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ORLANDO, Fla. — About 44,000 Floridians are at risk of losing their SNAP benefits.
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Previously, people between 18 and 49 years old had to show proof of work to collect SNAP benefits.
However, the country’s deal to lift the debt ceiling expanded that to 18 to 54 years old.
Julie Sciarillo said since starting a job at United Against Poverty’s low-cost grocery store, her family moved out of a hotel and into an apartment.
READ: Trump indicted: 37-count indictment unsealed
While things are trending up, she still makes under federal poverty guidelines. Right now, she’s reapplying for food stamps, a benefit she had but lost during the pandemic
The rules say she needed to work to maintain SNAP, but her job driving with Instacart became unsustainable.
“The car would breakdown a lot so I would have to donate plasma just to be able to work for Instacart,” Sciarillo said.
READ: Don’t have a meltdown, Starbucks fans: Coffee chain to change its ice
Debt ceiling negotiations extended SNAP work requirements for older adults, meaning now, anyone between 18 and 54 has to prove they work 20 hours a week.
The new rules do say veterans, children just aging out of foster care, and the homeless are exempt.
The congressional budget office said overall, the changes will actually increase the number of people on SNAP by point 2%.
Anjali Vaya, executive director of United Against Poverty Orlando, sees the changes as both positive and negative. But as has been the case for the last few months, she thinks people desperate for food help and turning to her organization will only increase.
READ: Florida’s disaster preparation sales tax holiday ends Friday
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BUNNELL, Fla. — A man was arrested Friday after authorities issued a search warrant in Bunnell.
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Elisha Phillips was taken into custody for possession of cocaine and being held on $2,500 bond, according to a Flagler County Sheriff’s news release.
The sheriff’s office Special Investigations Unit and SWAT team served a narcotics-related search warrant on E. Booe Street that stemmed from a previous undercover operation conducted by the special investigations unit.
READ: Casey White gets life sentence for escaping with help of Vicky White
During the search, detectives found cocaine and drug paraphernalia, the news release states.
Phillips has an arrest history, including domestic violence in Volusia County, but this is his first arrest in Flagler County, according to the news release.
READ: 17-year-old suspect caught in Flagler County after Daytona Beach shooting, police say
“Another poison peddler is in the Green Roof Inn after getting caught selling illegal drugs in our community,” Sheriff Rick Staly said in the news release. “Great job to our SIU and SWAT team who continue to combat illegal narcotics in Flagler County!”
Photos show a sign outside the house that reads, “This drug house closed for business.”
READ: Judge sets bond for Marion County woman accused of killing neighbor at $154K
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COCOA, Fla. — The City of Cocoa just signed a contract to begin the construction of the first five homes in the Diamond Square Community’s Michael C. Blake subdivision.
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In March, the city identified 42 properties around the city that will be sold to help construct workforce housing.
READ: 10 OSHA violations cited after deadly blaze in Orange County warehouse containing fireworks
Most of the properties, including the city-owned Michael C. Blake subdivision, are located off State Road 520 between South Fiske and South Cocoa boulevards.
The city is partnering with the nonprofit Community Housing Initiative to build the homes. The Diamond Square Community Redevelopment Agency has allocated $475,000 toward the construction of additional workforce housing in the subdivision beyond.
READ: Rock Springs at Kelly Park temporarily closed due to ‘alligator activity’
The city is aiming to get the first five homes “done as soon as possible,” public information officer Samantha Senger said.
READ: Trump indicted: Read the indictment
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Kids across America are experiencing a mental health crisis, according to Congress. Lawmakers are hearing from experts in order to help our children.
Thursday on Capitol Hill, there was a heart-breaking moment as the superintendent of Tacoma, Washington, schools recounted the challenges his students are facing.
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“In the last year, our students Tony, Angel, Brielle, Isaiah, Marco, DJ, Wyatt, Xavier, Larry, and Iona have been shot in our community,” Dr. Joshua Garcia said. “Our students have to survive human trafficking, battle homelessness, drug abuse, physical and mental abuse, and social media harassment and bullying.”
These are also the challenges of students across the country.
Read: Changes to SNAP could result in thousands of Floridians losing benefits
“Like you and I are, students are being bombarded with images of news events, daily experiences of trauma and hate and stress,” Garcia said. “Unlike us, they are doing this without fully developed brains.”
This hearing comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says two out of five American teens felt persistently sad or hopeless, and one out of five has seriously considered suicide.
Read: SeaWorld Orlando opens center focused on rehabbing, conserving coral colonies
The U.S. surgeon general told lawmakers the main drivers here are social media and the increase in loneliness and isolation.
“Our kids can’t afford to wait longer for us to address the youth mental health crisis,” Vice Admiral Vivek Murthy said. “We have to expand our efforts to ensure every child has access to high quality, affordable, culturally competent mental health care.”
Read: Judge sets bond for Marion County woman accused of killing neighbor at $154K
While Democrats and Republicans might disagree on the specifics of how Congress can help, both parties agree everyone must work together to solve this.
“We know that it’s not easy,” Dr. Garcia added. “There are egos, turf battles, and frustrations, however, we are truly better together. We may not be united on everything, but our future is with us now and we must be united in our commitment to serving youth first.”
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VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A 2-year-old girl died Thursday after Volusia County deputies said the toddler was left in a hot car for more than 2 hours.
Deputies said the Orange City family, including the 2-year-old girl and her two older brothers, ages 15 and 8, returned home from lunch in DeLand around 2:40 p.m. Thursday.
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Around 5 p.m., deputies said the family found the toddler unresponsive in the car. They rushed her to the hospital where deputies said she was pronounced dead before 6 p.m.
Deputies said the circumstances of the child’s death are under active investigation by the Volusia Sheriff’s Major Case Unit.
Read: Mother released from jail after baby dies in hot car while she attended church
This is the second hot-car death reported in Central Florida in the past month. Less than two weeks ago, an 11-month-old died after being left in the car while her mother attended church in Brevard County.
Statistics show half of all hot car deaths this year happened in Florida.
Stay tuned to Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates.
Read: Safety advocates push for federal changes to prevent the deaths of kids left in hot cars
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ORLANDO, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new school voucher program is breaking records.
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Florida is on track to service more school choice applications than all the other 49 states combined.
But that popularity is causing some issues for parents eager for their children to land a scholarship.
As a mom and founder of Master Tree Academy, Jona Schultz knows the frustrations surrounding Florida’s School Choice and Vouchers program.
One of those concerns is DeSantis’ new law allowing any Florida household to send their child to any school.
Read: Florida drivers passing a school bus illegally will soon be paying a fine
“There’s a little bit of an issue with the government not really informing parents,” Schultz said.
Step Up For Students processes the majority of the applications.
Last year, the number of submissions came out to 250,000. And this year, the number of submissions was 350,000.
Read: Volusia County schools offering free summer meals for kids
But some parents complain that they have waited almost two hours on the phone to talk to customer service.
Doug Tuthill, president of Step Up For Students, said they understand the bumps in the system that occur with so many people.
“We added more stuff to our e-help systems and more staff to answer emails,” he said.
Read: Seminole County Public Schools to host free camp for students
Tuthill wants parents to know that there’s no need to worry if they have applied for the Family Empowerment Scholarship.
“Every individual family, by law, will get funded,” he said.
This is also regardless of income or when families apply.
Read: DeSantis speaks publicly in Central Fla. for 1st time since announcing presidential bid
Tuthill said the state allocated about $1.3 billion to fund the program.
Central Florida families could be awarded between $7,000 and $9,000 per student.
“We just want families to keep working with us,” Tuthill said. “We are doing our best to get as many families processed as quickly as possible.”
Step Up For Students said every submitted application will be awarded unless there is a late application for the scholarship.
Click here for more information.
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SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Debra Arnoux said tending to her daughter Olivia’s gravesite gives her with a way to connect to her child more than three years after her death.
Olivia died in 2019 at just 20 years old while serving in the U.S. Army. Her gravesite at Chuluota Cemetery is decorated with American flags, photos, flowers and pinwheels.
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Soon, according to new signs posted throughout the cemetery, those decorations may have to come down.
“This is our way of still being able to take care of our child. Now you’re wanting to take that away from us. It’s really hard,” Arnoux said. “It’s not fair and it’s not right.”
Read: Man, woman shot at cemetery where funeral for 10-year-old shooting victim was taking place
The cemetery posted signs stating that gravesite decorations will have to be removed by July 1.
But people with loved ones buried at the cemetery said being able to decorate the gravesites is why they chose to bury loved ones there to begin with.
“When we were looking at the cemeteries to bury her, we found this cemetery. I felt this was her cemetery. It has personality, it allows you to personalize the graves,” Arnoux said.
Read: Families gather on Memorial Day to honor the fallen at Florida National Cemetery
Dozens of graves around the Chuluota Cemetery are personalized with pebbles, benches and toys.
Denise Asbury has three daughters buried at the cemetery and said decorations have never been a problem before.
“I’ve been doing it since 2008,” Asbury said. ”To stop it, it’s not like we can pick them up and move them somewhere else. This is where we chose.”
Read: Forgotten for a century, new technology unearthing Central Florida Black cemetery
Some burial spot owners were sent letters in the mail dictating the new rules, but they said not everyone got one.
The letter states these rules and regulations have been posted at the front of the cemetery for about two years. But people said large signs with the notice were posted only last weekend.
Arnoux said taking the freedom away to care for these spots is like reliving her child’s death all over again.
Photos: Flags placed at cemeteries across the country for Memorial Day
“It’s our way of coping,” she said.
Channel 9 called and left messages, texted, and emailed the cemetery association to see why these rules are now being enforced and haven’t heard back. We also ran into the man that runs the cemetery and he told us he declined to comment.
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MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Marion County woman, who deputies say shot and killed a mother of four, can bond out of jail.
A judge set bond for Susan Lorincz, 58 at $154,000 during a hearing on Friday.
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Lorincz is facing a manslaughter charge for shooting her neighbor, Ajike Owens, following a disagreement over where Owens’ children were playing.
The decision to set bond came a day after deputies released recordings of 911 calls that Lorincz made after shooting her neighbor through a door.
Deputies said Owens had knocked on Lorincz’s front door to defend her children, who were playing outside when Lorincz allegedly threw things at them last Friday.
“I didn’t know what to do,” Lorincz said in the 911 call. “I just grabbed my gun and shot at the door! I thought she was gonna kill me.”
Read: Records: Woman bought gun after previous altercation with neighbor she’s accused of killing
The attorney for Owens’ family said they were unsatisfied that a bond was set and on the current charge Lorincz is facing, calling for the charge to be upgraded to second-degree murder.
Owens’ family will spend the weekend preparing for Owens’ funeral on Monday. Civil rights leader Al Sharpton is expected to give the eulogy. Attorney Benjamin Crump is also set to rally again for a national call to action.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/judge-sets-bond-marion-county-woman-accused-killing-neighbor-154k/VNSLGEL7KFEA5NTCVOIXT2W5S4/ | 2023-06-10T05:05:26 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/judge-sets-bond-marion-county-woman-accused-killing-neighbor-154k/VNSLGEL7KFEA5NTCVOIXT2W5S4/ |
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The eastbound NASA Causeway Bridge has opened to traffic for the first time.
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It will replace the causeway drawbridge that was built in 1964.
The bridge, which spans over the Indian River and connects Titusville to the Kennedy Space Center, is considered a critical piece of national infrastructure.
Read: Kennedy Space Center celebrates 40 years since 1st American woman explored space
Eastbound lanes were completed about 125 days ahead of schedule.
The first span will accommodate two-way traffic until a second bridge is completed for westbound travel.
WATCH: SpaceX successfully launches Falcon 9 rocket from Space Coast
Frank Dibello, president and CEO of Space Florida, said the bridge is the primary transit route for satellites, rockets and other specialty aerospace parts.
Dibello said it was no longer considered safe for heavier payloads.
Federal and state funding helped pay for the $126 million replacement project.
Read: More private astronauts missions expected this year on Florida’s Space Coast
The partnership included the Florida Department of Transportation, NASA, Space Florida and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday.
“The road we’re standing on today is more than a bridge,” Petro said. “It’s a critical artery that supplies the lifeblood to our mission.”
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — As Indiana Jones gears up for his (rumored) final adventure, guests visiting Walt Disney World this summer can join in on the adventure.
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The Den of Destiny, a limited-time pop-up bar, has officially opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a limited time to coincide with “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” hitting theaters June 30.
SEE: Disney debuts new trailer for ‘Haunted Mansion,’ based on classic theme park attraction
The pop-up bar will feature exclusive drinks, photo ops inspired by the film franchise, costumes and props and more, Disney said in an Instagram post.
Disney also announced new Indiana Jones merchandise is also heading to the park.
READ: From ride to table: How an iconic attraction is producing food for Walt Disney World
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
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ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Federal investigators have wrapped up their investigation into Magic in the Sky, and are now fining the company more than $100,000.
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Federal investigators have cited nearly a dozen safety violations related to the deadly warehouse fire that resulted in the death of four people last December.
Some of the family said these new OSHA violations will bring light to a lot of unanswered questions, while an attorney said the findings are alarming.
“These are the worst violations I’ve seen in a while against a corporation,” attorney Mark Lippman said. “It just goes over how negligent this company was in the storage of their fireworks in the location of where they were storing them, how they were storing them, where they were storing them.”
READ: 10 OSHA violations cited after deadly blaze in Orange County warehouse containing fireworks
Texas-based fireworks supplier Magic in the Sky used the warehouse to store fireworks that were shipped to SeaWorld and other locations.
“It’s interesting because you read about tragedies in commercial properties all the time … and you don’t ever hear OSHA coming in to do an inspection,” Lippman said. “I suspect because it was the nature of what was being stored there, the loss of life and the fact that the place burned to the ground that OSHA was called in.”
While the exact details of each violation are unknown, the report does show a slew of citations labeled “serious,” several of them for violating the management of highly hazardous chemicals and storing them in a hazardous location.
“The company is definitely in a lot of trouble because, not only did four people die, an additional fifth person got injured,” Lippman said. “Sounds like they committed fraud with at least the city and the county.”
READ: Deadly warehouse fire ignited by fireworks ‘testing,’ new lawsuit claims
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Wild animals can pose risks to human health, and the government needs to do more to examine and assess the threats, according to a new national study.
The Government Accountability Office is one federal watchdog that studies issues like zoonotic disease outbreaks.
“These are diseases that can spread from animals to humans,” GAO Director Steve Morris, explained.
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His latest report has real-world impacts on our communities.
“It’s caused millions of deaths and it’s really cost governments and economies billions of dollars,” Morris said.
He gave examples including an Ebola outbreak caused by rodents from Africa, Avian Influenza, which impacted thousands of people, and recent Coronaviruses, which claimed millions of lives.
Read: Trump indicted: Read the indictment
“We’ve identified a little over about 200 of these diseases, but there are potentially thousands out there that we really don’t know about,” Morris said.
The GAO looked at how these diseases spread and what the government is doing to identify and detect them, both domestically and possibly coming in from other countries.
There is some good news – the report said the government has taken a number of steps to try to find out more information about these types of diseases.
Read: Rock Springs at Kelly Park temporarily closed due to ‘alligator activity’
But watchdogs believe there’s more work to be done, including improving coordination when creating a national surveillance effort.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevent does work to prevent diseased animals from coming to the U.S. It can restrict certain species from places where there are already outbreaks. The GAO also thinks those officials can be too reactive.
Read: Judge sets bond for Marion County woman accused of killing neighbor at $154K
“We think there’s opportunities here for CDC to be a little more proactive to identify the risks of various types or categories of wildlife and take any appropriate action before the outbreak occurs,” Morris added.
Investigators included different agencies that have a role in this process in their study. Officials from several of the departments said they are working to collaborate. Read the agency responses here.
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ORLANDO, Fla. — An arrest has been made in the shooting death of U.S. Military Veteran Angela Sutton Washington.
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Samuel Stevens, 15, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder with a firearm, police said.
READ: Magic in the Sky OSHA violations: ‘Company is definitely in a lot of trouble,’ expert says
(2/2) The suspect has been identified as: Samuel Stevens, 15yrs old. Stevens has been charged with First Degree Murder with a Firearm. pic.twitter.com/40yG3jDTyv
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 10, 2023
READ: 17-year-old suspect caught in Flagler County after Daytona Beach shooting, police say
Washington was shot and killing while shopping in the plaza located at 5100 North Lane on Feb. 7, according to police. Stevens fled the scene of the crime.
Stevens was captured after “relentless efforts” from homicide detectives, the community and Crimeline, police said.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A newly filed lawsuit in Arkansas asks the courts to look at possible gerrymandering that diluted the Black vote.
The Christian Ministerial Alliance and some Pulaski County voters filed the lawsuit against the Arkansas Secretary of State and the Arkansas State Board of Election Commissioners.
It claims the redistricted map of 2021 is unconstitutional because it split voting power in Black neighborhoods and intentionally gerrymandered the vote.
"It's rare for a single county to be divided into that many congressional districts... and where Pulaski County was split strikes right through the heart of a Black community of Little Rock and Pulaski County," said Michael Skocpol, an attorney for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund who is representing Pulaski County voters.
Now, the attorneys are asking a federal judge to weigh in.
But this isn't the first time a lawsuit claimed discrimination through gerrymandering in Arkansas. The previous ones have been struck down.
However, Skocpol said this case is different, and he has complete confidence that his team has enough evidence to prove their case.
We reached out to the Arkansas Attorney General's office. They said the recent Alabama ruling would have no impact on this case.
The next step for this lawsuit is for the state's response. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/arkansas-sued-for-gerrymandering/91-01b4ee35-0bc8-4f93-8b3a-188cc4dadd0a | 2023-06-10T05:08:47 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/arkansas-sued-for-gerrymandering/91-01b4ee35-0bc8-4f93-8b3a-188cc4dadd0a |
LA GRANDE, Ore. — Heroic actions from a boy scout group helped save a man who was seriously injured after falling 60 feet down a slope from a trail in Hells Canyon.
Eighty-year-old Eric Valentine tried to kick weeds off of the path when he lost his balance and fell down the side of Hells Canyon.
"All I recall is seeing light and dirt and light and dirt," Valentine said.
Valentine has been an avid hiker for 20 years, and has hiked most of the Pacific Crest trail in Oregon, Washington and California. He also serves on the board of directors of Oregon Parks Forever.
But his fall last month put him in a tough spot and resulted in a broken ankle and knee. He also fractured his C-1 and C-2 vertebrae.
Once he fell, Valentine said he began crawling up the side of the mountain. Eventually a driver passed by and spotted Valentine.
"I heard a voice calling, are you alright?" Valentine said. "And I shouted 'No, help!'"
The driver was able to flag down an boy scout troop from Eagle, Idaho that was traveling along the Snake River in canoes. The Troop 77 scouts took over, giving Valentine first aid.
"If no one saw him, it might have been a pretty miserable night out on the trail," Troop 77 Assistant Scoutmaster Brian Cavanagh said.
Valentine has been involved with the Boy Scouts for America for more than 40 years. For 20 years, he said he served as a scoutmaster himself.
Troop 77 looked after Valentine for three hours, stabilizing his broken knee and tending to his wounds, while radioing for help.
"I feel they are the gold standard of scouting, as far as being prepared," Valentine said.
Valentine was eventually life-flighted to Boise, Idaho for medical treatment. His wife, Meg Valentine, was home in La Grande, Oregon when she received a text that her husband was being air-lifted to Idaho.
"Not knowing what I would find, even though they said he was stable and conscious and all that, you still wonder what can happen in those hours," she said.
Without the help of the scouts and the passing driver, Eric Valentine realizes his fate could have been starkly different.
"What I do recall coming to my mind is just wondering how it would end," he said.
Valentine is recovering from his injuries. He said he has little pain, considering the circumstances, and is hoping to make a full recovery by late August. | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/boy-scouts-help-rescue-injured-80-year-old-hiker/283-592455ef-a21c-4471-af02-71fa3f65369b | 2023-06-10T05:09:41 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/boy-scouts-help-rescue-injured-80-year-old-hiker/283-592455ef-a21c-4471-af02-71fa3f65369b |
PALM DESERT, Calif. — Everyone loves chocolate, right?
Not in the areas comprising the Coachella Valley in California this week.
The Firebirds have issued a chocolate boycott to their fans in the area as they take on the Hershey Bears in the Calder Cup Finals.
The team's mascot, Fuego, went so far as to destroy candy bars in hopes of "melting the competition."
The Firebirds posted a video on social media showing the bird mascot melting down Crunch bars and M&Ms. It was a big misstep, as those candies are made by Mars, not Hershey.
The move by the Firebirds has gotten Bears fans riled up. Some fans replied to the post, "Fail..... Mars is Hershey's competition!"
A candy maker in the Coachella Valley has gotten on board with the "chocolate boycott."
Brandon Weimer, owner of Brandini Toffee, is running a promotion for fans in the desert. He set up a chocolate take back.
If fans bring a Hershey's chocolate bar to Acrisure Arena, they can trade it in for a two ounce bag of Brandini Toffee popcorn.
"We are maybe the only chocolate provider here in the Coachella Valley. So we will be leaning into our popcorn roots of toffee popcorn for the foreseeable future," Weimer said.
Brandini Toffee does have a south central Pennsylvania touch. The company uses Snyder's of Hanover pretzels for toffee dipped pretzel treats.
Toffee Tour | Brandini Toffee shows off candy making process
Weimer hopes people in the Hershey and surrounding area will give his candies a try.
"We appreciate the rivalry. We're happy to welcome the Bears here in Palm Springs and we look forward to the great series," Weimer said.
The company ships its toffee across the country. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/candy-toffee-chocolate-hershey-bears-coachella-valley-firebirds-calder-cup-finals/521-52fdcc6e-44e4-40d7-a6e8-57594e4ade6f | 2023-06-10T05:13:01 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/candy-toffee-chocolate-hershey-bears-coachella-valley-firebirds-calder-cup-finals/521-52fdcc6e-44e4-40d7-a6e8-57594e4ade6f |
PEORIA, Ariz. — Days after Jovanni "JoJo" Thomas-Padilla tragically drowned at Lake Pleasant, his family and friends gathered there in his memory.
As the sun set at Scorpion Bay loved ones lit candles and shared memories of JoJo.
“He was a free spirit, carefree, happy. He was quiet but always joking," said Yaminah Thomas, JoJo's mom.
JoJo, a brother, son, cousin and friend, was only 18 years old. He had dreams of working in real estate.
“He was like really humble, really chill," said JoJo's cousin.
“Everything I knew about like football and stuff like basketball stuff, like he taught me that," said one of JoJo's friends.
“He was my best friend," said JoJo's younger sister.
JoJo was just a year out of high school. He graduated from Valley Vista High School and had recently gotten a job working for Bolt Security Guard Services.
"He was just the type of guy like just seeing his smile; it just makes you feel better," said Bella Lilly, JoJo's girlfriend. "I know he would want me to be strong right now.
JoJo's girlfriend, Bella Lilly, was with him at Lake Pleasant on Wednesday when tragedy struck.
“It started off as a really good day, having a lot of fun. We were listening to music in the car," Lilly recalled.
She witnessed an unimaginable tragedy when they stepped into the water at Scorpion Bay.
“It just goes from you can see the ground to just a drop and I know he was so close to where that shallow part was," Lilly said. "The last thing you saw him do was struggling and, you know, no matter how fast I tried to get to him or like help him it still happened.”
JoJo's loved ones held each other tight during Friday night's candlelight vigil.
Now, they are calling for change.
“There needs to be more security, lifeguards, something put in place, more signs, more restricted areas because obviously, I was told it was safe to swim. Obviously, it's not," Thomas said.
JoJo's death marks the third at Lake Pleasant this year, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. MCSO says thirteen people died at the lake last year.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/loved-ones-remember-18-year-old-jovanni-jojo-thomas-padilla-who-drowned-at-lake-pleasant/75-47ba2f05-30da-4ebc-a203-841f577f8d3f | 2023-06-10T05:28:51 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/loved-ones-remember-18-year-old-jovanni-jojo-thomas-padilla-who-drowned-at-lake-pleasant/75-47ba2f05-30da-4ebc-a203-841f577f8d3f |
The public is invited to attend a dinner ceremony to induct six women into the Atlantic County Women's Hall of Fame on June 22.
The new inductees for 2023 are Natalie L. Devonish (Volunteerism), Margaret (Peggy) Mallen-Walczak (Volunteerism), Suzanne Marino (Journalism), Donna Michael-Ziereis (Law), Robin M. Stoloff (Health) and Nicole R. Williams (Education).
To be eligible, each woman must be a resident of Atlantic County for at least 10 years or their place of business or employment must be in Atlantic County for at least 10 years, and their contributions made in Atlantic County. She also has to be considered either a pioneer or an innovator in her field.
Recipients were chosen based on their contributions to enhancing the lives of other women and "clearing the path" for others to follow.
The ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. at Linwood Country Club.
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“These women have made significant contributions in their professional fields as well as outstanding contributions to our Atlantic County community," ACWHF President Mary Amanda Delcher said in a news release. "They are shining examples for today’s young women."
Tickets to the dinner are $85 per person or $850 for tables of 10. Net proceeds from the event will benefit the Hall of Fame's scholarship program and a permanent exhibit.
For more information or to purchase a ticket, call 609-377-4035 or visit ACWHF.org. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/atlantic-county-women-s-hall-of-fame-to-induct-six-women-june-22/article_c7b5d686-03cd-11ee-b121-e3f291821aac.html | 2023-06-10T05:33:12 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/atlantic-county-women-s-hall-of-fame-to-induct-six-women-june-22/article_c7b5d686-03cd-11ee-b121-e3f291821aac.html |
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Bear sightings are happening across northern Fulton County. Police said neighbors have reporting seeing a bear in Roswell and Johns Creek. People in Cherokee County also saw bears throughout the community this week.
It's just the latest in a string of bear sightings, which has left people curious and scared at the same time.
Friends and families love to visit people in the beautiful Highland Park neighborhood, but the community got a surprise visitor that left them talking.
Thursday evening started off as a typical night for Nicolette Durban-Jackson.
“Last night I was sitting on my deck, and I heard kind of a crashing sound. I looked over right here, and the bear had jumped the fence and was right here where we’re standing in the backyard. I was about 30 feet away from it on the deck," Durban-Jackson said.
Durban-Jackson ran inside and made sure her kids and small dog didn't come outside.
“My initial thought was 'Oh my goodness! It’s a bear!' I was terrified," she said.
The Johns Creek Police Department posted a picture of a bear on social media and warned people not to approach or interact with it.
"I feared for my life. My life flashed before my eyes," Durban-Jackson said.
She has gotten over the initial shock of seeing the bear and said this is something she'll always remember.
“I think everybody is really excited about it. We don’t see bears that often," Durban-Jackson said.
Police encourage people not to leave out any trash or food to avoid attracting a bear to your home. That includes bird feeders and bowls for pets. They're also encouraging pet owners to look out for their furry companions. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/johns-creek/bear-sighting-johns-creek-neighborhood/85-5ac7825b-56c9-41fc-aeac-866e72fd99c0 | 2023-06-10T05:33:13 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/johns-creek/bear-sighting-johns-creek-neighborhood/85-5ac7825b-56c9-41fc-aeac-866e72fd99c0 |
Events
Saturday, June 10
AUTHOR VISIT - KRISTIN HARMEL: 2 to 3:30 p.m.; author of "The Forest of Vanishing Stars," among other titles; Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 Route 9, Middle Township. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
AVALON GARDEN CLUB 39TH ANNUAL FLOWER SHOW: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; enjoy beautiful flower arrangement and horticulture exhibits; Avalon Community Hall, 3001 Avalon Ave., Avalon. 610-291-0758 or avalongardenclub.org.
BOAT AMERICA BOAT SAFETY CLASS: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; basic safe boating class; New Jersey law requires all operators of power boats complete an approved boating safety class for obtaining a NJ Boating Safety Certificate; St. Peter's United Methodist Church, 501 E. Eighth St., Ocean City; $60. 609-399-4299 or uscgaux-ocnj.org.
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GM AUTO SHOW: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; rain date June 11; day full of all things cars; Historic Smithville, 615 E. Moss Mill Road, Galloway Township. 609-748-8999 or historicsmithville.com.
JAMES' PAR FOR THE HARBOR: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; fifth annual event; afternoon of food and drinks, basket raffles; benefits Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Gregory's Restaurant & Bar, 900 Shore Road, Somers Point; $50. 609-231-1402.
MAKER'S SPACE SEWING: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. June 10, 24; for teens and adults; discover how to sew both by hand and with machines; Hammonton Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 451 S. Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton; registration required. 609-561-2264 or atlanticlibrary.org.
NJ BOATING SAFETY CERTIFICATE CLASS: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; earn your NJ Boating Safety Certificate; 6708 Tilton Road, Egg Harbor Township; $75. 856-441 0242 or whitmanmarinetraining.com.
'PROTECT OUR COAST' FUNDRAISER: 3 p.m.; proceeds benefit POCNJ, an independent, non-partisan, grassroots group; meet others interested in opposing offshore wind development; light food, appetizers, drinks, live music, basket auctions, prizes; American Legion Post 524, 4562 West Ave., Ocean City; $25. protectourcoastnj@gmail.com.
SATURDAY MOVIE TIME: 1 to 3 p.m. June 10, 24, July 8, 22, Aug. 5, 19; Pleasantville Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 33 Martin Luther King Junior Ave., Pleasantville. 609-641-1778 or atlanticlibrary.org.
Sunday, June 11
AUDITIONS FOR FOOL MOON THEATRE'S 'CLUE': 4 to 6 p.m. June 11, 6 to 8 p.m. June 12; Margate Community Church School, 8900 Ventnor Ave., Margate. 609-457-0903 or foolmoontheatre.org.
HISTORY AND DESSERTS: 3 to 5 p.m.; local historian, Mark Demitroff, will speak on the history of Friendship Church and the surrounding area, followed by desserts and beverages in the social hall; Friendship Church, Weymouth Road, Buena; free, donations accepted. 609-636-7504.
LGBTQ+ PRESENTATION: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; learn about state and federal legislation regarding individual rights; Ocean Heights Presbyterian Church, 2116 Ocean Heights Ave., Egg Harbor Township. 856-364-2309 or ohchurch.org.
NORTH TO SHORE ATLANTIC CITY EVENTS: daily through June 11; live musical performances, open mic, spoken word, food, dance performance, move screenings, art, and more; various locations including Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, Dante Hall, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Chicken Bone Beach, Absecon Lighthouse, Stockton University and more; prices vary. northtoshore.com/atlantic-city.
For kids
Saturday, June 10
DROP-IN LEGO PLAYTIME: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturdays through August; Egg Harbor Township/Atlantic County Library System, 1 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township. 609-927-8664 or atlanticlibrary.org.
LET'S GO LEGO: 11 a.m. to noon every other Saturday through Aug. 19; Mays Landing Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 40 Farragut Ave., Hamilton. 609-625-2776 or atlanticlibrary.org.
SATURDAY FAMILY STORYTIME: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays through August; Egg Harbor Township/Atlantic County Library System, 1 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township. 609-927-8664 or atlanticlibrary.org.
SPRINGTIME STORYTIME: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays, June 10, 24; for ages 3 1/2 to 5, siblings welcome; few quick stories, songs, an easy craft, plus a treat; Somers Point Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 801 Shore Road, Somers Point; registration required. 609-927-7113 or atlanticlibrary.org.
TEEN BOARD GAME AND SNACK AFTERNOONS: 2 to 4 p.m. Saturdays, June 10, 24, July 8, 22, Aug. 5, 29; for kids and teens, ages 10 and older; Egg Harbor Township/Atlantic County Library System, 1 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township; registration required. 609-927-8664 or atlanticlibrary.org.
Groups
Saturday, June 10
SOUTHERN NJ AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB: 10 a.m. to noon second Saturdays; Elwood Volunteer Fire Dept., 414 Elwood Road, Mullica Township; discuss plant care tips and needs; open to all; no membership fees; masks required and COVID-19 social distancing rules in effect. snjavc.org or email snjavc.violet@gmail.com or Facebook@southernnewjerseyafricanvioletclub.
Health, fitness
Sunday, June 11
MEDITATION - ONLINE GROUP: 7:15 to 8 p.m. Sundays; offered by The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County; staff offer a guided calming meditation or breathing exercise; to receive a link by email and join the group online, email btrendler@mhanj.org. 609-652-3800 or MHAAC.info.
Music
Saturday, June 10
LAURIE MORVAN BAND: 7:30 to 10 p.m.; The Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main St., Tuckerton; $33. 908-310-2941 or lizzierosemusic.com.
Sunday, June 11
'SONG FOR MY FATHER' SOUTH JERSEY AREA WIND ENSEMBLE CONCERT: 3 to 4:30 p.m.; Atlantic County Institute of Technology, 5080 Atlantic Ave., Hamilton; free. 609-927-9470 or sjawe.com. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/community-calendar/article_751f6a00-0606-11ee-9f59-ef788090c8ec.html | 2023-06-10T05:33:18 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/community-calendar/article_751f6a00-0606-11ee-9f59-ef788090c8ec.html |
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Two teen girls who attend the same high school are missing in Gwinnett County. Law enforcement officers are asking the public to help in their search to find them.
On Friday morning, Gwinnett County Police shared photos on social media of 15-year-old Leila Novljakovic. Officers said she was last seen on May 16 leaving her home on Ridgewood Drive in Lilburn before leaving for school. She attends Parkview High.
Gwinnett County Police said the school district police officers took the original missing person's report, but they are now leading the investigation. The last known location captured on Novljakovic's cell phone was on June 5 in Atlanta, they added.
Just days after Novljakovic was last seen, Gwinnett Police said another Parkview High School student was also reported missing. Ashley Nevaeh Bell, 14, walked out of the school on May 24 around 10 a.m. She sat her laptop down on her sister's car in the school parking lot and hasn't been seen since.
On June 7, police released new photos of her, including a security camera picture as she was leaving school. Officers said this isn't part of her normal behavior; Bell has perfect attendance at school.
"She was last seen walking toward the student parking lot after taking an exam. Bell's cell phone was turned off a few hours later. She has had no activity on social media. She does not have access to money or a car," GCPD said in a previous release.
She stands 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs about 145 pounds. She has curly black hair and brown eyes. Surveillance images show her wearing a white shirt, brown tights, and brown shoes the last time she was seen.
As for Novljakovic, she was last spotted in a maroon shirt, gray sweatpants, black flip-flops with white writing, and a pink backpack. The teen has red hair and hazel eyes. She's about 5 feet 9 inches tall and about 200 pounds, police added.
Novljakovic has a tattoo on her left wrist of a heart with a circle and her left nostril is also pierced. Police said she also has scarring on her left forearm.
Detectives are actively following up on all leads for both girls. Anyone who has information on either case should contact GCPD detectives at 770.513.5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters can contact Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta at 404.577.TIPS (8477) or visit their website. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/lilburn/2-teens-who-attend-same-high-school-reported-missing-gwinnett-county/85-84608c9a-d55f-4a6d-a7bf-b925b653d256 | 2023-06-10T05:33:19 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/lilburn/2-teens-who-attend-same-high-school-reported-missing-gwinnett-county/85-84608c9a-d55f-4a6d-a7bf-b925b653d256 |
More than 100 kids learned about the environment, responsible fishing and the perils of doing drugs at a free event in Galloway Township last Saturday.
More than 40 rods and reels were loaned out to families as they raced to catch the most fish at the 17th annual Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs event organized by the Friends of the Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
Fishing was held from 9 a.m. to noon at Patriot Lake. Organizers said $500 in prizes, including top-of-the-line rods and reels, were given out to winners ages 5 to 12. Refreshments were provided, and area businesses and community organizations donated food, bait and tackle, and T-shirts for all. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/more-than-100-kids-get-hooked-on-fishing-not-on-drugs-in-galloway/article_f72f039a-03d4-11ee-90f3-afde4152b531.html | 2023-06-10T05:33:24 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/more-than-100-kids-get-hooked-on-fishing-not-on-drugs-in-galloway/article_f72f039a-03d4-11ee-90f3-afde4152b531.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.
Thursday: Batting third and playing center field, he went 0 for 3 with a walk in a 3-1 win over the visiting Cubs in the series finale
Friday: Went 0 for 4, striking out three times, in a 5-4 win over the visiting Mariners. He batted third and played center field.
Saturday: Bryan Woo (0-1, 27.00) is scheduled to start the 10:07 p.m. for the Mariners. Trout has not faced him.
Stats: Trout is hitting .258 (60 for 233) with 14 home runs, 35 RBIs and 38 runs scored in 61 games. He has walked 30 times and struck out 76 times. His on-base percentage is .356, his OPS .841. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/daily-mike-trout-report-angels-beat-mariners-in-series-opener/article_8d83b636-06ed-11ee-9da0-d7586aa0e658.html | 2023-06-10T05:35:01 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/daily-mike-trout-report-angels-beat-mariners-in-series-opener/article_8d83b636-06ed-11ee-9da0-d7586aa0e658.html |
Sitting in an office of the newly renovated Super Shot location, the organization’s first executive director reflected on the local vaccination clinic’s story.
“I could probably talk about this for hours,” Jane Wuthrich said.
For the last 30 years, Super Shot has served low-income families, breaking down the barriers of access and affordability to vaccines. And this year, the clinic will finish an expansion project at its main location at 1515 Hobson Road.
Work on the $2.1 million project is expected to be completed in September. The nonprofit is still fundraising to finish the expansion, and Super Shot has to raise another $340,000.
The clinic operates three other locations: Grabill Missionary Church, Anthony Medical Center and Fort Wayne Community Schools’ Community Engagement Center.
Wuthrich started Super Shot in 1993, when vaccines were given only at doctors’ offices. She said children’s vaccines then cost about $400 per child, and insurance frequently didn’t cover the cost.
“That was a whole lot of money for many families. That might be a whole month’s worth of groceries,” Wuthrich said. “And if you had twins or triplets, you’re talking about a lot more money. If you didn’t speak English, that was a whole different ball game.”
Wuthrich said children’s vaccines became free through health departments in 1993, but agencies didn’t have enough trained staff to meet the demand. So, a small committee was formed by local hospitals and FWCS to address the issue.
“It took a long time to put together some form of effective outreach to the community,” Wuthrich said. “But, once we did, at one time we immunized 10,000 children in school gyms. It was obvious that it was something that was desperately needed.”
Shots in schools
Thirty years later, Super Shot offers 15 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-recommended vaccines for children, plus COVID-19 and flu vaccines. The clinic also administers vaccines for adults.
Connie Heflin, current executive director of Super Shot, said the nonprofit is also part of a federal program called Vaccines for Children, which provides vaccines at no cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of inability to pay. The CDC buys vaccines at a discounted rate for distribution to registered providers.
Super Shot travels to 120 schools each year and administers vaccines there, Heflin said. The clinic also accepts people with all insurance plans and does not turn away anyone who cannot pay.
“We are just happy that the family is here keeping their children healthy,” she said. “So, the need and the why of the need has maybe shifted from 30 years ago. But still, more than ever, our community needs access to vaccines because it’s the best way to keep everybody healthy.”
Originally, Super Shot’s staff was all volunteers, with the clinic having more than 200 nurses and 50 doctors who have donated their time, Wuthrich said. Super Shot staff is now paid, and the clinic has 17 employees, including five working full-time.
The 1515 Hobson Road clinic is Super Shot’s first permanent location, Heflin said, and the organization took ownership of it in March 2022. The renovation project began in January, and the clinic has split the building in half to renovate, so they can keep seeing patients while the project is going on.
Super Shot saw its first patient in the renovated area on May 16, Heflin said.
With the new renovations, the nonprofit can better store and manage vaccines, which are temperature-sensitive. Heflin said the new location will make it easier for employees to transport vaccines during power outages. The clinic has a backup generator.
The Hobson Road location also has translators fluent in Burmese and Spanish for patients whose first language is not English, Wuthrich said.
The remodel makes the space more inclusive, said Staci Kaczmarek, Super Shot clinical manager. Having a brick-and-mortar location makes it easier for families to use the clinic, she said, adding that the nonprofit also can extend hours throughout the week.
“We want to make sure we’re serving everybody with dignity and respect,” Kaczmarek said. “A lot of times, we were a mobile clinic or seeing patients in areas that you wouldn’t normally get vaccines, so it’s a very different experience to go get vaccines.”
Patience with patients
One of Kaczmarek’s friends went to Super Shot with her daughter and described the space as “a calming environment.” Kaczmarek said the nonprofit tried to make the space clean and dignified, but also welcoming for families who have children who are afraid of shots.
“We’re hoping to appeal to that demographic,” she said. “Maybe they don’t have to come see us, but they want to come to Super Shot because it’s a great experience.”
April Heckley’s son, who is now in high school, is afraid of needles. They have been going to Super Shot since he was in middle school.
Heckley said her son used to get shots at the physician’s’ office, but her doctor recommended Super Shot.
“They are definitely very patient,” Heckley said. “One time, we were hitting almost two hours that we were there … but they just made that time where, with physicians’ offices, they can’t give up that much time.”
Heckley also remembers that the Super Shot employees were calm and didn’t show any frustration during that appointment, which she said was nice for both her and her son.
Taking her son in for shots gives her a lot of anxiety, Heckley said. But with Super Shot, she knows they work with kids all the time and see other kids with the same fear as her son.
Heckley has not been to the renovated clinic, but she thinks the renovations are important for families who take their kids there.
“It’s just a nice resource for anyone, even if your kid is fine with getting shots,” she said. “It’s just a really nice place to go for just shots, and it’s really convenient for families.”
Local ‘success story’
Heflin anticipates the number of patients will increase with the expansion, and the clinic is already seeing about 23,000 people each year. The number might fluctuate in the next few years as fewer people receive the COVID-19 vaccine, but she thinks the community benefits from an accessible clinic such as Super Shot.
While the clinic is still being renovated, the staff is working at a decreased schedule, but Kaczmarek expects demand will grow as it gets closer to back-to-school time.
“This just gives us the ability to not only see more patients here, but to build up our team and build up our network to be able to serve out in the community more,” she said.
Heflin and Wuthrich are both excited for the future of Super Shot, and they want to see how it continues to grow.
“It really is a Fort Wayne success story,” Heflin said. “This wouldn’t be possible without all of our partnership and our community.”
Because she’s been involved from the beginning, Wuthrich said, it’s heartwarming to watch the organization grow. People approach her at events and tell her that they were a patient or worked for the clinic at one point.
“People have retained this really good feeling about it,” Wuthrich said. “They’re proud to be associated with it. There’s never been any lack of belief that the people who are running this program don’t have their heart in the right place.” | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/a-fort-wayne-success-story-super-shot-expands-during-30th-anniversary/article_393e9bd8-fff7-11ed-94ed-43b300a5bdc4.html | 2023-06-10T05:47:02 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/a-fort-wayne-success-story-super-shot-expands-during-30th-anniversary/article_393e9bd8-fff7-11ed-94ed-43b300a5bdc4.html |
Fort Wayne/ Allen County
Parkview Children’s being renovated
Parkview Women’s & Children’s Hospital is undergoing renovations to improve access to care for pediatric patients and families, Parkview Health announced Friday.
Existing space within the hospital is being remodeled to better meet patient needs and increasing demand, according to a news release.
The hospital, which is on the Parkview Regional Medical Center campus, will expand the neonatal intensive care unit for critically ill babies with each room having the capacity to care for twins, among other options.
In the Family Birthing Center, renovations include a new eight-bed nursery, giving parents the opportunity for respite. Additionally, furnishings will be updated to create a brighter environment, officials said.
As part of this project, renovations are also underway in the adjacent section of Parkview Regional Medical Center, where additional operating rooms and surgical care areas will be added by repurposing existing space.
Renovations began at the end of May and are expected to be complete next spring.
Arborists: Young trees need water
In these abnormally dry conditions, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department arborists encourage residents to help young trees thrive with supplemental watering.
Derek Veit, the department’s superintendent of forestry operations, said water is “the most important element in caring for young trees.”
“New trees and those that have been planted within the last three years have not fully extended roots into the soil and need adequate moisture to reach the root ball,” he said in a statement.
Soil type and rainfall amounts will govern the how much watering is necessary. Veit recommends watering for 30 seconds or more with a rain-head or fan-spray nozzle every other day during the summer months.
For additional questions about caring for young trees in dry conditions, email derek.veit@cityoffortwayne.org.
Parks launching mobile Park & Play
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation on Friday announced a new mobile recreation unit called Park & Play that will bring free fun to neighborhood parks beginning Monday and continuing through July 28.
Park & Play staff will bring fun and games for children ages 5 and older. Morning and afternoon sessions will include a selection of sports, games, arts and crafts, fitness, nature and outdoor educational activities, according to a news release.
“Park & Play is a blast from the past,” Patti Davis, the department’s superintendent of recreation, said in a statement. “When I began with Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation, the Funmobile was a very popular program. We’re working to build Park & Play into a strong program that will supplement summer activities for youth in neighborhood parks.”
Officials announced the schedule for June. Morning sessions will be from 9 to 11:30 a.m., and afternoon programs will run from 12:30 to 3 p.m.
Daily locations:
• On Mondays, the vehicle will be in Psi Ote Park in the mornings and Waynedale Park in the afternoons.
• On Tuesdays, the staff will be in Klug Park in the mornings and Jehl Park in the afternoons.
• On Wednesdays, programs will be offered in Gren Park in the mornings and Lakeside Park in the afternoons.
• On Thursdays, the vehicle will be in Packard Park in the mornings and Ivan Lebamoff Reservoir Park in the afternoons.
• On Fridays, the staff will go to a pop-up location.
Check the Fort Wayne Parks Facebook page for details.
Park & Play is planned rain or shine unless severe weather occurs.
Area
Purdue trustees adopt budget
Purdue University trustees Friday adopted the university’s operating budget for the 2024 fiscal year with revenues modestly exceeding expenditures.
Among other actions, trustees approved keeping tuition frozen at Purdue’s main campus in West Lafayette for the 11th and 12th consecutive years.
In national rankings released since the last trustees meeting, Purdue is ranked in the top four in the United States in both its College of Engineering graduate programs and in U.S. patents received.
– Journal Gazette | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/metro-briefs/article_a53784ec-0706-11ee-bab5-7fc3cc7b59a2.html | 2023-06-10T05:47:09 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/metro-briefs/article_a53784ec-0706-11ee-bab5-7fc3cc7b59a2.html |
The chart lists crimes through June 5 investigated by the Fort Wayne Police Department including burglary, robbery and thefts from vehicles. An attempted robbery or burglary is classified as an actual robbery or burglary, respectively. The listed addresses are those where crimes were reported and are not necessarily where the crimes occurred.
Sector 4B
6/4/23 3:21 a.m. Burglary 1300 Ewing St.
6/5/23 9:37 p.m. Robbery South Harrison
and West Columbia streets
Sector 11
5/30/23 7:30 p.m. Theft from vehicle 1900 Wells St.
5/31/23 1 a.m. Theft from vehicle 1600 Cass St.
Sector 12
5/30/23 Midnight Theft from vehicle 1600 Oakland St.
5/30/23 1 a.m. Theft from vehicle 1400 Oakland St.
5/30/23 7 p.m. Theft from vehicle 1400 W. Fourth St.
5/30/23 7:30 p.m. Theft from vehicle 1600 W. Fourth St.
5/31/23 8 p.m. Theft from vehicle 2000 St. Marys Ave.
6/1/23 2 a.m. Theft from vehicle 1500 Melrose Ave.
6/3/23 11:01 p.m. Burglary 1100 Third St.
Sector 14
6/4/23 9:30 p.m. Theft from vehicle 5600 River Run Trail
Sector 15
5/31/23 Noon Burglary 600 Blueberry Lane
Sector 22
5/30/23 Midnight Burglary 4100 E. State Blvd.
Sector 32
6/1/23 4:50 a.m. Burglary 2200 Broadway
6/5/23 3:30 a.m. Burglary 2200 Broadway
Sector 34
5/30/23 9 p.m. Theft from vehicle 4000 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Sector 35
5/31/23 6 p.m. Theft from vehicle 3600 S. Harrison St.
6/1/23 Midnight Burglary 3800 S. Harrison St.
6/3/23 6 p.m. Theft from vehicle 400 Fairwick Lane
Sector 41
5/31/23 Midnight Theft from vehicle 2500 Maumee Ave.
Sector 42
5/30/23 11:16 p.m. Robbery 2400 Weisser Park Ave.
6/2/23 8 a.m. Burglary 1400 Greene St.
6/3/23 11:30 a.m. Theft from vehicle 1300 Greene St.
Sector 43
6/2/23 12:36 a.m. Theft from vehicle 1900 E. Pontiac St.
Sector 44
5/31/23 9:30 p.m. Burglary 3300 S. Lafayette St.
6/1/23 7:06 p.m. Burglary 3100 Reed St.
Sector 48
6/3/23 5:45 a.m. Robbery 7500 S. Anthony Blvd.
6/5/23 2:08 a.m. Burglary 4800 Wayne Park Drive | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-fire/crime-reports/crime-reports/article_18b90876-0650-11ee-b2bb-eb4caa6cec84.html | 2023-06-10T05:47:15 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-fire/crime-reports/crime-reports/article_18b90876-0650-11ee-b2bb-eb4caa6cec84.html |
As pop music blared in a Homestead High School gym, student Jude Price stretched his arm toward the ceiling, his feet off the floor thanks to a boost from his teammates on a recent Thursday afternoon.
Price had performed the attention-grabbing lift multiple times as part of Homestead’s Champions Together dance team, which unites students with and without intellectual disabilities.
About two dozen special education students participated in the program this academic year, learning routines twice a week during teacher Britney Lombardo’s varsity dance class period. Special needs teacher Rachel Radloff said her students continually surprised her with their accomplishments.
“We keep pushing them, and they rise to the occasion,” she said.
Champions Together is a collaborative partnership between the Indiana High School Athletic Association and Special Olympics Indiana. Participating schools generally offer opportunities in sports including basketball, flag football, and track and field.
Homestead launched its Champions Together dance program shortly before the coronavirus pandemic, which temporarily stalled the activity. The team – the first of its kind in Indiana – has since regained momentum, teachers said, noting participants made their debut this year at the state dance competition.
“Five years ago, we sat and dreamed of this moment,” Jen Bay said. The Southwest Allen County Schools dance program director talked about the program at a school board meeting this spring.
Homestead will soon pioneer what teachers believe is another Indiana first: it will offer a dance class specifically for special education students in the upcoming academic year. The class will be offered five days a week and will include peer tutors, using the Champions Together format.
The school board approved the increase to Lombardo’s teaching schedule in April to accommodate the new class.
Radloff said her students “absolutely love” the program. “They always want it to be a dance day,” she said.
Lombardo, who has taught dance at Homestead for 10 years, also looks forward to the activity.
“It’s the best part of the week,” she said.
‘Incredible’ growth
Some students with special needs have needed more persuading than others to participate in the Champions Together dance team.
Radloff described one boy who couldn’t stand being in the noisy room last year. He gradually warmed to the environment through occasional visits to the class, she said, pointing him out as one of the students who wears headphones while participating.
Other students participate while using mobility equipment, such as walkers. Some are content as spectators – a role that provides beneficial sensory aspects, Radloff said as Lombardo led the dancers through the choreography.
“Hey, you had nice high kicks today,” Lombardo told one student as the session ended.
Learning choreography, such as walking sideways and spinning, has implications beyond a dance routine. The coordination and strength the students build through dance could broaden their job prospects to roles with more complex tasks, Radloff said.
“It’s incredible how much they’ve grown,” she said, adding dance has helped the students in every aspect of their learning.
Radloff and her colleagues are eager to see how students will further benefit from a dance curriculum tailored to individuals with special needs.
“I can’t even imagine what kind of doors will be opened with that,” Radloff said.
‘Genuine friendships’
Hundreds – if not thousands – of people watched the Champions Together team perform at the state competition, a day that Bay described as amazing.
Radloff agreed. The venue was packed, she said, and the students got cheers along with a standing ovation.
“They just eat it up,” Radloff said of her students’ reaction to the praise.
Price, the student who is lifted by his teammates, told the school board this spring that he enjoys the music and his buddies, who include varsity dance team members.
When the general education students weren’t interacting with their special needs peers on the gym floor during class, they were on the sidelines mirroring the dancers’ motions.
Radloff said the two groups of students developed relationships that extend beyond the dance floor.
“It’s genuine friendships,” she said.
Catherine Ji, a senior and varsity dance team member, described the experience as rewarding.
Her buddy – a student new to Homestead and to dance – initially had difficulty remembering the dance combinations, Ji said.
“Classes typically ended with her crying out of frustration and me frustrated because I didn’t know how to help her,” Ji told the school board.
The pair learned to work together, Ji said, and her buddy has grown into a proud and confident dancer.
“She brings me such joy with her dancing,” Ji said, noting she plans to keep in touch with her buddy after Sunday’s graduation. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/homestead-high-school-students-are-champions-together-through-dance/article_f9b95984-fa7f-11ed-8625-97d0e5786332.html | 2023-06-10T05:47:21 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/homestead-high-school-students-are-champions-together-through-dance/article_f9b95984-fa7f-11ed-8625-97d0e5786332.html |
Parents in districts including East Allen County Schools and Northwest Allen County Schools have increasingly used board meetings as a platform to complain about books they deem inappropriate for students.
They’ve criticized titles addressing rape, sexual assault, racism and other issues. They’ve accused districts of peddling pornography and providing literature that would make students think their worth is determined by skin color.
State lawmakers have since gotten involved.
Legislators crafted new school library rules in the waning hours of this year’s legislative session. Along with publishing a catalogue of library materials, schools must create procedures for parents or community members to challenge library books that might be considered obscene or harmful to minors. School boards must review those challenges at public meetings.
The law, which Gov. Eric Holcomb signed in May, also removes the legal defense that a person provided harmful material to a minor for educational purposes.
When asked about the effects of the changes, local districts had little to say. Fort Wayne Community Schools noted officials have months to work through the new requirements.
“The new law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2024, which gives us time to fine-tune our process and establish a formal procedure,” FWCS said in a statement last month.
East Allen County Schools is working with its legal counsel to create an administrative guideline supporting the changes, its spokeswoman said.
National trend
The Indiana legislation is part of a nationwide trend.
The 2022-23 academic year saw the effects of new state laws censoring ideas and materials in public schools, according to Pen America, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting free expression.
Pen America recorded more book bans in fall 2022 than in each of the previous two semesters. The 1,477 instances of individual books banned affected 874 unique titles, the group found. It noted stories by and about people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals were common targets.
In its report titled “Banned in the USA: State Laws Supercharge Book Suppression in Schools,” the organization cited laws in Florida, Utah and Missouri that resulted in book bans.
“These three states demonstrate how legislation is deepening an environment of censorship, where fear and intimidation leads to an overly cautious response,” the April 20 report states.
Removing a book from a school library could mean a student loses access to that book, said Michelle Cottrell-Williams, the 2018 Virginia Teacher of the Year. She addressed the topic in Atlanta last week during a conference for education journalists.
“For so many children, their school library is the only place that they can even access books,” Cottrell-Williams said. “When somebody else makes the decision about what books my child is not allowed to read, where does that line between your right to make decisions for your child infringe upon my right to make decisions for my child?”
Northwest Allen County Schools provides a way for parents to monitor which school library materials their children are borrowing, Assistant Superintendent Bill Toler said.
“If their kids are checking out something that maybe they just don’t want their kid, their child, to read, they can have that conversation as a parent,” Toler said.
Amanda Jones, president of the Louisiana Association of School Librarians, said school and public libraries have faced unprecedented attacks in her state. She has responded to these challenges by creating a censorship toolkit for libraries and founding Louisiana Citizens Against Censorship.
The American Association of School Librarians named her this year’s Intellectual Freedom Award recipient.
“Just for being a librarian, I’ve been called a pedophile and a groomer,” Jones said, noting she hasn’t done anything differently since beginning her career more than 20 years ago. “There’s just all of a sudden this hatred and this idea that every school librarian out there is somehow peddling porn to children.”
Jones, who shared her experience during last week’s conference, said she’s also faced complaints and accusations she’s teaching critical race theory and indoctrinating students after reading books featuring Black characters.
“Two or three years ago, that never would have taken place,” Jones said.
Local policy
In Allen County, many of the book complaints aired during the public comment portion of school board meetings have related to books used in the classroom, such as in high school English classes.
East Allen County Schools board members were sympathetic when a few parents opposed titles including “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison and “Tricks” by Ellen Hopkins during the March 21 meeting.
Set in the early 1940s, Morrison’s novel is about a Black girl from an abusive home and addresses issues including race, class and gender.
Hopkins’ book follows five troubled teens – including one who is gay – who fall into prostitution as they search for freedom, safety, community, family and love.
Board member Jenny Blackburn told the parents the board wants to hear about and take care of their concerns.
“We don’t need that kind of thing here,” Blackburn said.
Ron Turpin, board secretary, said he read parts of one book the parents opposed.
“It’s trash,” he said without verbally identifying the book. “It needs to be gone now.”
Like other local districts, EACS has a policy about educational and challenged materials. Superintendent Marilyn Hissong reviewed the district’s procedures, explaining a committee of three faculty members and two parents evaluates books after a formal complaint is filed.
Tim Hines, board president, encourages parents to follow the process.
“When we have a policy in place, it would be disrespectful for us not to follow our own policies,” Hines said at the March meeting.
Turpin pushed for a different procedure.
“I think we have to put a standard in place,” Turpin said. “We need to find some way of looking at other systems that have some kind of automatic process in place to look at this because it’s a lot to ask our staff to have to go through and ask parents to fill out documents and forms.”
A similar procedure in Southwest Allen County Schools netted a formal complaint in each 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic year, a spokeswoman said. She didn’t have copies of the complaints or their outcomes.
‘A conversation’
As a NACS middle school principal, Toler didn’t encounter a book challenge for the library or for the classroom – at least not any he can remember from his 12 years in the position.
Since his promotion to assistant superintendent last summer, Toler has worked with parents as they expressed concerns. Most have referenced materials with sexually explicit content or content that’s perceived that way, he said.
“I’ve had parents reach out to me with books they’re concerned about, but it’s been more of a conversation,” Toler said in a late April interview. “I’ve got some books sitting over here that I’m going to take a look at, but there’s nothing we ban necessarily at this point.”
Toler expects those discussions – especially regarding library books – will include the new director of library services, Terri Uchtman. She starts in August and will also oversee ordering of library materials, Toler said. He noted that generally happens twice a year.
NACS has used outside resources, including Common Sense Media, to vet books because it’s impossible for staff to read every one, Toler said. Information provided by those resources prompted the district to delay buying about five books in a middle school order until some parents could read the materials and provide feedback.
Toler said he gave the OK to buy those materials in April.
“We’ve become more diligent about trying to review the materials we get to make sure we’re buying materials that are appropriate,” he said.
See also • Biden administration to appoint a new coordinator to push back on book bans Page 4A | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/indiana-lawmakers-write-new-chapter-for-school-book-challenges/article_d72d20ca-0543-11ee-8a1d-2be3fa9b3e25.html | 2023-06-10T05:47:27 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/indiana-lawmakers-write-new-chapter-for-school-book-challenges/article_d72d20ca-0543-11ee-8a1d-2be3fa9b3e25.html |
INDIANAPOLIS — Moments after reaching out for help locating a missing Indianapolis boy, police say the child has been found safe.
IMPD sent an alert about 7-year-old Kayden Davis at 12:12 a.m. Saturday. Within 20 minutes, police updated the alert to say Davis was located and is safe.
Davis was reported missing from the 2000 block of North Alton Avenue around 8 p.m. Friday. He was reported safe about four-and-a-half hours later.
Amber Alert vs. Silver Alert: What's the difference?
There are specific standards a person's disappearance must meet in order for police to declare an Amber Alert or a Silver Alert.
Amber Alerts are for children under the age of 18 who are believed to have been abducted and in danger. Police also need to have information about a suspect and their car to issue an Amber Alert.
Silver Alerts are for missing and endangered adults or children. They are much more common for missing people. It was not until last year when the standards for Silver Alerts were expanded to include children.
In both situations, these alerts must be issued by police. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/impd-searching-for-7-year-old-boy-missing-indianapolis-northwest-side/531-56ab3376-f019-4fbb-868d-33dbd9ec5aac | 2023-06-10T06:07:44 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/impd-searching-for-7-year-old-boy-missing-indianapolis-northwest-side/531-56ab3376-f019-4fbb-868d-33dbd9ec5aac |
June Arlis Lee, 97, died Thursday, June 8, 2023. Arrangements: Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel.
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June Arlis Lee, 97, died Thursday, June 8, 2023. Arrangements: Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel.
Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/obituaries/death-notices/globe-death-notices/article_086c64d8-6770-5e84-a7a7-78f2c561be9b.html | 2023-06-10T06:10:38 | 1 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/obituaries/death-notices/globe-death-notices/article_086c64d8-6770-5e84-a7a7-78f2c561be9b.html |
Wardner to head ND Beef Commission
The North Dakota Beef Commission has named former consumer marketing and industry relations specialist Nicole Wardner as its new executive director. Wardner replaces Nancy Jo Bateman, who retired in December after 38 years as the longest-serving beef council executive in the nation.
Wardner, her husband and sons run a commercial cow/calf operation and small grain farm. She served in her previous role alongside Bateman since 2020.
She attended South Dakota State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in animal science, beef production. She previously worked for the Red River Farm Network as an on-air farm broadcaster, served with the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency as a program technician in Sheridan County and with North Dakota State University Extension as the agriculture and natural resources agent for Sheridan County.
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KLJ Engineering firm hires two
KLJ Engineering LLC has hired Marcus Morehead and Liz Garcia in its Bismarck office.
Morehead joins the firm as an engineer in training within the civil team. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Mary. Morehead has more than seven years of experience working with database management, inspecting and refurbishing construction equipment, operating heavy machinery, and utilizing CAD software.
Garcia will serve as a project specialist on the operational plans and performance team. She has more than 15 years of experience in financial tracking, project management, inventory maintenance, and process improvement initiatives. Garcia earned an associate degree in computer science from Johnson Community College in Kansas.
CAWS ND names executive director
Erica Cermak has been appointed as executive director of CAWS North Dakota, the state coalition against domestic and sexual violence.
Prior to joining CAWS North Dakota, Cermak served as the vice president of government relations and management services at APT, Inc. and as the human resources director at Silver Fox Energy. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in social work from the University of Mary. | https://bismarcktribune.com/business/local/businesspeople---june-10-2023/article_b99d9b9e-0155-11ee-8aac-1b1368d5db2f.html | 2023-06-10T06:14:24 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/business/local/businesspeople---june-10-2023/article_b99d9b9e-0155-11ee-8aac-1b1368d5db2f.html |
The city of Bismarck has announced more planned road work.
Starting at 7 a.m. Monday, 26th Street between Divide Avenue and Hoover Avenue will be closed to through traffic, with access limited to local residents from the north. No access to the area will be permitted from Divide Avenue. No detour route will be in place. The closure for sewer work will be in place for about 10 days.
Starting at 8 a.m. Monday, Nelson Drive at Walter Way will be closed to through traffic. Residents on Nelson Drive should access from Coleman Street. The closure for gutter work is expected to last through Thursday. No detour route will be in place.
Starting at 3 p.m. Monday, Airport Road will be reduced to one lane northbound between Front Avenue and Main Avenue. The lane reduction for soil test borings in the roadway will be in place until midday Tuesday. Motorists can expect delays. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck-announces-road-work/article_a2956406-06f3-11ee-b540-eb30873cb531.html | 2023-06-10T06:15:13 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck-announces-road-work/article_a2956406-06f3-11ee-b540-eb30873cb531.html |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Outdoor dining is set to become permanent in Sacramento in about a month.
The city voted to approve the move last year and allowed time for local businesses to transition.
But as the Al Fresco Dining Program becomes permanent, there are new fees and specifications businesses must adhere to, making it challenging for some to keep the structures they have already built.
"We're having some difficulties with that right now because they're asking us to change some things that we've already done," said Jason Poole, co-owner of Midtown Spirits, which has a popular patio out front.
When Al Fresco Dining first began during the pandemic, there were no fees associated with the temporary program. Poole said they only had to pay an "encroachment fee."
Under the permanent program, restaurants will be charged a monthly fee depending on the location and size of their outdoor dining space. The city says a patio under 200 square feet that takes up a parking space on the street would be $250 per month. Whereas, a set-up with only two tables and chairs would be $25 per month.
Business owners will also have make sure their patios meet ADA requirements and are compliant with city code. The specifications are making tough for businesses to keep their existing patio structures.
Poole said the city has asked them to change the dimensions of their structure, that they put tens of thousands of dollars into building during the pandemic, but he is hoping they can come to an agreement.
"We're hoping to be able to keep that, work with them and make it a safe great space for the city," said Poole.
The temporary program was extended through June 30 to give restaurants the time to transition and build up their patios.
The city says 31 businesses have submitted applications to participate in the permanent program.
The Rind, a restaurant on L Street, has decided to close their patio at the end of this month. Owner Sara Arbabian said the costs just didn't add up. She says they already put $30,000 into building the structure and would need to put in thousands more to bring it up to code.
"All in all, we're looking at tens of thousands of dollars that we would need to spend to maintain the structure and then of course permitting and monthly fees so it is an expensive endeavor," she said.
Instead, The Rind will focus on revamping the other outdoor seating space next to the restaurant, according to Arbabian.
In a statement, Gabby Miller with the City of Sacramento said, "the program is designed to offer businesses a range of options to decide how they would like to add permanent outdoor dining in the public right-of-way. The Al Fresco Dining Program fees will provide funding for staff time to administer the Al Fresco Dining Program."
She also says the city "supports and encourages" Sacramento businesses interested in the program to browse through designs to get estimated costs of the project on its proposed sight.
The city has a grant program that provides financial assistance of up to $20,000 to restaurant owners for construction of Al Fresco dining patios. The program runs through June 30.
WATCH MORE: The future coming to Stockton's Miracle Mile | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/sacramento-restaurants-problems-with-outdoor-dining/103-079c304a-d82b-49df-9d88-84fd3c9ddfa2 | 2023-06-10T08:24:05 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/sacramento-restaurants-problems-with-outdoor-dining/103-079c304a-d82b-49df-9d88-84fd3c9ddfa2 |
FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. — A car ended up stuck in the sand on Fort Myers Beach after driving off of the paved roadway.
The Town of Fort Myers Beach beach patrol found the black sedan stuck in the sand just off of the Coconut Drive beach access parking lot on Friday morning.
“Whatever it is, it shouldn’t be on the beach,” said Robin Smith, who’s visiting the island from California. “Certified dumba*****.”
That’s one way to put it. Whoever’s behind the wheel of the vehicle decided to take it off-roading, heading right into the sand after sunrise.
“That’s like a Cadillac? What is that,” questioned Smith.
It’s not a four-wheel drive vehicle, and it’s likely part of the reason why it got stuck.
“Whatever it is, it shouldn’t be on the beach,” Smith said.
It’s not the first time someone found themselves in hot water on the beach. In March, the driver of a pickup truck was stuck near the north end of the island after they drove on the sand.
“Some people just aren’t smart. I don’t know what to tell you,” Smith said. “They don’t give a sh**.”
The super fine and loose sand on Fort Myers Beach makes it even more difficult to drive in. It’s part of the reason vehicles that aren’t designed for sand wind up stuck.
“It’s not safe to drive on the beach,” said Jennifer Dexter, communications coordinator for the Town of Fort Myers Beach. “Also, there is a violation process if you’re caught on the beach driving your car.”
Driving on the beach could also earn you a code violation citation. Plus leaving behind the mess, which happens to be on private property this time.
The town can’t come and fill in the holes like they could if it were on public property, meaning it’s a hazard to not only you but also wildlife.
“It’s stupid. Walk your lazy a** on the beach,” Smith said.
So, before you drop a gear and disappear onto the sand, just think twice.
“Don’t drive on the beach,” Smith said. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/lee-county/2023/06/10/car-gets-stuck-in-sand-after-attempting-to-drive-on-fort-myers-beach/ | 2023-06-10T08:53:33 | 1 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/lee-county/2023/06/10/car-gets-stuck-in-sand-after-attempting-to-drive-on-fort-myers-beach/ |
A look at how local minor league players are performing (stats through Thursday):
Triple A
2B Buddy Kennedy (Millville), 24, is playing for the Reno Aces (Arizona Diamondbacks). Through 48 games, he was hitting .347 (66 for 190) with 14 doubles, five triples, four homers, 48 runs and 24 RBIs. He had walked 41 times and struck out 35 times, and his OPS was 1.014.
LHP Jay Groome (Barnegat), 24, is pitching for the El Paso Chihuahuas (San Diego Padres). Through 12 starts, he was 1-5 with a 9.06 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 50 2/3 innings.
Double-A
RHP Sean Mooney (Ocean City), 25, was assigned to the Wichita Wind Surge (Minnesota Twins) and placed on the seven-day injured list to start the season (right shoulder fatigue). He was later moved to the 60-day IL.
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High-A
RHP Chase Petty (Mainland Regional), 20, made his fifth start of the season Wednesday for the Dayton Dragons (Cincinnati Reds). He allowed one unearned run on three hits and two walks and struck out two in four innings. In five starts this season, he is 0-0 with a 0.45 ERA, a 0.90 WHIP and 23 strikeouts in 20 innings. He had not allowed an earned run in 19 straight innings.
Single-A
LHP Noah Dean (Pinelands Regional), 22, is pitching for the Salem Red Sox (Boston Red Sox). Through nine starts in his first pro season, he was 1-2 with a 6.84 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 25 innings.
SS Josh Hood (St. Augustine Prep), 22, is playing for the Modesto Nuts (Seattle Mariners). Through 50 games, he was hitting .257 (53 for 206) with 13 doubles, two triples, four homers, 35 runs, 30 RBIs and 13 stolen bases in 14 tries.
RHP Joe Joe Rodriguez (Vineland), 23, pitching for the St. Lucie Mets (New York Mets), was 1-0 with an 8.56 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings (10 appearances). | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/chase-petty-hasnt-allowed-an-earned-run-in-19-innings-local-minor-league-update/article_55e7496c-06f8-11ee-abba-3b3ee41ac6a3.html | 2023-06-10T08:57:58 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/chase-petty-hasnt-allowed-an-earned-run-in-19-innings-local-minor-league-update/article_55e7496c-06f8-11ee-abba-3b3ee41ac6a3.html |
Police said Darryl Talley, 61, was pronounced dead at the scene in the 3800 block of Castlewood Road. He had an apparent gunshot wound, police said.
Patrol officers investigating a suspicious vehicle found Talley in the vehicle.
The medica examine will determine the cause and manner of death, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at (804) 646-6739 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.
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June 9, 2023 | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime/police-release-id-of-61-year-old-man-found-shot-dead-in-car-parked-in/article_2ca12baa-0710-11ee-92ff-1748aab66000.html | 2023-06-10T09:40:40 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime/police-release-id-of-61-year-old-man-found-shot-dead-in-car-parked-in/article_2ca12baa-0710-11ee-92ff-1748aab66000.html |
Before your favorite Ohio-brewed craft beer gets poured in your glass, brewers work with wholesalers to deliver it.
Now, small Ohio brewers want to update a nearly 50-year-old state law that some say shackles them to unfair or onerous contracts.
Late in May, the Ohio Craft Brewers Association formed what it calls the “Brewers Freedom Alliance,” to advocate for exempting small craft brewers from the state’s 1974 franchise law, allowing small brewers to negotiate directly with wholesalers, the businesses that deliver their bottles, cases and kegs to stores, bars and market outlets.
Modernizing a law that was born in a very different era — decades before the proliferation of hundreds of craft brewers across the Buckeye State — would give brewers the ability to make decisions for their own businesses, the alliance says.
As Mary MacDonald, president of the Ohio Craft Brewers Association, describes it, Ohio’s craft brewers want to negotiate contracts with wholesalers under what brewers see as normal contract law, without reverting to what they see as an outdated franchise law.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
“I just want to be able to write a contract, negotiate a contract that is enforceable under regular contract law that doesn’t default to franchise law, with the automatic renewal and all the other things that come with franchise law,” MacDonald said.
In the early 1970s, the franchise law was created to protect small “mom and pop” wholesalers working with a relatively small number of large brewers. There were perhaps 116 breweries across the entire nation at the time, with close to about 200 wholesalers just in Ohio, MacDonald said. At that time, each wholesaler perhaps represented one brand in each county, she said.
If a manufacturer stopped making a particular brand, a wholesaler could go out of business.
Nearly five decades later, in terms of relative size and market heft, those roles have reversed — there are more than 420 breweries in Ohio and a few big wholesalers.
Wholesalers — which get a percentage of retail sales — tended to consolidate and grow over the years. Heidelberg in Moraine operates across Ohio and into Kentucky today. (Heidelberg’s owners in 2021 agreed to sell to Redwood Capital Investments in a deal reported to be close to $1 billion in size.)
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
“If they’re not getting satisfactory service from their wholesalers, they (brewers) can ask them what they can do about it, they can try to get them to fix it,” MacDonald said. “But at the end of the day, because these contracts are automatically renewed ... the small breweries are stuck. You have no recourse to get them to do what you need them to do.”
Nick Bowman, co-founder of Dayton’s Warped Wing brewery, said updating the law would be meaningful, not just for his company but for all craft brewers.
“What we’re asking for is exclusion from the franchise law. We understand why it was put into place back in 1974,” he said.
Bowman emphasized that Warped Wing has no complaints about the wholesale partners it has today.
“We have some great distributor partners that we love working with,” he said. “But there are some scenarios out there where partnerships don’t work out.”
The state association wants an exclusion from the franchise law for brewers who brew up to 250,000 barrels a year. Warped Wing will brew between 7,000 and 8,000 barrels this year, Bowman said.
Jacob Evans, counsel for the Wholesale Beer and Wine Association of Ohio, said the current distribution model works.
If there are problems, brewers and wholesalers are free to sit down and work them out. If the difficulties can’t be resolved, the two sides can work together with a new wholesaler to establish a new distribution partnership.
As in any business or contractual relationship, recourse to the courts can be a last resort, Evans said.
“The proposal the craft brewers have put forward would exempt all craft brewers in the state of Ohio,” Evans said. “It would only apply to Anheuser-Busch, MillerCoors (Molson Coors), Boston Beer Co., and it would apply to 99% of all brewers across the United States. That’s not a carve-out. That’s removing everybody from the law.”
“That absolutely does change the relationship between the wholesaler and all their supplier partners,” he added.
Nearly 1.2 million barrels of craft beer were brewed in Ohio in 2021, making Ohio the fifth most productive state for craft beers that year. Craft brewers had an $880 million impact in 2020, the first year of the pandemic, down from $967 million in 2018, according to the association.
But that impact has grown. Last year, the industry’s economic impact was closer to $1.2 billion, MacDonald said.
According to a 2022 U.S. Treasury report, there were then more than 6,400 breweries in the United States, up from fewer than 90 in the late 1970s, and more than 6,600 operating wineries. There are also more than 1,900 operating distilleries, Treasury said that year.
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/small-craft-brewers-say-50-year-old-ohio-law-limits-growth/R37S45TMGRCF7DMZY74J5HVFSM/ | 2023-06-10T09:45:55 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/small-craft-brewers-say-50-year-old-ohio-law-limits-growth/R37S45TMGRCF7DMZY74J5HVFSM/ |
Shigeko Uppuluri, woman behind Oak Ridge's International Friendship Bell, has died at 92
Longtime Oak Ridge resident Shigeko Uppuluri, who along with her late husband Ram initiated the creation of the International Friendship Bell now at A.K. Bissell Park, died Thursday. She was 92.
The couple proposed the idea of a Japanese-style bell - a unique four-ton bronze bell that was cast in Japan according to the original design of Susanna Harris of Oak Ridge - during the city's 50th anniversary celebration in 1992. In 2016, the Consul-General of Japan presented her with the The Foreign Minister’s Commendation Award, recognizing her contributions to the friendship and understanding between Oak Ridge and Japan.
A strong advocate for Japanese-American friendship, she was a founder and past president and had been an active member of the Oak Ridge Sister City Support Organization. She assisted Oak Ridge middle school students and teachers with language and cultural information as they prepared to travel to Naka, Oak Ridge’s sister city, for an exchange program each summer.
The Rev. Lisa Romantum Schwartz of Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church told members in an email that "Next Thursday, June 15, at 7 p.m. all who are able are encouraged to gather at the International Friendship Bell pavilion in Bissell Park for a brief comfort circle honoring Uppuluri. A more formal Celebration of Life will be scheduled soon." Uppuluri is a member of the church.
Uppuluri was born on April 9, 1931 in Kyoto, Japan, according to the email. She lived in Shanghai, China, during World War II and returned to Kyoto in 1954 to complete high school and college. She met her husband, Ram, when she was doing graduate work at Indiana University in the late 1950s. In 1963, they moved to Oak Ridge, where they raised their son, Ram. Shigeko Uppuluri's husband died in July 1995.
More on Uppuluri's life will be published on a later date in The Oak Ridger.
Donna Smith is The Oak Ridger’s news editor and covers Oak Ridge area news. Email dsmith@oakridger.com. Twitter: @ridgernewsed. Freelance writers Carolyn Krause and Kay Brookshire contributed to this story.
Support strong local journalism by subscribing at https://subscribe.oakridger.com/offers. | https://www.oakridger.com/story/news/local/2023/06/09/shigeko-uppuluri-dies-woman-behind-oak-ridges-friendship-bell/70305778007/ | 2023-06-10T10:03:47 | 1 | https://www.oakridger.com/story/news/local/2023/06/09/shigeko-uppuluri-dies-woman-behind-oak-ridges-friendship-bell/70305778007/ |
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A dilapidated building in downtown North Bend will get a new life thanks to a $200,000 grant from Oregon Main Street.
On Tuesday May 30th, the North Bend Main Street program announced it had received the maximum grant allowed and would renovate the building to allow Angelina’s Mexican Restaurant to expand and open a tortilla business.
The announcement was part of the one-year celebration of the Main Street program and marks the second consecutive year North Bend received the maximum grant from the state.
Steve Nye, who serves as president of the Main Street program, said receiving the grant is a perfect way to cap off what was an amazing first year.
“It’s been a year full of a lot of firsts, from boring stuff like bylaws, to exciting stuff like really cool events,” Nye said. “For the most part we got a ton accomplished.”
Nye then listed some of the accomplishments of the Main Street program.
The board of directors was formed.
The program hosted multiple events, including two sip and strolls, a candy crawl on Halloween, Mother’s Day on Main Street and a Main Street mixer.
The Main Street program also reached out to all the businesses in North Bend, Nye said.
“Yes, it’s about Main Street, but it’s also about North Bend,” Nye said. The first year, I relay think it was about infrastructure and getting things done, But it was also fun.:”
Main Street Manager Stephanie Wilison then announced the new grant, which was a surprise to Consuela Perez, who owns Angelina’s Mexican Restaurant.
“Earlier this year, the city of North Bend in cooperation with the Main Street program and the Urban Renewal Agency, proposed to purchase the dilapidated Bay Cleaners building behind us to transform it into a thriving tortilla business, employing approximately 10 people and providing corn and flour tortillas, fresh/” Wilson said.
Tuesday morning, Oregon Heritage formally announced North Bend was receiving the grant, which will allow the purchase and renovation to move forward. Once the work is done, the Urban Renewal Agency will own the building and Angelina’s will rent it.
Barbara Dunham, who serves as vice chair of the Main Street Board, said there were many people and businesses to thank for the exciting news. But at the top of the list was Angelina’s.
“Most of all, thank you Angelina’s for having a vision to bring a new business to downtown,” Dunham said.
Perez was extremely emotional after hearing the news.
“I’ve lived here for 24 years,” she said. “Thank you very much for making my dream come true.” | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/main-street-grant-will-bring-in-fresh-tortillas/article_33954a2a-0631-11ee-ab73-8f49970b8895.html | 2023-06-10T10:34:22 | 1 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/main-street-grant-will-bring-in-fresh-tortillas/article_33954a2a-0631-11ee-ab73-8f49970b8895.html |
Mental health is an essential part of our overall well-being and has a significant impact on our relationships, productivity, and ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity. Unfortunately, mental illness affects many Oregonians and often becomes life-threatening, increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts. Early identification and treatment can make a profound difference in the successful management of mental illness and recovery. At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Jessica Engelke presented a Mental Health Awareness Month proclamation.
CITY OF NORTH BEND, OREGON PROCLAMATION
Whereas, there is a proven connection between good mental health and overall personal health; and
Whereas, mental illnesses affect almost every family in America; and
Whereas, people with mental illnesses recover if given the necessary services and support in their communities; and
Whereas, people with mental illnesses make important contributions to our families and our communities; and
Whereas, millions of adults and children are disabled by mental illnesses every year; and
Whereas, only one out of two people with a serious form of mental illness seeks treatment for his or her mental illness; and
Whereas, stigma and fear of discrimination keep many who would benefit from mental health services from seeking help; and
Whereas, research shows that the most effective way to reduce stigma is through personal contact with someone with a mental illness; and
Whereas, good mental health is critical to the well-being of our families, communities, schools, businesses; and
Whereas, greater public awareness about mental illnesses can change negative attitudes and behaviors toward people with mental illnesses;
NOW THEREFORE, I, Jessica Engelke, Mayor of the City of North Bend, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2023 as Mental Health Awareness Month
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the Seal of the City of North Bend, OR to be affixed this 23rd day of May 2023. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/nb-council-proclaims-mental-health-awareness-month/article_3308c014-0636-11ee-b3b3-f3057f7635e8.html | 2023-06-10T10:34:22 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/nb-council-proclaims-mental-health-awareness-month/article_3308c014-0636-11ee-b3b3-f3057f7635e8.html |
The police blotter is a public record of incidents as reported by law-enforcement agencies. All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are innocent until proven guilty. The information printed is preliminary and subject to change.
Thursday 05/25:
North Bend
• 930 am, theft, 2300 block of Brussells.
• 1:29 pm, runaway juvenile, 1700 block of 14th Street.
• 2:16 pm, fraud, 700 block of Virginia Ave.
• 3:14 pm, 39 year old cited for driving while suspended, Broadway and Broadway Court.
• 3:44 pm, animal complaint, 1600 block of Monroe Street.
• 4:24 pm, theft of mail, 1900 block of Sherman Avenue.
• 4:39 pm, disorderly conduct, 2000 block of Sherman Avenue.
• 5:44 pm, cat attacked and deceased, 2300 block of Wall Street.
• 7:33 pm, criminal mischief to vehicle, 300 block of Sherman Ave.
• 11:10 pm, 26 year old female lodged at Coos County jail on disorderly conduct II and domestic harassment, 2200 block of Everett Avenue.
Coos Bay
• 12:59 am, dispute, 300 block of S Wasson Street.
• 2:29 am, hit and run accident, Lockhart and S Front.
• 2:47 am, disorderly conduct, Highway 101 and Global Inn.
• 2:53 am, disorderly conduct, S 2nd and Central.
• 3:52 am, disorderly conduct, 4th and Central.
• 7:42 am, disorderly conduct, 1100 block of Newmark Avenue.
• 7:42 am, 51 year old male transported to Coos County jail, 900 block of S Empire Blvd.
• 7:59 am, dispute, Woodland Apartments.
• 8:53 am, dispute, Bayshore and Date.
• 10:00 am, threats, 1700 block of Juniper Ave.
• 12:25 pm, theft, 100 block of S 7th Street.
• 1:01 pm, animal complaint, 100 block of Hall Avenue.
• 1:05 pm, criminal mischief, 1000 N Bayshore Drive.
• 2:17 pm, dispute, 1600 block of Newmark Ave.
• 2:29 pm, unlawful entry into motor vehicle, 2300 block of Ocean Blvd.
• 2:57 pm, threats, 1600 block of Newmark Ave.
• 4:24 pm, animal complaint, 2000 block of Newmark Avenue.
• 4:26 pm, unauthorized use motor vehicle, 300 block of S Wasson St.
• 9:38 pm, theft of services, 1000 block of Elrod Avenue.
• 9:45 pm, civil problem, 500 block of Central Ave.
• 9:47 pm, dispute, 300 block of S Wasson St.
• 11:51 pm, 49 year old male cited for driving while suspended, Koos Bay and Thompson.
Coquille
• 9:06 am, disorderly conduct, 2nd and Adams.
• 9:33 am, criminal mischief, 5th Street and Elliott Street.
• 10:34 am, family dispute, 700 block of E 10th Street.
• 10:56 am, fraud, 800 block of N Central Boulevard.
• 11:05 am, disorderly conduct, Adams and 1st.
• 12:21 pm, threats, 900 block of E 5th Street.
• 6:50 pm, threats, N Adams.
• 7:02 pm, hit and run accident, 200 block of E 2nd Street.
Reedsport
• 10:19 am, fraud, 2300 block of Arthur Drive.
• 11:26 am, trespassing, 1700 block of Greenwood Avenue.
• 4:41 pm, animal problem, Harbor Light Restaurant.
• 5:31 pm, restraining order violation, 2600 block of Frontage Road.
Friday 05/26:
North Bend
• 6:07 am, animal complaint, 1100 block of Clark Street.
• 11:21 am, dispute, 2700 block of Sheridan Avenue.
• 1:49 pm, located runaway, 2000 block of Broadway Avenue.
• 4:23 pm, criminal mischief, 1500 block of Sherman Avenue.
• 4:26 pm, violation of restraining order, 2000 block of 11th Court.
• 5:50 pm, disorderly conduct, Tremont and Exchange.
• 6:45 pm, juvenile problem, Colorado and Johnson.
• 11:33 pm, loud music complaint, 2100 block of Monroe Avenue.
Coos Bay
• 520 am, disorderly conduct, 700 block of S Broadway Street.
• 8:47 am, ID theft, 400 block of 9th Avenue.
• 9:33 am, theft, 1000 block of Salmon Avenue.
• 10:14 am, unlawful entry into motor vehicle/criminal mischief, 400 block of S Morrison St.
• 12:40 pm, 63 year old male cited for driving while suspended, 2600 block of Ocean Blvd.
• 12:44 pm, fight, 1200 block of Newmark Ave.
• 1:08 pm, unauthorized use of motor vehicle, 1200 block of S 10th St.
• 2:11 pm, shoplifter, 700 block of S Broadway Street.
• 2:12 pm, animal abuse. 1300 block of Juniper Ave.
• 2:45 pm, criminal mischief, 1900 block of Woodland Drive.
• 3:11 pm, male subject transported to Coos County jail on probation violation, S Empire and Wisconsin.
• 3:18 pm, unlawful entry into motor vehicle, 100 block of W Ingersoll Avenue.
• 4:16 pm, unlawful entry into motor vehicle, 500 block of S Broadway Street.
• 4:34 pm, indecent exposure, 1600 block of Newmark Avenue.
• 6:02 pm, custodial interference, Mingus Park.
• 6:04 pm, 39 year old female cited for driving while suspended, S 4th and Kruse.
• 7:01 pm, dispute, Crocker and Margaretta.
• 8:07 pm, criminal mischief, Newmark and LaClair.
• 9:26 pm, unlawful entry into motor vehicle, 2100 block of N 14th St.
Coquille
• 2:17 am, 39 year old male cited on prohibited camping – muni violation, 200 block of N Baxter Street.
• 9:17 am, animal abuse, 100 block of E 1st St.
• 1:35 pm, hit and run accident, E 1st and N Adams.
• 3:01 pm, disorderly conduct, 90 block of E 1st Street.
Reedsport
• 1:23 am, disturbance, 2100 block of Fir Ave.
• 2:11 am, animal problem, 1900 block of Dogwood Avenue.
• 12:03 pm, trespassing, Champion Park.
• 12:45 pm, stolen vehicle, 900 block of Winchester Avenue.
• 3:51 pm, trespassing, Rainbow Boat Ramp.
• 4:19 pm, animal problem, 600 block of Ranch Road.
Saturday 05/27:
North Bend
• 12:43 am, disorderly conduct, 3500 block of Spruce Street.
• 5:12 am, stolen vehicle, 1900 block of Monroe Avenue.
• 9:34 am, runaway juvenile, 2100 block of State Street.
• 9:37 am, recovered stolen vehicle, 1300 block of Airport Lane.
• 1:43 pm, juvenile problem, Broadway and State.
• 5:15 pm, fraud, 2300 block of Pacific Avenue.
• 5:59 pm, 34 year old male cited for driving while suspended, 300 block of State Street.
• 7:22 pm, theft of bike/located and returned, 2200 block of Laura Lance.
• 7:56 pm, dispute, 2200 block of Everett Avenue.
• 8:05 pm, animal complaint, 3400 block of Ash Street.
• 9:10 pm, theft of gas, 3400 block of Broadway Avenue.
• 10:21 pm, 41 year old male cited for trespassing II and theft III, 2000 block of Inland Drive.
• 10:29 pm, dispute, 2000 block of Inland Dr.
Coos Bay
• 12:16 am, 19 year old male transported to Coos County jail on driving while suspended, 1000 block of Newmark Avenue.
• 1:18 am, 67 year old male served on two warrants, 100 block of NW A Street.
• 2:47 am, phone harassment, 1700 block of Thompson Road.
• 6:41 am, assault, 900 block of Garfield Ave.
• 9:37 am, phone harassment, 1700 block of Thompson Road.
• 10:55 am, 22 year old male transported to Coos County jail on unauthorized use of motor vehicle, 63000 block of Olive Barber Road.
• 11:41 am, family dispute, 1600 block of Newmark Avenue.
• 11:48 am, 46 year old male transported to Coos County jail on burglary II, theft I, unlawful use of a vehicle, criminal mischief II, criminal trespass II and conspiracy, 63000 block of Highway 101.
• 1:18 pm, theft, 200 block of S Schoneman St.
• 1:34 pm, dispute, 1300 block of Washington Ave.
• 3:51 pm, theft of bike, 1800 block of N 2rth Ct.
• 5:17 pm, animal complaint, 1400 block of Newmark Avenue.
• 5:23 pm, theft of mail, 400 block of N 3rd Ct.
• 5:35 pm, animal complaint, 1200 block of Ocean Boulevard.
• 6:28 pm, harassment, Newmark and Schoneman.
• 7:51 pm, 34 year old male cited for driving while suspended, 1000 block of Newmark Ave.
• 8:15 pm, dispute, 200 block of Holland Street.
• 8:38 pm, theft of services, 93400 block of Willsey Lane.
• 10:46 pm, disorderly conduct, 1200 block of Newmark Avenue.
• 10:55 pm, 35 year old male cited for driving while suspended, 100 block of S 7th Street.
• 11:26 pm, theft of gas, 1000 block of Evans Blvd.
Coquille
• 7:24 pm, 62 year old male cited on warrant, 200 block of Highway 42.
Sunday 05/28:
North Bend
• 6:30 am, theft of cellphone, 3200 block of Tremont Avenue.
• 11:44 am, phone harassment, 2100 block of Sherman Avenue.
• 12:24 pm, minor in possession liquor, 1700 block of Grant Street.
• 12:52 pm, burglary, 1600 block of Monroe St.
• 1:20 pm, criminal mischief, 2100 block of Broadway Avenue.
• 1:45 pm, 19 year old male transported to Coos County jail on unauthorized use of motor vehicle, 1800 block of Virginia Avenue.
• 1:50 pm, theft from vehicle, 2500 block of Sheridan Avenue.
• 3:44 pm, disorderly conduct, 2400 block of Everett Avenue.
• 3:52 pm, harassment, 2000 block of Grant St.
Coos Bay
• 4:22 am, 38 year old female served on three warrants, 700 block of SE Douglas Avenue.
• 7:35 am, 59 year old male booked at Coos County jail on warrant, 1200 block of N Bayshore Drive.
• 11:10 am, located wanted subject, 1000 block of N Bayshore Dr.
• 11:25 am, vicious dog, 500 block of S Wasson Street.
• 12:18 pm, assault, 600 block of N Bayshore Dr.
• 4:31 pm, 38 year old male transported to Coos County jail, 800 block of S Broadway St.
• 4:50 pm, criminal mischief, 14600 block of N 10th Court.
• 6:16 pm, animal complaint, 400 block of S Marple Stree.
• 6:44 pm, dispute, S Schoneman and Michigan.
• 7:20 pm, civil problem, 500 block of Fulton Avenue.
• 9:20 pm, intoxicated subject, 1700 block of Thompson Road.
• 9:36 pm, criminal mischief, 1900 block of Newmark Avenue.
• 9:50 pm, disturbance, 1900 block of Juniper Ave.
• 10:16 pm, disorderly conduct, 1900 block of Newmark Avenue.
• 10:26 pm, dispute, 800 block of Webster Ave.
• 10:34 pm, harassment, 100 block of S 2nd St.
• 11:21 pm, stolen vehicle, 100 block of N Wasson Street.
Coquille
• 10:53 am, 40 year old male cited of criminal trespass II, 200 block of W Highway 42.
• 11:09 am, disorderly conduct, N Adams.
• 2:19 pm, animal complaint, 200 E 2nd Street.
• 3:56 pm, 58 year old female lodged at Coos County jail on warrant, mile post 7 Highway 42.
• 6:00 pm, disorderly conduct, Highway 42 and Highway 42S.
• 11:33 pm, dispute, 5th Street Park.
• 11:51 am, juvenile issue, Alder and W 3rd.
Reedsport
• 12:46 am, disturbance, Fir Grove Motel.
• 9:13 am, domestic disturbance, Ridgeway Village Apartments.
• 4:29 pm, hit and run, Don’s Mainstreet Diner.
• 4:35 pm, DUI, Highway 101 and Pitt Street.
• 8:00 pm, fire, 500 block of Regents Place.
• 8:02 pm, disorderly conduct, Lighthouse Electrical.
• 8:34 pm, animal problem, 300 block of S 20th Street.
• 8:53 pm, domestic disturbance, Powers Card Kings LLC.
• 11:40 pm, DUI, 7-Eleven. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/police-blotter/article_96e4955e-06ef-11ee-83da-b73c964cbf48.html | 2023-06-10T10:34:23 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/police-blotter/article_96e4955e-06ef-11ee-83da-b73c964cbf48.html |
ATLANTIC CITY — The new executive director at the troubled Atlantic City Housing Authority knows how to talk to a crowd, even when it’s made up of angry residents of public housing, fed up with years of infestations, broken appliances, and heat and hot water outages.
“So, about that hot water and heat, I heard there was a problem with hot water and heat,” said Matt Doherty, with the delivery of a stand-up comic, in his first meeting with Stanley Holmes Village residents last month. “Is that true?”
Laughter went through the room, and feelings of tension and anger lessened a bit.
He also joked about a microphone malfunction.
“It wouldn’t be a Housing Authority meeting if something wasn’t screwed up,” he said, but then fixed the mic and told the crowd the authority “is a mess” but he intends to make things right.
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Doherty, 49, recently took over the authority after four years leading the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, where he was credited with greatly increasing cooperation with the city, particularly helping fund additional police officers.
Doherty also led the authority through the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant dramatic changes to how staff worked and the use of the Atlantic City Convention Center as a vaccine mega site.
He has also been mayor of his hometown of Belmar in Monmouth County, where he led the effort to rebuild after Superstorm Sandy.
ATLANTIC CITY — The board of the Atlantic City Housing Authority met Thursday evening and hi…
Residents at that first Stanley Holmes meeting left feeling cautiously optimistic.
“We’ve been dealing with this for years. How do you trust people?” asked resident George Harrod after the Stanley Holmes meeting.
He’d like to think problems will be fixed, but he said when he called recently about his mold problem, the authority sent a couple of maintenance men with a squirt bottle of mold killer.
“They sprayed and left,” said Harrod, and the mold continues. Harrod is part of a residents’ lawsuit against the authority over conditions, he said.
Doherty has spent his first month in his new job talking to residents and listening to their stories of frustration and anxiety over their living conditions.
One of the first things he did when he started May 8 was give his email and cellphone number to every resident via flyers sent to every authority address.
The problems he faces, however, will take more than good communication skills to fix.
The eight complexes owned and run by the authority all have serious problems, he said in a recent interview.
ATLANTIC CITY — The Atlantic City Housing Authority is “a mess,” according to the new execut…
“The scattered sites have mold and pest problems too,” Doherty said of the 153 newest public housing residences in the city, made up of townhomes and single-family homes. They also have roofing and siding issues.
“When I came on (several floors in senior citizens building Jeffries Tower) had no hot water for 10 days,” Doherty said. “That’s not acceptable. They had a bad pump. ... The elevators are not working as well as they should.”
Sometimes residents cause problems, he said.
“At Altman Terrace (a high-rise on Arctic Avenue), one woman was using a washing machine in her apartment,” he said of an appliance she wasn’t supposed to have.
The wastewater from that machine came up in the toilet in the unit under her, causing a sudsy flood.
“Residents have to help themselves,” Doherty said, by following rules and using common sense.
While Doherty walked around Stanley Holmes Village recently, tenant Troy Williams came out to say hello in front of his apartment on Adriatic Avenue.
Williams has been living there 24 years, he said, and doesn’t have mold or pest infestations like some of his neighbors. His problems are structural.
ATLANTIC CITY — Senior citizens living in the troubled Stanley Holmes Village public housing…
“My windows don’t work at all,” Williams said. “In winter it’s like being outside.”
Other than fixing the problems in units, Williams suggested employing residents to do maintenance jobs, such as landscaping, and adding more trash cans to the property and dog stations so people will be encouraged to pick up after their pets.
Doherty has been listening to all the input, but his first priority is getting the heating system replaced at Stanley Holmes Village for the fall.
He plans to scrap the ancient boilers there that have been breaking down for years, replacing them with gas-powered tankless hot water heaters in each building.
Doherty wanted to have the new units installed by the end of August, tested in September and working by Oct. 1.
This week, however, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development told the authority it cannot use an emergency contract for the project, but a regular bidding process. That will take a month or so longer, he said.
“I went from confident to hopeful,” Doherty said Friday. “The best case scenario, come Oct. 1, all the (31) buildings will have the new system. The worst case is we rely on the old boilers until the new one is up and running sometime in October.”
Other work by contractors hired under emergency provisions, such as roach and mice control contractors, had to stop work this week as well, he said. The contracts will be put out under a regular bidding process, but treatment will be delayed.
ATLANTIC CITY — Work on testing gas lines, remediating mold and fighting pest infestations h…
Doherty also plans to beef up the maintenance department with many new hires but cannot do that until a new maintenance director is hired.
That job has been advertised and applications have come in, he said. Other open positions have been advertised as well, and an interview process will soon start for human resources director, chief financial officer, contract administrator and management specialist, he said.
“The ads will end on the 12th. We are hoping to start interviewing next week,” Doherty said.
Doherty admits he doesn’t have experience in public housing but said he knows about running a public agency that is accountable to residents, and knows about using federal dollars.
The Housing Authority is funded and overseen by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“I was mayor of Belmar after Sandy,” Doherty said. “I dealt with rebuilding ... that was all federal dollars.”
He is counting on new second-in-command Chief Operating Officer Tom Sahlin to know the ins and outs of public housing law and requirements. Sahlin left his job as executive director of the Asbury Park Housing Authority for the job here. The two started at about the same time.
City leaders greeted Doherty’s hiring by the Housing Authority board with hope.
“This is the first meeting with the new director, and I’m going to say something I haven’t said in a long, long, long time. I am optimistic about the future of Stanley Holmes Village with Director Doherty here,” said City Council Vice President Kaleem Shabazz at Doherty’s first authority board meeting last month.
Council President Aaron “Sporty” Randolph, who represents the 1st Ward, also attended the board meeting.
“I have a lot of seniors in all the high-rises uptown,” Randolph said. “He gave them his phone number. I’ve been getting great feedback.”
A graduate of Georgetown University, Doherty said he grew up in a two-bedroom home in Edison, Middlesex County, where his parents and four kids shared one bathroom.
“This reminds me of where I grew up,” he said, sitting in an outside common area at Stanley Holmes Village.
Doherty feels a camaraderie with the residents and knows he has a lot of healthy skepticism to overcome.
Residents frequently ask why conditions were allowed to deteriorate for so long under previous executive directors.
But that’s in the past, Doherty said.
“What may have happened in 2019 and 2020 there is nothing I can do about it,” Doherty told residents at the Stanley Holmes meeting. “There is nothing I can do to unwind the past. What we can do is put a plan in front of you and make improvements from this point forward.” | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/new-atlantic-city-housing-authority-director-faces-problems-head-on/article_52164e16-05f2-11ee-89b8-4b4f125addbc.html | 2023-06-10T10:37:49 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/new-atlantic-city-housing-authority-director-faces-problems-head-on/article_52164e16-05f2-11ee-89b8-4b4f125addbc.html |
Wildfire smoke photos in NYC show ‘apocalyptic' sepia landscape
•
No, these photos aren't from the 1970s — they're from Tuesday and Wednesday.
New York City has been covered in a thick, hazy cloud of smoke from Canadian wildfires the past few days. Air quality alerts have been issued for the city and surrounding areas, with officials advising residents not to spend time outside if they don't have to.
Many people have been seen wearing masks while walking around, as those with heart or lung problems were encouraged to take all proper precautions.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the state was making a million N95 masks — the kind prevalent at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — available at state facilities, including 400,000 in New York City. She also urged residents to stay put.
“You don’t need to go out and take a walk. You don’t need to push the baby in the stroller,” Hochul said Wednesday night. “This is not a safe time to do that.”
And while the smoky air creates a clear health problem, even for those without any sort of complications, it also has led to eerie images as a result of the orange glow from the sun and haze. Some of the pictures are reminiscent of New York City from decades ago, when the city dealt with smog problems on a regular basis. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/local/wildfire-smoke-photos-in-nyc-show-apocalyptic-sepia-landscape/4405485/ | 2023-06-10T10:42:56 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/local/wildfire-smoke-photos-in-nyc-show-apocalyptic-sepia-landscape/4405485/ |
TUPELO — For 25 years, dozens of Elvis tribute artists from around the world have come to the birthplace of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll for a chance to be crowned winner of the Tupelo Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition.
The 2023 Tupelo Elvis Festival features 22 Elvis tribute artists competing for the first-place prize, which includes: $5,000 cash, a guitar from Tupelo Hardware, a statue trophy from the Elvis Presley Birthplace and more.
Winners from regional Elvis festivals around the world, including the Tupelo winner, will travel to Memphis, Tennessee, for Elvis Week in August to compete in the semifinal round of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest.
Alex Mitchell kicked off the week’s performances Thursday afternoon during a showcase at Cadence Bank Arena.
The 29-year-old from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, won the Tupelo competition in 2021. Raised by his grandparents, Mitchell is a lifelong fan of Elvis.
“They took me to see an Elvis tribute artist, and it blew my mind that it was a job that you could get paid for,” Mitchell said.
He’s been working as an Elvis tribute artist for 15 years. What he enjoys most is getting to travel and meet new people.
“Elvis fans, they’re some of the nicest people I’ve met in the world,” Mitchell said. “It really is like a big Elvis family.”
The only troublesome part is walking around with Elvis hair and sideburns 24/7, he said. Of all the Elvis festivals he’s attended, Tupelo is his favorite.
“There are probably 20 to 30 Elvis festivals across the country and the world, and to me, this is the most important one,” Mitchell said. “We’re literally in the birthplace of Elvis, and it’s a whole different feeling. I don’t know how to describe it, but it’s just amazing.”
Louis Brown, 22, came all the way from Yorkshire, England, for his biggest tribute artist competition yet.
His mother and father passed his Elvis fandom down. In fact, his father was once an Elvis tribute artist himself.
Brown left a job in banking to start his career as a tribute artist in September 2022. He performs regularly at festivals, clubs and private events.
“It’s probably one of the most rewarding and the best jobs to have, obviously, if you’re a fan of Elvis,” Brown said.
Not only is it Brown’s first time competing in Tupelo’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition, it’s his first time visiting the United States.
He’s excited about working with the band and singing Elvis songs where it all started.
“Singing in the birthplace of Elvis, that’s something I dreamt of when I was younger,” Brown said.
What he’s enjoyed most about his career so far is bringing back memories of the iconic performer for fans and meeting fellow Elvis tribute artists.
“You all share the same love for Elvis and the same passion for your work,” Brown said. “I’m absolutely loving it.”
Russ Weathers, 62, traveled from Livonia, Michigan, to compete in Tupelo’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition for the first time.
An Elvis fan for as long as he can remember, Weathers grew up listening to his parents’ copy of Elvis’ 1968 comeback special.
He began performing Elvis’ music at age 13 when he won a school talent show performing “Heartbreak Hotel” and has worked as an Elvis tribute artist on and off for years.
He retired in March from a career as an electrician, giving him more time to dedicate to performing.
“I love his music, I love entertaining,” Weathers said. “It gives people a good escape from life.”
Few can claim they’ve been performing the King’s music since before he died, and after nearly 50 years as a tribute artist, Weathers can now say he’s performed in Elvis’s hometown.
Logan Ramey, 18, has been singing Elvis songs his entire life and professionally for about eight years.
The Beach Park, Illinois, native was introduced to Elvis’s music by his father. He started out performing as Johnny Cash, but after entering a few competitions as Elvis, it stuck.
Being an Elvis tribute artist is now Ramey’s full-time job, and he’s booked most every weekend.
“It can be stressful at times, but you see the smile on people’s faces,” Ramey said. “That’s really the biggest part for me.”
His favorite part of the job is hanging out with other tribute artists.
“It’s like a brotherhood,” Ramey said. “We all watch out for each other.”
He has competed in Tupelo’s Youth Competition before, but this is his first year performing in Tupelo’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition.
For Ramey, the most daunting part of being a tribute artist is trying to live up to a legend.
“You’ve got to look like him and sound like him,” Ramey said. “It’s tough, because no one is ever going to touch him.”
Josh Pack, 33, grew up listening to Elvis with his mom on car rides.
“Anytime we had the opportunity to sing some Elvis together, that was what we did,” Pack said.
The Louisville, Kentucky, resident sang “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” at karaoke with his friends when he was 18. Listening back to a recording of the performance, he was shocked by how good it sounded.
“I started out right there, and it’s been going on ever since,” Pack said.
He’s a full-time preacher but performs as an Elvis tribute artist on the side. He first competed in Tupelo’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition in 2021.
Before that, Pack hadn’t been exposed to the tribute artist culture.
Decked out in a bedazzled black jumpsuit on Thursday, Pack said he’s now fully immersed.
“When I saw the level of detail in the costumes and the makeup that they were doing, all of this other stuff, I was like ‘I’ve got to come back here, but I’ve got work to do before I’m able to do that,’” Pack said.
This week is special for him not only because he’s singing in Tupelo, but because it’s the first time he’s been able to bring his 2-year-old daughter to see him perform.
“That means far more to me,” he said. “I could go all the way to the top, and it would be secondary compared to that.”
He said Elvis tribute artists in Tupelo are “treated like the King himself” and encourages anyone interested in trying it out to give it a shot.
“We keep Elvis’ story alive,” Pack said. “There are different times where you get to peel back the veil a little bit, and it’s no longer you interacting with somebody. It’s actually like Elvis having a conversation with a fan. People lose sight of the fact that you’re not him for a moment.”
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Error! There was an error processing your request. | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/elvis-tribute-artists-seek-the-crown-in-iconic-musicians-hometown/article_d5d351e8-0572-11ee-ae14-237a55c20731.html | 2023-06-10T11:19:44 | 0 | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/elvis-tribute-artists-seek-the-crown-in-iconic-musicians-hometown/article_d5d351e8-0572-11ee-ae14-237a55c20731.html |
Two people were found dead Thursday afternoon in a hotel room on Tucson’s south side and police are investigating it as a homicide, officials say.
Xavier Morales, 54, and Sonia Zaragoza, 35, were found about 12:45 p.m. inside a room at the Minsk Hotel, on East Benson Highway near South Park Avenue, a Tucson Police Department news release said.
Both were pronounced dead at the scene, the release said.
Both Morales and Zaragoza had “sustained trauma” and were unresponsive when they were discovered by an employee, the news release said.
No further details were immediately released by police Friday. The investigation continues.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or 88-CRIME, the anonymous tipster line.
Jamie Donnelly covers courts for the Arizona Daily Star. Contact her via e-mail at jdonnelly@tucson.com | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/deaths-of-2-at-tucson-hotel-probed-as-homicide/article_5851b8c4-0714-11ee-968e-bb266039850f.html | 2023-06-10T11:21:53 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/deaths-of-2-at-tucson-hotel-probed-as-homicide/article_5851b8c4-0714-11ee-968e-bb266039850f.html |
PHOENIX — Tucson Democratic Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton is guilty of “disorderly behavior’’ for moving and hiding Bibles in the lounge used by lawmakers, the House Ethics Committee says.
In a unanimous, bipartisan report issued Friday, the committee found that Stahl Hamilton:
Purposely removed the Bibles from the lounge on three separate occasions;
Intentionally concealed the books in a manner disrespectful to other members;
Violated the “inherent obligation to protect the integrity of the House,’’ offended some members, and caused the House to expend resources to place a hidden camera to find where the Bibles were going.
Stahl Hamilton never fully apologized for her actions after they were made public and gained national attention but, at best, said she was apologizing to those who she had offended, the report says.
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Any chance she had to personally rectify that when the committee heard evidence last month disappeared when she did not show up but instead sent two lawyers. it says.
The committee made no recommendation, however, on what punishment, if any, should be imposed. Instead, it urged all lawmakers to read the report and decide for themselves what action is appropriate.
Any action could come on Monday. Stahl Hamilton said she won’t comment until it happens.
Ouster takes two-thirds vote
The chances of her being ejected from the House are virtually nil.
The last two times that penalty was imposed were against a lawmaker who violated House policies on sexual harassment, Don Shooter of Yuma in 2018, and, earlier this year, against Liz Harris of Chandler for facilitating false testimony to a committee and lying about her role when questioned.
It takes a two-thirds vote to remove a lawmaker. There is little chance that Democrats, who control 29 of the 60 seats, would go along.
A more likely punishment is censure, essentially a formal reprimand by colleagues.
Whether Democrats would support even that, however, remains unclear.
In a prepared statement Friday, House Democratic leaders said they have seen the report and “accept its findings.’’
But they also said they accept the apologies Stahl Hamilton made and that she has “owned her actions.’’
“We will not engage in any further divisive rhetoric or political opportunism that this incident has inspired,’’ the statement said. “It is time to focus and devote our attention to the important work we have left at our Capitol.’’
Video evidence
In March, some members first noticed that two Bibles, which are placed on tables in the lounge just outside the House chambers, were missing. A search by security staff turned them up — underneath the cushions of chairs.
Another incident about a week later found a Bible in a refrigerator in the lounge.
House Speaker Ben Toma, R-Peoria, then authorized the placement of a hidden camera, which took video on April 10 of Stahl Hamilton moving the books.
After that video went public, aired by a Phoenix TV station, Stahl Hamilton explained her actions briefly to Capitol Media Services, calling them “just a little playful commentary on the separation of church and state.’’
In a floor speech that followed, she said: “I acknowledge that a conversation about the separation of church and state should have began with a conversation.”
Stahl Hamilton, who holds a master’s of divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and is an ordained Presbyterian minister, said she recognized that her actions “could have been seen as something less than playful, and offensive.’’
That didn’t satisfy three first-term Republican lawmakers who filed a complaint. They said that, in putting the Bibles under seat cushions, she was “potentially causing Christian members of the House, staff, and guests to unknowingly sit on their own holy text.’’ They said her placement of one in a refrigerator was “disrespectful in the extreme.’’
That led to the hearing last month where the Ethics Committee took testimony and sought to question Stahl Hamilton, who chose not to attend on “the advice of my excellent lawyers,” both of them former lawmakers.
‘Deeply offensive’
The committee’s report Friday says there is no question that Stahl Hamilton removed the Bibles, not only the time she was seen on video but in at least two other prior incidents.
Then there was what she did with them. “Rep. Stahl Hamilton could have placed the Bibles on a bookshelf or even placed them on the Sergeant-at-Arms’ desk after removing them from their usual places and still accomplished her stated goal,’’ the report says.
“Instead, she twice decided to put the Bibles within pieces of furniture where people — including her — frequently sit,’’ it continues. “Her choice was not only disrespectful of the Bible itself but was deeply offensive to those members who revere the Bible as their holy text.’’
Beyond that, the report says that, in hiding he books, she “deprived members who choose to exercise their religious beliefs by referring to the biblical text of any opportunity to do so during the time periods when the Bibles were missing.’’
“Her actions would have been equally offensive and disrespectful if it had been the Book of Mormon, Qur’an, or any other religious text,’’ the report says.
“On one hand, the committee recognizes that Rep. Stahl Hamilton might believe that her public acknowledgment of the matter and expressing remorse sufficiently addressed it,’’ the report says. “Conversely, the committee also recognizes that some might believe that her decision to apologize expressly for external reactions but not likewise to do so for her personal actions falls short of fully taking responsibility for her behavior.’’
Committee members would have preferred to hear directly from her during its hearing “to help discern how to approach these competing inferences.’’ | https://tucson.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/panel-finds-disorderly-behavior-by-tucson-lawmaker-who-hid-bibles/article_c674f09c-06fa-11ee-b68d-2374302b1b11.html | 2023-06-10T11:21:59 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/panel-finds-disorderly-behavior-by-tucson-lawmaker-who-hid-bibles/article_c674f09c-06fa-11ee-b68d-2374302b1b11.html |
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Two people were taken to the hospital after a fire at the James Crossing Apartments in Lynchburg Thursday, according to the Lynchburg Fire Department.
The department said at the time, there is no word on their conditions.
Officials said crews are still overhauling the scene and several people had to be evacuated from the building, including a woman who was rescued from an upstairs apartment.
There were no firefighter injuries, according to the department.
LFD said it took crews about one hour to get the fire under control, and there is no word yet on a possible cause.
The Forest Volunteer Fire Department, Brookville-Timberlake Volunteer Fire Department, and Monelison Volunteer Fire Department assisted on the scene.
Officials with Atlantic Housing Management, the property owner of James Crossing Apartments provided the following statement to 10 News.
“We are grieved to see the effects of yesterday’s fire on our community. Ten households from Building 836 are affected, and as of June 8, 2023, management has provided them with temporary housing. We’ve contacted the Red Cross, and they are currently assisting our impacted residents. We will also be connecting them with other community partners and resources as needed. The cause of the fire is still not yet known, but it is being investigated by the local fire department. We are working with local authorities to ensure the safety of all who live at Waters at James Crossing Apartments. If other organizations would like to help, they can contact Yvonne Baxter at (434) 845-2274.”
Atlantic Housing Management, LLC | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/08/two-hospitalized-after-apartment-fire-in-lynchburg/ | 2023-06-10T11:27:32 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/08/two-hospitalized-after-apartment-fire-in-lynchburg/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – Carilion Clinic is testing out the latest in medical innovation — drone delivery.
Carilion is testing whether or not drones can deliver necessary medical supplies or medication across Carilion Clinic’s campus. The goal is to cut down on delivery times and costs, plus give healthcare workers more time with their patients.
“How do we not congest roadways with vehicles when we could actually fly faster to locations and be more efficient at the same time,” Davenport said.
Paul Davenport is the vice president of Carilion Clinic Emergency & Care Management Services. He says Carilion is always looking to innovate, and this is the next step.
Carilion Clinic partnered with Virginia Beach-based company DroneUp. For the next two weeks, they’ll test out the drone to see if it can carry the weight and quantity of materials needed to four different sites on Carilion’s campus.
Greg James is the vice president of business development at DroneUp. He says the drone can travel 1.5 miles, make 4 to 6 trips an hour, and can carry about 10 pounds.
“What I’m interested in seeing is where we can deliver to across the campus, what kind of impact that has to their materials management team and delivery team, as well as the people receiving the goods,” James said.
Avoiding Carilion’s helicopters will be a challenge they’ll have to troubleshoot.
“Part of the proof of concept in these next two weeks is the integration with our Carilion Clinic Lifeguard Communication Center and the drone and making sure that they stay clear of each other and safe,” Davenport said.
Davenport says the technology could ease the burden on healthcare workers.
“Healthcare over the past several years has been very challenging and we are in a recovery period,” Davenport said. “We’re looking for opportunities to use technology in the future to ease the burden on the frontline healthcare worker.”
As for the future, Carilion Clinic officials say the sky’s the limit.
“You could see a future of healthcare [where] the patient may not need to leave their home,” Davenport said. “And that we could be delivering things to home health nurses, to community paramedicine programs. And the patient may not need the hospital. It’s really about extending the healthcare umbrella.” | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/09/carilion-clinic-testing-out-drone-delivery/ | 2023-06-10T11:27:39 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/09/carilion-clinic-testing-out-drone-delivery/ |
LEXINGTON, Va. – People are sharing their love for Pat Robertson, the televangelist who started the Christian Broadcasting Network.
Robertson passed away Thursday, at 93.
A correspondent for CBN News who is also from Bedford County, Jennifer Wishon, has worked full-time for the network for 13 years.
Wishon speaks very proudly of Robertson.
“He almost had a childlike attitude of telling the news, of speaking the truth,” Wishon said.
Before the Christian media mogul hit it big, he had roots in Lexington, where he was born on March 22, 1930.
10 News learned he grew up on Highland Road.
Robertson attended Washington and Lee and graduated in 1950 with his bachelor’s and then went to Yale Law School.
Robertson moved his family to Tidewater and started the Christian Broadcasting Network.
The media mogul still had ambitions, even making a run for president but, he needed protection.
“I happened to look in the paper one day and they were advertising for former police officers,” Tom Hickman, former Personal Protection Officer for Robertson said.
Hickman is also a Lexington native, a former Roanoke police officer, and deputy with Chesapeake County Sheriff’s Office.
He interviewed and eventually got the job.
“I went back into his office and we started talking and he said, ‘Oh, I went to school with your mother,’” Hickman said.
Hickman, traveled across the states with Robertson, running for president from 1984 to 1988 and he was always impressed with Robertson’s memory.
“When he got off the plane, people would be in the back seat giving him information, all the statistics and numbers,” Hickman said. “He was sitting, listening to it and we would go to a civic center or meeting and Dr. Robertson had it all. He used good common sense, and what he did and said was beneficial to everybody.” | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/09/community-members-share-memories-of-pat-robertson/ | 2023-06-10T11:27:45 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/09/community-members-share-memories-of-pat-robertson/ |
While the air quality has improved in Virginia, other parts of the east coast are still covered in a smoky haze.
Dr. Puneet Chopra, the medical director and chairman of LewisGale Medical Center’s Emergency Department says breathing in that kind of pollution, even for a short time, can be harmful to your health.
He says even otherwise healthy individuals could get sick if they’re exposed, and could trigger reactive airway diseases.
The pollutants get into our lungs and can get stuck there, making it harder for our lungs to do their jobs.
“Then all of a sudden your lungs are working harder, you’re not getting enough oxygen, then your heart is actually working harder,” Dr. Chopra. said. “So that’s why, especially with chronic conditions with lungs, asthma, COPD, heart disease, anything like that with the heart and lungs, you really got to take care.”
He recommends you wear an N-95 mask to protect yourself and check the air quality before spending time outdoors. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/09/lewisgale-emergency-doctor-warns-against-exposure-to-poor-air-quality/ | 2023-06-10T11:27:51 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/09/lewisgale-emergency-doctor-warns-against-exposure-to-poor-air-quality/ |
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. – The Longshop McCoy Fire Department & Rescue Squad is mourning the loss of one of their own.
Esley Dillon, a Charter and Life member of the organization, has passed away.
The Longshop McCoy Fire Department & Rescue Squad revealed in a Facebook post that Dillon was a founding member of the fire department in 1960, and of the rescue squad in 1970.
He remained an active member for 63 years, up until his recent illness, according to the department.
“Esley leaves behind a great legacy and big shoes to fill,” the Longshop McCoy Fire Department & Rescue Squad said. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/09/longshop-mccoy-fire-rescue-saddened-by-the-passing-of-founding-member/ | 2023-06-10T11:27:57 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/09/longshop-mccoy-fire-rescue-saddened-by-the-passing-of-founding-member/ |
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE
VDOT cameras show that the crash has been cleared.
ORIGINAL STORY
Drivers on Electric Road (VA-419) in Roanoke County can expect delays due to a multi-vehicle crash, according to VDOT.
We’re told the crash happened near the ramp to US-220S.
As of 3:05 p.m., the south center lane and right lane are closed.
Stay with 10 News for the latest traffic updates | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/09/multi-vehicle-crash-on-va-419-in-roanoke-county-causes-lane-closures-delays/ | 2023-06-10T11:28:03 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/09/multi-vehicle-crash-on-va-419-in-roanoke-county-causes-lane-closures-delays/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – A celebration of life less than 24 hours after tragedy.
38-year-old Dontice Perdue, affectionately known to friends and family as ‘Boobie,’ was killed in a motorcycle crash on 16th Street and Syracuse Avenue Thursday.
“If you love my son, let these white ones go up,” Tonya Perdue, Dontice ’s mother said as she released balloons.
Mother Tonya Perdue, immediately took action and planned a vigil at the exact spot Dontice was killed.
“I’m going to get justice for my son if it takes me the rest of my life. I’m going to get justice for my son,” Tonya said.
His Aunt Keysha Perdue says the dozen people showing up to the vigil is a representation of how loved he was.
“Boobie was really well known, he was very loved throughout the whole city,” Keysha said.
His family said he was a loving father to eight children, and they are working to stick together.
“Trying to put it all together because this was a bad tragedy for all of us. It hurts us very bad,” Keysha said.
Keysha said this loss makes her want to hold her family close.
“You don’t know when it’s going to be your last day, or when you’re going to see someone. It’s very important to do that the way things is out here,” she said.
Tonya said losing a child is unimaginable.
“To lose your child, it hurts,” Tonya said.
But she said the love and support of friends and family will carry her through.
“This right here will make me stronger,” Tonya said. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/10/family-of-roanoke-motorcycle-crash-victim-holds-vigil-in-his-honor/ | 2023-06-10T11:28:09 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/10/family-of-roanoke-motorcycle-crash-victim-holds-vigil-in-his-honor/ |
BLOOMINGTON — Irish folk group The High Kings will perform at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 7.
The band is known for its blend of traditional and modern Irish music. They sold out several venues around the world on their last tour and have charted songs across the globe.
The band has been together for 15 years and performed for the prime minister of England in 2011, Barack Obama in 2012, George W. Bush in 2009 and at the White House and The Pentagon in 2015.
In March, they performed live from the top of the Empire State Building on St. Patrick's Day, and will be back in the U.S. this summer.
Tickets can be purchased through the BCPA box office, by calling 309-434-2777 or online via Ticketmaster.
Tickets range from $28 to $49.
Cast and crew members are hard at work to put on the 100th and final production of the American Passion Play at the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts this spring.
Watch now: Photos of From Broadway to Bloomington
From Broadway to Bloomington cast
John Wohlwend, Julie Dobski
Katie Brokaw, Playwright Nancy Steele Brokaw, Director Lori Adams, John Stark
Janel Rapp, Chad Render, Mike Fowler, Kara and Mike Heuer
Drs. Tom Nielsen and and Kathy Bohn
John and Sharon Neeley, Beverly McAllister
Derrick and Erin Williams
Amber Gruenloh, Sara Schramm, Kip Hayden, Cindy Segobiano, Amy Rardin
Nikki Aitken, Tricia Hayden, Doug Braun
Ensemble performs the A Musical from Something Rotten
Emcees Julie and Bob Dobski
Bob Mangialardi, Michelle Vought
Brian Pihl performing On the Street Where You Live from My Fair Lady
Kim Matlock singing She Used to Be Mine from Waitress
Mike Gardner playing Ragtime Medley from Po
Kenny Prince singing Who Can I Turn To from The Roar of the Greasepaint-The Smell of the Crowd
Bob Mangialardi and Cristen Monson performing It’s You from Dames at Sea
Kip Hayden singing Stars from Les Miserables
Mike Gardner, Amber Gruenloh, Marcia Basolo
Jonell Kehias, Julie Dobski, Carlos Miranda
Nikki Aitken and Sara Schramm performing Move That Thang from Wedding Singer
Cristen Monson singing Children Will Listen from Into the Woods
Thomas and Angela Wirsing performing People Will Say We’re in Love from Oklahoma
Lori Adams singing What I Did for Love from A Chorus Line
Kenny Prince and Kip Hayden performing Agony from Into the Woods
Mike Gardner accompanies Michelle Vought in her rendition of Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz
Mark Segobiano as Danny Zuko from Grease
Amy Rardin performing Hopelessly Devoted to You from Grease
Cindy Segobiano as Sandy from Grease
Kim Matlock, Cristen Monson, Angela Wirsing, Lori Adams
Angela and Thomas Wirsing
Tricia Hayden , Scott Myers
Grand Finale featured Mark and Cindy Segobiano and the Ensemble performing a Grease Medley
Marcia Hammerstrand, J Balmer, Michael Hill
Marcia Basolo, Sara Schramm
Bob Dobski, Cindy Segobiano, Julie Dobski, Mark Segobiano
Angela and Thomas Wirsing
Nancy, Janice and Doug Braun
Contact Olivia Jacobs at 309-820-3352. Follow Olivia on Twitter: @olivia___jacobs
Stay up-to-date on what's happening
Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly! | https://pantagraph.com/entertainment/local/the-high-kings-to-perform-in-bloomington-july-7/article_3e08a10a-06db-11ee-bddb-27aef29dffa5.html | 2023-06-10T11:30:13 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/entertainment/local/the-high-kings-to-perform-in-bloomington-july-7/article_3e08a10a-06db-11ee-bddb-27aef29dffa5.html |
TOLUCA — Andrea Knack and Joel Dohleman of Minonk were announced as recipients of the Toluca Rotary "Service Above Self" Scholarships.
Knack is the daughter of Norman Knack and Kristy Harp of Minonk. Knack was the acting voice for the student body and implemented a recycling program throughout the Fieldcrest schools. She plans to attend Illinois Central College and then Iowa State to study animal science in hopes of having a career as a veterinarian.
Dohleman is the son of Katy Dohleman and Derik Bickerman of Minonk. He has been training as an EMT and plans to attend the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana to study biology/pre-med. He was a student representative for the school board and plans to become a physician's assistant.
Ava Meierhofer received the Toluca Rotary Club Middle School Scholarship. She is the daughter of Meleesa Meierhofer of Minonk. Meierhofer was involved in volleyball, choir, Scholastic Bowl and Renaissance while in middle school, and participated in Fieldcrest High School plays and musicals. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/a-look-at-the-latest-central-illinois-scholarship-winners/article_971e9942-056a-11ee-bc50-7fad57ad492e.html | 2023-06-10T11:30:20 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/a-look-at-the-latest-central-illinois-scholarship-winners/article_971e9942-056a-11ee-bc50-7fad57ad492e.html |
100 years ago: Bloomington gets new police uniforms
Learn to navigate the Newspapers.com database, perform browsing and complex search functions, and save clippings using a free user account. Tutorial developed by the University of Alabama Libraries.
How Time Flies is a daily feature looking back at Pantagraph archives to revisit what was happening in our community and region.
100 years ago
June 10, 1923: New uniforms have been ordered by the city for the police force. Several of them arrived yesterday and in a few days the entire force will be out in new uniforms. The uniforms are about the same as the old ones in design and color, with caps to match.
75 years ago
June 10, 1948: First deliveries of the new General Mills Pressure Quick saucepan will be made to distributors on June 15, Minneapolis officials of the firm announced. The pressure pan is now being produced at the General Mills plant in Bloomington.
50 years ago
June 10, 1973: William J. Cook, Northbrook, has been named associate director of the health division of Country Life Insurance Co. He has more than 20 years of experience in the health insurance field. He is past secretary of the Chicago Claims Association and is past state chairman of the Health Insurance Council.
25 years ago
June 10, 1998: About 450 people will be attending the Mayors' Ball on Saturday, June 14, at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. The first-time event is a fundraiser for Heartland Community College Foundation, The Boys and Girls Club, The Baby Fold and the Community Cancer Center. Bloomington and Normal mayors had said the initial goal was to attract 800 people.
101 years ago: See vintage Pantagraph ads from 1922 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/history/100-years-ago-bloomington-gets-new-police-uniforms/article_1d72faec-05e8-11ee-a08e-8b7e159aaaf5.html | 2023-06-10T11:30:26 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/history/100-years-ago-bloomington-gets-new-police-uniforms/article_1d72faec-05e8-11ee-a08e-8b7e159aaaf5.html |
GREENSBORO — A Greensboro man is accused of swindling investors out of money by promising to invest it in real estate deals.
The Securities and Exchange Commission alleges that Marshall E. Melton and his business, Integrated Consulting & Management LLC, targeted mostly older investors, according to a news release.
The SEC called the 65-year-old Melton a "repeat securities law violator." Melton was found liable in 1999 of defrauding clients through other firms he controlled. At the time, an administrative law judge sanctioned him from associating with certain members of the securities industry.
He pleaded guilty to securities fraud charges and was sentenced to five years of supervised probation, but served only one year before being released, the SEC said.
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The latest SEC complaint was filed May 30 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. It contends that between March 2016 and April 2021, seven investors gave Melton more than $1 million for what Melton described as a real estate development venture in Laurinburg. The form of the investments varied and the complaint does not say where the investors lived.
Melton told investors he would buy properties in downtown Laurinburg, renovate them for rental income and resale, and pay the investors a return from those proceeds, the complaint says.
Melton bought seven properties in Laurinburg, a city of about 15,000 people in Scotland County near the South Carolina border. Melton paid $340,000 for two office buildings, three retail buildings, a restaurant and a parking lot.
He made presentations to the Laurinburg City Council on his redevelopment plans and began gutting the interiors of some buildings. However, he did not pay firms who did this work, nor the taxes on the building, according to the lawsuit.
"(H)is uncompleted work left one building without glass windows and another so structurally unsound that it collapsed onto the sidewalk and an adjoining property during a seasonal hurricane," the complaint says.
The SEC said Melton used nearly two-thirds of the investors' money for his own use. He paid personal credit cards, dined at restaurants, bought groceries, liquor and clothes, and paid fees to an anti-aging wellness clinic, the lawsuit says.
Six of the investors ranged in age from almost 60 to just over 86, with an average age of 75 at the time of investment. Most investors were clients of his insurance business and had invested in his previous real estate venture, called Bulk Home Buyers.
A 78-year-old retired school teacher and her 82-year-old husband, a retired Marine, were among the investors. They met Melton through their church, where Melton served as a "Steven minister," a lay church member who counsels people experiencing life difficulties, the lawsuit says. He had previously convinced the teacher to invest $60,000 in Bulk Home Buyers, but later told her the money had been stolen.
If she invested $40,000, Melton told her he would give her credit for the $60,000, the complaint says.
In another instance, a retired physician whose wife had Alzheimer's disease, asked Melton how he could accumulate assets to pay for her care. Melton instructed him to mortgage his home for $250,000 and invest that money in the Laurinburg deal, according to the lawsuit.
An 86-year-old widow invested more than $128,000 and a 53-year-old software engineer invested $60,000, the lawsuit says. Two other investors, a retired physician and professor and his wife, invested $615,000 in the Laurinburg project.
When the latter two investors complained about the lack of returns, Melton convinced the retired school teacher and the software engineer to assign their interest in the properties back to him, stating that they were to be sold. He then transferred five of the Laurinburg properties to the complaining investors in exchange for a release of claims against him, according to the lawsuit.
The SEC seeks "permanent injunctive relief, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains with prejudgment interest and civil penalties" against Melton and his business. It also seeks a conduct-based injunction against Melton, permanently enjoining him from participating in the issuance, purchase, offer, or sale of any security except for his own personal accounts. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/greensboro-man-sec-complaint-real-estate-venture-laurinburg/article_3cb6c08e-06fe-11ee-b8b8-5ff6e5c0316a.html | 2023-06-10T11:51:32 | 1 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/greensboro-man-sec-complaint-real-estate-venture-laurinburg/article_3cb6c08e-06fe-11ee-b8b8-5ff6e5c0316a.html |
GREENSBORO — New and aspiring teachers can now get reimbursement for the costs of taking North Carolina teaching license exams.
The state is paying for the new initiative with $3 million from the federal COVID-19 education relief dollars controlled by the governor.
State leaders are working on modernizing the licensing, according to the Department of Public Instruction, but see this as a move that can help in the meantime.
Between the cost of tests and study materials, teachers often wind up paying $450 or more. Costs climb if a teacher has to take a test multiple times.
"This funding is just one way we’re working to eliminate barriers to the profession and strengthen the educator pipeline so we can support every student’s access to a high-quality, excellent teacher,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt said in a DPI news release.
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Teachers can get up to $500 in reimbursement for licensure exams and study expenses by creating an account at https://ontch.org/TeacherTestPrep and submitting a request. Those eligible for reimbursement can also access Study.com preparation materials. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/north-carolina-teachers-teach-exams-license-licensure-truitt/article_adf85678-06c6-11ee-ad6d-8f45654c4d99.html | 2023-06-10T11:51:38 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/north-carolina-teachers-teach-exams-license-licensure-truitt/article_adf85678-06c6-11ee-ad6d-8f45654c4d99.html |
While the mastermind behind the design of the magnificent Ventnor home at 5801 Atlantic Ave. has been gone for nearly 50 years, his legacy is likely to linger in South Jersey and beyond for generations.
The home — a five-bedroom, 4½-bathroom marvel on a corner lot encompassing 15,625 square feet (125 feet wide by 125 feet deep) — was overengineered to such an extent that it would take a herculean effort to raze it if anyone were crazy enough to ever want to.
The final product took years to construct, and was done so as the primary residence for Samuel W. Ireland, who created the Ireland Coffee Company that — according to a 1996 New York Times article — became a predominant wholesaler of more than 70 blends of coffee first in South Jersey, then throughout the Delaware Valley, then nationwide.
“My grandfather met my grandmother at the University of Pennsylvania (where Samuel Ireland was enrolled in the prestigious Wharton School of Business) and left before graduation to start the company in her father’s garage,” says the home’s longtime current owner. “He was an exceptional businessman and quite a gentleman. I think the world of him. He was a class act and a huge influence on me.”
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The home is located in the heart of Ventnor’s St. Leonard’s Tract, which is among the nation’s oldest homeowners’ associations (see StLeonardsTract.org) and is teeming with similarly spectacular, historic homes. The 5,506-square-foot Ireland estate is brick-faced with a copper roof, large in-ground swimming pool and outdoor brick fireplace, and an interior outfitted with all the modern conveniences yet still dripping with old-world charm and classic aesthetics, such as mosaic-tile and Onyx-tile flooring, cathedral ceilings, custom hardwood and marble finishes.
“It’s a tremendously well-constructed home,” says the owner, whose grandfather began construction on it in the late 1940s and completed it in the early 1950s. “It’s all poured concrete, and most of the walls are block and cement. It’s like a bomb shelter.
“He always went over and above whatever was called for,” adds the owner, who now lives year-round with his wife in Palm Beach, Florida. “If 2,500 pounds (PSI, measuring concrete’s ability to withstand force) was the spec, he’d go for 5,000 pounds. That’s just the way he was.”
TRENTON — Fending off a conservative rival and fellow incumbent just two years after he won …
A grand foyer with an opulent mosaic-tile floor greets guests at the home’s main entrance and leads into a gorgeous living room with a wood-burning fireplace. The first floor also features a formal dining room, a spacious family room with an elegant built-in bar, and a bonus room overlooking the pool that is currently being used as a fitness room. The home’s gourmet kitchen features custom wood cabinets, granite countertops and a full appliance package.
All five spacious bedrooms are upstairs, including an immense master suite with a walk-in closet. The home’s five bathrooms (including the powder room) are likewise outfitted with modern fixtures while maintaining a classic aesthetic. Landscaping around the home — as is customary within the entire St. Leonard’s Tract community — is spectacular. “It’s a terrific home, and I was very fortunate to have been brought up here,” says the owner. “Putting it on the market was a difficult decision for me and my wife.”
The home is situated about a block from the beach and Boardwalk, and very close to the Dorset Avenue bridge that connects Absecon Island to Ventnor Heights and the mainland. It is also a short walk or bike ride to the Ventnor public tennis courts and the iconic Ventnor Fishing Pier, which dates to the 1920s.
For more information or to take a tour of this exceptional Ventnor estate, qualified buyers can call the direct line of listing agent Todd Gordon at 609-553-5098, or Paula Hartman at 609-271-7337, or the office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach at 609-487-7234. Prospective buyers can also email Todd at todd.acrealtor@gmail.com or Paula at redheadedrealtor@aol.com.
This article was sponsored by Paula Hartman of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach.
Newly listed homes for sale in the South Jersey area
6 Bedroom Home in Long Beach Twp - $3,800,000
Welcome to your dream oceanfront oasis! This home with 6 bedrooms, 4 baths, and a spacious 3,100 square feet, provides ample space for family and friends to gather and create lasting memories.Situated on a generous 72 x 195 lot, this oceanfront gem boasts panoramic views of the mesmerizing Atlantic Ocean and the tranquil bay. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an evening cocktail, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking vistas from every angle.Step inside and be greeted by the inviting main living area with its open floor plan, ideal for entertaining. With two living spaces, there's plenty of room for relaxation and socializing. The main level features two bedrooms, including one en-suite, ensuring privacy and convenience for guests or family members.
4 Bedroom Home in Egg Harbor Township - $435,000
This is a Doll House, the Sellers have lovingly updated this house one room at a time !! You walk into a foyer with high ceilings, to the left is the Living Room and off of it is the Dining Room to entertain your guests. Owner put beautiful doors in-between the two rooms with glass panes to keep the light moving. Kitchen is also updated with wooden shelves and a large island with a handmade wooden top. Off of the kitchen is a huge den that leads to the backyard. The yard is set for fun with a waterproof box for a TV and outside seating, corn hole and and any other games or a pool if you wish the yard is certainly big enough. If that's not enough fun or its winter welcome to the basement with a bar with a refrigerator and ice maker, taps on bar were installed in 2020 and are not connected but all the equipment is there if you want to hook them up to a kegerator. There is a workout space and a living room with a projector with surround sound and an 85 foot screen that will stay. Upstairs is 4 bedrooms and two baths. Roof, HVAC, Air Conditioning, on Demand Hot Water and Roof are all new in 2021. Come and look it is more than worth your time.
2 Bedroom Home in Little Egg Harbor - $439,900
Welcome to 16 Chatham Road, the Amelia Model offers 2 Beds, 2 Baths, Flex Room, Sunroom along with a nice easy flow floor plan for everyday living offering over 2200 Sq Feet of living space. The lot is spacious at .20 acre and there is whole house generator to support your home if the electric goes out. The Main living area of the home is covered with upgraded Tile Floor, the Bedrooms and Flex room have Neutral Carpet. The Kitchen has Decora upgraded 42'' White Cabinets with Soft Close Doors and Drawers, Granite counter tops and a Double Door Pantry for all your extra kitchen needs. The flow goes into the Eating Area, the Great room with Gas Fireplace and the Sun-Drenched Sun Room for exceptional easy living. The Master Suite has a Cathedral Ceiling, Bump out Windows, Large WIC, Master Bat
3 Bedroom Home in Egg Harbor City - $299,000
Welcome to this charming fully renovated home built in 1915 featuring "Pebble Dash" exterior. This home greets you with a deck and entrance to the 3 season sunroom. Original hardwood floors highlight the living room and dining room. Nine foot ceilings, wide wood trim and original hardwood doors with glass door knobs are some of the details that were preserved. The electric service and wiring have been completely replaced and features designer lighting throughout. Your sparkling new kitchen features white shaker cabinets, quartz counter tops, stainless steel appliances and new tile flooring. The bath is fully renovated with all new fixtures and tile. Other features include a new roof, new plumbing and new gas fired hot air heat and central air conditioning. The full basement has both inside and outside entrances with a laundry area. The spacious walk-up attic provides ample storage space. The home sits on a large 60x150 lot that goes through to the terrace street behind providing plenty of room to enjoy the new patio and yard and still leaves ample parking space. This beautiful home is accessible to the train, Garden State Pkw, Atlantic city, Beaches. Please note: The listing agent has a financial interest in the property.
3 Bedroom Home in Egg Harbor Township - $579,000
Located in Egg Harbor Township, Harbor Pines is a remarkable property that offers a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and tranquility. This stunning home is situated in a highly sought-after neighborhood, surrounded by the natural beauty of Harbor Pines Golf Course.Upon entering, you are greeted by a spacious and inviting foyer that leads to the main living areas. The open floor plan allows for seamless flow between the living room, dining area, and kitchen, creating an ideal space for entertaining guests or enjoying quality time with family. The living room is adorned with large windows that flood the space with natural light, and a cozy fireplace adds warmth and elegance.Overall, 103 Saint Andrews Lane is a remarkable residence that combines elegance, comfort, and a prime location. Whether you're a golf enthusiast looking to live in a prestigious community or a family in search of a luxurious home, this property is sure to exceed your expectations. Don't miss the opportunity to make it your own and experience the lifestyle you've always dreamed of.
3 Bedroom Home in Atlantic City - $104,900
Investor alert 3 bed 1 bath 2 story corner detached single family with a section 8 tenant. Section 8 is paying $1300 a month. The lease expires in June and the seller has received paperwork to increase the rent. The property was inspected June of 2022 and passed. Heater and hot water are 1 year old. Heat is gas forced air. 2022 property taxes were $2470. Tenant pays all utilities except water and sewer which is paid by the seller. Tenant requires 24 hour notice. Showings are Monday and Friday between 11 and 3.
3 Bedroom Home in Galloway Township - $300,000
Welcome to 149 E. Mourning Dove Way. This is a spacious single-family home located in a quiet neighborhood. This property features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, providing ample space for families or guests. With just under 2,000 square feet of living space, there is plenty of room for entertaining and relaxing. The property also boasts a beautiful backyard, perfect for hot summer days. Other features include, a 1-car garage, and stunning views of the surrounding hills. This property is priced to sell at $350,000. Buy now with a few Bitcoins or ask about Private Financing Available Starting at 10% NO BASEMENT. NO CRAWLSPACE Appliances included in sale Showing times for All appointments. No need to call Agent. Owner occupied, if screen door is locked he is home, just knock enough for him to hear you. If you are an agent that charges the BBC fee on your listings, that same fee will be deducted from your side and added to the listing side. appliances are in working condition and will be sold as is. Property is being sold AS-IS. inspections are for informational purposes only. BUYER GETS C/O 4 OFFERS HAVE BEEN RECIEVED, ASKING HAS BEEN MET+plus. OWNER ANTICPATES TO MAKE DECISION BY 6/9/2023. no highest and best, send your best offer.
3 Bedroom Home in Corbin City - $215,000
3 bedroom, 2 full bath Ranch style home located on a large lot. Primary bedroom with ensuite featuring a garden tub, separate shower & large vanity. 2nd and 3rd bedrooms are good sized and share the other full bath. Livingroom has vaulted ceilings and connects to the eat-in-kitchen giving an open concept feel. The utility room just off the kitchen has an outside entrance to the large backyard, where you will find space for gardening and outdoor living. Room to park several cars in the large driveway. This home is located in Corbin City Atlantic County, but is within the Upper Township School Distict and sends to Ocean City High School.
4 Bedroom Home in Margate - $1,255,000
Welcome to 7903 Lagoon Dr, located in the extremely desirable Lagoon/Bayshore neighborhood in Margate. This 2-story home has an enclosed inground pool, 4 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, living, den with new fireplace and a large dining room. The exterior of the property plus the shed was renovated new roof, siding, shutters and stone. There is plenty of room to entertain both inside and out. The kitchen has been updated and features double sinks, double oven, 6 burner gas stove, warming drawer, dishwasher, breakfast nook and tons of counter space. There is a third-floor walk-up attic that can be finished to enjoy the beautiful sunsets with lagoon and bay views. The heated indoor pool has been resurfaced, painted and fully upgraded system. Don’t hesitate as this gem won’t last!
5 Bedroom Home in Galloway Township - $1,685,000
**NEW LISTING!!** COMPLETELY 100% "OFF THE CHARTS SPECTACULAR!!" THERE'S NOTHING LIKE THIS HOME ANYWHERE!! IT'S JUST SIMPLY AMAZING!! NO EXPENSE has been spared on this "ONE OF A KIND" CUSTOM BUILT RESORT ESTATE!! Approx 9,200 SQ FT of LUXURIOUS LIVING SPACE on a 2 acre LUSHLY LANDSCAPED lot in Galloway Township's "GOLD COAST" and MOST PRESTIGIOUS and SOUGHT AFTER EXECUTIVE SUB-DIVISION of LOST PINE VILLAGE!!. IT'S HARD TO EVEN KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN ON THIS ONE!! From the FAIRYTALE GRAND ENTRANCE to the $125,000 NCAA regulation SPORTS COURT to the $25,000 OUTDOOR TOUCH SCREEN CUSTOM PIZZA OVEN to the $60,000 14ft 1000 GALLOON BUILT IN AQUARIUM to the 60 FOOT LONG ROMAN DESIGN INGOUND POOL with 10 PERSON JACUZZI/HOTUB to the GAMING ROOM equip with 4 XBOX and 4 PLAY STATION GAMING SYSTEMS to the $75,000 MOVIE THEATER with FIBOR OPTIC CEILINGS to the 2 STORY GUEST/PLAY HOUSE to the 8 ZONES of AC and 7 ZONES of HEAT to the SMART GOOGLE HOME CONNECT with OVER 100 SMART LIGHT SWITCHES and PLUGS and 20 TWO WAY AUDIO CAMERA'S ETC ETC!! THE LIST GOES ON and ON!! "YOUR JUST NOT GOING TO BELIEVE IT!! GAURANTEED!! From the MOMENT you stand on the front porch YOU ARE JUST TAKEN AWAY!! Your Front Entrance leads into a MASSIVE 21 FOOT HIGH 2 Story FOYER/LIVING Room Complete with ARCHES and ELEGANT COLOMS which is JUST FILLED WITH NATURAL LIGHT and opens to the huge second story FIBERGLASS DECK over looking YOUR KINGDOM!! (Creating a lower level fully covered 40x20 Veranda), Elegant Open Formal Dining Room complete with a WET BAR, DESIGNOR CHEF'S KITCHEN complemented w/GRANITE COUNTER TOPS, STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES with WOLF 6 BURNER RANGE and FLAT TOP GRILL plus SUB ZERO REFRIGERATION! THIS ALL opening to the the FAMILY ROOM with BUILT IN GAS FIREPLACE and GLASS WALL 14' 1,000 GALLOON SALT WATER AQUARIUM. The first floor continues with a OFFICE easily used as a 6th bedroom and a 1st floor PRIMARY/MASTER SUITE that's fit for a KING!! Lower Level includes a large CUSTOM two row MOVIE THEATER w/a 20x15 custom fiber optic and rgb LED ROPE CEILING LIGHTING+85” 4K 120 frame gaming TV as well as automatic PROJECTION SCREEN that lowers in front of 4K television. 7.1 SURROUND SOUND, Columns, custom sound fabric, entire theater insulated and proofed for sound, GAMING ROOM with two way CUSTOM LIMESTONE gas fireplace currently setup with 4 Xbox or ps5 gaming systems. Wired for four 4K 120fps tv’s each with their own 5.1 surround sound system including subwoofer, SECOND BAR with built in cabinetry, MINI SUBZERO FRIDGE and SCOTTSMAN ICE MAKER. GAME ROOM with 24” Porcelain Tile, currently housing ping ping, black light air hockey, bubble hockey, custom 55” screen ULTIMATE GAMING SYSTEM for four including over 50,000 throw back games. PoolTtable & Basketball. 15x4 WINE CELLAR, 30x35 GYM with rubber floor & custom floor to ceiling mirrors (gym equipment can also be purchased). Flowing to the OUTDOORS you will enjoy the HUGE MARBLE and GRANITE 14 person DOUBLE GRANITE BAR+KITCHEN w/custom GAS/WOOD/COAL fired TOUCH SCREEN PIZZA OVEN with imported 1” mosaic Italian glass tile and assorted STAINLESS STEEL cabinetry, NCAA REGULATION SPORTS COURT for basketball and futsal soccer with regulation tennis nets, fully lit metal halide lights, 60’ Roman design POOL with 10 person HOT TUB, WATERFALL, LED LIGHTS and FOUNTAINS+FIRE PIT!! The 2 sty GUEST/PLAY HOUSE complete with ENGINEREED TIGERWOOD FLOORS, up and down stairs, electric fireplace, Wifi access point, hard wired Ethernet, SURROUND SOUND TV and GAMING SYSTEM. ADDITIONAL AMMENITIES - TUMBLEED MARBLE and REAL TIGERWOOD FLOORING through first and second floors, lower level granite, porcelain and marble flooring, arches and elegant columns throughout, SMART GOOGLE HOME with over 100 smart light switches and plugs; and 20 cameras all with two way audio for two way communication. 8 zones of AC, 7 zones of heat plus guest house, 3 car garage COULD NOT BE REPRODUCE ANYWHERE NEAR $1,685,000!! | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/ultra-luxurious-ventnor-estate-built-by-eminent-local-entrepreneur/article_873d957e-0631-11ee-bcec-8bf3711fcc55.html | 2023-06-10T12:13:25 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/ultra-luxurious-ventnor-estate-built-by-eminent-local-entrepreneur/article_873d957e-0631-11ee-bcec-8bf3711fcc55.html |
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'Drag Main' 2023 Pride Parade
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People attend the "Drag Main" 2023 Pride Parade & Street Party on Friday, June 9, 2023, in downtown Twin Falls. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/drag-main-2023-pride-parade/article_8dd32340-0726-11ee-99ec-b7bb5fb5bf1f.html | 2023-06-10T12:22:30 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/drag-main-2023-pride-parade/article_8dd32340-0726-11ee-99ec-b7bb5fb5bf1f.html |
Jerome County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Bradley Calbo has been indicted by a grand jury on charges that he committed acts of violence against a 44-year-old woman at a property along the Oregon coast, records show.
Calbo, 54, was involved in a June 3 incident in Lincoln City in which the woman said he strangled her and committed other acts to place her “in fear of imminent serious physical injury,” the indictment obtained by the Times-News reads.
The indictment was signed Thursday by the grand jury foreperson and Lincoln County district attorney. Calbo was originally scheduled to appear in court Monday for a preliminary hearing, but instead is expected to be in court that day for a hearing related to the indictment.
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A Lincoln City police officer, according to the summary of probable cause, responded to a report of domestic assault Sunday at about 11:24 a.m., and the woman said she had been assaulted by Calbo the previous night, including being strangled to the point of her not being able to breathe for about 10 seconds. In addition, she said Calbo held her down by her arm, which she recently had surgery performed on, and slapped her multiple times and pulled her hair.
The woman played for police a 20-minute-long audio recording she made in which a male voice, which she identified as being Calbo’s, is heard yelling and swearing, along with saying, “I should just kill you,” and similar phrases, while the woman screams loudly to be let go. On one occasion, the woman says, “You’re choking me."
Calbo told police that neither he nor the woman had physically assaulted each other, and that the incident was only verbal, records say.
The four charges against Calbo, who is being held on a $500,000 bond and has a no-contact order against him, include coercion, strangulation, fourth-degree assault and menacing.
This is not the first legal difficulty for Calbo in Oregon.
In March 2021 in Klamath County, he was charged with fourth-degree assault and harassment, and after pleading guilty received a conditional discharge which was terminated after he was charged in September 2021 with DUI and reckless driving, records say.
The reckless driving charge was later dismissed.
In March 2022, he received a sentence of 30 days for the assault charge, 15 of which was completed with electronic home detention.
He received two days in jail for the DUI with eight days of electronic monitoring, records say.
In 2005, records show he was disbarred from practicing law in Colorado after a board found that he converted thousands of dollars in clients’ funds and knowingly failed to perform services for his clients, causing them serious harm.
Calbo was appointed as Jerome’s prosecuting attorney last fall when former Prosecuting Attorney Mike Seib resigned from the position.
Jerome County commissioners were aware of the previous criminal charges against Calbo, along with him being disbarred, when he was appointed, Commissioner Charlie Howell told the Times-News on Friday.
Commissioners talked to judges and acquaintances and received recommendations that Calbo was fit for the job, he said.
"We feel we vetted him pretty well," Howell said, later saying, "I don't know what we could have done differently."
Howell said he has not had contact with Calbo since the charges were filed against him.
The prosecutor's office is filling in during Calbo's absence to make sure court cases are covered.
And as for questions whether Calbo will voluntarily resign his position as prosecutor, Howell said, "I'm sure he will do the right thing." | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/jerome-prosecutor-indicted-by-grand-jury-for-domestic-violence/article_6b99bf46-0712-11ee-a61b-cbe870342f16.html | 2023-06-10T12:22:36 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/jerome-prosecutor-indicted-by-grand-jury-for-domestic-violence/article_6b99bf46-0712-11ee-a61b-cbe870342f16.html |
TWIN FALLS — A man accused of violently beating his cousin in May outside a Castleford bar has been bound over to district court on a charge of aggravated battery.
In a preliminary hearing Friday, the victim, Dawson Bishop, said his relative Chase West Bishop, 26, severely beat him after inviting him on May 20 to come to the bar, with the pretext of drinking a beer and using marijuana, which Dawson was asked to bring.
But when he arrived, Dawson said his cousin led him across the street and struck him multiple times, breaking his nose and causing injuries to his back, to the point he says he has not been physically able to work as a self-employed autobody repairman.
The reason for the confrontation, Dawson said, was that Chase accused him of stealing from his grandparents, something Dawson denied upon questioning by defense attorney Joseph Rockstahl.
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He said he put up little resistance to the blows, and was bleeding so much, “I didn’t have a fighting chance at that point.”
After hitting him, Chase also choked him to the point of almost passing out, Dawson said.
Dawson said he called law enforcement and met a deputy later at his house.
Rockstahl argued that the prosecution didn’t prove the severity of the victim’s injuries. No medical records were presented at the hearing. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/man-accused-of-beating-cousin-bound-over-to-district-court/article_3efd052c-071e-11ee-ab56-6fd92e8daf26.html | 2023-06-10T12:22:43 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/man-accused-of-beating-cousin-bound-over-to-district-court/article_3efd052c-071e-11ee-ab56-6fd92e8daf26.html |
LIVING CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH Jun 11 — 500 W. Riordan Road, 500 W. Riordan Road, Flagstaff. 928-526-8595. 10-11 a.m., We invite all to celebrate with us God's love and presence in our lives and be God's hands in the world. We are intentionally inclusive. We worship through music, teaching, prayer, and the sacraments each Sunday at 10 a.m., at the Campus Ministry Center located on the NAU campus or join us online. Join Rev. Kurt Fangmeier for the Second Sunday after Pentecost! Though Jesus was a devout Jew who practiced his faith, he was criticized for eating with tax collectors and sinners—the religiously nonobservant. Jesus criticizes the self-righteous and reminds us that mercy is to be at the heart of our religious practices. God continues to be made known in those on the margins of society, like Matthew the tax collector and the hemorrhaging woman. As we gather each Lord’s day we receive the healing that makes us well and sends us forth to be signs of God’s mercy for the world. We will learn more with our First Reading of Hosea 5:15-6:6 (God desires steadfast love) Psalm 50:7-15 (Call upon me in the day of trouble, says your God) and the Second Reading of Romans 4:13-25 (The promise to those who share Abraham’s faith) together with the Gospel Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 (Christ heals a woman and raises a synagogue leader’s daughter). https://go.evvnt.com/1775256-0.
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BEACON UU SUNDAY SERVICE: “May I Suggest?” ~ Rev. Robin's Final Sunday Jun 11 — Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 510 N. Leroux St., Flagstaff. (928) 779-4492. 10-11 a.m., ALL ARE WELCOME! You BELONG at Beacon. Spiritually open and intentionally inclusive since 1958. “May I suggest, may I suggest to you; May I suggest this is the best part of your life?” So asks composer Susan Werner in the lovely song we will hear Austin sing this morning. Her lyrics offer us a frame for exploring with Rev. Robin the themes and messages she has shared with us over the past four memorable years as our Interim Minister. We’ve asked many questions and reflected on many “suggestions” together. Come take a walk down memory lane and celebrate the time we’ve shared. Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker, preaching, with Worship Associate Nancy Paxton, and music from Austin Shaw. CELEBRATION POTLUCK TO FOLLOW. https://go.evvnt.com/1774670-0.
PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Jun 11 — 3430 N. Fourth St., 3430 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff. 928-526-9578. 10-11 a.m., We invite you to join the family of Peace Lutheran Church (LCMS) on Sunday at 10:00am for in person blended service (Combined Liturgical, hymnal based and Praise Worship) with Holy Communion. Pastor William Weiss Jr. (Pastor Bill) will be presiding. The service will be live streamed on our website (peacelutheranflagstaff.org) and on YouTube. Fellowship and refreshments are available before the worship service beginning 9:15am. https://go.evvnt.com/1773391-0.
Unity of Flagstaff Spiritual Center Jun 11 — Unity of Flagstaff Spiritual Center, 1800 S. Milton Road, Flagstaff. 10:30-11:30 a.m., Join us live or live-stream for a special message for Unity of Flagstaff provided by Daniel Nahmod. Daniel has performed his profound, heart-opening original music for over one million people in 45 U.S. states and Canada since beginning his music career in 1999. Daniel's poetic and evocative message of peace, love and compassion across all nations, cultures and faiths has found overwhelming acceptance wherever he has performed. Performances of his music form the backbone of many New Thought Sunday Services. Check out Daniel Nahmod's wonderful music on YouTube.com. https://go.evvnt.com/1781993-0.
Flagstaff Federated Community Church Please join us for in person services Sundays at 10 a.m. We are located at 400 W Aspen Ave. on the corner of Aspen and Sitgreaves in Downtown Flagstaff. All are welcome to our services. For more information about Flagstaff Federated Community Church please call our office at 928-774-7383, Mon – Thurs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Church of the Resurrection Sunday Church Services 740 W. University Heights Drive S., 740 W. University Heights Drive S., Flagstaff. 928-853-8522. 10-11:30 a.m., Church of the Resurrection Presbyterian Church in America (PCA): We invite you to join us for worship at 10 a.m. on Sundays at 740 W. University Heights Drive South. Please feel free to contact us for information on our mid-week gatherings and for more information on our church. You can find us at www.cor-pca.org and www.facebook.com/CORFlagstaff or we can be reached at corflagstaff@gmail.com and (928) 699-2715.
Leupp Nazarene Church The church, near mile post 13 or Navajo Route 15, has been holding services by teleconferences and doing drive-up meetings. For information, call pastor Farrell Begay at 928-853-5321. Teleconference number: 1-7170275-8940 with access code 3204224#. Services are 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays and 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
Christian Science Society of Flagstaff 619 W. Birch Ave. Bible Lesson services every Sunday 10-11am (Zoom option: https://zoom.us/j/369812794). Testimony Meetings every Wednesday: 5:30-6:30pm (Zoom option: https://zoom.us/j/971672834). Zoom password: CSS. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/flagstaff-religion-news-for-june-10-2023/article_73dba488-066a-11ee-bd81-c7ea9919d7f5.html | 2023-06-10T12:28:27 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/flagstaff-religion-news-for-june-10-2023/article_73dba488-066a-11ee-bd81-c7ea9919d7f5.html |
Tamiami Amateur Radio Club planning 24-hour open house for 85th annual ARRL Field Day
Amateur radio club planning 24-hour Field Day open house
The Tamiami Amateur Radio Club will host a 24-hour open house on June 24-25 as part of the 85th annual American Radio Relay League Field Day for ham radio operators in the United States and Canada.
Once a year since 1933, ham radio operators in North America spend two days proving their technical skillsand emergency preparedness in a national competition called ARRL Field Day. This year, more than 35,000 amateur radio operators will set up temporary radio stations in public locations and compete for the most worldwide radio contacts in a 24-hour period. Approximately 1,500 groups are competing as well as thousands of individual installations.
In Venice, the event will run from 2 p.m. on June 24 to 2 p.m. on June 25 at the Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 86 Station, 1200 Harbor Drive S. The public is invited to observe as ham radio operators communicate by Morse code, spoken word, and digital modes. Guests also can take a microphone and speak to other ham stations during the event.
The Tamiami Amateur Radio Club, organized in 1960, has more than 100 members. For more information, visit tamiamiarc.org and arrl.org/field-day
Masala Giving Circle awards over $74,000 to nonprofits
The Masala Giving Circle, a group of philanthropic Black women, has awarded over $74,000 in grants to support the African American community in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
The grants range from arts and education to food and housing security, including All Faiths Food Bank, Manatee ASALH Freedom School, Good Samaritan Pharmacy & Health Services, Manatee Habitat for Humanity, Habitat for Humanity Sarasota, Meals on Wheels of Sarasota, Minorities in Shark Sciences, Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, and Take Stock in Children of Sarasota County.
The focus for the Masala Giving Circle is strengthening communities of color. Visit masalagivingcircle.org to learn more.
Suncoast Charities for Children ready for summer fundraising
Suncoast Charities for Children is holding several fundraising events as part of Suncoast Summer Fest, including a Casino Night in August to support a new children’s therapy scholarship fund established in memory of Ron Foxworthy.
Foxworthy, a former Suncoast Charities board member and a founder of the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival, “was dedicated to raising money to help local children with special needs," Suncoast Charities executive director Lucy Nicandri said.
Seed money for the scholarship fund was made possible by the James M. Doss Charitable Foundation. Other events include the seventh annual Bob Rizi Memorial Golf Classic on June 23 at Meadows Country Club; Friendliest Catch Fishing Tournament on June 28; Waves & Wheels Fun Run (boats, motorcycles, and cars) on July 1 in memory of former Suncoast board member Noel Speranza; and the July 4 Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular.
The events support six nonprofits serving children, teens, and adults with special needs throughout Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, and Charlotte counties. Last year, Suncoast Summer Fest raised $154,000. For information, tickets, and sponsorship, visit suncoastsummerfest.org.
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The Library Foundation for Sarasota County recently received a $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to strengthen its online presence and provide additional digital tools. ... The Friends of the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library is seeking to fill five vacancies on its seven-member board during its Annual Meeting on June 20 from 5-7 p.m. at the library, 2801 Newtown Boulevard. Visit bettyjjohnsonfriends.org.
· Temple Sinai is celebrating Pride Month with a special reception, Shabbat service and dinner on June 16 starting at 5 p.m. at the temple, 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota. The event will feature Sarasota County LGBTQ leader Jason Champion, board chair of Project Pride, as guest speaker. For information and to preregister, visit templesinai-sarasota.org.
· Members of the Aphasia Community Center of Sarasota are hosting an Aphasia Awareness Dinner on June 24 at Concordia Lutheran Church, 2185 Wood St., in Sarasota. The free event aims to provide education about aphasia, a brain disorder that affects a person's ability to express and understand written and spoken language. RSVP at aphasiasarasota.org or aphasiacommunitycenter@gmail.com.
· The Literacy Council of Sarasota is seeking volunteers who want to help other adults improve their basic English communication and literacy skills. In July, volunteers will receive approximately 18 hours of interactive ProLiteracy-certified instruction over the course of four weekday sessions at the Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center, 1750 17th St., Sarasota. For information, contact program associate Sandra Beltran at 941-955-0421 or sbeltran@sarasotaliteracy.org.
· The Sarasota Chorus of the Keys (chorusofthekeys.org), celebrating its 74th anniversary, recently awarded Sheridan E. Brown Memorial Scholarships totaling $4,000 to Cole Laudenslager of Pine View School and Nathan Molineaux of Sarasota Military Academy.
Submissions by Su Byron, Dwight D. Sullivan, Rebecca Abrahamson, Lucy Nicandri, Kate Schwartz, George Bradt, Andrea Eiffert, Becky Reese, Roger Murphy, Tom Melville. | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2023/06/10/ham-radio-club-plans-24-hour-open-house-for-85th-annual-arrl-field-day/70290738007/ | 2023-06-10T12:30:58 | 1 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2023/06/10/ham-radio-club-plans-24-hour-open-house-for-85th-annual-arrl-field-day/70290738007/ |
Democrats have for years bemoaned partisan redistricting plans that helped Republicans win far more congressional seats than expected. But that advantage has disappeared.
In the first elections held with 2020 census data, Democrats battled back with their own gerrymandering that shaped districts to their advantage and essentially evened the outcome. Though Republicans won control of the House from Democrats, the closely divided chamber more accurately reflects the ratio of Republicans to Democrats among voters nationally than at any time in recent years, according to a new Associated Press analysis.
“On the one hand, we have fairer, more representative outcomes. But it looks like we have more gerrymandering happening,” said Doug Spencer, a law professor at the University of Colorado Boulder who administers the All About Redistricting website.
The AP's analysis found that Republicans won just one more U.S. House seat in 2022 than would have been expected based on the average share of the vote they received nationwide — an insignificant edge in determining the GOP's 222-213 seat majority.
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A similar situation played out in state capitols in the 2022 elections. The AP found that Democrats and Republicans notched a nearly equal number of states with House or Assembly districts tilted in their favor — a sharp contrast to the sizable Republican edge during the previous decade.
The difference is not just that Republicans gerrymandered less but that “more Democrats picked up the practice,” Spencer said.
A lot is at stake. Districts drawn to the advantage of one party can help it win, maintain or expand majorities, which in turn can affect the types of laws enacted on divisive topics such as abortion, guns, taxes and transgender rights. That's evident this year, as Republican- and Democratic-led states move in opposite directions on many of those issues.
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The dissatisfaction once voiced most loudly by Democrats in states gerrymandered by Republicans is now also rising from Republicans in such places as rural Macoupin County, Illinois. A Republican represented the former coal mining county in Congress during the past decade. But a Democrat won the redrawn district in 2022 after it got transformed into a slender snake-like shape — with a head in the twin university cities of Champaign and Urbana and a new tail in the Democratic suburbs of St. Louis.
Republican-leaning Macoupin County resembles a bulge in the middle — the only entire county remaining in the 13th District.
“We’re tied now to people – boat anchors up to the north and boat anchors in the south – that we have very little in common with, and we’re not happy,” said Tom Stoecker, the Macoupin County GOP chairman.
Illinois' congressional districts had the largest partisan slant nationally, helping Democrats win three more seats than expected based on their percentage of votes, according to the AP’s analysis. Among statehouse chambers, the largest partisan tilt was in the Nevada Assembly — again favoring Democrats.
Republicans still reaped rewards in some places. Texas Republicans won about two more U.S. House seats than would have been expected based on their percentage of votes. A long-running GOP tilt also continued in the Wisconsin Assembly.
The AP analyzed the effect of redistricting on the 2022 elections using an “efficiency gap” formula intended to spot cases of potential gerrymandering. The test — designed by Eric McGhee, a researcher at the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California, and Harvard Law School professor Nick Stephanopoulos — identifies states where one party is extraordinarily efficient at translating votes into victories. That can occur when politicians in charge of redistricting pack voters for their opponents into a few heavily concentrated districts or spread them among multiple districts to dilute their voting strength.
Previous AP analyses found that Republicans benefited from a strong edge under districts drawn after the 2010 census. The GOP won about 22 more U.S. House seats than expected based on its share of the votes in 2016 — about 16 extra seats in 2018 and about 10 excess seats in 2020. By comparison, the one-seat GOP tilt in the 2022 election was essentially a political wash.
“By many metrics, we had the fairest congressional map and the fairest state legislative map in decades, and that’s a truly great thing for democracy,” said John Bisognano, president of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, which has challenged Republican-drawn maps in court.
Bisognano attributes the change primarily to four states — Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Under congressional maps drawn by Republicans, those states combined in 2016 to elect 39 Republicans and just 17 Democrats — about nine more Republicans than expected based on their share of the votes. But in 2022, under maps adopted by courts and Michigan's new independent commission, those states combined to elect 26 Republicans and 29 Democrats. In a reversal, Democrats carried about one more seat than expected based on their share of the votes.
In each of the two most recent midterm elections, the AP's analysis identified 15 states where a political party won at least one more congressional seat than would have been expected based on its votes. Twelve of those favored Republican in 2018.
But the redistricting gains were more evenly split last year. Democrats gained at least one more congressional seat than expected from their vote percentage in eight states — California, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico and Washington. Meanwhile, Republicans gained at least one extra seat in seven states — Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, New York, Texas and Wisconsin.
The new Illinois districts were drawn by the Democratic-dominated state Legislature and signed into law by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, despite a pledge during his 2018 campaign to veto any maps drawn by politicians. Pritzker said the maps — which added a second predominantly Latino district while maintaining three predominantly Black districts — would “ensure all communities are equitably represented.”
Under the new districts, Illinois Democrats widened their 13-5 congressional advantage to a 14-3 majority — flipping one Republican seat and merging others. The state lost one seat due to declining population.
Republican Rep. Rodney Davis was drawn out of the 13th District he represented for a decade and placed in the heavily Republican 15th District. He lost in a GOP primary to Rep. Mary Miller, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump. The reshaped 13th District was won by Democrat Nikki Budzinski, a former aide to Pritzker and President Joe Biden.
“That district was drawn in a very gerrymandered way to maximize the Democrat turnout," Davis told the AP.
Numerous more politically neutral alternatives could have been drawn, said Sheldon H. Jacobson, director of the Institute for Computational Redistricting at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
“This was just a horrendous situation and really doesn’t represent the people of Illinois," Jacobson said.
Fair representation also has been called into question in Nevada, where the Democratic advantage from redistricting was so large that it could have swayed control of the state Assembly. Though Republican candidates received more total votes, Democrats won a 28-14 majority last fall — seven more Democratic seats than would have been expected, according to the AP's analysis.
A lawsuit brought by affected residents and several Republican elected officials alleged the new districts were “an intentional extreme partisan gerrymander” that illegally diluted votes. But a judge said there was no clear standard to weigh partisan gerrymandering claims under the Nevada Constitution — echoing a 2019 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that federal courts also have no business deciding partisan gerrymandering claims.
The Reno area's Somersett golf community had been part of a Republican-controlled Assembly district, but the new maps split it into two. A Democrat now represents part of the subdivision while the rest was placed in a rural Republican-led district that stretches hundreds of miles to the Oregon and Idaho borders.
“It was really bad for our community," said Jacob Williams, president of the Somersett Owners Association, who ran unsuccessfully in a Republican primary for the state Assembly. “It was quite deflating.” | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/analysis-what-makes-a-fair-election-recent-redistricting-the-most-politically-balanced-in-years/3583012/ | 2023-06-10T12:43:47 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/analysis-what-makes-a-fair-election-recent-redistricting-the-most-politically-balanced-in-years/3583012/ |
Police are investigating after two people were shot -- and one man was killed -- in a shooting that happened on Friday night in Southwest Philadelphia.
According to police, a man -- who police have not yet provided identifying information for -- was pronounced dead at about 11:27 p.m., after he was reportedly shot in the head in a home along the 5700 block of Elmwood Avenue.
A second man, police said, was wounded after being shot in the leg in this shooting, as well.
Law enforcement officials have not yet revealed any motive for this shooting and have not said if there have been any arrests in this incident, however an investigation is ongoing.
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There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here.
Sign up for our Breaking newsletter to get the most urgent news stories in your inbox. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/man-dies-after-being-shot-in-the-head-in-southwest-philly/3583062/ | 2023-06-10T12:43:53 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/man-dies-after-being-shot-in-the-head-in-southwest-philly/3583062/ |
Law enforcement officials are trying to track down two 18-year-old men believed to be responsible for a deadly shooting that happened on Saturday in Northeast Philadelphia.
According to police, the incident happened in the early morning hours on Saturday, along the 4400 block of Oakmont Street in the city's Holmesburg neighborhood.
Officials said that, first responders reported a man -- whose identity has not yet been provided by the police -- was found in that location after he had been shot in the chest.
According to police, the victim was pronounced at about 1:50 a.m.
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At the scene of the shooting, early Saturday, officers were working near a vehicle that could be seen with its driver's side window broken out.
According to law enforcement officials two 18-year-old men, wearing dark colored hoodies, were reportedly seen running from the scene of the shooting.
Officers have said they are working to track down these individuals.
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Law enforcement officials have not yet detailed any motive for the shooting and no arrests have yet been made, but an investigation is ongoing.
There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here.
Sign up for our Breaking newsletter to get the most urgent news stories in your inbox. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/police-hunt-for-alleged-teen-gunmen-after-man-killed-in-northeast-philly/3583066/ | 2023-06-10T12:43:59 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/police-hunt-for-alleged-teen-gunmen-after-man-killed-in-northeast-philly/3583066/ |
The mental health of students was already a primary concern at Virginia Commonwealth University. Battered by the pandemic, teenagers and young adults have been seeking counseling at VCU and other colleges in increasingly higher numbers.
Then the university suffered a series of tragedies this semester, all within four blocks. Two student pedestrians were killed in separate automobile wrecks. And on Tuesday, a Huguenot High School student, Shawn Jackson, 18, was shot and killed minutes after he received his diploma. His stepfather, Renzo Smith, 36, was killed, too. Their deaths occurred near the heart of campus, close enough for students and faculty to see and hear the commotion.
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Aya Youssef, a recent VCU graduate who now works for the school as a research technician, was walking to her car Tuesday evening when she heard the screams. She turn to see people running away from the theater. It was the latest in a string of sad moments along West Main Street – all within five months.
"You can feel it on campus," Youssef said. "Morale is pretty low."
Increase in counseling services for students
During the pandemic, college students often felt lonely, depressed or anxious. In 2021, three out of every four Virginia college students surveyed said their mental health had been challenged.
VCU responded by increasing its counseling services. The university, along with others in the state, contracted last year with a telehealth provider called TimelyCare, in which students can engage with therapists on video calls and receive emergency service. Each student gets up to 12 sessions a year.
The university's counseling center has grown to about 20 employees. Generally, the staff tries to provide immediate and short-term counseling for the university's 28,000 students.
When students needs long-term therapy, VCU staffers work to connect them with off-campus counselors. In some cases, the university will provide long-term care for students who can't afford or can't access private mental health care. There's far too much demand to provide all the mental health services students seek, said Jihad Aziz, VCU's director of counseling.
The university also trained more students to provide peer health education. Sometimes students don't need professional counseling, but they can benefit from the advice of an older student.
Some students want to hear from other students "and not old people like myself," Aziz said.
When the pandemic began, high schools and colleges allowed students more time to complete tasks and more absences from class. Schools have raised expectations back to normal, but many students have had trouble meeting them, said a VCU professor who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the professor isn't authorized to speak for the university.
"Almost any faculty member would say, since the pandemic, it's just been different," the professor said. "There are a lot more mental health issues. (Students) have a much harder time. The transition back to post-pandemic has not been easy."
'Everyone's so used to tragedy happening'
The spring semester has been a particularly sad one for VCU. In January, a 22-year-old VCU senior named Mahrokh Somia Khan was struck and killed by a car while crossing West Main Street outside Altria Theater. Her death occurred in almost the same location as Tuesday's shooting.
Then in May, 26-year-old Shawn Soares died when a two-car wreck spilled onto the sidewalk, striking him. The wreck occurred in the 300 block of West Main Street, two blocks east of Monroe Park.
Students also feel the death of Adam Oakes, a VCU freshman who died in a February 2021 hazing incident.
When a death occurs, students are often emotionally impacted for a day and then move on – because they have to, said Isabel Brooks, a VCU sophomore studying nursing.
"Everyone's so used to tragedy happening," Brooks said. "It's just a society thing, I guess."
Brooks added that she'd like to see more legislation to limit gun violence and said the age at which a Virginia teenager can receive a driver's license should be raised. At night, she hear cars racing down campus streets.
Students generally want to see a response from authorities when tragedy strikes, Youssef said. Following Khan's death, VCU police started a traffic safety campaign, writing more tickets and dressing as referees to encourage students to cross the street in a safe manner.
When Soares died, the city took action, installing speed bumps in and around campus. One speed bump has slowed cars by 15 mph, VCU police said. Youssef said she's thankful for the speed bumps, calling the driving in Richmond "reckless." She added that students need to be more careful crossing the road and not acting so invincible.
Most VCU students already had gone home for the summer when Tuesday's shooting occurred at the end of Huguenot High School's graduation. Some remain on campus for the summer term, and they were affected, Youssef said.
"A lot of people felt tense because it happened on campus," she added.
'I always feel very safe on campus'
Graduation had ended, and the nearly 300 students exited the theater onto the street. Then Fabiola Chesnut heard about 10 gunshots in rapid succession.
VCU prepares for emergency events by conducting active shooter training for professors and staff. A recent training occurred last month.
"I always feel very safe on campus," the professor added.
When a student death or tragedy occurs, the VCU counseling staff puts boots on the ground, reaching out to departments within the university, dormitories and clubs. Following Tuesday's shooting, the counselors went to the office of international students, one of the few groups to stay on campus during the summer.
The counseling staff schedules group sessions and invites everyone to attend. When a student dies, the counseling staff makes connections with the social, academic and activity circles in which the student participated.
"Our response is: How do we help them understand what they're experiencing is normal?" Aziz said.
Aaron Hart, VCU's vice president for student affairs, tries to make sure the university is proactive with its offerings so students know where to turn when they need help. The university's RamStrong webpage contains information on how to access student health and TimelyCare, how to communicate with the Dean of Students office and VCU police and how to access the university's Recreation and Well-being department, RecWell.
The webpage also contains information for employees to help students and themselves. A program called Kognito helps faculty and staff learn the signs of student distress and techniques for intervening.
VCU students are very involved in their community, Hart said, and experience all the positive and negative emotion that comes with it. Many of them have jobs on and off campus, and because of VCU's urban location, students are part of the city's fabric, not nestled in their own enclave.
"They're not visitors," Hart said. "They truly live here, in every sense of the word."
This is continuing Times-Dispatch coverage of a shooting that killed two after a Richmond high school graduation ceremony. | https://richmond.com/news/local/education/shawn-jackson-renzo-smith-graduation-shooting-richmond/article_4450e234-06e0-11ee-a723-53fa28ab748f.html | 2023-06-10T12:53:14 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/education/shawn-jackson-renzo-smith-graduation-shooting-richmond/article_4450e234-06e0-11ee-a723-53fa28ab748f.html |
ORLANDO, Fla. – A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and faces a charge of first-degree murder with a firearm, accused of fatally shooting a veteran earlier this year in Signal Hill, according to the Orlando Police Department.
Police identified Samuel Stevens as their suspect in the death of 60-year-old Angela Washington, who was shot the evening of Feb. 7 as she passed through a group of young men outside of an Orlando shopping plaza. The shooter, after leaving the Operation Desert Storm veteran lying on the sidewalk, fled in a sedan.
Officers and first responders were called to the 5100 block of North Lane around 7 p.m., locating Washington with a gunshot wound. Orlando firefighters worked to save her life, but she would later die from her injuries. Investigators do not believe Washington was the intended target of the shooting, as was corroborated by people known to her who News 6 spoke with.
“She was just an innocent bystander coming to the store and that happened,” said one man who lives near the shopping plaza. “It could’ve been me, it could’ve been anybody. I’m just glad I followed my senses.”
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Investigators made contact with and interviewed several of the people who were outside of the store during the shooting, yet still urged the public to come forward with information. In March, a reward of up to $10,000 was announced for tips leading to an arrest in the shooting.
Orlando police announced Stevens’ arrest in a news release Friday.
Through the relentless efforts of our Homicide Detectives along with cooperation from the community and Crimeline a suspect has been captured.
Orlando Police Department | 6.9.23 Homicide Detectives Make an Arrest in the Homicide of a U.S. Military Veteran (excerpt)
This is a developing story. Check back with News 6 for updates.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/10/orlando-police-arrest-teen-in-us-veterans-shooting-death/ | 2023-06-10T12:56:53 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/10/orlando-police-arrest-teen-in-us-veterans-shooting-death/ |
DUBUQUE — A Dunkerton man died late last month due to injuries received from a motorcycle accident in rural Dubuque County.
According to Capt. Ryan Kramer with the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call about a single-vehicle accident just before noon on May 28 in the area of 24998 Ridge Road north of Holy Cross.
There, they found a crashed Harley-Davidson motorcycle and Douglas Stearns, 57, lying in a ditch. Stearns was reportedly conscious at the scene and talking to first responders. Kramer said that he was likely going too fast and was unfamiliar with the winding road.
Stearns was taken to Guttenberg Municipal Hospital but later died.
According to his obituary, Stearns was born in Waterloo and graduated from Wapsie Valley High School in Fairbank. He was a construction worker, specializing in concrete, and enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting and riding his motorcycle. He died one day before his 58th birthday. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/dunkerton-man-dies-in-motorcycle-accident/article_064a7330-0706-11ee-891d-6bc8102e416d.html | 2023-06-10T13:01:26 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/dunkerton-man-dies-in-motorcycle-accident/article_064a7330-0706-11ee-891d-6bc8102e416d.html |
News Tribune, June 10, 1983
- Two new lieutenants were added to the Duluth Police Department roster yesterday, one of them the first female police lieutenant in the state. The new lieutenants are former Detective Sgts. Beverly Ecklund and John Hall, both 11-year veterans of the police force.
- Duluth city councilors may take extra precautions before guaranteeing a $2 million loan for a new luxury motorhome factory here. Councilors are discussing a proposal that would allow them to obtain an analysis of the financial agreement before approving the package.
News Tribune, June 10, 1923
- Duluth Mayor S.F. Snively yesterday outlined an extensive park development plan for the city. The plan includes the development of Enger Park, construction of a ski jump at Chester Park, and starting work on Congdon Boulevard from Lester River to the eastern city limits.
- When the final bell rings at Jefferson School on June 15, it will mark the close of 41 years of teaching in Duluth schools by Belle F. Calverley. Calverley began teaching in 1882 in a small frame schoolhouse by the canal. | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/bygones-40-years-ago-duluth-promoted-minnesotas-first-female-police-lieutenant | 2023-06-10T13:09:59 | 0 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/bygones-40-years-ago-duluth-promoted-minnesotas-first-female-police-lieutenant |
TOIMI, Minn. — Walking into Toimi School is like taking a walk back in time. The two-room schoolhouse, built by and for Finnish immigrants in the unincorporated community of Toimi in 1913, is filled with historic images and items from a time long ago.
Toimi sits about 50 miles north of Duluth in Lake County along a Superior National Forest Scenic Byway from Hoyt Lakes to Silver Bay. The school, 6486 Murphy Lake Road, closed in 1942 when the community started busing its students into Two Harbors.
"So my mother went there, and all of my aunts and uncles, but my family, we all went to Two Harbors," said Ron Johnson, member of the Toimi School Community Center. "I'm involved because my brothers and I own my grandparents' homestead half a mile down the road. They shared stories about what it was like back then."
Johnson grew up hearing stories about the school. His mother talked about how they all had to speak English when they stepped inside the building, despite mostly speaking Finnish at home.
"And there was a cabinet right inside the building here where there were all these cups in it and each kid was assigned a cup to use when they drank water from the well that was brought in daily," Johnson said. "That's what the little building right outside was for, it was the pumphouse, though it's not the original. We rebuilt that and put a bunch of photos inside to show off the area's history."
The school started as a one-room schoolhouse, but the community soon outgrew it and added a second building. Students in lower grades were in one room, while fourth through sixth graders went into the other building. Each classroom had its own entrance with a cloakroom right inside the doors.
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"You can see where there used to be a wall that divided the two classes," Johnson said. "And if you wanted more school after sixth grade, you had to go to Two Harbors."
Much of the building is not the original, right down to the floorboards that were replaced when the community board bought the building back from Lake County in the 1990s. After the school was closed in 1942, it sat vacant for many years until the Superior National Forest took it over to use as a storage room in the 1960-70s. Later, Lake County began using it as a garage, removing one wall to make way for the garage door.
This was a Finnish community that survived off of the co-op movement and I think we all inherited that community spirit.
"The good thing about the county doing that is that they put a roof on the building and that preserved it," Johnson said. "That's why it's in such good condition today. Then, in 1991, the county wanted to stop using the building for storage and they turned it over to our group of community members."
The volunteers put in a new floor from an old high school gymnasium and a wall with matching siding to the rest of the building. The front of the building had been mostly untouched, with two entrances, two cloak rooms and living quarters for the former teachers. Over the years, community members donated various items that matched the correct time period or were originally from the school building.
"For example, some people who bought an old homestead found all these books and paperwork that they used in their home in the attic," Johnson said. "So these were the actual books and handwriting pages and spelling tests that were given back then. It's pretty cool that they were saved for all that time."
Relatives brought in old photos of their classes taken in the 1920s and '30s. Others researched and found a similar wooden stove to what would have warmed the building back then.
"I'd never seen a stove this size before, but they had this guard around them, you know, in case the kids fell into it, so they wouldn't get burned," Johnson said. "And they would have hired somebody who would come in every morning and started firing up the stove so that the building was warm when the kids showed up for school."
The volunteers also received aerial photographs of the Toimi area from 1937 and 2008, which they hung along the wall next to the school's restrooms. During the summer, the restrooms are open and people are welcome to make a pit stop when traveling along the forest highway. Signs next to each restroom read "poika" and "tytto" for "boy" and "girl."
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The building is now open for the summer and visitors are welcome to stop in and get a tour of the 110-year-old building from volunteers on the weekends. Anyone interested in serving on the community center's board or in helping staff the building can reach out through the Toimi School Facebook page.
As for Johnson, he said he keeps volunteering because it keeps people connected to history.
"I think it's worth preserving," Johnson said. "We all love history and we love finding out more about our heritage. I think that's one of the main factors for why we keep doing this. This was a Finnish community that survived off of the co-op movement and I think we all inherited that community spirit." | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/northlandia-toimi-school-keeps-finnish-immigrant-history-alive | 2023-06-10T13:10:10 | 0 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/northlandia-toimi-school-keeps-finnish-immigrant-history-alive |
ATLANTA — A fatal accident involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck occurred on Saturday morning in northeast Atlanta, resulting in the death of one person.
According to the Atlanta Police Department, officers responded to a crash involving a motorcycle and pickup truck at John Lewis Freedom Parkway and North Avenue intersection. The exact cause and time of the accident have not been disclosed at this time.
Tragically, the motorcycle driver succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The authorities have not released the identity of the deceased.
Investigators from the Atlanta Police Department are actively working with the pickup truck driver to gather additional information about the incident. APD has provided no details regarding the condition of the pickup truck driver.
Further updates regarding the investigation are awaited from the Atlanta Police Department as they continue their efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
11Alive was at the scene around 1:45 a.m. and saw a Grady ambulance and officers. 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/motorcycle-driver-dead-collision-pickup-truck-northeast-atlanta-police-john-lewis-freedom/85-0280e69b-6060-470c-9f76-49658de63245 | 2023-06-10T13:11:37 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/motorcycle-driver-dead-collision-pickup-truck-northeast-atlanta-police-john-lewis-freedom/85-0280e69b-6060-470c-9f76-49658de63245 |
BLOOMINGTON — More than two years after multiple law enforcement agencies responded to reports of looting and civil unrest in Bloomington-Normal following the death of George Floyd, a Normal man was sentenced after pleading guilty to a burglary charge related to looting.
Darrius Robinson, 30, was arrested in the overnight hours of May 31 and into June 1, 2020, after police said three men burglarized Read’s Sporting Goods on IAA Drive.
Robinson among them was charged with burglary, looting, mob action and two counts of resisting an officer.
The other men arrested during the incident at Read’s were Donald Jackson of Normal and Roosevelt D. Woods of Bloomington, who both faced the same charges as Robinson, with the addition of two resisting charges and an obstructing identification charge for Woods.
According to online court records, Jackson pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of burglary and was sentenced to 48 months probation and 91 days in jail with credit for 29 days served. Woods also pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of burglary. He was sentenced to 48 months probation and 60 days in jail with credit for 18 days served.
Robinson pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of burglary and the remaining charges were dismissed. He had been scheduled to begin a jury trial later this month.
Online court records indicate Robinson was sentenced to three years in the Department of Corrections, with credit for 18 days served.
The Pantagraph's top 10 crime stories of 2020
Statistics may tell us that crime, overall, dropped somewhat in Central Illinois in 2020, with the exception of domestic violence cases. COVID-19 may have had something to do with a perceived drop in such categories as armed robberies, but still, the criminal damage done in the span of one week - May 31 - June 6, outweighed previous years. Several Twin City businesses were looted and 11 Normal Police cars were damaged in the civil unrest that followed the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
In response to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, civil unrest kept first responders busy on the last day of May and through the first …
Police said a 20-year-old man died and two other men were in critical condition after they were shot Oct. 12 in the 1600 block of Iowa Street …
Dewon Griffin, 19, is charged with two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder and one count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon i…
On May 31, a crowd estimated at 1,000 gathered for a peaceful rally outside the McLean County Law and Justice Center. After the rally, some pa…
Shaun A. Kink, 34, was arrested at 4:45 p.m. January 15, Bloomington police said.
What a year for Don Whalen. Convicted of killing his father, he served 28 years in prison before the conviction was vacated by the 4th Appella…
Police are investigating three shootings that were reported Aug. 19, leaving one man injured.
Police are investigating after a man was shot in the foot on July 28. Officers were sent to 115 Valley View Circle for a call of shots fired a…
Police are continuing to investigate after a man was shot in the foot in Bloomington. Police were called to the 700 block of East Monroe Stree…
A man shot in Bloomington early Wednesday was being treated for what are thought to be life-threatening injuries at OSF HealthCare Saint Franc… | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-courts/mclean-county-2020-bloomington-riot-charges/article_9c6fc11e-0722-11ee-8000-1bcb7989e25d.html | 2023-06-10T13:58:05 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-courts/mclean-county-2020-bloomington-riot-charges/article_9c6fc11e-0722-11ee-8000-1bcb7989e25d.html |
INDIANAPOLIS — The coronavirus pandemic shuttered a smattering of popular flights serviced out of Indianapolis International Airport in 2020, and now one major mainline carrier is reviving what was once a popular route.
Southwest plans to relaunch once-weekly nonstop flights from Indianapolis each Saturday starting June 10 throughout the first week of November 2023.
"Southwest Airlines will fill a long-standing need for travelers looking for a nonstop flight from Indy to San Diego – which is currently the top unserved destination out of the Indianapolis International Airport (IND). But as of today, that will change as Southwest resumes this in-demand seasonal nonstop flight," Southwest representatives said in a statement announcing the routes on Saturday.
In April, Southwest also resumed its twice-daily nonstop flights from Indy to Kansas City, which the airline said was partially the result of a local, corporate push to make daily nonstop air travel available for Indy-based business operations.
The new once-weekly nonstop flights will depart Indy each Saturday starting today through the first week of November 2023.
“As predicted, air travel is resuming in 2023 to nearly pre-pandemic levels, and these crucial nonstop flight resumptions are proof of that rebound,” said Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority. “And while we’re still seeing leisure travel making up the biggest portion of air travel, we are also seeing business travel start to shake off the impact of the pandemic and return closer to 2019 levels.”
Southwest offers more flights in and out of IND than any other airline.
In addition to Kansas City and San Diego resumptions, Southwest currently serves 16 nonstop destinations from Indy to Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Cancun, Dallas, Denver, Panama City, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers, Houston, Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami, Phoenix, Sarasota-Bradenton and Tampa. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/southwest-resumes-flights-between-indianapolis-and-san-diego-airlines-travel/531-e3db5da3-3b95-4bfb-b3cd-a7ff3153a88d | 2023-06-10T14:02:37 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/southwest-resumes-flights-between-indianapolis-and-san-diego-airlines-travel/531-e3db5da3-3b95-4bfb-b3cd-a7ff3153a88d |
It’s the 10th day of June, which means you still have plenty of time to celebrate Dairy Month. Since we’re living in the Dairy State, it’s your patriotic duty to consume as many dairy products as possible. And that means eating ice cream!
The Kenosha Pops Concert Band opens its 101st season with an indoor concert starting at 2 p.m. in the Civil War Museum, 5400 First Ave. The program will feature Civil War-era tunes, along with other selections. Admission is free.
Head to Simmons Field today for baseball — and fireworks! The Kenosha Kingfish are hosting the Green Bay Rockers for a 6:35 p.m. game. After the game, stick around for the free fireworks show. For tickets, call 262-653-0900 or go to kingfishbaseball.com.
Jerry Smith Farm, 7150 18th St., features newborn farm animals at “Babies on the Farm,” open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today (and Sunday). Admission is $10 and can be purchased online at jerrysmithfarm.com or at the gate. Kids 2 and younger are free. The festival features “an array of adorable baby animals,” organizers said. A Fennec Fox Encounter, a Skunk Encounter and a Kangaroo Encounter are all available, for an extra fee. For more information, visit jerrysmithfarm.com.
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Two questions: Do you like beer? Do you like bicycles? If you answered “yes” and “of course,” grab your bicycle and head to Public Craft Brewing Co., 628 58th St. in Downtown Kenosha, for “Pedals and Pints.” The weekly bike ride starts from Public Craft at 11 a.m. every Saturday, heading to “local spots to enjoy some brews with friends.” Their motto? “Beer, bikes, and buds!” The ride is free to join and, if you’re nice, maybe someone will buy you a beer, too.
Looking for a short road trip? There are plenty of summer season celebrations along the I-94 corridor from Milwaukee to Chicago. Options this weekend include Polish Fest, running through Sunday at the Summerfest Grounds in downtown Milwaukee, and the Chicago Blues Festival, running through Sunday in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-area-events-for-saturday-june-10/article_b3e81682-06d4-11ee-902a-27d9866b97f4.html | 2023-06-10T14:03:00 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-area-events-for-saturday-june-10/article_b3e81682-06d4-11ee-902a-27d9866b97f4.html |
Name: Tony Ferraro
School: Bradford High School
Parents: Louie and Julie Ferraro
Most memorable high school moment: Being on prom court.
Most influential teacher: Mr. Michael Aiello in AP Psychology; Mr. Aiello was my teacher for AP Psychology last year. I liked him so much, that I even decided to be his teacher assistant earlier this year. He always brings joy and laughter to every lesson while ensuring every student always understands the material. He makes every student feel like they matter and he helps make sure they are an active part of every class.
School activities/clubs: Environmental Club, Key Club, Link Crew, National Honor Society, Multicultural Club, Teacher Assistant for Psychology.
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School athletics: Tennis; Manager of the Girls Tennis Team.
School offices held: President of Key Club; Vice President of Multicultural Club; Captain of Boy’s Tennis Team.
Honors, letters or awards: Honor roll; Academic Letter; Varsity Tennis Letters; Spotlight Student Award four times.
Out-of-school activities/hobbies: I love to play tennis and video games with my friends.
College choice: Undecided
Intended major/field of study: Dentistry or Engineering
Role model: My Dad
Three words that best describe my role model: Intelligent, Kind, Diligent
What I hope to accomplish in my lifetime: If dentistry, I hope to become an orthodontist and start my own practice. If engineering, I would like to make advancements in human health to make sure their daily lives are easier. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-teen-2023-tony-ferraro-of-bradford-high-school/article_64654b06-06da-11ee-863b-7382b958d672.html | 2023-06-10T14:03:06 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-teen-2023-tony-ferraro-of-bradford-high-school/article_64654b06-06da-11ee-863b-7382b958d672.html |
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Friends and family grieve southern Arizona man who died in shooting
The family and friends of a young man who died in an August shooting in Tucson, that also killed three others including a Pima County constable, are still grieving the loss and are critical of local officials' response.
Elijah Miranda, 25, a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, was sleeping on his friends’ couch after his late-night shift ended at McDonald's.
His friends had left the apartment, and let him stay behind when their neighbor Gavin Lee Stansell went on a shooting rampage during his eviction killing Miranda, Constable Deborah Martinez-Garibay and Apartment Manager Angela Fox, before killing himself on August 25.
'Horrifying and inexcusable':Tucson constable shooting leaves 4 dead. What we know
According to an incident report, Fox was accompanying Martinez-Garibay to evict Stansell who had reportedly threatened his neighbors and a previous apartment manager. Fox’s family filed a claim against Pima County and the Estate of Deborah Martinez-Garibay for $50 million, citing negligence.
The day Elijah Miranda died, his sister Jennifer Miranda had finished working a shift with him at McDonald's. He had recently been promoted to manager.
“We were both just getting out of work, and he got a ride from Brian, and they took me home,” Jennifer Miranda said. Her last words to him were “see you later.”
Little did she know, that was the last time she would see him.
Miranda was trying to turn his life around
Elijah Miranda’s promotion to manager at work showed his efforts to turn his life around.
Jennifer Miranda said that after a short stint experimenting with drugs and alcohol and running away to Texas a year or two ago, he had returned to Tucson to make things right, she said. He was planning to go back to school.
Jennifer and Elijah Miranda were close growing up. With their single mother working long hours as a nurse, and their dad in and out of their life, they leaned on each other.
“Elijah was always ready to help anybody in need. Very friendly with everybody, always talking to people,” Jennifer Miranda said.
When Elijah Miranda was 11, he joined Dancing in the Streets Arizona, a performing arts organization geared toward at-risk youth in South Tucson after seeing his brother participate.
“He was a great student. He was a gentle giant,” said Joseph Rodgers, who runs the nonprofit dance organization with his wife Soleste Lupu. The after-school program was his second home.
However, Rodgers noted that Elijah Miranda had a lot of stress in his life.
Having an absent father, and later the death of his father, as well as depression, according to a cousin, were some of the struggles Elijah Miranda faced growing up.
Rodgers became a father figure to Elijah Miranda, bringing him to and from dance school and even attending parent-teacher conferences at school.
Friends and family critical of local officials' response
In an emotional speech during a March Pima County Board of Supervisors meeting, Rodgers and Lupu railed against the Pima County Board of Supervisors and Tucson officials after finding out allegations of the constable that detailed how she was not properly trained, was not following protocol and reportedly had drugs and alcohol in her system.
“We are extremely distressed that the county and city did not recognize to his family the death of this treasured tribal member,” Lupu said tearfully, noting how the constable was honored while there was little acknowledgement of Elijah.
She pleaded with the county supervisors to call his mother or “acknowledge anything.”
“His life mattered just as well as the constable and all the lives that were taken that day,” she said.
Elijah Miranda’s cousin Nikki Miranda reiterated this statement, noting how often stories in Indigenous communities go unknown with little acknowledgement.
She noted how stories among Indigenous communities often “get pushed to the back” and often have shorter lifespan in the news.
Nikki Miranda said that while what happened to her cousin was awful, she knows he would be grateful his friends did not die that fateful day.
“The family had just left, he had stayed behind,” Nikki Miranda said. “If it was the other way around, he would tell me he’d be okay that this happened because at least the family is safe, and the kids are safe.”
Reach the reporter at sarah.lapidus@gannett.com. The Republic’s coverage of southern Arizona is funded, in part, with a grant from Report for America. To support regional Arizona news coverage like this, make a tax-deductible donation at supportjournalism.azcentral.com. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/06/10/friends-family-grieve-elijah-miranda-who-died-in-shooting/70308124007/ | 2023-06-10T14:08:29 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/06/10/friends-family-grieve-elijah-miranda-who-died-in-shooting/70308124007/ |
James Watt, sharp-tongued and pro-development Interior secretary under Reagan, dies in Arizona at 85
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — James Watt, the Reagan administration’s sharp-tongued, pro-development interior secretary who was admired by conservatives but ran afoul of environmentalists, Beach Boys fans and eventually the president, has died. He was 85.
Watt died in Arizona on May 27, son Eric Watt said in a statement Thursday.
In an administration divided between so-called pragmatists and hard-liners, few stood as far to the right at the time as Watt, who once labeled the environmental movement as “preservation vs. people” and the general public as a clash between “liberals and Americans.”
In that sense, Watt foreshadowed combative Interior secretaries like Ryan Zinke and David Bernhardt, who, like Watt, aggressively pushed to grant oil, gas and coal leases on public land, increase offshore drilling and limit expansion of national parks and monuments.
“While no one’s death should be celebrated, he was the worst of MAGA before it was invented," tweeted David Doniger, a senior strategic director at the environmental group Natural Resources Defense Council, referring to former President Donald Trump's “Make America Great Again” slogan.
Watt and his supporters saw him as an upholder of President Ronald Reagan’s core conservative values, but opponents were alarmed by his policies and offended by his comments. In 1981, shortly after he was appointed, the Sierra Club collected more than 1 million signatures seeking Watt’s ouster and criticized such actions as clear-cutting federal lands in the Pacific Northwest, weakening environmental regulations for strip mining and hampering efforts to curtail air pollution in California’s Yosemite Valley.
With his bald head and thick glasses, he became the rare interior secretary recognizable to the general public, for reasons beyond the environment. He characterized members of a coal advisory panel using derogatory language and in 1983 tried to ban music from Fourth of July festivities on the National Mall, saying it attracted the “wrong element.”
The Beach Boys had been recent mall headliners, and their fans included President Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan. With Watt’s statement facing widespread mockery, the Reagans invited the Beach Boys for a special White House visit. Watt, meanwhile, was summoned to receive a plaster model of a foot with a hole in it.
In his 1985 book “The Courage of a Conservative,” Watt wrote that the controversy “actually arose because I was a conservative. Members of a liberal press saw an opportunity to create a controversy by censoring the facts and avoiding the real issues.” He said the initial stories about the rock music ban “only mentioned that the Beach Boys had performed in the past. Yet before we knew what was happening, banner headlines proclaimed that I had banned the Beach Boys. I was astonished.”
Cutting regulations was his primary mission. Between the time he was confirmed as Interior secretary in 1981 until he resigned under pressure in 1983, Watt implemented an offshore leasing program that offered virtually the entire U.S. coastline for oil and gas drilling and held the largest coal lease sale in history, auctioning off 1.1 billion tons (1 billion metric tons) of coal in the Powder River Basin of Montana and Wyoming.
Watt tripled the amount of onshore land being leased for oil and gas exploration and doubled the acreage leased for geothermal resources.
Watt did spend $1 billion to restore and improve national parks and added 2,800 square miles (7,300 square kilometers) to the nation’s wilderness system. And his efforts to exploit natural resources made America stronger, he wrote to Reagan in October 1983.
“Our excellent record for managing the natural resources of this land is unequaled — because we put people in the environmental equation,” Watt wrote.
But eight days after writing to the president, he rode horseback into a cow pasture down the road from Reagan’s California ranch to announce his resignation. He was succeeded by a longtime Reagan aide, William Clark.
“I had outworn my usefulness,” Watt said of his decision, adding that others “wouldn't get off my case” about his insulting coal advisory panel comment.
Watt was born Jan. 31, 1938, in Lusk, Wyoming, and his family later moved to Wheatland, Wyoming, where his father practiced law. He attended the University of Wyoming, graduating in 1960 and obtaining a law degree two years later.
In 1962, Watt became a personal assistant to former Gov. Milward L. Simpson, and he went to Washington after Simpson was elected to the U.S. Senate later that year. In 1966-69, he helped develop policies on such issues as pollution, mining, public lands and energy for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, then in early 1969 he joined the Nixon administration as an Interior Department undersecretary.
In 1975, President Gerald Ford appointed him to the Federal Power Commission.
While Jimmy Carter was president, Watt worked in the private sector as president and chief legal officer of the pro-development Mountain States Legal Foundation in Denver.
He did consulting work after leaving the Reagan administration, at one point turning heads when he agreed to represent Indian tribes in oil operations and hotel developments after previously labeling Indian reservations “the failure of socialism.” He also accepted six-figure consulting fees to represent developers of a federally subsidized housing project.
He moved back to Wyoming in 1986 and set up a law office in Jackson, taught at his alma mater and served as a legal consultant and speaker.
But his consulting work involving federal housing money came under scrutiny in the late 1980s when an investigation was launched into corruption in the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
In 1996, he pleaded guilty to a single misdemeanor for withholding documents from a grand jury investigating HUD. He was fined $5,000, put on five years’ probation and ordered to perform community service. He said he had “made a serious mistake” and hoped to “get on with a constructive role in society.”
Over the years, Watt expressed fears that unless they were stopped, radical environmental movements like Earth First! would persuade the “cowards of Congress” to ban all hunting, eliminate all logging and livestock grazing on public lands and further jeopardize the minerals industries.
He lived in his later years in Wickenburg, Arizona, with his wife, Leilani.
Associated Press writer Matthew Daly in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/06/10/james-watt-interior-secretary-under-reagan-dies-in-arizona-at-85/70308699007/ | 2023-06-10T14:08:35 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/06/10/james-watt-interior-secretary-under-reagan-dies-in-arizona-at-85/70308699007/ |
'We have now reached a war phase': Arizona lawmakers react to Trump indictment
For at least one member of Arizona's congressional delegation, the federal indictment of former President Donald Trump Thursday means "war."
"We have now reached a war phase. Eye for an eye," Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., tweeted Friday.
The tweet alludes to Thursday's exclusive Fox News report that President Joe Biden, and his son, Hunter, allegedly each received $5 million dollars as a bribe from the Ukrainian natural gas company Burisma.
Biggs' office clarified that the "eye for an eye" comment meant: "The Republican Party needs to step up and use their procedural tools to counter the Left’s weaponization of our federal law enforcement apparatus."
Biggs' tweet drew a reaction from Mark Salter, the longtime chief of staff and confidant of the late Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who replied:
"You can try, (expletive)."
The day before, Biggs tweeted that the Department of Justice should be "defund(ed) and dismantle(d)."
On Thursday, Trump became the first president in history to face federal felony charges related to classified documents he took to Mar-a-Lago after his term ended. This is Trump's second indictment in two months. He was charged in April with 34 counts of falsifying business records related to alleged hush money payments to a porn star in New York.
Rep. Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz., noted the historic nature of the Trump indictment.
“Our country is setting important history with this indictment: the unprecedented announcement of federal criminal charges against former president Donald Trump demonstrates that our democracy and independent judicial system are strong and will not waiver in the face of corruption and abuses of power," Grijalva said Friday in a written statement. "As the evidence reflects, Donald Trump purposefully misled federal agents and his own lawyers, ignored a federal subpoena, and tried to hide the location of highly sensitive and classified national security materials.”
The charges, he continued, "are serious and include obstructing justice and violating the Espionage Act.
"These allegations stand in stark contrast to the classified documents discovered in the Biden and Pence residences’ and cooperated fully with federal authorities," Grijalva said. "The former president will receive the same constitutional rights as everyone else to have his case heard by a judge and jury of his peers."
Reps. Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz., and Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., referenced the alleged bribery of the Bidens' and echoed Biggs' sentiment that Trump was under attack. They both argued that the charges against the former president were "political."
Crane tweeted Thursday: "It’s ironic that just as Congress closes in on exposing the Biden Crime Family’s bribery scheme, the Biden DOJ indicts President Trump on bogus charges. This is a political witch hunt and only serves to distract from the real criminal: Joe Biden."
The second tweet in the Twitter thread said: "They can’t beat him straight up so we’ll continue to see a continued attempt to take him out with lawfare while simultaneously witnessing the media and 'justice' system cover for the criminal-in-chief occupying the White House."
Trump is the Republican frontrunner for president in 2024.
Gosar issued a written statement Friday saying that the U.S. had reached "third-world political status" and compared the actions of the Justice Department to those of authoritarian rulers, including Stalin and Hitler, who used the judicial system to go after political opponents. Because he believes that the Justice Department is engaging in the political persecution of the former president, Gosar called Trump's indictment a "human rights violation."
"... Government officials who have technically violated a statute, including Hilary Clinton and Joe Biden, have never been indicted," Gosar said. "The Leftists at the corrupt Department of Justice have weaponized their agency to hunt conservatives, Christians and Republicans."
Opinion:Trump really was right (once upon a time). Kari Lake and Andy Biggs just proved it
Gosar called the indictment's timing "suspicious" because "further proof of the Biden Syndicate accepting bribes from Ukraine" has come to light.
"The American people have lost faith in the fairness of the justice system. Count the courts, the FBI and the DoJ as more victims of the Left’s efforts to destroy our once great institutions," Gosar said.
While Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz., stopped short of calling Trump's indictment political, she expressed concern that it could be. Like Biggs, Crane and Gosar, she does not believe Trump has been treated fairly by federal law enforcement agencies.
"Based on the FBI and DOJ’s documented and verified history of biased and dishonest actions taken against President Trump in the past, I am suspicious of Trump's indictment, especially since the DOJ is not indicting President Biden for taking and storing classified information in multiple locations," Lesko told The Arizona Republic in a written statement Friday.
Jack Smith:Trump prosecutor built reputation convicting Arizona's former Rep. Rick Renzi
Some of Arizona's representatives reserved judgment until the legal matter was closed.
Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., tweeted Thursday: "This is a serious indictment, and as such it shouldn’t be handled lightly. As I’ve stated previously, we must respect the rule of law and let the legal process play out."
Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., declined to comment on the ongoing legal situation.
Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., called for a judgment to be withheld, reminding people about the presumption of innocence. He did not say that the Trump indictment was political, but cautioned that he and his GOP House colleagues would be vigilantly monitoring the situation to make sure that the legal process was not politicized.
Ciscomani told The Republic in a written statement Friday: "As Americans, we have the right to be innocent until proven guilty. But in order to do so fairly, we need an impartial justice system, not a politicized one."
A newly established House subcommittee has the ability to look into "ongoing criminalinvestigations.” Democrats opposed the creation of the committee at the beginning of the 118th Congress, saying that it would undercut the legal system.Rep. Daniel S. Goldman, D-N.Y., said the unit should be retitled “the Republican Committee to Obstruct Justice."
Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., did not respond to a request for comment.
Tara Kavaler is a politics reporter at The Arizona Republic. She can be reached by email at tara.kavaler@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @kavalertara. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/06/10/trump-indictment-draws-reaction-from-arizona-congressional-delegation/70306162007/ | 2023-06-10T14:08:41 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/06/10/trump-indictment-draws-reaction-from-arizona-congressional-delegation/70306162007/ |
When Patti Woodbury moved to Vail in 1984, the area had no traffic lights, one school and an abundance of open fields dotted with saguaros and native desert vegetation.
Now, the area once known as “the town between the tracks” has several housing developments, a Safeway and an award-winning school district. Thousands of people have moved to Vail since Woodbury settled there nearly 40 years ago, and now, some residents are trying to make the historically unincorporated area its own town.
A group called Incorporate Vail Arizona, or IVA, has been exploring what it would take to incorporate Vail and began holding meetings to gauge interest with the area’s businesses and residents since last fall. The group is in the process of following the statutory guidelines to make Vail its own municipality, including submitting a notice to the Pima County Board of Supervisors of its intention to do so on Oct. 27.
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But while the landscape and population of Vail have changed dramatically over time, Woodbury doesn’t want to see her home become part of a town.
She works as a volunteer with an opposing group, Inform Vail Arizona, that’s warning residents of the potential dangers of incorporation, including the added bureaucracy of an extra layer of government, more taxes and the potential loss of the rural nature Vail’s known for.
“(Incorporation is) gonna benefit businesses, it's going to benefit developers. (IVA) has yet to show any concrete benefit to the homeowners of the area. They've only shown potential expense,” Woodbury said.
If Vail incorporates, it would be responsible for its own municipal services like law enforcement, transportation, and public works that the county currently provides. Dissenters say incorporation would put residents on the hook for millions in new expenses.
But the IVA group says incorporation gives local control of the area instead of relying on the county to provide adequate services and divvy out its portion of state-shared funding to benefit Vail. As its own town, Vail would instead receive millions in state-shared funding for its own use.
“At the end of the day, we want to control our future. We want to have a seat at the table. When other municipalities are making regional decisions, we want to make sure that Vail is included,” said IVA Vice President MaRico Tippett.
IVA published the maps of the boundaries of the potential town and received consent to incorporate from the nearest urbanized area, Tucson, after City Council approved a resolution of support for the group’s incorporation effort on May 9 — a statutorily required step in the incorporation process. However, both Tucson City Council and the Board of Supervisors’ roles in the process are primarily ministerial — it’ll be up to the voters of Vail to decide if they want to become a town.
IVA is set to submit a petition for Vail’s incorporation to the Board of Supervisors for approval at its July 11 meeting, which would allow the group to begin collecting signatures. If at least 10% of registered voters sign the petition in support of incorporation by Aug. 8, the final determination will come from a Nov. 7 election.
If two-thirds of residents in the proposed incorporation boundaries sign the petition, Vail can be incorporated without an election.
Retaining “rural nature”
It’s not the first time Vail has entertained the idea of incorporating. While pushes for incorporation have occurred dating back to 1995, the choice went to an official vote in 2013 when 56% of voters turned down the measure.
Ten years later, Tippett said he believes incorporation is achievable because “we have been highly engaged with the community from the onset.”
“Ultimately, if nothing else, our role is to make sure all the residents of Vail have the opportunity to voice their opinions. And the way that you do that is by putting it on the ballot,” he said.
IVA conducted a survey in the fall of 2022 and reported 46% of respondents would vote for incorporation in an election, 20% would vote no and 30% needed more information. But volunteers with Inform Vail, the opposition group, say rural areas haven’t had enough of a say in the process, and the survey’s 737 responses aren’t representative of the estimated 21,000 Vail residents.
The two opposing groups for and against incorporation have engaged in social media disputes and conflicting opinion pieces in the Vail Voice, the area’s monthly newspaper, on key topics like development, governance and water.
Todd Ogiba, a three-year Vail resident and member of Inform Vail, said part of the area’s draw is “the rural nature of it.”
“It's a quiet, residential community,” he said, and fears incorporation would attract more development.
That concern is compounded by the fact that Vail’s Chamber of Commerce was first to kick around the idea of a renewed incorporation effort. The chamber’s mission is “Influencing Vail's future to enhance growth opportunities and advance economic development,” according to its website. The Chamber of Commerce also sponsors IVA and is listed as contributing more than $5,000 to the group on its sponsors page.
Tippett said the main concern he hears is “people don't want more growth,” however, “growth is here, and it's not going away,” and incorporation is the best way to control development by setting up a town council to make planning and zoning decisions on Vail’s behalf, he said.
After incorporation, the county’s supervisors would appoint the first town council of Vail. Residents would then elect their own local representatives, which IVA said would be volunteer positions supported by six staff members.
“That is the minimum necessary to effectively and efficiently run a town,” Tippett said. “No one's getting rich off of this. All the people on the (IVA) board are residents that are committing their time, energy and effort because they love Vail.”
Pima County Supervisor Steve Christy oversees District 4, which encompasses Vail. He said, “I feel it's not appropriate for a supervisor of that area to engage one way or the other in the process … I don't want to be putting my thumb on any scale.”
However, Christy said, “There's a lot of issues that people should be completely familiar with before jumping into incorporation. There's a whole host of services that then become the responsibility of the incorporated area to provide its inhabitants, and those cost money.”
Financial feasibility
IVA published a feasibility analysis in December that shows what a potential town budget would look like. If voters approve incorporation in November, the county would continue to provide services through June 30, the end of the fiscal year.
Once the county steps away, the study estimates Vail would have a fund balance of about $2.8 million in its second fiscal year after receiving an estimated $9.9 million in new state-shared revenues distributed to cities and towns from vehicle license taxes, the Highway User Revenue Fund and state sales and income taxes.
Incorporation can be helpful on a regional basis, too. The state doles out more tax money to incorporated areas. Maricopa County receives more share of state revenues, as about 90% of the area is incorporated, and only about 60% of Pima County is incorporated. However, Vail's incorporated neighbors like Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, Tucson and South Tucson would likely see a reduction in state-shared revenues as the money is divided across an extra municipality.
In addition to receiving revenue from the state, the feasibility analysis proposes a local sales tax rate of 1.5% to 4%. While many Vail residents drive up to Tucson for in-person retail, the tax would also apply to online orders shipped to Vail residents after the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision that allows states to require remote sellers to collect sales tax.
It's common for newly incorporated areas to rely on state-shared sales tax for the first couple of years as a municipality, said Tom Belshe, the executive director of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. The group promotes local self-government and provides guidance to areas seeking incorporation. All 91 of Arizona’s cities and towns have a sales tax, he said, as “at some point, it becomes necessary for them to have that extra revenue.”
Long-term, that means Vail would have to find a way to pay for services like policing, and estimates it will cost $3.8 million to contract with the county to provide 10 law enforcement units.
The feasibility study envisions Vail becoming a “contract city” that depends on third-party providers for municipal services at an estimated $11.3 million cost.
“When you look at a small town starting out, costs are important,” Tippett said. “Instead of trying to build buildings for a police force — the startup costs alone would bankrupt us — so instead of doing that, we can contract those services out.”
Contracting out services is a way for Vail to establish itself in its preliminary years of incorporation, Tippett said. Dissenters, however, say Vail is doing fine with county services alone.
“We're going to have to pay costs plus an administrative premium for services that we already get from our current taxes,” Woodbury said. “We're paying more to duplicate things that we already have.”
The members of Inform Vail also say incorporation could hinder one of the most important assets in the region: Vail’s water supply.
While concerns exist about providing enough water for new developments, those worries escalated when the group got hold of an Oct. 24 email IVA Director Rob Samuelsen sent to Pima County officials that said he would try to get Vail to enter into rights of first refusal to acquire Vail Water and “other private water companies in the area.”
The Inform Vail group said the region’s new tax dollars could be used to buy up water companies or private water co-ops in the region. There are about 358 private well owners in Vail, according to IVA, and the suggestion prompted Inform Vail to warn on its website: “Our team can assure you of one thing when it comes to IVA’s ambitions in controlling your private property. Their aims are far more intrusive than just water.”
Rights of first refusal give parties the option to enter into a business arrangement before anyone else when assets are sold. Samuelsen clarified the arrangement is voluntary, and if incorporated, the town wouldn’t have the finances to take over people’s water supplies.
Annexation fears
As the Inform Vail group goes door-to-door talking to neighbors about incorporation, there’s one response they say they hear more than others: “Tucson will take us if we don’t incorporate.”
Tucson has annexed areas near and adjacent to Vail, but according to Lane Mandle, chief of staff for Tucson’s city manager, the city has no current plans to take Vail. And as the city struggles to maintain its own internal services, it would take much more bandwidth to provide services to a larger population.
“If we were to annex a large residential area, we'd have to be able to provide those services, and quite frankly, it'd be a stretch to annex anything really big at this point with a lot of residential services,” she said.
Inform Vail volunteers say IVA using the threat of annexation as a talking point in support of incorporation is disingenuous, as state law requires more than 50% of property owners to agree to annexation, as well as more than half of the assessed valuation of an area. That means if the assessed valuation of a potential annexation area contains 10 property owners with a total value of $1 million, at least 6 owners representing a value of at least $500,000 have to give the go-ahead.
Samuelsen said Tucson has a history of annexing state land around Vail with potential for commercial development, and “there are ways to annex houses as well.” While parameters for annexation are in place, a commercial building with a higher property value has a greater say in annexation.
Tippett said IVA isn’t suggesting annexation into Tucson would happen immediately, but the probability of being absorbed into the city could increase in the future.
“This whole area would be totally different, we would have a completely different population,” he said. “So what we're saying is today, we get to make decisions that will affect tomorrow. And if we want to keep Vail, the way to do that is to incorporate now because 20, 30 years from now, who knows what it's going to look like?”
With nearly a month before IVA asks the board to approve its petition to get enough signatures to call an election, Woodbury continues to work against incorporating the area she’s called home for the last 40 years.
“What I hear from the idea of local representation is more restrictions. It's like, let's just have one big homes owner’s association,” she said.
But Tippett, who’s lived in Vail for 21 years and raised three kids in the area, believes incorporation is a way to preserve the community for future generations.
“At the end of the day, I'm doing this because I want to leave something for my kids’ kids,” he said. “I want them to say this is my hometown, and it is a legitimate entity. The town of Vail, not just the census-designated area.”
Contact reporter Nicole Ludden at nludden@tucson.com | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/vail-residents-divided-on-latest-push-to-become-a-town/article_1ba9ba5c-0165-11ee-b88b-57a7f366d125.html | 2023-06-10T14:11:25 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/vail-residents-divided-on-latest-push-to-become-a-town/article_1ba9ba5c-0165-11ee-b88b-57a7f366d125.html |
Originally published June 8 byIdaho Reports.The Upper Snake River Basin’s reservoir capacity is nearing its limit as the Portneuf River continues to flood, but the National Weather Service isn’t concerned about spillover from reservoirs in southeast Idaho.
Bureau of Reclamation data from Wednesday showed the Henry’s Lake and Grassy Lake reservoirs are at 100% capacity, while most of the reservoirs in the Upper Snake system are between 91 and 98% capacity.
Milner Reservoir is only 74% full and Jackson Lake Reservoir is 71% full.
Collectively, the Upper Snake River System is at 88% of capacity, according to the Bureau of Reclamation.
There is a minor flood warning in place along the Portneuf River at Pocatello, affecting Bannock County. But Tim Axford, meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Pocatello, said there isn’t concern about the reservoirs overflowing.
“Not a lot of the snowpack is still around,” Axford said. “We melted out a lot of snow through May.”
There will also be additional demands for water due to irrigation that should use some of the water in those reservoirs, he said.
“There’s no indication they will be over topping,” Axford said about the reservoirs.
Data on the Bureau of Reclamation’s website shows most of the reservoirs are more full than last year, but not much higher the average. For example, the American Falls Reservoir is holding about 111,125 more acre feet of water than what is it’s average. On Wednesday, the reservoir held a total of 1.55 million acre feet of water.
Elsewhere in the state, Boise and Payette River Basins are also nearing capacity, as six of the seven reservoirs are at least 90% of capacity and systemwide the reservoirs are at 95% of capacity.
The National Weather Service has a flash flooding watch throughout the Treasure Valley due to rainfall. People in the area are warned to stay away from high-water areas. Some areas of Wood River Valley have also experienced minor flooding over the last month.
Up in the Lewiston Orchards area, two smaller reservoirs are also at more than 90% of capacity.
The Bureau of Reclamation provides daily updates on the reservoir capacities as well as streamflow from surrounding rivers at usbr.gov. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/reservoirs-across-idaho-nearing-or-at-capacity/article_5b57ad40-06f0-11ee-be8d-47085fab88da.html | 2023-06-10T14:21:23 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/reservoirs-across-idaho-nearing-or-at-capacity/article_5b57ad40-06f0-11ee-be8d-47085fab88da.html |
Lubbock entertainment in brief
Bollywood star coming to Holly Hall
Mika Singh, a famous Indian singer, composer, music director, and movie artist of Bollywood fame, is coming to West Texas for the first time at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 11, at Buddy Holly Hall.
Singh is one of the most popular singers in India, with many hit songs and compositions.
He has enthralled audiences worldwide with full-house live performances. Accompanied by his orchestra team and chorus singers, audiences will enjoy an electrifying, colorful, multi-cultural show, with popular songs and dance tunes. Talented Lubbock dance artists will perform along with Singh, singing and dancing with his band.
Reserved seat tickets range from $59 to $249 (plus taxes and fees) depending on seating and VIP features.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.buddyhollyhall.com/
'Hairspray' marks 35th anniversary
Cinemark Movies 16 and XD, 5721 58th St., presents Fathom's Big Screen Classics showing of "Hairspray" for its 35th anniversary. The movie will be shown at 4 and 7 p.m. June 11 and at 7 p.m. June 14.
"Hairspray": It's Baltimore, 1962, and a rebellious teenager with the biggest bouffant on the block attempts to win the coveted "Miss Auto Show" crown as she fights against racial discrimination in this film created and directed by John Waters and featuring Divine in his/her last role.
Tickets for this special anniversary screening are $12.45 and available online in advance at www.fathomevents.com
Alamo hosts 'Dirty Dancing' movie party
Champagne Cinema presents a "Dirty Dancing" movie party at 6 p.m. Sunday, June 11, at Alamo Drafthouse Lubbock.
When "Dirty Dancing" came out in 1987, it changed lives. Baby and Johnny showed the world the power of dance, the power of love, and most importantly, the power of a shirtless and swingin' Patrick Swayze.
This film set the standard not only for dance movies but for romance in general – and more than 30 years later, we still dream of nailing that lift. And here at Alamo Drafthouse, there's no better place to celebrate Baby and Johnny, where you're encouraged to quote, sing, and dance along at this Movie Party screening. You'll also receive themed props, like your own "Staff Quarters" keychain, watermelon beach balls, and pink glow necklaces.
Tickets for this special movie party are $15.15 and available in advance online at drafthouse.com/lubbock/
The Edge presents Rivers: The Voice MLK Jr.
For one night only The Edge Theatre Lubbock presents “Mr. Gerald C. Rivers: The Voice, Spirit and Teachings of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”
It will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13, at The Edge Theatre , 4228 Boston Ave. Seating is limited.
Rivers is a classically trained theater actor who has dedicated his life’s work to keeping alive the spirit and inspiration of the late Dr. King through his awe-inspiring renditions of more than 20 of King’s speeches in their entirety.
Rivers has been recognized by the King family, the King Center, NAACP, and The National Baptist Convention. He was also invited to be a part of the Dr. King Memorial Dedication Celebrations in Washington DC.
This event is sponsored by Lubbock National Bank, Heather Hollingsworth, Ginger Angstadt and Sara McClarty and United Supermarkets.
General admission tickets are $35 and available online at edgetheatrelubbock.org
High Noon Concert Series kicks off
Lubbock County presents its annual High Noon Summer Concert series 2023 every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. at the courthouse gazebo and lawn.
This free event includes $50 cash drawings. It is free to enter, but you must be present to win. Only one ticket is allowed per person.
Performance schedule includes:
June 14: Sheena Fadeyi
June 21: Mark Gillham
June 28: Caldwell Kids
July 5: Robert Lopez
July 12: Dustin and Kristi Garrett
July 19: Amber Pennington
July 26: Mariachi Mi Tierra
Aug. 2: D.G. Flewellyn
Aug. 9: Jenni Dale Lord
In addition, there will be various food trucks available including Chilly Lily's, J&D Bar-B-Que and Catering, Mi Cocina, and Grub Gauntlet.
For more information, email commissionerscourt@lubbockcounty.gov or call (806) 775-1335.
Valli rescheduled for June 16
The original Jersey boy himself, Frankie Valli is coming to Buddy Holly Hall at 7 p.m. Friday, June, 16, for a rescheduled date from January. Tickets for the January performance will be honored.
Valli's career with the Four Seasons, as well as his solo success, have spawned countless hit singles. With unforgettable tunes like “Sherry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “December ‘63 – Oh What A Night,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” and of course, “Grease.”
His songs have been omnipresent in other iconic movies such as "The Deer Hunter", "Dirty Dancing", "Mrs. Doubtfire", "Conspiracy Theory" and "The Wanderers".
Valli and the Four Seasons have sold more than 100 million records worldwide. They continue to tour throughout the U.S. and abroad to packed houses receiving nightly standing ovations from thrilled fans of multiple generations.
Reserved seat tickets for this show range from $54 to $175 (plus taxes and fees) depending on seating and VIP features.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.buddyhollyhall.com/
The Edge presents 'The Mountaintop'
The Edge: A Company of Fine Artists presents "The Mountaintop," at 7:30 p.m. on June 16-17 and 23- 24 with 2:30 p.m. matinees on Sundays June 18 and 25.
"The Mountaintop", directed by Stephanie Johnson and written by Katori Hall, is a gripping reimagination of events the night before the assassination of the civic rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (portrayed by George Stern).
On April 3, 1968, after delivering one of his most memorable speeches, an exhausted King retires to his room at the Lorraine Motel while a storm rages outside. When a mysterious stranger (Naomi Taylor) arrives with some surprising news, King is forced to confront his destiny and his legacy to the people.
Due to profanity and adult subject matter, this production is for mature audiences only.
Tickets are $17 for adults and $15 for students (with ID) and seniors ages 55 and older (plus taxes and fees).
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://edgetheatrelubbock.org/
Moonlight Musicals opens season with 'Hello Dolly'
Moonlight Musicals Lubbock kicks off its summer 2023 season with "Hello Dolly" at 8 p.m. on June 15-17, and 22-24, at the Moonlight Musicals Amphitheater, 413 E Broadway.
Say “Hello!” to a great summer with "Hello Dolly." This musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s hit play "The Matchmaker" bursts with humor, romance, energetic dance and some of the greatest songs in musical theatre history.
The romantic and comic exploits of Dolly Gallagher-Levi, turn-of-the-century matchmaker and “woman who arranges things,” are certain to thrill and entertain audiences again and again.
Tickets for the show are $25, which include Select-A-Seat fees. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://moonlightmusicals.com/shows/
Comic Con hosting Father's Day Edition
Celebrate Dad at West Texas Comic Con, Father's Day Edition, set for June 16-18 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center banquet hall.
The goal is to renew the comic con experience for fans and vendors to be fun, memorable, and exciting by uniting the elite of the pop culture -- showcasing the best in comics, toys, collectibles, artists, celebrities, cosplay and fandom.
There are multiple tickets types available for the weekend to fit your needs including adult and child single-day passes, and three-day passes (Friday, Saturday and Sunday); military three-day passes; local hero’s three-day Pass, $30 (includes police, EMS, firefighters, teachers, healthcare workers and public servants); local hero’s family weekend Pass: $75, includes two (2) adults and up to (4) four children full access to WTCC on June 16-18; and military family weekend pass: $75, includes two (2) adults and up to (4) four children full access to WTCC on June 16-18.
To buy tickets, call the Select-a-Seat Box Office: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (806) 770-2000. Tickets are also available online at selectaseatlubbock.com
Dad Jokes Comedy rings in Father's Day weekend
Just in time for Father's Day, take dad to the Dad Jokes Comedy Show at the Cactus Theater at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 16. The comedy show features Daryl Felsberg, Aaron Aryanpur and Brandon Davidson.
Felsberg (XM Comedy, NBC’s Last Comic Standing), Aryanpur (Comedy Central, iTunes) and Davidson (XM Comedy, Keenan Thompson Presents) will keep you in stitches when they share their stories and jokes of fatherhood and life as they kick off Father’s Day Weekend.
Tickets for this show are $27.50 for rows A-C; $25 for rows D-M; $20 for standard balcony; and $50 for balcony box seats, which include concessions.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit cactustheater.com
Hot Club of Cowtown brings Western Swing to Cactus
Hot Club of Cowtown celebrates 25 years of Western Swing at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at the Cactus Theater.
Award-winning Austin, Texas-based Hot Club of Cowtown may be the world’s most globe-trotting, effervescent string trio, who’s joyful sound blends the traditional Western swing of the 1940s American southwest with European hot jazz influences of the same era.
The Hot Club of Cowtown writes its own original songs and reinterprets everything from hoedowns to American songbook standards in its own, original style. The band is guitarist Whit Smith, fiddler Elana James, and upright bassist Zack Sapunor.
Reserved seat tickets are $27..50 for rows A-F; $25 for rows G-M; $25 for standard balcony; and $50 for balcony box seats, which include concessions.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit cactustheater.com
Tucker to perform at Buddy Holly Hall
West Texas native Tanya Tucker is set to perform at 8 p.m. Friday, June 23, at Buddy Holly Hall.
Born in Seminole, Tucker had her first country hit, the classic “Delta Dawn,” at the age of 13 in 1972. Since that beginning, she has become one of the most admired and influential artists in country music history, amassing 23 Top 40 albums and a stellar string of 56 Top 40 singles, ten of which reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard country charts.
Tucker's songs include some of country music’s biggest hits such as “Soon,” “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane,” “It’s a Little Too Late,” “Trouble,” “Texas (When I Die),” “If It Don’t Come Easy” and “Strong Enough To Bend.”
Reserved seat tickets for this show range from $39 to $129 (plus taxes and fees), depending on seating, and are available online at https://www.buddyhollyhall.com/
Tucker is donating $1 per ticket to support Farm Aid and its work to cultivate a vibrant, just and resilient family farm-centered system of agriculture in America.
LCT hosting 90s Dance Party
Bust out your neon-colored windbreakers and acid-washed jeans, your JNCOs and your flannel and jump into the past with Lubbock Community Theater’s 90’s Dance Party.
The event is set for 8-11 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at the theater, 3101 35th St.
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating a decade that changed everything. We’ll have local food trucks (catered by Mia White of Ya-Ya's Place), retro gaming stations where you can challenge your friends to epic battles of 90's classics such as Mario Kart , Street Fighter II and of course, Goldeneye, and a 90s trivia session that will put your knowledge of the decade to the test.
Dance the night away to the dopest jams from the era and then cool off with a refreshing 90’s themed cocktail from the bar. (Drink tickets will be sold at concession.)
Gather your crew, throw on your freshest gear, and get ready to relive the raddest era of all time.
Tickets for this special event are $20 (plus taxes and fees) and and available online at www.lubbockcommunitytheatre.org/
Finals round of Battle of the Bands set for June 24
Join in on the fun at the the exciting Finals Round of LHUCA’s 5th annual West Texas Battle of the Bands competition on Saturday, June 24. The competition is set for 6 p.m. in the LHUCA Plaza.
LHUCA's West Texas Battle of the Bands is a competition that takes a single, original, track submission from bands consisting of two or more members of any genre. A panel of judges selects eight semi-finalists who moved into a public voting round during June's First Friday Art Trail.
The finals night will feature pre-show performances from the 2022 winner and runner-up, Strawberry Season and Indego.
Following the pre-show, the final four competitors will each perform a 15-minute set in front of a panel of judges who will determine the 2023 winner and runner up.
Admission for the finale is $5 for adults and free for kids younger than 12. To purchase tickets online, visit http://lhuca.org/events/2023/6/24/west-texas-battle-of-the-bands-finals-round
LTC presents 'Liberty Valance'
Dawmi Entertainment and Lubbock Theater Company present "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 30 and July 1, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 2, at Buddy Holly Hall.
"The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" is a classic story of good versus evil, law versus the gun, one man versus Liberty Valance. A tale of love, hope and revenge set against the vicious backdrop of a lawless society in the American West.
Reserved seat tickets range from $25 to $40 (plus taxes & fees), depending on seating. There is a special offer of $5 off for students and seniors (60 and older), with proof of valid ID.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.buddyhollyhall.com/
CATS presents 'Snow White and the Wicked Queen'
Children and Adults Theatrical Studio, 2257 34th St., will present "Snow White and the Wicked Queen" at 7:30 p.m. on June 30 and July 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15.
Take one beautiful girl, one handsome prince, one evil queen, seven little dwarfs and you have a spin on a classic tale.
The play is written by the theater's founder Tim McIntire and directed by Lisa DeClerk and Tyson Lemasters.
General admission tickets are $10 each and available online at https://catsplayhouse.ludus.com/
Bryan brings Country on Tour 2023 to USA
Country music superstar Luke Bryan will be taking the stage on July 27 at the United Supermarkets Arena as he brings Country on Tour 2023 to the Hub City.
Special guests will be Tyler Braden, Ashley Cooke and Jackson Dean.
Bryan has been named Entertainer of the Year five times, awarded by the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. In 2019, his 2013 album "Crash My Party" received the first Album of the Decade award from the ACM. Worldwide, he has sold more than 75 million records.
Some of Bryan's biggest hits include "Do I" "Rain is a Good Thing" "Someone Else Calling You Baby" "Country Girl (Shake it for Me)" and "Drunk On You", among many others. He has had nearly 30 No. 1 hits.
Tickets for this concert range start at $35 and up depending on seating and VIP package features.For more information or to purchase tickets, visit selectaseatlubbock.com
Ranching Heritage Center to host inaugural Ranch Verse
Join cowboy songster Andy Hedges and special guests, Boots O’Neal, Randy Rieman, Dave Stamey, Red Steagall, and Andy Wilkinson, for a day of Western storytelling, song and poetry at the inaugural Ranch Verse on Saturday, Aug. 5.
"Ranch Verse will feature a variety of programming that will include working cowboy stories, cowboy poetry, western music, and discussions of ranch culture,” host Andy Hedges shared.
Daytime events will be free to the public and take place from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the National Ranching Heritage Center (NRHC) in Lubbock. A special welcome performance of cowboy poetry, range ballads, and storytelling by Red Steagall, Andy Wilkinson, Randy Rieman, and Dave Stamey will kick off the day from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
From 1 to 2 p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to hear a live, onstage interview with Four Sixes Ranch cowboy and Ranching Heritage Association Working Cowboy Award recipient Boots O’Neal for broadcast on the Cowboy Crossroads podcast with Andy Hedges.
Randy Reiman will take the stage from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. to present the illustrated letters of cowboy artist Charles M. Russell through slides, commentary, and the spoken word.
Daytime events will conclude with a discussion from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. featuring Red Steagall, Andy Hedges and Dave Stamey on the poetry, music, and art emerging out of Western culture.
An evening performance will follow from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the historic Cactus Theater with cowboy songster Andy Hedges, western songwriter Dave Stamey, and the legendary Red Steagall. Tickets for the evening performance start at $25 and are on sale on the Cactus Theater website.
To learn more about Ranch Verse, visit bit.ly/ranchverse. For questions, contact (806) 742-0498.
Jelly Roll coming to USA
Jelly Roll has announced a 44-date headlining tour and will be taking the stage at the United Supermarkets Arena at 7 p.m. on Aug. 29, with his Backroad Baptism Tour 2023.
Jason Bradley DeFord, known professionally as Jelly Roll, is an American singer, rapper, and songwriter known for his collaborations with Lil Wyte, Struggle Jennings, and Tech N9ne In 2023, he won three CMT Music Awards for the song "Son of a Sinner".
Before his transition into country music with 2023's Whitsitt Chapel album, Jelly Roll launched his career in hip hop.
Tickets for this show range from $21 to $650 (plus taxes and fees), depending on seating and VIP package features.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit selectaseatlubbock.com | https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2023/06/10/lubbock-entertainment-in-brief/70301299007/ | 2023-06-10T14:28:12 | 1 | https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2023/06/10/lubbock-entertainment-in-brief/70301299007/ |
The groundswell for a “Greater Idaho” won over another rural eastern Oregon county this week, further emboldening the long-shot movement that aims to significantly alter the country’s map for the first time in 160 years.
Voters in Wallowa County narrowly sided with 11 other counties in the typically conservative eastern part of the state, approving a measure that will require its commissioners to explore “relocating Idaho borders to include Wallowa County.”
Another county, Crook, will put the same proposal to voters next May, leaving just two counties fully east of Greater Idaho’s proposed boundary yet to take up the question.
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“We know, at this point, this idea is very popular in eastern Oregon,” Greater Idaho spokesman Matt McCaw told the Times-News during a phone interview, noting the movement has won the approval of 59% of voters across the 12 counties and stressing that redrawing the border between the states would “get people matched up to the government they want.”
He added, “The state line is an imaginary line. It can wherever it goes. When Oregon and Idaho sit down, the line can go anywhere.”
That political maneuvering, however, remains a challenge. The Idaho House of Representatives in its 2023 session voted 41-28-1 in favor of House Joint Memorial 1, authorizing Gem State legislators to begin talks with their Oregon counterparts about reimagining the border, a vote that evenly split the Magic Valley’s eight representatives.
Rep. Chenele Dixon, R-Kimberly, described the Greater Idaho idea as “far-fetched” during a phone interview with the Times-News on Friday. She voted against HJM1, along with fellow Republicans Greg Lanting of Twin Falls and Jack Nelsen of Jerome, and Ned Burns, D-Bellevue.
“Just the process it has to go through; it has to go through Congress,” Dixon said. “I’m hesitant to support things like that: ‘Oh, so today, we want to move here because we don’t like our politics.’ I’m pretty cautious about things like that.”
While Rep. Lance Clow, R-Twin Falls, supported the memorial, he told the Times-News on Friday during a phone interview that he “can’t imagine the Oregon Legislature ever agreeing” to a proposal.
But, Clow added, “There’s nothing wrong with asking people what they want.”
Republican Reps. Clay Handy of Burley, Steve Miller of Fairfield and Douglas Pickett of Oakley also voted for HJM1.
While McCaw claimed Greater Idaho “had the votes” to also succeed in the Senate, he said Idaho’s upper chamber decided it wasn’t “going to touch this” once the Democratic-controlled Oregon Legislature signaled its lack of interest in taking up the issue.
“It's a matter of political will to make it happen,” McCaw said. “The support’s there (in Idaho). We’re working on the Oregon Legislature, to have legislators have the conversation.”
That won’t likely be soon. The Oregon Senate is in its sixth week of a Republican-led walkout that has all but grinded government to a halt, a “symptom of the problem” in today’s fractured politics, McCaw said.
The redrawing of the Idaho-Oregon border, he insisted, would help alleviate such gridlock by moving people “forced together by a state line that was set there 200 years ago.”
Mike McCarter, the founder of the movement, also pointed to potential tax advantages for both states.
“Portland metro incomes are so high that any middle-income county that departs the Oregon state budget increases the average income of both Oregon and Idaho,” McCarter said in a news release this week.
The Wallowa County vote was razor-thin, succeeding by just seven votes — 1,752 to 1,745 — and averting a recount. Wallowa County, with a population of about 7,500, according to the 2021 U.S. Census, is in the northeastern corner of Oregon, south of Lewiston.
The Oregon counties seeking to join Idaho, like Wallowa, are mostly rural and far removed from the state’s largest metropolitan area in Portland and the state capital of Salem. The movement would encompass smaller cities such as Klamath Falls, Pendleton, La Grande and Baker City, among others, but not Bend, the largest population center in Oregon away from the coast.
“There’s not a great economic advantage to Idaho to doing this,” said Dixon, adding that it costs taxpayer money “every time the Idaho Legislature spends time talking about anything,” including even just the idea of Greater Idaho.
Clow raised two additional obstacles, both of which could break any potential deal: Idaho has a sales tax and Oregon doesn’t, and Oregon permits recreational and medical marijuana and Idaho doesn’t.
“Those two things, alone, are huge questions,” he said.
The U.S. has adopted new states, exchanged small parcels of acreage between states, slightly adjusted international borders, and moved many maritime borders over the last 160 years. But not since 1863 — the same year the Idaho Territory was incorporated — has the country split a state, when West Virginia was created out of Virginia. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/the-state-line-is-an-imaginary-line-greater-idaho-wins-over-12th-oregon-county/article_560fbd40-06fb-11ee-a673-9b88bad7decb.html | 2023-06-10T14:29:09 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/the-state-line-is-an-imaginary-line-greater-idaho-wins-over-12th-oregon-county/article_560fbd40-06fb-11ee-a673-9b88bad7decb.html |
DANVILLE, Va. — Bubba’s Ice Cream, a long-time beloved establishment that closed its North Main Street location for good last fall, is selling sweet frozen treats again at a new spot.
Arnone likes the new location due to more traffic along Va. 41 than at the old North Main site.
“It’s been going real well,” he said during an interview at the business. “I thought it was going to be a good location and it has been.”
Bubba’s Ice Cream has been a local institution for Dan River Region residents since it first opened in Danville in 1959.
Thirty-nine-year-old customer Christina Holley has enjoyed Bubba’s Ice Cream since she was a small child.
“I like the banana split in a cup,” said the Blairs area resident, who brought her two daughters and their two friends along. “That’s my favorite.”
Bubba’s new location is more convenient for Holley, she said, adding that she was thrilled when it opened up.
“I was excited, my kids were very excited,” she said.
Dry Fork resident Amy Martin, 67, said she sees herself coming to Bubba’s more often now that she and her husband are retired.
“We like the chocolate shakes,” said Martin, who grew up in Danville and went to Bubba’s when she was a child. “That’s usually all I ever get.”
Arnone, who bought the business from the family of founder Clarence “Bubba” Barker in 2016, said last fall that property owner Roman Eagle Rehabilitation and Health Care Center wanted to tear down the Bubba’s building and turn the location into a parking lot.
Arnone had also been searching for an updated building for his business. The North Main location was old, outdated and inefficient for Bubba’s needs, he said last fall.
Bubba’s is now in a fully renovated building with much more space, a new walk-in cooler, new drop ceiling, new floors, a new heating-and-air system and a more-up-to-date look.
The establishment is loved for its soft-serve ice cream, banana split in a cup topped with homemade pecans in maple syrup and strawberry sundae and hot-fudge sundae.
Sales have been brisk since Bubba’s re-opened, Arnone said.
“Business is definitely up,” he said, adding that he has hired more employees. He has about 15 workers.
Memorial Day weekend was slower due to cool, rainy weather, but customer volume picked up again when the storm cleared Monday evening, Arnone said.
Though usually open seasonally from March through around Nov. 1, he said he’s not sure when Bubba’s will close for the upcoming season.
“Being that we got a late start this year, we’re going to play it by ear,” Arnone said. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2023/06/10/exchange--bubba's-ice-cream/f3ed0b9c-078e-11ee-b74a-5bdd335d4fa2_story.html | 2023-06-10T14:37:16 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2023/06/10/exchange--bubba's-ice-cream/f3ed0b9c-078e-11ee-b74a-5bdd335d4fa2_story.html |
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.12news.com/article/news/local/texas-man-allegedly-threw-drink-at-southwest-flight-attendant-faces-federal-charge/287-a0fdc573-ac5e-4380-a6e0-c95cd6586d6e | 2023-06-10T14:58:47 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/texas-man-allegedly-threw-drink-at-southwest-flight-attendant-faces-federal-charge/287-a0fdc573-ac5e-4380-a6e0-c95cd6586d6e |
Robert Ray, an attorney for Donald Trump during his first impeachment trial, says that if Donald Trump is elected president in 2024, any charges or indictments made against the former president by the Department of Justice would be "gone."
WATERLOO — About an hour after his girlfriend and her friend were shot dead, Matthew Dee Buford III told the mother of his children that he, too, was going to die.
“He said he was leaving, he would be dead after this, or something. …. What I heard was ‘I’m dead after tonight,’” Martia Phillips told jurors during testimony in Buford’s trial on Friday.
Buford, 39, of Waterloo, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of flight to avoid prosecution in the Feb. 10, 2020, deaths of Tamica Allison, 42, and Andrea Anderson, 41.
Prosecutors allege he shot the two in the head at the West Second Street apartment he shared with Allison and then dropped off Allison’s teenage children with friends and family before leaving for Peoria, Illinois.
The state alleges Buford’s “dead after tonight” may have been a reference to having suicidal thoughts after the double slaying, a sign of a guilty conscious.
But under cross-examination by the defense, Phillips told the jury that when she heard him say that, she thought it was in reference to a lung condition Buford was suffering from.
“I thought he got back some test results,” Phillips said.
Buford’s comments came during an unannounced visit in which he knocked on Phillips’ door late at night – before the bodies of Allison and Anderson were found – and asked to hug his three children, who were sleeping.
“He told them he loved them, that he wishes he could be better,” Phillips said. “He said ‘Thank you, I wish I could help more.’”
Buford had Allison’s 14-year-old daughter in tow during the visit, Phillips said. She said the daughter was quiet and responded that she was alright when asked. Still, Phillips said she was concerned.
Another friend who had a nighttime visit from Buford following the slaying described him as “melancholy” and sad.
Also during testimony on Friday, family members of the deceased wept and hugged each other as the state played body camera videos from officers who responded to the West Second Street home after Allison’s daughter told others about the shooting.
Police found the house dark, and no one came to the door. The blinds were down, and one officer had to climb to get a view through a high-up window, where he spotted a part of a figure on the floor inside.
Officers broke open the dead-bolted door, and their darting flashlights illuminated the bodies in pools of blood in the dining room as they cleared the house.
Police said it was obvious the two were beyond help.
“Nothing I would have done at that time would have made a difference,” said Officer Ken Schaaf.
Martia Phillips told jurors Friday that Matthew Dee Buford III arrived at her home unannounced and asked to hug his children on the night of Feb. 10, 2020.
Sgt. John Koontz with the Waterloo Police Department described finding two bodies in a West Second Street home during the double-murder trial on Friday. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/buford-said-im-dead-after-tonight-following-slaying/article_bc90885a-06c5-11ee-a16a-5ba14b25ba34.html | 2023-06-10T14:59:12 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/buford-said-im-dead-after-tonight-following-slaying/article_bc90885a-06c5-11ee-a16a-5ba14b25ba34.html |
The city of Dallas made a significant impact in combating opioid overdose last year, with Dallas Fire-Rescue paramedics administering 1,925 doses of Narcan. Now, Dallas Police are considering implementing Narcan into their toolkit.
Narcan, a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdose, has become an integral part of the larger conversation surrounding fentanyl and the tragic deaths it has caused.
In this episode of Texas Wants to Know, our host Baylee Friday talks to John Mark Mehlman, a licensed professional and chemical dependency counselor. John serves as the program administrator for the Collin County Substance Abuse Program.
According to John, 60% of the drugs currently seized by the DEA contain fentanyl. Even more alarming, 42% of these fentanyl-laced drugs contain at least two milligrams, a dosage that can prove lethal.
This substance has changed countless lives, particularly among individuals under the age of 30. Cynthia Pursely, an advocate who lost her stepson to fentanyl, founded the non-profit organization Livegy to raise awareness and combat this crisis.
"The rise in fentanyl abuse is a concerning trend," Cynthia said. "We have observed its growth pattern since 2017, and it has spiked dramatically in 2020 and 2021."
Continuing the conversation, Baylee also sits down with Dr. Wendy Eldredge, the superintendent of Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. Dr. Eldredge shares the district's proactive approach in addressing the fentanyl crisis.
"Our dedicated nurses, in collaboration with our campus staff, have taken the initiative to train all our team members on the proper use of Narcan to combat overdose situations," explains Dr. Eldredge.
The episode delves into topics such as facilitating difficult conversations between parents and teenagers, identifying signs of drug abuse, and providing resources for those seeking support and assistance.
Listen to Texas Wants to Know in the Audacy app or wherever you get your podcasts.
TEXAS WANTS TO KNOW
WHAT IS FENTANYL?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Just two milligrams of fentanyl, which is equal to 10-15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose.
Without laboratory testing, there is no way to know how much fentanyl is concentrated in a pill or powder. If you encounter fentanyl in any form, do not handle it and call 911 immediately.
Fentanyl remains the deadliest drug threat facing this country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 107,622 Americans died of drug overdoses in 2021, with 66% of those deaths related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Drug poisonings are the leading killer of Americans between the ages of 18 and 45. Fentanyl available in the United States is primarily supplied by two criminal drug networks, the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
WHAT IS RAINBOW FENTANYL?
In August 2022 the Drug Enforcement Administration issued a public advisory about the alarming emerging trend of colorful fentanyl available nationwide.
Brightly-colored fentanyl, dubbed "rainbow fentanyl" in the media, is being seized in multiple forms, including pills, powder, and blocks that resembles sidewalk chalk.
“Rainbow fentanyl—fentanyl pills and powder that come in a variety of bright colors, shapes, and sizes—is a deliberate effort by drug traffickers to drive addiction amongst kids and young adults,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “The men and women of the DEA are relentlessly working to stop the trafficking of rainbow fentanyl and defeat the Mexican drug cartels that are responsible for the vast majority of the fentanyl that is being trafficked in the United States.”
Despite claims that certain colors may be more potent than others, there is no indication through DEA’s laboratory testing that this is the case. The DEA said every color, shape, and size of fentanyl should be considered extremely dangerous.
WHAT IS NARCAN?
According to the manufacturer, "Narcan nasal spray is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose emergency with signs of breathing problems and severe sleepiness or not being able to respond."
The active ingredient in Narcan is naloxone hydrochloride. Narcan is the brand name for the device that delivers naloxone into the nasal cavity.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, naloxone is an FDA-approved opioid antagonist medication that is used to reverse an opioid overdose. SAMHSA said naloxone is a temporary treatment and its effects do not last long so it's critical to obtain medical intervention as soon as possible after administering or receiving naloxone.
WHAT IS NALOXONE?
According to the National Institutes of Health's National Institute on Drug Abuse, naloxone is a medicine that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose by attaching itself to opioid receptors and either reversing or blocking the effects of opioids.
"Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. But, naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, and it is not a treatment for opioid use disorder. Examples of opioids include heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, and morphine.
Naloxone comes in two FDA-approved forms, injectable and as a nasal spray.
Naloxone works for only 30 to 90 minutes and many opioids remain in the body longer than that. It is possible for a person to still experience the effects of an overdose after a dose of naloxone wears off so it's imperative to call 911 or get the overdosing person medical attention as soon as possible after the dose is administered.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on March 29, 2023 approved selling naloxone without a prescription, setting the overdose-reversing drug on course to become the first opioid treatment drug to be sold over the counter.
DOES THE FDA APPROVAL MEAN I CAN BUY IT AT CVS OR WALGREENS?
Yes. Narcan will become available over-the-counter at pharmacies by late summer, the company said.
Other brands of naloxone and injectable forms will not yet be available over the counter, but they could be soon.
The nonprofit Harm Reduction Therapeutics Inc., which has funding from OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma, has an application before the FDA to distribute its version of spray naloxone without a prescription
Once available over the counter, the drug could be available at places without pharmacies, like convenience stores, supermarkets and from online retailers. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-wants-to-know-whats-behind-the-fentanyl-crisis/3274694/ | 2023-06-10T15:24:36 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-wants-to-know-whats-behind-the-fentanyl-crisis/3274694/ |
Looking for a place you can grab a bite to eat or sip on a cold drink while overlooking the beach, bay or river on a hot summer day? Here are five bars on the water where people can unwind.
Bungalow Beach, Atlantic City
The luxury restaurant, beach bar and lounge is located at 2641 Boardwalk, next to the Biergarten and Tropicana Atlantic City.
Bungalow’s Boardwalk Terrace has options for indoor or outdoor seating for breakfast, lunch and dinner on the boards.
Breakfast items include omelets, eggs benedict, sandwiches, French toast and pancakes. Lunch options includes hot and cold appetizers, salads, sandwiches and pasta. Dinner at Bungalow offers more seafood and protein options, like branzino, Tuscan salmon, filet mignon, lamb chops and chicken parmesan.
Bungalow’s restaurant is open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
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For more information, visit the Bungalow AC Facebook page or mixiacreative.com/bungalowbeachac.
The Point, Somers Point
The tiki bar, located at 998 Bay Ave., offers a tropical oasis overlooking the Great Egg Harbor Bay, with island-style dining on its beach and deck.
Menu items include made-to-order tacos, crispy shrimp and mango, The Point Burger, steamers and cheesesteaks.
The Point also offers frozen beverages, like its Colada Breeze, rum runners, a variety of tropical mules and crushers.
The Point is open 3 p.m. to midnight Monday to Thursday, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and noon to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. There is a $5 cover charge from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday to Sunday. The Point also has a location is Sea Isle City at 10 43rd St.
For more information, visit its Facebook page or dothepoint.com.
Sweetwater Marina and Riverdeck, Mullica Township
The family-owned restaurant and event venue, located at 2780 Seventh Ave., sits on the Mullica River.
The Riverdeck’s indoor bar merges with its outdoor dining area when the roll-up garage doors are open so guests can enjoy the breeze off the water while they watch live entertainment on the deck. The venue offers a variety of specialties, including sandwiches and wraps like its BLT crab cake melt, roasted pork Italiano, turkey and brie panini, and chicken cheesesteak.
Sweetwater Marina and Riverdeck also has mixed drinks such as its River Punch Bucket, The Capital and Sweet Little Water Mai Tai, as well as other craft cocktails, beer and wine.
The marina has plenty of picnic tables with umbrellas so people can dine or have a cocktail while overlooking the river. The 80-plus boat slips, boat ramp, floating dock, fuel dock and other marina amenities allow people to enjoy the Sweetwater Marina and Riverdeck in more ways than one.
The Sweetwater Marina and Riverdeck is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, visit its Facebook page or sweetwaterriverdeck.com.
Deauville Inn, Strathmere
Originally the Whelan Hotel built by Irish immigrant James Carothers in 1881, the establishment, located at 201 Willard Road, has evolved into a massive waterfront facility on Ludlam Island’s bayside.
The Sunset Deck has a 50-foot bar where people can look out at the bay while having casual breakfast or lunch. People also can order a drink or dine at the Sand Bar while looking out at the water from the picnic tables.
The dining room offers oysters, clams, shrimp, seafood towers and other bites from land and sea. The Sand Bar offers starters, sandwiches, pizza and kids meals.
The Deauville Inn is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, visit its Facebook page or deauvilleinn.com.
Bally’s Beach Bar, Atlantic City
Located on the beach at 1900 Boardwalk, the bar has been a go-to spot for locals and visitors.
Bally’s Beach Bar has a large outdoor bar where people can order souvenir cup drinks, buckets and food on the beach.
The beach bar’s menu has Philly rolls, wings, a crispy cod sandwich, chicken sandwich, bacon cheeseburger or Caesar salad.
People also can dance while enjoying live entertainment from Friday to Monday, rent cabanas any day of the week and enjoy the ocean breeze at one of the many high-top tables the beach bar offers.
From June 9 to 12, Bally’s Beach Bar will be open 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday and 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Monday.
Starting June 16, Bally’s Beach Bar will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Monday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday.
For more information, visit Bally’s Beach Bar’s Facebook Page or casinos.ballys.com/atlantic-city/beach-bar.htm. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/5-places-to-grab-a-drink-on-the-water-in-south-jersey/article_b8422d54-06d8-11ee-85b0-63b6e53df6b7.html | 2023-06-10T15:24:53 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/5-places-to-grab-a-drink-on-the-water-in-south-jersey/article_b8422d54-06d8-11ee-85b0-63b6e53df6b7.html |
Doris Myers paints in her Wheatfield studio. "I would definitely recommend working hard, getting an education and seeing as much art as you can," she says. "Then you can sort it out and make something someone might like."
Joseph S. Pete
Doris Myers (front) and Bonnie Zimmer, her daughter and art manager. In retirement, "she's been on a 40-year journey of personal enrichment, taking classes, teaching classes and making art," Zimmer says. "She's taking classes and workshops all the time."
WHEATFIELD — Surrounded by decades worth of landscape paintings of pristine Grand Kankakee Marsh wetlands in her studio, before calling out to her squawking parrot Casey so he wouldn't feel lonely in the other room, Doris B. Myers recalled the time a student called her a profanity while she was working as a bus driver.
She grabbed the school bus's fire ax.
Students nervously asked her what she was going to do with it.
"I'm going to use it," she declared tersely.
She stepped off the bus and chopped a branch off a beautiful red maple tree and handed it to the kid, who lived in a house with a dirt floor at the end of a dirt road, so he'd have something for show-and-tell in school that day.
"You could have heard a pin drop," she said. "I said I'd use it and I did."
Myers, who turned 101 in November, has met every challenge head-on. She even survived a nasty fall a few years ago that broke her neck. She was born during the Great Depression and started college at the age of 35 while taking care of her four children, her husband and her elderly in-laws in their rural Wheatfield home. She graduated from Valparaiso University in four years, then earned a master's degree at Ball State University.
Not content to settle for the life of a rural housewife that was forced upon many of her era, Myers became a beloved educator at Kankakee Valley schools, ran an art gallery and created thousands of paintings, ceramics and pieces of writing. She continues to make art, painting or writing almost every day.
"I can't wait to make things. I can't wait to paint. I can't wait to write," she said. "I've always maintained that to be happy, you have to start every morning with something that you want to do, even if it's cleaning out a dresser drawer. I've tried to do big things."
She's long sought to bring the arts to her rural community. She founded the North Light Studio gallery and the Kankakee Valley Fine Arts Council. Her work, often depicting nature, hangs in many homes in Jasper County and greater Northwest Indiana. She's done paintings for the public library and town hall. She recently persuaded the Chamber of Commerce to commission Wheatfield's first mural, which will be painted this summer downtown.
She started writing as a member of the Prairie Writers Guild and has written two books, publishing the autobiography “Through Many Doors" last year. The title is a reference to all the doors of opportunity she has passed through in the past century.
"She's been an inspiration for many, many people over the years who have gone on to make art or come to appreciate art. I picked up quilting because of her," her daughter Connie Timm said. "A lot of her longevity is staying active and keeping her mind occupied every day."
Myers is the featured artist at the 71st annual Chesterton Woman's Club's exhibit, which is on display at the Chesterton Art Center through the end of the month. Her painting "Nier Barn Remembered" is on display.
Myers has lived outside Wheatfield all her adult life as her four children begat grandchildren, great-grandchildren and now great-great-grandchildren. She doesn't have a smartphone or computer.
"Being on a computer is like floating on a cloud with your eyes shut," she said.
She started teaching as a paraprofessional even before she pursued her longtime aspiration to go to college.
"She was always a hard worker. My father was very traditional. She did cooking, cleaning and raising the four kids while taking care of my father and his parents," said Bonnie Zimmer, her daughter and art manager and a successful artist. "But she made it happen. And he was always quite supportive of her art."
Myers drove from Wheatfield to night classes at Valparaiso University, studying English because it didn't have an art major at the time. She then drove down to Muncie with her kids in the summer to finish her master's at Ball State.
"It opens the door for her and gave her the confidence to pursue her other pursuits," Zimmer said. "She never stopped growing, never stopped challenging herself, never stopped painting and never stopped reading everything related to art."
Myers taught several subjects at Kankakee Valley, ultimately becoming the art teacher at the high school and heading up the art department.
"I liked the challenge of getting kids' attention. I just had a natural instinct for how to treat them to get their attention."
For instance, a kid who cursed at her at a school dance wound up in one of her classes. She knew she could be in trouble, so immediately engaged him in conversation, asking whether he liked to hunt and if he hunted foxes and raccoons. She persuaded him to take up stitchery, which he enjoyed so much that he started doing it in study hall and other classes.
"You have to be able to meet them wherever they are to connect in some special way," she said.
While she taught, she pursued her art, painting in watercolors, oils and ultimately acrylics.
"The best thing about acrylics is how quickly they dry," she said. "The worst thing about acrylics is also how quickly they dry."
Myers exhibited widely, including at the Chesterton Arts Center, the Art Barn outside Valparaiso, South Shore Arts in Munster, the Village Gallery in Valparaiso, even a gallery in Texas. Her work has been displayed in many juried exhibits, collected by people across the United States and Europe, and won several awards, including at the Art Barn's annual Juried Art Exhibition and the annual South Shore Arts Salon Show.
She is inspired by nature, so she often paints landscapes, especially wetlands, woods, rural scenes and barns that have captivated her since she noticed that many of the older barns were disappearing in the 1980s. She often depicts empty barns, painting from angles that peer through cracks to the other side.
Her work frequently features the Grand Kankakee Marsh, the Kankakee River, the flight of the sandhill cranes that pass through the area, and farm fields near her home in Jasper County. She's tackled other subjects over the years, including floral arrangements, log piles and the California coastline.
"I like getting close to nature, with the birds and trees and water and reflections in the water. I started painting landscapes really early. It just stirred up my brain."
She's painted en plein air — painting entire finished pictures out of doors — before but prefers to work from photos in her studio. She has a collection of photos she draws inspiration from and is always thinking of new ideas.
Myers is often struck by the beauty of spring blossoms or the light hitting tree boughs. She was so captivated by a hazel tree she saw outside a house in Michigan City once that she went to the door and asked if she could shear off a branch for her art. When no one was home, she went ahead and pruned one off on the spot, figuring they wouldn't mind.
Myers retired from teaching in 1984.
"She's been on a 40-year journey of personal enrichment, taking classes, teaching classes and making art," Zimmer said. "She's taking classes and workshops all the time."
Even in retirement, Myers has remained an educator. She's long served as a lecturer and workshop instructor, teaching drawing, painting, ceramics, fiber art, rug making, textiles and other artistic mediums at places like the Art Barn School of Art in Porter County.
Myers also has been a prolific potter, throwing clay on wheels and firing pottery on the kiln for years. She learned ceramics at night classes while her husband, Rich, who farmed during the day, worked at Youngstown Sheet and Tube at night, driving 60 miles to the steel mill in East Chicago.
She made mugs, bowls, casseroles, plates, tea, pots, ceramic clocks and non-functional pieces, including some "crazy stuff." She made 60 pieces of pottery in one sitting one day, becoming so absorbed in her work that she threw clay from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. She had to take pains to keep the cats out of the barn for days while it all dried.
"You can create something out of nothing. I like the tactile nature of pottery, making something out of a lump of wet stuff."
Her kiln is now stored in the grain bin outside because she no longer has the strength to throw clay the way she used to.
"I wasn't up to it physically," she said. "The kids talked me out of it."
For more than 20 years, Myers sold her pottery and paintings and her three daughter's artwork out of the North Light Studio in Wheatfield. It opened around the holidays every year so people could buy Christmas gifts. It also sold textiles, jewelry, metalsmithing and other art.
Eventually, they had to turn the gallery into a living space for Doris and Rich because they began to have trouble climbing stairs.
She's always been creative. As a kid, she penned a short story about a spoiled rich girl that she made up from whole cloth from her imagination. She took up writing as a more serious pursuit about 20 years ago, joining the Prairie Writers Guild and contributing to its annual literary magazine.
She published her first book, "Sunshine and Shade," in 2019. It was a collection of short stories, poetry and art.
"I've always been interested in telling stories. The Prairie Writers Guild was a group of about 15 of us that included some pretty good writers. It met monthly, and it was good to have a deadline once a month."
She's always been creating, making paper dolls as a kid and burning matchsticks so she would have charcoal art supplies to draw and sketch with.
"Usually when I get a canvas, I have a subject in mind," she said. "I have boxes full of photos I'll flip through until I get a spark of something and I get an idea."
She paints in different styles. Many of her works are naturalistic, but she's working on a dot painting of a sunset. She remains so dedicated to her work that she'll chastise herself when talking to her daughter on the phone if her output was meager that day.
"She'll say she wasn't very productive," Zimmer said. "She has a lifetime of being productive in the bank."
The family is no longer selling any of Myers' original paintings, only reproductions, because they don't know how many she has left in her.
She does Wordle every day to stay mentally sharp, and strength and balance training with a trainer "who has no sympathy" for her to stay in shape to make her art.
"You just need to keep your eyes open and think about things and shapes," she said. "I would definitely recommend working hard, getting an education and seeing as much art as you can. Then you can sort it out and make something someone might like."
Art has long enriched her life.
"It's not just the ability to produce. Art makes you think in a different way. It gives you ideas and makes you observe and pay attention. I was just marveling at these white flowers blooming in the trees and then looked again. It wasn't really white and it wasn't flowers. It was the sky holes between the leaves. It makes you realize that even empty space right across the road can be beautiful."
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Pierogi stand, Brown Skin Coffee and Alpha Family Resale opening; Ixxa and Dan's Pierogies updating
Region native Joseph S. Pete is a Lisagor Award-winning business reporter who covers steel, industry, unions, the ports, retail, banking and more. The Indiana University grad has been with The Times of Northwest Indiana since 2013.
Doris Myers paints in her Wheatfield studio. "I would definitely recommend working hard, getting an education and seeing as much art as you can," she says. "Then you can sort it out and make something someone might like."
Doris Myers (front) and Bonnie Zimmer, her daughter and art manager. In retirement, "she's been on a 40-year journey of personal enrichment, taking classes, teaching classes and making art," Zimmer says. "She's taking classes and workshops all the time." | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/101-year-old-wheatfield-painter-has-long-championed-the-arts-still-going-strong/article_b9767112-0467-11ee-a12f-b3819b028ba6.html | 2023-06-10T15:35:33 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/101-year-old-wheatfield-painter-has-long-championed-the-arts-still-going-strong/article_b9767112-0467-11ee-a12f-b3819b028ba6.html |
Biggby Coffee, a fast-growing regional chain, continues to expand across Northwest Indiana.
The Michigan-based chain of coffee shops has opened in Michigan City, Chesterton, Crown Point, Cedar Lake and St. John in recent years. It will soon open in the former Dickey's and Taco Bell spot at 8359 Indianapolis Blvd in the Highland Ultra Plaza in Highland.
Local franchisees Catherine Sullivan and Mario Sullivan and Rick Echeverria and America Echeverria, both married couples, plan to open the independently owned cafe by the end of the month if they get all the required permits.
"It's our first business venture together," Catherine Sullivan said. "It's a coffee shop from Michigan that's working its way down to other states."
They liked the location because of all the traffic along U.S. 41, and from Wicker Park across the street.
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"We're renovating an old building and bringing it back to life to the community," America Echeverria said. "We're spending money to give it life, which will benefit the other businesses surrounding us."
Video provided in partnership with The Times, JEDtv and WJOB. Sponsored by Strack & Van Til.
It's located in the former Highland Ultra Plaza, which struggled with closures and vacancies after the Ultra closed and it went into foreclosure. The outdoor supping center at Indianapolis Boulevard and Ridge Road just south of the Borman Expressway has been on the mend lately.
"The strip center was vacated and we're helping to contribute to bringing it back," Mario Sullivan said. "Hopefully, we'll be very busy and help bring in some more businesses."
The 2,100-square-foot coffee shop will seat around 28 people and have an outdoor patio. It will employ 26 workers. The four franchisees also plan to work there and operate it themselves.
"We kind of stumbled on Biggby," Catherine Sullivan said. "I really liked the drinks and the atmosphere. We started researching Biggby and liked the things the company stands for, like giving back to the community and supporting different coffee farms."
The drink menu includes a variety of hot, iced and frozen coffee and tea drinks that can be customized with different flavors, including caramel. It will roll out lemonade and other caffeine-free options in the summer. The food menu includes bragels, short for breakfast bagels. They're used to make sandwiches with ham, turkey and vegan sausage, among other ingredients. Other food items include muffins, donuts and ciabatta sandwiches.
"It's a fun company. They're headed in the right direction," America Echeverria said. "They're really starting to gain some traction. Part of it is that the franchises are not that expensive. Some franchises ask for a million dollars, which is a barrier to entry. This can be opened by hard-working people, not just the super-rich."
The franchisees hope to support local charities.
"We plan to be in the community as long term as possible," Mario Sullivan said. "We're just excited to get started."
For more information, find Biggby Coffee on Facebook or Instagram.
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Pierogi stand, Brown Skin Coffee and Alpha Family Resale opening; Ixxa and Dan's Pierogies updating
Open
A new pierogi concession stand at U.S. Steel Yard in downtown Gary has turned every Gary South Shore RailCats home game into Pierogi Fest, especially on dollar pierogi Wednesday.
The concession stand along the first base line by right field sells three potato pierogi with buttered onions and sour cream for $5 and five for $8. The large-sized pierogi are just $1 each on Wednesdays.
Joseph S. Pete
Open
It's one of many concession options at the park, including hot dogs, Polish sausages, tacos, walking tacos and Ben's Soft Pretzels. 18th Street Brewery, which has locations in Hammond and Gary's Miller neighborhood, took over the former Devil's Trumpet spot this season after that Hobart-based craft brewery closed. It offers 18th Street's acclaimed craft beers like Candi Crushable as well as a limited food menu that includes pulled pork sandwiches.
The Dollar Pierogi Night on Wednesday is just one of many weekly promotions this season, including $5 signature cocktails for Sunday Fun-Day, all-you-can-eat hot dogs, popcorn and peanuts for $15 for AYCE Mondays, $3 tacos and $5 margaritas for Taco Tuesdays and $3 domestic beers for Thirsty Thursdays.
Joseph S. Pete
Closed
Righteous Ribs closed its sit-down restaurant at The Steel Yard in downtown Gary and is now operating as a mobile barbecue business that caters to backyard barbecues and special events.
Originally from East Chicago, Righteous Ribs serves ribs, rib tips, brisket, turkey, wings and other barbecue staples. It took over the former R & R Sports Bar & Grill space in the minor league baseball stadium in 2020. It was originally home to a Bennigan's when the Steel Yard first opened as a major downtown redevelopment project in 2002, but that national sit-down restaurant chain has long since gone out of business.
Joseph S. Pete
Renovated
Also in pierogi news, Dan's Pierogies in downtown Highland completely renovated its dining room to have a "new, upbeat" look. The artist Ochoart did a personalized mural with the anthropomorphic pierogi that serve as the Dan's Pierogies mascot. The wall-sized mural depicts the history of the Polish restaurant that dates back to 1998.
Joseph S. Pete
New mural
Dan's Pierogies sells pierogies and other Polish cuisine for dine-in at 2945 Jewett Ave and also offers frozen pierogies to take home. It also does pop-ups and is especially well-known for its annual booth at Pierogi Fest in Whiting, where it draws some of the longest lines every July.
Joseph S. Pete
Opening
Brown Skin Coffee will soon provide Gary with a jolt of caffeine.
The new coffee shop is located at 1921 W. 25th Ave. by the Fresh Market supermarket just off the Grant Street exit of the Borman Expressway. It will serve single-origin coffee, loose-leaf tea and wines from around the world.
A soft opening is planned for Monday, to be followed with a grand opening that will include food and drink tasting, a jazz band and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
"We are excited to bring the authentic experience of Brown Skin Coffee to Gary," said Shana Tate, a Gary native and CEO of Brown Skin Coffee. "We believe that our single-original coffee, loose-leaf teas and wine will entice the appetite of greatness for the citizens of Gary, Indiana. Our goal is to provide our customers with an unforgettable experience."
She founded Brown Skin Coffee as a mobile coffee bar based out of the back of a Mini car three years ago.
The business grew and she opened a brick-and-mortar location in Brownsburg in central Indiana.
Joseph S. Pete
Opening
The coffee shop aims to provide an authentic experience in a "cozy and elegant atmosphere" that gives people a place to unwind or socialize. The coffee house will hang the work of local artists on the walls, where it will be available for sale. It will have regular events throughout the week, including Wine Down Wednesday and open mic nights.
Brown Skin Coffee has a full espresso bar with drinks like a flat white, affogato and macchiato. Signature drinks include a Rolo Latte, Red Velvet Latte, Lavender Matcha Latte and Brown Sugar Babe Coffee. It prepares coffee in a number of ways, including with V60, Chemex and a French Press.
Non-coffee options include MUD/WTR and kombucha.
The cafe serves breakfast items like avocado toast, breakfast burritos, omelets, grits, biscuits and gravy and chicken and waffles. It also has a variety of baked goods like butter croissants, brioche bread, loaf cake and Madeleines.
Lunch options include quesadillas, air-fried Boujie Wings, a BLT wrap, a fajita wrap, a ham & swiss wrap, salads and soups like tomato basil and New England Clam Chowder.
For more information, call 219-281-2155, visit brownskincoffee.com or find the business on Facebook.
Joseph S. Pete
Coming soon
Alpha Family Resale is coming to Winfield this summer.
The thrift and consignment store plans to open soon at 10763 Randolph St.
"My wife and I want to help people in this area," owner Tim Koedyker said. "The first program will be for mothers and newborn babies who can't afford things. We looked at a resale shop to be the generator for the funds."
It's now accepting donations at its location at the Doubletree Plaza in Winfield, in the same shopping center as the Baja Restaurant and the Strack & Van Til that was previously a WiseWay.
"We just got some demolition done and are doing painting and fixtures," he said. "We're hoping to be open by the end of June or the first part of July."
The resale store will specialize in gently used clothes and household items.
"It's used clothing for people who want something new but are OK with it being old. People don't realize how much it saves the planet to keep these items from going to a landfill," he said. "We can find people that could use these clothes. The cost of everything is also going up whether gas prices or food. Everything is getting more expensive so this can help the community."
Joseph S. Pete
Coming soon
Alpha Family Resale also will sell household items like decor and kitchenware. It will not carry larger items like appliances or furniture. People can donate household items or clothes in bags in a donation bin out in the back of the store.
"We're going to help people afford things they normally couldn't," he said. "People can come in here and browse and see things that weren't in here yesterday."
The store is a 501(c)3-registered nonprofit that plans to pour proceeds into community causes.
"We're talking to the township trustee to find people that do need the assistance, for baby goods or something like that," he said. "Once our bills are paid, our rent and electrical and whatever, we plan to support nonprofit programs."
For more information, call 219-776-2779, email info@alphafamilyresale.org , visit alphafamilyresale.org or find the business on Facebook.
Joseph S. Pete
Expanded
Ixxa Coffee Roasters & Plant Shop expanded in Hammond's Robertsdale neighborhood and is now offering seating for the first time.
The coffee shop and plant store at 1720 Calumet Ave. just opened its outdoor patio and urban garden Saturday, and also recently added an apothecary section. It previously focused on a to-go coffee business as plants take up all the floor space inside the cafe.
It was founded last year by Jose Marin, who does the coffee roasting, and his wife, Stephanie Mora, who runs the plant store. The married couple from Los Angeles added al fresco seating and a garden on the left side of the building.
"It's an urban oasis," Marin said. "There's an urban garden where people can take home a couple of tomatoes for dinner that night. We're about providing value to the customers and community as much as possible. We're in on the urban garden trend. People who want to grab some tomatoes or cucumbers are more than welcome to do so."
They also will grow peppers and herbs in 12 beds.
"They're available to taste for free," he said. "If you want to try something out, you can pick it off the vine. We want to encourage people to eat organic and grow their own food. They can see what it tastes like right off the vine or bring some to add to a salad for dinner that night. We'll have hanging herb gardens where people can take clippings."
The patio also has about 16 seats at several tables. They plan to have live music, hosting different artists out on the patio throughout the summer. Upcoming events will be posted on its Instagram page.
"Hopefully, we'll have some blues or jazz," he said. "We'll also host discussions of gardening, sustainability, native plants and the benefits of native plants."
Joseph S. Pete
Expanded
Ixxa also recently expanded to add apothecary products.
"We have pictures and powders for moods, sleep, anxiety, pain, general illness, immunity boosting," Mora said.
It stocks Anima Mundi goods from Brooklyn.
"They are Costa Rican and indigenous healers," she said. "We've worked with this brand for awhile. They have pictures and medicine like sleep aides, to mitigate pain, for when you're feeling sick, for anxiety or a bit of depression. They have products that help with the mind as well as cognitive health, such as with mushrooms like Reishi, Cordyceps or Lion's Mane. They have health benefits so you don't have to rely on just pharmaceutical medicine. They work with nature for healing like with products for gut health and detox."
They are working to incorporate apothecary products into drinks at the coffee bar and looking to add other brands in the future.
"If you're sick and tired of putting chemicals in the body and really don't know or understand what's in them you can harness the power of nature, of herbs and plants," she said. "You can grow your own medicine from home. We're exploring herbalist tinctures and the healing power of nature."
Ixxa also is looking to add indoor seating, expanding its wholesale business to serve more restaurants and coffee shops and looking to offer subscription coffee packages in which people can sign up to get locally roasted coffee beans every month.
"We're very excited to be adding the patio space," Marin said. "We'll be creating the same vibe and energy sitting with the plants in a kind of urban oasis."
It recently expanded its hours to 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information, call 219-232-8138 or visit ixxacoffee.com .
Joseph S. Pete
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Unbeatable Eatables, DRIPBaR Crown Point, Taco Depot and Flashback Antiques open; Da Burger House closes
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Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/biggby-coffee-to-open-another-region-cafe-in-highland/article_6db1f9c8-06d7-11ee-98c5-170e1943090f.html | 2023-06-10T15:35:39 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/biggby-coffee-to-open-another-region-cafe-in-highland/article_6db1f9c8-06d7-11ee-98c5-170e1943090f.html |
Cleveland-Cliffs executives say the steelmaker is poised to take advantage of automakers' transition to electric vehicles, which has been accelerating in recent years.
The Cleveland-based steelmaker, a major industrial employer in Northwest Indiana, focuses heavily on serving American automakers who have finally been ramping back up their orders.
"For the last couple of years, nonresidential construction has been the outperformer in the steel market with automotive lagging significantly behind," Chairman, President and CEO Lourenco Goncalves said in a recent conference call with investors. "As you know, Cleveland-Cliffs is not a big player in non-residential construction. That said, given the massive backlog that has been created as a result of supply chain issues over the past few years and with the Federal Reserve reaching the end of their interest rate hike, all signs point to automotive being the outperformer. Cleveland-Cliffs is ready to accommodate any improvements in demand from the automotive sector, whether that be from internal combustion engine vehicles or EVs. And our clients know that very well."
The steelmaker is prepared for the industry's shift to electric vehicles, which have been gaining more traction with consumers and are being pushed by the federal government, Goncalves said.
"At Cleveland-Cliffs, we are agnostic to whatever ways that demand materializes over the coming years as we are the clear-cut leader in supplying steel for both types, electric or conventional vehicles," Goncalves said in the conference call. "President Biden’s administration put forth the latest push to drive large-scale EV adoption in the United States. The proposal includes a projection that two out of every three new cars sold in the United States in 2030 will be electric compared to about only 7% today in 2023. This is a structural reset that we have dedicated our research and innovation center efforts toward since we acquired AK Steel in March of 2020. Put simply, due to our size as a supplier of automotive steel in the United States and also due to our unique technical capabilities, these goals of the U.S. government cannot be reached without Cleveland-Cliffs."
Cleveland-Cliffs has been making strategic capital investments to ensure it can supply electric vehicle production.
"We are an integral part of this transition from internal combustion vehicles to EVs in the United States, regardless of whether it happens at a fast or at a slow pace. This includes our supply of exposed body parts, structural cages, battery support and oriented electrical steels for General Motors," Goncalves said. "Regarding non-oriented electrical steels, which we call NOES, and responding to growing demand from our existing customer customers, we have already deployed $30 million as capital expenditure into our Zanesville, Ohio facility to increase our production capacity of NOES by another 70,000 tons annualized. We should start operating this new capacity in the third quarter of this year. Also as a reminder, Cleveland-Cliffs is the sole producer and a well-established supplier of both GOES, grain-oriented electrical steels, and NOES in our country. That’s our technology originally from ARMCO, the A in AK Steel."
Electrical vehicle growth should drive demand for such electrical steels, Goncalves said.
"The market for these products is huge. But any new entrants to this market will have to first learn the products and then perfect the manufacturing process," he said. "Then the producer will have to qualify these products with each one of the clients. That’s not our case."
Cleveland-Cliffs remains committed to blast furnace production at its integrated steel mills but is working to cut down on their carbon emissions, such as by pursuing projects like carbon capture, Goncalves said. It aims to reduce emissions by 25% by 2030.
"Our Scope 1 and 2 emissions intensity from our blast furnace and BOF operations in 2022 was down to 1.6 metric tons of CO2 per metric ton of steel. This number puts Cleveland-Cliffs in the third percentile of integrated steelmaking emissions worldwide and compares extremely favorably to the global average of tons of CO2 per metric ton of steel," he said. "Because of the metrological requirements and quality needs of our automotive customer base, we remain committed to the blast furnace is still making route, and we will continue to work to make it less carbon-intensive."
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Pierogi stand, Brown Skin Coffee and Alpha Family Resale opening; Ixxa and Dan's Pierogies updating
Region native Joseph S. Pete is a Lisagor Award-winning business reporter who covers steel, industry, unions, the ports, retail, banking and more. The Indiana University grad has been with The Times of Northwest Indiana since 2013. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/cleveland-cliffs-said-its-poised-to-supply-steel-for-electric-vehicle-shift/article_5c14b7fc-0612-11ee-8a87-87f4a05058c9.html | 2023-06-10T15:35:45 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/cleveland-cliffs-said-its-poised-to-supply-steel-for-electric-vehicle-shift/article_5c14b7fc-0612-11ee-8a87-87f4a05058c9.html |
The Minnesota Boychoir will perform a free community concert at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Valparaiso.
The singing group from the Land of 10,000 Lakes will perform at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 16 at the Lutheran church at 1700 Monticello Park Drive in Valparaiso.
Founded in 1962, the choir has an extensive repertoire that encompasses choral, sacred, classical, secular, folk and contemporary music sung in 30 different languages and dialects. It has more than 150 singers under the age of 18 who perform up to 30 concerts a year around the globe in venues like churches, schools and concert halls.
"The Minnesota Boychoir, now in its 61st season, is the oldest continually operating boys’ choir in the Twin Cities," Immanuel Lutheran Church's Kristen Kearney said in a press release. "Their reputation for excellence has brought invitations from local and national music conventions, as well as sporting events and touring Broadway companies."
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The choir has performed with many local and national performers over the years, including the Minnesota Orchestra, the Minnesota Opera, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Baltimore Symphony and the Prague Philharmonic. Often out touring, the Minnesota Boyhoir has taken the stage in five continents and performed in prominent venues like Sydney’s Opera House, Saint Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican and Montserrat Abbey in Barcelona.
"The Minnesota Boychoir trains young men to be outstanding musicians and strives to help them develop a sense of poise and self-confidence through education and performance," Kearney said. "This is a free concert, but donations are encouraged. All donations will go to the Minnesota Boychoir."
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Pierogi stand, Brown Skin Coffee and Alpha Family Resale opening; Ixxa and Dan's Pierogies updating
Open
Open
Closed
Renovated
New mural
Opening
Opening
Coming soon
Coming soon
Expanded
Expanded
219 News Now 5/19/23
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Unbeatable Eatables, DRIPBaR Crown Point, Taco Depot and Flashback Antiques open; Da Burger House closes | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/immanuel-lutheran-to-host-the-minnesota-boychoir/article_fa234764-06d6-11ee-83c7-1ba8a9e7ff73.html | 2023-06-10T15:35:52 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/immanuel-lutheran-to-host-the-minnesota-boychoir/article_fa234764-06d6-11ee-83c7-1ba8a9e7ff73.html |
MICHIGAN CITY — The City Council approved a resolution in support of funding a destination playground at Fedder’s Alley and advanced an ordinance to help pay for it.
Councilman Paul Przybylinski, D-2nd, cast the sole vote against the resolution.
“This will be something that’s just very special and very unique about Michigan City,” Councilwoman Dalia Zygas, D-at large, said. “It’s for all people, including people with disabilities, adults with disabilities.”
The playground would be 3.4 acres, not 8.4 acres as Przybylinski said, explained Assistant Park Superintendent Shannon Eason.
Przybylinski said the accessible playground should be built near the zoo and splash pad with the bathhouse there modernized.
The playground is a part of the Washington Park master plan, which took 14 months to create. “There were many, many meetings held,” Eason said. “At this point it doesn’t make any sense to back up and start the public process over again.”
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“There was robust input into the plan,” Eason said. There are several reasons for putting it where it is to be built, including an esplanade that would connect the beach to the zoo, splash pad and other attractions.
“It’s a destination playground. We’re looking for an audience that does not already exist,” she said.
Council Vice President Don Przybylinski, D-at large, said the committee working on the playground visited 10 parks in northern Indiana and the Chicago area. “It’s not going to be just a park. It’s going to be a destination area for this city,” he said. “This is something that people will be able to use for years to come.”
Fedder’s Alley has a playground, but the equipment there is little changed in the past 70 years, he said.
"If you can imagine this, it’s going to be for senior citizens. It’s going to be for everybody,” he said, with a walking track, exercise equipment and more.
“We should be able to have a facility like that in Michigan City for everyone to enjoy,” Don Przybylinski said.
Councilwoman Angie Deuitch, D-at large, said the playground will be built with a mix of city money and donations. “This is not just a city project. It’s a community project. It’s not just the city paying for it for a change.”
Paul Przybylinski said the plan to use American Rescue Plan Act money to help pay for the new accessible playground comes from foundations complaining that the city wasn’t putting enough money into it: “They made the reasoning that the city didn’t have enough skin in the game.”
Resident Rodney McCormick said updating playgrounds for residents should take priority over a destination playground that would boost tourism.
“How about the people from the city?” he asked. “We would love to have our playgrounds look the same as Gardena Park.
“A lot of us don’t go to Washington Park. A lot of our kids don’t go to Washington Park. The people from the Region can’t vote for you, but the people from Michigan City can.
“To take all of that money and put it in one playground is wrong.”
Paul Przybylinski said: “The neighborhood park program, as far as I’m concerned, has been abandoned here in Michigan City.”
His brother, Don Przybylinski, noted that the park department is continuing to upgrade playgrounds in neighborhood parks, including Tower Park.
In other business, the council approved a resolution allowing five Long Beach homeowners to connect to the Michigan City Sanitary District sewer system at the homeowners’ cost.
Attorney Michael Bergerson said the residents plan to install a 3-inch line running 800 feet on Lake Shore Drive and 2,900 feet on Chastleton Drive to connect with the city’s line near Hacienda.
“It’s an unprecedented investment in not only the environment but the community as a whole,” he said.
Up to 10 homeowners could connect to that line. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/michigan-city/michigan-city-council-advances-destination-playground-plan/article_5c587c4e-0734-11ee-9187-efbe7248a864.html | 2023-06-10T15:35:58 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/michigan-city/michigan-city-council-advances-destination-playground-plan/article_5c587c4e-0734-11ee-9187-efbe7248a864.html |
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It was a quiet afternoon at Fort Tuthill County Park last week. A half dozen summer campers from Quality Connections sat together on a red checkered blanket, plastic measuring cups and tiny white envelopes in hand.
As the sunshine filtered through the towering pines near the Sheriff’s Posse Ramada, the group worked to fill individual packets with a special blend of native seeds, listening to the soft “shhuuu” sound of the tiny spheres tumbling into their envelopes. The seeds will one day germinate into plants that support pollinator species, such as butterflies and bees.
In the meantime, the work of filling the packets supports Quality Connections and the campers themselves.
Quality Connections is a Flagstaff nonprofit that works with adults with disabilities to improve their quality of life. The organization believes limitations should not be barriers to a person’s independence, or ability to participate in their society and community.
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As a result, a number of their programs focus on bringing jobs and employable skills to people who are often overlooked in the labor market. Quality Connections supplies a number of local businesses with items such as printer paper, ink and pens, providing work for adults with disabilities, and funneling the money businesses spend into their enrichment and in-home care programs.
Summer camp is an extension of Quality Connection’s Montessori-based Adult Day Program, which teaches practical life, social and communication skills to participants.
Monica “Mo” Burres, the program coordinator for Quality Connections, said filling seed packets is an example of a perfect activity for summer camp.
“This is something that we know is absolutely coming with us to summer camp every single day because we’re outside, and if anything falls out here it’s totally fine," Burres said. "There’s just something that’s really comfortable about setting out our tarp. I keep this in the back of my Jeep, and when I get here we just pull it out, set it up and people are like, ‘I want to go do seeds!'"
There’s a subtle popping sound as Burres helps the campers to break each packet label’s backing from the adhesive. One by one, she peels and sticks labels on envelopes, because the campers tend to prefer the seed-filling part of the process.
Each label features the name of one of two native plant seed blends, tailored to different Arizona landscapes. Each label also features an Arizona Public Service (APS) logo. That’s because the project is the brainchild of biologists at the utility company.
“We started a pollinator initiative back in 2018. It was basically just a passion project, with a few of us who were already doing environmental work and wanted to do more,” said Conor Flynn, a biologist by trade and a natural resource specialist at APS.
Flynn added: “It’s a cool job, and a lot of people, when I first talk to them, they’re surprised that a power company would have someone like me who studies biology."
Occasionally he’ll work to determine the health of trees near power lines to monitor their risk of falling, but Flynn’s primary job is to review project proposals from every corner of APS’ territory in order to determine its impact on wildlife.
Whether the power company is maintaining power lines or vegetation, Flynn is consulted. He makes sure APS’s activities don’t affect endangered species.
Flynn said he’s passionate about all kinds of plant and animal life, but he has a deep appreciation for some particularly threatened insect species.
With a team of colleagues, he started a project to promote the health of pollinator populations. Supporting bees quickly became a collaborative project.
“We were looking at trying to protect pollinators, and our mission was to find the best way of doing that,” Flynn said.
APS worked with the Coconino National Forest to develop a weed-free mix of seeds that would sprout into the native plant species that best support Arizona’s indigenous pollinators.
Two blends were developed — a mix best suited for the climate in Flagstaff and Prescott, and a desert blend tailored to Phoenix and southern Arizona.
The seeds initially were going to be used to cultivate vegetation on APS rights-of-way. Ultimately, according to Flynn, the company discovered the seeds often wouldn’t take off without watering -- which was logistically difficult.
So, the pollinator program pivoted.
APS started working on getting seeds into the hands of community members and gardeners for free.
“We started getting the seeds to people who can actually plant them," Flynn said, "and then care for them. It’s a great project. We’ve had a lot of success. It’s beneficial to pollinators, but to people, too.”
The seed packets give people the opportunity to support struggling species that keep links in the food chain fully intact.
Flynn teaches the concept to children in the community, visiting classrooms to talk about the value of pollinators.
“Talking to kids and seeing them get inspired about this has been inspirational for me as well,” Flynn said.
He describes visiting elementary schools and holding up apples, bananas and other healthy snacks at the front of the room.
“Which one of these foods needs pollinators to grow?” he asks before he launches into explaining why and how almost all foods require the support of creatures such as bees, bats, butterflies and birds.
“I’ve been involved in environmental work for most of my life, it can be hard to see good impacts from that work. Talking to kids is always rewarding, but especially when it’s something they glom on to and get it quickly. They get it -- which helps remind me that what I’m doing is important,” Flynn said.
He hands out seed packets in the classroom, but the envelopes also make their way to promotional tables at events around the state, used as a tool for branding and outreach.
“When we started the pollinator program and we wanted to help encourage our customers to plant a little pollinator garden, we were racking our brains," said Janet Dean, APS's public affairs manager. "We had all the raw materials. We found a supplier for the seeds, we knew how to get envelopes. We printed labels. But how do we put those together?”
She’s been living in Flagstaff for a long time, and has been impressed with the programs at Quality Connections. APS is an office supply customer. They also have invested in the nonprofit’s new media programs.
This time last year, Burres was not at summer camp. Instead, she and a team of interested students were spray-painting desks and installing high-quality equipment inside a brand-new radio studio.
Route 66, the Ghost now broadcasts music and talk programs from east Flagstaff onto the internet.
“APS and Janet have been such a blessing to us,” said Burres. "They gave us this grant to purchase all of our equipment for our radio program. We have all of this really amazing equipment, seriously expensive stuff that we never would have been able to have because of them."
Now APS exchanges seed packet filling for printing services, supporting a quarterly newspaper written by aspiring journalists at QC called Outlooks. The paper is distributed to Quality Connections' nonprofit partners, and sold to raise funds for its programming.
“It’s all very cyclical,” Burres said. “A lot of our members find this really relaxing, and myself, too. There’s something really nice about fulfilling this. We know what it’s for and where it’s going. We know this partnership is a huge deal for us, too. Everyone understands that this is helpful with our media departments, and so we have no trouble, none of our members have any trouble understanding partnership and what that means to give and take.” | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/busy-as-bees-quality-connections-summer-campers-team-up-with-aps-to-support-pollinators/article_d06bb64e-0164-11ee-b7aa-9b509d7d2f28.html | 2023-06-10T15:44:04 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/busy-as-bees-quality-connections-summer-campers-team-up-with-aps-to-support-pollinators/article_d06bb64e-0164-11ee-b7aa-9b509d7d2f28.html |
Getting native wildflowers and grasses established should be pretty easy in the high country. We are sowing native seeds, after all. But we have wind, intense sun, drought, poor soil and critters to contend with, and getting seeds to germinate and grow can be very discouraging. And for anyone with a property that has been damaged by fire or flooding, the desire to get anything other than weeds to grow is top on their list.
But there’s hope. Try using seed balls.
Seed balls, also called seed bombs or pelleted seeds, are small clumps of clay, compost, and seeds mixed together with water and rolled into a ball. The clay protects the seeds from drying out in the sun, getting eaten by animals, or blowing away in the wind, while the compost contains nutrients and beneficial soil microbes. Seed balls improve seed-to-soil contact which aids germination. After drying, the balls can be tossed out on the landscape as a way to help plants get established.
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Seed balls are not a new idea as they have been used for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, seed balls helped reseed farmland along the Nile after spring flooding. In Japan, seed balls were known as tsuchi dango or ‘earth dumplings’ because of their round shape. Seed balls have been used in arid regions where the ball will keep seeds safe until conditions are favorable for germination, such as monsoon rain.
In 1938, Masanobu Fukuoka, a Japanese microbiologist, farmer, and author of ‘One Straw Revolution’, reintroduced the use of seed balls for his ‘natural farming’ movement where no machines or chemicals were required.
Today seed balls can be used as an easy way to plant seeds naturally in home gardens and landscapes.
Elise Gornish, Arizona Cooperative Extension Specialist in Ecological Restoration, recently joined us in Flagstaff to teach us about this inexpensive, low-tech method to help restore damaged landscapes. But for anyone wanting to have more native plants and fewer weeds, seed balls could be used. Gornish’s research has looked at seed balls in arid landscapes.
There are several ways to make seed balls. The Gornish Lab has determined that for Arizona, a mixture of one part seed, two parts organic matter, and three parts clay is the right combination for our arid climate. A great type of clay to use is fire clay as it’s inexpensive, but you can substitute soil, rock dust and cat litter. I did try digging up some of the heavy clay from my background thinking ‘it’s native, it should work great.’ But screening my heavy clay soil into something that would be easy to work with was a challenging mess. If you don’t have compost, potting soil or composted steer manure can replace the organic matter.
Combine your materials and add enough water so the mixture is sticky and you can form balls. Dry the balls for three days. Then toss them onto your landscape or store until you're ready to use them. If sowing on a hillside, you may want to flatten the balls so they don’t all roll away.
Seed balls can have one type of seed, or a variety. They can be different sizes, though they are often formed to be an inch in diameter. Having varied sizes with a diversity of species will increase the success of getting plants established.
For landscapes that have lots of weeds, knowing what weeds you have can help you decide on the best seeds to sow. If kochia is a problem on your property, think about a native plant that can compete against this weed, maybe desert four o’clock or Mexican hat. Or seed California poppy where there’s lots of cheatgrass. Starting with fast-growing plants that can shade out weeds is key. Once the weed problem has been reduced, sow more native plants.
For more information on seed balls, check out the University of Arizona’s EcoRestore Portal ecorestore.arizona.edu, a website designed to ‘Restore Arizona’s Native Plants’. It has a handy restoration assessment tool to help with plant selection, excellent information on restoration, and local resources. There’s a section on EcoRestore for kids. And you will find more information on seed balls including Dr. Gornish’s great publication on seed ball strategies for arid landscapes. Go to: https://ecorestore.arizona.edu/plant-material-application/seedballs. There's also a publication on how to make a bicycle-powered seed pelletizer.
Seed balls! That’s the easy part. Getting enough native seed may require more work. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/gardening-etcetera-the-potential-benefits-of-seed-balls/article_6f956836-063e-11ee-8bb3-63f2573f70ae.html | 2023-06-10T15:44:10 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/gardening-etcetera-the-potential-benefits-of-seed-balls/article_6f956836-063e-11ee-8bb3-63f2573f70ae.html |
After another successful year, the Coconino Panthers boys basketball team has a whole new look this summer.
The Panthers started their June offseason campaign last week, including playing several games in an exhibition tournament at Northern Arizona University’s men’s basketball team camp over the weekend.
It’s Cooper Elliott’s second year as head coach of the Panthers, and Coconino is in the process of undergoing a heavy transformation in its roster. The Panthers graduated seven of their top-eight scorers from a team that went 12-8 (8-4 Grand Canyon) and reached the first round of the 4A Conference state tournament after beating Arizona College Prep 69-51 in the play-in round.
As the summer period continues, Coconino is looking to form a new identity.
“It’s something different. We’re still trying to find our chemistry. Once we figure that out I think we’ll be in good shape,” senior JT Begay said.
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Begay is one of just a few returning players that played significant varsity minutes last year. He’s joined by senior Mike Chukwujigha, who started competing with the Panthers midway through last year after sitting out several games while waiting for adoption papers to clear with his new guardians in Flagstaff.
Chukwujigha averaged 8.2 points and a team-high 9.7 rebounds per game in 2022-23.
“It’s a big deal for our team. But I also want him there for his own sake. For him to sit out when he was doing all the right things was tough. But now to have him and a couple more additions will be crucial,” Elliott said.
Perhaps Chukwujigha’s most important attribute, however, is his defense in the paint. By the end of the season, Chukwujigha was one of the top paint defenders in the 4A Conference.
In a 92-21 exhibition win over Tuba City at the Lumberjacks camp last Saturday, Chukwujigha recorded four blocks and controlled the paint for the Panthers by contesting even more shots. That defensive performance came despite the starters sitting the majority of the second half in a blowout victory.
Coconino beats Tuba City 92-21 pic.twitter.com/tB0bjz4kgh
— Eric Newman (@enewmanwrites) June 3, 2023
His presence will provide a boost for the Panthers, even on nights when he isn’t scoring as much as he’d like.
“We definitely try not to get beat, but with him back there it’s in the back of your mind that you still have help,” Begay said.
Defense is the aspect of the game Elliott is focusing on with the new group. Over time, the relatively inexperienced roster will start to mesh on offense, with players finding their roles in the half-court game.
Steals and stops will provide chances to score on the break. And, with some size and athleticism throughout the squad, defense could prove a strength if the team figures it out.
“The biggest thing is the buy-in, and we’ve got that,” Elliott said. “I have a lot of great kids that still have a lot of room for improvement. You see the results of it, but also some of those losses show what happens when you don’t do it. I think there’s a lot of potential growth from that.”
He added: “In just a few games we’ve won by a lot and gotten beat by a lot. But you see the growth, and if that continues then we’re on track. And I tell the guys our identity is going to reveal itself.”
The Panthers will continue to practice and play in exhibition games throughout June. That includes a Monday night league with local teams in both Flagstaff and Coconino’s gyms.
They will take a break after this month, and eventually get back in the gym to prepare for the season opener on Nov. 27 at Greenway in Phoenix. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/coconino-panthers-boys-basketball-looks-to-find-new-identity-in-june/article_63d55628-062a-11ee-9c7f-a324819cba7f.html | 2023-06-10T15:44:22 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/coconino-panthers-boys-basketball-looks-to-find-new-identity-in-june/article_63d55628-062a-11ee-9c7f-a324819cba7f.html |
Olin Hacker broke his maiden over the weekend, and then the NAZ Elite rookie backed it up with another victory just days later, showing he's ready to make a race for the stakes.
Hacker was the winner at the HOKA Festival of Miles on June 1 in St. Louis with a time of 3:56.59, producing a personal best as well as a new team record at the distance. Altra Running's Brett Meyer gave chase, finishing second in the mile just behind Hacker.
Hacker kept the momentum going into Sunday's Portland Track Festival 5,000-meter, winning the race in 13:19.28 for a new team record and PR.
“Olin had one of the best four-day stretches that I can remember," said NAZ Elite Executive Director Ben Rosario. "I mean, to win both races and run so fast, and set PBs and team records, it doesn’t get much better than that.”
But the 5000m race in Oregon wasn't close like the mile race. Hacker dominated the longer distance as he clocked an automatic qualifier to the USATF Outdoor Championships set to take place in early July. The runner-up, Benjamin Eidenschink, crossed the finish line in 13:33.24.
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Hacker's final 400 meters of the 5000m were strong, as he ran 58.69 as part of his kick.
Rosario wants to see what Hacker can do when he's in peak shape and facing a field that will push his speed and test his tactics.
“He’s getting close to peak shape," Rosario said, "but he still hasn’t had that real deep field to roam with, and he’ll get that at the championships.”
Getting Hacker, 26, a good race was challenging at first for the outdoors season. He finished a solid indoor season with a bronze result at the USATF championship meet in mid-February. About two months after that, he ran an outdoor road 5K in Boston with teammates Alex Masai, who finished fourth just ahead of Hacker, and Wesley Kiptoo, who took 10th. But on May 6 at the ON Track Fest, he failed to produced a strong race and get the qualifier for the championships.
“Fortunately he’s an athlete who gets it. He understands that not every race is going to be a home run, and he understands that, hey, there are reasons, and reasons are different than excuses,” Rosario said.
Hacker battled an illness while leading up to the ON Track Fest race. The setback to training led to a poor race.
Hacker's training, however, is now reaching new levels.
“They were smoother, felt better, he ran faster. Everything was just coming easier, and that was a change from the previous few weeks when it just seemed to be a grind," Rosario said. "And I think that momentum carried over from training into his racing.”
Hacker has been having to adjust to more than racing at the professional level. Born and raised at sea level, Hacker has had to acclimate to the Flagstaff altitude.
He hopes the efforts at 7,000 feet elevation help move him into a category where he's one of the best 5000m runners in the world.
He's already set three PRs since joining NAZ Elite -- including a 7:43.94 3000m PR set in February.
The sub-13:20 outing was impressive, but Rosario said Hacker "wants to be someone who can finish on the podium at a U.S. championship on the track.”
He'll get the chance to see how he measures up in just a few weeks.
Mike Hartman can be reached at 556-2255 or at mhartman@azdailysun.com. Follow him on Twitter @AZDS_Hartman. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/naz-elite-this-week-olin-hacker-heating-up-as-championships-races-approach/article_cbd49984-0727-11ee-8091-bf426825c6a5.html | 2023-06-10T15:44:29 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/naz-elite-this-week-olin-hacker-heating-up-as-championships-races-approach/article_cbd49984-0727-11ee-8091-bf426825c6a5.html |
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