragedy.
In a letter to MSU community members, Kim Tobin, the school's vice president for University Advancement said the total is climbing.
"As I reflect on the generosity of you and your 4,200 fellow Spartans who stepped forward after the tragedy on February 13, I am reminded that Spartan Strong is more than a slogan, it is living with kindness and compassion — making a difference where we can," she said in the letter. "Our collective power has raised $2 million and counting to support those whose lives have been irreversibly altered."
Tobin also said a committee of students, faculty and staff has decided with input from some of the victim's families how to use the money in the fund. Here's how the fund will be used, she said:
∎ $1 million to support individuals directly impacted by the tragedy, including resources to support the remaining undergraduate careers of students injured in the mass shooting. The funds also will provide support to about 50 students who were present in either one of the two first-floor Berkey Hall classrooms or the food court kitchen inside the MSU Union during the shooting. A portion of the funding also will help families of the deceased with needs unmet by state and federal crime victim compensation funds;
∎ $500,000 will be dedicated to reimbursing or directly paying for mental health services for students, faculty, staff and first responders;
∎ $300,000 and any additional gifts received will be dedicated to the planning and construction of a permanent campus memorial;
∎ And $200,000 will be used to support healing and resiliency programming for students, faculty, staff and first responders.
Three students were killed in the Feb. 13 shooting: Arielle Anderson, 19, of Harper Woods; Brian Fraser, 20, of Grosse Pointe; and Alexandria Verner, 20, of Clawson. All three received posthumous degrees during last month's commencement ceremonies at MSU. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/09/msu-official-spartan-strong-fund-raises-2-million/70306169007/ | 2023-06-09T18:03:32 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/09/msu-official-spartan-strong-fund-raises-2-million/70306169007/ |
TAMPA, Fla. — A man wanted in the 1984 killing of a Florida woman has been arrested in California nearly four decades later, authorities said Thursday.
Detectives from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office were traveling to San Diego County to interview Donald Michael Santini, who was being held in jail following his arrest Wednesday, the sheriff's office said in a statement.
Santini had been on the run since June 1984, when Florida authorities obtained an arrest warrant linking him to the strangling death of 33-year-old Cynthia Ruth Wood of Bradenton.
Wood's body was found in a watery ditch three days after she went missing on June 6 of that year. The arrest warrant said a medical examiner determined she had been strangled and Santini's fingerprints were found on her body, the Tampa Bay Times reported.
“We are aware of this arrest and have sent detectives to interview Santini, while we await extradition," the sheriff's office said in a statement. “This arrest allows us to reexamine evidence collected in 1984 using the technology of today, as the case is now considered open once again.”
Online jail records said Santini, 65, was arrested as a fugitive. He was scheduled to appear in court in San Diego County on Friday. Records had no listing of an attorney for Santini who could speak on his behalf. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/cold-case-1984-murder-tampa-bradenton-man-arrested-california/67-6a6190d4-98ed-4a21-b6e8-bf59f61acbc4 | 2023-06-09T18:04:48 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/cold-case-1984-murder-tampa-bradenton-man-arrested-california/67-6a6190d4-98ed-4a21-b6e8-bf59f61acbc4 |
Ashley Furniture recalled tens of thousands of power loveseats, sofas and recliners in its Party Time Collection due to a fire hazard.
There have been at least six reports of the cupholder with LED lighting overheating, resulting in fire and smoke damage and damaged furniture.
Consumers should immediately unplug the loveseats, sofas and recliners and contact Ashley Furniture for a free repair, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced.
The power recliners are covered in faux leather with power controls and integrated LED lighting and USB charging ports sold in black and white.
About 253,000 furniture pieces were sold in the U.S. affected by this recall between November 2018 and March 2023 for between $900 and $1,800.
Following are the products and model numbers included in the recall:
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/ashley-furner-recalls-power-loveseats-sofas-and-recliners-due-to-fire-hazard/ZYDXUDEL7RFV3CPG3DTQ4TS6WE/ | 2023-06-09T18:05:14 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/ashley-furner-recalls-power-loveseats-sofas-and-recliners-due-to-fire-hazard/ZYDXUDEL7RFV3CPG3DTQ4TS6WE/ |
CINCINNATI — A new zoo baby has been born at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden!
After roughly a week of 24-hour birth watch, Lightning, a Linne’s two-toed sloth, gave birth Wednesday.
The pup was born around 7:35 p.m. Wednesday and appears to be healthy and strong as it bonds with its mother. The sex of the baby sloth isn’t known yet, and the zoo said it often requires DNA testing to know for sure.
Lightning and the new pup also won’t be visible to zoo guests for awhile as they continue to bond.
The birth of the new pup comes after 10-year-old Lightning gave birth to a stillborn pup in 2021.
“This is the first sloth baby that our team has cared for,” said Julie Grove, Cincinnati Zoo’s manager of ambassador animals. “We are beyond excited that the baby is finally here! We’re ready to provide support to Lightning as she navigates being a mom.”
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/lighning-the-sloth-gives-birth-at-cincinnati-zoo/A6ROPCHC4NDUXHGHMWU2UNPQ4Y/ | 2023-06-09T18:05:20 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/lighning-the-sloth-gives-birth-at-cincinnati-zoo/A6ROPCHC4NDUXHGHMWU2UNPQ4Y/ |
Glendale couple arrested after 2 dogs found living in 'inhumane' conditions
A couple was arrested by Glendale police on Wednesday after police said the pair had stolen a puppy from a breeder in May and was found at their home in "inhumane and uninhabitable" conditions.
According to police, just after 6 p.m. on May 11, officers responded to the area of Butler Driver and 63rd Avenue for reports of a robbery.
An investigation into the incident revealed that 27-year-old Taylor Sines had planned a meet-up with a husky breeder through Craigslist and wanted to purchase one of her puppies. Police said that during the meeting, Sines pushed the breeder and stole one of her puppies and left in a truck driven by her boyfriend, 26-year-old Logan Niemann.
According to court documents, the victim's partner tried to drive after the couple as they fled but noticed the license plate had been covered up. After following for a while, he was able to get a good look at Niemann, but the couple eventually got away.
Through the course of the investigation, detectives were able to identify Sines and Niemann and later served a search warrant at the couple's home on Wednesday.
The search produced the stolen husky, as well as a second dog, found in the home's bathroom and deemed "inhumane and uninhabitable for an animal," according to Glendale police.
Court documents state that the dogs were left "in a small shower wherein almost the entire floor of the shower was covered in fecal matter and urine," and that the two were skinny enough that their ribs could be easily felt by touch.
Both dogs were taken into custody by police, given baths and ensured to be in good physical health before being reunited with their owner.
The second dog, however, remains unidentified and believed to be stolen.
In a post-Miranda interview with Sines, she initially told investigators that she had rescued the dogs. When asked about stealing them, Sines said she had stolen another dog earlier, but that it had died of parvo, court documents state.
Sines would later go on to change her story and admit to stealing the white husky puppy from the Glendale breeder.
Those who have recently had their dog stolen and are able to provide a description, identification and proof of ownership for the unidentified dog are urged to contact the Glendale police non-emergency line at 623-930-3000.
Sines and Niemann were arrested for aggravated robbery and animal mistreatment, police said. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/glendale/2023/06/09/glendale-police-arrest-couple-stealing-dogs/70302577007/ | 2023-06-09T18:07:11 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/glendale/2023/06/09/glendale-police-arrest-couple-stealing-dogs/70302577007/ |
100 firefighters from 4 cities get massive wood pallet fire in Phoenix under control
A massive pallet fire in Phoenix on Thursday night warranted over 100 firefighters from four different Arizona cities to extinguish it.
According to Phoenix fire spokesperson Capt. Todd Keller, crews were called to a business near 35th Avenue and West Lower Buckeye Road for reports of a structure fire. When crews arrived, they found smoke and fire emerging from multiple stacks of wood pallets.
"Command immediately balanced the assignment to a first alarm and transitioned into a defensive strategy," Keller said. Firefighters had to manage downed power lines and multiple explosions, while preventing the flames from extending to adjacent businesses. Two hazardous material trucks were dispatched to the scene to mitigate the explosions."
However, since the fire was so large, and with nearby buildings plus radiant heat, the situation was elevated to a third alarm.
A neighboring Circle K had to be evacuated and closed early due to the fire, but has since reopened.
No injuries were reported and crews remained on scene through the night to put out any remaining hotspots.
Capt. Joe Huggins, a Phoenix fire spokesperson, told The Arizona Republic that as of 8 a.m. Friday, there were no new updates regarding the fire and the Phoenix Fire Investigation Task Force was on the scene to conduct its investigation.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
No other information had been released. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/06/09/phoenix-pallet-fire-near-lower-buckeye-road-under-control/70306093007/ | 2023-06-09T18:07:23 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/06/09/phoenix-pallet-fire-near-lower-buckeye-road-under-control/70306093007/ |
Three Milwaukee suburbs among 100 safest in the nation, according to a new study
Three Wisconsin suburbs have been ranked in the top 100 safest suburbs in the nation, according to a new study — and all three are Milwaukee suburbs.
Port Washington is rated the 42nd-safest suburb in the United States. Grafton is tied for 55th, while Waukesha tied for 100th.
The survey was conducted by SmartAsset, a financial technology company based in New York City.
What are the rankings based on?
The survey determined the safety of the suburbs based on five factors:
- The suburb's rate of violent crime
- The rate of property crime
- The vehicular mortality rate, which calculates the number of traffic accident deaths
- The drug poisoning mortality rate
- The percentage of the suburb's residents who engage in excessive drinking
Port Washington, the highest-ranking of the three suburbs, had fairly consistent numbers across the board, but stood out for its low property crime rate of 709 per 100,000 residents, which was 33rd-lowest on the list.
Grafton had a very low violent crime rate of 51 per 100,000 residents, 26th-lowest of the suburbs surveyed.
Waukesha's best ranking was in vehicular mortality rate — its rate of 5.8 per 100,000 residents tied for the 48th-lowest.
SmartAsset said the vehicular mortality, drug poisoning and excessive drinking rates were measured at the county level. The violent crime and property crime rates were measured at the city level.
How were the suburbs in the survey chosen?
SmartAsset selected 370 places that are within 15 to 45 minutes of the 100 largest U.S. cities by car and have a population of at least 5,000. | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2023/06/09/port-washington-grafton-waukesha-among-safest-suburbs-in-nation/70306258007/ | 2023-06-09T18:10:05 | 1 | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2023/06/09/port-washington-grafton-waukesha-among-safest-suburbs-in-nation/70306258007/ |
GREENSBORO — Court documents are revealing more details about what happened Thursday morning during an "active shooter" call at a Spectrum office building on Regional Road.
According to an arrest warrant, Jazzlyn Unique Ingram, 33, fired a pistol at the exterior door of Spectrum to gain entry into the building and displayed the gun "menacingly in her hand while demanding the location of an employee after discharging into the occupied business."
The warrant did not name the employee or say why Ingram wanted to find that individual. No one was injured during the incident.
Ingram was jailed on a $1 million bond on charges of discharging a weapon into occupied property, two counts of second-degree kidnapping, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm within city limits among other complaints. The kidnapping charges stem from Ingram confining two individuals during the incident, police said.
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Ingram's husband, Richard Lee Ingram, 36, had apparently gone to the scene "to console and talk his wife down during her mental breakdown," according to a document used to evaluate bond after his arrest Thursday. He is charged with carrying a concealed weapon and resisting and delaying or obstructing a law enforcement official. A magistrate set his bond at $2,000.
Documents state that Richard Ingram, who has no criminal record, had hugged his wife prior to her arrest and had gotten into his vehicle. At some point, an officer ordered him to exit his vehicle. Ingram "did not immediately exit vehicle upon first command and was in possession of a firearm in which he advised" officers. The gun was a SIG Sauer P320 black handgun, according to his arrest warrant.
The initial 911 call came at 11:22 a.m. Thursday. By 11:25 a.m., the first officer was on the scene and found Jazzlyn Ingram outside the building. She surrendered without incident, according to police department spokeswoman Josie Cambareri.
Information was not available Friday morning about whether the couple plans to retain private legal counsel or whether they will ask for the court to appoint a public defender to represent each of them. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/court-records-reveal-more-about-active-shooter-incident-thursday-at-spectrum-office-in-greensboro/article_34f7c8ac-06e5-11ee-832c-47d0348cb463.html | 2023-06-09T18:25:28 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/court-records-reveal-more-about-active-shooter-incident-thursday-at-spectrum-office-in-greensboro/article_34f7c8ac-06e5-11ee-832c-47d0348cb463.html |
They say it takes a village to raise a child. Haley Johnson, 17, says it also takes a village's support to graduate from high school early.
Johnson faced a lot of obstacles over the course of her three years at Page, from a virtual start her freshman year, extra classes each semester to finish her graduation requirements in time, and over a month's worth of missed school due to illness during the last half of this year.
"I just had to make up in my mind, that if I wanted to see it (become true), I have to keep persevering, keep pushing through. Because failures give up and to succeed you have to keep going thorough some obstacles that seem too hard or too tough," Johnson said.
With this head start on her next phase of life, Johnson will be taking classes at Guilford Tech Community College in hopes of becoming a crime scene investigator. And while she won't be performing anymore, Johnson will also come back to Page in the fall to coach the dance team.
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Since 2019, Johnson has been in charge of her own catering and events planning business and for the last few months has been working at expanding into non-profit work and increasing community outreach. She hopes to create a big sister-little sister program for local middle schoolers, starting with her alma mater, Western Guilford Middle.
"In middle school, I didn't have a lot of support, except for my family of course," Johnson said. "Some teachers (tried), but they weren't really able to provide the help that I needed and wanted. I want to be able to provide what I wasn't able to get to other youth."
Johnson and the rest of the Page High School Class of 2023 will graduate on Saturday at 4 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the Greensboro Coliseum. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/graduate-profile-page-high-schools-haley-johnson/article_29fd8f48-0566-11ee-ac36-b30b00062cbb.html | 2023-06-09T18:25:34 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/graduate-profile-page-high-schools-haley-johnson/article_29fd8f48-0566-11ee-ac36-b30b00062cbb.html |
INDIANAPOLIS — A juvenile shot on the near east side of Indianapolis on Friday afternoon is being transported to Riley Hospital and is in critical condition, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department reported.
IMPD officers said they responded to 1232 N. Tuxedo St. on reports of a person shot.
Officers arrived and located a juvenile victim with injuries consistent with a gunshot wound.
That victim is being transported to Riley Hospital.
Police are investigating whether this may have been a self-inflicted, or accidental, shooting. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/juvenile-in-critical-condition-after-shooting-at-north-tuxedo-street-near-eastside/531-3b29f5f3-0c17-4376-b04c-995430949c44 | 2023-06-09T18:31:31 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/juvenile-in-critical-condition-after-shooting-at-north-tuxedo-street-near-eastside/531-3b29f5f3-0c17-4376-b04c-995430949c44 |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Thursday evening, former president Donald Trump announced that he had been indicted on charges of 'mishandling classified documents' at his Florida estate.
While the Justice Department was not able to immediately publicly confirm the indictment, two people that were familiar with the situation and were not authorized to talk about it publicly explained that the indictment included seven criminal counts.
One of those people also said that prosecutors contacted Trump's lawyers just before he had made the announcement of his indictment on the Truth Social platform.
In response to the news of Donald Trump's indictment, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders released the following statement via Twitter on Thursday evening:
"The Biden Administration is weaponizing the DOJ to go after their number one opponent. It’s a two-tiered system of justice aimed directly at Donald Trump and conservatives. The American people should choose our next President, not politicized prosecutors hand-picked by Joe Biden."
Former president Donald Trump is due to be in court on Tuesday afternoon. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/governor-sanders-react-indictment-trump/91-f8b3b4a9-1267-417f-9712-1afe1d737c3c | 2023-06-09T18:31:39 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/governor-sanders-react-indictment-trump/91-f8b3b4a9-1267-417f-9712-1afe1d737c3c |
GREENWOOD, Ark. — A woman is dead after a single-vehicle crash took place in Greenwood on Thursday, June 8, according to a crash report by the Arkansas Department of Public Safety.
The crash took place at around 1:35 p.m., on the 1000 block of East Highway 10, the report says.
Officials say 70-year-old Betty Ann Yarberro of Greenwood was driving a Toyota RAV4 2013 when her vehicle left the roadway and hit a ditch.
The crash report states her vehicle "went airborne" and she was "ejected from the vehicle."
Officials say Yarberro died after the crash. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/greenwood-woman-dies-single-vehicle-crash/527-0006d0c7-b661-473e-a168-2632e3c70631 | 2023-06-09T18:31:47 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/greenwood-woman-dies-single-vehicle-crash/527-0006d0c7-b661-473e-a168-2632e3c70631 |
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, it's common to want to have fun in the sun.
One popular form of recreation is to go for a cruise in a convertible, like a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco. However, police are reminding Pennsylvanians that it is illegal in Pennsylvania to drive a car along a road or highway without the doors equipped.
The Pennsylvania Vehicle Equipment and Inspection Regulations, Title 67 Section 175.77(f) states:
Doors - A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall be equipped with doors of a style and type used as original equipment. The doors shall open and close securely unless the vehicle has been manufactured or modified to the extent that there is no roof or side.
According to East Earl Township Police, officers are noticing more Wrangler fans removing their doors before cruising down the roadway. They are aware of bill SB298 which would eliminate this requirement. However, until the bill is passed and signed into law, doors are required at all times.
Drivers operating their vehicle on a roadway in Pennsylvania without doors equipped on their Jeep Wrangler or newer Ford Bronco could be cited for Unlawful Activities, PA Title 75, Section 4107b2, according to police.
Doors not only help keep dirt and debris out, but they help keep people from being ejected from the vehicle in the event of a crash. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county-police-keep-car-doors-attached/521-c7cd0880-1500-4d09-9f9f-d88b52e70b82 | 2023-06-09T18:35:55 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county-police-keep-car-doors-attached/521-c7cd0880-1500-4d09-9f9f-d88b52e70b82 |
The 11th Circuit judges who were reappointed include, in McLean County, Judges Scott Black, Sarah Duffy, Pablo Eves, Brian Goldrick, Scott Kording and Amy McFarland; in Livingston County, Judges Robert Travers and Randy Yedinak; in Logan County, Judge William Workman; and in Woodford County, Judge Michael Stroh.
Ford County is also part of the 11th Judicial Circuit, but Chief Judge Casey Costigan did not include a judge assigned to Ford County in his Friday announcement naming the reappointed judges.
The new term of office for each reappointed associate judge will begin July 1 and end June 30, 2027.
Watch now: Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White in Bloomington | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/government-politics/11th-judicial-circuit-judges/article_7028186e-06db-11ee-889e-9bc324a900b4.html | 2023-06-09T18:37:47 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/government-politics/11th-judicial-circuit-judges/article_7028186e-06db-11ee-889e-9bc324a900b4.html |
ORLANDO, Fla. – In a world tired of the same old escape rooms and trampoline parks, ax throwing is the latest trend.
Ax-throwing places are popping up all over Central Florida, so we’ve compiled a list of every place you can go to celebrate International Axe Throwing Day on June 13.
If you’d like a location added to this list, send an email to web@wkmg.com.
[SIGN UP! Get the Central Florida Happenings newsletter here | Check out more Central Florida Happenings]
Brevard County
- Lumber Jack’s Axe House & Sports Bar in Melbourne
- Stumpy’s Hatchet House in Cocoa
Flagler County
- Tomahawk Tavern in Bunnell
Marion County
- The Firehouse Urban Axe Throwing in Ocala
Orange County
- Axecelsior Axe Throwing in Orlando
- Axe On Axe Off in Orlando
- BATL Axe Throwing in Orlando
- Epic Axe Throwing in Orlando
- Max Action Arena in Orlando
- Rockstar Axe Throwing in Orlando
- Stumpy’s Hatchet House in Orlando
- The Axe Hole in Apopka
- The Keg Social in Orlando
- The Trap in Winter Park
Osceola County
- Bigfoot Axe Throwers and Rage Room in Kissimmee
Polk County
- Axcalibur Axe Venue & Coffee House in Lakeland
- Woodchucks Axe Throwing in Lakeland
Seminole County
- District Eat and Play in Oviedo
- Tactical Axes in Sanford
Sumter County
- Flying Hatchets in Wildwood
Volusia County
- Iron Axe Bar & Grill in Daytona Beach
- SIK Speedway Indoor Karting in Daytona Beach
- Wise Axe in Deland
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/09/celebrate-international-axe-throwing-day-at-these-places-in-central-florida/ | 2023-06-09T18:40:07 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/09/celebrate-international-axe-throwing-day-at-these-places-in-central-florida/ |
TAMPA, Fla. – A Florida man is sharing his story after contracting a flesh-eating bacteria that was destroying one of his legs, the Tampa Bay Times reported.
Donnie Adams was bitten in February while breaking up a fight between two family members.
He went to a hospital for a tetanus shot, but a couple of days later he couldn’t walk.
Adams returned to the hospital, and a doctor discovered the flesh-eating bacteria. Adams underwent two surgeries and has massive scars on his leg.
Had Adams waited another day to go to the hospital, the infection would likely have already spread and he would have been at a high risk of sepsis shock, a doctor said.
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Adams, who continues to recover, said he was sharing his story so others would not hesitate to get care when wounded or injured.
Read his full story here. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/09/florida-man-bitten-by-relative-survives-flesh-eating-bacteria/ | 2023-06-09T18:40:13 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/09/florida-man-bitten-by-relative-survives-flesh-eating-bacteria/ |
STEWARTVILLE, Minn.-- People in Stewartville say they want their lake back, and this wouldn't be the first time.
Lake Florence which has now become Florence Park drained nearly 30 years ago but members of the community have not forgotten how popular it was.
It started off as a mill dam that was constructed back in 1858 by Charles Stewart and since the 1860s served as the center for recreational activities in Olmsted County.
However, throughout the years the man-made lake had been consistently drained and repaired due to construction issues.
The last drain occured in 1993, when the dam finally broke. Jason Boyle, the Minnesota State Dam Safety Engineer says maintanence was becoming costly and to replace it would have cost over $2 millio. which led to the dam's removal.
The Community and Business Development Specialist for Stewartville, Sandra Drees says community partners are working together to bring light to the city's history.
“I wouldn't say that it would be a surprise if in the future sometime someone decides that we should put this lake back in.” she says “Anytime soon? I don't think so. just because we're trying to focus on what we already have here and trying to make that really pop."
Florence Park is located just a quarter of a mile west of Highway 63 on Lakeshore Drive NW. | https://www.kimt.com/news/local/community-remembers-historic-lake/article_013e405a-05b3-11ee-b043-4fe10e24cf90.html | 2023-06-09T18:47:35 | 0 | https://www.kimt.com/news/local/community-remembers-historic-lake/article_013e405a-05b3-11ee-b043-4fe10e24cf90.html |
CRESCO, Iowa - A boy scout leader was arrested on several warrants related to sexual abuse.
James Hughes, 73, is accused of sexually abusing multiple victims and is facing four felony counts and six misdemeanor charges.
On March 18, 2021, a report was filed with the Cresco PD regarding historical sexual abuse that had occurred between Hughes and a Boy Scout troop member over the course of several years.
“During the investigation, agents learned of several other instances of historical sexual abuse involving Hughes and other juvenile Boy Scouts who had been in his troop. Some of those instances spanned more than a decade. As the investigation progressed, the Howard County Attorney’s Office requested that the Office of the Attorney General of Iowa assist with the investigation and prosecution,” the Iowa DPS said.
Hughes is being held in the Howard County Jail on $46,000 bond. | https://www.kimt.com/news/local/cresco-boy-scout-leader-arrested-on-multiple-counts-of-sexual-abuse/article_3ef932b4-0564-11ee-901e-5b6fac314106.html | 2023-06-09T18:47:37 | 1 | https://www.kimt.com/news/local/cresco-boy-scout-leader-arrested-on-multiple-counts-of-sexual-abuse/article_3ef932b4-0564-11ee-901e-5b6fac314106.html |
ROCHESTER, Minn.-The Rochester Public School District is set to receive $14.4 million dollars for compensatory funding for fiscal year 2024, the highest in the last decade, according to RPS' Chief Administrative Officer John Carlson.
The amount of compensatory dollars is allocated based off of need in a district, which is measured by free lunch applications.
However, Minnesota's recent Universal School Lunch and Breakfast Law wipes away the application requirement and guarantees a free meal to every student.
That change could eventually lead to less compensatory revenue for schools that need it the most.
There is a short term fix, also called a hold harmless clause, in the law that prevents revenue loss for school districts but Carlson said long term action is needed from state lawmakers.
State Sen. Carla Nelson tells KIMT one of those fixes could include the repeal of new unfunded mandates, such as paid family and sick leave.
"Well, I think the best thing is if we allow schools to keep more money that they are being sent by the state, historic funding but the problem is all of the mandates. The unfunded mandates that are being put on schools," Nelson said.
Carlson said RPS will continue to hand out and accept free lunch forms this upcoming school year. | https://www.kimt.com/news/local/rps-staff-worried-about-future-funding-for-schools-in-need/article_10e2c9e6-05b2-11ee-9f8f-871f330fff2a.html | 2023-06-09T18:47:43 | 1 | https://www.kimt.com/news/local/rps-staff-worried-about-future-funding-for-schools-in-need/article_10e2c9e6-05b2-11ee-9f8f-871f330fff2a.html |
KIMT News 3– Olmsted County and the City of Rochester are seeking community input to consider in their hazard mitigation plan update.
Every five years, the two agencies are required to update the plan in order to receive a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or, FEMA.
It would identify natural and chemical hazards that pose a risk to the community.
The City of Rochester will have it's own separate plan due to it's progressing infrastructure. That means they will also be considering tech and biological issues such preventing train derailments, how to safely transport chemicals,and have a safe plan in place when it comes to terrorist attacks.
The Olmsted County Emergency Managment Director, Capt. Jonathan Jacobson, says the current plan is strong but they are open to more feedback.
“So the process to do this is engaging community leaders and businesses,utility providers and the public, to identify and address concerns. The process it going to take us about 12 to 16 months so it's a rather lengthy process."
More opportunities for feedback will be available throughout the planning process.
You can submit comments and suggestions to the Olmsted County Emergency Management by phone, email or by posting a comment on their social media. | https://www.kimt.com/news/local/updates-being-made-to-hazard-mitigation-plan/article_d932fb9e-05af-11ee-9ee2-2fe103d23b45.html | 2023-06-09T18:47:49 | 0 | https://www.kimt.com/news/local/updates-being-made-to-hazard-mitigation-plan/article_d932fb9e-05af-11ee-9ee2-2fe103d23b45.html |
Lou Malnati's halts plan for Fishers restaurant, city says
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria has withdrawn plans to build a full-service restaurant near State Road 37 in Fishers.
Fishers spokeswoman Ashley Elrod said the business notified the city it would not be moving into a space formerly occupied by Aurelio’s pizza at 13147 Parkside Drive.
The company did not say why it was pulling out, she said. Representatives of Malnati’s did not respond to requests for comment.
As recently as last October, Lou Malnati’s sought approval for outdoor seating and façade improvements and had provided Fishers with sketches of its plan.
The Planned Unit Development Committee unanimously recommended approval of the additions.
The Chicago area-based pizzeria has carryout and delivery spots in Indianapolis, Carmel, Greenwood and Avon. The Fishers site would have been its second full-service restaurant: the other is in Indianapolis’ Broad Ripple neighborhood.
Call the reporter at 317-444-6418. | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/fishers/2023/06/09/lou-malnatis-drops-plan-for-fishers-restaurant/70305703007/ | 2023-06-09T18:48:43 | 1 | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/fishers/2023/06/09/lou-malnatis-drops-plan-for-fishers-restaurant/70305703007/ |
A 56-year-old man and his dog were rescued from a Las Cruces culvert after recent rains
LAS CRUCES – A 56-year-old man and his dog were rescued by firefighters Wednesday after the Las Cruces Fire Department said stormwater trapped him inside a Las Cruces culvert.
According to a news release, firefighters arrived at the 200 block of East Boutz Road around 8:45 p.m. after a passerby reported a man yelling for help from inside the culvert running under the street.
The news release said firefighters could not see the man when they arrived. But they did start talking to him. After making contact, the firefighters lowered a ladder into the culvert and told the man to hold on.
The culvert had filled with rushing water at the time after a storm passed through Las Cruces this week. The release said the water made it impossible for the man and his dog to escape the currents.
But after the man grabbed the ladder, the news release said firefighters could drop a harness and pull up the dog. The man was then able to grab the ladder and pull himself up. The release said the man was medically assessed on scene and released.
The release also emphasized that the situation could’ve been much worse. The culvert is part of a drainage system that spans hundreds of feet and surfaces very few times. Had the man and his dog been swept away, the release said they would not have surfaced again until reaching El Paseo Road.
“The Las Cruces Fire Department reminds residents to avoid entering canals and culverts as they can quickly become inundated with fast-moving water. Irrigation canals, ditches, and culverts should not be used as shelters, pathways, or play areas,” the release said.
Justin Garcia covers public safety and local government in Las Cruces. He can be reached via email at JEGarcia@lcsun-news.com, via phone or text at 575-541-5449, or on Twitter @Just516Garc. | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2023/06/09/las-cruces-man-dog-rescued-after-rains-trapped-them-in-culvert/70303001007/ | 2023-06-09T18:50:36 | 0 | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2023/06/09/las-cruces-man-dog-rescued-after-rains-trapped-them-in-culvert/70303001007/ |
Vitalant hosting annual Respond to the Call Blood Drive at Mesilla Valley Mall
LAS CRUCES – Vitalant’s 15th annual Respond to the Call Blood Drive is back this weekend at the Mesilla Valley Mall, asking donors to rally during a historically low donation period.
According to a news release, blood donations “drop dramatically due to vacations, end of school activities and other events vying for donors’ time” during the summer months. To address this lull, Vitalant, a nonprofit blood services provider, is partnering with local first responders to encourage people to donate.
“The event will bring together police, sheriff’s deputies, fire departments, 911 dispatchers, and paramedics joining forces to promote the importance of blood donation, which these dedicated professionals see the need for on a weekly basis,” the news release stated.
Vitalant will be set up at the Mesilla Valley Mall from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, June 9, from noon to 4 p.m. June 10 and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. June 11. The mall is located at 700 S. Telshor Blvd.
El Pasoans can also participate in donating during the event at the Cielo Vista Mall, located at 8401 Gateway Blvd. W. during the same dates and times.
Donations of plasma, platelets, whole blood and Power Red will be accepted and then used for various treatments such as for trauma patients, premature infants and cancer patients.
According to the news release, someone is in need of a blood transfusion every two seconds and Respond to the Call events over the years have produced more than 4,000 blood donations to address the need.
People are encouraged to make appointments online at Vitalant.org or by calling 877-258-4825, though walk-ins are also welcome.
Those who donate will receive a “grunt style” T-shirt, a goodie bag and entry into the organization’s $10,000 giveaway for the month of June.
Vitalant also accepts donations at its Las Cruces donation center located at 1200 Commerce Dr.
Leah Romero is the trending reporter at the Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached at 575-418-3442, LRomero@lcsun-news.com or @rromero_leah on Twitter.
Others are reading: | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2023/06/09/vitalant-hosting-annual-respond-to-the-call-blood-drive-at-mesilla-valley-mall-las-cruces-el-paso-nm/70294586007/ | 2023-06-09T18:50:42 | 0 | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2023/06/09/vitalant-hosting-annual-respond-to-the-call-blood-drive-at-mesilla-valley-mall-las-cruces-el-paso-nm/70294586007/ |
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Betenbough Homes, a leading home builder in West Texas, will host a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday for its newest Midland community. This event will take place at the future site of the Mockingbird Ridge community, located near the corner of Mockingbird Lane and Fairgrounds Road on at 11:30 a.m., according to a press release. All homeowners, city leaders, media, business partners and non-profit organizations are invited to attend.
The fully themed, new home community will offer affordable floor plans, ranging from 1,000 to 2,660 square feet, with a starting price of $1,700 a month, according to a press release. Community amenities in Mockingbird Ridge will include two themed parks and nearly 2 miles of walking trails. Children living in this community will attend schools in Midland ISD.
“As a homebuilder committed to creating exceptional living experiences, we are thrilled to introduce Mockingbird Ridge,” said Juan Carlos Gaona, sales manager for Betenbough Homes’ Midland office. “This themed community will provide value through its maintained visual appeal, enhanced property values, and themed amenities like parks and walking trails.”
At the groundbreaking ceremony, hosted by Betenbough Homes and the Midland Chamber of Commerce, attendees will enjoy iced tea from HTeaO while learning about the unique value the new community will provide to Midland home buyers from the local Betenbough Homes’ leadership team.
Business Calendar
Monday: Alpha & Omega Equipment Sales & Rental Ribbon Cutting, 11:30 a.m.-noon, 8870 NW Loop 338, Odessa.
Tuesday: Betenbough Homes Groundbreaking Ceremony, 11:30 a.m.- 12 p.m., intersection of Mockingbird Lane & Fairgrounds Road.
Tuesday through Thursday: Venture Robotics Rescue Bots Camps, 8:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., 4410 N. Midkiff Suite A6.
Wednesday: Founders Blend Midland, 7:30-9 a.m., Second Story Coworking.
June 20-22: Ventures Robotics Coding Camp, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 4410 N. Midkiff, suite A6.
July 11: Posh Kidz Boutique Grand Opening, 11:30 a.m.-noon, 3303 N. Midkiff Road, suite 141.
July 12: First H&H Holdings, LLC Ribbon Cutting, 11:30 a.m.-noon, 701A W. Indiana Ave. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/betenbough-homes-introduce-mockingbird-ridge-18144654.php | 2023-06-09T18:52:00 | 0 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/betenbough-homes-introduce-mockingbird-ridge-18144654.php |
In its 2022 annual report released Friday, the Permian Strategic Partnership reports it has committed over $125 million in philanthropic investments to generate over $1 billion in community support and collaborative investments.
That $125 million stems from the organization’s establishment in 2019 through the end of 2022.
“In our ongoing pursuit to shape a promising future for the Permian Basin, this has been yet another year of tremendous progress. By directing investments into education, workforce development, health care and road safety, we are fortifying our communities and enhancing the quality of life for everyone that calls the Permian Basin home,” said PSP President and CEO Tracee Bentley in announcing the annual report. “Through our continued efforts, our unwavering commitment and the steadfast support of our members, we have set a high bar for public-private collaboration and have laid a strong foundation to surpass it in 2023.”
Don Evans, chairman of PSP and former US Commerce secretary in the George W. Bush administration, said in a statement, “The Permian Basin's remarkable growth and prosperity in 2022 also presented us with new challenges. PSP approached these challenges head-on, transforming them into opportunities to make significant investments in our schools, health care, workforce development, and roads throughout the region. As energy security remains an ongoing global concern, the Permian Basin has proven essential in meeting the world's energy requirements. We must continue to invest in our region, ensuring its readiness to fulfill the demands of the global energy landscape.”
Notable investments include:
- $47.125 million in education investments impacting hundreds of thousands of students.
- $52.697 million in health care investments to strengthen the region's 2 million residents' access.
- $13.955 million in workforce development to train and upskill the region's current workforce.
PSP was formed in 2019 as the philanthropic arm of the region’s largest energy industry employers with a focus on road safety, housing, education, healthcare, and workforce development throughout the Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico and now includes 20 members.
Member companies are: Apache, BPX Energy, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Coterra Energy, Devon Energy, Diamondback Energy, Endeavor Energy Resources, EOG Resources, ExxonMobil, Halliburton, Helmerich & Payne, Kinetik, Occidental, Ovintiv, Permian Resources, Pioneer Natural Resources, Plains All American, SLB, and WaterBridge Resources. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/psp-1b-collaborative-investments-made-permian-18144627.php | 2023-06-09T18:52:06 | 1 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/psp-1b-collaborative-investments-made-permian-18144627.php |
Co-owner Scott Ragan discussed the emotional decision to sell his family business, Ski Skeller Sports.
Ski Skeller Sports, located at 3327 W. Wadley Ave., has been a family-owned and operated business for generations; first established by Dick Ragan before being taken over by his son, Scott, in 1997.
After 54 years of serving the Midland outdoor sports community, Ski Skeller Sports will close its doors and be put up for sale/lease in early July. Scott said he does not believe H-E-B will purchase the property.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Ragan spoke emotionally about selling the local staple.
Although Ragan said it’s time to retire and move closer to grandchildren, walking away from the mom-and-pop shop they’ve walked into every day for the past half-century will be grueling.
Ragan said since the news of the sale was released, Ski Skeller has had Midland customers visit the store and express their emotion about the Ragan family moving on to a new chapter.
Scott hopes Midlanders remember he and his wife Gina as more than just ski shop owners, but good friends and good people. He hopes local friends and customers remember Ski Skeller’s helpful and friendly customer service.
Doing business in the Permian Basin for 54 years, Ragan said his favorite part of it all has been the people, friendships and the Midland community at-large.
Ski Skeller will have its going-out-of-business sale, beginning on June 14, according to a previous Reporter-Telegram article.
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The Reporter-Telegram published a story announcing the sale of the Ski Skeller on Monday. The news drew an emotional reaction out of the Midland community on Facebook.
“Ski Skeller showed me that even West Texans can explore wild places. As a kid I’d go in and see their backpacking gear and just dream of mountains. It inspired me to do a lot of cool stuff in life. Also, the Wake the Desert wakeboard tournaments they put on for years. Man! They really made snow sports, skating, backpacking, and water sports accessible to us for so many years. Thank you, Scott and Gina!” – John-Mark Echols
“So many wonderful memories of Ski Skeller. Scott, you know how much we loved your dad and so thankful that you and Gina took over the business and you two have done a great job. Enjoy your retirement!” – Mary Cavender Greth
“Truly sad to hear… I always loved that place… was a window to a world unknown to a little girl in the middle of west Texas…” – Laura Michna
“Scott and Gina, closing Ski Skeller is so bittersweet, but what’s ahead for you both are nothing but new and fabulous memories with your sweet grands. It’s been so fun getting ready for ski trips, using SS as our one stop shop for all our stuff! We’ll never forget Ski Skeller or you guys! Best of Luck!” – Jean Kinsey Lawrence
“A business and owners that truly made an impact on their clients and their community. I remember how excited we always got going to ski skeller because that meant we were about to go on an amazing trip! Enjoy your retirement!” – Brady Bridges | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/scott-ragan-closing-ski-skeller-midland-18140813.php | 2023-06-09T18:52:12 | 0 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/scott-ragan-closing-ski-skeller-midland-18140813.php |
DULUTH — A few months after it was torn down, nearly a year after a collection of its memorabilia was auctioned off, and more than a decade after it closed, graduates from Duluth’s Central High School are forming a new alumni association — and showcasing a collection of recovered memorabilia as they get their footing.
The Duluth Central Alumni Association is governed by a group of six volunteers, all of whom are alumni of either the Central High School that stood near the top of the city’s hillside, which Duluth Public Schools sold and demolished last year, or its predecessor, Historic Old Central High School, which the school district sold in 2020 and is now on the verge of becoming an apartment building.
Association leaders have preserved an array of artifacts from both buildings. They also plan to publish a website for Central alumni and plan all-class gatherings.
It was traumatic for many alumni to see their old high school torn down, according to Barb Darland (formerly Jankowski), the association’s secretary and one of its board members.
“With that, they feel the memories were destroyed as well, which is not the case. We hope to continue to get more people involved at an organic level in terms of creating events and things like that to bring us together as a community,” said Darland, who graduated from Central in 1977. “We are still a community, we just don’t have a space.”
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More immediately, the association has commissioned a temporary display of many of those artifacts at the St. Louis County Depot. Arranged there beginning Monday, June 12, will be a collection of old yearbooks, a segment of the hilltop Central’s gym floor emblazoned with its Trojan mascot, old letter jackets and band uniforms, the “D,” C,” “H,” and “S” taken from the newer school’s facade before it was demolished, and more.
Towering above it all is a toothpick replica of the older Central, painstakingly made by Jerry Hackett, an alumnus who lives in Shakopee, Minnesota. Displayed below that are a bowl and spoon awarded each year in the early 1900s to the “best girl mixer” and “homeliest boy fusser,” respectively — seniors who contributed to the school the most, according to Gary Lundstrom, a 1976 Central graduate who designed and developed the temporary Depot exhibit for the association.
Lundstrom said he wanted to strike a balance between the “old” Central and the “new” one, and has memorabilia from each decade of either school’s existence represented at the exhibit.
“I wanted it to have the effect that people will know that the legacy isn’t going to die. That the alumni association is committed to making this a long and stable organization that is all about stewarding and carrying on Central’s legacy through the artifacts,” Lundstrom told the News Tribune. “It brings it alive. That’s the bottom line: It brings the past alive and makes connection.”
Many of the items to be displayed at the Depot were purchased at an auction last August.
Don Ness, Duluth’s former mayor and the association’s president who graduated from Central in 1992, cried foul on Facebook when he saw the auction. At the auction, he and other alumni snatched up a host of Central uniforms, photographs, and so on.
The alumni association, Ness said, started with that auction but has since grown more formal. It’s currently registered as a nonprofit business with the state government and is awaiting federal certification as a tax-exempt organization. A Facebook group of the same name has about 2,500 members thus far.
The association hopes to do as much as it can to cultivate and promote the schools’ history, Ness said. That could mean digitized yearbooks or other historic photos available on the association website, or stories about prominent Central alumni, or, possibly, an annual in-person celebration of the school.
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“At this point, it’s kind of a very small group of alumni who’ve been pouring their heart and soul into the creation of this,” Ness said of the association, “because we feel like there’s a real need and desire for folks to maintain that connection to Central High School.” | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/a-new-central-alumni-association-readies-a-collection-of-duluth-school-memorabilia | 2023-06-09T18:53:15 | 0 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/a-new-central-alumni-association-readies-a-collection-of-duluth-school-memorabilia |
CEDAR FALLS — Women living with any type of cancer diagnosis are invited to attend the Beyond Pink Team All Cancer Support Group from 5-7 p.m. June 20 at the Cedar Valley Unitarian Church, 3912 Cedar Heights Drive.
MercyOne mental health care provider Jessica Nauholz will begin speaking at 6 p.m. with a focus on how to balance your mental health while living with cancer. Nauholz specializes in anxiety, depression and grief counseling. She is certified in oncology social work.
Masks are optional and light refreshments will be provided.
The All Cancer Support Group meets quarterly on the third Tuesday of January, April, June and September. For more information, call Angela Hamilton at (319) 231-3143 or Dee Hughes at (319) 504-6492; or visit the website, beyondpinkteam.org. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/beyond-pink-team-focuses-on-mental-health-at-june-support-group/article_5701eda2-03f6-11ee-8077-efa64cfbed58.html | 2023-06-09T18:53:45 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/beyond-pink-team-focuses-on-mental-health-at-june-support-group/article_5701eda2-03f6-11ee-8077-efa64cfbed58.html |
'Might be harder to breathe': Canada wildfires trigger air quality concerns in Bloomington
Thick smoke from roaring Canadian wildfires continues to spread across the United States. Bloomington is one of several cities with a gray haze across its skyline and the local air quality has taken a dip, mirroring other areas across central Indiana.
Wondering whether you should dig out your old face mask? The good news is that won't be necessary for most people.
Air quality alert in Bloomington: What does it mean?
Air quality is measured by particulate matter. PM2.5 consists of fine particles smaller than the width of a human hair which can be inhaled.
According to AirNow, the national source for air quality data, Bloomington's level is "moderate" at 82 micrograms per cubic meter of PM2.5. In the index system, this is one cautionary level higher than "good," which falls between 0 and 50 PM2.5. However, Bloomington's air quality is considerably better than what the East Coast is experiencing, with areas like New York City currently reaching about 200 PM2.5 with a reported increase in patients with respiratory ailments due to the smoke-filled air.
The impact is limited for the average resident in Bloomington.
"Most people in general might notice an odor or smell. If they’re exercising (outside), it might be harder to breathe," said meteorologist Jason Puma.
However, people with pre-existing health conditions, such as those who are asthmatic, young children and the elderly, should be more wary of spending a lot of time outdoors, as they are likely to be more severely affected.
When will clean air return to Bloomington?
According to Puma, Bloomington residents only have to weather this haze for a few more days. At the beginning of the week, a low pressure system will move through.
"When that system goes through, there will be chances for (rain) showers, cleaning out the atmosphere," Puma said. "The weather change will shift whatever smoke in the area into the east. That brief pattern change will bring a break."
Early next week will have around 30% chance of scattered storms, with temperatures ranging from the mid- to upper 70s.
In the meantime, residents should remain alert while outside and also check on people who are more likely to be impacted.
"Listen to your body," Puma advised. "If you’re having trouble breathing, get indoors and rest and recover."
Reach Rachel Smith at rksmith@heraldt.com. | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/09/haze-over-bloomington-indiana-air-quality-down-returns-to-normal-soon/70301566007/ | 2023-06-09T18:55:08 | 0 | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/09/haze-over-bloomington-indiana-air-quality-down-returns-to-normal-soon/70301566007/ |
A file photo of Lee County residents entering Lawndale Presbyterian Church to vote in the Lee County District 3 supervisors race on November 2021 in Tupelo.
TUPELO — With the county election around the corner, the Lee County Board of Supervisors have solved an issue that held up the notification process for redistricting.
The board voted unanimously Friday to move the voting precinct in Auburn from the Auburn Civic Center to the Auburn Baptist Church after District 1 Supervisor Phil Morgan said he spoke with deacons for the church and came to an agreement to use the property on a “trial” basis.
The agreement included provisions against political signs on the church grounds and specified voting will take place on the south end of the church.
This was the last piece of the redistricting puzzle; Lee County Circuit Clerk Camille Roberts Dulaney said her office has already sent mailouts to all voters affected by redistricting changes that weren’t in the Auburn precinct and notification letters will be sent to the remaining voters early next week.
Those looking to make sure they are registered for voting or which voting precinct they must vote at can go to the Secretary of State’s website to confirm any and all information they might need.
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Error! There was an error processing your request. | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/lee-county-supervisors-approve-auburn-precinct-change/article_3e22589a-06e3-11ee-82ea-cf72f4d37978.html | 2023-06-09T19:01:55 | 0 | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/lee-county-supervisors-approve-auburn-precinct-change/article_3e22589a-06e3-11ee-82ea-cf72f4d37978.html |
TUPELO — Lee County will move forward with negotiations with a national waste collection company despite significant pushback from some of the board.
It is not a matter of if garbage rates will rise for Lee County residents this year, but a matter of how much and of who will do the collecting.
Following a request for proposals period that saw about five companies express some level of interest in Lee County for solid waste pickup contracts, Waste Management was the only company to offer a contract proposal.
On Friday, The Lee County Board of Supervisors in a split vote 3-2 voted to move forward with negotiations with the company to completely take over trash collection county-wide, a move that would see the dismantlement of the Lee County Solid Waste Department.
District 1 Supervisor Phil Morgan, District 3 Supervisor Wesley Webb and District 5 Supervisor Billy Joe Holland voted in favor of the negotiations. District 2 Supervisor and Board President Mike Smith and District 4 Supervisor Tommie Lee Ivy voted against the measure.
“We are going to have to go up one way or another whether they do it or we do it since we haven’t gone up in a long time.… It is a fact of life,” Smith said. “I feel like we can serve our customers better and feel like we can do it cheaper.”
Lee County garbage collection rates have not risen since 2013 when the county raised rates from $9 to $12.50.
Using statistics provided by Three Rivers Planning and Development District Governmental Functions Director Ronnie Bell, Smith said they estimated a contract with Waste Management would cost the customers of Lee County an estimated $990,000 annually for the life of the contract. Smith said the Bell, who did not attend the meeting, put Lee County collection at $18 while Waste Management could raise rates up to $23.
Meanwhile, Waste Management representative Kerry Howell said those numbers were incorrect and painted a false narrative of the costs, noting that as it stood Friday, Waste Management offered a cost of $16.45 to the county. He said it was up to the supervisors to set the rate from there.
“This $990,000 is an arbitrary number,” he said, adding that it used a continuous consumer price index, a rate that adjusts the bill monthly based on fuel costs to get the overall estimated cost at $23 for the rate. He said that made the figure unrealistic. “You can’t compare $18 to $23; you’ve got to compare $18 to $18 on the front end.”
Morgan also said he believed Bell’s estimates showed the best scenario for Lee County’s collection rates and the worst case for Waste Management’s rates, so it was not a far comparison.
If the county decides to enter into a contract with Waste Management, it will dismantle the Lee County Solid Waste Department, County Administrator Bill Benson noted. He said while the department would be dismantled, that didn’t mean all solid waste employees will be out of a job, noting that Lee County Solid Waste Director Terry McGlaun will most likely shift over to running the county’s waste transfer station. Howell also said he will encourage all county employees to apply for a position in waste management.
The deal includes selling much of the county’s garbage collection equipment to the company, which Smith said would be at a loss for the county and make it hard to get back into garbage collection if the county chose to, noting that if aging equipment were an issue, the county could raise rates by an extra dollar and have enough revenue to purchase additional vehicles. Morgan said he could not find any instances where a county or municipality stopped collection and decided to get back into it.
Lee County NAACP President Charles Moore also spoke out against the contract, saying he believed it was in the county’s best interest to keep garbage collection public.
The Friday vote does not lock the county into the contract with Waste Management but begins the negotiation process. Once negotiations are complete, the supervisors will have the chance to approve or reject the final contract.
“We will continue to keep you involved,” Howell said. “Y’all have a right to do what is best for your county, and you should do what’s best for your county, but we feel like we can provide the kind of service that your citizens expect.”
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Error! There was an error processing your request. | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/lee-county-supervisors-moves-forward-with-waste-management-contract-negotiations/article_f6af715e-06e3-11ee-a377-bfeba1d22a2d.html | 2023-06-09T19:02:31 | 0 | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/lee-county-supervisors-moves-forward-with-waste-management-contract-negotiations/article_f6af715e-06e3-11ee-a377-bfeba1d22a2d.html |
MIDLAND, Texas — The Midland Humane Coalition will be hosting its 9th annual Hot Dog Run on June 10.
The 5K/1 Mile Run and the Pet Costume Competition will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Midland College. The superhero themed event is for all ages and all dogs. Registration for the race will be at 7:30 a.m. on race day with the 5K starting at 8:30 a.m. and the 1 Mile starting at 8:35 a.m.
The costume competition will be hosted by NewsWest 9's own Jolina Okazaki and Victor Lopez. The three categories for the competition are Best Pet Superhero, Best Superhero Team, and Best Pet Costume.
For more information about the event and the registration, people can go the www.midlandhumanecoalition.org/hotdogrun. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/9th-annual-hot-dog-run-benefits-midland-humane-coalition/513-d90e2e33-c5b5-41a9-8a33-6e67c9fc0af6 | 2023-06-09T19:06:22 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/9th-annual-hot-dog-run-benefits-midland-humane-coalition/513-d90e2e33-c5b5-41a9-8a33-6e67c9fc0af6 |
What to Know
- A former police officer with the NYPD was sentenced to eight years in prison for sexually assaulting a child and endangering the welfare of three other young girls, according to the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office.
- Shaun Frazier, 43, of Brooklyn was sentenced Thursday to eight years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said.
- His sentencing comes after he pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree criminal sexual act and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child on March 13. As part of his sentence, Frazier must register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
A former police officer with the NYPD was sentenced to eight years in prison for sexually assaulting a child and endangering the welfare of three other young girls, according to the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office.
Shaun Frazier, 43, of Brooklyn was sentenced Thursday to eight years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said. His sentencing comes after he pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree criminal sexual act and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child on March 13. As part of his sentence, Frazier must also register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
“This defendant’s abhorrent abuse of young children is an outrage and marks a shocking betrayal of the trust placed in a member of law enforcement," Gonzalez said.
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The case against Frazier, and his subsequent sentence, are in connection to various incidents spanning across a number of years, prosecutors said. The children connected to these incidents reported them to their parents and an investigation was launched.
According to the investigation, Frazier was a family friend of all four young victims.
In one incident, on Sept. 19, 2019, according to the investigation, Frazier exposed himself to a 10-year-old girl and masturbated in front of her.
News
In another incident, according to the district attorney's office citing the investigation, between March 20, 2018 and June 15, 2018, Frazier repeatedly exposed himself and masturbated in front of two other girls, ages 12 and 13.
Subsequently, in April 2017, according to the investigation, he also forced an 11-year-old girl to perform a sex act.
Frazier joined the New York City police department in January 2015 and was suspended in 2019 following his first arrest. He resigned in November 2020. Before to joining the NYPD, he worked as a court officer for 10 years. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/former-nypd-officer-sentenced-to-prison-for-sexually-molesting-child/4409337/ | 2023-06-09T19:06:27 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/former-nypd-officer-sentenced-to-prison-for-sexually-molesting-child/4409337/ |
HOUSTON — BREAKING: Nate Paul, an associate of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, is charged on an eight-count federal indictment alleging multiple financial crimes in 2017 and 2018, according to Tony Plohetski, a reporter for the Austin American-Statesman and KHOU 11's sister station KVUE.
Paxton’s name wasn’t uttered during his initial appearance in U.S. District Court but he is accused of helping Paul.
The 23-page indictment does not link Paul to Paxton. However, the Texas AG’s Office whistleblowers and Texas House investigators allege Paxton took multiple steps to help Paul in the federal case and received multiple benefits for doing so, including hiring his mistress.
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An Austin developer, who’s a central figure in the impeachment case against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, remains behind bars Friday morning.
His name is Nate Paul, and while folks may not know much about him yet, that’s about to change. He was arrested by the FBI on Thursday.
KHOU 11 News has reached out to Dan Cogdell and Tony Buzbeee, the Houston-based attorneys representing the attorney general in his impeachment trial.
They haven't responded yet, but one of them did speak to the Dallas Morning News overnight.
Cogdell told the paper he believes the FBI is trying to "flip Nate Paul" to testify against the attorney general.
The FBI first began investigating the real estate developer years ago. Paxton's deputies blew the whistle on their boss, accusing Paul of bribing the attorney general to help with his legal troubles.
Now, Paxton’s dealings with Paul are considered a major focal point behind his impeachment.
It's unclear who Paul’s defense attorney is. He is being held at the Travis County Jail on federal charges, but those charges have not been revealed.
KHOU 11 News learned that he should be arraigned sometime on Friday. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/texas/nate-paul-austin-developer-arrested/285-c5fb98e4-67e4-490a-a8fe-284c6a5684e7 | 2023-06-09T19:06:28 | 0 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/texas/nate-paul-austin-developer-arrested/285-c5fb98e4-67e4-490a-a8fe-284c6a5684e7 |
The indictment that makes Donald Trump the first former president in U.S. history to be charged with federal crimes includes seven criminal charges.
The document was unsealed Friday and the charges include willful retention of national defense information — a crime under the Espionage Act — and obstruction of justice. Trump said he has been ordered to appear in court in Miami on Tuesday.
Read the 49-page indictment below:
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Copyright NBC New York | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/whats-in-trumps-indictment-read-the-49-page-document/4409273/ | 2023-06-09T19:06:33 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/whats-in-trumps-indictment-read-the-49-page-document/4409273/ |
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Chief investigative reporter Jonathan Dienst on crime, corruption and terrorism. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/donald-trump-indicted-in-classified-documents-investigation/4407158/ | 2023-06-09T19:06:39 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/donald-trump-indicted-in-classified-documents-investigation/4407158/ |
The National Puerto Rican Day Parade will hit New York City streets this Sunday.
This year's theme this year is "Música, Cultura y Alegría" (translated to "Music, Culture and Joy" in English), which will pay tribute to Puerto Rico's musicians, creative culture, and the joyous energy.
“The NPRDP Board selected this theme because these words embody the essence of the 2023 celebration, and they encapsulate the tributes and honorees we will recognize during the Parade and related events,” Louis Maldonado Pérez, NPRDP board member and former board Chair, said in a statement.
Now in its 66th year, the parade will make its way on Fifth Avenue from 44th to 79th street starting at 11a.m. This year it is dedicated to the municipality of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
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It is expected that around one million spectators will line the streets to take in the parade's sights.
For a live stream of the parade, visit NBC 4 New York's sister station at Telemundo47.com or on its app. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/the-puerto-rican-day-parade-is-this-sunday-what-you-need-to-know/4406398/ | 2023-06-09T19:06:46 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/the-puerto-rican-day-parade-is-this-sunday-what-you-need-to-know/4406398/ |
Dine Out for Pride
For the first time, Richmond is celebrating “Dine Out for Pride” week. More than two dozen restaurants – such as Bar Solita, Casa del Barco Canal Walk, eazzy burger, Heritage and more -- will offer a special Jack Daniels or Tito’s Pride-themed cocktail with a portion of the sale going to VA Pride and the Richmond Region Tourism Foundation. Through Sunday. Full list of participating establishments at: outrva.com/dineoutforpride.
Ardent’s 9th Anniversary Block Party
Ardent Craft Ales is celebrating its 9th anniversary with a block party blow-out on Saturday. Ardent will be taking over Leigh Street with guest breweries, live music, Ardent beers, and food trucks such as Saltys Lobster & Co. Noon-8 p.m., free to enter, pay as you go. 3200 W. Leigh St. https://ardentcraftales.com
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Biscuits & Gravy has closed
Biscuits & Gravy, located in the former Dairy Bar spot at 1602 Roseneath Road, has closed.
The owners of Tang & Biscuit bought The Dairy Bar and converted it into their own breakfast-focused spot with simple, comfort food. It was open for roughly a year.
“We came here to honor the rich history this building holds. We believe that we accomplished just that thanks to our loyal patrons…Unfortunately, our portion of the story has come to a close,” the owners posted to social media.
The Dairy Bar originally opened in 1946 and has been a Richmond staple ever since. Husband-and-wife team Bill and Tricia Webb bought the breakfast and lunch restaurant in 1997 and sold the business in 2020 to one of their cooks, Corey Martin. The restaurant then quietly closed its doors in 2021. The owners of Tang & Biscuit acquired the building and opened it as Biscuits & Gravy in 2022. No details were available for plans for the building.
Citizen Burger Bar in Carytown closes, will become Indian restaurant
After posting to social media that it was closed for renovations, Citizen Burger Bar is now closed, as first reported by Richmond Bizsense, and will be replaced by an Indian restaurant.
Citizen Burger was owned by the Charlottesville-based The Virginian Restaurant Co. and Andy McClure, which also co-owns Jardin in the Fan and Grisette in Church Hill.
McClure sold the building. According to Sperity Real Estate Ventures, which brokered the deal, Jannat Indian Cuisine will launch Carytown Indian Cuisine in the space. Jannat has an Indian restaurant at 7801 W. Broad St. in Henrico.
Haitian food delivered from Lakay Zaz
You can now get Haitian-inspired food from local Lakay Zaz delivered on Doordash and Grubhub.
Haitian chef Sthara Normil has been doing pop-ups around Richmond as Lakay Zaz, often selling out popular dishes such as griot, marinated pork chunks deep fried ($18) and whole deep fried snapper with pickled cabbage and fried plantains ($35).
Lakay Zaz has joined the restaurant co-op at Richmond Eats, 2812 W. Broad St., where her dishes can be delivered via Doordash and GrubHub or via touchscreen kiosks. Other dishes include fish patties, creole chicken ($15), oxtails ($24), tassot de boeuf ($17) and beef patties ($3).
“We’re one of the few Haitian restaurants in Virginia,” Normil said. “People drove from all over – Virginia Beach and D.C. – to visit our pop-ups.” | https://richmond.com/life-entertainment/local/food-drink/dining-news-dine-out-for-pride-citizen-burger-bar-biscuits-gravy-closes/article_f38912a8-0573-11ee-a516-6bec0dfb16b5.html | 2023-06-09T19:10:39 | 0 | https://richmond.com/life-entertainment/local/food-drink/dining-news-dine-out-for-pride-citizen-burger-bar-biscuits-gravy-closes/article_f38912a8-0573-11ee-a516-6bec0dfb16b5.html |
Multiple free sessions on how to safely operate an off-highway vehicle are taking place this weekend at Magic Mountain Ski Area.
The 12th annual Magic Mountain OHV Safety Fair starts Friday afternoon and runs through Sunday.
State law requires OHV operators under the age of 16 to complete one of the Idaho Department Parks and Recreation’s courses before riding on a U.S. Forest Service road, Rich Gummersal, OHV education coordinator said.
Operating either a motorbike, ATV or UTV can be tricky, and course instructors will teach children and adults rules of the road and how to operate the vehicle safely.
Throttle control and the proper way to manage weight on the vehicle is vital to prevent crashes, Gummersal said.
Sign up for the course at www.reced.idaho.gov, and participants will meet at the IDPR trailer at the Magic Mountain parking lot. Participants need to provide an OHV with either a 2023 or 2024 sticker and proper attire. Children need to bring a parent or guardian.
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Gummersal noted that more adults have been taking the course, now that both Utah and Oregon require all riders to take the course. If someone is unable to attend this weekend, classes are scheduled throughout the summer at various locations. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/required-ohv-courses-for-kids-set-for-magic-mountain-this-weekend/article_58bd91c0-06f1-11ee-9d68-b77c280a6b92.html | 2023-06-09T19:20:45 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/required-ohv-courses-for-kids-set-for-magic-mountain-this-weekend/article_58bd91c0-06f1-11ee-9d68-b77c280a6b92.html |
For less than two dollars a meal, the Allen County Commissioners approved a contract Friday to provide jail inmates with meals for the next three years.
Trinity Services Group was the chosen contractor for the project. Spencer Feighner, an attorney who represents the Allen County Sherriff's Department, said a number of factors went into the decision after a bid process.
"Based on the evaluation process we went through, they were clearly the best offer of services for us in this particular circumstance," Feighner said.
He said the county has had good experience with the company in the past.
"We have an excellent track record with Trinity. They've been providing services to (the Allen County Juvenile Center) for several years," Feighner said. "That was one of the things candidly that was very influential in our evaluation process – they've had a great experience with (the Allen County Juvenile Center) and (the Allen County Jail)."
The three-year contract begins on July 1 and will end June 30, 2026. The county will provide the facilities and equipment, and Trinity Services Group will provide the personnel and send the county a weekly invoice.
Trinity Services group will be required to maintain at least six employees, including a food service director, an assistant food service director and at least four hourly employees. Inmate labor will also be utilized, according to the agreement.
Prices for the meals will go up annually and will largely depend on the average number of inmates. For the first year, meals will start at $1.65 with an average population of 600 to 649 and go down to $1.41 if the jail is housing more than 950 inmates.
By the third year, meals when the jail has 600 to 649 will cost $1.82 and decrease to $1.55 when the average population is more than 950 inmates. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/allen-county-commissioners-approve-meal-contract-for-jail/article_67fe12c8-06d7-11ee-b176-37758599759b.html | 2023-06-09T19:21:21 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/allen-county-commissioners-approve-meal-contract-for-jail/article_67fe12c8-06d7-11ee-b176-37758599759b.html |
Bluffton police are investigating a man's death after pulling his body from a pond Thursday evening.
Officers said they were called to the 700 block of North Main Street after someone saw the victim in the water about 7:12 p.m.
There were no immediate or obvious signs of foul play, but an autopsy is scheduled for today, police said.
Officers from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Wells County coroner's office assisted Bluffton police.
No further information was provided. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/body-pulled-from-bluffton-pond/article_b9fffc56-06d9-11ee-9140-0b2dabfea3a5.html | 2023-06-09T19:21:27 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/body-pulled-from-bluffton-pond/article_b9fffc56-06d9-11ee-9140-0b2dabfea3a5.html |
CALIFORNIA, USA — This story was originally published by CalMatters.
Every two weeks, cars line up at The Hill Church in Vallejo for a drive-thru food distribution. While Whitney Houston songs play over a speaker, volunteers load 39 pounds of food into each trunk — canned tuna, eggs, potatoes and other staples.
Elvira Santiago, a retired medical assistant living in senior housing, is particularly excited about the bag of apples.
“We eat them every afternoon. And I’ll cook chicken adobo with the chicken and vegetables,” said Santiago, who visited the distribution Wednesday for the first time this month and expects to return again. “When you go to Savers or the Filipino grocery, $50 is hardly enough.”
Santiago is one of the thousands of Californians visiting food banks this year, some for the very first time. The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, which organizes the Vallejo distribution, is serving 350,000 people every month across the two counties — double the 175,000 people it served per month before the pandemic.
“With inflation going up and CalFresh food assistance going down, I see people in their 20s to people of retirement age all coming out for help,” said Geo Dinoso, who manages distributions for the food bank. “I’m requesting more food every month at my distributions.”
California food banks, which saw more families seeking help during the pandemic, are now serving more people every month as extra benefits started during the pandemic come to an end. That is reducing benefits to 5.3 million Californians — and prompting the statewide food banks association to warn of a “catastrophic hunger crisis” this year.
Instead of functioning as sources of emergency aid, food banks say they are becoming long-term supermarkets for Californians facing food insecurity.
Recipients of CalFresh, California’s version of the federal food stamp program, were given the maximum benefits available for their household size during the pandemic, or at least $95 more a month if they were already at the maximum. However, those emergency allotments ended March 26, meaning that for some single-person households, CalFresh benefits dropped from $281 to as little as $23 a month.
Also, a federal program that gives eligible households food benefits to replace in-person school meals will conclude at the end of this school year. While a summer program will replace it, the benefit will be $40 per month for each child, a substantial drop from the $125 per month for each child families received last summer.
Now, food banks are also worried about the federal debt ceiling agreement, which imposes more work requirements on food aid recipients.
“Often when people receive less CalFresh benefits or are kicked off the program more permanently, they turn to food banks to make up the difference. So we’re concerned about what the debt ceiling agreement will mean for food banks,” said Lauren Lathan Reid, director of communications at the California Association of Food Banks.
That surge in demand is already happening at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, which in 2023, has already had two of its five busiest months ever. In March and April, it served 305,000 and 280,000 people, respectively. Before the pandemic, the food bank served around 150,000 people per month.
“We don’t see an end in sight for this sustained hunger,” said Kevin Buffalino, the food bank’s communications director. “And if this is sustained, it is going to be very difficult for us to keep up.”
Other food banks in Northern California have seen similar spikes in demand. Berkeley Food Pantry, which serves families in Berkeley and Albany, has seen a 56% increase in demand in the first five months of 2023 compared to 2019.
Dharma Galang, director of the Berkeley Food Pantry, traces this increase in demand to a letter CalFresh recipients received in January informing them that emergency benefits would be scaled back in March.
Since then, the pantry has been running out of fresh vegetables, meat, eggs and dairy products — nutritious foods that are often more expensive at groceries.
Across the Bay, the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank is serving 56,000 households per week compared to 32,000 households before the pandemic. The programs it offers, including neighborhood pantries and home-delivered groceries, are at or over capacity, with long waiting lists.
“To deal with this, we’ve had to scale back and simplify our menus,” said Meg Davidson, the food bank’s policy and advocacy director.
The food bank also works with a multilingual outreach team that helps people sign up for CalFresh benefits. Since March, many people have stopped applying for CalFresh because the benefits have reduced so drastically.
“To go from $281 to $23 a month is devastating, you cannot come back from that,” Davidson said. “In a place like the Bay Area, the benefit allotments are completely out of touch with reality.”
Even with the extra benefits during the pandemic, 20% of Californians still faced food insecurity in 2021. This year, the number is expected to rapidly rise.
From experiences during the 2008 Great Recession and recent survey results from food banks, Reid of the state association anticipates an increase in demand for food for many years to come.
Solutions at the Capitol?
There are efforts underway at the Legislature to increase the minimum CalFresh benefit. Senate Bill 600, authored by state Sen. Caroline Menjivar, raises the amount from $23 to $50 per month.
“I know $50 isn’t enough. New Jersey has $95, and their cost of living is nowhere near ours,” said Menjivar, a Van Nuys Democrat.
The bill, however, is estimated to cost $95 million a year, a steep price tag amid California’s $31.5 billion budget deficit.
Food banks across California are in favor of this bill, in addition to SB 348, which would ensure access to summer food and school meals programs, and SB 245 and Assembly Bill 311, which would provide state-funded nutrition benefits to all Californians regardless of their immigration status.
“We’re heartened to see that lawmakers at the state level have been acknowledging that this hunger crisis is still going on,” said Davidson of the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. “We’ve been seeing the exact opposite at the federal level with Congress holding the debt ceiling hostage over SNAP restrictions, and unfortunately we’re seeing it from our local government.”
All four bills have passed their first house, but could face hurdles to become law as the Legislative Analyst’s Office warns that the state cannot afford costly new programs.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s May budget plan includes $60 million for CalFood, which enables food banks to distribute California-grown produce; more than $300 million for School Meals for All; and a total of $2.7 billion in combined state and federal funding for anti-hunger programs.
The budget does not include any money for Market Match, California’s largest nutrition incentive program that allows CalFresh shoppers to double their benefits on fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets across the state. This has sparked concern from farmers, food banks, and CalFresh recipients who obtained 38 million servings of fruits and veggies through the program.
Newsom’s plan also does not include money to increase the monthly minimum CalFresh allotment, and Menjivar said it will be a challenge to get it included.
Food banks are continuing to advocate for the bill to be in the final budget, which is now being negotiated, with a June 15 deadline for the Legislature to pass at least its version.
“Levels of hunger during the pandemic did not significantly spike, and that was only because we had public programs and food banks that stepped up. If we don’t continue to have investments from the state and federal governments, then all the weight is going to be put on food banks,” said Reid.
For now, people from all walks of life will continue to line up in their cars at the Vallejo food bank. Alvin Angeles, a 32-year-old caretaker in Vallejo who just had a baby, will wait in his car alongside Dave Terry, a 64-year-old on disability.
“It’s a sad thing to see in our United States of America,” said Terry. “I don’t see an end in sight. We need a lot of policy changes.” | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/california-food-banks-are-being-flooded-by-families-seeking-help/103-cb4b82b6-0972-454b-af31-380630cae495 | 2023-06-09T19:23:05 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/california-food-banks-are-being-flooded-by-families-seeking-help/103-cb4b82b6-0972-454b-af31-380630cae495 |
CALIFORNIA, USA — This story was originally published by CalMatters.
When ranchers violated an emergency order to stop pumping water from the drought-plagued Shasta River last year, state officials fined them $4,000, or roughly $50 each. Now California legislators are weighing a bill that would triple fines for such infractions — and could allow the penalty to climb higher than a million dollars.
Authored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, a Democrat from San Ramon, the bill cleared the Assembly in a 43 to 20 vote last week and is now awaiting discussion in Senate committees.
The proposed legislation aims to give California’s water enforcers more muscle to act swiftly and levy larger penalties for water agencies, irrigation districts and landowners who violate state orders and policies by pumping from rivers and streams.
Bauer-Kahan introduced AB 460 after CalMatters reported in November that the state had imposed minimal fines on about 80 Siskiyou County ranchers — served by the Shasta River Water Association — who had violated an emergency order to stop pumping. The river’s flows plunged by more than half, threatening ecosystems and rare fish such as salmon.
Yet in a public demonstration of the state’s limited powers, the ranchers kept the pumps on for eight days.
“Paying the fines was worth it to them to take what they took, and that shows a real weakness in what we have done,” Bauer-Kahan said. “It was so clear that our law was not working."
The State Water Resources Control Board’s maximum fine under existing law is $500 per day. The state also can issue a cease and desist order, which carries maximum fines of $10,000 per day, but it requires a 20-day waiting period and allows the users to seek a public hearing. Such provisions allow the violations to continue for weeks.
“The board doesn’t have the tools to act quickly,” said Michael Kiparsky, water program director at the Center for Law, Energy & the Environment at UC Berkeley School of Law. “The fish don’t care if the lawyers are trying to figure out who’s right or wrong if they’re dead.”
Rick Lemos, a fifth generation rancher and board member of the Shasta River Water Association, said the ranchers turned their pumps on last August because their cattle were at risk without more water. Costs from hauling water and buying hay were climbing, and the ranchers faced the prospect of selling off cattle.
“We could have kept going for $500 a day,” said Rick Lemos, a fifth generation rancher and board member of the Shasta River Water Association.
Had the Assembly bill been in force then, the ranchers could have faced daily fines between $1,500 and $10,000, plus $2,500 for every acre-foot of water diverted, which could reach more than $1,000,000.
Lemos said if fines had reached $10,000 per day, “we definitely could have had to rethink it. That’s for damn sure.” Yet, he also added, “I’m not so sure we wouldn’t have done it again. When you got cattle out of water and you have no other options, what are you gonna do? “
“If you’ve got 5,000 head of cattle that are worth $1,200 apiece, and they’re starting to die. I mean, how much can you spend for eight or 10 days to remedy the problem?” he said.
The law would target landowners, water agencies and districts that take water from rivers and streams, not individual consumers who turn on their taps.
Sponsored by conservation groups — California Trout, the Planning and Conservation League and Trout Unlimited — the bill is also supported by the Karuk and Yurok Tribes.
“The fine doesn’t fit the crime,” Karuk Tribal Council Member Arron “Troy” Hockaday said. ”What’s gonna stop them from doing it again this year, or next year? Or anytime they want? I mean, you got 80 farmers only paying $50 apiece. They’re gonna keep doing it.”
But water providers, builders and agricultural groups oppose the bill, saying it is so broad that even those diverting water legally could be ensnared in the expanded water board powers.
“If (the bill) did nothing else but raise penalties, that would stop what went on on the Shasta,” said Kristopher Anderson, the Association of California Water Agencies’ legislative advocate. But he said, by expanding other authorities, “this bill systematically stacks the deck against water right holders in favor of the water board.”
One new authority would be issuing interim relief orders to stop diversions or address potential harms. In urgent cases, these could take effect immediately “to prevent imminent or irreparable injury to other legal users of water, or to instream beneficial uses,” the bill says. Water users who ignore an interim relief order could face fines of $10,000 per day and $2,500 per acre-foot diverted.
Jennifer Pierre, general manager of the State Water Contractors, an association of public water agencies, said vague definitions in the bill such as ‘irreparable injury’ create uncertainty over what water would actually be available to suppliers in the future, which could impede development.
Anderson added he would prefer to see enforcement run through the courts rather than state-issued fines — an avenue that the water board could have but did not pursue with the Siskiyou County ranchers.
But water board officials said in the Shasta River case, seeking a court order would have kicked off a lengthy, resource-intensive battle.
“You’ve got both parties who are going to be subject to extensive litigation and litigation costs,” said Yvonne West, director of the water board’s Office of Enforcement. “We thought we could react quicker… In hindsight, we see that we didn’t gain the compliance we were hoping for from those initial actions.”
Bauer-Kahan’s bill is one of several taking aim at the state’s byzantine, Gold Rush-era water rights system that state analysts warn has promised more water than is available. The system, which establishes priority among users, is facing mounting criticism for its history of inequality and exclusion of Native peoples and people of color.
Another bill would expand the state’s powers to curtail pumping from rivers and streams even by water users with claims that pre-date the state’s water rights law, enacted in 1914. A third would allow the board to investigate the legitimacy of senior water rights claims.
All three face opposition from builders, water providers and agriculture. So far they have cleared their houses of origin and are continuing through the Legislature.
California water watchers say it’s critical to bolster the state’s power to enforce water laws.
“Is the genie out of the bottle now?” Berkeley’s Kiparsky asked.
“What happens during the next drought now that it’s been very publicly demonstrated that water users can in essence treat the water board’s enforcement actions as an additional, and sometimes very modest, cost of doing business?” | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/california-ranchers-intentionally-violated-an-emergency-water-order/103-b172cce9-ca23-4cbe-a14f-11b681f9eb15 | 2023-06-09T19:23:11 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/california-ranchers-intentionally-violated-an-emergency-water-order/103-b172cce9-ca23-4cbe-a14f-11b681f9eb15 |
ROSEVILLE, Calif. — As some students turn their tassels and receive diplomas, others are enjoying summer vacation before gearing up for the next school year.
For many families, including mom of five, Alicia Wright, this year was a little bit different. It was the first year of later school start times.
Some California high schoolers got to sleep in a little later and some elementary school students in Roseville woke up earlier to attend their classes.
A law passed in 2019 made school start times for all middle schools and high schools in California begin no earlier than 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., respectively, by the start of the 2022-23 school year. The law doesn't apply to non-mandatory "zero period," or rural schools.
The new law made little or no difference for some California high-school students, but for students in Roseville, it pushed start times back by about 45 minutes.
The reason for pushing start times back? According to the law, early school start times can lead to sleep deprivation, which impacts students' health and academics.
Wright said her kids didn't feel the benefits of more sleep because they all have to get up early so she can drop everyone off at their respective schools. Wright said it was difficult for her too because as a business owner, she had fewer hours to work.
"Picking the little kids up earlier is a difficulty on parents who have to work or run a business," Wright said.
With kids at three different schools including Stoneridge Elementary School, Eich Middle School and Oakmont High School, Wright said pick-up and drop-off time means all her kids have to wake up earlier and wait for their sibling's school to get out.
While Wright's kids didn't really benefit from the bell schedule change, she said there could be some who do.
"The only people I really see this benefitting is kids who drive themselves and have no siblings," Wright said.
Regardless, Wright said she doesn't think kids have the level of self-control to get more sleep. She said she thinks kids push the limits to stay up as late as possible.
Pete Constant is the president of the board of trustees with Roseville Joint Union High School District.
"We are excited to close out another great year at RJUHSD. While we managed a schedule under the state-mandated start times, we continue to believe these decisions are made best at the community level by locally elected school boards," Constant told ABC10.
Rob Hasty, the executive director of Human Resources for the Roseville Joint Union High School District, said people were adjusting well to the schedule.
"We are continuing to monitor and ask for feedback and will continue to adjust and find solutions to difficult situations — always want to find creative ways to help our community," Hasty wrote in an email to ABC10.
Hasty told ABC10 that as next school year starts, he expects parents will have more feedback and questions.
"I expect that we will continue to make minor adjustments over time to best fit the needs of our community," Hasty said.
School Start Dates 2023-2024
Roseville Joint Union High School District
Schools start on Thursday, August 10 in the Roseville Joint Union High School District.
Roseville City School District
Schools start on Thursday, August 10 in the Roseville City School District.
Eureka Union School District
Schools start on Wednesday, August 16 in the Eureka Union School District.
Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District
Schools start on Thursday, August 10 in the Roseville City School District.
Watch more on ABC10: Roseville cheerleader back in action after revolutionary spinal surgery | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/roseville-impacted-new-school-start-times/103-161f2f40-e2b8-4368-828f-7138e8fc278e | 2023-06-09T19:23:17 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/roseville-impacted-new-school-start-times/103-161f2f40-e2b8-4368-828f-7138e8fc278e |
SALEM, Ore. — Oregon has long been known as a mecca for high-quality marijuana, but that reputation has come with a downside: illegal growers who offer huge amounts of cash to lease or buy land and then leave behind pollution, garbage and a drained water table.
Now, a bill passed by the Oregon Legislature seeks to tackle that by making the landowners themselves responsible for the aftermath. The bill also prohibits the use of rivers or groundwater at the illegal site, as well as criminalizes seizing the identity papers of migrant workers who tend the plants or threatening to report them for deportation.
Under the bill, local governments are authorized to file a claim of lien against property used for illicit marijuana, if the owner doesn’t pay for the cleanup.
A leader of the state’s cannabis and alcohol regulatory agency has said southern Oregon is to marijuana what Bordeaux is to wine. But the state faces challenges on two fronts: The regulated industry has a glut of product that has slashed prices and profit margins, and there has been huge growth in illegal pot farms operating under the guise of growing hemp, which became legal nationally in 2018.
After passing the Senate and House, the House Speaker Dan Rayfield signed the measure Wednesday, over the objections of some Republicans. Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek is expected to sign it next week.
“This is just an assault on property rights here in the state of Oregon,” GOP Sen. Dennis Linthicum said on the Senate floor.
But Sen. Jeff Golden, of Ashland, said property owners should know something is amiss when they are “approached at the beginning of the growing season with requests to lease their property for tens, sometimes hundreds of thousand dollars for a single year.”
Witnesses have described backpacks with thousands of dollars in cash being handed over to landowners and getting numerous offers to buy.
“We pay CASH and offer a fast close,” says one letter received by a landowner last year, one of three offers.
Jackson County Sheriff Nathan Sickler told lawmakers that after police raid illegal pot farms, neither landowners nor the suspects make efforts to remove the cheaply built greenhouses, known as “hoop houses,” latrines, and other debris, including plastics and chemicals.
“Frankly, it's an eyesore for our community, with no means to deal with it,” Sickler said.
Some two years ago, the ideal growing conditions began attracting criminal gangs from Mexico, Russia and other countries, police said. Thousands of hoop houses cropped up and police were overwhelmed, nailing only a fraction of the sites. Workers at these farms often live in squalid conditions and use open latrines, and they are sometimes cheated out of their pay.
Due to persistent police raids, which netted over 100 tons of illegal marijuana across the state last year, the grow sites have become smaller and more dispersed. For example, on Thursday, Josephine County Sheriff's deputies and other officers raided a property in Cave Junction and destroyed about 2,000 marijuana plants and 100 pounds of processed marijuana.
Landowners who have been intimidated and suffered environmental damage from illegal grow sites are applauding the bill.
“At least most of the landowners knew what they were doing was wrong. I believe this measure will help to stem the tide,” said Jack Dwyer, who has a house near the community of Selma. In 2021, Dwyer said a large illegal grow site nearby siphoned all the water from a creek that runs through his property, causing it to run dry.
Christopher Hall, who works to engage the public in water stewardship, said the bill shows that Oregon officials understand the problem of large-scale illicit cannabis operations and are committed to solving it.
The illicit sites “not only turn streams into gravel roads but also lead to serious human rights violations and dumping of trash, sewage, chemicals, and other waste into ditches, riparian areas, and streams," he said.
The Senate approved the measure before GOP senators began a walkout on May 3 over Democratic measures on abortion, gender-affirming care and gun safety. The House passed the marijuana bill on a 53-3 vote on May 31. The bill will now go to Kotek to sign into law, taking immediate effect.
"The governor supports cracking down on illegal cannabis operations that have been prevalent in southern Oregon,” said Elisabeth Shepard, Kotek's spokesperson. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/marijuana/oregon-illegal-pot-pollution-hold-landowners-responsible/283-465d73ca-9ccf-40f8-9cd3-a1f2ac15344a | 2023-06-09T19:23:59 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/marijuana/oregon-illegal-pot-pollution-hold-landowners-responsible/283-465d73ca-9ccf-40f8-9cd3-a1f2ac15344a |
ASTORIA, Ore. — Pier 39 in Astoria is closed indefinitely after it was damaged by fire late Thursday night.
The pier "suffered significant fire damage" and will need to be repaired, an Astoria fire official said. The pier will remain closed until a city building official can determine its structural stability. Officials did not provide an estimated date for when it will reopen.
The fire broke out just before midnight Thursday. First reports indicated that flames and smoke were coming from Rogue Pier 39 Public House, a restaurant located on the pier. When firefighters arrived shortly after midnight, they noticed flames and smoke in front of the restaurant. Firefighters had the blaze under control within 50 minutes and were able to contain it to the pier without letting it spread to other structures.
According to Google, the Rogue is temporarily closed as well.
Fire crews stayed on scene for a couple hours to put out hot spots and conduct an initial investigation. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, fire officials said.
Pier 39 owner Floyd Holcom told The Astorian that security video captured a person smoking, which he believes is how the fire started. He said the video was submitted to Astoria police.
Astoria Police Chief Stacy Kelly said the video is being reviewed as part of the investigation. Officers located the person in the video around 5:30 a.m. Friday and police are investigating whether they had criminal intent or were just being negligent, according to The Astorian.
There were no reported injuries to firefighters or anyone on the pier.
Fire departments from Astoria, Lewis & Clark, Knappa and Warrenton helped put out the fire. They were also assisted by the Astoria Police Department, Public Works Department and Medix Ambulance. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/north-coast/pier-39-closed-fire-astoria-oregon-coast/283-8a845be1-b4f0-43e4-adf5-713ede9a7c5b | 2023-06-09T19:24:05 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/north-coast/pier-39-closed-fire-astoria-oregon-coast/283-8a845be1-b4f0-43e4-adf5-713ede9a7c5b |
PORTLAND, Oregon — A $1 million funding grant is equipping and expanding the new Precision Biofabrication Hub at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute.
Researchers at the hub take small samples of human cells from organ tissues to reproduce organs, cancerous tumors and bone material using 3D bioprinters and other advanced engineering.
“That allows us to understand how tumors actually progress and metastasize,” said Dr. Luiz Bertassoni, director of the Precision Biofabrication Hub. “We can actually do drug trials and do experiments with these same tumors without actually having to expose the patient themselves to these treatments and trials.”
Half of the $1 million grant came from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. The rest came from awards gathered by the Knight Cancer Institute, the OHSU School of Medicine and Bertassoni.
“The mission of the Cancer Institute is to end cancer as we know it,” said Bertassoni.
The Knight Cancer Institute accepts donation of any size to further their research. Those interested in contributing may do so here. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/oregon-replicating-organs-cancer-research/283-8a443577-fb64-417a-aa6a-e68885868416 | 2023-06-09T19:24:11 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/oregon-replicating-organs-cancer-research/283-8a443577-fb64-417a-aa6a-e68885868416 |
PORTLAND, Ore. — Many of the City of Portland's phone lines went down for about an hour Friday morning, although the Portland Bureau of Emergency Communications said 911 continued to work during the outage.
The bureau tweeted just after noon that the outage had been resolved and the city's office phone lines were back in service.
The bureau announced the outage in an earlier tweet just after 11 a.m., stating that the Portland 311 line and the main city line at 503-823-4000 were both down and that people seeking non-emergency assistance should email 311@portlandoregon.gov or try calling back later.
The bureau, which provides emergency call services for Portland and Multnomah County, did not immediately release any information about the cause of the outage or mention exactly when it started.
The Portland 311 Twitter account posted the the same message Friday morning, and a similar message was posted to the city's website, stating that many of the city's phone lines were out of service due to a phone system outage.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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See a typo in this article? Email web@kgw.com for corrections | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-city-phone-lines-down-911-still-works/283-a27e2ad8-01b1-4cf1-89be-cc87a4350259 | 2023-06-09T19:24:17 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-city-phone-lines-down-911-still-works/283-a27e2ad8-01b1-4cf1-89be-cc87a4350259 |
BLOOMINGTON — A 45-year-old man is facing dozens of felony charges for possessing child pornography .
Chad W. Muse, of Normal, appeared in a Thursday bond court hearing one day after being indicted by a grand jury. He faces 24 counts of possession of pornographic photos of a child age 13 and under, a Class 2 felony, plus 17 counts of possessing pornographic film or photos of a minor, a Class 3 felony.
Chase W. Muse, 45, of Normal, faces 41 counts of felony child pornography.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Charging documents dated all 41 child porn offenses as occurring Dec. 12.
Judge Scott Black set Muse's bond at $500,000, with 10% to apply for release.
Muse told the court he planned to hire a private attorney, thus a public defender was not appointed. His arraignment hearing was scheduled for 9 a.m. June 23.
'Matilda' actor Mara Wilson has opened up about how it felt to be sexualized as a minor. Wilson appeared in a string of hits such as 'Matilda' and 'Mrs. Doubtfire' when she was young.
'A moral disaster': Photos reveal scope of migrant kids program
Immigration Childrens Shelters
Migrant teens and a staff member walk in a line at the Homestead Temporary Shelter for Unaccompanied Children, a former Job Corps site that now houses them, in Homestead, Fla., on Monday, Dec. 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Brynn Anderson
Immigration Childrens Shelters
Migrant teens gather at the Homestead Temporary Shelter for Unaccompanied Children, a former Job Corps site that now houses them, in Homestead, Fla., on Monday, Dec. 10, 2018. Dr. Ryan Matlow, a Stanford clinical psychologist who recently met with detained migrant children, says, “Children are being treated as cogs in a machine, and their individual backgrounds, interests and unique identities are devalued as they are lost amongst the masses. This experience then becomes internalized, with significant psychological consequences.” (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Brynn Anderson
Immigration Childrens Shelters
Migrant teens walk in a line at the Homestead Temporary Shelter for Unaccompanied Children, a former Job Corps site that now houses them, in Homestead, Fla., on Monday, Dec. 10, 2018. On sprawling country ranches and busy city centers, in suburban homes and huge crowded tents, the Trump administration has scattered about 14,300 migrant children across the country in a vast network of 150 shelters, detention centers and foster homes over the last 20 months. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Brynn Anderson
Immigration Childrens Shelters
A migrant teen plays soccer as others gather at the Homestead Temporary Shelter for Unaccompanied Children, a former Job Corps site that now houses them, in Homestead, Fla., on Monday, Dec. 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Brynn Anderson
Immigration Childrens Shelters
Manuela Marcelino, 11, left, sits with her father, Manuel Marcelino Tzah, from Guatemala, inside their apartment hours after her release from immigrant detention, Wednesday July 18, 2018, in Brooklyn borough of New York. Manuela was taken from him and held in a Southwest Keys facility in Houston for nearly two months. He said his family is still trying to process the pain of separation and detention. “She’s doing ok now, she is going to school,” said Marcelino, whose immigration case is pending in a New York court near his new home in Brooklyn. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
Bebeto Matthews
Immigration Childrens Shelters
Manuela Marcelino, 11, left, sits with her father Manuel Marcelino Tzah inside their apartment hours after her release from immigrant detention, Wednesday July 18, 2018, in Brooklyn borough of New York. The Guatemalan asylum seekers were separated May 15 after they crossed the U.S. border in Texas. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
Bebeto Matthews
Immigration Childrens Shelters
FILE - This undated file photo provided by the Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Center shows part of the interior of the building in Staunton, Va. A lawsuit filed in 2018 alleges that migrant youths at the facility were beaten while handcuffed and locked up for long periods in solitary confinement, left nude and shivering in concrete cells. (Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Center via AP, File)
HOGP
Immigration Childrens Shelters
FILE - In this June 22, 2018, file photo, an 18-year-old Honduran who said he suffered abuse inside a Virginia immigration detention facility stands in front of a window in San Francisco. The teen's experience echoes abuse claims by other migrant children whose accounts are included in a federal civil rights lawsuit charging that guards at the Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Center in Staunton, Va., beat them, locked them up for long periods in solitary confinement and left them nude and shivering in concrete cells. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)
Eric Risberg
Immigration Childrens Shelters
FILE - This June 20, 2018, file photo shows the Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Center in Staunton, Va. A lawsuit filed earlier this year alleges that migrant youths at the facility were beaten while handcuffed and locked up for long periods in solitary confinement, left nude and shivering in concrete cells. (AP Photo/Zachary Wajsgras, File)
Zachary Wajsgras
Immigration Childrens Shelters
Migrant teens walk in a line through the Tornillo detention camp in Tornillo, Texas, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018. The Trump administration announced in June 2018 that it would open the temporary shelter for up to 360 migrant children in this isolated corner of the Texas desert. Six months later, the facility has expanded into a detention camp holding thousands of teenagers. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Andres Leighton
Immigration Childrens Shelters
Migrant teens walk inside the Tornillo detention camp in Tornillo, Texas, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018. The Trump administration announced in June 2018 that it would open the temporary shelter for up to 360 migrant children in this isolated corner of the Texas desert. Six months later, the facility has expanded into a detention camp holding thousands of teenagers. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Andres Leighton
Immigration Childrens Shelters
A potable water truck is seen among tents inside the Tornillo detention camp for migrant teens in Tornillo, Texas, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018. The Trump administration announced in June 2018 that it would open the temporary shelter for up to 360 migrant children in this isolated corner of the Texas desert. Six months later, the facility has expanded into a detention camp holding thousands of teenagers. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Andres Leighton
Immigration Childrens Shelters
A private security guard throws a soccer ball back inside the Tornillo detention camp for migrant teens in Tornillo, Texas, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018. The Trump administration announced in June 2018 that it would open the temporary shelter for up to 360 migrant children in this isolated corner of the Texas desert. Six months later, the facility has expanded into a detention camp holding thousands of teenagers. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Andres Leighton
Immigration Childrens Shelters
A private security patrol car rides along the exterior fence of the Tornillo detention camp for migrant teens in Tornillo, Texas, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018. The Trump administration announced in June 2018 that it would open the temporary shelter for up to 360 migrant children in this isolated corner of the Texas desert. Six months later, the facility has expanded into a detention camp holding thousands of teenagers. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Andres Leighton
Immigration Childrens Shelters
Tents are seen through a hole in the tarp that covers the fence of the Tornillo detention camp for migrant teens in Tornillo, Texas, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018. At this unlicensed tent city in the Texas desert that is housing children who are closest to being released, the population dipped down to just over 1,000 children in late October, when human rights groups toured the camp. By Dec. 17, the population reached 2,745. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Andres Leighton
Immigration Childrens Shelters
Cecilio Ramirez, right, an immigrant from El Salvador who entered the United States illegally with his son, Omar Ramirez, left, earlier this year, sit together in San Antonio on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018. Omar was separated from his father and held for five months in a shelter overseen by the Office of Refugee Resettlement. Exclusive data obtained by The Associated Press, reveals the expanse of the federal government’s program that detains and shelters migrant children, now at the center of the Trump administration’s hardline approach to immigration. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Eric Gay
Immigration Childrens Shelters
Cecilio Ramirez, 34, an immigrant from El Salvador who entered the United States illegally with his son Omar Ramirez earlier this year, talks about the medication given to his son after they were separated, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018, in San Antonio. “It’s a pain we will never get through,” said Ramirez, who was finally reunited with his son after spending five months apart, only to learn Omar had been heavily medicated while in government custody. “It’s a system that causes irreparable damage. My son says they would tell him that because he wasn’t from here, he had no rights.” (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Eric Gay
Immigration Childrens Shelters
Cecilio Ramirez, 34, an immigrant from El Salvador who entered the United States illegally with his son, Omar Ramirez, earlier this year, talks about their situation in the apartment where they are staying as his immigration case is pending, in San Antonio on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018. He said he agonized at hearing that Omar was repeatedly hospitalized while held inside a facility in Brownsville, Texas, run by Southwest Key. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Eric Gay
Immigration Childrens Shelters
Omar Ramirez, 12, left, plays video games with his father's partner's son, Cristian, right, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018, in San Antonio. Cecilio Ramirez and his son, from El Salvador, entered the United States illegally earlier this year. Omar was separated from his father and held for five months in a shelter overseen by the Office of Refugee Resettlement. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Eric Gay
Immigration Childrens Shelters
Cecilio Ramirez, left, an immigrant from El Salvador who entered the United States illegally with his son, Omar Ramirez, right, earlier this year, visits a store with his partner, Zaida Del Carmen Molina, and her son, Cristian, also from El Salvador, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018, in San Antonio. Omar was separated from his father and held for five months in a shelter overseen by the Office of Refugee Resettlement. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Eric Gay
Immigration Childrens Shelters
Cecilio Ramirez, right, an immigrant from El Salvador who entered the United States illegally with his son, Omar Ramirez, wearing cap, earlier this year, returns to the apartment where they are staying as their immigration cases are pending, after visiting a store with his partner, Zaida Del Carmen Molina, and her son, Cristian, also from El Salvador, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018, in San Antonio. Omar was separated from his father and held for five months in a shelter overseen by the Office of Refugee Resettlement. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Eric Gay
Immigration Childrens Shelters
Cecilio Ramirez, right, an immigrant from El Salvador who entered the United States illegally with his son, Omar Ramirez, left, earlier this year, walks home after visiting a store with his partner, Zaida Del Carmen Molina, and her son Cristian, also from El Salvador, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018, in San Antonio. Omar was separated from his father and held for five months in a shelter overseen by the Office of Refugee Resettlement. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Eric Gay
Immigration Childrens Shelters
Omar Ramirez, 12, left, mops up a spill while he plays video games with Cristian Molina, right, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018, in San Antonio. Ramirez, from El Salvador, was separated from his father and held for five months in a shelter overseen by the Office of Refugee Resettlement after he entered the United States illegally earlier in the year. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Eric Gay
Immigration Childrens Shelters
FILE - In this June 21, 2018 file photo, a woman and children enter a Cayuga Centers social-services facility in New York. Cayuga Centers has gone from newcomer to one of the biggest names in the $1.5 billion-a-year business of housing immigrant kids under government detention. As of early December 2018, it was caring for nearly 900 migrant children, according to confidential government data obtained by The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
Richard Drew
Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison
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CULLODEN, WV (WOWK) – The Culloden Volunteer Fire Department and community are mourning the passing of one of the CVFD Ladies Auxiliary’s founding members.
According to the Culloden VFD, Frances Handley Blake Adams, 99, passed away Saturday, May 6, 2023 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, following a “short illness.” The fire department says Mrs. Blake had been living in Atlantic Beach, FL, but is formerly of Culloden and Hurricane, West Virginia. The CVFD says Mrs. Blake was just 111 days shy of celebrating her 100th birthday at the time of her passing.
“Continued prayers to the family and thank you to the Blake Family for your support and service to the Culloden VFD and our community,” the Culloden VFD said in a Facebook post.
While most recently a Florida resident, the Culloden VFD says Mrs. Blake spent most of her life in the Culloden and Hurricane area. She spent several years working with her late husband Jim Blake and their son Dale Blake at the Blake Insurance Agency, the fire department says. She also previously worked for the West Virginia Department of Highways.
Mrs. Blake was also active in her community, serving as a Charter Member of the CVFD Ladies Auxiliary, as well as being an active member of the First Baptist Church of Hurricane where she participated in the Sew and Grow Circle. The VFD says she was also a member of organizations including Parents without Partners, The Eastern Star and the Culloden Cemetery Improvement Committee.
“She loved making quilts and made many beautiful quilts for her children and grandchildren. Through the years, she supported her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren by attending their academic, athletic and performing arts events,” the Culloden VFD said. “Frances-Mother-Granny-will be missed by all her family and friends.” | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/culloden-vfd-community-mourns-ladies-auxiliary-founding-member/ | 2023-06-09T19:25:34 | 1 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/culloden-vfd-community-mourns-ladies-auxiliary-founding-member/ |
VALPARAISO — A 42-year-old Portage man, arrested and charged Thursday in the wake of a Nov. 8 crash on Willowcreek Road that left one dead, others injured and several vehicles mangled, was accelerating at 113 mph in a 40-mph zone just five seconds before the collision, according to a newly-filed charging document.
The speed dropped to 107 mph at less than a second before impact and the driver, Arthur Schmidt, was braking, according to information pulled from the event data recorder from Schmidt's gray 2016 Cadillac SRX SUV.
"The speedometer showed the needle was stuck in place at the 122 mph mark," police said.
Schmidt was arrested at his Portage home around 4 p.m. Thursday, which was exactly seven months after the fatal crash, Portage police Lt. Rob Maynard said.
Schmidt was taken to the Porter County Jail and faces felony counts of reckless homicide and criminal recklessness when defendant commits aggressive driving resulting in death, records show.
Police say Lauren Thompson, an eighth-grade English teacher at Chesterton Middle School, was in her GMC SUV stopped behind two cars at a red light around 5:45 p.m. Nov. 8 near the intersection of Willowcreek and Lute roads when a Cadillac smashed into her vehicle from behind.
The speed of the Cadillac caused Thompson's vehicle and two cars in front of her to slide through the intersection and onto the south side of Lute Road, police said. Six vehicles were involved in the crash.
“In the aftermath of this initial collision, three other vehicles that were traveling on Lute Road or northbound Willowcreek were struck in secondary collisions with the first three vehicles,” Maynard said. “One of these involved vehicles flipped onto its roof and another vehicle came to rest on top of the Cadillac.”
Thompson was reportedly dead when police arrived.
Among the new details revealed in the charging document is a witness seeing Schmidt holding his cell phone in the moments leading up to the fatal crash.
"(Witness) stated the Cadillac passed him on the right side of him at 'like 70 mph and he was on his cell phone, and it was in his hand,' " a court document reads.
A witness reportedly told police the crash occurred as east-west traffic began flowing across Willowcreek Road from Lute Road. The witness said he saw the Cadillac driven by Schmidt "traveling aggressively" south on Willowcreek Road before the crash.
"(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.
The witness told police he was with his wife and daughter, all of whom suffered pain as a result of the crash.
Police described arriving to a chaotic crash scene with six vehicles strewn about, including an SUV on top of Schmidt's Cadillac that was leaning partially on another vehicle.
Schmidt was found trapped in his vehicle, Thompson was dead, another driver was standing near a curb "visibly disoriented" and another involved was "shaken up," police said.
"We want to thank the officers and detectives of the Portage Police Department who investigated this case as well as the members of the Porter County Prosecutor's Office who dedicated many hours to meticulously prepare this case for prosecution in order to reach the point of an arrest being made," Portage police said in a prepared statement.
"We of course continue to express our sympathies and extend our condolences to the Thompson family and all of those whose lives have been tragically affected by this crash," police said.
"Happy tails, Duke. We love you! 'Adopted' looks good on you, good boy."
The Times had identified Schmidt in April when a civil lawsuit was filed against him in the wake of the crash.
One of those injured, Andrew Larr, filed suit against Schmidt and Larr's car insurance company, seeking to invoke his uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, according to the litigation filed on his behalf by Porter County-based attorney Jesse Harper.
Portage Police Chief Mike Candiano previously said that his department received numerous questions regarding the identity of the drivers in the deadly crash and has been accused on social media of withholding the information for various reasons.
"As with any crime or potential crime, we do not release names of suspects/participants until the investigation is complete and charges are filed or in the event there is an immediate threat to the community," he said.
Porter County Prosecutor Gary Germann had said the investigation into the crash was "fairly complex."
After the crash, Schmidt was taken to a Chicago hospital for treatment of severe injuries. Maynard said police were initially unable to speak to him because of his medical condition and he reportedly later refused to talk to police without an attorney present.
In addition, the prosecutor's office said it had not received much cooperation from the hospital.
The case has been assigned to Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish, court records show.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into the Porter County Jail
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. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/update-suv-at-113-mph-just-seconds-before-fatal-portage-crash-new-charges-say/article_fe5096be-06b5-11ee-bba3-8b649de773c2.html | 2023-06-09T19:27:45 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/update-suv-at-113-mph-just-seconds-before-fatal-portage-crash-new-charges-say/article_fe5096be-06b5-11ee-bba3-8b649de773c2.html |
PADDOCK LAKE -- The new band shell at Kenosha County’s Old Settlers Park sits in an idyllic spot with a perfect view of Paddock Lake, but during Thursday evening’s ribbon cutting, speakers were fighting back tears.
They were for Heidi Schuerstedt, the original driving force behind bringing the band shell to the Village of Paddock Lake who died from leukemia six years ago.
Rebecca Lancour, a member of the Old Settlers Oktoberfest organization that Schuerstedt founded and a close friend, said she had made a promise to finish the project several years ago.
“It’s surreal, it’s really been a dream of ours for a long time,” Lancour said. “It’s beautiful. I’m so proud and so happy.”
Schuerstedt had been raising funds for several years before her death. Mindy Cooling, a fellow Old Settlers Oktoberfest member, said Schuerstedt's passing “fueled the fire to make her dream a reality.”
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“Her real dream wasn’t a band shelter,” Cooling said. “It was a place for the community to gather.”
Lancour and Cooling both thanked the community for their support raising funds. Lancour said she looked forward to many concerts and gatherings to come at the park site, 24100 75th St.
“Heidi loved music, she loved community, she loved people,” Lancour said. “To build something for the community, for people to come together for something positive, it was dear to her heart.”
After a ribbon cutting, Lancour and Mary Caldrone, Schuerstedt’s younger sister, hugged in front of the completed pavilion. Caldrone was overjoyed with the result, describing it as “recognition” for what her sister had worked so hard for.
“It’s a place we can come and feel her presence, physically,” Caldrone said. “It’s beautiful, just like her.”
Paddock Lake Village President Terry Burns said the project, which took over a decade to bring together, will benefit the village.
“Obviously we all saw the need for a music venue out here,” Burns said. “We have an excellent spot, a perfect background for it.”
He hopes the new venue will draw in eastern Kenosha County residents, and looks forward to more events and the Old Settlers Oktoberfest.
“I’m just so happy to see it finally here,” Burns said. “It’s the only pavilion with boat parking.”
The band shell's debut performance was a free concert by Betsy Ade and the Well-Known Strangers playing to a packed crowd.
The new band shell will be home to Rhythm on the Lake, a series of free concerts from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 17. The next concert will be June 15, featuring The Usual Suspects. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/paddock-lake-band-shell-ribbon-cutting-honors-beloved-community-organizer/article_e84424f2-06de-11ee-89aa-dfca2715c1e8.html | 2023-06-09T19:36:31 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/paddock-lake-band-shell-ribbon-cutting-honors-beloved-community-organizer/article_e84424f2-06de-11ee-89aa-dfca2715c1e8.html |
The American Cancer Society will hold its annual Bike-A-Thon: Bridge to the Beach, starting Sunday morning in Philadelphia and riding through parts of Atlantic County before ending in Atlantic City.
The ride will begin between 5 and 8 a.m. to the Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia. It will end at the Stockton University campus in Atlantic City.
Proceeds from the ride will benefit the American Cancer Society.
"Whether you ride to honor a loved one or in memory of someone you have lost, you ride for them and with them each and every mile," the ACS website said. "For 50 years, our Bike-A-Thon: Bridge to the Beach community has been riding for a world without cancer. That's 50 years of more lives saved, more breakthroughs, and more hope."
Riders will take a scenic route through Camden County toward Hammonton. They will head down West Moss Mill Road before doing a loop through Mullica Township. Riders will then go through parts of Galloway Township, Absecon and Pleasantville before getting on the Atlantic City Expressway in Pleasantville, finishing the ride down the Atlantic City Boardwalk before reaching Stockton.
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There will be rest stops along the way, including at Cherry Hill East High School, Waterford Elementary School, Hammonton Lake Park and the Egg Harbor City School District.
To sign up and for more information, visit secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?pg=entry&fr_id=103630. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/american-cancer-society-to-hold-bike-a-thon-from-philadelphia-to-atlantic-city/article_a48d43de-06f1-11ee-9a73-473a06327271.html | 2023-06-09T19:36:51 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/american-cancer-society-to-hold-bike-a-thon-from-philadelphia-to-atlantic-city/article_a48d43de-06f1-11ee-9a73-473a06327271.html |
AtlantiCare on Friday reported a data breach involving one of the third-party billing companies it uses.
As part of its medical billing procedures, AtlantiCare uses Intellihartx, a revenue cycling company that focuses on health care clients. Intellihartx told AtlantiCare it was one of many organizations impacted by a cybersecurity attack on third-party vendor Fortra LLC.
This attack impacted Intellihartx's client data, which includes certain AtlantiCare patient information.
"ITx says it is unaware of any misuse of our patients’ information with regard to the Fortra event," AtlantiCare said in a news release. "However, we regret that this incident occurred and apologize for any concern it might cause. We take the confidentiality and security of our patients’ information seriously. AtlantiCare has taken steps to mitigate the risk to our patients related to this event by immediately suspending all data transfers to ITx."
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Intellihartx reported Feb. 2 that Fortra GoAnywhere, a secure file transfer protocol, was subject to a data privacy event. According to ITx, Fortra deleted the unauthorized party's accounts, rebuilt a secure file transfer platform with system limitations and restrictions, and produced a patch for the software. ITx launched its own investigation, and both ITx and Fortra notified law enforcement.
ATLANTIC CITY — With the past several years bringing health inequities to the forefront, the…
Types of personal information that could have been accessed include names, addresses, medical billing and insurance information, certain medical information such as diagnoses and medication, and demographic information, such as dates of birth and Social Security numbers.
On May 19, ITx determined how many AtlantiCare patients were impacted and confirmed that not every impacted person had all of their data accessed.
Intellihartx is mailing notices to those potentially affected. It is also offering free credit monitoring to those affected.
Those seeking additional information can call Intellihartx at 833-901-4622 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and use engagement number B096233. They also can write to ITx at P.O. Box 3404, Kingsport, TN 37664-3404. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/atlanticare-data-breach/article_c18de0e8-06eb-11ee-9c9c-8f5b758dd25b.html | 2023-06-09T19:36:57 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/atlanticare-data-breach/article_c18de0e8-06eb-11ee-9c9c-8f5b758dd25b.html |
BRIDGETON — Police are investigating after a car window was smashed early Friday morning.
Police were called to the 100 block of Irving Avenue at 4:13 a.m. for a car burglary. An unknown suspect had broken a car window and rummaged through the vehicle, police said in a news release.
The suspect fled after he was confronted by the car owner, police said.
Police are looking for a Hispanic man who was wearing a gray sweater and black pants when he allegedly broke into the car.
Anyone with information can call police at 856-451-0033 or share anonymous tips at bpdops.com/tip/new. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/bridgeton-police-searching-for-suspect-after-car-break-in/article_046e2fa2-06ed-11ee-9b52-f78d4eb80e09.html | 2023-06-09T19:37:03 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/bridgeton-police-searching-for-suspect-after-car-break-in/article_046e2fa2-06ed-11ee-9b52-f78d4eb80e09.html |
NORTH WILDWOOD — Two 18-year-olds from Pennsylvania turned themselves over to police Thursday for a set of car burglaries over Memorial Day weekend.
Daniel R. Harvey, of Havertown, and Eric J. Grigorians, of Newtown Square, were charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, theft and disorderly conduct. They were released on summonses pending court, police said in a news release.
Their charges come nearly two weeks after they allegedly broke into several cars May 28.
Police released images of the pair recorded by a surveillance camera. They allegedly burglarized vehicles in the 300 block of West 19th Avenue, as well as 21st and Surf avenues, Lt. Katherine Madden previously said.
They targeted multiple unlocked cars in the city between 4 and 5 a.m. that day, police said. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/north-wildwood-police-arrest-2-in-car-burglaries/article_e2558624-062c-11ee-9e81-8b1c0b574e20.html | 2023-06-09T19:37:09 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/north-wildwood-police-arrest-2-in-car-burglaries/article_e2558624-062c-11ee-9e81-8b1c0b574e20.html |
ATLANTIC CITY — Work on testing gas lines, remediating mold and fighting pest infestations had to stop this week at Stanley Holmes Village and the eight other complexes owned by the Atlantic City Housing Authority.
Contractors were working under emergency contracts, and the authority must now move to awarding regular contracts, new Executive Director Matt Doherty said Friday.
The authority is funded and overseen by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, which wants contracts to be awarded on a nonemergent basis. That process takes longer but assures competitive bidding.
"Those continuing to perform work procured under emergency contracts ... their work has stopped," Doherty said. "We have to go out and properly procure contractors to continue."
Doherty has been on the job about a month, and some of the emergency contracts were negotiated by his predecessor, interim part-time Executive Director John Clarke, who is also the executive director of the New Brunswick Housing Authority and runs the Princeton Housing Authority on an interim basis.
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Clarke, who continues as a consultant with the Atlantic City Housing Authority, had put out regular contracts for some work, like bedbug extermination, while those for elevator maintenance and repair predate him. That work will continue, Doherty said.
But work on the gas lines at Stanley Holmes, and on eradicating rodent and roach infestations and mold intrusions, was only put out under emergency contracts, so it must stop until regular contracts can be obtained.
It is unclear why regular contracts were not negotiated for all services at some point in Clarke's tenure, which started in August.
ATLANTIC CITY — The board of the Atlantic City Housing Authority met Thursday evening and hi…
South Jersey Legal Services is suing the authority over conditions at Stanley Holmes Village and has serious concerns about the work stoppage.
"We do appreciate the new administration's openness in discussing issues with us," said Olga Pomar, Legal Services housing preservation and community development coordinator, of Doherty and Chief Operating Officer Tom Sahlin. "We are hoping they continue to look for better solutions than stopping all work for 60 days or whatever it takes to do the bids."
The authority had replaced leaky gas lines under several buildings and was testing others to determine whether more needed to be replaced, she said.
"The Housing Authority had assured us they were doing daily testing, to make sure no such hazards developed. There is no mechanism now for that to continue," Pomar said.
There are still about a dozen of the complex's 31 buildings where gas lines have not been replaced, she said. That includes Building 1, which is one of the oldest sections, dating to the 1930s.
"I don't understand how that is not an emergency," Pomar said.
She is also concerned the new heating system planned for Stanley Holmes will not be completed by the fall.
"And there are units undergoing some renovation or repair that may be left in uninhabitable conditions if work is stopped midway," Pomar said. "How are those repairs going to get made?"
ATLANTIC CITY — The Atlantic City Housing Authority is “a mess,” according to the new execut…
Doherty had three major goals for the summer: increase communication with residents, test and replace all problem gas lines, and replace the ancient boilers and underground pipes for heat and hot water with an on-demand tankless system powered by gas.
He had hoped HUD would allow the new heating system to be installed on an emergency basis.
"We ran it up the flagpole for HUD," Doherty said. "HUD said no."
The authority had an inspection report that said the boilers will inevitably fail again.
But the likelihood of a failure is not an emergency, Doherty said of the explanation he got from HUD.
Six of 31 buildings at Stanley Holmes were found to have leaks, and those gas lines have been replaced, Doherty said. Another six buildings were later found to have leaks as well, he said, and those lines were also replaced.
"All the gas leaks have been fixed. (The gas lines) all need to be replaced, but if they are not leaking it is deemed not to be an emergency," Doherty said.
Requests for proposal will be going out soon for regular contracts to handle that work, he said.
ATLANTIC CITY — Senior citizens living in the troubled Stanley Holmes Village public housing…
Only one emergency contract is being allowed to continue, he said. That is for eradicating black mold in scattered sites buildings, which are single-family and townhome developments around town.
The city declared an emergency at Stanley Holmes Village in October, when the heating and hot water systems failed, and the authority was unable to continue providing trash pickup and other services.
The heating system has since been stabilized, and the city had provided trash pickup for some time. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/hud-rejects-emergency-contracts-for-atlantic-city-housing-authority-work/article_fe7adb12-06d9-11ee-a0c5-3325c420bba3.html | 2023-06-09T19:37:15 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/hud-rejects-emergency-contracts-for-atlantic-city-housing-authority-work/article_fe7adb12-06d9-11ee-a0c5-3325c420bba3.html |
The Mainland Regional and Buena Regional high school baseball teams both won state titles in 2014.
The two teams will try to duplicate that feat at Veterans Park (Mercer County) on Saturday.
Mainland (14-13) will play Morris Knolls (20-10-1) for the Group III title at 1 p.m. Buena Regional (27-3) will meet Pequannock (25-5) for the Group I championship at 7 p.m.
The state baseball championships began in 1971. A dozen Cape-Atlantic League teams have won state titles. They are: Mainland Regional, Group III, 2014; Ocean City, Group III, 2021; Buena Regional; Group II, 2014; Holy Spirit, Non-Public A, 1980; Holy Spirit, Non-Public A, 1982; St. Augustine Prep, Non-Public A, 2011; St. Augustine Prep, Non-Public A, 2018; Sacred Heart, Non-Public B, 1999; Sacred Heart, Non-Public B, 2000; Holy Spirit, Non-Public B, 2015; and Holy Spirit, Non-Public B, 2021; and Sacred Heart, Non-Public C, 1978.
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What follows is a preview of Saturday’s games:
Mainland Regional vs. Morris Knolls
Mainland began the playoffs with a 9-13 record. The Mustangs have relied on pitching and timely hitting in the postseason. Sophomore pitcher Jake Lodgek is 3-0 with a 0.40 ERA in the playoffs. He has allowed nine hits, struck out 20 and walked 11 in 17 ⅓ playoff innings.
Meanwhile junior pitcher Cohen Cook is 2-0 with a 0.47 ERA in the postseason.
Junior center fielder Christian Elliott bats leadoff and sparks the Mainland offense. Nick Wagner leads Mainland with 19 RBIs.
Morris Knolls (Morris County) is seeking its first state title. Junior shortstop Luke Dickerson is batting .471 with 44 runs scored and 28 RBIs. Joe O’Toole (6-3 with a 2.28 ERA) and Ryan Iberer (5-2, 2.81 ERA) lead Morris Knolls on the mound.
Buena Regional vs. Pequannock
Buena has attracted attention around the state because they feature six bridge-year seniors under a program designed to ensure that high school students were not shortchanged by the pandemic.
New Jersey’s Bridge Year program allows students who graduated in 2021 and 2022 to defer graduation for one year to participate in an additional year of academic courses and extracurricular activities following their senior year. The Buena players take classes at Atlantic Cape Community College.
They wanted one more season of high school baseball together. So far, they’ve made the most of it.
Buena has outscored its playoff opponents by the combined score of 52-14.
Shortstop Tre Carano is batting .447 with 41 runs scored. Catcher Ryley Betts is batting .427 with 30 RBIs. Joey Kurtz is 9-1 on the mound with a 1.32 ERA.
Joe Sabbath sparks Pequannock (Morris County) on the mound and at the plate. He is 10-0 with a 1.83 ERA and 113 strikeouts in 61 ⅓ innings. He is also batting .406 with 30 runs scored and 30 RBIs.
Pequannock is seeking its third state title. The Golden Panthers won Group II in 1988 and 2009. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/a-preview-of-saturdays-high-school-state-championship-baseball-games-featuring-mainland-regional-and-buena/article_f6f036fe-06dd-11ee-b75f-d70d8301ec3f.html | 2023-06-09T19:37:22 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/a-preview-of-saturdays-high-school-state-championship-baseball-games-featuring-mainland-regional-and-buena/article_f6f036fe-06dd-11ee-b75f-d70d8301ec3f.html |
The Ammon City Council passed a controversial 75-acre annexation agreement last Thursday.
The council has been working with Scratch Development, a Salt Lake City development company, to create a new residential and commercial area in Ammon. The annexation will be called Riviera Park, located at the corner of Hitt and Lincoln.
At the council's May 18 meeting, many council members were concerned with the density of the residential area, among other potential issues. However, the council agreed to continue with the annexation discussion, approving the current residential density.
Discussions picked up where they left off at the council's last meeting. Concerns about the residential density subsided, but councilman Rex Thompson was afraid the park was too small for the amount of apartments and town homes being built.
"That park, in my opinion, is very inadequate for what the rest of the city does," Thompson said. "It seems more like a daycare."
The city of Ammon currently requires one acre of park space for every 66 housing units. In the Riviera Park annexation agreement, there is a 1.5-acre private park for 558 housing units.
The rest of the council agreed that linear green spaces and walkways that will wind through the residential area combined with the 1.5-acre park will be sufficient.
An Ammon couple sitting in the audience was worried that the school systems will not be able to support the kids living in the 558 potential housing units.
"How many kids are going to be in the apartments," one woman said. "Where will they go to school?"
She continued to point out that people living in apartments are "transient" saying "they come and they go."
The council explained that the developer had to find the answers to all those questions during the initial application process. Scratch Development met with Ammon schools and the fire department to see if the city was able to take on the growth that Riviera Park would permit.
Councilwoman Heidi Boyle said that schools in Ammon would re-designate boundaries to accommodate the growth. However, the council found this answer to be lacking.
It had previously tried to add another elementary school in Bonneville Joint School District 93 with a $34.5 million bond in May. However, the bond fell short of the super majority by 1.4%, the Post Register reported at the time.
Boyle said that the re-designation of boundaries isn't a sufficient solution and that the city needs another school, especially with the addition of Riviera Park.
"They (the schools) need to start talking," Boyle said.
Concerns continued to arise as the discussion about the annexation agreement exceeded an hour. With the addition of Costco, which is across the street from Riviera Park, the city of Idaho Falls recently built a roundabout. The roundabout was put in place to hopefully decrease traffic congestion caused by the major wholesale store.
However, Ammon City Administrator Micah Austin said the roundabout is not working, prior to the existence of Riviera Park.
"The traffic study warranted a light at Hitt and Lincoln, and the roundabout there is failing," Austin said.
Riviera Park will fill 75-acres full of restaurants, grocery stores, office space, town homes and apartments. It will undoubtedly worsen the already failing intersection. according to Austin. The council agreed that a traffic light should be put at that intersection.
However, the roundabout at Hitt and Lincoln is under Idaho Falls' jurisdiction.
"I think there should be a ramp that just goes straight through," laughed Council President Russell Slack.
Despite concerns about residential density, park space, traffic congestion and school sizes, the council approved the annexation agreement unanimously.
The agreement passes contingent on the developer signing it by June 15. | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/75-acre-riviera-park-annexation-agreement-passes-despite-many-concerns/article_738985c6-06f2-11ee-8709-cb1f78b65e1b.html | 2023-06-09T19:37:45 | 1 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/75-acre-riviera-park-annexation-agreement-passes-despite-many-concerns/article_738985c6-06f2-11ee-8709-cb1f78b65e1b.html |
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) — Two people are in custody following a shooting Friday along Interstate 22 in Tupelo.
The incident began around noon time at the I-22 bridge over Highway 45.
Tupelo Police Chief John Quaka said a case of road rage led to a crash then shots being fired.
He reported no injuries. The names of the two individuals are unknown at this time.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/two-in-custody-following-shooting-along-i-22-in-tupelo/article_ab5ec766-06ea-11ee-ab92-33164dfabc84.html | 2023-06-09T19:40:53 | 0 | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/two-in-custody-following-shooting-along-i-22-in-tupelo/article_ab5ec766-06ea-11ee-ab92-33164dfabc84.html |
Within the span of a weekend, you can see zoo animals after hours, go rollerskating at an outdoor dance party and celebrate the grand opening of a cat cafe.
What else? Airplanes after sunset, tours of a chocolate factory, a sing-along screening of "The Greatest Showman" and a four-day vintage market. Of course, things can change quickly these days, so check for the latest info before heading out! ✨
Gather A Vintage Market
Find all kinds of vintage and antique home and garden items at this four-day market.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, June 8-10; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 11
Where: Gather A Vintage Market, 300 S. Park Ave.
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Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Summer Poolooza
Tucson Parks and Rec is hosting its first free pool party of the summer. The parties will include food, music, inflatables and games through the Ready, Set, Rec! mobile recreation program.
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 8
Where: Udall Pool, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Chocolate Factory Tour
If you love "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" as much as our food writer Ellice Lueders does, this might be your dream come true. Take a tour of Monsoon Chocolate's factory to see how the chocolate is made.
When: Various times and dates through June
Where: Monsoon Chocolate, 234 E. 22nd St.
Cost: $20
Visit the event page for more information.
Lil Peep Tribute
The folks behind Cryfest Emo Night are putting together an event to commemorate the late Lil Peep. You'll find art vendors with work inspired by the rapper and a Lil Peep-themed photo booth, along with a DJ spinning his music throughout the night. A donation will be made to nonprofit Sonoran Prevention Works at the end of the night.
When: 9 p.m. Thursday, June 8
Where: Thunder Canyon Brewery, 220 E. Broadway
Cost: $10. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Lavender Wreath Workshop
Lavender is officially blooming at the Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm in Oracle! Create a long-lasting lavender wreath during this workshop.
When: 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Thursday-Sunday, June 8-11
Where: Life Under the Oaks Farm, 1221 N. Rancho Robles Road, Oracle
Cost: $45
Visit the event page for more information.
Gardening Hour
Learn about gardening and bring home clippings all while connecting with The Garden Kitchen team.
When: 7-8:30 a.m. Thursdays
Where: The Garden Kitchen, 2205 S. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Discovery Nights at Children's Museum Tucson
Visit Children's Museum Tucson for a free night of science and art, including story times and pop-up science experiments.
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Queer Baile
The Downtown Clifton is hosting a queer dance party with a DJ, drinks and a photo booth.
When: 7:30-10:30 p.m. Friday, June 9
Where: The Downtown Clifton, 485 S. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
"Mean Girls" trivia + painting
It's time to test your knowledge in all things "Mean Girls." While you're answering trivia questions about the iconic movie, you'll get to paint your very own ceramic to take home.
When: 6 p.m. Friday, June 9
Where: Color Me Mine, 5870 E. Broadway
Cost: $10, pottery purchase is an additional charge
Visit the event page for more information.
Cafecito: Generational Wealth
This casual bilingual conversation, hosted by the Sunnyside Foundation, will discuss resources and tools to "better understand how money works, how to manage it and build financial confidence." Coffee and pan dulce will be provided!
When: 9-11 a.m. Friday, June 9
Where: Tucson Industrial Development Authority, 376 S. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Art Corner with BICAS
Get free access to recycled bike art parts, tools and other materials and get creative! Once you're finished, you can donate your creation to BICAS or give a suggested donation to the nonprofit, if you're able to. Check in at the front counter before heading to the art area.
When: 4-6 p.m. Fridays
Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested
Visit the event page for more information.
Chillin at the Chul
Tohono Chul's summer series Chillin at the Chul is back for another year! Check out music, spirits and bites. On Saturdays, Tohono Chul has partnered with Children's Museum Oro Valley to provide family-friendly nature play.
When: 5-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 2
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
'90s Music Trivia at the Short Rest Tavern
Fridays are for trivia at the Short Rest Tavern, a hidden bar tucked inside Tucson Mall's Tucson Games and Gadgets. This Friday's trivia is all about '90s music.
When: 7 p.m. Fridays
Where: Short Rest Tavern, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks. Tables are first come, first served.
Visit the event page for more information.
Cool Summer Nights
Enjoy the sights of the Desert Museum at night — in cooler temperatures! Bring a flashlight to walk around and possibly spot a nocturnal animal, touch a stingray and check out themed activities.
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 26
Where: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road
Cost: $29.95 for adults, $19.95 for kids ages 3-12, $24.95 for Arizona residents
Visit the event page for more information.
Summer Safari Nights
Enjoy the cooler nighttime temperatures at Reid Park Zoo's after-hours Summer Safari Nights. Each event will have different themed activities including keeper chats, animal encounters and live music.
When: 6-8 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 12
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court
Cost: $10.50 for adults, $6.50 for kids ages 2-14
Visit the event page for more information.
Night Wings at the Pima Air & Space Museum
Catch the sun setting over historical planes during the Pima Air & Space Museum's summer Night Wings event. There will be kids' activities, community booths and scavenger hunts.
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturdays, June 10, June 24, July 8, July 29
Where: Pima Air & Space Museum, 6000 E. Valencia Road
Cost: $10 for ages 13 and up, free for ages 12 and under
Visit the event page for more information.
Summer Saturday Night at the Presidio
The Presidio Museum is staying open late! Enjoy cocktails, tapas and charcuterie from the new on-site Dandelion Cafe, plus listen to a lecture dubbed "The Surprising History of Agriculture in the Tucson Basin."
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, June 10
Where: Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, 196 N. Court Ave.
Cost: $5. Pre-register online to pay with card, or it's cash only at the door.
Visit the event page for more information.
Spinnin’ Wheels Outdoor Roller Disco
DJ Herm will be rocking beats at this outdoor roller disco and dance party.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 10
Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: $10. Kids under age 5 get in for free. Bring your own skates!
Visit the event page for more information.
A Dad's Day Event
Head to local shop Creative Kind to shop for Father's Day! Local makers will host pop-ups at the store.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 10
Where: Creative Kind, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Bubbles & Books
Local author Adiba Nelson is celebrating the paperback launch of her book, "Ain't That a Mother: Postpartum, Palsy, and Everything in Between." Enjoy a reading by Nelson herself, book signings and a Q&A session. Plus, cocktails and mocktails from the cash bar!
When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 10
Where: Flora's Market Run, 2513 E. Sixth St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks. Space is limited, so it's recommended to arrive early.
Visit the event page for more information.
El Jefe Cat Cafe Grand Opening
The cafe at El Jefe Cat Lounge is open! Pick up a coffee, then go next door to lounge with the kitties. El Jefe is hosting a grand opening celebration for the cafe, set to feature free drip coffee and iced tea all day, cat-themed face painting, a crazy cat lady costume contest and an event with paintings made by the cats themselves.
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 10. Noon for the crazy cat lady costume contest. 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. for the cat painting.
Where: El Jefe Cat Lounge, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Free to attend. The painting made by cats is $18 per person, reservations required.
Visit the event page for more information.
"The Greatest Showman" Sing-Along
Belt out the tunes of "The Greatest Showman" during this sing-along version of the movie with onscreen lyrics. Dress in a circus-inspired outfit for a chance to win a prize!
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 10
Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway
Cost: $15 for adults, $12 for kids ages 12 and under
Visit the event page for more information.
Art After Dark at Children's Museum Tucson
Each month, Children's Museum Tucson hosts Art After Dark with local arts groups and free admission! This month, the museum is welcoming local youth performing group Kids Unlimited.
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 10
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Juneteenth Kickoff Celebration
Get ready for Juneteenth with a concert featuring Evelyn "Champagne" King, whose 1980s hits include "Love Come Down" and "Shame" in the late ’70s. An after party is also planned.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, June 10
Where: The Dunbar Pavilion, 325 W. Second St.
Cost: $45
Visit the event page for more information.
Goat yoga
Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats with this class at Udall Park!
When: 8-9 a.m. Saturday, June 10
Where: Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
8-year Anniversary at HighWire
HighWire is celebrating its eighth birthday with limited-edition pearl shots, merch giveaways and a DJ.
When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, June 10
Where: HighWire, 30 S. Arizona Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Bachata Social Dance Night
Put on your dancing shoes for a night of music and mingling! Enjoy a bachata class followed by social dancing.
When: 9 p.m. to midnight Saturday, June 10
Where: Tucson Creative Dance Center, 3131 N. Cherry Ave.
Cost: $10, cash or Venmo
Visit the event page for more information.
Walking tours with the Presidio Museum
Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. This weekend's tour is of the Turquoise Trail, where you'll learn Tucson history and see historic buildings.
When: 8-10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 10
Where: Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, 196 N. Court Ave.
Cost: $25. Pre-registration is required.
Visit the event page for more information.
St. Philip's Plaza Market
Visit St. Philip's Plaza to shop from local makers and enjoy live music. While you're there, grab a bite to eat at one of the plaza's several eateries.
When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays and Sundays
Where: St. Philip's Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater
At this event, you'll get to enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire, all while watching a magical theatrical performance.
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturdays through August
Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Road
Cost: $49 without dinner, $79 with dinner
Visit the event page for more information.
Second SundAZe at TMA
Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Enjoy a day of art, plus family yoga.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 11
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish
Visit the event page for more information.
Fruit Cocktail Lounge
Head downtown for an LGBTQ+ cocktail party and social at The Century Room at Hotel Congress! Enjoy cocktails, small plates and entertainment.
When: 4-7 p.m. Sunday, June 11
Where: The Century Room, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $6. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Monsoon Literacy Celebration
This kid-friendly event, recommended for children ages 4-10 years old, will include hands-on literacy activities, the animated short movie "Superworm," story times, and a sing-and-dance-along.
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, June 11
Where: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend, register online
Visit the event page for more information.
Ride with FUGA
Take a bike ride with organization FUGA, which advocates for mobility, accessibility and representation for Tucson's south-side and west-side communities.
When: 8-10 a.m. Sunday, June 11
Where: Ward 1, 940 W. Alameda St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Yoga + Pint
1912 Brewing Co. is collaborating with Veterans Yoga Project for a yoga and pint class, which includes an hour-long yoga session and either a pint of 1912 beer or a non-alcoholic beverage. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Veterans Yoga Project.
When: 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Sunday, June 11
Where: 1912 Brewing Co., 2045 N. Forbes Blvd.
Cost: $15
Visit the event page for more information. | https://tucson.com/news/local/35-fun-events-happening-in-tucson-this-weekend-june-8-11/article_b75b641a-0628-11ee-8775-3f8f848b0762.html | 2023-06-09T19:42:23 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/35-fun-events-happening-in-tucson-this-weekend-june-8-11/article_b75b641a-0628-11ee-8775-3f8f848b0762.html |
Monsoon season starts in less than a week, but desert dwellers might have to wait a while longer for the actual rain to roll in.
Forecasters are predicting a delay in the seasonal storm cycle across Southern Arizona, and that could lead to a hotter and drier summer overall.
“At this point, I’m not expecting a total monsoon bust. This looks a little different,” said University of Arizona climatologist Mike Crimmins. “But I am preparing myself for a late start.”
The Southwest monsoon season officially begins on June 15 and lasts through September, though weather data from the past 80 years shows Tucson often doesn’t see its first storm activity until early July.
Crimmins said a “weird trough of low pressure hanging around” in recent weeks has kept Tucson's temperatures in the double digits for the most part, but it has also prevented the formation of the high pressure ridge that helps give rise to our monsoon storms.
That ridge typically forms in southern Mexico and gradually works its way up to us. So far, though, there has been no sign of it, Crimmins said. “It can’t jump over Mexico. It really has to start there and build north.”
Below-normal rainfall predicted
The latest seasonal forecast from the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center points to below-normal precipitation for New Mexico and most of Arizona through August. The long-range outlook also favors above-average temperatures for Arizona and New Mexico over the next three months.
Those precipitation and temperature forecasts both suggest the possibility of a late-developing monsoon pattern, though the farther out such weather predictions get, the less accurate they tend to be.
“This could all go down the tubes,” said Crimmins, who is a professor and extension specialist in the UA’s Department of Environmental Science.
For one thing, climate researchers still don’t entirely agree about what factors influence monsoon activity and to what degree, he said. “It’s a frustrating time (to be a forecaster), because we have all these statistical models and supercomputers, but we’re still squinting at the output.”
Flood tracking network grows
The Pima County Regional Flood Control District is preparing for monsoon season by expanding the reach of its flood tracking network known as ALERT, which is short for Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time.
Since last year, five streamflow gauges and six rain gauges have been added to a system that now tracks precipitation at 125 locations and flood flows at 54 locations countywide.
The regional flood agency has also installed two new live cameras along washes in the Catalina Mountains to watch for increased flooding as a result of the Bighorn Fire, which burned across the range in 2020, scorching vegetation that once absorbed water and reduced erosion.
That brings the total number of live cameras to five, all of them in Catalinas and all paid for through a state forestry grant program to help with wildfire recovery.
And plans are already in the works for future additions to the ALERT system, including the first of what could be several rain and streamflow gauges on tribal lands administered by the Pascua Yaqui and the Tohono O’odham.
“The district has a history of working with other jurisdictions in a positive, collaborative way, and we’re hopeful that we can forge a bond with the Indigenous communities that are such an integral part of Pima County,” said Brian Jones, deputy director and floodplain administrator for the district.
El Niño developing
Climate forecasters are also tracking the development of a potentially powerful El Niño, the tropical ocean climate phenomenon that typically brings winter rains to the Southwest.
“It’s definitely there in the Pacific, and it seems to be expressing some strength,” Crimmins said. “We’ve been watching it sort of percolate since last winter, but it’s really starting to come together now.”
El Niño’s impact on the Southwest monsoon pattern is not “super consistent,” he said, though it can extend the tropical storm season in the Gulf of California and occasionally produce heavy downpours across Southern Arizona in the fall.
The effects of El Niño are much more predictable during the winter, when the phenomenon often — but not always — leads to wetter conditions in the region.
Crimmins said another wet winter on the heels of last year’s near-historic snow accumulations throughout parts of the West would do wonders for water supplies and lingering drought conditions, especially in Arizona and the six other states that rely on the Colorado River.
Big swings in recent years
In 2021, Tucson experienced its third-wettest monsoon on record, with a whopping 12.79 inches of rain at the city’s official weather station at Tucson International Airport. More than 8 inches fell that July alone, the most rain Tucson has seen in any month for the past 126 years at least.
Last year ranked as a below-average monsoon, with just under 5 inches of rain over the course of the season.
But even that felt like a lot compared to 2020, when Tucson suffered through its second driest monsoon ever — a paltry 1.62 inches of rain — on its way to a historically low annual rainfall total of just 4.17 inches.
Crimmins doesn’t expect anything like that to happen again this year. Monsoon 2023 might show up late, he said, but “it will happen, I promise.”
The climatologist offered an important clarification moments later, after reflecting on his use of the word “promise.”
“There will definitely be a monsoon ridge,” he explained with a laugh. “I can’t promise it will rain at your house.”
When do you think Tucson will see its first official monsoon storm this year?
You voted:
How many inches of rain do you think Tucson will get this monsoon?
Want to beat the weather experts at their own game?
Researchers at the University of Arizona are about to launch their third annual Southwest Monsoon Fantasy Forecasts game, which awards cash prizes for the most accurate predictions of the region’s rainy season.
“We’re running it back again,” said Zack Guido, one of the game’s organizers and an assistant research professor at the UA’s Arizona Institute for Resilience.
Participants can register for the free online contest starting Thursday, June 15, the first official day of monsoon season.
Guido said the user interface and scoring system have been improved, but the basic rules remain the same: Before the start of each monsoon month, contestants will go online to guess how much rain will fall in each of the five major U.S. cities in the path of the weather phenomenon: Tucson, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Albuquerque and El Paso.
The top prize will go to whoever makes the most accurate predictions for July, August and September.
The competition is open to anyone. Participants just have to log in to the contest website at monsoonfantasy.arizona.edu and complete a short questionnaire about their monsoon experience before making their predictions.
Researchers launched the game in 2021 to promote climate awareness and study the forecasting skills of the general public.
To track storms
The National Weather Service and the Pima County Regional Flood Control District offer information online about current storm activity, flood hazards and past monsoon seasons.
Henry joined the Star in 2019 after 25 years at Nevada newspapers. A Tucson native, he graduated from Amphi and earned a journalism degree from the University of Missouri. He wrote about the environment for the Las Vegas Review-Journal for 16 years. | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/experts-share-predictions-for-2023-monsoon/article_484bcfaa-ff44-11ed-90d0-53eb1d0152e9.html | 2023-06-09T19:42:30 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/experts-share-predictions-for-2023-monsoon/article_484bcfaa-ff44-11ed-90d0-53eb1d0152e9.html |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Fire crews rushed into action after flames were spotted beneath Pier 39 in Astoria just before midnight Thursday night. Arriving crews said they found fire showing through the pier in front of the Rogue Pier 39 Public House and they worked to keep the fire from spreading to the building.
Officials said the fire was under control in under and hour and crews had cleared the scene by 2 a.m. Friday and by 1:50 a.m.
Due to the damage, Pier 39 is currently closed until structural stability can be determined.
Officials said the cause of the fire is still under investigation. | https://www.koin.com/local/oregon-coast/thursday-night-fire-damages-astorias-pier-39/ | 2023-06-09T19:45:08 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/oregon-coast/thursday-night-fire-damages-astorias-pier-39/ |
DALLAS — A Texas man whose hostile actions forced a Southwest Airlines flight to divert to Dallas Love Field faces a federal charge, according to officials.
The U.S. Attorney's Office announced on Friday that Marcus Huff, 45, of Houston was arrested this week after he was indicted on April 25 for interference with a flight crew. He will be arraigned in North Texas.
Huff is accused of throwing a drink at a flight attendant, yelling profanities at the crew and refusing to remain seated during a Southwest Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Houston, according to court documents.
Officials stated that the 45-year-old's actions caused the flight to divert to Dallas Love Field.
He faces up to 20 years in federal prison if he's convicted. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/texas-man-allegedly-threw-drink-at-southwest-flight-attendant-faces-federal-charge/287-a0fdc573-ac5e-4380-a6e0-c95cd6586d6e | 2023-06-09T19:45:27 | 1 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/texas-man-allegedly-threw-drink-at-southwest-flight-attendant-faces-federal-charge/287-a0fdc573-ac5e-4380-a6e0-c95cd6586d6e |
HOUSTON — BREAKING: Nate Paul, an associate of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, is charged on an eight-count federal indictment alleging multiple financial crimes in 2017 and 2018, according to Tony Plohetski, a reporter for the Austin American-Statesman and KHOU 11's sister station KVUE.
Paxton’s name wasn’t uttered during his initial appearance in U.S. District Court but he is accused of helping Paul.
The 23-page indictment does not link Paul to Paxton. However, the Texas AG’s Office whistleblowers and Texas House investigators allege Paxton took multiple steps to help Paul in the federal case and received multiple benefits for doing so, including hiring his mistress.
--------
An Austin developer, who’s a central figure in the impeachment case against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, remains behind bars Friday morning.
His name is Nate Paul, and while folks may not know much about him yet, that’s about to change. He was arrested by the FBI on Thursday.
KHOU 11 News has reached out to Dan Cogdell and Tony Buzbeee, the Houston-based attorneys representing the attorney general in his impeachment trial.
They haven't responded yet, but one of them did speak to the Dallas Morning News overnight.
Cogdell told the paper he believes the FBI is trying to "flip Nate Paul" to testify against the attorney general.
The FBI first began investigating the real estate developer years ago. Paxton's deputies blew the whistle on their boss, accusing Paul of bribing the attorney general to help with his legal troubles.
Now, Paxton’s dealings with Paul are considered a major focal point behind his impeachment.
It's unclear who Paul’s defense attorney is. He is being held at the Travis County Jail on federal charges, but those charges have not been revealed.
KHOU 11 News learned that he should be arraigned sometime on Friday. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/texas/nate-paul-austin-developer-arrested/285-c5fb98e4-67e4-490a-a8fe-284c6a5684e7 | 2023-06-09T19:45:29 | 1 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/texas/nate-paul-austin-developer-arrested/285-c5fb98e4-67e4-490a-a8fe-284c6a5684e7 |
LAKELAND, Fla. — Authorities are responding Friday afternoon to a sinkhole that opened up near Scott Lake in Polk County.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office and Polk County Fire Rescue are working to "inspect and repair" the area, the sheriff's office said in a tweet.
People are asked to avoid the area of Scott Lake Road at Fitzgerald Road in Lakeland until further notice.
It's not clear what time the sinkhole opened or if any homes in the area are in danger.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District said staff noticed the that sinkhole opened up within a retention pond during a site visit on Thursday.
The district has notified Acres at Scott Lake, the company that manages the surrounding stormwater system, that it needs to repair the sinkhole in order to "sever the connection between the retention pond and the drinking water aquifer." | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/polkcounty/sinkhole-scott-lake-lakeland/67-7bbd329e-eb4d-4c1f-8751-b0cd8c130b6a | 2023-06-09T19:49:34 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/polkcounty/sinkhole-scott-lake-lakeland/67-7bbd329e-eb4d-4c1f-8751-b0cd8c130b6a |
As St. Anthony's Italian Festival is set to begin, all rides have passed inspection
All rides at St. Anthony's Italian Festival, slated to begin this Sunday, have passed inspection, according to reports obtained by Delaware Online/The News Journal.
The several-dozen rides were inspected in either October 2022 or March of this year, the reports say. The Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office received the reports in April.
Read the inspection reports at the bottom of this story.
Most of the rides have already operated in Delaware this year, first at the Wilmington Flower Market last month. After they are set up for the Italian festival, they'll next be used at the Saengerbund Oktoberfest in Ogletown, which will run Sept. 15-17.
ZIPPER RIDE:20 riders rescued after amusement ride malfunction at St. John the Beloved Carnival
Delaware Online/The News Journal's request for inspection reports comes after a Zipper ride malfunctioned at St. John the Beloved Church's annual carnival Tuesday night. Reporters obtained the inspection report for that ride, which showed it had passed inspection on May 24.
The inspection was conducted by Everest National Insurance Co. and certified by the State Fire Marshal's Office on June 2. The ride was previously inspected in April 2022 after a "total rebuild," according to the report.
READ:Zipper carnival ride that malfunctioned Tuesday passed safety inspection in May, per report
The company operating the carnival rides at the St. John carnival was Lynam's Amusements, LLC, which is different from the ride operator for the Italian festival.
Majestic Midways, a "multi-generational, family-owned business," operates the festival's rides. The St. Anthony's event is slated for a week, Sunday to Sunday.
Inspection reports for St. Anthony's Italian Festival
Got a tip? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com or 302-324-2785. For all things breaking news, follow her on Twitter at @izzihughes_ | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/09/st-anthonys-italian-festival-rides-inspection-reports-ogletown-zipper-malfunction/70307094007/ | 2023-06-09T19:51:35 | 1 | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/09/st-anthonys-italian-festival-rides-inspection-reports-ogletown-zipper-malfunction/70307094007/ |
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A head-on crash Thursday night in northern Arizona killed two people, officials said.
The Coconino County Sheriff's Office said a black Nissan Maxima was driving north on Lake Mary Road before crossing over into the southbound lane and hitting a Toyota Corolla.
Both drivers died at the scene. Neither vehicle had any additional passengers.
The crash was reported near milepost 330 at about 6:30 p.m.
A witness reported seeing a black Nissan Maxima driving recklessly shortly before the crash.
CCSO said the Nissan's driver may have been impaired and was driving on a suspended license. Investigators have not yet disclosed the identities of the two deceased drivers.
Anyone with additional information about this crash is encouraged to call CCSO at 928-774-4523.
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12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/head-on-crash-kills-both-drivers-coconino-county/75-9a031be1-8177-4021-8134-418db651a924 | 2023-06-09T19:54:14 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/head-on-crash-kills-both-drivers-coconino-county/75-9a031be1-8177-4021-8134-418db651a924 |
AUSTIN, Texas — Birdwatching soared in popularity during the pandemic, and according to a new survey by Lawn Love, Austin is the No. 9 city in the U.S. for the activity.
According to the research, more than 400 bird species have been spotted in Travis County, most notably the golden-cheeked warbler, which is an endangered species.
New York City took the No. 1 spot, and California had three cities in the top 10.
The only other Texas city in the top 10 was Houston, which came in at No. 3.
Last month, a bird species that hadn’t been seen in Galveston in four decades made a surprising return. The mangrove cuckoo made a very rare stop at the East End Lagoon Nature Park and Preserve on Galveston Island. The bird was spotted by a birder from Fort Worth who was competing in the Texas Birding Classic.
The survey compared the 200 biggest U.S. cities based on four categories, such as access and bird variety. It also factored in bird species, checklists indicating birding popularity and Audubon chapters, among its 14 total metrics.
You can see the full list on Lawn Love’s website. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/austin-birdwatching-survey/269-83207ac0-6f4c-4257-bae2-0d200633f83b | 2023-06-09T19:56:55 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/austin-birdwatching-survey/269-83207ac0-6f4c-4257-bae2-0d200633f83b |
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