text string | url string | crawl_date timestamp[ms] | label int64 | id string |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Philadelphia Water Department is responding to a water main break in Mayfair that started leaking Saturday morning.
The water main break is along the 6300 block of Cottage Street. The water department has shut down a 12-inch water main to repair the leak, according to the water department.
Citizen video shared with our newsroom shows the water main break along Cottage Street.
Get Philly local news, weather forecasts, sports and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC Philadelphia newsletters.
At this time there has not been any word on the impact to customers in that area. Anyone who feels that their service was interrupted due to the water main break can contact the water department at 215-685-6300.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/crews-working-to-repair-a-water-main-break-in-the-mayfair-section-of-philly/3583155/ | 2023-06-10T21:53:17 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/crews-working-to-repair-a-water-main-break-in-the-mayfair-section-of-philly/3583155/ |
ODESSA, Texas — Kids at the Ector County Library got a lesson in making blankets Thursday.
Children as young as 8-years-old got to make their own "no sew" blankets all for the benefit of the Odessa Humane Society and the pets waiting to find a home.
If you and your kid missed this event, don't worry! The library has events going on almost everyday this summer for their summer reading program. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/kids-learn-how-to-make-blankets-at-the-ector-county-library/513-060f081d-5d39-4079-930c-3737241bce85 | 2023-06-10T21:56:29 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/kids-learn-how-to-make-blankets-at-the-ector-county-library/513-060f081d-5d39-4079-930c-3737241bce85 |
MIDLAND, Texas — On Friday at about 9:30 p.m., officers with the Midland Police Department responded to a call regarding a fatality accident involving a pedestrian in the 900 block of S. Midkiff Rd.
Upon investigation, officers found that a truck pulling a fifth wheel flatbed trailer was southbound in the inside left turn lane.
While attempting to turn left, the vehicle and trailer went onto the center median and struck a pedestrian who was soliciting money from drivers in the roadway. The pedestrian suffered deadly injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
No citations were issued.
Pedestrian identification is still pending. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/midland-pedestrian-dies-after-being-hit-by-truck/513-6dab126c-ed65-4ec0-bf28-0766c5ea58b6 | 2023-06-10T21:56:30 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/midland-pedestrian-dies-after-being-hit-by-truck/513-6dab126c-ed65-4ec0-bf28-0766c5ea58b6 |
ODESSA, Texas — Saturday morning, 19-year-old Ervey Luna, fled from officers in a vehicle and led them on a chase beginning at UTPB. Eventually, Luna lost control and crashed into a light pole at the MCM Elegante parking lot. No officers were injured.
There was also a passenger in the vehicle who was trying to get out, but couldn't because Luna wouldn't stop. The passenger was waving for officers to help. Luna was hurt in the crash and taken to the hospital. The passenger was not injured and was not charged.
The suspect was charged with evading in a motor vehicle and kidnapping. He also had warrants for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, interference with 911 and injury to a child.
OPD and Odessa Fire Rescue responded to the crash. The investigation continues. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/suspect-arrested-after-fleeing-police-and-crashing-into-light-pole/513-f9535cf4-d52e-41b5-a24c-26c709ece1cc | 2023-06-10T21:56:30 | 0 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/suspect-arrested-after-fleeing-police-and-crashing-into-light-pole/513-f9535cf4-d52e-41b5-a24c-26c709ece1cc |
OXFORD, Maine — Update: Maine State Police said a 70-year-old Oxford woman has been found safe after a Silver Alert was issued when she went missing Friday afternoon.
The woman was reported missing by her family after not returning home when traveling from New Hampshire to her residence on E. Oxford Road, according to the Oxford Police Department.
She was last known to be in the Saco area on I-95 at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Friday, police said. At the time, her phone was no longer active.
In an emailed statement, Maine State Police thanked everyone for their assistance. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/70-year-old-oxford-woman-found-after-silver-alert-issued/97-1106ccb3-67c4-43a5-a337-5c6bcdb0662b | 2023-06-10T22:03:52 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/70-year-old-oxford-woman-found-after-silver-alert-issued/97-1106ccb3-67c4-43a5-a337-5c6bcdb0662b |
WATERVILLE, Maine — Waterville Fire Capt. Mike Folsom has been discharged from the hospital after suffering a cardiac event that led to a car crash last month.
On May 10, Folsom was called in from his vacation to help restore the alarm system at the Waterville fire station around 7 a.m., a previous news release from the fire department said.
After finishing at the station, he drove to Central Fire to help with another job. Folsom headed out to get some tools to complete the job. Around 11:42 a.m., the Waterville fire and police departments were called to a crash on Silver Street, where Folsom was found unresponsive, the release said.
Folsom was treated at the scene and then taken to Thayer Hospital. Later, he was taken by helicopter to Maine Medical Center in Portland due to needing additional treatment from suffering a cardiac event, according to the release.
On Friday morning, Waterville Fire Department members gathered at the station for a reunion with Folsom.
"After nearly a month of being hospitalized, Captain Folsom accompanied by his wife and son, walked through the bays of Central Fire Station for a visit with the fire and EMS crews," a Facebook post by Waterville Fire-Rescue said. "As one can imagine, the visit prompted tears, laughs, and a big 'welcome home.'"
The fire department said Friday that Folsom is outperforming his physical therapy and is on his way to recovery.
"This event really hit home for us," the fire department said. "It serves as a reminder of the value of EMS programs throughout the State and when we reduce response times, we increase a patient’s chance of survival."
Folsom has served as a firefighter since 1985 and a full-time employee with the Waterville Public Works Department since 1999. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/augusta-waterville/waterville-fire-captain-returns-to-station-after-suffering-cardiac-event-maine/97-db09421e-8444-491f-a9b7-f54deec54c71 | 2023-06-10T22:03:58 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/augusta-waterville/waterville-fire-captain-returns-to-station-after-suffering-cardiac-event-maine/97-db09421e-8444-491f-a9b7-f54deec54c71 |
BANGOR, Maine — Police in Bangor have safely located a child who reportedly left a hospital on foot Friday afternoon.
The 12-year-old reportedly left Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center on foot around 1:45 p.m., a news release from the Bangor Police Department said.
He was last seen on a security camera on State Street walking in the direction of downtown Bangor, police said.
The Bangor police issued an update shortly before 7 p.m. stating that the boy has been found and is safe. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/bangor/bangor-police-searching-for-missing-child-who-left-hospital-on-foot-northern-light-eastern-maine-medical-center/97-dfd329a2-b324-4c07-b739-2ffb81458901 | 2023-06-10T22:04:04 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/bangor/bangor-police-searching-for-missing-child-who-left-hospital-on-foot-northern-light-eastern-maine-medical-center/97-dfd329a2-b324-4c07-b739-2ffb81458901 |
WASHINGTON — A young black bear became the focus of a spectacle in the District early Friday after it scampered up a tree in Northeast.
Police said they had received several reports of a black bear spotted in Northeast D.C. around 7 a.m. Viewer Tasharia Outlaw posted an image on social media of a bear in the area of 14th and Kearny Streets Northeast. Twitter user Miss J Lilly also captured video of the bear running across the street near 14th and Monroe.
Just after 7 a.m., Metropolitan Police Department officers said they were responding to a report of a bear in a tree in the 1300 block of Franklin Street Northeast. Roads were closed in the area for several hours while officials worked to get the bear down.
By 9 a.m. the bear was drawing neighbors in the area to watch the incident unfold. The neighbors named the bear Franklin since it was stuck on Franklin Street.
Police said The Maryland Department of Natural Resources were called to the scene, along with representatives from the Smithsonian National Zoo.
A neighbor told WUSA9 she was happy to learn the police presence in her neighborhood was because of a bear and not something worse. DC Police officers used sirens to keep the bear up in the tree to buy time for animal control officers to get to the scene.
"They bought us just enough time," said Chris Schindler with the Humane Rescue Alliance.
The bear eventually came down from the tree on its own just before 10 a.m. Animal control officers tranquilized the bear to transport it out of the neighborhood.
Schindler, Vice President of Field Services at Humane Rescue Alliance, explained the bear is expected to be transported to Maryland by Department of Natural Resources officials.
Schindler said he believes the bear is the same one that was spotted in Hyattsville Thursday. Department of Natural Resources said a bear wandering from Hyattsville to D.C. is normal behavior for a juvenile male bear.
A video from the acting director of communications for HRA, Samantha Miller, shows that the bear has since been released back into a proper habitat in a remote area of Maryland.
A bear in D.C. is relatively rare. The last time a bear was spotted in the District was more than five years ago, Schindler said.
The organization BearWise offers the following tips to keep yourself and your home safe from bears:
Never feed or approach bears:
Intentionally feeding bears or allowing them to find anything that smells or tastes like food teaches bears to approach homes and people looking for more. Bears will defend themselves if a person gets too close, so don't risk your safety and theirs.
Secure food, garbage and recycling:
Food and food odors attract bears, so don't reward them with easily available food, liquids and garbage.
Remove bird feeders when bears are active:
Birdseed and grans have lots of calories, so they're very attractive to bears. Removing feeders is the best way to avoid creating conflicts with bears.
Never leave pet food outdoors:
Feed pets indoors if possible. If you must feed pets outside, feed in single portions and remove food and bowls after feeding. Store pet food where bears can't see or smell it.
Clean and store grills:
Clean grills after each use and make sure that all grease, fat and food particles are removed. Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out.
Alert neighbors to bear activity:
See bears in the area or evidence of bear activity? Tell your neighbors and share information on how to avoid bear conflicts. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/bear-sighting-northeast-dc/65-9a8bde35-df0b-469b-8296-f0eb7044f1f1 | 2023-06-10T22:04:11 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/bear-sighting-northeast-dc/65-9a8bde35-df0b-469b-8296-f0eb7044f1f1 |
CASTINE, Maine — A second person is facing charges for his alleged role in a crash that killed four Maine Maritime students in December.
Dominick Gecoya, 20, of Massachusetts has been indicted on 13 charges, including manslaughter, according to Hancock County District Attorney Robert Granger.
Gecoya was a passenger in an SUV, along with six other students, during the crash in Castine where the vehicle struck a tree and burst into flames after the last day of classes for the semester, police said.
Despite being identified as a passenger, the State alleges Gecoya was a "liable accomplice." Granger declined to share specific evidence to support the claim at this time.
The driver, 20-year-old Joshua Goncalves-Radding of North Babylon, New York, and two other students survived the crash.
Goncalves-Radding pleaded not guilty to a total of 17 charges including manslaughter and unlawful use of a license when he appeared in court at the beginning of May. His bail was set at $5,000.
Prosecutors believe Goncalves-Radding was driving under the influence at a rate of speed between 106 mph and 111 mph at the time of the crash.
The four Maine Maritime students killed in the crash were Brian Kenealy, 20, of York, Maine; Chase Fossett, 21, of Gardiner, Maine; Luke Simpson, 22, of Rockport, Massachusetts; and Riley Ignacio-Cameron, 20, of Aquinnah, Massachusetts. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/courts-news/second-person-facing-charges-for-alleged-role-in-crash-that-killed-4-maine-maritime-students-courts/97-4c60223a-1c0f-4a94-b58b-8c8e21105eab | 2023-06-10T22:04:17 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/courts-news/second-person-facing-charges-for-alleged-role-in-crash-that-killed-4-maine-maritime-students-courts/97-4c60223a-1c0f-4a94-b58b-8c8e21105eab |
WASHINGTON — A D.C. man was told by a court this week he is forbidden from smoking cannabis inside his home, after a neighbor sued him. In a lawsuit, the neighbor claimed that years of breathing in his marijuana smoke had harmed her health.
Northwest D.C. resident and health researcher Josefa Ippolito-Shepherd says for several years the smell of marijuana smoke seeped in through vents in the duplex wall she shared with Thomas Cackett, a 73-year-old restaurant manager.
"It comes to the whole house and up, because fumes go up," said Ippolito-Shepherd. "It doesn't matter if I'm here or if I am in my office on the third floor."
Once the smell would come in, Ippolito-Shepherd said she'd feel nauseous.
"That's how it starts, [and] headaches follow," she said. "Very, very strong headaches within the hour. Then, I start vomiting -- nonstop-convulsion type."
Cackett, living in the basement apartment next door, did not respond to WUSA9's request for comment. In court, Cackett testified he smokes for pain relief after numerous surgeries. Cackett added that cannabis edibles give him upset stomach and take too long to work.
"I feel sorry for him," Ippolito-Shepherd said. "I don't know what else to say. I have no ill feelings toward this gentleman."
Court papers show that after hundreds of emails from Ippolito-Shepherd to Cackett, she sued her neighbor in 2020.The DC Superior Court first rejected her case. But the DC Court of Appeals said her case deserved a second look.
On Monday, a judge ordered Cackett to never smoke Cannabis inside his home again or he would be held in contempt of court.
"District of Columbia Courts have not addressed the present situation where a neighboring homeowner (occupant) with a shared common wall suffered diminution of the full use and enjoyment of her property due to marijuana smoke," DC Superior Court judge Ebony Scott wrote. "In the absence of appellate or other authority in this jurisdiction, the Court may be guided by Maryland common law."
Judge Scott cited Schuman v. Greenbelt Homes, Inc which granted Schuman's request to ban his neighbor from smoking tobacco inside their home.
However, the court decision could still be appealed to the DC Court of Appeals.
"This was approached solely from the public health perspective, so that to me is a precedent," Ippolito-Shepherd said.
James Repace testified as an expert in secondhand smoke for the DC court hearing, and noted that when you live in any multi-unit dwelling, the walls, floors, ceiling and even windows are porous.
"Whether you're smoking joints, or bongs, or pipes or whether you vape it, these instruments will produce much more smoke than will a Marlboro cigarette," Repace said.
He added that for a non-smoker who breathes in tobacco smoke, they would likely experience symptoms like headaches, dizziness and eye/nose/throat irritation. But for a non-smoker who takes in marijuana smoke, they can get high from it.
"I think if you're in your apartment, or your attached house, and the smoke is permeating, through the walls, you don't want to be high in your own house," Repace said.
Adam Eidinger, with DCMJ, led the push to legalize cannabis in D.C. and wants this case to lead to a push to allow outdoor public smoking.
"I think this is a wake up call for cannabis users," Eidinger said. "We need to advocate for outdoor spaces and social use spaces. If you're smoking on a public street in Washington D.C., it's not fair that you could be arrested or face a $25 fine, have to get fingerprinted or get your mugshot taken."
Eidinger added that he believes Ippolito-Shepherd had valid reasons for taking her case to court, given that she tried to work it out with the neighbor first, and hopes cannabis users will take heed.
"If you're putting smoke in your neighbor's house, that's not right," he said. "We all have a right to clean air in our own home. It shouldn't be polluted by a neighbor ... I think everybody should try to figure out a way to coexist. If you're living next to someone who is a nuisance, you should try to talk to them first."
Ippolito-Shepherd agreed, and urged anyone facing a similar situation to first try and negotiate with their neighbor.
"It's not fun to go to the court system," she said. "It has been a long, long battle. It is very expensive. But more than the money, it's mental exhaustion that you have to go through." | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/dc-cannabis-odor-lawsuit-succeeds/65-1d1a56e6-b626-4921-9067-5a6018c00065 | 2023-06-10T22:04:17 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/dc-cannabis-odor-lawsuit-succeeds/65-1d1a56e6-b626-4921-9067-5a6018c00065 |
AUGUSTA, Maine — You can often find Dale McCormick with a tool in hand, tackling yet another project.
On this spring day, she was in her garage using scrap lumber to build a rack for some of her gardening equipment.
"I have too many [projects]," McCormick said. "I'm too busy!"
The truth is, she always has been. McCormick was the first openly gay person to be elected to the Maine Legislature. Before that, she started the fight for LGBTQ+ equality in the state.
McCormick said that despite a number of setbacks over decades, she was determined.
"I am an eternal optimist. This is my problem. My mom called me a god damn Pollyanna," McCormick laughed. "I guess she was right."
She used that positivity to help found the Maine Lesbian-Gay Political Alliance in 1983 and then became the first president of the organization.
From the start, McCormick said she faced opposition at a time when acceptance, let alone tolerance, was hard to come by.
"One of the big pushbacks we were getting from society at large was, 'Well you choose this, you chose to be gay,'" McCormick said. "The biggest accomplishment is just that we formed MLGPA, to stick up for ourselves. We decided to change how we were thought of."
After decades of fighting and countless failed attempts, the group became most known for getting a civil rights bill passed that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in Maine.
The years it took to achieve that progress were born out of hardship and loss. The MLGPA was formed just as the HIV/AIDS crisis took hold nationwide and here in Maine.
Howard Solomon lost his partner, Ron, to the disease. It was what motivated him to get involved in activism.
"For many gay men, the organizing largely centered around AIDS," he said. "We were taking care of ourselves, and we were taking care of our brothers."
Solomon and many other gay men and allies came together to educate the community and fight for resources, as national politicians failed to take action.
"The Reagan White House remained silent on AIDS," he said.
It was not just AIDS that sparked action. In July 1984, Charlie Howard was killed in downtown Bangor.
The 23-year-old gay man was walking with his boyfriend, Roy Ogden, when a group of teens approached them shouting homophobic slurs. The teens beat them and threw them into the Kenduskeag Stream. Howard could not swim and drowned.
"What Charlie Howard's death and the subsequent organizing did was make it much more visible, not only to other gay people who were from other towns that they weren't alone, but it also gave our allies, our straight brothers, sisters, parents, and friends for themselves to come out of the closet and support us," Solomon said.
Years have passed, but Howard's death still resonates in Bangor. There is now a rainbow painted crosswalk and a memorial in his honor.
"It's a reminder every year that we've come a long way, and there's still a long way to go," Jill Henderson with the Maine Health Equity Alliance said.
Henderson organizes Bangor's annual Pride celebration and events. It is a celebration Charlie Howard never got. Each year, a small ceremony is held for him to remind people of the dark history.
"We're still fighting for safety. We're still fighting so that something like Charlie Howard never happens again," Henderson explained.
As for Dale McCormick, she is still fighting too. She said she is frustrated by an increasingly hostile political environment that targets the LGBTQ+ community.
"I'm not discouraged, but I'm sick of it and really mad," she said.
She said she is proud of the work she and so many others did to build a better future for Maine's gay community, a future that is now in the hands of the next generation.
MLGPA is now what's known as Equality Maine, the state's largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization. You can learn more about the work they do at EqualityMaine.org.
You can catch Maine Pride stories on NEWS CENTER Maine at 6 p.m. every Thursday in June. You can also watch our full special report streaming now on NEWS CENTER Maine+. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/lgbtq/maine-pride-bangor-portland-charlie-howard-death-maine-lesbian-gay-political-alliance-equality-maine/97-2e62878b-1069-4675-919b-9f019e21b979 | 2023-06-10T22:04:23 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/lgbtq/maine-pride-bangor-portland-charlie-howard-death-maine-lesbian-gay-political-alliance-equality-maine/97-2e62878b-1069-4675-919b-9f019e21b979 |
A black bear cub was killed when he was struck by a vehicle Friday morning on East Wendover Avenue and Penry Road near the Guilford Tech Community College Greensboro campus.
The incident occurred between 7 and 7:30 a.m. The cub was dead at the scene, said Guilford County Animal Control Assistant Director Lisa Lee.
Black bears inhabit all 100 of North Carolina's counties. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website says that while they live in the woods, bears occasionally wander into residential areas or towns in search of food. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/bear-cub-dies-after-being-hit-by-vehicle-near-guilford-tech/article_a0435156-06d8-11ee-9855-5bd91ffd08da.html | 2023-06-10T22:04:27 | 1 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/bear-cub-dies-after-being-hit-by-vehicle-near-guilford-tech/article_a0435156-06d8-11ee-9855-5bd91ffd08da.html |
PORTLAND, Maine — The City of Portland has secured a new location to open an emergency shelter specifically for asylum seekers, according to a memorandum issued by the city on Friday.
Kevin Bunker, the developer for the project, said he and the city have secured a location on Riverside Parkway near the city's golf course. It will include wraparound services for about 180 people seeking asylum. According to the memorandum, the project will be funded by a $4,596,160 grant from the Maine State Housing Authority to DC Blueberry LLC and the Center for Regional Prosperity.
The project awaits approval from councilors before moving forward.
Bunker said City of Portland employees will staff it at first, but ultimately the nonprofit the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition will take over services once it gets staffed up. Bunker said that process should take about 18 months.
Bunker was also involved the Blueberry Road location, which ultimately fell through in May of this year.
"Anyone seeing what's going on and hearing the struggles the city has with all the folks that are coming in, kind of seeing some of their stories, anybody would try to help. And I just happened to be in a position where I'm able to have some agency on it, so I just started digging," Bunker said. "I think of these buildings as social infrastructure. That's a term I've been using more and more lately, just like you need roads and bridges."
Gov. Janet Mills wrote a letter to Portland staff on Friday, saying she supports this shelter and encourages the council to endorse the project. A city spokesperson said they are excited to have the new option and that they need extra space to take care of the people already here.
Roughly 300 people seeking asylum are staying at the Portland Expo, which is slated to end its services for those people on Aug. 16. At the city's new Homeless Services Center, more than 60 percent of people staying there are asylum seekers.
"Portland has consistently not only said they're a welcoming city, but when they get behind something like the HSC and essentially fund it, they put their money where their mouth is," Bunker said. "They've certainly extended the welcome hand to asylum seekers consistently. This is just a way of sort of delivering on that."
Bunker said the shelter is set to open in the fall. He said the contract for the space is for three years. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/maine-immigration/portland-developer-asylum-seeker-emergency-shelter/97-f3b4e3c6-0672-478a-8322-37181dfce398 | 2023-06-10T22:04:29 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/maine-immigration/portland-developer-asylum-seeker-emergency-shelter/97-f3b4e3c6-0672-478a-8322-37181dfce398 |
SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — Despite the fact that Maine has so many rivers, lakes, and ponds, not to mention that it borders the Atlantic Ocean, it's important for Mainers to learn how to swim. Swimming is a skill that many in the state take for granted, but for some new Mainers or immigrants who now call Maine home, it's a skill many lack.
South Portland High School's competitive swim and dive team trains at the South Portland Community Center and most recently has been embracing others who have wanted to be part of the team.
"I said, 'Oh, swimming can be cool as a new experience in my life," Mitis Iyogo said.
"In past years we've had a rule that said you had to be able to swim two lengths of the pool unaided in order to join the team," head coach Ryan Green said. "It was mostly for safety reasons, because often there are 40 swimmers in the pool and just coach [Lesley] Hurley and I on staff, and so we can't have our eyes everywhere at once."
The only big and major problem is that the students did not know how to swim but were willing to learn. Another challenge the new Mainers faced was that the team's coach and assistant coach did not have the resources to teach the students while keeping the team competitive and in shape for their season meets.
"I use the analogy a lot: If you want to join the soccer team and you don't know how to play soccer, you will survive. You might not know the rules of the game. But if you want to join the swim team and you don't know how to swim, there is a safety element to that, and these guys were ready and willing," assistant coach Lesley Hurley said.
Two students who are part of the team, diver Emily Way and swim team captain Nicholas Reid, decided they could teach these new Mainers from scratch the skills it takes to be part of the competitive team, knowing many had never been in the water.
"We started off the first week just learning to blow bubbles and kick on the wall," Way said.
The student mentors say swimming is an inclusive sport that welcomes everyone, so the coaches and team have welcomed these new swimmers.
Way and Reid decided they would donate one hour of their own two-hour practice time to teach the new Mainers every single weekday.
Along with embracing them came a few hurdles, like the language barrier. Most of the new Mainers speak French and only basic English.
"We do a lot of communicating with our hands," Hurley said.
The superintendent allowed the team to take them in only if they found transportation to and from the recreation center, because most if not all of them don't have any personal transportation methods. Then there was the challenge of getting gear, but the team found a way to get all the new Mainers suits and goggles.
Way is a lifeguard and has taught lessons at the pool. For her, it was natural to step up and help students who were extremely eager to be part of the team. Way said this has been one of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences of her life.
"The team and the fans have embraced them, and the cheering was very touching," said Peter Way, Emily's father, who has witnessed the how the new Mainers have progressively grown as swimmers. "I am so proud of my daughter but really the entire swim community at South Portland for their willingness to embrace these new Mainers as part of their team."
"It's meant a lot to me," Way said. "It takes a lot of courage to be able to come here. They've never swam before amongst lots of kids who have been swimming for a really long time."
"Every day I come here, it's fun. The more I learn, the more better I get, the faster I get," Jose Nguti, one of the new swim members, said.
"Everybody is invested in seeing them succeed," Green said.
The boys had given it their all to be on the inclusive team, making swimming not an obstacle but an enjoyment.
"It's a tearjerking moment to watch them swim," Hurley said. "I think as a mom and as a coach and as a swimming instructor, to watch what they've done and the enthusiasm that they have for the sport and them to watch the rest of our team embrace them? It's overwhelming."
It's their contagious smiles when they show up every day, their willingness to learn, and their confidence that has led them to the next level.
"Dude, your goggles broke, and you still powered through. Nice!" Reid said to one of the swimmers he mentors.
All six boys went from zero to now swimming 100s, which is four consecutive lenghts of a pool. Some of them even participated in competitive meets against other schools this past season.
"I tried out, and then I started liking it, and I always got scared every time we went on a meet on Friday, because I was like, 'A bunch of people are going to watch me. What if I lose?'" Nguti said.
"I'm going to get a little emotional here," Green said. "It's been a wonderful experience watching the guys just from meet to meet and their growth, and they are some of the most enthusiastic participants we have."
"I'm just happy, and it's my second family," Iyogo said with a smile on his face. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/maine-immigration/south-portland-community/97-7b404f0e-0be4-471c-b264-d3e951a0c15c | 2023-06-10T22:04:37 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/maine-immigration/south-portland-community/97-7b404f0e-0be4-471c-b264-d3e951a0c15c |
BANGOR, Maine — Update: Police have found a missing teenager after she was last seen getting into a vehicle parked near a Bangor restaurant Friday night. She is reported as being safe.
The teen, 14, of Hancock reportedly got into a white SUV in a parking lot near Texas Roadhouse located on Stillwater Avenue around 6:30 p.m., the Bangor Police Department said in a news release.
The SUV was reportedly last seen traveling outbound on Stillwater Avenue.
In a press release Saturday morning, the Bangor Police Department thanked the community for its assistance in finding Green. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/missing-hancock-maine-teen-found-safely-texas-roadhouse-stillwater-avenue-bangor/97-f6c0fc29-02c3-4984-83a7-9d6253cffa6e | 2023-06-10T22:04:44 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/missing-hancock-maine-teen-found-safely-texas-roadhouse-stillwater-avenue-bangor/97-f6c0fc29-02c3-4984-83a7-9d6253cffa6e |
KENNEBUNK, Maine — This spring, a group of elementary school kids in Old Orchard Beach learned firsthand their voices can make a difference in Augusta.
The fifth graders from Loranger Middle School successfully proposed, lobbied for and, in May, helped pass a bill in the Legislature; establishing the Pink-Edged Sulphur butterfly as the first-ever official state butterfly.
Governor Janet Mills invited students to the State House for a ceremonial signing on Wednesday. On Thursday, they squeezed in one final field trip before summer vacation.
Maine Audubon biologists invited the kids to the Kennebunk Plains Preserve, just down the road from Old Orchard. There, each summer, the students will be able to spot the insects, which were chosen not only for their looks, but because they can be found all across the state, and they often base their life around access to Maine's native blueberries.
Teacher Laura Seaver was proud of her students' initiative.
"They’ve been thinking about butterflies–off and on–all year," she smiled. "And it’s been a really cool process, figuring out how laws get made, and seeing like, it started with just a letter that got sent out and turned into this."
The field trip was largely academic, however. The butterflies will likely remain in their caterpillar state until summer warmth sets in during July. The point of Thursday's walk in the preserve was to let the children explore and become familiar with the nearby land before they scattered at the end of the school year. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/students-who-proposed-state-butterfly-visit-preserve-maine-old-orchard-beach-wildlife-education/97-eaff77b0-71dc-4c4c-b31d-1590d515d312 | 2023-06-10T22:04:50 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/students-who-proposed-state-butterfly-visit-preserve-maine-old-orchard-beach-wildlife-education/97-eaff77b0-71dc-4c4c-b31d-1590d515d312 |
The food and culture of Greece were on display this weekend in Baltimore City.
The St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival is back.
During the four-day event, folks can enjoy authentic Greek food, wine, dancing, and fun. Thursday, June 8 through Sunday, June
The festival runs from Thursday, June 8, to Sunday, June 11, at the Greek Town Square. For more information, click here. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/st-nicholas-greek-folk-festival-brings-greece-to-baltimore | 2023-06-10T22:05:23 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/st-nicholas-greek-folk-festival-brings-greece-to-baltimore |
NEW CASTLE, Pa. — A 15-year-old boy is dead and two other juveniles were injured after a shooting at a playground in Lawrence County.
According to New Castle police on Facebook, the shooting happened at Bollinger Playground at around 1:15 a.m. on Saturday.
Police said all three victims were teenage boys and said they were shot during a graduation celebration.
Authorities say around 50 people were at the party when shots were fired.
The condition of the two surviving victims is unknown at this time.
Police will not comment on if there is a suspect.
Any witnesses that may have been at the party or anyone with information about the shooting, please contact the New Castle Police Criminal Investigation Division at 724-656-3586.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
TRENDING NOW:
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/3-juveniles-shot-new-castle-playground/2FLS2KSMXZGLDFRWSUSZ5IF6L4/ | 2023-06-10T22:15:50 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/3-juveniles-shot-new-castle-playground/2FLS2KSMXZGLDFRWSUSZ5IF6L4/ |
PITTSBURGH — A flag football game was held in Highmark Stadium Friday night to help raise funds for the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
Two all-women teams took the field, one representing Team Black and the other representing Team Gold, to participate in “Rivalz to End Alz.”
The event started in 2016 and has raised $60,000 since then.
All of the money raised during the event goes to the Alzheimer’s Association for research, support and care.
“Right now there is ultimately no cure for Alzheimer’s or dementia but that is our goal, it’s to find a cure,” said Nathaniel Sofranko, Development Manager with the Alzheimer’s Association.
RivALZ to End Alz raised nearly $10,000 this year. Their goal is to raise $25,000 and are asking anyone interested to donate through the end of the month.
Click here to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
TRENDING NOW:
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/flag-football-game-held-highmark-stadium-raise-money-alzheimers-association/SZQB6SGDVFANNBL6LT4JVVSMYA/ | 2023-06-10T22:15:56 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/flag-football-game-held-highmark-stadium-raise-money-alzheimers-association/SZQB6SGDVFANNBL6LT4JVVSMYA/ |
PITTSBURGH — Friday night fights usually have stuck with Boxing and other professional fighting avenues, but it appears to have drifted into the baseball stands.
While the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the New York Mets by a score of 14-7, a fan captured a video of several Pirates and Mets fans in a brawl in the seats.
Read more from our partners at Sports Now Group Pittsburgh.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
TRENDING NOW:
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/friday-night-fights-brawl-stands-during-pirates-mets-game/4GEAPSINUJELXI37IPVK73MIZQ/ | 2023-06-10T22:16:03 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/friday-night-fights-brawl-stands-during-pirates-mets-game/4GEAPSINUJELXI37IPVK73MIZQ/ |
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates followed perhaps their two worst losses of the season by beating the New York Mets 14-7 on Friday night at PNC Park.
The Pirates lost back-to-back games to the worst-in-MLB Oakland Athletics on Tuesday and Wednesday, giving up 20 runs in the process.
Facing the Mets, who have the highest payroll in baseball history at $355 million, the Pirates racked up 17 hits and won for the seventh time in their last nine games while extending New York’s losing streak to seven games.
Read more from our partners at Sports Now Group Pittsburgh.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
TRENDING NOW:
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/kebryan-hayes-goes-5-5-pirates-outlast-mets-14-7/DRE64JOVX5EPZDZEXY5NEDWPOQ/ | 2023-06-10T22:16:09 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/kebryan-hayes-goes-5-5-pirates-outlast-mets-14-7/DRE64JOVX5EPZDZEXY5NEDWPOQ/ |
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates (33-29) offense had a breakout game against the New York Mets (30-33), as they put up 14 runs, and pitched masterfully until a wacky ninth inning, where things got hairy.
Rich Hill pitched seven masterful innings, and then the Pirates allowed five runs in the ninth inning, by a combined effort of Rob Zastryzny and David Bednar.
Ke’Bryan Hayes went 5-5, and the Pirates outlasted the Mets by a score of 14-7. Maybe I should say the Steelers outlasted the Giants.
The first pitch at PNC Park is scheduled for 4:05 p.m.
Read more from our partners at Sports Now Group Pittsburgh.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
TRENDING NOW:
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/pirates-preview-can-offense-maintain-momentum-against-senga/RAK6CKNKK5BYRNMDHXY5YS7KKU/ | 2023-06-10T22:16:15 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/pirates-preview-can-offense-maintain-momentum-against-senga/RAK6CKNKK5BYRNMDHXY5YS7KKU/ |
JEANETTE, Pa. — Officials are looking for two men they say fatally shot a woman and injured four others in Jeannette Friday night.
PHOTOS: At least 1 person dead, multiple others injured after shooting in Jeannette
Westmoreland County dispatchers said emergency crews were called to the 800 block of Lowry Avenue at around 9:29 p.m. Friday night.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >> Woman dead, multiple others injured after shooting in Jeannette
According to the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office, Deshawn Russell, 25, has been identified as a person of interest in the shooting that left Brianna Lartz, 25, dead.
Russell is described as being five feet 10 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and dark pants.
Officials said a second person of interest was possibly involved in the shooting but has yet to be positively identified. He was last seen wearing a dark blue or black T-shirt and blue jeans.
Both men are known to frequent Wilkinsburg, Braddock and Uniontown, the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office said.
“This remains a very active and ongoing investigation. We believe both of these men are armed and dangerous. The safety of the public is our paramount concern and we want everyone,” Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli said.
Detectives and Jeannette police are asking that anyone with information on the shooting or either of the men’s whereabouts to please call Jeannette police at 724-527-4013 or 724-836-1551 and ask for Westmoreland County Detectives.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
TRENDING NOW:
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/police-searching-persons-interest-jeanette-shooting-that-left-woman-dead-4-other-injured/LB23Y3GWH5GT7JGSQ22O3RBK7E/ | 2023-06-10T22:16:22 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/police-searching-persons-interest-jeanette-shooting-that-left-woman-dead-4-other-injured/LB23Y3GWH5GT7JGSQ22O3RBK7E/ |
DULUTH — Harbor City International School celebrated the graduation of 31 students in its Class of 2023 with a ceremony Saturday in Mitchell Auditorium at the College of St. Scholastica.
Twenty-nine students participated in the ceremony. Harbor City International School math teacher Krissa Brown gave the keynote address while Eleanor Ness and Anna-Moon Wigren delivered student speeches and Grace Herried performed "Impressions on Blue" on the piano.
Harbor City International School is a college preparatory, public high school that is located at 332 West Michigan Street, Suite 300 in Duluth.
Dan Williamson joined the Duluth News Tribune in June 2021 where he's involved in digital content such as video, photos and podcasts. Previously, he worked in television broadcasting as a Sports Director/Anchor at WDIO-TV in Duluth, Sports Director/Anchor in Bismarck, N.D., News and Sports Anchor at KSAX-TV in Alexandria, and Reporter/Photographer/Editor with the syndicated show "Life to the Max" in Eden Prairie. He was also the Development Director for the Duluth Salvation Army. Williamson grew up in Alexandria, graduated from St. Cloud State University and has lived in Duluth since 2012. | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/photos-graduation-day-for-harbor-city-international-school | 2023-06-10T22:18:12 | 1 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/photos-graduation-day-for-harbor-city-international-school |
Giuliana DeRichie, 12, and her father, John DeRichie, 48, of Northfield, at the Chris Ford Memorial Basketball Tournament on Saturday. John is married to Ford's daughter, Katie, and Giuliana is one of the late NBA player and coach's seven grandchildren.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
SOSH Architects' Luca DeGenarro guards Merrill Lynch's Anthony "Juice" Young during the Chris Ford Memorial Basketball Tournament opener Saturday at the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. Teams paid $2,500 to enter the two-day tournament.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Raymond Bethea Jr. in action for City of Atlantic City/South Jersey Industries on Saturday afternoon at the Chris Ford Memorial Basketball Tournament hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Giuliana DeRichie, 12, looks to make a play for SOSH Architects on Saturday.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
John DeRichie takes the ball up court for SOSH Industries on Saturday.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Chris Ford's No. 42 can be seen on the wall at center court during the tournament's opening tipoff Saturday afternoon.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City CEO Charles Wallace II checks in on the action Saturday.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Director of Recreation Elijah Langford helped organize the Chris Ford Memorial Basketball Tournament.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
John DeRichie goes over strategy with his 12-year-old daughter Giuliana during halftime of the tournament opener.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Chris Ford, with ball, works with young players at the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City in an undated photo. An Atlantic City legend who had a long playing and coaching career in the NBA, Ford will be honored by the club with a three-day June Madness basketball event.
Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, Provided
The Houston Rockets’ Mike Dunleavy drives hard and turns the corner on the Boston Celtics’ Chris Ford during an NBA playoff game April 12, 1980, at Boston Garden. Boston won the contest 95-75.
ATLANTIC CITY — John DeRichie set up beyond the 3-point line and watched as the play unfolded.
A teammate drove toward the basket, missed a layup but grabbed his own rebound. He turned and found DeRichie, who stood wide open beyond the arc.
DeRichie put up the left-handed shot uncontested, the ball kissing the inside of the rim as it went through for 3.
His father-in-law would have been proud.
DeRichie, whose wife, Katie, is the daughter of late South Jersey basketball icon and NBA player/coach Chris Ford, was competing Saturday afternoon in the first annual Chris Ford Memorial Basketball Tournament, which highlights June Madness Weekend and is hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City.
DeRichie's 3-pointer in the early moments of the second half seemed to open the floodgates for more shots from beyond the arc in the game between SOSH Architects and Merrill Lynch. Both teams traded 3s, a great way to honor Ford, a shooting guard who made the first 3-pointer in NBA history.
"I think everybody had that in the back of their mind. We threw up some 3s in honor of Chris," said DeRichie, 48, of Northfield, following SOSH's 47-37 win to open the tournament.
The two-day tournament is being held in the club’s newly renovated Evolution Arena in its MGM Teen Center. Teams of men and women — from teens to those well past their playing days — included local sponsors, businesses and organizations competing in an eight-team, elimination-style bracket, with the champions receiving the Club Cup. The club plans to make the tournament an annual event, and the team name of the champions will be engraved on the cup.
Sponsors paid $2,500 per team and included: Cooper Levenson Attorneys at Law, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, The Malamut Team-Mortgage Experts, City of Atlantic City/South Jersey Industries, UBS Financial, SOSH Architects and Merrill Lynch.
Four games were played Saturday. Each game consisted of two 20-minute halves with a running clock. The semifinals will begin at 11 a.m. Sunday, with the championship game to follow.
"Some of the teams have gotten very competitive over the last 72 hours," club CEO Charles Wallace II said before the opening tipoff. "You may see some NBA players show up on teams, some very good college players show up. Our goal is to build on it each year. But definitely some of Atlantic City's and Atlantic County's finest will be here."
Some well-known names were expected to play. Local boxer Anthony "Juice" Young participated in the first game. Mainland Regional High School graduate and University of Notre Dame player Kylee Watson was expected to play.
Former Atlantic City High School standout and recent Hampton University graduate Raymond Bethea Jr. was draining 3-pointers and making easy layups in the second game.
"It's crazy. There are a lot of people here who can play or just love to watch the game," said Bethea, who plans to play overseas this winter. "It's good for us to play for them and show them there are all kinds of people around here. And to also have a good time with family, come back home and play some basketball. It's a good time, and I think it's really special."
Saturday was also special for the DeRichie family because it was the first time John got to play in a game with his 12-year-old daughter, Giuliana, one of Chris Ford's seven grandchildren. One of the DeRichies' cousins, Mike Salerno, also was set to play this weekend.
Giuliana, who has been playing basketball since she was in kindergarten, said it was a lot of fun getting to play with her father and pretty special getting to do it for her grandfather.
"He did so much for the community, especially Atlantic City," John DeRichie added. "And when they came to us and said, 'Could we use his name for this?,' we jumped at the chance. The family said absolutely. He would do anything he could for Atlantic City, and the conversation became, 'Who could we get to play from the family?'''
Ford's legacy
Ford, 74, who grew up in the Ducktown section of Atlantic City, died Jan. 17.
He was a Holy Spirit High School graduate who averaged 33 points per game as a senior without the benefit of a 3-point line and remains the Spartans’ all-time scoring leader. He starred at Villanova University, helping the Wildcats reach the NCAA Tournament three times, and then enjoyed a long NBA career as a player and coach.
Ford was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1972, He was traded to Boston in 1978, where he played the remainder of his 10-year career. He was part of the Celtics’ 1981 championship team. Ford later coached the Celtics for five seasons, followed by stints with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Clippers. He was the interim coach of the 2003-04 Philadelphia 76ers.
Ford was a coach and mentor to Boys & Girls Club members who played recreational basketball at the Atlantic City gym. In 2021, he served on the GO HOOPS Committee that raised $500,000 for the gym’s renovation project. The space was used as a boxing ring for boys in the 1970s and as a basketball court in the 1980s. The state-of-the-art Evolution Arena, which opened Sept. 13, hosts basketball and other youth sports, speaking engagements and cultural exhibits.
On Friday night, the club honored Ford during a cocktail event at the arena. Ford's widow, Kathy, was there with the rest of the family. They were blown away by the support, John DeRichie said. The club also honored Ford by hanging his No. 42 along the wall at center court of the gym.
Brian Little, chief strategy officer for the club, said he was approached by Elijah Langford, the club's director of recreation, and club board member Cookie Till about doing a tournament to honor Ford shortly after his death. Little, 52, is a 1989 Holy Spirit High School graduate and played football at the University of Delaware. He met Ford several times throughout the years, most recently last winter during the Seagull Classic high school tournament at Holy Spirit.
Little, who grew up not far from the club's Pennsylvania Avenue location, said he was grateful for the opportunities he had as a kid in this community, thanks in part to the club.
"Any time you would walk up on Chris or see him in the community ... just the respect and the love people had for him and just in his presence and any conversation I had with him ... I admired him," Little said.
"I cherish everything he did for us at the Boys & Girls Club and the community as a whole."
GALLERY: Chris Ford Memorial Basketball Tournament
I graduated from Rowan University in 2011 where I studied journalism. I've done everything from cover sports to news and have served as a copy editor and digital producer with The Press since July 2013.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account.
Giuliana DeRichie, 12, and her father, John DeRichie, 48, of Northfield, at the Chris Ford Memorial Basketball Tournament on Saturday. John is married to Ford's daughter, Katie, and Giuliana is one of the late NBA player and coach's seven grandchildren.
SOSH Architects' Luca DeGenarro guards Merrill Lynch's Anthony "Juice" Young during the Chris Ford Memorial Basketball Tournament opener Saturday at the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. Teams paid $2,500 to enter the two-day tournament.
Raymond Bethea Jr. in action for City of Atlantic City/South Jersey Industries on Saturday afternoon at the Chris Ford Memorial Basketball Tournament hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City.
Chris Ford, with ball, works with young players at the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City in an undated photo. An Atlantic City legend who had a long playing and coaching career in the NBA, Ford will be honored by the club with a three-day June Madness basketball event.
The Houston Rockets’ Mike Dunleavy drives hard and turns the corner on the Boston Celtics’ Chris Ford during an NBA playoff game April 12, 1980, at Boston Garden. Boston won the contest 95-75. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/local-basketball-players-throw-up-some-3s-in-honor-of-chris-ford-at-memorial-tournament/article_3e01c94e-072f-11ee-9ebf-ff0f5be474bf.html | 2023-06-10T22:22:33 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/local-basketball-players-throw-up-some-3s-in-honor-of-chris-ford-at-memorial-tournament/article_3e01c94e-072f-11ee-9ebf-ff0f5be474bf.html |
ATLANTIC CITY — Cape May resident Connor Axelsson started coming to the Back Sov skate park in 2020, but he'd never seen the park look as it did Saturday.
Hundreds of people ranging from old to young packed the concrete park at the Pete Pallitto Field on Fairmont Avenue for the Bash at Back Sov.
"The skate park has never had an event like this. There's a lot of people that don't regularly come here that I met from New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, D.C.," said Axelsson, who put in to be off from work for the bash a month and a half in advance. "The community just keeps building."
More than 100 people, including Axelsson, registered for one of the four "shred for bread" skateboarding contests. The contests were split into age categories, with pro skaters Nick Merlino and Quim Cardona judging who landed the best tricks in a 30-minute run with other skaters. The winners took home cash, skateboards, stickers and more from event sponsors such as Vans and Thrasher Magazine.
While some grabbed food from Essl's Dugout truck, others shopped around at Dirty Politics, Ethik, Keep Pushing Productions and several other vendors. Not One Truth, Gutter Drunk and other local artists provided live music.
The event was the biggest to date at the skate park since the nonprofit group Skate AC started doing community events there in 2010, said Jason Klotz, founder of Skate AC. The event was hosted in collaboration with the North To Shore Festival.
"To have North (To) Shore work with us, it kind of just added a lot of fuel to the fire we've already been burning back there," said Klotz, who also is a professional skate boarder. "But this is an ongoing legacy, you know? There are people that are going to be at this event that are in their mid 20s now that remember being at our events when they were 12-year-olds, so it's just an ongoing part of our devotion and commitment to the community, and Atlantic City."
Axelsson, 21, started coming to Back Sov when he was 18. He said the best part about the skate park, besides the camaraderie between other skaters, was that the park was built by skaters for skaters.
"Without that, I don't think we would be seeing this many people skating here," said Axelsson, who said he sees about 15 or 20 other skaters there on a typical day.
Skate AC raised $15,000 to revitalize the park this year by adding new equipment, like different ramps, rails, boxes and a quarter pipe. They also fixed cracks in the concrete, added jumps and installed new street lights so skaters could safely cruise around the park at any hour.
Wildwood resident Travis Leszczynski has been coming to the park with his son Royce Calverley, 10, for about two years. He said he liked going there as opposed to his hometown's skate park because it's so open for the youth. All levels of skateboarders, like his son, can learn and build confidence in their skills at the low-impact park.
"To give kids something to do, keeping them out of trouble, it's ideal," said Leszczynski, who appreciates the community cleanups the park hosts and that his family has participated in. He also mentioned the free skate lessons offered once a month by Skate AC, and other community events, like Saturday's bash. "It feels nice to be apart of something, especially in today's society where people don't even know their neighbors. It's a good feeling, and it makes me feel like childhood again, which is extra special because now my son can experience what I got to when I was growing up."
Klotz said the Bash was super important in giving the local skate community a platform to shine by showcasing their talents and skills to potentially get sponsored from big names like Ethik, Thrasher and Vans — an opportunity that doesn't happen often for skaters in the Atlantic City area.
"We really are there to build culture, not just skateboarding," Klotz said. "But culture and community are most important aspects of our movement. Just so much comes from these types of things, that it's kind of hard to put them in words."
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account.
Scenes from the Bash at Back Sov skateboard event at the Sovereign Avenue Skate Park, in Atlantic City, Saturday, June 10, 2023. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/skate-ac-hosts-bash-at-back-sov-for-skateboarding-community/article_af25cad2-07a0-11ee-b02a-e396d4101cd9.html | 2023-06-10T22:22:34 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/skate-ac-hosts-bash-at-back-sov-for-skateboarding-community/article_af25cad2-07a0-11ee-b02a-e396d4101cd9.html |
SOMERS — There were plenty of happy faces among those checking out the new remodeled playground near Area 4 of Petrifying Springs Park on Saturday afternoon.
Screams like, “Look at that slide” and “I want to climb that” could be heard throughout area as children were introduced to the new equipment. A ceremony marking the site’s official opening was also held.
“During the ribbon cutting you could hear all the kids trying to go down the slide. It was awesome,” said Kenosha County Exeuctive Samantha Kerkman, who was present hosting Saturdays in the Park with Sam visits with area residents.
Ten-year-old Lacey Kniesz said she “loves” the new park and her favorite is the slide.
“We’ve just been going on the slide running around,” Kniesz said.
Kerkman described the new park as “the gem of our park system. It’s just a beautiful place to be on a weekend.”
People are also reading…
Before that area of the park was renovated, Kenosha County Supervisor Daniel Gaschke said it often flooded and wasn’t always accessible.
“I think this is a great improvement, something that our family is going to enjoy for many years to come as well as future generations,” Gaschke said. “I’m just excited about this opportunity for Kenosha County.”
One family came to the unveiling specifically for something not longer is there.
“We had found this hidden tepee gem and the kids were like, ‘Oh my gosh this is so cool. This is like our own fort. Lets come here all the time,’” Katie Albin said.
But earlier this year, Albin said they returned to the park and the tepee had been removed. Instead, they were surprised, and thrilled, by the new playground equipment.
“It just blew our minds. It just got better,” Albin said.
She said the new park is a “win-win” because kids and adults “love it.”
Kirkman added that the tepee might be returning to the park soon.
Linda Boman has been coming to the park for “decades.”
“I brought my girls here and now I’m bringing my grandchildren,” Boman said.
Boman said the fact that natural elements of the park was maintained makes it better.
“When you come for decades you don’t notice that there should be changes, so the fact that they repaired the creek area and the hills is a huge difference,” Boman said. “For me it’s more what they’ve done with the land.”
Kerkman said the Saturdays in the Park with Sam series will continue this summer.
“(They) just bring awareness to what we have as county parks,” she said.
The next Saturday in the Park will be held July 15 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Flip Flops Concession Stand at Silver Lake Park Beach.
Kerkman said the program also aim to raise awareness about the levels of government and how they work together. She said her favorite part about them is hearing everybody’s opinions.
“Everybody comes with their own, diverse opinion,” Kerkman said. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/playground-dedication/article_897d2e3a-07c6-11ee-8249-271895db12f2.html | 2023-06-10T22:28:11 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/playground-dedication/article_897d2e3a-07c6-11ee-8249-271895db12f2.html |
Glistening beads, vibrant fabrics, lively music and classic cuisine filled Chesterfield County's Cultural Center of India on Saturday.
"Taste of India is magical," said Vandana Shukla, the event's lead and former president. She added that participants do not have to take a 20-hour flight to experience India.
The festival brings people not only from Richmond, but from all over Central Virginia to celebrate Indian heritage, Shukla said.
The event displays the diversity of India — different ethnicities, foods, clothing and dialects, according to Chaitan Patel, one of the founding members of the cultural center.
"Today, we are here to bring the whole country together," Patel said.
People are also reading…
The festival featured raffles, a food tent, vendors from all over the U.S. and a dance competition, Patel said. The cultural dances feature children. Patel said they try to instill the value of multicultural performances from a young age.
Priyanka Kalia drove three hours from Maryland to attend her first Taste of India festival with her business, Viyanka Jewels.
Her booth was a mesh of silver and gold shining among colorful beads, along with embroidered fabrics and intricately designed shoes. Phulkari dupattas, or scarves to wear on top of clothes, came from Punjab, India, Kalia said.
She started her business after being laid off during the pandemic. She saw the event online and wanted to try it out to see the community's response.
Kalia said events like this keep Indian culture alive.
Cultural Center of India president Abhi Thakar expects more than 6,000 visitors to the event, which took multiple committees to organize.
Thakar took inspiration from entrepreneur James Cash Penney, who said "the best teamwork comes from (people) who are working independently toward one goal in unison."
"It's bringing all communities together," Thakar said.
Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves (804) 649-6123
gdecamargogoncalves@timesdispatch.com
@decamgabriela on Twitter | https://richmond.com/news/local/taste-of-india-festival-in-richmond-brings-communities-together/article_57af9218-07b1-11ee-88fd-e70ed7114186.html | 2023-06-10T22:32:57 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/taste-of-india-festival-in-richmond-brings-communities-together/article_57af9218-07b1-11ee-88fd-e70ed7114186.html |
HOUSTON — The City of Houston is collaborating with the Harris County Precinct One to host another gun buyback event in June.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 10 from 8 a.m. to noon at NRG Park, in the Yellow Main Street Lot.
The goal of this event is to get guns off the streets. Guns can be exchanged for a gift card that's worth up to $200. Participating individuals will not be asked any questions about the weapons they turn in, the city said.
"The Gun Buyback program is completely anonymous for the public in keeping with our objective of retrieving as many firearms as possible from Greater Houston residents," the city said in a press release.
Gift card rewards:
- $50 -- non-functioning firearms
- $100 -- shotgun or rifle (hunting)
- $150 -- revolver or semi-automatic handguns
- $200 -- rifle, semi-automatic
The City of Houston has held two gun buybacks events in the past. The first one collected nearly 800 guns and the second one collected more than 1,200.
Harris County Precinct One, the Harris County Sherrif's Office and the City of Houston collaborated on a third gun buyback event earlier this year and collected 793 firearms. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/houston-gun-buyback-event/285-31fcffe0-0fa5-4635-89be-f9522fa489f2 | 2023-06-10T22:35:18 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/houston-gun-buyback-event/285-31fcffe0-0fa5-4635-89be-f9522fa489f2 |
FAIRFIELD, Texas — Editors Note | The abstract of this article was modified for formatting.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department voted unanimously to use eminent domain to seize a 5,000-acre property south of Dallas that included Fairfield Lake State Park on Saturday, citing the need to preserve a state park enjoyed by thousands of Texans.
After months of stalled legislative efforts and failed negotiations to secure the park, the state opted to seize the land from Todd Interests, a Dallas-based developer, who purchased the property in February for $110.5 million. Commissioners were not eager to use the power of eminent domain to condemn the property, but the agency ultimately decided this instance was an exceptional case of public interest.
“I think we have a clear duty to act for the greater good for all Texans. While we have the power of eminent domain, that power should be used sparingly and reluctantly. In fact it’s been nearly four decades since we’ve last used it,” said Jeffery Hildebrand, a Texas Parks and Wildlife commissioner, just before the commission voted to condemn the property.
Because the property serves a public purpose as a park, eminent domain experts say Texas can seize the private land, even if the developer doesn’t want to sell.
Next, the state will notify Todd of the condemnation decision and make an offer for the property. The state and the developer will negotiate over how much Texas will pay for the almost 5,000 acres. If they do not reach an agreement, the issue can end up in court.
During Saturday’s public meeting, residents of Freestone County, environmental advocates and lawmakers testified in favor of condemnation to save a critical public asset for future Texans. Texas State Parks Division Director Rodney Franklin noted that 80% of the public comments the agency received ahead of the decision were in support of using eminent domain to save the park.
The state had leased the park at no charge from Vistra Corp. since the 1970’s. When the energy company closed a coal power plant on the property they looked to sell the land. The state hoped to just buy the 1,820-acres of Fairfield Lake State Park, but Vistra didn’t want to sell piecemeal. According to the energy company, the state did not offer to buy the entire property.
Real estate developer Shawn Todd and his family firm, Todd Interests, purchased all 5,000 acres with the intention of turning the property into an exclusive gated community, which would include multimillion-dollar homes and a private golf course.
The park shuttered in February when the sale was announced and the agency scrambled to try to keep the space open to the public. Several efforts failed.
A bill that would have allowed the agency to use eminent domain to seize the park’s land died this legislative session. The bill’s failure to pass doesn’t preclude the agency from using eminent domain. Lawmakers did create a conservation fund that, with voter approval, will provide an additional $1 billion to buy more land for the state parks system.
Negotiations between the developer and the state have not been successful. Todd Interests declined the agency’s $25 million offer for the whole property, which prompted the TPWD to pursue the eminent domain and condemnation option as a last ditch effort to keep the property in the public’s hands.
Last month TPWD commissioners gave the agency’s executive director the freedom to take “all necessary steps” to acquire the park. While all of those who spoke on Saturday were in favor of saving the park, many lamented that eminent domain was the vehicle to achieve that end goal.
“We do regret that this matter has come to this point and there was not the ability to resolve this issue before these steps were necessary,” said Kevin Good, the president of Texans for State Parks. “The agency should be proactive about trying to avoid these situations in the future.”
Todd maintained that he has engaged in “good faith conversations” with Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Chair Arch “Beaver” Aplin III about the property since September 2022.
“The State of Texas, however, has spent the last eight months working to derail our transaction and diminish our transactional rights,” Todd said in a June letter to the Parks and Wildlife Commission.
The letter said the company has begun executing its development plan and investing millions of dollars in related contracts.
While several steps in the condemnation process remain, including an independent review of the property’s value, it’s not clear when the park could reopen.
“This park is precious to our local community as well as park lovers across the state,” Rep. Angelia Orr, R-Itasca, said at Saturday's meeting. Orr’s district includes Fairfield Lake State Park. She said when the park’s future came into question in February, her office was inundated with messages from Texans asking her to do anything they could to save the park.
“While you may hear that one family’s business interests may be important, I would submit to you that the interests of thousands of everyday, working class Texans are just as important. If condemnation isn't used in this circumstance, and if now is not the time, then when?” Orr said.
After voting to condemn the property, the commission made an effort to soften their use of eminent domain. The groups adopted a second motion to instruct the executive director to create a commission policy restricting the power of eminent domain to “extraordinary and unusual situations like Fairfield State Park.”
Disclosure: Texas Parks And Wildlife Department and Conservation Fund have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
Also on KCENTV.com: | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas-parks-and-wildlife-department-opts-eminent-domain-to-save-fairfield-lake-state-park/500-70a9dc46-a287-45f4-8fdf-c6f09cbbe95a | 2023-06-10T22:35:24 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas-parks-and-wildlife-department-opts-eminent-domain-to-save-fairfield-lake-state-park/500-70a9dc46-a287-45f4-8fdf-c6f09cbbe95a |
TUPELO – In the end, Jesse Aron knew what he had to do, stated his case and did it his way.
The Elvis tribute artist from Green Bay, Wisconsin, sang "My Way," the ballad made famous by Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, to an appreciative and receptive audience during the finals of the Tupelo Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist competition on Saturday at the Cadence Bank Arena.
His moving rendition earned him the title of the contest, and a spot in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in August at Graceland in Memphis.
"If I can get that song in a competition, I will," said a jubilant Aron. "I love it because I relate with a lot of the lyrics. The whole 26 years I've been doing this runs through my brain while I'm doing it. It's an emotional song for me."
Aron was among 22 tribute artists who entered the Tupelo UETA completion as part of the 25th anniversary of the Tupelo Elvis Presley Festival.
Aron had reached the Top 5 after he sang "Kentucky Rain" and "Hurt" in the Top 10 competition to start the day. Much like "My Way," those songs resonate with Aron.
"'Kentucky Rain' was the first song I ever sang in front of an audience," he said. "I was petrified and scared."
Saturday's win was especially satisfying since his first and only other time to compete in Tupelo was six years ago. Aron wasn't feeling very well then, and he didn't perform as well as he would have liked.
"I wanted to come back and give it a better shot, being in better shape and feeling better about myself and having my head in the right place," he said.
Second place went to Louis Brown, who lives near Manchester, England, and third place went to David Allen, of Texas.
For Brown, it was not only the 22-year-old's first time in Tupelo, it was his first time in the United States. Not only that, he's only been a tribute artist for eight months. He won the very first competition he entered in the UK, and in the European Elvis Championships in January 2023, and was voted the People's Choice winner as well as reaching the Top 5 in his inaugural European Championships.
On Saturday, clad in a black leather outfit, Brown vowed to be back.
"It's an honor to be here in Tupelo," he said. "I love it here. I feel closer to Elvis here than I do in Graceland."
As for Aron, his love for Elvis' music began at an early age as he grew up in a house in Chicago where his parents were in a rock and roll band.
"They were looking for a gimmick to bring more people to shows, and my dad put on an Elvis jumpsuit, and he did an Elvis set every show," he said. "So, I went to sleep many nights as a kid listening to a full band practice in my living room. This music was always there, and I just fell in love with it."
For Aron, being an Elvis Tribute Artist – he also performs as Roy Orbison – is a full-time job, taking him to shows across the U.S. and Canada.
But immediate on his mind is prepping for the Memphis competition in August, where he'll compete with the best of the best from around the world.
"I'm really excited about it," he said. "I didn't have anything scheduled to do for that month, which I'm kind of glad now to have. I'll have a boot camp with the guys here in Tupelo, but I have a lot of work to do."
Aron said that he'll have to amp up his gym workouts and tighten up his diet to be in the ultimate shape for the ultimate Elvis competition.
Winning an Elvis tribute artist competition requires a good voice, obviously, but having the charisma and confidence like the King of Rock 'n' Roll also goes a long way. And having the look is important, too.
But unlike many of his other fellow competitors on Saturday, Aron didn't wear a flashy sequins-studded flashy jumpsuit. Instead, he more a more toned-down jumpsuit he calls "Old Indian."
"I have Native American heritage that goes back to my father's side, so I figured I'd wear this one," he said. "It's also comfortable; in fact, one of the most comfortable I have. I like the real flashy stuff that Elvis wore, and I have a lot of flashy outfits – 13 – but I like this one because it was comfortable."
And clearly Aron stood tall and did it his way to win the Tupelo Elvis Ultimate Tribute Artist contest for 2023.
Newsletters
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request. | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/jesse-aron-crowned-tupelo-elvis-tribute-artist-winner/article_084a3bda-07c3-11ee-96e7-63310da1d6f9.html | 2023-06-10T22:49:27 | 0 | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/jesse-aron-crowned-tupelo-elvis-tribute-artist-winner/article_084a3bda-07c3-11ee-96e7-63310da1d6f9.html |
Vice President Mike Pence addresses patrons at the North Carolina Republican Party Convention at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
WOODY MARSHALL, NEWS & RECORD
Vice President Mike Pence walks among the patrons at the North Carolina Republican Party Convention at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
WOODY MARSHALL, NEWS & RECORD
Vendor Ronald Solomon sells hats in the exhibition hall at the North Carolina Republican Party Convention at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
WOODY MARSHALL, NEWS & RECORD
Lieutenant governor Mark Robinson poses for a photo with Rhonda Wright in the exhibition hall at the North Carolina Republican Party Convention at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
WOODY MARSHALL, NEWS & RECORD
Vice President Mike Pence addresses patrons at the North Carolina Republican Party Convention at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
GREENSBORO — Walking a fine political line reflective of his unique role in the 2024 election, Mike Pence on Saturday took turns referring to Donald Trump by name and as the “former president” during a speech at the North Carolina Republican Party Convention.
While blasting the U.S. Justice Department’s 37-count indictment this week related to Trump’s removal of classified documents from the White House and keeping them at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Pence consistently went with “former president.”
When touting what he considered the highlights of their time in the White House, the former vice president readily referred to the “Trump-Pence Administration.”
It’s an approach also employed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the early leading challenger to Trump among a crowded GOP primary field, a night earlier when he railed against the indictment without naming Trump.
Pence, speaking at the Koury Convention Center just a few hours before Trump was scheduled to make an address of his own, took a similar tack when referring to Jan. 6, 2021 — the day insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol in an effort to stop congressional certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 win.
“It gives me no pleasure to say it, but on that fateful day, the American people deserve to know that President Trump demanded that I choose between him and the Constitution,” Pence told a hushed audience. “Well, I chose the Constitution and I always will.”
To drive home his message, Pence quoted the U.S. Constitution’s instructions on certifying presidential elections. The vice president, presiding over Congress, “shall open all the certificates and the votes shall then be counted,” Pence noted.
On Jan. 6, Trump ordered Pence to block the certification then ridiculed him when the vice president refused.
Pence also laid into Attorney General Merrick Garland and the U.S. Department of Justice for the investigation and indictment of Trump, the first against an ex-president by the government he once served.
“I had hoped the Justice Department would have seen clear to resolve the issues involving the former president without an indictment and I am deeply troubled to see this indictment move forward,” he said. “Today, I’m calling on the attorney general to stand before the American people and explain why this was necessary in his words.“
Pence called for unsealing of the indictment.
In the meantime, he said, “Be patient, and we’ll know the facts. I also encourage you to pray for the former president and his family.”
Pence’s primary challenge of Trump marks an unprecedented moment in American politics.
The closest parallel was in 1940 when sitting Vice President John Nance Garner challenged President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the Democratic primary. FDR won easily, then captured a third term by beating Republican Wendell Willkie.
Photos: Former VP Pence speaks to republicans in Greensboro
Vice President Mike Pence addresses patrons at the North Carolina Republican Party Convention at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
Vice President Mike Pence walks among the patrons at the North Carolina Republican Party Convention at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
Vendor Ronald Solomon sells hats in the exhibition hall at the North Carolina Republican Party Convention at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
Lieutenant governor Mark Robinson poses for a photo with Rhonda Wright in the exhibition hall at the North Carolina Republican Party Convention at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
Vice President Mike Pence addresses patrons at the North Carolina Republican Party Convention at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, June 10, 2023. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/mike-pence-north-carolina-republican-convention/article_8d1efdc4-07d6-11ee-8c2b-ef0ba00561f7.html | 2023-06-10T22:56:36 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/mike-pence-north-carolina-republican-convention/article_8d1efdc4-07d6-11ee-8c2b-ef0ba00561f7.html |
SOMERS — There were plenty of happy faces among those checking out the new remodeled playground near Area 4 of Petrifying Springs Park on Saturday afternoon.
Screams like, “Look at that slide” and “I want to climb that” could be heard throughout area as children were introduced to the new equipment. A ceremony marking the site’s official opening was also held.
“During the ribbon cutting you could hear all the kids trying to go down the slide. It was awesome,” said Kenosha County Exeuctive Samantha Kerkman, who was present hosting Saturdays in the Park with Sam visits with area residents.
Ten-year-old Lacey Kniesz said she “loves” the new park and her favorite is the slide.
“We’ve just been going on the slide running around,” Kniesz said.
Kerkman described the new park as “the gem of our park system. It’s just a beautiful place to be on a weekend.”
People are also reading…
Before that area of the park was renovated, Kenosha County Supervisor Daniel Gaschke said it often flooded and wasn’t always accessible.
“I think this is a great improvement, something that our family is going to enjoy for many years to come as well as future generations,” Gaschke said. “I’m just excited about this opportunity for Kenosha County.”
One family came to the unveiling specifically for something not longer is there.
“We had found this hidden tepee gem and the kids were like, ‘Oh my gosh this is so cool. This is like our own fort. Lets come here all the time,’” Katie Albin said.
But earlier this year, Albin said they returned to the park and the tepee had been removed. Instead, they were surprised, and thrilled, by the new playground equipment.
“It just blew our minds. It just got better,” Albin said.
She said the new park is a “win-win” because kids and adults “love it.”
Kirkman added that the tepee might be returning to the park soon.
Linda Boman has been coming to the park for “decades.”
“I brought my girls here and now I’m bringing my grandchildren,” Boman said.
Boman said the fact that natural elements of the park was maintained makes it better.
“When you come for decades you don’t notice that there should be changes, so the fact that they repaired the creek area and the hills is a huge difference,” Boman said. “For me it’s more what they’ve done with the land.”
Kerkman said the Saturdays in the Park with Sam series will continue this summer.
“(They) just bring awareness to what we have as county parks,” she said.
The next Saturday in the Park will be held July 15 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Flip Flops Concession Stand at Silver Lake Park Beach.
Kerkman said the program also aim to raise awareness about the levels of government and how they work together. She said her favorite part about them is hearing everybody’s opinions.
“Everybody comes with their own, diverse opinion,” Kerkman said. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/newly-remodeled-playground-area-dedicated-in-petrifying-springs-park-in-somers/article_897d2e3a-07c6-11ee-8249-271895db12f2.html | 2023-06-10T23:20:28 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/newly-remodeled-playground-area-dedicated-in-petrifying-springs-park-in-somers/article_897d2e3a-07c6-11ee-8249-271895db12f2.html |
CROWN POINT — A woman who was shot and killed Thursday behind a Menards has been identified as Ashley Bitikofer, 34, of Portage, the Lake County coroner's office said Saturday.
Dejuan Boyd McIntyre was arrested Friday and charged Saturday with murder and attempted murder, Merrillville police Cmdr. Matthew Vasel said.
Detectives identified McIntyre through witness statements and evidence collection, and obtained and executed a search warrant for his Gary home. Upon seeing officers and Merrillville's Tactical Apprehension Squad enter his home, McIntyre surrendered to police.
He is in custody at the Lake County Jail.
Riding Shotgun with Merrillville Police Officer Amanda Earley
Officers were called around 11:15 p.m. to the home-improvement store, 6300 Mississippi St., where they found a man shot near the entrance. Medics arrived a short time later and began treating him, Vasel said. He was transported by helicopter to a Chicago hospital, where he was in critical condition as of Saturday.
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Parlor Doughnuts, Southlake Mall sneaker shop, The Boba Tea Cafe, B-Nails and Viet-Ship opening; Mezquitacos closed
Northwest Indiana man charged with stalking, threatening Taylor Swift: 'We will destroy you,' accusations say
Motorist makes big splash in Crown Point, rescuers say
Sin City Deciple member admits to 2003 killing of Gary police chief’s son
Hobart man dies following I-94 motorcycle crash, officials say
Bodies of 2 juveniles pulled from river; state investigating
Woman dead, man 'critical' from overnight shootings in Merrillville
Portage boy tells cops he saw sister crying after being molested; man charged
Prosecutors upgrade charges to murder in case of gun prank gone wrong
Replacement for White Castle's oldest Chicago area restaurant in Whiting opening, features AI and robots
Duke goes home, ending status as longest dog resident at Region shelter
Hoosier opinions sought on child-support rule changes
1 dead after vehicle becomes trapped underneath wheels of semi, state police say
Hammond to give away free Lil Wayne tickets to Hammond residents
Man shot in face while visiting Region home reportedly told police he has no issues with anyone
Officers continued to search the area and located Bitikofer, who was dead from a gunshot wound.
McIntyre and Bitikofer were supposedly in a "tumultuous" relationship that had ended a few weeks prior, Vasel said.
The shootings are under investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Alexander Van Rite at 219-769-3531, ext. 349, or avanrite@merrillville.in.gov .
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail
April Wright
Age : 34
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304645
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Fallon Stone
Age : 37
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304663
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Munster Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Kecelyn Sydner
Age : 26
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304632
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Hilario Torres Jr.
Age : 48
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304638
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Shawn Washington
Age : 43
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304654
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OPERATING A VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING PRIVILEGES ARE SUSPENDED
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Steven Petrisko
Age : 61
Residence: Goodland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304651
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Dyer Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Roosevelt Pickett Jr.
Age : 45
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304649
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: DEALING - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Andre Patterson
Age : 59
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304634
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - $750 TO $50,000;
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kenneth Mack Jr.
Age : 44
Residence: Grant Park, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304633
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - W/PRIOR CONVICTION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Rachel McKinney
Age : 38
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304642
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake Station Police Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - W/PRIOR CONVICTION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Patrick Noonan
Age : 41
Residence: Winfield, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304655
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Winfield Police Deparatment
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Bradley Kelly
Age : 38
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304650
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake Station Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG; OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Jason Howard
Age : 31
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304660
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Tena Johnson
Age : 43
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304629
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - INSTITUTION - BANK/FINANCIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Leslie Hawkins
Age : 35
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304625
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: LCCS
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Chanel Copeland
Age : 27
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304628
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/MODERATE BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Tameera Dillon
Age : 22
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304627
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Elvee Evans III
Age : 24
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304641
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: ROBBERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Totianna Gaston
Age : 23
Residence: Ford Heights, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304630
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - FORGERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Olivia Blakeley
Age : 29
Residence: Munster, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304636
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION - STALKING VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Steven Bogner
Age : 40
Residence: Schererville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304648
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kristina Bohn
Age : 39
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304635
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - FORGERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Tammy Berry
Age : 64
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304626
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION - TRAFFICKING WITH AN INMATE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Christopher Arroyo
Age : 23
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304661
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - < $750; CONFINEMENT; RESISTING - INTERFERING WITH PUBLIC SAFETY; MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Melvin Pumphrey III
Age : 48
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304623
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Other
Offense Description: ROBBERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Dakota Robinson
Age : 20
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304631
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/DEADLY WEAPON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Sullivan
Age : 43
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304684
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: New Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Shauntwain Johnson
Age : 46
Residence: Lansing, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304681
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Munster Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Karley Jensen
Age : 28
Residence: DeMotte, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304683
Arrest Date: May 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schneider Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - FIREARM - HANDGUN - W/NO PERMIT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Cali Huerta
Age : 20
Residence: Oak Forest, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304680
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Cindy Irons
Age : 40
Residence: St. Petersburg, FL
Booking Number(s): 2304677
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: RIVERBOAT GAMBLING- CASINO GAMBLING VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jack Hampton
Age : 43
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304671
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: LCCC
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
John Huber
Age : 41
Residence: Schererville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304678
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT - KIDNAPPING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Chauncey Hackett Jr.
Age : 32
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304673
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: LCCC
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Antwon Butler
Age : 27
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304670
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: DEALING - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Aundra Butler
Age : 38
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304672
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: LCCC
Offense Description: Domestic Battery
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox! | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/merrillville/34-year-old-woman-identified-in-merrillville-homicide-suspect-in-custody/article_54fcb67e-07d2-11ee-84c2-5322fb18acaf.html | 2023-06-10T23:30:05 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/merrillville/34-year-old-woman-identified-in-merrillville-homicide-suspect-in-custody/article_54fcb67e-07d2-11ee-84c2-5322fb18acaf.html |
COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Cobb County Police are currently investigating a shooting involving one of their officers in Marietta, the department said in a social media post Saturday evening.
The shooting happened in the area of Austell Road and Milford Church Road, according to police.
It is not yet known what led up to the shooting. Details remain limited at this time.
11Alive has a crew at the scene at a location along Michael Drive SW and will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
Also download the 11Alive News app and sign up to receive alerts for the latest on this story and other breaking news in Atlanta and north Georgia. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/cobb-county-police-investigating-shooting-involving-officer-marietta/85-44d78092-4287-4682-8e4e-7f59992006b9 | 2023-06-10T23:36:10 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/cobb-county-police-investigating-shooting-involving-officer-marietta/85-44d78092-4287-4682-8e4e-7f59992006b9 |
A Fort Worth museum is the first site in Texas to dedicate two memorials as part of a project commemorating individuals who were enslaved locally.
Two “Stopping Stone” memorials have been dedicated at Log Cabin Village off S. University Drive in Fort Worth. The stones bear the names of two people who were enslaved at the home, which now serves as the entrance to Log Cabin Village: Jefferson Walton and Molly.
“It is very clear to us and weighs on us that we know every day when we come into the office, we are sitting in a building that was built by the hands of enslaved workers,” Shae Nawoj said.
Nawoj is the assistant historic site supervisor at Log Cabin Village, which is owned by the city of Fort Worth. It serves as a living history museum, emphasizing 19th-century Texas frontier history.
The purpose of the Stopping Stones project is to dedicate memorials to help residents remember the history of slavery and create conversations that address racial issues in the modern world, according to museum officials. Nawoj said the project was created by a Vermont artist who was inspired by similar stones memorializing those lost in the Holocaust in Germany.
“We have all of these hidden stories of history that have not been stories that have traditionally been told. It’s not voices that have been uplifted,” she said. “That is part of our mission, is to uncover those voices and make sure that we’re telling all of our history, not just the shiny, fun parts of it.”
The dedication ceremony Saturday included Fort Worth’s Opal Lee, a long-time activist who championed the effort to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. At 96 years old, Lee is preparing for another city-wide walk on Monday, June 19.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
“Let me say how thankful I am that we have come this far,” Lee said.
Fort Worth mayor Mattie Parker said the stones dedicated Saturday serve as a reminder of the stories that must never be forgotten.
“May these stopping stones serve as a very important reminder of the progress we have made and the call to continue our work toward a future where every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness,” Mayor Parker said.
The stones dedicated and unveiled Saturday are expected to be installed next week. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-museum-becomes-first-texas-site-to-dedicate-stopping-stones/3275020/ | 2023-06-10T23:37:19 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-museum-becomes-first-texas-site-to-dedicate-stopping-stones/3275020/ |
Manitowoc Aquatic Center opens for the season. What to know if you go, and more news in weekly dose.
The Aquatic Center will be open June 10-Aug. 20.
MANITOWOC – Manitowoc Family Aquatic Center, 940 N. 18th St., opens for the season June 10 and runs through Aug. 20.
Here's a glance at the schedule:
- Open swim will be noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays and noon-7 p.m. Fridays-Sundays;
- Tot Time will be noon-4 p.m. Mondays and 10-11:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays;
- Lap swim will be 10-11:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; and
- Adult swim will be 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
Here are the admission rates:
- Youth (ages 3-17), $5 for residents and $6 for non-residents;
- Adults (ages 18-54), $6 for residents and $7 for non-residents;
- Seniors (ages 55 and older), $5 for residents and $6 for non-residents; and
- Season passes or day-pass punch cards are also available.
The Aquatic Center’s Mini Golf is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, June 10-Aug. 20. Cost is $5 for residents, $6.50 for non-residents, or $8 for 36 holes on the 18-hole course.
Call the Aquatic Center at 920-686-3590 for more details.
The city’s Summer Fun Guide is also available and registration is open for summer programs. Copies can be found at the Senior Center, City Hall, the library, Maritime Metro Transit, Rahr-West Art Museum, the tourism office and online.
Summer swimming:Here are 6 places to cool off this summer in Manitowoc County, from beaches to waterparks
Welcome to your weekly dose.
Here is more news from throughout Manitowoc County in your weekly dose.
▶ Manitowoc Fourth of July Parade opens registration: Registration is open for the Fourth of July Parade in Manitowoc, which is the kickoff to the city’s Fourth on the Shore celebration.
The festivities are again occurring in conjunction with Subfest and will take place July 4.
The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the corner of Washington and Eighth streets. It will continue on Eighth, turn on Maritime Drive and end at the Yacht Club.
The city said the parade is fun and celebratory, so festively decorating entries is required. Animals must be leashed, candy distribution is permitted and distribution of fliers is not permitted.
To register an entry for the parade, complete the online form at manitowoc.org by noon June 28 or when at capacity.
Contact Erika Christel, Visit Manitowoc’s special events and media coordinator, with questions at echristel@manitowoc.org or 920-686-3506.
▶ Summer Reading Program kicks off June 12: From June 12 to Aug. 12, earn weekly prizes just by reading during the Manitowoc Public Library's Summer Reading Program.
Register via the Beanstack app or pick up a paper reading tracker at any MPL Service Desk at the library, 707 Quay St.
Read or be read to a total of 30 days to complete the program. Every five days read earns a prize. Participants have until Aug. 19 to pick up prizes, while supplies last.
Call the library at 920-686-3000 for more details.
▶ Two Rivers to host Summer Snow Stroll June 17:Friends of Two Rivers Snowfest will host a Summer Snow Stroll in Two Rivers from 1 to 4:30 p.m. June 17.
The event will feature 14 businesses throughout Two Rivers hosting samples of craft beer and local wines.
Participants can tour downtown Two Rivers and check out many businesses throughout the event.
Live music from Micah Olsan will be at the Red Bank Coffeehouse inside Schroeder’s Department Store from 1 to 3 p.m.
Christopher Gold and Zach Pietrini will be at Heroes Venture Arcade from 1 to 4 p.m.
Proceeds will benefit local community causes and Snowfest 2023.
Tickets are $30 and are available online at trsnowfest.org until June 10 or locally at SeedsNBeans or Weichert Realtors Cornerstone, both on Washington Street in Two Rivers, during normal business hours.
▶ Rahr-West offers free guided ‘Art Against the Odds’ tours on Saturdays: Manitowoc’s Rahr-West Art Museum, 610 N. Eighth St., is hosting an exhibit titled “Art Against the Odds: Wisconsin Prison Art.” The exhibit opened June 4 and runs through Aug. 6 and features more than 60 artists who turned to creative production during incarceration.
The museum announced it will offer free guided tours of the exhibit each Saturday at 1 p.m. with museum staff or special guest tour guides. The programs are free and open to the public. Here’s the lineup of tour hosts:
- June 10: Artist Joshua Gresl
- June 17: Museum staff
- June 24: Artist Sarah Demerath
- July 1: Exhibit Curator Debra Brehmer
- July 8: Artist John Tyson and Exhibit Curator Paul Salsieder
- July 15: Artist Sarah Demerath
- July 22: Museum staff
- July 29: Museum staff
- Aug. 5: Artist Sarah Demerath
Under development for two years by Portrait Society Gallery of Contemporary Art in Milwaukee, the exhibition gives voice and visibility to individuals currently held in the state’s carceral system as well as illustrates the potential healing properties of an art practice.
The Rahr-West can be reached at 920-686-3090.
▶ Felician Village, Shoreline Hometown Credit Union host classic car show:Felician Village and Shoreline Hometown Credit Union will be hosting a classic car show from 4:30 to 7 p.m. June 22 at The Gardens at Felician Village, 1700 S. 18th St., Manitowoc.
The event will include classic cars and 1950s shock hop music by II Cool from Sheboygan.
Brats, burgers and beverages will be available for purchase.
A 50/50 raffle will also be held to help support the Felician Village transportation program “FV on the Go.”
Any car or truck can attend for free.
Read last week's 3 most-read stories:
- Events: Manitowoc can’t-miss events include garden fair, food truck rally and Breakfast on the Farm
- Former Manitowoc photographer:This former Manitowoc photographer traveled the country collecting stories for a project featured on 'Good Morning America'
- History: Soldiers Monument in Two Rivers has stood as a tribute to Civil War Union soldiers since 1900. Here's its story.
Get your dose — stay connected
Get your dose of local community news here each week. For updates throughout the week, come back to htrnews.com or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
News tips
Send tips to htrnews@htnrews.com. See our contact page.
Award-winning content
The Herald Times Reporter earned the top award, Best in Division B, for all newspapers in the state with daily circulation of less than 9,999 in the 2022 Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation Better Newspaper Contest. The Best in Division award came after the Manitowoc paper won 14 individual awards in the contest, including five first place, three second place, five third place and an honorable mention. Read more about the awards and follow links to the award-winning content by clicking here.
Our impact
The Herald Times Reporter — part of USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin — strives to make a difference in our community. Read our 2022 Community Impact Report and our 2021 Community Impact Report.
Thanks for reading!
We appreciate your readership! Support our work by subscribing.
Contact Brandon Reid at 920-686-2984 or breid@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @breidHTRNews. | https://www.htrnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/10/manitowoc-aquatic-center-opens-2023-season-summer-hours-cost-golf/70304111007/ | 2023-06-10T23:41:52 | 0 | https://www.htrnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/10/manitowoc-aquatic-center-opens-2023-season-summer-hours-cost-golf/70304111007/ |
Lincoln’s hopes of building a convention center got a big boost from the Legislature this session when it passed a bill that will allow a portion of state sales tax revenue to be used to pay for it.
“Until you have some level of financing, you don’t have a project, you have an idea,” said Dan Marvin, Lincoln’s director of Urban Development. “I think we’ve moved from an idea to something that’s more than that because you have something that can pay for a portion of the building.”
The bill (LB732), introduced by Lincoln Sen. Eliot Bostar, extends provisions originally included in the state’s convention center facility financing assistance act until 2030, allowing cities to use 70% of the state sales tax revenue collected by retailers within 600 yards of the convention center to pay for it.
Bostar’s bill was ultimately combined into an omnibus package (LB727) that incorporated more than 20 tax-related bills in danger of being left behind in the session marked by an ongoing filibuster.
People are also reading…
Known as a turnback tax, it was an important part of the financing of Pinnacle Bank Arena a decade ago.
City leaders have made building a convention center a priority, and it was one of four legislative priorities Lincoln senators championed this year.
Lincoln Sen. Anna Wishart introduced another bill to appropriate $60 million in one-time state funds for the convention center. That didn’t pass, and Bostar said they introduced both bills in hopes that one would gain traction.
“I think the idea was that it’s an important project for the city of Lincoln and we wanted to have at least a couple of avenues available to us to realize the goal of building a convention center,” he said.
The convention center was one of the top priorities identified by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, along with securing money for a second water source for the capital city. The Lincoln delegation succeeded there, too, getting nearly $180 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act money for the cause.
Two other priorities — funding for affordable housing and the east beltway — ultimately didn’t succeed. The bill to appropriate $25 million for planning of the east beltway didn’t make it out of committee, and affordable housing appropriations were vetoed by Gov. Jim Pillen.
The convention center has been on the minds of city leaders for some time. The chamber, working with several other organizations, commissioned a study that recommended building a two-story, 129,600-square-foot convention center.
The study estimated the cost at $111 million-$120 million, which the turnback tax wouldn’t cover completely. But it would certainly play a major part.
State law allows an entity to collect up to $150 million from turnback taxes, though a portion of that will go to a fund to help smaller communities with convention centers, so ultimately the city could potentially collect $105 million.
But how much revenue is actually collected depends on where the convention center will be located and what retailers and hotels are in the zone.
One change in the law that will likely increase revenue is being able to collect turnback taxes from all retailers — including restaurants and other retail stores — that are in the 600-yard radius. Turnback taxes used for Pinnacle Bank Arena can only be collected from hotels, Marvin said.
While the turnback tax would be a major financing tool, the city still needs to figure out where the remainder of the money will come from, and the mayor has indicated it’s likely to be a combination of public and private funds.
Mayoral advisor Amanda Barker said discussions are happening now about potential municipal financing options.
City officials will begin pulling together a convention center committee that will look at possible sites — including but limited to those suggested in the feasibility study, and will likely begin a process to select a convention center manager who could be involved in selecting a site, Barker said. It could be a year before the city starts that process.
The feasibility study, conducted by CSL International, identified five potential locations: the former Journal Star production building at Ninth and Q streets; the current Midwest Steel site at Eighth and N streets; a site adjacent to the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel; the downtown Post Office next to PBA; and a location in the Telegraph District east of downtown.
Early attention had focused on the Post Office site, but the U.S. Postal Service has expressed objections that could prevent or delay that option. The location near The Cornhusker Marriott has gotten a lot of attention, but city officials say no decision has been made.
But moving forward is a possibility now.
“I think the Legislation we passed this year is the difference between the city of Lincoln being able to construct a convention center and not being able to,” Bostar said. “It’s what makes this project possible.” | https://journalstar.com/news/local/government-politics/turnback-tax-legislation-allows-lincoln-officials-to-move-forward-with-convention-center-plans/article_303420d6-0703-11ee-be97-33caa2184f6a.html | 2023-06-10T23:45:09 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/government-politics/turnback-tax-legislation-allows-lincoln-officials-to-move-forward-with-convention-center-plans/article_303420d6-0703-11ee-be97-33caa2184f6a.html |
The Northern Arizona track and field team concluded its time at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships Friday in Austin, Texas.
Nico Young and David Dunlap rounded out the competition with All-American performances for the Lumberjacks.
Dunlap finished seventh in the finals of the 200-meter, running an school record time of 20.16 to earn first-team All-American nod. Dunlap's seventh-place finish was the highest in both Lumberjacks and Big Sky Conference history in the event.
Young competed in the 5K, running a strong race to finish eighth and earn first-team All-American status with a time of 14:10.17. It was Young's second top-eight finish in the event, as he finished third in the 5K at last year's national meet event.
On Thursday, Alyssa Colbert put up a strong effort in the semifinals of the women's 100m. She entered the race ranked 33rd in the nation and finished 21st overall in the semifinal round. Her time of 11.39 was her third fastest of the year and earned her honorable mention All-American honors.
People are also reading…
On Wednesday, Colin Sahlman closed out an outstanding freshman season with an impressive performance in the semifinals of the men's 1500m. He finished 17th overall in the semifinals with a time of 3:42.02 to earn honorable mention All-American honors. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/nau-roundup-track-and-field-finishes-competition-at-ncaas/article_c1cb6b00-07ce-11ee-91b8-d380ef4fd46d.html | 2023-06-10T23:46:58 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/nau-roundup-track-and-field-finishes-competition-at-ncaas/article_c1cb6b00-07ce-11ee-91b8-d380ef4fd46d.html |
SUPERIOR — A federal agency released its most detailed video yet on the root causes of the 2018 Superior refinery explosion and fire.
In the 20-minute video, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board uses detailed animations, archival video and interviews with agency investigators to explain the findings and recommendations from its final report released late last year.
This is the agency’s fourth video on the April 26, 2018 blast.
“The incident at the Superior Refinery should serve as a wakeup call to other refineries, especially those that have hydrofluoric acid alkylation units. During transient operations, refineries must have necessary safeguards in place — and follow correct procedures — to prevent disasters from occurring,” Chemical Safety Board Chairperson Steve Owens said in the video.
The final report and latest video reiterate that the explosion took place in the fluid catalytic cracking unit when air and hydrocarbons mixed during a planned turnaround. Key industry safeguards were not implemented.
ADVERTISEMENT
The explosion sent debris as far as 1,200 feet and some struck an asphalt tank, puncturing it and causing 17,000 barrels of hot asphalt to pour out of it and catch fire.
More than 2,500 Superior residents were evacuated based on the potential risk of a toxic hydrofluoric acid release. While its tank was not damaged, and none of the chemical was released, the tank was closer to the fluid catalytic cracking unit than the damaged asphalt tank, making it possible.
"Therefore, the CSB considers this incident to be a serious near miss that, had an HF release occurred, could have been much worse," the agency said in a news release accompanying the video.
The former Husky Energy refinery, now owned by Calgary, Alberta-based Cenovus, recently restarted production after five years of construction.
The company in April said it would implement all 10 non-binding recommendations made by the Chemical Safety Board on a timeline agreed upon by both the agency and company. | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/federal-agency-releases-new-video-detailing-superior-refinery-explosion-fire | 2023-06-10T23:49:34 | 1 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/federal-agency-releases-new-video-detailing-superior-refinery-explosion-fire |
Rev. Michael Eric Dyson tells Detroiters tobacco marketing devastates communities
Detroit — Detroit native and academic the Rev. Michael Eric Dyson shared his personal and political battle against tobacco with a crowd of about 100 people Saturday at the Detroit Historical Museum.
Dyson, 64, distinguished professor at Vanderbilt University, said marketing menthol cigarettes to youth is an attempt seduce them to participate in practices that harm them.
"We're concerned, rightfully so, about gun violence in our communities ... but this is equally devastating, taking out many more lives with a kind of pass that is given to menthol that is never conceded to gun violence," Dyson said.
Saturday's gathering was a Juneteenth Lunch & Learn event hosted by Making It Count Community Development Corp., a Detroit-based nonprofit whose mission is to reduce health disparities among the Black community in Detroit and throughout the state.
Dyson reflected on how he was enticed by tobacco when he was growing up near Fernwood Street on the city's west side.
Dyson told the crowd he saw big personalities smoking cigarettes and cigars and wanted to follow their example by buying candy that looked like tobacco products. But he said after he witnessed an attempted robbery at a corner store that sold the candy, he stopped buying it and never took an interest in tobacco again.
A study published by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids noted approximately 45,000 African Americans die from smoking-related disease annually.
Minou Jones, founder and CEO of the Making It Count Community Development Corp., said in addition to seeing how Blacks are disproportionately impacted by tobacco use, losing her father to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in November fuels her fight to save Black lives from tobacco.
Jones said she personally knew 10 people who died from tobacco including her grandmother, aunt and best friend.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Black Americans are among the highest tobacco-related mortality rates of racial or ethnic group in the United States, and are more likely to die from smoking-related diseases than Hispanic people and Non-Hispanic White people.
The CDC found that 2.55 million middle and high school students reported e-cigarette use in 2022 and 84.9% used e-cigarettes with flavors other than tobacco.
Michael Smith, 17, of Oak Park said he sees the ways vaping is marketed to those in his age group and believes it's done to perpetuate tobacco addiction beyond cigarettes.
"Every time I walk into a gas station, I see the same mentholated products in my community to replace old smokers with new smokers," he said.
Smith said the whole community, not just youth, needs to address youth tobacco use.
"This is not just a 'you' issue, its an 'us' one," Michael Smith, 17, of Oak Park said. "This is a social justice concern."
In April 2022 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration proposed rules to prohibit menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars.
“The proposed rules would help prevent children from becoming the next generation of smokers and help adult smokers quit,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra in a statement. “Additionally, the proposed rules represent an important step to advance health equity by significantly reducing tobacco-related health disparities.”
The FDA said in 2019 more than 18.5 million people ages 12 and older in the U.S. smoked menthol cigarettes "with particularly high rates of use by youth, young adults, and African American and other racial and ethnic groups."
The agency said modeling studies estimated a 15% reduction in smoking within 40 years if menthol cigarettes were no longer available in the United States, and that 324,000 to 654,000 smoking attributable deaths overall (92,000 to 238,000 among African Americans) would be avoided.
The FDA extended the public comment period on the rules from June to August 2022 but has yet to enact them
jaimery@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @wordsbyjakkar | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/10/rev-michael-eric-dyson-tells-detroiters-tobacco-marketing-devastates-communities/70303227007/ | 2023-06-10T23:51:00 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/10/rev-michael-eric-dyson-tells-detroiters-tobacco-marketing-devastates-communities/70303227007/ |
CEDAR LAKE — An 85-year-old woman was killed Friday in a rollover, Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. said.
Emergency personnel responded to the crash around 10:20 a.m. in the 11600 block of Wicker Avenue, where they determined that the driver did not survive. She suffered blunt-force injuries from the crash, according to the Lake County coroner's office. Toxicology results are pending.
Riding Shotgun with Merrillville Police Officer Amanda Earley
The woman was identified by the coroner as Marjorie Leonardo of Cedar Lake.
Investigators determined that Leonardo was heading north on Wicker Avenue when the vehicle crossed into lanes of oncoming traffic, although it is unclear why. The vehicle hit a guardrail, rolled over and hit a tree. The vehicle came to rest on the driver’s side, Martinez said.
No one else was injured in the crash.
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Parlor Doughnuts, Southlake Mall sneaker shop, The Boba Tea Cafe, B-Nails and Viet-Ship opening; Mezquitacos closed
Northwest Indiana man charged with stalking, threatening Taylor Swift: 'We will destroy you,' accusations say
Motorist makes big splash in Crown Point, rescuers say
Sin City Deciple member admits to 2003 killing of Gary police chief’s son
Hobart man dies following I-94 motorcycle crash, officials say
Bodies of 2 juveniles pulled from river; state investigating
Woman dead, man 'critical' from overnight shootings in Merrillville
Portage boy tells cops he saw sister crying after being molested; man charged
Prosecutors upgrade charges to murder in case of gun prank gone wrong
Replacement for White Castle's oldest Chicago area restaurant in Whiting opening, features AI and robots
Duke goes home, ending status as longest dog resident at Region shelter
Hoosier opinions sought on child-support rule changes
1 dead after vehicle becomes trapped underneath wheels of semi, state police say
Hammond to give away free Lil Wayne tickets to Hammond residents
Man shot in face while visiting Region home reportedly told police he has no issues with anyone
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail
April Wright
Age : 34
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304645
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Fallon Stone
Age : 37
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304663
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Munster Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Kecelyn Sydner
Age : 26
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304632
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Hilario Torres Jr.
Age : 48
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304638
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Shawn Washington
Age : 43
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304654
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OPERATING A VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING PRIVILEGES ARE SUSPENDED
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Steven Petrisko
Age : 61
Residence: Goodland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304651
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Dyer Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Roosevelt Pickett Jr.
Age : 45
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304649
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: DEALING - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Andre Patterson
Age : 59
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304634
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - $750 TO $50,000;
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kenneth Mack Jr.
Age : 44
Residence: Grant Park, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304633
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - W/PRIOR CONVICTION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Rachel McKinney
Age : 38
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304642
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake Station Police Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - W/PRIOR CONVICTION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Patrick Noonan
Age : 41
Residence: Winfield, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304655
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Winfield Police Deparatment
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Bradley Kelly
Age : 38
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304650
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake Station Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG; OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Jason Howard
Age : 31
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304660
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Tena Johnson
Age : 43
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304629
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - INSTITUTION - BANK/FINANCIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Leslie Hawkins
Age : 35
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304625
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: LCCS
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Chanel Copeland
Age : 27
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304628
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/MODERATE BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Tameera Dillon
Age : 22
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304627
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Elvee Evans III
Age : 24
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304641
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: ROBBERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Totianna Gaston
Age : 23
Residence: Ford Heights, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304630
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - FORGERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Olivia Blakeley
Age : 29
Residence: Munster, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304636
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION - STALKING VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Steven Bogner
Age : 40
Residence: Schererville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304648
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kristina Bohn
Age : 39
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304635
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - FORGERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Tammy Berry
Age : 64
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304626
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION - TRAFFICKING WITH AN INMATE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Christopher Arroyo
Age : 23
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304661
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - < $750; CONFINEMENT; RESISTING - INTERFERING WITH PUBLIC SAFETY; MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Melvin Pumphrey III
Age : 48
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304623
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Other
Offense Description: ROBBERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Dakota Robinson
Age : 20
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304631
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/DEADLY WEAPON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Sullivan
Age : 43
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304684
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: New Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Shauntwain Johnson
Age : 46
Residence: Lansing, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304681
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Munster Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Karley Jensen
Age : 28
Residence: DeMotte, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304683
Arrest Date: May 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schneider Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - FIREARM - HANDGUN - W/NO PERMIT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Cali Huerta
Age : 20
Residence: Oak Forest, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304680
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Cindy Irons
Age : 40
Residence: St. Petersburg, FL
Booking Number(s): 2304677
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: RIVERBOAT GAMBLING- CASINO GAMBLING VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jack Hampton
Age : 43
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304671
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: LCCC
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
John Huber
Age : 41
Residence: Schererville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304678
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT - KIDNAPPING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Chauncey Hackett Jr.
Age : 32
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304673
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: LCCC
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Antwon Butler
Age : 27
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304670
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: DEALING - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Aundra Butler
Age : 38
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304672
Arrest Date: May 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: LCCC
Offense Description: Domestic Battery
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox! | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/cedar-lake/85-year-old-cedar-lake-woman-dies-in-vehicle-rollover/article_b932c642-07c8-11ee-a62e-a39563f804d9.html | 2023-06-10T23:56:13 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/cedar-lake/85-year-old-cedar-lake-woman-dies-in-vehicle-rollover/article_b932c642-07c8-11ee-a62e-a39563f804d9.html |
NAMPA, Idaho — This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
College of Western Idaho Trustee Annie Hightower has resigned.
The board accepted her resignation at its meeting on Thursday, according to a press release from the college.
Hightower won reelection in 2022 for the board’s Zone 4 seat, but has chosen to resign due to family considerations, she said in the release.
“Serving students while on the Board of Trustees has been a wonderful opportunity,” Hightower said. “However, for the well-being of my family, I have decided to step down from my role at CWI to spend more time with my children and husband.”
Board Chair Molly Lenty said Hightower’s service has been instrumental.
“Her leadership and commitment to the evolution of the college was key in updating policies and in supporting the campus visioning process as CWI grows to meet the needs of our thriving community," Lenty said. "We will work hard over the following weeks to identify a qualified and dedicated leader to join the board on behalf of Zone 4.”
The board is comprised of five volunteers who are elected at-large by Ada and Canyon County voters for four-year terms. The current vacancy will be filled by someone appointed by the board, and will serve until the November 2024 election, according to the college’s website.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to see if they meet the requirements for the position. Basic eligibility includes being an Idaho resident and living in Zone 4, which encompasses parts of Meridian and Boise.
This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press, read more on IdahoPress.com.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-press/college-of-western-idaho-trustee-submits-resignation-board-zone-4-seat/277-bd55c24b-6852-42fe-969a-1904950ff2f2 | 2023-06-11T00:01:02 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-press/college-of-western-idaho-trustee-submits-resignation-board-zone-4-seat/277-bd55c24b-6852-42fe-969a-1904950ff2f2 |
HAYDEN, Idaho — Deputies with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) have located the body of a missing Coeur d’Alene man last seen on Saturday, June 3, in Hayden.
According to a statement, the family of 43-year-old Earle Gilbert Wolfrom Jr. found his body and his dirt bike on Friday, down in an embankment on E. Forest Service Rd. 206, just west of Forest Service Rd. 1552.
Wolfrom's death is still under investigation, but KCSO detectives say it appears Wolfrom crashed his dirt bike while turning a corner, and he died of his injuries. Deputies haven't released more information as of Saturday, June 10.
Background information
43-year-old Earle Gilbert Wolfrom Jr. of Coeur d’Alene was last seen on Saturday, June 3 at approximately 3 p.m. Deputies say Wolfrom left the area of the Hayden Canyon Storage located at 12115 N. Government Way riding his orange 2007 KTM off-road motorcycle.
On Friday, deputies said the search for Wolfrom was suspended on Thursday evening due to the weather that caused lightning, high winds, and downed trees in the forest area.
During the search on Thursday, deputies said the Kootenai County Regional Air Support Unit and the KCSO Search and Rescue Unit, with assistance from Idaho Disaster Dogs, checked the forested areas surrounding Hayden Creek but were unable to locate Wolfrom.
Anyone with information about Wolfrom's whereabouts or anyone who may have seen his motorcycle is asked to call the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office at (208) 446-1300 or their local law enforcement agency.
This is a developing story and will be updated when more information is available.
DOWNLOAD THE KREM SMARTPHONE APP
HOW TO ADD THE KREM+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KREM in the Channel Store.
Fire TV: search for "KREM" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
To report a typo or grammatical error, please email webspokane@krem.com. | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho/missing-man-coeur-d-alene-idaho-earle-wolfrom/293-8e6dfdd4-0623-4bc5-b129-b9baf22c8bd5 | 2023-06-11T00:01:08 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho/missing-man-coeur-d-alene-idaho-earle-wolfrom/293-8e6dfdd4-0623-4bc5-b129-b9baf22c8bd5 |
The weather on Saturday could be described as sort of warm, sort of cold, really cloudy and a bit drippy.
No matter, though. At David Street Station, there were enough colors for a thousand cloudy days as community members came together to celebrate Pride Fest.
The annual event marked its eighth year with vendors (including corporate giants such as Starbucks and Target), drag performers, food trucks and lots and lots of color.
As attendees hung out on the turf and gathered in groups to chat, often running up to each other for a hug, peppy pop music played from the band shell speakers. Morgan Crompton, who is from Wyoming, and Amy Macky, who is from Colorado, came to "celebrate," Crompton said. She sported vibrant hair strings tied on to her natural strands, and Macky wore glitter around her eyes.
"I think it's cool that Casper does this," Macky said, adding that since Wyoming tends to be more conservative, activities like these stand out in particular.
People are also reading…
"I bought some stuff, talked to a lot of cool people," Crompton added.
Some people, like Tehn Forte, came to represent other communities from around the state. In Forte's case, it was Sheridan.
A transplant from Atlanta, Georgia, Forte, who is Black, said they miss where they're from -- Atlanta has a much larger "vibrant, queer, Black community" than Wyoming does -- but they've been working to increase visibility in Sheridan, which does have a pride (due to construction, it will be held in September this year, Forte said). They came to the state for their partner, but told the the Star-Tribune that they "really like it" and "have been able to find community here."
"We've come every year (to Casper Pride)," they said. This year, they and their partner were doing hair accessories for free and accepting donations for a nonprofit called Sheridan Supports LGBTQ+. They had hair chalk, embroidery string and flowers in numerous colors.
Not everything was free -- at Jaydine Krinchov's stand, they had books, pins and other memorabilia for sale. The books in question were his own: Krinchov, who is 20 years old, is an indie author who has written two books as part of his "Chronicles of Enigma" series. It was his first time at Casper Pride as a vendor.
Of course, it wouldn't be an event in Wyoming if someone didn't show up wearing cowboy boots, jeans and a cowboy hat, and there were a few of those at Pride as well. One attendee wore a t-shirt that said "Protect Trans Kids" as part of his outfit.
Mallory Pollock, executive director of Casper Pride, said they were warmed to see the community come together this year and in years past.
"Look how far we've come in eight years," they said. "We've done a really great job building relationships. We've found each other and great partnerships in the community." | https://trib.com/news/local/casper/community-arrives-for-caspers-eighth-pride-fest/article_c82483c0-07cd-11ee-a241-ebd123af5f8f.html | 2023-06-11T00:04:14 | 0 | https://trib.com/news/local/casper/community-arrives-for-caspers-eighth-pride-fest/article_c82483c0-07cd-11ee-a241-ebd123af5f8f.html |
Originally published June 5 on IdahoCapitalSun.com.
Residents throughout the state can offer feedback at public meetings on the state’s site selection process for new electric vehicle charging stations throughout June. A virtual meeting will also be held in July.
The state is working through the next phase of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, which oversees significant federal funding allocated to establish a comprehensive and reliable network of EV charging stations throughout Idaho, according to a press release from the agencies that oversee the program.
The funding formula uses a combination of federal and private funding sources to develop and implement interconnected charging station infrastructure projects. The Idaho Transportation Department, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and Idaho Office of Energy and Mineral Resources have collaborated to form an interagency work group dedicated to the initiative in Idaho, according to the press release.
Following public input received in 2022 to advise Idaho’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Baseline plan, which provided insight into the needs of EV drivers and desired charging site attributes, the interagency work group is now seeking further input from the public. This round of feedback will help prioritize and weigh the identified attributes, such as connectivity, equity, environmental impact, charging demand, technological innovation, project readiness and cost effectiveness. Officials will also take into consideration criteria outlined by Federal Highway Administration.
Seven public meetings will provide an opportunity for stakeholders and the public to voice their opinions and play a key role in the award of Idaho’s first two National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure pilot sites, expected to be solicited and contracted in 2023.
Here’s where and when the public meetings will take place:
Nampa
5 p.m. June 13 at the Hispanic Cultural Center, 315 Stampede Drive
this meeting will be presented and facilitated in Spanish
Boise
5 p.m. June 14 at in the Sagebrush Room at the Library! at Cole and Ustick, 7557 W. Ustick Road
Idaho Falls
5 p.m. June 20 in the Center South Room at the Idaho Falls Activity Center, 1575 N. Skyline Drive
Twin Falls
5 p.m. June 21 in the Human Services Building at the College of Southern Idaho, 315 Falls Ave.
Lewiston
5 p.m. June 27 on the second floor of the Lewiston Library, 411 D St.
Coeur d’Alene
5 p.m. June 28 in the Todd Lecture Hall at North Idaho College, 1000 W. Garden Ave.
Virtual (Statewide)
Noon on July 10 on Zoom. RSVP by email to info@evidaho.org for a meeting invite.
Individuals or organizations interested in hosting a charging station should reach out to the interagency work group at info@evidaho.org to receive updates, information and further opportunities to provide feedback regarding the request for proposals process for selecting the first two pilot sites.
“We believe that public participation is essential in creating an inclusive and forward-thinking EV infrastructure plan,” said Scott Luekenga, planning and development director for Idaho Transportation Department, in the press release. “We relied heavily on public input to shape the Baseline plan and will continue to engage the people of Idaho as we begin to see this infrastructure realized following the Siting, Feasibility and Access study. We encourage everyone to join us in these important discussions.”
For more information and updates regarding the program and the public meetings, got to evidaho.org or contact the interagency work group at info@evidaho.org. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/have-thoughts-on-where-ev-charging-stations-should-go-in-idaho-here-s-how-to/article_e24f47c4-04a0-11ee-a258-f39ba094b199.html | 2023-06-11T00:12:59 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/have-thoughts-on-where-ev-charging-stations-should-go-in-idaho-here-s-how-to/article_e24f47c4-04a0-11ee-a258-f39ba094b199.html |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Dozens of cars lined up along Douglas for the Riverfest Classic Car Show on Saturday.
Both classic and new cars could be found at the show.
The show is one of many events to finish off the days of celebration.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Dozens of cars lined up along Douglas for the Riverfest Classic Car Show on Saturday.
Both classic and new cars could be found at the show.
The show is one of many events to finish off the days of celebration. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/dozens-of-cars-line-up-for-riverfest-classic-car-show/ | 2023-06-11T00:26:49 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/dozens-of-cars-line-up-for-riverfest-classic-car-show/ |
Giuliana DeRichie, 12, and her father, John DeRichie, 48, of Northfield, at the Chris Ford Memorial Basketball Tournament on Saturday. John is married to Ford’s daughter, Katie, and Giuliana is one of the late NBA player and coach’s seven grandchildren.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
SOSH Architects’ Luca DeGenarro guards Merrill Lynch’s Anthony “Juice” Young during the Chris Ford Memorial Basketball Tournament opener Saturday at the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. Teams paid $2,500 to enter the two-day tournament.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Raymond Bethea Jr. in action for City of Atlantic City/South Jersey Industries on Saturday afternoon at the Chris Ford Memorial Basketball Tournament hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Giuliana DeRichie, 12, looks to make a play for SOSH Architects on Saturday.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
John DeRichie takes the ball up court for SOSH Industries on Saturday.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Chris Ford's No. 42 can be seen on the wall at center court during the tournament's opening tipoff Saturday afternoon.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City CEO Charles Wallace II checks in on the action Saturday.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Director of Recreation Elijah Langford helped organize the Chris Ford Memorial Basketball Tournament.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
John DeRichie goes over strategy with his 12-year-old daughter Giuliana during halftime of the tournament opener.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Chris Ford, with ball, works with young players at the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City in an undated photo. An Atlantic City legend who had a long playing and coaching career in the NBA, Ford will be honored by the club with a three-day June Madness basketball event.
Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, Provided
The Houston Rockets’ Mike Dunleavy drives hard and turns the corner on the Boston Celtics’ Chris Ford during an NBA playoff game April 12, 1980, at Boston Garden. Boston won the contest 95-75.
ATLANTIC CITY — John DeRichie set up beyond the 3-point line and watched as the play unfolded.
A teammate drove to the basket, missed a layup but grabbed his own rebound. He turned and found DeRichie, who stood wide open beyond the arc.
DeRichie put up the left-handed shot uncontested, the ball kissing the inside of the rim as it went through for 3.
His father-in-law would have been proud.
DeRichie, whose wife, Katie, is the daughter of late South Jersey basketball icon and NBA player/coach Chris Ford, was competing Saturday afternoon in the first annual Chris Ford Memorial Basketball Tournament, which highlights June Madness Weekend and is hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City.
DeRichie’s 3-pointer in the early moments of the second half seemed to open the floodgates for more shots from beyond the arc in the game between SOSH Architects and Merrill Lynch. Both teams traded 3s, a great way to honor Ford, a shooting guard who made the first 3-pointer in NBA history.
“I think everybody had that in the back of their mind. We threw up some 3s in honor of Chris,” said DeRichie, 48, of Northfield, following SOSH’s 47-37 win to open the tournament.
The two-day tournament is being held in the club’s newly renovated Evolution Arena in its MGM Teen Center. Teams of men and women — from teens to those well past their playing days — included local sponsors, businesses and organizations competing in an eight-team, elimination-style bracket, with the champions receiving the Club Cup. The club plans to make the tournament an annual event, and the team name of the champions will be engraved on the cup.
Sponsors paid $2,500 per team and included: Cooper Levenson Attorneys at Law, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, The Malamut Team-Mortgage Experts, City of Atlantic City/South Jersey Industries, UBS Financial, SOSH Architects and Merrill Lynch.
Four games were played Saturday. Each game consisted of two 20-minute halves with a running clock. The semifinals will begin at 11 a.m. Sunday, with the championship game to follow.
“Some of the teams have gotten very competitive over the last 72 hours,” club CEO Charles Wallace II said before the opening tipoff. “You may see some NBA players show up on teams, some very good college players show up. Our goal is to build on it each year. But definitely some of Atlantic City’s and Atlantic County’s finest will be here.”
Some well-known names were expected to play. Local boxer Anthony “Juice” Young participated in the first game. Mainland Regional High School graduate and University of Notre Dame player Kylee Watson was expected to play.
Former Atlantic City High School standout and recent Hampton University graduate Raymond Bethea Jr. was draining 3-pointers and making easy layups in the second game.
“It’s crazy. There are a lot of people here who can play or just love to watch the game,” said Bethea, who plans to play overseas this winter. “It’s good for us to play for them and show them there are all kinds of people around here. And to also have a good time with family, come back home and play some basketball. It’s a good time, and I think it’s really special.”
Saturday was also special for the DeRichie family because it was the first time John got to play in a game with his 12-year-old daughter, Giuliana, one of Chris Ford’s seven grandchildren. One of the DeRichies’ cousins, Mike Salerno, also was set to play this weekend.
Giuliana, who has been playing basketball since she was in kindergarten, said it was a lot of fun getting to play with her father and pretty special getting to do it for her grandfather.
“He did so much for the community, especially Atlantic City,” John DeRichie added. “And when they came to us and said, ‘Could we use his name for this?,’ we jumped at the chance. The family said absolutely. He would do anything he could for Atlantic City, and the conversation became, ‘Who could we get to play from the family?’’’
Ford’s legacy
Ford, 74, who grew up in the Ducktown section of Atlantic City, died Jan. 17.
He was a Holy Spirit High School graduate who averaged 33 points per game as a senior without the benefit of a 3-point line and remains the Spartans’ all-time scoring leader. He starred at Villanova University, helping the Wildcats reach the NCAA Tournament three times, and then enjoyed a long NBA career as a player and coach.
Ford was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1972, He was traded to Boston in 1978, where he played the remainder of his 10-year career. He was part of the Celtics’ 1981 championship team. Ford later coached the Celtics for five seasons, followed by stints with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Clippers. He was the interim coach of the 2003-04 Philadelphia 76ers.
Ford was a coach and mentor to Boys & Girls Club members who played recreational basketball at the Atlantic City gym. In 2021, he served on the GO HOOPS Committee that raised $500,000 for the gym’s renovation project. The space was used as a boxing ring for boys in the 1970s and as a basketball court in the 1980s. The state-of-the-art Evolution Arena, which opened Sept. 13, hosts basketball and other youth sports, speaking engagements and cultural exhibits.
On Friday night, the club honored Ford during a cocktail event at the arena. Ford’s widow, Kathy, was there with the rest of the family. They were blown away by the support, John DeRichie said. The club also honored Ford by hanging his No. 42 along the wall at center court of the gym.
Brian Little, chief strategy officer for the club, said he was approached by Elijah Langford, the club’s director of recreation, and club board member Cookie Till about doing a tournament to honor Ford shortly after his death. Little, 52, is a 1989 Holy Spirit High School graduate and played football at the University of Delaware. He met Ford several times throughout the years, most recently last winter during the Seagull Classic high school tournament at Holy Spirit.
Little, who grew up not far from the club’s Pennsylvania Avenue location, said he was grateful for the opportunities he had as a kid in this community, thanks in part to the club.
“Any time you would walk up on Chris or see him in the community ... just the respect and the love people had for him and just in his presence and any conversation I had with him ... I admired him,” Little said.
“I cherish everything he did for us at the Boys & Girls Club and the community as a whole.”
GALLERY: Chris Ford Memorial Basketball Tournament
I graduated from Rowan University in 2011 where I studied journalism. I've done everything from cover sports to news and have served as a copy editor and digital producer with The Press since July 2013.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account.
Giuliana DeRichie, 12, and her father, John DeRichie, 48, of Northfield, at the Chris Ford Memorial Basketball Tournament on Saturday. John is married to Ford’s daughter, Katie, and Giuliana is one of the late NBA player and coach’s seven grandchildren.
SOSH Architects’ Luca DeGenarro guards Merrill Lynch’s Anthony “Juice” Young during the Chris Ford Memorial Basketball Tournament opener Saturday at the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. Teams paid $2,500 to enter the two-day tournament.
Raymond Bethea Jr. in action for City of Atlantic City/South Jersey Industries on Saturday afternoon at the Chris Ford Memorial Basketball Tournament hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City.
Chris Ford, with ball, works with young players at the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City in an undated photo. An Atlantic City legend who had a long playing and coaching career in the NBA, Ford will be honored by the club with a three-day June Madness basketball event.
The Houston Rockets’ Mike Dunleavy drives hard and turns the corner on the Boston Celtics’ Chris Ford during an NBA playoff game April 12, 1980, at Boston Garden. Boston won the contest 95-75. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/teams-throw-up-some-3s-to-honor-chris-ford-help-boys-girls-club/article_3e01c94e-072f-11ee-9ebf-ff0f5be474bf.html | 2023-06-11T00:28:43 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/teams-throw-up-some-3s-to-honor-chris-ford-help-boys-girls-club/article_3e01c94e-072f-11ee-9ebf-ff0f5be474bf.html |
The ShopRite LPGA Classic offered opportunities this weekend.
Dani Holmqvist is 18 holes away from taking advantage.
Holmqvist shot a 4-under 67 Saturday on the Bay Course at Seaview Hotel and Golf Club in Galloway Township to take a one-shot lead with a 36-hole total of 11-under 131 heading into Sunday's final round of the $1.75 million Classic.
“It's always some nerves and stuff, but it was nerves in a good way because it's a position you really want to be in,” Holmqvist said of leading. “It's just trying to trust my own game and just what I've been working on for the last couple weeks, and it's nice to see that it's paying off.”
The 35th annual ShopRite LPGA Classic begins Friday on the Bay Course at Seaview Hotel and G…
The ShopRite field this year featured just four players ranked in the world’s top-10. That opened the door for an underdog or an unknown to win.
Holmqvist fits that description. The 35-year-old Swedish native is ranked No. 495 in the world. She missed the cut in the five other LPGA events she’s played this year. Holmqvist has one career top-10 finish (a tie for seventh at the Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic in 2018) since joining the tour in 2014.
On Saturday, she made seven birdies and bogeyed three holes.
“It's just some holes are tough,” she said. “It's a great course, and sometimes you get a good break and sometimes you get bad. You can't dwell on it too much. I just tried to stay level and focus on the next shot.”
Some of the world’s best are chasing Holmqvist.
Hyo Joo Kim, ranked No. 8 in the world, mixed eight birdies with two bogeyes to shoot a 6-under 65 and was one shot back of Holmqvist with a 36-hole total of 10-under 132.
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP — Rose Zhang thrilled the golf world when she became the first LPGA player…
Ashleigh Buhai, ranked No. 16, was alone in third place at 8-under 134.
Atthaya Thitikul, ranked No. 6 in the world, was four shots back at 7-under 135 after shooting a 4-under 67 Saturday. Chiara Noja, a 17-year-old from Germany who is making her LPGA debut, also was at 7-under.
“Really cool,” Noja said when asked what the week has been like. “I think the first tee is probably the only place you don't enjoy it as much because you're a little nervous. Coming up 9, 18, those are really cool moments. The fans are really, really great this week, and it's really cool being able to play in front of so many people.”
Two-time Classic champion Anna Nordqvist (66-70) was at 6-under 136. Defending champion Brooke Henderson (69-70) was eight shots back at 3-under 139.
A total of 73 golfers shot 1-over 143 or better to make the cut to Sunday’s final round.
A dozen golfers will begin Sunday within five shots of the lead. ShopRite has seen several final-round comebacks, including last year when Henderson began the day four shots out of the lead. The leaders are expected to tee off around noon.
Holmqvist said she wants to stay in her own “bubble” Sunday. The last time Holmqvist led a tournament after 36 holes was the AIG Women’s Open in 2020. That was a 72-hole event, and she faded in the final two rounds, finishing tied for 29th.
“I hope (Sunday) turns out better than it did that time,” she said. “I think there are so many good and talented players in this field, and it's going to be low scores. Only thing I can do is try to do the best that I possibly can, and hopefully that's enough.”
Second-round scores
Yardage: 6,197; Par: 71
Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox! | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/golf/dani-holmqvist-taking-1-shot-lead-into-shoprite-lpga-classic-s-final-round/article_02ec60de-07c6-11ee-befa-5b4145e077bc.html | 2023-06-11T00:29:02 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/golf/dani-holmqvist-taking-1-shot-lead-into-shoprite-lpga-classic-s-final-round/article_02ec60de-07c6-11ee-befa-5b4145e077bc.html |
The 18th anniversary of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day will be observed on Thursday, June 15.
The day serves as a call to action around the world encouraging communities to further their knowledge and understanding of abuse, neglect and exploitation of older adults, while working to protect and defend them.
Abuse is not confined to age, social or economic status, race or ethnicity. Unfortunately, the abuser can also be anyone: a close family member, neighbor, health care worker or even someone the victim doesn’t know.
Kenosha County Adult Protective Services provides investigations, interventions, advocacy and support for adults over the age of 60 and adults ages 18-59 who are physically or cognitively disabled (adult at risk).
An APS worker’s concern is for the health and well-being of the person at risk. After speaking with the individual and determining their needs and risk of harm, the worker will discuss options for improving the situation and supporting the individual’s rights.
People are also reading…
Throughout the investigation, the victim directs how much or how little change they want to make. APS will work to get the assistance needed to address the identified issues. This can range from getting resources for in home care and assistance to finding guardianship for someone who does not have capacity to make their own decisions.
Al referrals to APS are confidential and protect the identity of the person making the report.
There are six forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation that APS investigates:
Physical Abuse can range from bruises and scratches to death. It can also include use of restraints, such as locking someone in a room, tying them down, etc.
Sexual Abuse includes unwanted sexual advances, including assaultive behavior accomplished through coercion, intimidation, force, or fear.
Emotional Abuse includes words that are threatening, humiliating or intimidating.
Neglect is the failure of a caregiver to provide basic needs such as food, water, personal care, shelter, and medical care.
Financial Exploitation involves theft or misuse of money, credit cards, or property. It can also include the forced signature of documents for another person’s advantage or profit.
Self-Neglect is failure of an adult at risk to provide for their basic needs, such as food, water, personal care, medical follow-up, business affairs, and safety.
If you think you, or someone you know, may be a victim, call Adult Protectives Services at the Kenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center, 262-605-6646. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After hours and holidays contact Adult Crisis, 262-657-7188. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-county-adult-protecive-services-to-mark-world-elder-abuse-awareness-day/article_9daea0fa-07a8-11ee-a229-5774f90964b4.html | 2023-06-11T00:34:30 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-county-adult-protecive-services-to-mark-world-elder-abuse-awareness-day/article_9daea0fa-07a8-11ee-a229-5774f90964b4.html |
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly crash that happened early Saturday morning in Seminole County.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The crash happened along northbound State Road 429 around 3:40 a.m.
Troopers said a Kia Sportage and a Kia Optima traveled northbound on State Road 429 and approached Mile Marker 51 in the inside lane.
Read: Teen, 15, arrested in shooting death of military veteran, Orlando police say
According to a news release, the SUV driver lost control of the vehicle, entered the median center lane, overcorrected, and ended up in the path of the Kia Optima.
The front of the sedan hit the right side of the SUV, causing the SUV to rotate across all northbound lanes and into the shoulder.
Troopers said the front side of the SUV hit a concrete barrier wall.
Read: Very hot and sunny start to the weekend, with scattered storms later on
Investigators said the driver of the SUV, a 41-year-old woman, and the passenger, a 41-year-old man, both West Palm Beach residents, were taken to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the sedan, a 51-year-old man from Sanford, was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Read: Florida researcher resurfaces after living 100 days underwater
FHP said the sedan driver was not wearing a seatbelt.
This crash remains under investigation.
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/1-dead-2-injured-seminole-county-crash/VOT5TYVPTJCJHFMSASTROIJ7SM/ | 2023-06-11T00:35:23 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/1-dead-2-injured-seminole-county-crash/VOT5TYVPTJCJHFMSASTROIJ7SM/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — Shakelovers it’s summertime! Chick-fil-A is bringing back its signature peach flavors nationwide.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The fan-favorite Peach Milkshake and the White Peach Sunjoy will return to the fast food chain menu on Monday.
“With each passing year, our Peach Milkshake’s loyal followers eagerly await its annual comeback,” said Leslie Neslage, Director of Menu and Packaging at Chick-fil-A.
Read: New restaurant will open near Kissimmee next month, hiring over 200 positions
Neslage also said this year, the excitement of their fans inspired them to expand their peach flavor offerings.
“Introducing the White Peach Sunjoy and several other refreshing variations, we are excited to witness the peachy choices our guests will make all summer long!” she said.
Read: Here are 9 ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Central Florida
The Peach Milkshake is a perfect treat for the summer, with a combination of Chick-fil-A’s signature Icedream dessert and peaches.
The White Peach Sunjoy is not as creamy but very refreshing. It combines Chick-fil-A’s Sunjoy beverage with a mix of classic lemonade, sweetened iced tea, and peach flavors.
In addition to the return of the two menu items, Chick-fil-A also announced the chainwide expansion of the Spicy Chicken Biscuit.
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/chick-fil-a-brings-back-fan-favorite-milkshake/TCVD77E25ZFCVE5AW5NKKDVP5Y/ | 2023-06-11T00:35:29 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/chick-fil-a-brings-back-fan-favorite-milkshake/TCVD77E25ZFCVE5AW5NKKDVP5Y/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — The hurricane season began this month, but weather experts and one of the largest electric companies in Florida ask everyone to be prepared early for an active season.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
According to a Duke Energy press release, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting between 12 to 17 named storms this season, which runs June 1 through Nov. 30.
Read: ‘All good things come to an end’: Linda’s Winter Park Diner to close this summer
Duke Energy encourages Florida residents to have a plan in place to protect their families and property.
Some of the tips include creating an emergency supply kit with extra prescribed medication, water and nonperishable foods.
Cell phones, computers, and electronic devices should also be charged in advance.
Once the storm has passed, if an outage does occur, turn off any nonessential electrical equipment that may start automatically when power is restored to avoid overloading circuits, according to a Duke Energy press release.
Also, if a wire falls, stay in the vehicle.
Read: Lady Lake dedicating park to honor a veteran that lost his life during Pearl Harbor
“We’ve been making upgrades across our system throughout the year to build a stronger and smarter power grid to serve our customers,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president.
Duke Energy supplies electricity to 1.9 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers across Florida.
Customers can find more information here.
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/duke-energy-encourages-customers-prepare-an-active-2023-hurricane-season/VZRT55U6BFCBXIEL7FOL7NVYAA/ | 2023-06-11T00:35:36 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/duke-energy-encourages-customers-prepare-an-active-2023-hurricane-season/VZRT55U6BFCBXIEL7FOL7NVYAA/ |
POLK COUNTY, Fla. — While touring a farm in Polk County Friday, the Hispanic Federation Partnership announced Florida farmworkers would continue receiving one-time from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
According to a press release, the USDA is continuing to mail out a total of $1,140,000 to 1,900 to the state’s farmworkers and has been doing so since March.
The Hispanic Federation Partnership said the $600-one-time payments would help workers who suffered pandemic-related health and safety costs.
Photos: Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar to open new location near Kissimmee
The payments are part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm and Food Workers Relief Grant program, which awarded the Hispanic Federation a $44.3 million grant for farm and food workers in 17 states.
“Latinos who were at the front lines of the pandemic, including our farmworkers, experienced higher death, infection, and hospitalization rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, " said Frankie Miranda, president and CEO of the Hispanic Federation.
Read: Orlando Police: 15-year-old arrested in US military veteran’s shooting death
The USDA’s FFWR grant program is one of the Hispanic Federation’s initiatives that support vulnerable communities in Florida.
Hispanic Federation said its partners provide legal services, health resources, education programming, and economic support to fill in gaps exacerbated by anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ+ policies recently implemented in the state.
Read: Trump indictment: Who is Aileen Cannon, the judge who will oversee Tuesday’s arraigment?
“Hispanic Federation stands alongside all these farmworkers and the immigrant community, recognizing that this country’s strength lies in the diversity and inclusivity they bring to this nation,” said Laudi Campo, Hispanic Federation’s Florida State Director.
Click here for more information.
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/florida-farmers-receive-federal-financial-assistance-help-with-pandemic-costs/YUI6QOJUW5A3DPNUWSQ4SSPD44/ | 2023-06-11T00:35:42 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/florida-farmers-receive-federal-financial-assistance-help-with-pandemic-costs/YUI6QOJUW5A3DPNUWSQ4SSPD44/ |
KEY LARGO, Fla. — (AP) — A university professor who spent 100 days living underwater at a Florida Keys lodge for scuba divers resurfaced Friday and raised his face to the sun for the first time since March 1.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Dr. Joseph Dituri set a new record for the longest time living underwater without depressurization during his stay at Jules’ Undersea Lodge, submerged beneath 30 feet (9.14 meters) of water in a Key Largo lagoon.
The diving explorer and medical researcher shattered the previous mark of 73 days, two hours and 34 minutes set by two Tennessee professors at the same lodge in 2014.
Read: SeaWorld Orlando opens center focused on rehabbing, conserving coral colonies
“It was never about the record,” Dituri said. “It was about extending human tolerance for the underwater world and for an isolated, confined, extreme environment.”
Dituri, who also goes by the moniker " Dr. Deep Sea,” is a University of South Florida educator who holds a doctorate in biomedical engineering and is a retired U.S. Naval officer.
Read: Aquarium delivers lab-grown corals to ocean in the Florida Keys
Guinness World Records listed Dituri as the record holder on its website after his 74th day underwater last month. The Marine Resources Development Foundation, which owns the lodge, will ask Guinness to certify Dituri’s 100-day mark, according to foundation head Ian Koblick.
The project aimed to learn more about how the human body and mind respond to extended exposure to extreme pressure and an isolated environment and was designed to benefit ocean researchers and astronauts on future long-term missions.
Read: Cocaine washes up on Ormond Beach, deputies say
During the three months and nine days he spent underwater, Dituri conducted daily daily experiments and measurements to monitor how his body responded to the increase in pressure over time.
He also met online with several thousand students from 12 countries, taught a USF course and welcomed more than 60 visitors to the habitat.
“The most gratifying part about this is the interaction with almost 5,000 students and having them care about preserving, protecting and rejuvenating our marine environment,” Dituri said.
He plans to present findings from Project Neptune 100 at November’s World Extreme Medicine Conference in Scotland.
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/florida-researcher-resurfaces-after-living-100-days-underwater/32E37VSQKNC27HACOHX6OLRAPY/ | 2023-06-11T00:35:48 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/florida-researcher-resurfaces-after-living-100-days-underwater/32E37VSQKNC27HACOHX6OLRAPY/ |
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — As artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly high-profile topic in higher education, Florida universities are holding discussions about how to harness the technology’s power — and stave off the potential for academic malfeasance.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The University of Florida Board of Trustees, for example, received an update Thursday from the school’s Provost Joe Glover on artificial intelligence, or AI, initiatives at UF.
The state’s flagship university is home to a supercomputer known as HiPerGator, which was a $50 million gift to the school from NVIDIA, a Silicon Valley-based tech firm, and company co-founder Chris Malachowsky, a University of Florida graduate. Touted for its artificial-intelligence capabilities, the supercomputer is being used by researchers from UF and other state universities to tackle pressing agricultural and environmental problems.
But Glover said “we need to pay attention to” another “very important development” in AI — a technology that’s known as generative AI. Generative AI has exploded into the tech world in recent months and drawn widespread attention for its ability to generate things such as text and images.
Watch: Lawmakers in Congress are calling for more oversight on the use of Artificial Intelligence
“This is an important new technology. It will totally disrupt higher education,” Glover told the trustees.
The provost pointed to what he called an “emerging research agenda” in generative AI.
“As everyone knows, generative AI hallucinates. ChatGPT makes mistakes, it doesn’t give the right answers. It is subject to flights of fancy and depression,” Glover said, referencing a widely used generative-AI tool.
Read: Senators request information about artificial intelligence scams targeting older Americans
OpenAI, the artificial intelligence research company that developed ChatGPT, describes its text models as “advanced language processing tools that can generate, classify, and summarize text with high levels of coherence and accuracy.”
Human efforts are needed to safeguard against ChatGPT’s raw capabilities, Glover said.
“And so, it needs a validation ecosystem, which people are working on now. It needs development and collaboration with subject-matter experts. It needs ethics, security and policy built around it,” he added.
Meanwhile, UF continues to pump significant resources into its AI initiatives. During a March 16 trustees meeting, Glover described efforts by the school as “building an AI University and infusing AI into everything that UF is doing.”
Read: DeSantis’ Florida school voucher program sees more parents applying for scholarships
The school also has proposed a new degree, the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence Systems, which would be established within the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering.
Florida Gulf Coast University’s Board of Trustees is also eyeing the issue. The board next week will hold a discussion on artificial intelligence and its “threats and opportunities to teaching and learning.”
Trustees are scheduled to hear a presentation on technology tools such as ChatGPT during a board meeting Tuesday. A discussion about students’ use of generative AI, particularly in assignments that involve writing, is part of the meeting’s agenda.
“Following Spring Semester, 2023, FGCU saw no increase in cases of student misconduct overall or cases of Academic Integrity specifically compared to the previous year. However, anecdotal evidence from instructions of English Composition suggests that students are using ChatGPT specifically in writing assignments,” a description of the planned discussion said.
Read: Volusia County schools offering free summer meals for kids
The university has a license to use the plagiarism-detection software TurnItIn.com, which the school said includes an application to detect “signatures of AI-generated prose.” Professors currently are using it to screen students’ work.
“Moving forward, the Dean of Student’s office will begin tagging academic misconduct cases for instances of Generative AI usage, and an explicit syllabus statement will be generated for faculty use to prevent cases of unauthorized assistance,” Tuesday’s agenda item said.
FGCU professors have been using generative AI “with excellent results,” according to the meeting item.
“On the positive side, Generative AI, whether used for writing, art, graphics or other applications is likely to be a transformative innovation in higher education,” the agenda said.
Glover also predicted that generative AI could reshape the internet as the technology’s use becomes more widespread.
“There is going to be so much content generated on these generative AIs, that it will flood the web, and it will become unreliable and untrustworthy. You’ll have some generated by people on the right, some generated by people on the left. Some promoting vaccines, some by anti-vaxxers. And so, people will lose confidence in it,” he 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.
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/florida-universities-consider-using-artificial-intelligence-courses/W5M4OVA4RNDFHNPGSVLSMNYMUA/ | 2023-06-11T00:35:54 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/florida-universities-consider-using-artificial-intelligence-courses/W5M4OVA4RNDFHNPGSVLSMNYMUA/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — For more than 150 years, June 19 has been a day to celebrate the end of slavery in the United States.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Communities across the country will be marking the day when in 1865 slaves in Texas learned that they, and all other slaves in the U.S., had been granted freedom.
And Central Florida is no exception.
Over the next two weekends, cities and towns across the area have planned festivities for residents to partake in the celebration.
READ: Juneteenth: What is it; what to know about the holiday that celebrates slavery’s end
Read on to find an upcoming Juneteenth event near you.
BREVARD COUNTY
Cocoa Arts & Cultural Celebration
Features live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, and a local legends display inside the Civic Center.
- Date: June 10
- Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Location: Cocoa Riverfront Park, 401 Riveredge Boulevard, Cocoa, FL 32922
Join us for the Juneteenth Cocoa Arts & Cultural Celebration on June 10, 2023, 10am-5pm at Cocoa River Front Park. This is a fun, free event for the whole family!
— City of Cocoa, FL (@CityofCocoa) May 25, 2023
For more information, visit https://t.co/oOh65eTwh5 pic.twitter.com/WuYWxqxRL7
LAKE COUNTY
City of Groveland Juneteenth Celebration
Groveland’s third annual Juneteenth event will celebrate with cultural dance and stepping performances, a barbecue competition, music, and a guest speaker.
- Date: June 16
- Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Location: Lake David Park, 450 South Lake Avenue, Groveland, FL 34736
READ: What is Juneteenth? 5 things to know
MARION COUNTY
Ocala Juneteenth Celebration
The Ocala Juneteenth Celebration Commission will host an event featuring food, vendors, entertainment, and more.
- Date: June 17
- Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Location: Webb Field, 1501 West Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala, FL 34475
ORANGE COUNTY
Eatonville Juneteenth Parade 2023
“Celebrate, Educate & Unite” is the theme of this year’s Eatonville Juneteenth parade. The parade travels east on Kennedy Boulevard from Keller Road to West Avenue
- Date: June 17
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Location: Eatonville, FL
City of Orlando 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration
The event will feature live music and entertainment, a kid’s zone, vendor village, and food trucks.
- Date: June 17
- Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Location: Clear Lake Park, 2301 29th Street, Orlando, FL 32805
Parramore Juneteenth 407 BLK YRD Block Party
The Juneteenth block party heads back to Parramore to take over Creative Village! Festivities will include food trucks, DJs, performances, vendors, kids’ activities, and an art walk.
- Date: June 17
- Time: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Location: Luminary Green Park, 437 North Terry Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
OSCEOLA COUNTY
City of Kissimmee Juneteenth Festival
Bring the family to Kissimmee’s Juneteenth Festival — a celebration of community, culture, and unity. The event will include live music, delicious food, and craft vendors.
- Date: June 17
- Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Location: Kissimmee Lakefront Park, 69 Lakeview Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34741
SEMINOLE COUNTY
Sanford Juneteenth Block Party
Enjoy food, vendors, music, and more at a block party in Ft. Mellon Park.
- Date: June 17
- Time: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Location: Ft. Mellon Park, 600 East 1st Street Sanford, FL 32771
VOLUSIA COUNTY
Daytona Beach Juneteenth Community Parade
In partnership with Bethune Cookman University, NAACP, City of Daytona Beach, and Habitat for Humanity, the 1st Juneteenth Parade will feature bands, floats, and community organizations.
- Date: June 17
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Location: 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
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/here-are-9-ways-celebrate-juneteenth-central-florida/V34VY5D4LJH3FDRYC6BO7VTQQ4/ | 2023-06-11T00:36:00 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/here-are-9-ways-celebrate-juneteenth-central-florida/V34VY5D4LJH3FDRYC6BO7VTQQ4/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — As of 4 p.m., isolated showers have begun popping up and will get more widespread through dinnertime.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Meteorologist George Waldenberger said to watch for lightning through the evening, as storms will remain possible through bedtime.
If you have plans to grill out, check the radar before starting the grill.
Read: Law enforcement officials host free event to teach kids how to fish
After a quiet spell overnight and tomorrow morning, a few more scattered thundershowers will be possible Sunday afternoon and evening.
Looking ahead, we will have chances for a few isolated storms each afternoon through next week, with even hotter temperatures brewing.
Read: iOS 17: Will your phone support new system?
Scattered storms have started firing up and will remain possible over the next 7 hours...monitor lightning from your phone: https://t.co/cNHkwRXBg2. pic.twitter.com/Jo64JWQ6Gh
— George Waldenberger (@GWaldenWFTV) June 10, 2023
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/hot-temps-isolated-storms-saturday-afternoon/EIK2TUQFZNESLD2OW7YFCWYS64/ | 2023-06-11T00:36:07 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/hot-temps-isolated-storms-saturday-afternoon/EIK2TUQFZNESLD2OW7YFCWYS64/ |
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office issued a Silver Alert on Saturday for a man who left his RV home.
Update:
Lake County deputies said the Clermont Police Department found William Myers on Saturday.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
In an update, investigators said he had driven himself to South Lake Hospital to be checked and has returned home.
Original report:
Deputies said 70-year-old William K. Myers left his home at the Clerbrook RV Resort Friday evening, but the exact time is unclear.
According to a news release, Myers drives a grey 2014 Ford pickup truck with the Florida license plate “Y005VX.”
Read: FHP: 3 killed in crash involving overturned truck on SR 33 in Clermont
Lake County deputies said Myers has a mustache and wears glasses.
If you see Myers or the grey Ford truck, contact law enforcement at 352-343-2101.
See a map of where he was last reported:
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/lake-county-deputies-issue-silver-alert-man-whose-wife-is-hospitalized/A7GR2FKI2NBBJPB3L67CVEBGPI/ | 2023-06-11T00:36:13 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/lake-county-deputies-issue-silver-alert-man-whose-wife-is-hospitalized/A7GR2FKI2NBBJPB3L67CVEBGPI/ |
OVIEDO, Fla. — Time to go fishing! The Oviedo Police Department spent a morning fishing with families on Saturday.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The ‘Fishing with a Cop’ event brought over 40 kids together to come out to the lake and learn how to fish with law enforcement officers.
Oviedo police officers teamed up with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office to have a relaxing day teaching kids how to fish and getting to know them.
“This annual event is a favorite in our community,” said Oviedo Police Chief Dale Coleman. “The kids are done with the school year and looking for things to do.”
Read: Here are 9 ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Central Florida
Registration to the event filled up quickly, as many parents wanted to use the free admission for their kids.
This was the first “Fishing with a Cop” since before the pandemic.
The event was held at Long Lake Park from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Photos: Molly of “Molly’s Law” honored with statue in Ocala
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/law-enforcement-officials-host-free-event-teach-kids-how-fish/WHKB67NMBJCXDH5Y5HVRQRG2CI/ | 2023-06-11T00:36:20 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/law-enforcement-officials-host-free-event-teach-kids-how-fish/WHKB67NMBJCXDH5Y5HVRQRG2CI/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — School’s out and summer vacation season is upon us, which undoubtedly means spending more time outdoors.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Orange County health officials want to remind residents to protect themselves against mosquitoes.
Not only are they pesky at parties and barbeques, but mosquitoes can lead to certain health issues.
The Department of Health wants residents to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, especially in light of a recent finding.
Officials said several sentinel chickens from a single flock tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus infection, commonly referred to as EEE.
READ: Rock Springs at Kelly Park temporarily closed due to ‘alligator activity’
They noted that the risk of transmission to humans has increased and said that county Mosquito Control and health experts are involved in ongoing surveillance and prevention efforts.
And while they do their part to help lessen the threat of mosquitoes, they want residents to do their part, too.
Here are some “drain and cover” tips from Orange County health officials to protect yourself and your loved ones:
DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying
- Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
- Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.
- Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls at least once or twice a week.
- Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
- Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
READ: Here are 9 things to do this weekend in Central Florida
COVER skin with clothing or repellent
- Clothing - Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
- Repellent - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
- Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanoate, and IR3535 are effective.
- Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
Another thing experts remind you to cover are doors and windows, using screens to help keep mosquitoes out of your house.
The Florida Department of Health also advised residents that before they apply repellent, they should read label directions carefully for approved usage, as some repellents are not suitable for children.
READ: Officers round up hundreds of pigs from overwhelmed Florida animal sanctuary
For more information on repellents that are most suitable, officials said to consider using the Environmental Protection Agency’s search tool.
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/mosquito-borne-illness-advisory-issued-by-health-officials-orange-county/PCSM2UBVMVCSXDX2ZIC3DNG3FU/ | 2023-06-11T00:36:26 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/mosquito-borne-illness-advisory-issued-by-health-officials-orange-county/PCSM2UBVMVCSXDX2ZIC3DNG3FU/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — A Rocky Mountain-inspired restaurant is setting up shop near Kissimmee this summer.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar is looking to hire over 200 people for its new location opening in late July.
This will be the first time the restaurant will be in the area, specifically in Four Corners, and the second location in Florida.
Read: White Castle wants your Sliders recipe for a new contest
Lazy Dog is known for its American cuisine, cozy environment, scratch-made kitchen and small-town hospitality.
The casual dining restaurant chain started in California.
Photos: Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar to open new location near Kissimmee
The restaurant is accepting applications for servers, cooks, bartenders and host/hostesses.
Click here or call 689-228-4418 for more information.
See a map of the location below:
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/new-restaurant-will-open-near-kissimmee-next-month-hiring-over-200-positions/76SX34FM5JFQ7GDPI42HV2VK6Y/ | 2023-06-11T00:36:32 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/new-restaurant-will-open-near-kissimmee-next-month-hiring-over-200-positions/76SX34FM5JFQ7GDPI42HV2VK6Y/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Police Department said a teen was arrested Friday in the shooting death of a U.S. military veteran.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
After a months-long investigation, police arrested 15-year-old Samuel Stevens for the shooting that killed Angela Sutton Washington.
Witnesses said that on Feb. 7, a car sped into a shopping plaza on North Lane and shot Washington.
Investigators believe the suspect aimed at someone else, but Washington was caught in the crossfire. The suspect, now identified as Stevens, left the scene.
Read: $10K reward offered for tips after woman killed outside Orlando shopping plaza
Channel 9 spoke with Washington’s son, Fernando Washington, earlier this year. He said his mother was a giving person.
“Her day-to-day was always helping somebody,” he said.
And the community helped her in return.
Read: Orlando police identify woman shot outside shopping plaza
The police department said it was because of homicide detectives, cooperation from the community and its Crimeline that led them to this update in the gun violence case.
“It’s senseless, and it needs to stop,” Fernando Washington said. “It’s incredibly stupid to go out and take somebody’s life.”
Stevens has been charged with first-degree murder with a firearm.
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/orlando-police-15-year-old-arrested-us-military-veterans-shooting-death/RODJOY2XBZAGRLPMTDMFLILFIA/ | 2023-06-11T00:36:39 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/orlando-police-15-year-old-arrested-us-military-veterans-shooting-death/RODJOY2XBZAGRLPMTDMFLILFIA/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida is known for its theme parks and sandy beaches.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The University of Florida surveyed over 1,500 people to discover why tourists flock to the Sunshine State every year.
Half of the people surveyed were Floridians, and the other half were non-Floridians, including Texas, California and New York.
Read: Avelo Airlines offers $19 one-way flights from Central Florida
People voted the top three destinations as Orlando, Miami and the beaches.
Most people said they liked Florida best because of Walt Disney World, and state officials should improve prices, crowds and traffic.
The travel survey also evaluated the information people used when planning and booking a trip to Florida and their decision-making.
Summer travel: Gas prices holding steady nationally, Florida sees spike
Forty percent said social media plays a role in their vacation destination, 18% said TV programs and 14% said travel news websites.
Local and non-Florida visitors said tourism, scenery, prices, culture and hospitality were travel factors.
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/survey-shows-why-people-choose-visit-florida/4CKS4CVB2NF4NFW5B66SAYGCUM/ | 2023-06-11T00:36:45 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/survey-shows-why-people-choose-visit-florida/4CKS4CVB2NF4NFW5B66SAYGCUM/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — Today, we should expect lots of sunshine early in the day.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Meteorologist Brian Shields said we will have scattered afternoon and evening storms, with a 60% chance.
A few storms could be strong and severe.
Saturday’s high is a hot 91 degrees, with the same temperatures on Sunday.
Read: Rock Springs at Kelly Park temporarily closed due to ‘alligator activity’
Next week, our hottest weather of the year moves in.
It should be in the middle 90s next week with scorching heat.
When you factor in humidity to the temperature, the heat index will be as high as 110.
Follow our Severe Weather team on Twitter for live updates:
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/very-hot-sunny-start-weekend-with-scattered-storms-later/72HKMR6L7ND7TACKN472U4UTYQ/ | 2023-06-11T00:36:51 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/very-hot-sunny-start-weekend-with-scattered-storms-later/72HKMR6L7ND7TACKN472U4UTYQ/ |
FAIRFIELD, Texas — Editor's Note | The abstract of this article was modified for formatting.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department voted unanimously to use eminent domain to seize a 5,000-acre property south of Dallas that included Fairfield Lake State Park on Saturday, citing the need to preserve a state park enjoyed by thousands of Texans.
After months of stalled legislative efforts and failed negotiations to secure the park, the state opted to seize the land from Todd Interests, a Dallas-based developer, who purchased the property in February for $110.5 million. Commissioners were not eager to use the power of eminent domain to condemn the property, but the agency ultimately decided this instance was an exceptional case of public interest.
“I think we have a clear duty to act for the greater good for all Texans. While we have the power of eminent domain, that power should be used sparingly and reluctantly. In fact it’s been nearly four decades since we’ve last used it,” said Jeffery Hildebrand, a Texas Parks and Wildlife commissioner, just before the commission voted to condemn the property.
Because the property serves a public purpose as a park, eminent domain experts say Texas can seize the private land, even if the developer doesn’t want to sell.
Next, the state will notify Todd of the condemnation decision and make an offer for the property. The state and the developer will negotiate over how much Texas will pay for the almost 5,000 acres. If they do not reach an agreement, the issue can end up in court.
During Saturday’s public meeting, residents of Freestone County, environmental advocates and lawmakers testified in favor of condemnation to save a critical public asset for future Texans. Texas State Parks Division Director Rodney Franklin noted that 80% of the public comments the agency received ahead of the decision were in support of using eminent domain to save the park.
The state had leased the park at no charge from Vistra Corp. since the 1970’s. When the energy company closed a coal power plant on the property they looked to sell the land. The state hoped to just buy the 1,820-acres of Fairfield Lake State Park, but Vistra didn’t want to sell piecemeal. According to the energy company, the state did not offer to buy the entire property.
Real estate developer Shawn Todd and his family firm, Todd Interests, purchased all 5,000 acres with the intention of turning the property into an exclusive gated community, which would include multimillion-dollar homes and a private golf course.
The park shuttered in February when the sale was announced and the agency scrambled to try to keep the space open to the public. Several efforts failed.
A bill that would have allowed the agency to use eminent domain to seize the park’s land died this legislative session. The bill’s failure to pass doesn’t preclude the agency from using eminent domain. Lawmakers did create a conservation fund that, with voter approval, will provide an additional $1 billion to buy more land for the state parks system.
Negotiations between the developer and the state have not been successful. Todd Interests declined the agency’s $25 million offer for the whole property, which prompted the TPWD to pursue the eminent domain and condemnation option as a last ditch effort to keep the property in the public’s hands.
Last month TPWD commissioners gave the agency’s executive director the freedom to take “all necessary steps” to acquire the park. While all of those who spoke on Saturday were in favor of saving the park, many lamented that eminent domain was the vehicle to achieve that end goal.
“We do regret that this matter has come to this point and there was not the ability to resolve this issue before these steps were necessary,” said Kevin Good, the president of Texans for State Parks. “The agency should be proactive about trying to avoid these situations in the future.”
Todd maintained that he has engaged in “good faith conversations” with Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Chair Arch “Beaver” Aplin III about the property since September 2022.
“The State of Texas, however, has spent the last eight months working to derail our transaction and diminish our transactional rights,” Todd said in a June letter to the Parks and Wildlife Commission.
The letter said the company has begun executing its development plan and investing millions of dollars in related contracts.
While several steps in the condemnation process remain, including an independent review of the property’s value, it’s not clear when the park could reopen.
“This park is precious to our local community as well as park lovers across the state,” Rep. Angelia Orr, R-Itasca, said at Saturday's meeting. Orr’s district includes Fairfield Lake State Park. She said when the park’s future came into question in February, her office was inundated with messages from Texans asking her to do anything they could to save the park.
“While you may hear that one family’s business interests may be important, I would submit to you that the interests of thousands of everyday, working class Texans are just as important. If condemnation isn't used in this circumstance, and if now is not the time, then when?” Orr said.
After voting to condemn the property, the commission made an effort to soften their use of eminent domain. The groups adopted a second motion to instruct the executive director to create a commission policy restricting the power of eminent domain to “extraordinary and unusual situations like Fairfield State Park.”
Disclosure: Texas Parks And Wildlife Department and Conservation Fund have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
Also on KCENTV.com: | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/texas-parks-and-wildlife-department-opts-eminent-domain-to-save-fairfield-lake-state-park/500-70a9dc46-a287-45f4-8fdf-c6f09cbbe95a | 2023-06-11T00:51:06 | 1 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/texas-parks-and-wildlife-department-opts-eminent-domain-to-save-fairfield-lake-state-park/500-70a9dc46-a287-45f4-8fdf-c6f09cbbe95a |
The National Weather Service reported the first 100-degree day in 2023 in Midland.
The NWS showed that Friday’s high temperature was 100, which is 3 degrees warmer than the typical average for June 9.
The National Weather Service also reports that since 2000, Midland’s first 100-degree day has typically fallen around May 19 and that the latest date for the first 100-degree day was in 2007 (June 19). 2023 marks the seventh year since 2000 that Midland’s first 100-degree day has happened after May 31.
“While (Friday) was the first 100-degree day for Midland/Odessa,” NWS reported on its website. “It has been nowhere near as hot through early/mid June as it was last year. We’ll likely see multiple 100-plus degree days in the next week.”
A high near or greater than 100 degrees is expected every day through at least June 16, according to the NWS. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/national-weather-service-reports-midland-s-first-18146002.php | 2023-06-11T00:52:43 | 1 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/national-weather-service-reports-midland-s-first-18146002.php |
Skip to main content
Home
Local
Sports
Things to Do
Nation Now
Business
Travel & Explore
Politics
Opinion
Investigations
eNewspaper
Advertise with Us
Obituaries
Archives
Weather
Crosswords
Newsletters
AZ International Auto Show & New Car Buyer's Guide 2020 Model Year
Connect With Us
For Subscribers
Contributor Content
Pinal County Sheriff's Office responds to plane crash in Superstition Mountains
8 PHOTOS | https://www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/news/local/pinal/2023/06/10/pinal-county-plane-crash-superstition-mountains/12084503002/ | 2023-06-11T00:54:45 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/news/local/pinal/2023/06/10/pinal-county-plane-crash-superstition-mountains/12084503002/ |
With live music playing, people shopping and the sun shining, Solfest, a celebration of the sun, returned today.
The 20-year-old event was held at Metea Park on Union Chapel Road this year. Previously, the festival has been celebrated at Parkview Field and Fox Island.
Sarah Loshe is in her second year in charge. Proceeds will help pay for repairs to boardwalks at Metea Park and provide tree planting education at Fox Island, she said.
After damage from a June 2022 derecho closed Fox Island indefinitely, Loshe decided to hold the event at Metea Park. Previously, proceeds went to education programs at both parks, but she wanted to change the focus this year to help clean up the parks.
"Allen County only has two county parks," Loshe said. "I went ahead and split the funds this year because I thought it was important. ... I'm just happy to give back."
Loshe is also the owner of Healing Hands Spa and Boutique, which runs Fort Wayne Makers Market and Healing Hands Night Market. About a dozen of her regular vendors participated in the festival, including Melinda Roberson from Green Ivy's Home. The retailer upcycles vintage items that would originally go to a landfill.
"I love the cause behind (Solfest)," Roberson said. "Helping out Metea and Fox Island is important to me. The purpose behind it is deep in my heart."
Another vendor was Danielle Carroll from Fort Wayne Aerial, an acrobatics studio. Carroll has participated in Solfest for a couple years, but she has been attending for her enjoyment for about seven years.
The studio set up two aerial hoops for visitors to use. Most of those using the hoops were children, but Carroll encouraged everyone to give it a go.
"Our main goal here is to get the kids in," she said. "But if adults want to try it, I would love to get them up there, too."
Children said her booth was like a playground, Carroll said.
"It's artistic, it's physical," she said. "It's a nice balance between a workout and artistry."
Carroll was excited to see community members support local vendors and the two county parks.
"I appreciate anything we can do for Fox Island," she said. "It's a park I've been venturing to for many years, so it's sad we can't even get there."
Linda Schwartz and Margaret Dennis attended Solfest to support their friend, Patti Whitemoss, a a local acoustic artist who performed at the event.
"The music has been awesome," Schwartz said. "We love it."
This was the first time Dennis attended the event.
"It's been a very nice crowd," she said. "They are all very supportive of the artists."
Loshe, the organizer, said she was most excited for performances by two local bands – Moser Woods and Left Lane Cruiser. Neither had performed before at Solfest.
"I've only seen them play a couple of times," she said. "Everybody is talking about them. Everybody is congratulating me for having them." | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/solfest-returns-proceeds-go-to-metea-park-fox-island/article_ecc6ae08-07ad-11ee-b527-8396ce3d601a.html | 2023-06-11T00:54:45 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/solfest-returns-proceeds-go-to-metea-park-fox-island/article_ecc6ae08-07ad-11ee-b527-8396ce3d601a.html |
BELFAST -- Belfast held this year's pride parade Saturday, organized by the Belfast Area High School's Gender and Sexuality Alliance Group.
Those who joined the parade about what the event meant to them.
"To see so much support from the community and people coming out and being so friendly and showing so much support -- it means so much to us," said Adam Flanders.
The event was sponsored by the Belfast Community Co-Op.
"Great community, things have changed so much, for the better, in the last so many years," said Ed Flanders.
The parade was followed by a celebration in heritage park, where people gathered to dance, listen to music, and get to know each other.
"There's a lot more support in the state for open love and happiness than a lot of people give it credit for," said Marcus Baker.
To learn more about upcoming events in Belfast, visit ourtownbelfast.org.
"It's tough to stick to your principles sometimes, but you really have to push through -- this is the result," said June Howard. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/belfast-holds-pride-parade/article_e742e0e4-07e6-11ee-b5a6-7756f162a46b.html | 2023-06-11T01:06:09 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/belfast-holds-pride-parade/article_e742e0e4-07e6-11ee-b5a6-7756f162a46b.html |
AUGUSTA -- The annual moose lottery returned for the second time since the start of the pandemic this Saturday.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife held the annual Maine moose permit lottery drawing and festival at Mill Park in Augusta.
Hunters showed up for the chance to win a permit that will allow them to bring home one moose this hunting season.
One of the early winners of the drawing said he was excited to finally hear his name called after waiting for years.
"It's been a long time coming, I've put in nearly twenty years and never drawn my own permit so it's really nice... It's a big relief really, right now, and I'm very happy. I think the IFW does an outstanding job," said permit winner Gary Ferrill.
Members of the department say that the history of the drawing dates back more than forty years, and that it also serves an important purpose.
"We have a regulated moose hunt in Maine, and it is one of the most important ways that we manage our moose population at a healthy level. And because it is very regulated, we adjust our permits that we're distributing each year based on the science of how our population is looking," said Emily MacCabe, director of outreach and education for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
In addition to the drawing, Mainers came out for the food vendors, a variety of entertainment options, and a monster truck.
Some say that day isn't just for hunters, but for everyone.
"We've had family get drawn in the past, and it's just a really fun hunt to be on. The kids get involved, and it's fun for the whole family," said festival-goer Pat Ellis. "They make it a really fun event with all the vendors and guides -- it's just a nice organization for the whole community."
Next year's drawing will be held in Fort Kent.
Visit mefishwildlife.com for a full list of permit winners. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/maine-moose-lottery-permit-winners-announced-in-augusta/article_b5eb98ee-07e4-11ee-9653-2b68a1ffdd14.html | 2023-06-11T01:06:15 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/maine-moose-lottery-permit-winners-announced-in-augusta/article_b5eb98ee-07e4-11ee-9653-2b68a1ffdd14.html |
OLD TOWN -- An annual event will return to Old Town's Dewitt Field Sunday -- bringing with it a car show and family-friendly activities.
The "Wings and Wheels" car show and fly-in will feature a number of attractions for visitors.
In addition to a the unique cars and planes on display, there will be a corn-hole tournament, lobster dinners, and skydiving.
Proceeds will go towards supporting the Maine Veteran's Project and other groups.
"We want to create an environment where we can have some fun, have some attention given to those organizations, and also make some money for them. We can do some of these things for our veterans who have done so much for us," said Rebecca Galuppo, marketing manager for the event.
The day will also include raffles and giveaways for those who buy tickets, a warbird plane performance, and an RC demonstration.
Auto and airplane registration starts at 6 a.m., but the gates will open to the public at 8 a.m. Sunday. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/wings-and-wheels-event-returns-to-old-town/article_1c03f56c-07e6-11ee-a73d-331924fbbe97.html | 2023-06-11T01:06:21 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/wings-and-wheels-event-returns-to-old-town/article_1c03f56c-07e6-11ee-a73d-331924fbbe97.html |
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – A 26-year-old man who allegedly admitted to filming hundreds of up-skirt videos of women over the course of the last six years at Disney has been arrested again for video voyeurism in Osceola County, according to a charging affidavit.
In April, Jorge Diaz Vega, a former employee of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, was questioned by deputies over accusations he took up-skirt videos of women at the Star Wars-themed retail store where he worked. He told deputies he had over 500 such videos on his phone, which he said he recorded as a “guilty pleasure” for his own sexual gratification.
On Monday, deputies said they responded to a Publix located at 3839 Pleasant Hill Road in Kissimmee on Monday in reference to a “lewd and lascivious act.”
[TRENDING: Orlando police arrest teen in Army veteran’s shooting death | Ted Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, dies in prison at 81 | Become a News 6 Insider]
A woman told deputies that she was in the bakery section of the grocery store when she noticed a male wearing a baggy gray shirt following her and her husband.
According to the charging affidavit, the man “suddenly passed behind her and knelt to the side with his phone in his hand.” The woman said she felt uncomfortable and that her husband decided to follow the man to see what he was doing since she felt the man may have taken photos of her.
The woman said she observed the man, later identified as Jorge Diaz Vega, walk towards the checkout area where he stood behind another woman and place his phone underneath a woman’s dress.
The woman said she yelled at the suspect to stop and he began to leave the store, but said her husband was able to stop him and retrieve the phone from Diaz Vega.
According to the affidavit, the woman said Diaz Vega said he had a record and was previously fired for a similar incident.
Her husband said Diaz Vega stated, “I have been fired for this before, please don’t call the police. I promise I will delete the pictures.” The man told deputies that he grabbed the phone from Diaz Vega and the suspect then left the store. The man said he observed a video on the suspect’s phone that showed his wife, the dress she was wearing, her underwear and her face at the end of the video.
Investigators said they were able to make contact with Diaz Vega due to witnesses giving his license plate information, description of the suspect and his vehicle.
According to the affidavit, deputies were able to look through the the content of the phone – which they said belonged to his father –and saw “the moment Jorge place the phone underneath (redacted) dress.
Deputies were also able to view the store’s surveillance video where it showed Diaz Vega recording under the two victim’s dresses.
Diaz Vega faces two charges of video voyeurism in relation to the latest incident and deputies obtained a warrant to view any remaining videos on the phone to see if there are any other victims.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/11/former-disney-worker-accused-of-taking-up-skirt-videos-of-theme-park-guests-arrested-again-for-video-voyeurism/ | 2023-06-11T01:08:09 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/11/former-disney-worker-accused-of-taking-up-skirt-videos-of-theme-park-guests-arrested-again-for-video-voyeurism/ |
CARIBOU, Calif. — A person died from their injuries after Plumas County Search and Rescue tried to save them.
The team was called to the remote area of Caribou in Plumas County and officials say the person "slipped off the trail upstream of the powerhouse at Caribou" and didn't survive.
A California Highway Patrol helicopter was used to recover the victim and multiple other agencies aided in the effort.
No additional information is available at this time.
WATCH MORE: 2 killed in Rio Vista plane crash | Top 10 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/person-dies-plumas-county-search-and-rescue/103-d26f758d-8ded-43f9-81d3-6494f5bb6c6c | 2023-06-11T01:19:13 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/person-dies-plumas-county-search-and-rescue/103-d26f758d-8ded-43f9-81d3-6494f5bb6c6c |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — People gathered together from across the region at Sacramento Pride for a weekend of live performances, food and shopping.
Attendees were also able to enjoy games and selfie spots and meet with community-based organizations.
The weekend of events is put on by the Sacramento LGBT Community Center.
"I think it's a really important event where people can find community and just find a place where they feel safe being themselves,” said Alexis Sanchez, Director of Advocacy & Training for Sacramento LGBT Community Center. "Pride is just a celebration of who we are as individuals. I invite folks to bring their most authentic selves and to have a really good time."
Some attendees brought their whole family out to the event, including Pancho Desouza from Sacramento.
"This is my first pride,” said Pancho Desouza. “I'm a mom, I'm trans. We're just celebrating ourselves and how we love and also wearing lots of fun colors."
Krystal Cox and family came to Sac Pride from Manteca.
"We've been dying to come to Sac Pride for the last two years," said Cox. "You can walk up to a perfect stranger and talk to them like they're your best friend. It's so amazing."
Other attendees are happy to see the community embracing one another.
"I go back to when I was 18 when I first came out 33 years ago and it was just so different back then as opposed to what it is now. It's wonderful to have this and see all the diversity,” said Murphy Imwalle from Woodland.
Saturday night’s headliner is Rebecca Black. G Flip will be performing at Sacramento Pride Sunday afternoon. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/sacramento-pride-weekend-kicks-off/103-5689413a-dc9a-4d5a-9da3-d01fadaead50 | 2023-06-11T01:19:19 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/sacramento-pride-weekend-kicks-off/103-5689413a-dc9a-4d5a-9da3-d01fadaead50 |
DILLEY, Texas — Authorities in Texas released an AMBER Alert Saturday evening due to a reported child abduction in Dilley, Texas.
The alert said that 27-year-old Cassandra Alvarez had taken two young girls, ages eight and six. They described her vehicle as a maroon Mazda 3 with an unknown temporary tag.
One of the missing girls was identified by authorities as 8-year-old Maya, last seen wearing a pink t-shirt and blue jeans. The other is a 6-year-old girl named Bea Borrego, last seen wearing a black shirt.
Dilley is about 75 miles south of San Antonio via I-35, and about 85 miles north of the border in Laredo.
This is a developing story.
Learn more about KENS 5:
Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.
KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.
Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/public-safety/amber-alert-after-reported-child-abduction-dilley-tx/273-834521d2-8d3c-4483-8bf5-e281e9e5a518 | 2023-06-11T01:22:24 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/public-safety/amber-alert-after-reported-child-abduction-dilley-tx/273-834521d2-8d3c-4483-8bf5-e281e9e5a518 |
CEDAR FALLS — Cedar Falls authorities responded to two serious crashes Saturday afternoon.
Three people were hurt in a two-vehicle crash that resulted in one of the vehicles catching fire at Lone Tree and Big Woods roads around 1:25 p.m.
An off-duty public safety officer pulled one of the victims from the wreckage before the vehicle began burning, and an off-duty MercyOne paramedic also assisted at the scene.
Medics with MercyOne Ambulance took to people to the hospital, and a third was transported by private vehicle.
The accident happened when a vehicle traveling south on Big Woods Road failed to stop for a stop sign and was struck by vehicle travelling west on Lone Tree, according to Cedar Falls police.
Then at 1:58 p.m., crews were called to a motorcycle accident at the intersection of Hudson Road and Ridgeway Avenue.
People are also reading…
A motorcyclist was traveling north on Hudson Road and collided with a passenger vehicle attempting to turn south on Hudson Road from Ridgeway, according to Cedar Falls police. The motorcyclist was ejected as a result of the collision. The driver of the motorcycle was transported to an area hospital. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crews-respond-to-fiery-crash-motorcycle-collision/article_05490f5a-07e7-11ee-a168-53afd98c046e.html | 2023-06-11T01:29:31 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crews-respond-to-fiery-crash-motorcycle-collision/article_05490f5a-07e7-11ee-a168-53afd98c046e.html |
BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas — Mother nature is doing its thing with the heat in Houston.
We, humans, aren't the only ones feeling the effects of the scorching weather. Seas of dead fish are washing up along the coast of Brazoria County because of the hot temperatures.
Katie St. Clair, the sea life facility manager at Texas A&M University at Galveston, said the fish simply can't breathe because of the lower-than-normal, dissolved oxygen in the water.
“As we get these warmer Gulf water temperatures, the water itself has less capacity to hold dissolved oxygen, which of course is really important and essential for the fish and other animals to breathe," she said.
St. Clair said this phenomenon affects schools of fish the most.
A video posted on social media shows hundreds -- and we mean hundreds -- of fish washed ashore on Bryan Beach in Freeport, Texas.
“It's still alarming to see that and just because it's a natural occurrence doesn't mean it's necessarily a pleasant one," said Bryan Frazier, Brazoria County's park director.
Less wave action has also been a contributor to the dead fish.
Brazoria County has used heavy equipment to rake up the dead fish. They then bury them in the dunes to take away the smell. The fish become compost, which serves as a health park of the ecosystem for the dune grass.
As wild as this is, this isn't all that uncommon.
“It’s happened before," one beachgoer we talked to said. "I’ve seen it twice.”
It's hard to say how long this will last, but it's an issue the county said it will continue to deal with.
The Texas Department and Wildlife Department released the following statement on the dead fish:
"According to the Kills and Spills Team in Region 3, the fish kill was investigated and it was determined to have been caused by a low dissolved oxygen event. The species most impacted was Gulf menhaden. Fish kills like this are common in the summer when temperatures increase. If there isn't enough oxygen in the water, fish can't "breathe." Low dissolved oxygen in many cases is a natural occurrence. Daily variations in dissolved oxygen concentration are attributed to photosynthesis and aerobic respiration. Increased dissolved oxygen during the day is a result of photosynthesis which is driven by sunlight. Photosynthesis stops at night and may slow down on cloudy days, but plants and animals in the water continue to respire and consume free oxygen, decreasing the dissolved oxygen concentration. Often before a kill event occurs, fish can be seen trying to get oxygen by gulping at the surface of the water early in the morning. Some fish may also be lying on the bottom or at the edge of the water." | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dead-fish-texas-coast/285-27758df0-5825-4e7a-aacd-d91232d974ce | 2023-06-11T01:29:37 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dead-fish-texas-coast/285-27758df0-5825-4e7a-aacd-d91232d974ce |
EVERMAN, Texas — Nearly three months since police began investigating the case of missing Everman boy Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez, who police believe is dead, there’s still no sign of the 6-year-old’s body.
The Everman Police Department released airport surveillance photos Friday of Noel’s family preparing to board a flight out of the country without Noel.
“They just continued on through the airport like it was just another day,” Everman Chief Police Craig Spencer said.
The photos, captured in March at DFW Airport, are the last U.S. sighting of the family. Noel's mother, stepfather and six siblings boarded an international flight to Turkey on March 25, then flew to New Dehli, India. Noel was last seen the last week of October 2022, police said.
“This is your child. Why would you wanna completely leave the country? Unless it’s something nefarious,” Spencer said.
There are warrants out for the arrest of Noel’s mother, Cindy Rodriguez-Singh and his stepfather, Arshdeep Singh.
Everman police were called in March to the family’s home, a converted backyard shed on Wisteria Drive.
Police say Noel’s mother told them the boy was with his biological father in Mexico. Police say they’ve determined that statement to be false, along with a rumor that the child may have been sold.
Everman police turned Noel’s case into a death investigation on April 6.
“Almost immediately after law enforcement starts questioning them about Noel, they rushed to the airport in a rush to get out of the country,” Spencer said.
According to Everman police, Cindy Rodriguez-Singh paid for a new concrete patio in the backyard where the family lived.
On April 11, investigators tore through the concrete patio. Newly-released police footage shows several cadaver dogs alert to soil in one particular area repeatedly. Police say a carpet Ashdeep Singh disposed of used to sit above the soil cadaver dogs alerted to.
Cadaver dogs also alerted to the carpet, which police recovered from a dump. Police say Noel's stepdad disposed of the carpet days before the family flew out of the country.
Noel’s remains may have sat on the carpet at some point, but to date, nothing forensic has been found, Spencer said.
Police say Arshdeep Singh allegedly stole thousands in company cash to purchase the plane tickets used to flee out of the country.
Spencer told WFAA investigators are still working the case, along with a new team of investigators to ensure they’ve checked every bit of information. The lack of physical evidence in the case has been a challenge, he said, but investigators have uncovered new information the department isn’t ready to release.
“I’m confident in the team, the investigation and where it’s going,” Spencer said.
Billboards in Everman and along Fort Worth highways remind drivers the little boy's body is still missing.
“I do worry that we may never find his body,” Spencer said. “But that’s not gonna stop us from doing our jobs, from seeking justice.”
Spencer said the missing piece of this puzzle is bringing Noel’s mother and stepfather back to the states for questioning, but federal agents tasked with extradition have not provided him with an update.
Police have obtained arrest warrants for Cindy Rodriguez-Singh and Arshdeep Singh on charges of abandoning or endangering a child. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/everman-police-airport-photos-missing-everman-boy-noels-family-fleeing-country/287-52d4b1c7-4102-42c2-9f8c-ff90432f2241 | 2023-06-11T01:29:43 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/everman-police-airport-photos-missing-everman-boy-noels-family-fleeing-country/287-52d4b1c7-4102-42c2-9f8c-ff90432f2241 |
COLLIN COUNTY, Texas — Several fire departments in Collin County responded to a fire at an electrical plant in the Garland area on Saturday.
According to officials from the Wylie and Garland fire departments, the fire was at the Garland Power and Light plant in the 13800 block of County Road 489.
The Garland Fire Department got a call at around 9:30 a.m. Firefighters from departments in Garland, Wylie, Nevada, Lavon, Josephine, Princeton, and other local areas reported to the scene.
A Garland official said the fire was in the upper levels of the building.
As of noon on Saturday, Garland officials say the fire is under control and crews were working to put out any hot spots. No injuries were reported.
The scale of the fire and the cause of it are not clear at this time.
Other local news: | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/north-texas-garland-nevada-fire-electrical-power-plant-garland-powerand-light/287-1f29ea55-876b-41dc-ae78-92dd6faa708d | 2023-06-11T01:29:49 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/north-texas-garland-nevada-fire-electrical-power-plant-garland-powerand-light/287-1f29ea55-876b-41dc-ae78-92dd6faa708d |
DALLAS — A popular dating show is getting ready to premiere its latest season -- and this time it's helping singles find love in Dallas.
"Ready to Love" premieres its eighth season July 7 on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).
The show features 18 men and women in their 30s and 40s who are looking for their special someone -- even through all the drama that comes with the television show.
A trailer for the newest season can be seen here:
While it's unclear where the show will take the 18 love seekers, fans in North Texas should keep an eye out for popular landmarks and dating spots in the area.
The show airs at 7 p.m. CT Friday on OWN.
This is second time in a year that a popular dating show has been set in the Dallas area.
In late 2022, Netflix's "Love Is Blind" had its third season in North Texas, featuring 30 singles from the area. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/ready-to-love-dallas-new-season-own/287-ee4cc573-0f9d-46df-ac00-f7cf52f140ee | 2023-06-11T01:29:55 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/ready-to-love-dallas-new-season-own/287-ee4cc573-0f9d-46df-ac00-f7cf52f140ee |
DALLAS, Texas — A former Richardson ISD bus monitor is now facing an injury to a child charge after he was seen in security footage choking a student with special needs for several seconds during an after-school route last month.
Per the Dallas Police Department, 52-year-old Earl Brooks now faces an injury to a child charge.
The charge was filed on May 18, per a DPD spokesperson who added that Brooks has yet to be arrested.
In the video, which was recorded on May 8, a disturbance can be seen between a group of students with special needs during the route.
Per investigators, after Brooks breaks it up, he can be seen in the video putting an 8-year-old boy in a chokehold after the student said something to the 52-year-old.
"I don't think you know who you're playing with," Brooks said in the video.
Brooks' arm then lunges toward the boy's throat, and he can be heard saying, "Stop playing with me!"
The boy's mother, Treniece Hawkins, told WFAA that her son notified her that he was choked by a monitor while being taken home on the bus.
Hawkins, a bus driver for the district who has worked as an employee in various roles for RISD for 14 years, told WFAA that she was furious.
"He immediately sent me pictures," Hawkins said. "I was in tears. I was frustrated, and I was angry."
In the photos, discoloration and ripped skin can be seen on the boy's neck.
"When your child is in the care of someone else, you feel like they're going to protect them. Then you see stuff like this happen, and it bothers me," Hawkins said.
Per a spokesperson from Richardson ISD, Brooks was terminated one day after the incident. The spokesperson also said that law enforcement was notified after reviewing the video and that Brooks had passed a background check.
The spokesperson also said there were no other reported incidents involving Brooks before this situation.
"The actions of the former employee are both inexcusable and inconsistent with RISD's employee standards of conduct," the spokesperson added.
Hawkins told WFAA that her son is in a special needs class for emotional behavior and that all the students on his bus are in the same education plan.
She said she took him to the hospital to be checked out and that he has since recovered. However, Hawkins added that her son has trouble sleeping and also struggled to eat for days after the incident due to swelling in his throat.
Hawkins also said her son is beginning therapy due to the incident.
"A grown man -- an adult -- attacked an 8-year-old child," Hawkins said.
"Whatever happens on these busses -- you could have just stopped and called for help if you felt overwhelmed," the mother added.
WFAA asked Richardson ISD if bus monitors receive special training before interacting with students.
A spokesperson told WFAA, "Bus monitors only work on routes serving students with special needs and upon employment receive safety training and training related to any specific accommodations individual students on their route may have (based on each student's individual education plan (IEP)."
Hawkins questions what kind of training Brooks received and if protocols should be reviewed.
"I have plenty of questions, I do," Hawkins said. "I feel like the district let me down."
Hawkins also told WFAA that she had retained legal representation following the incident. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/richardson-isd-bus-monitor-charged-video-shows-choking-student-special-needs/287-0237285d-5a50-47d9-8783-31e93730ba79 | 2023-06-11T01:30:01 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/richardson-isd-bus-monitor-charged-video-shows-choking-student-special-needs/287-0237285d-5a50-47d9-8783-31e93730ba79 |
FAIRFIELD, Texas — Editor's Note | The abstract of this article was modified for formatting.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department voted unanimously to use eminent domain to seize a 5,000-acre property south of Dallas that included Fairfield Lake State Park on Saturday, citing the need to preserve a state park enjoyed by thousands of Texans.
After months of stalled legislative efforts and failed negotiations to secure the park, the state opted to seize the land from Todd Interests, a Dallas-based developer, who purchased the property in February for $110.5 million. Commissioners were not eager to use the power of eminent domain to condemn the property, but the agency ultimately decided this instance was an exceptional case of public interest.
“I think we have a clear duty to act for the greater good for all Texans. While we have the power of eminent domain, that power should be used sparingly and reluctantly. In fact it’s been nearly four decades since we’ve last used it,” said Jeffery Hildebrand, a Texas Parks and Wildlife commissioner, just before the commission voted to condemn the property.
Because the property serves a public purpose as a park, eminent domain experts say Texas can seize the private land, even if the developer doesn’t want to sell.
Next, the state will notify Todd of the condemnation decision and make an offer for the property. The state and the developer will negotiate over how much Texas will pay for the almost 5,000 acres. If they do not reach an agreement, the issue can end up in court.
During Saturday’s public meeting, residents of Freestone County, environmental advocates and lawmakers testified in favor of condemnation to save a critical public asset for future Texans. Texas State Parks Division Director Rodney Franklin noted that 80% of the public comments the agency received ahead of the decision were in support of using eminent domain to save the park.
The state had leased the park at no charge from Vistra Corp. since the 1970’s. When the energy company closed a coal power plant on the property they looked to sell the land. The state hoped to just buy the 1,820-acres of Fairfield Lake State Park, but Vistra didn’t want to sell piecemeal. According to the energy company, the state did not offer to buy the entire property.
Real estate developer Shawn Todd and his family firm, Todd Interests, purchased all 5,000 acres with the intention of turning the property into an exclusive gated community, which would include multimillion-dollar homes and a private golf course.
The park shuttered in February when the sale was announced and the agency scrambled to try to keep the space open to the public. Several efforts failed.
A bill that would have allowed the agency to use eminent domain to seize the park’s land died this legislative session. The bill’s failure to pass doesn’t preclude the agency from using eminent domain. Lawmakers did create a conservation fund that, with voter approval, will provide an additional $1 billion to buy more land for the state parks system.
Negotiations between the developer and the state have not been successful. Todd Interests declined the agency’s $25 million offer for the whole property, which prompted the TPWD to pursue the eminent domain and condemnation option as a last ditch effort to keep the property in the public’s hands.
Last month TPWD commissioners gave the agency’s executive director the freedom to take “all necessary steps” to acquire the park. While all of those who spoke on Saturday were in favor of saving the park, many lamented that eminent domain was the vehicle to achieve that end goal.
“We do regret that this matter has come to this point and there was not the ability to resolve this issue before these steps were necessary,” said Kevin Good, the president of Texans for State Parks. “The agency should be proactive about trying to avoid these situations in the future.”
Todd maintained that he has engaged in “good faith conversations” with Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Chair Arch “Beaver” Aplin III about the property since September 2022.
“The State of Texas, however, has spent the last eight months working to derail our transaction and diminish our transactional rights,” Todd said in a June letter to the Parks and Wildlife Commission.
The letter said the company has begun executing its development plan and investing millions of dollars in related contracts.
While several steps in the condemnation process remain, including an independent review of the property’s value, it’s not clear when the park could reopen.
“This park is precious to our local community as well as park lovers across the state,” Rep. Angelia Orr, R-Itasca, said at Saturday's meeting. Orr’s district includes Fairfield Lake State Park. She said when the park’s future came into question in February, her office was inundated with messages from Texans asking her to do anything they could to save the park.
“While you may hear that one family’s business interests may be important, I would submit to you that the interests of thousands of everyday, working class Texans are just as important. If condemnation isn't used in this circumstance, and if now is not the time, then when?” Orr said.
After voting to condemn the property, the commission made an effort to soften their use of eminent domain. The groups adopted a second motion to instruct the executive director to create a commission policy restricting the power of eminent domain to “extraordinary and unusual situations like Fairfield State Park.”
Disclosure: Texas Parks And Wildlife Department and Conservation Fund have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
Also on KCENTV.com: | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-parks-and-wildlife-department-opts-eminent-domain-to-save-fairfield-lake-state-park/500-70a9dc46-a287-45f4-8fdf-c6f09cbbe95a | 2023-06-11T01:30:07 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-parks-and-wildlife-department-opts-eminent-domain-to-save-fairfield-lake-state-park/500-70a9dc46-a287-45f4-8fdf-c6f09cbbe95a |
TAMPA, Fla. — A missing 11-year-old girl from Virginia could be traveling to Tampa, Florida, Virginia State Police said in an update Saturday evening.
Eva Marie Capuria was last seen on Sycamore Creek Drive in Goode, Virginia, in eastern Bedford County. She is believed to be missing and endangered. Authorities believe Capuria is traveling with an unknown male and female in a white sedan with unknown Florida plates headed to Tampa.
The 11-year-old girl is 5-feet, 2-inches, and weighs 125 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing a long-sleeved shirt with black shorts and black combat boots.
If you see or have any information connected to Capuria, call 911 or the Bedford County Sheriff's Office at 540-586-7827. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/missing-virginia-girl-tampa-florida/67-015e8d65-3860-4a18-8d0c-a339592859f3 | 2023-06-11T01:32:03 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/missing-virginia-girl-tampa-florida/67-015e8d65-3860-4a18-8d0c-a339592859f3 |
Motor City Pride participants praise expansion of state's civil rights laws
Detroit — The vibrant, prismatic tones of the rainbow coated downtown Saturday afternoon — from Hart Plaza to Campus Martius and beyond.
The Motor City Pride Festival returned to the heart of the city to kick off the weekend-long celebration of color amongst the LGBTQ+ community from around the state.
"We drove a long way in our first time ever coming to pride to connect with people who you've never seen in your life, but that you share something fundamental with," Tash Netzley, 24, of St. Louis, Michigan, said. "I've never felt safer in a crowd before."
The statewide jubilee traces its roots back to June 1972 when the first march was held to protest homophobic laws and work for recognition and equality, according to festival's website. A few years later, it expanded to include a picnic after the march and grew into a festival.
Historically, Pride events began as a way to commemorate the uprising by LGBTQ+ communities in June 1969, known as the Stonewall rebellion in New York. The month now features events that celebrate and honor the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Michigan's largest pride celebration — organizers said more than 50,000 people attend throughout the weekend — came three months after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer codified legislation that added sexual orientation and gender identity protections to the state's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which prevents against discrimination related to employment, housing and public accommodations.
The policy welded and echoed what the Michigan Supreme Court ruled in July, that the state's protections against discrimination based on sex include protections for gay and transgender individuals.
"It's cool to see that Michigan is providing a safe space where (those protections) are being secured by the law," Netzley said. "Because we're an at-will state, there's all kinds of discrimination that get swept under the rug. ... Hopefully this will create a more positive atmosphere of acceptance and protection; it's one more step in the right direction."
The bill to expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights passed the Senate 23-15 in March with three Republicans joining the 20 Democrats in support.
One of the Republicans who voted against it, Sen. Thomas Albert, R-Lowell, said the bill was an attempt to enforce one "belief system" on everyone in Michigan. Albert said the proposal could force religious organizations to hire people who have stances that are contrary to the groups'.
Attempts to contact Albert for comment on Saturday were unsuccessful.
The Michigan Catholic Conference has also argued the current bill would lead to discrimination against people of faith and force religious organizations into lengthy litigation.
While some attendees voiced their appreciation for the progress made regarding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act expansion, their focus has since shifted on securing health care for all members of Michigan's LGBTQ+ community, especially for transgendered persons.
"Health care is my biggest concern. ... It's endangered and that's really scary, especially for younger kids who seek gender-affirming care," DJ Jones, 23, of Detroit said. "Every deserves health care; I don't care who you are."
This year's celebration, additionally, has raised concern as anti-drag queen laws loom around the country. Some local drag queens hope lawmakers send more bills to governor to codify their protection as well.
"The governor has been a huge supporter of drag queens," drag queen performer Victoria Sanchez, 43, of Detroit said. "I think she's done her best to protect the LGBTQ+ community, and we are truly blessed to have a governor that has our back."
Sanchez, the 2016 Miss Motor City Pride, argued that drag is not a crime and shouldn't be treated as such, in places like Tennessee who recently placed strict limits on cabaret shows. She said drag has been around cultures for centuries, but only now is there pushback — from those within and outside the LGBTQ+ community, as drag queens become more visible and mainstream.
"Within the community, you have one side that for it and other against it. I would like to see the community meet in the middle, like you see here today," Sanchez said. "I am, however, learning about a lot of allies that have our back and that warms my heart; they see what we do as love and not hate."
jaimery@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @wordsbyjakkar | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/10/motor-city-pride-participants-praise-expansion-of-civil-rights-laws/70295517007/ | 2023-06-11T01:35:38 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/10/motor-city-pride-participants-praise-expansion-of-civil-rights-laws/70295517007/ |
BLOOMSBURG, Pa. — People lined up at the Bloomsburg Town Pool Saturday in anticipation of its long-awaited return.
The pool was closed in 2017 because of needed repairs.
Its opening was delayed due to supply chain issues and contractor scheduling.
But now the pool is up and running for locals who are looking for another way to beat the heat this summer.
"I live close, so I might just be coming every day if it is nice out. It has been really hot lately, so when you need a pool, it is right here," said Damien Delarge, Bloomsburg.
"It is excellent to see the enthusiasm for it. We are looking forward to a good year. There is still going to be changing things as we go and better things for next year, but this is a huge weight off everyone's shoulders who worked really hard to get here," said Mayor Justin Hummel, (D) Bloomsburg.
The Bloomsburg Town Pool will open every day this summer starting at noon; for more details, click here.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/columbia-county/bloomsburg-town-pool-reopens-after-six-years-columbia-county-damien-delarge-mayor-justin-hummel/523-3ddfee67-be2c-4d58-b52b-c3e7ce72018b | 2023-06-11T01:35:38 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/columbia-county/bloomsburg-town-pool-reopens-after-six-years-columbia-county-damien-delarge-mayor-justin-hummel/523-3ddfee67-be2c-4d58-b52b-c3e7ce72018b |
WHITE HAVEN, Pa. — Samantha Carney of White Haven is heading out to the trail with her family, something she says is special for her and her children.
"It's just a new place for my children to grow up. I grew up here. You grew up here. We lived on this trail, and now I get to do it with my children. It's great," said Samantha Carney, White Haven.
The first-ever White Haven Trail Festival was held on Main Street in the borough Saturday, celebrating the reopening of an entrance to Lehigh Gorge State Park and access to the 165-mile D & L Trail.
"Just this beautiful $7 million project that DCNR just completed with parking, new bathrooms, freshly resurfaced trails, and just great access to the Lehigh Gorge State Park," said Sierra Fogal, Pocono Biking.
This location was closed for two years which means Sierra Fogal's business location for Pocono Biking was closed too.
"Waiting for this access point to open, so we are just so excited to be up and running again, to be in business, to be getting people outside and on the trail. We're all trail enthusiasts. We love to bike, we love to hike, we love to raft we like to fish too. So we're just excited to get everyone out there and using the resources," said Fogal.
"It's amazing. I grew up on this trail, and just seeing it like this now is just awesome. I get to bring my kids on the trail. We go every other day, and it's a heavy load, but we have a blast," said Carney.
Getting out on the trail was only part of this first-ever festival.
"We have DCNR history tours. We have bike shuttles to the Glen Summit Trailhead. We also have the main street market with craft vendors in downtown White Haven. And behind me, here we have the DNL National Heritage corridor with a booth," explained Fogal.
Handing out maps and spreading the word about what the trail has to offer.
"It's absolutely amazing. It's nice to bring people into town. I grew up on my bike everywhere. So I have no complaints, and it's nice to see more people come into town," said Sean Reynolds, White Haven.
If you want to learn more about heading out on the D & L Trail, click here.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/festival-celebrates-new-trail-access-samantha-carney-sierra-fogal-main-street-lehigh-gorge-state-park-white-haven/523-b1c51cdb-67aa-4870-ac12-dd598a16d75d | 2023-06-11T01:35:44 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/festival-celebrates-new-trail-access-samantha-carney-sierra-fogal-main-street-lehigh-gorge-state-park-white-haven/523-b1c51cdb-67aa-4870-ac12-dd598a16d75d |
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — The parade traveled down South Main Street and ended at Public Square.
There were carnival games, live music, and bounce houses.
Organizers say events like these help people with congenital heart defects connect with others like them.
"We're here; we exist. We need help. We need you to know that we're here. It's extremely important. One of our families is a new family. They're here today, and they didn't tell their kiddo what was going on today. And he came, and I got to witness them telling him, and I was like, 'Yeah, you know, my son has CHD just like you;' he has a bad heart too. And his face just lit up, and that's what it's about," said Autumn Biggs, founder of NAZ CHD Awareness and Family Planning.
NAZ CHD Awareness and Family Planning organized the event in Wilkes-Barre.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/raising-awareness-for-congenital-heart-defects-in-wilkes-barre-public-square-south-main-street-autumn-biggs-naz-chd-awareness/523-f246a6f6-3741-44d2-9416-e98b21817048 | 2023-06-11T01:35:50 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/raising-awareness-for-congenital-heart-defects-in-wilkes-barre-public-square-south-main-street-autumn-biggs-naz-chd-awareness/523-f246a6f6-3741-44d2-9416-e98b21817048 |
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Saturday was race day in Williamsport as kids of all ages competed in the annual Soap Box Derby.
"This is my first year. It is fun because you get to have fun and race other people," said Izayah Bailey of Williamsport.
"Racing with other people and stuff and just having fun," said Aniyah Bailey of Williamsport.
"I like going down the hill. It is fun to go down with the car," said Kingsley Grant of Williamsport.
The race course is the well-known Market Street Hill.
"Market Street is actually the same road and formation when the race was run in 1940. So, we probably have the oldest track in the United States," said Jim Campbell, an organizer.
The Williamsport Soap Box Derby originally began in 1940 and ran through 1951. It was brought back in 2010. The whole event is run by volunteers.
"We all come together as volunteers to do the best for the children of our community," added Campbell.
The competition features two different age divisions and car sizes. Following tradition and guidelines, each of these drivers had to build the cars they are racing in this year.
"You like, tighten up the steering wheel. You have to put a brake on. You have to put the body on the car and stuff," said Izayah Bailey.
"They had a period of one month to run their car and get familiar with it if it is their first time," Campbell said.
The winning racer from each division will move on to compete at the national competition later this year in Akron, Ohio.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lycoming-county/williamsport-soap-box-derby-lycoming-county-izayah-bailey-aniyah-bailey-jim-campbell/523-fcca6b27-2a63-4f90-b80a-8e10d75c2107 | 2023-06-11T01:35:56 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lycoming-county/williamsport-soap-box-derby-lycoming-county-izayah-bailey-aniyah-bailey-jim-campbell/523-fcca6b27-2a63-4f90-b80a-8e10d75c2107 |
MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — At least one person is dead after a crash in Monroe County.
Officials say a motorcycle crashed along I-80 West in Bartonsville around 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
State police are on the scene as well as the Monroe County coroner's office.
I-80 West has been shut down as a result, and all traffic is being directed off the Bartonsville Exit and onto Route 611.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/deadly-motorcycle-crash-in-monroe-county-bartonsville-psp-state-police-coroner-pocono-township/523-b138389a-d683-4f32-8880-efc7d48c0dcb | 2023-06-11T01:36:02 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/deadly-motorcycle-crash-in-monroe-county-bartonsville-psp-state-police-coroner-pocono-township/523-b138389a-d683-4f32-8880-efc7d48c0dcb |
Skip to content
Main Navigation
Search
Search for:
Local
Weather
Responds
Investigations
Video
Sports
Entertainment
Newsletters
Live TV
Share
Close
Trending
Runoffs Saturday 🗳
Belmont Stakes 🏇
Walk for Freedom 🚶♀️
Pride in Bloom 🌷
Sign up for Good News 😊
Watch us 24/7 📺
Expand
Local
The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-museum-becomes-first-texas-site-to-dedicate-stopping-stones/3275053/ | 2023-06-11T01:52:02 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-museum-becomes-first-texas-site-to-dedicate-stopping-stones/3275053/ |
There is an electric moment of tension and anticipation before a cowboy nods their head, chute gates creak open, and horses or steers or bulls boil out into the arena. There is a moment before the seconds start to count and the bond or battle between an animal athlete and a human one grips a crowd.
That moment is part of the energy and the atmosphere that drew the first crowd of the weekend out to the 10th annual Flagstaff Pro Rodeo Thursday night. It’s part of why people pour through the gates of Fort Tuthill County Park’s arena, and why that arena, down to the recently graded dirt, has been so carefully tended by a team of dedicated volunteers.
The excitement -- that adrenaline rush -- that comes with watching a rodeo is only part of what brought people out to the event 10 years ago. It’s only part of why they’re still returning.
Rodeo means a little something different for everyone. For Amanda Butler, it’s a chance to share traditions.
People are also reading…
Butler is a mother and auntie to several of the rodeo’s youngest contestants.
When she was a child, she said, she rode steers with her brothers. On Thursday night, she got ready to watch her children and nephews tackle the challenge of mutton busting.
“You ride in native terms, the mutton. That comes out. You get as far as you can from one end of the arena to the other,” Butler explained. "Whoever makes it the farthest, you get judged based on the score. They’ll tell you the scores at the end; one for the sheep, the other for the rider."
It’s a bit like what the bareback and bull riders do, played out in miniature. In mutton busting, the sheep get a score for how fast they run and whether they buck. Then the riders get a score based on how long and well they stay on.
In other rough stock events, the animal’s effort accounts for part of the score. The bull riders, saddle bronc riders and bareback riders in the grown-up events only get a score if they can stay on the animal they draw for eight seconds.
Obviously in mutton busting, the rules aren’t so stringent. Just like the professionals, the kids signed up for mutton busting have the chance to win a buckle. Two buckles have been awarded to the event’s winner every night at the rodeo this year.
If the anticipation that builds before a bull ride is infectious, the buzzing exhilaration of pint-sized mutton busters could be bottled and sold as a magical shot of pure energy. The riders all wear helmets and safety padding. Waiting by the chute and listening to the “baaaas” of their soon-to-be opponents, they discussed their strategies.
This year, the sheep were sheered to leave a kind of curly wool handle for the young rough stock riders to hold on — although most opted to wrap themselves “like barrels” around the critters that desperately try to slip their grip.
The activity is a fan favorite. The kids, most 8 years old or younger, get to experience the thrill of a ride in an arena. The parents get to look on with whatever cocktail of pride, delight and parental fear best suits the moment.
“I think rodeo in general is a family sport. It’s a family tradition. It always has been in my family. It’s just exciting to bring the kids out,” Butler said.
Singing praise
In many ways, Emily Osborne-Johnson feels like she grew alongside the rodeo.
Thirty years ago, she stood in the center of the arena at Fort Tuthill, little legs quacking under a big billowy bandana-print skirt. Osbourne-Johnson sang the national anthem that first night when she was 9 years old, opening the Pine Country Pro Rodeo.
“It was my first opportunity to sing in public, so it means the world to me. I have a lot of memories here,” she said.
When Pine Country Pro Rodeo dissolved and Kristen Daulton and the Flagstaff Pro Rodeo re-started the tradition, Osbourne-Johnson -- and her mighty pipes -- were invited back to kick off the event in patriotic style.
She’s been taking on the vocal roller coaster that is "The Star-Spangled Banner" for every Flagstaff Pro Rodeo performance since.
“I love it. I look forward to it every year. I am nervous the entire day until I get here. When I get here, it all just washes away. I’m just so happy to be here and see everybody and be in the energy,” Osborne-Johnson said.
Rodeo royalty
She’s not the only person who found her voice at the rodeo.
Dina Riggs said she has seen it happen, time and time again. She runs the Flagstaff Pro Rodeo Royalty Program.
Most Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA)-sanctioned rodeos have a queen and/or a teen queen. The role of rodeo royalty is pretty straightforward: they are the face and the voice of the event. They’re essentially horse-savvy promoters in sequins and tiara-crowned cowboy hats.
Rodeo queens travel within their rodeo circuit talking about their home rodeo and sharing their love for the sport.
Annaliese Cooke and Logan Clark are the current Flagstaff Pro Rodeo queen and teen queen, respectively. They shepherded the mutton busters through their event and carried the American and Arizona Flags in the rodeo’s opening ceremonies.
In acting as rodeo royalty, the girls learn more than the techniques they’ll need to ride at a full run while holding a loudly flapping flag, or how to keep their curls and smiles in place while waving gracefully on horseback.
Riggs said they also learn life skills.
“It’s so amazing to watch these girls transform,” Riggs said. “They come in, just shy and sometimes not even very confident. They leave our program so confident and ready to take on the world. It’s amazing to watch the transformation.”
This year, Trinity Tompkins was a contestant hoping to become the next Flagstaff Pro Rodeo Queen. She wore a glittering purple top, black hat and shimmering lip gloss while standing a few paces away from her gray horse, Paisley.
“I see a few little girls over there looking over this direction and I cannot wait to get to go say hi,” Tompkins said.
Tompkins said being a role model for kids is one of her favorite parts of the rodeo experience — as an athlete and aspiring event royalty.
She’s a barrel racer, breakaway roper and team roper on the college rodeo circuit.
“Rodeo has been a part of my entire life. It is my life, honestly; I couldn’t imagine not having it. It was a lot of my income when I did college rodeo. It was so nice to meet people and expand my network,” Tompkins said.
Roping them in
For bullfighter and Kansas native Jacob Walker, a career in rodeo has kept him on the move. That’s what he loves about it -- it’s an avenue for travel.
“I get to see the country, do what I love,” he said. “There’s a lot of people who don’t get outside of their home state. I’m 28 years old and I’ve seen 17 of the 50 states already. I get to travel, have fun and do what I love. I’m blessed to do it.”
He doesn’t wear cowboy boots to work. Walker is in the arena in tennis shoes -- the better to distract and outrun a bull with.
When a bull explodes out of the blue bucking chutes at Fort Tuthill, Walker will be on the ground. His job is to protect the cowboy if he loses his seat.
“You’ve got to be athletic, obviously. You want to be slow so the bull sees you, but you want to be fast so you can get out of the way,” Walker said. “It’s what I’ve wanted to do since I was 5 years old.”
This is Walker’s third year at the Flagstaff Pro Rodeo.
The people in the committee and the people in the grandstands are great to interact with, he said.
Behind the grandstands Thursday night, a young National Guardsman in Army fatigues was rolling his wrist, showing a few little boys how to throw a rope and catch a black and green dummy steer around the horns.
Specialist Jacob Longacre is an Arizona Army National Guard recruiter and an amateur team roper. When he was tapped to run a recruiting booth at the rodeo, he seized the opportunity and brought a number of his old ropes and a roping dummy out to the rodeo grounds.
“I need the practice anyways, and I think it’s just a fun event. Especially at rodeos, you get a lot of kids who are into this type of thing and around this environment. Then I get to talk to them about eventually joining the Army National Guard for one weekend a month. Give them a little money, which goes a long way when you’re buying a horse,” Longacre said with a grin.
Longacre connected with passersby, one newly built loop and sailing rope at a time. For him, the rodeo isn’t just a place to recruit; it’s a meaningful and fun place to be.
“Roping and rodeo, it’s the biggest part of my life outside of the Army. It means everything. I want my kids to come to these kinds of events, and [roping] is something I’ll never give up,” he said.
For a spectator in the grandstands, the 2023 Flagstaff Pro Rodeo was about to be the most special one yet. Taylor Grivin got to see her favorite sport played in front of a live audience in her hometown.
Grivin is a breakaway roper. For many years, if a woman wanted to rodeo professionally, she had really only one option: she could barrel race.
While some ladies feel the need for speed and love running a tight pattern around barrels to set ever faster records, there were a lot of girls who felt excluded.
Breakaway roping is now accepted by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. Just like in tie-down or calf-roping, the rider prepares their loop in a box beside the roping shoot. They nod their head once their horses are set, and a calf is released into the arena. Once the calf is given a head start, the roper rides out, throws their loop and, with any luck, catches.
Where the rope would go tight in tie-down roping, in this sport, it breaks away. The calf keeps running, trailed by a rope, with a loop around its neck.
Breakaway roping debuted at the Flagstaff Pro Rodeo this year. At 19, Grivin remembers the years when there weren’t any hooves kicking up dust below the grandstands.
“I just really love the atmosphere. I’m glad Flagstaff has a rodeo,” she said.
And the rodeo itself turned out to be a point of pride for a number of spectators who talked to the Arizona Daily Sun. One couple was happy to be in attendance, and happier still that their daughter was among the many volunteers working to make the rodeo a reality.
The rodeo can be a lot of different things to a lot of different people -- a place to connect, to share traditions, to build skills, to have an adventure. Whatever their reasons might be, fans will be welcomed back for the final performance of the 10th annual Flagstaff Pro Rodeo on Saturday. Gates will open at 5 p.m., the rodeo begins at 7 p.m., and the event wraps up with live music and dancing in the arena. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/flagstaff-pro-rodeo-celebrates-10-years-of-tradition-and-thrills/article_786c2f18-06f6-11ee-bfc4-b72a489c8014.html | 2023-06-11T02:01:45 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/flagstaff-pro-rodeo-celebrates-10-years-of-tradition-and-thrills/article_786c2f18-06f6-11ee-bfc4-b72a489c8014.html |
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) — Protection, mitigation, response and recovery were the goals instructors wanted participants to leave with from an active shooter mass casualty exercise at Jefferson State Community College Saturday.
Participants were involved in several exercises such as breeching scenarios, responding to injured victims and active shooter drills.
Jefferson State Community College nursing student Chris Carter said this training helps him know how to respond in emergency situations.
“Emergency triage, how to access the patient, how to get them ready for EMS, any medicinal administration or injury evaluation,” Carter said.
Event instructors told CBS 42 training like this helps save lives.
“Especially with these recent events in the news that’s just brought to light what’s been going with people getting hurt, especially with gunshot wounds and different violent acts,” Stop the Bleed instructor Clay Bailey said. “So that’s really brought to light — it made everyone realize that maybe I need to pay more attention and training to this.”
“We try to have this have this training so we can be ready when it happens instead of if it happens,” Jefferson State Community College campus police officer Ray Channel said.
Law enforcement officers across 10 entities in Alabama and Mississippi participated in exercises Saturday. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/active-shooter-exercise-held-at-jefferson-state-community-college/ | 2023-06-11T02:04:43 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/active-shooter-exercise-held-at-jefferson-state-community-college/ |
TEMPE, Ariz. — The numbers are hard to hear. According to the National Council on Aging, one in every 10 Americans 60 years of age and older has experienced some form of abuse, ranging from physical to financial, with many cases going unreported.
On Saturday in Tempe, heartbreaking stories were shared, and powerful words were expressed at the second annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at the Friendship Village.
Victims and experts shared sobering stories and advice, so people can better protect themselves and their loved ones.
The discussion was centered around elder abuse and financial exploitation of Arizona seniors, a silent crime the National Council on Aging said impacts more than 5 million Americans every year.
It’s a heinous crime that robs people of their dignity, health, financial security, and in some cases, their lives, something Linda Arters said she’s all too familiar with.
“My mom was exploited, at that time by my family members, of over a million dollars that should have been used to get her in the proper care,” said Arters.
Elder abuse isn’t just physical, it can be emotional, psychological, neglect, sexual, isolation, undue influence, and financial exploitation.
Many perpetrators of elder abuse are family members.
Arters has been fighting her case since 2013.
While her case is still pending, she has already lost thousands of dollars trying to defend her parents and herself.
“It has cost me all my savings,” Arters said. “It’s been over $700,000.”
Now, Arters is a certified senior advisor, one of the many people spearheading the effort to let people know where they can turn to get guidance to protect themselves.
“Because it can happen to anybody,” she said.
Arters is far from alone. Reports of elder abuse to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office have increased 150% over the last decade.
Older adults lost over $82 million dollars to fraud in 2022, according to advocacy group Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly (R.O.S.E. Advocacy).
“I’m not surprised at all, and it’s so much easier today for them to do it,” said Gregg Leach, a CPA of more than 40 years.
“I had one at a previous company that paid a $50,000 bill, and they wired it to a bank in England because they thought they were wiring it to us because somebody had said this is our new account,” he said. “Well, no you didn’t, and you still owe us the money, so they ended up paying twice for something.
Leach continues to help others keep their guard up, including his own parents.
“They’re both 88 and I’m more aware of it because I’m watching. I watch their finances and what’s going on,” he said.
Leach recommends seniors have someone they can trust for advice and that they follow a safety checklist.
That should include recognizing, reporting, and deleting junk email, backing up important documents and files, and monitoring your bank accounts and deeds.
“Continue to try to be suspicious about anything that is out of the ordinary,” he said.
That way you can best protect yourself and your loved ones from being targeted by elder abuse.
There are resources you can turn to for more advice on this topic to stay on guard. For more information, just head to eldersrights.com.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
Get to know 12News
At 12News, we listen, we seek, we solve for all Arizonans. 12News is the Phoenix NBC affiliate owned by TEGNA Inc.
12News is built on a legacy of trust. We serve more than 4.6 million people every month on air, on our 12News app, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and 12News.com.
We are committed to serving all of the Valley's communities, because we live here, too.
12News is the Official Home of the Arizona Cardinals and the proud recipient of the 2018 Rocky Mountain Emmy Award for Overall Excellence.
Stay connected by downloading the 12News app, available on Google Play and the Apple Store. Catch up on any stories you missed on the show on the 12News Youtube channel. Read content curated for our Spanish-speaking audience on the Español page. Or see us on the 12News Plus app available on Roku or Amazon Fire. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day-held-in-tempe/75-ffaa440e-830e-40b9-9899-196efd76b62f | 2023-06-11T02:04:44 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day-held-in-tempe/75-ffaa440e-830e-40b9-9899-196efd76b62f |
FULTONDALE, Ala. (WIAT) — The Fultondale Fire and Rescue Service was dispatched to a Chevron gas station off Walker Chapel Road after a car crashed into its building Saturday.
According to the FFRS, no injuries were reported. City inspectors were called in to assess the structure’s damage. The FFRS stated the gas station should be able to return to regular operations following repairs. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/car-crashes-into-fultondale-chevron-building/ | 2023-06-11T02:04:50 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/car-crashes-into-fultondale-chevron-building/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A woman suffered life-threatening burns during an apartment fire Saturday afternoon at 399 Northeast 79th Ave., according to Hillsboro Fire and Rescue.
Fire officials have yet to release the woman’s name, but say the fire left her with “second-degree burns on approximately 20% of her body” – including her head, face, chest, arms and hands.
An ambulance brought the woman to a trauma center, and fire crews contained the flames to the apartment unit before it spread to the other units nearby.
Hillsboro F&R says two other people were inside the apartment at the time of the fire, but both remained uninjured.
Investigators say the cause of the fire has yet to be identified.
Stay with KOIN 6 as this story develops. | https://www.koin.com/local/washington-county/hillsboro-woman-suffers-2nd-degree-burns-on-20-of-her-body-in-apartment-fire/ | 2023-06-11T02:10:27 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/washington-county/hillsboro-woman-suffers-2nd-degree-burns-on-20-of-her-body-in-apartment-fire/ |
Skip to content
Main Navigation
Search
Search for:
Weather
Local
Sports
Entertainment
Investigators
Videos
Newsletters
Live TV
Share
Close
Trending
Watch NBC10 24/7 on Streaming Platforms
Wawa Welcome America
Phillies Baseball
2023 Philly Mayoral Race
Expand
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/no-arena-save-chinatown-could-be-read-as-protesters-packed-the-streets/3583226/ | 2023-06-11T02:27:57 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/no-arena-save-chinatown-could-be-read-as-protesters-packed-the-streets/3583226/ |
Skip to content
Main Navigation
Search
Search for:
Weather
Local
Sports
Entertainment
Investigators
Videos
Newsletters
Live TV
Share
Close
Trending
Watch NBC10 24/7 on Streaming Platforms
Wawa Welcome America
Phillies Baseball
2023 Philly Mayoral Race
Expand
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/two-wildfires-burning-in-burlington-county-lack-of-rain-may-cause-them-to-burn-for-months/3583225/ | 2023-06-11T02:28:03 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/two-wildfires-burning-in-burlington-county-lack-of-rain-may-cause-them-to-burn-for-months/3583225/ |
BLOOMINGTON — For the past four years, Gaynett Hoskins has been working to ensure that the local LGBTQ+ community has the opportunity to feel connected with the Bloomington-Normal Mobile Pride Parade.
June is Pride Month. And, every year, members of the LGBTQ+ community and supporters gather at Miller Park in Bloomington to decorate cars, make signs, meet community partners and then parade the cars around the park.
Hoskins, who identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, said the idea came about during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Melissa Wilkinson of Bloomington hangs Pride flags Saturday at the annual Mobile-Pride Parade in Miller Park.
D. JACK ALKIRE, THE PANTAGRAPH
"It was almost Pride month, and I wanted us to be able to celebrate one another," Hoskins said. "So we needed to physically distance but not socially distance."
She said the change in verbiage, from "social distancing" to "physical distancing," was important for LGBTQ+ people.
"I just wanted to be able to get out and just say, 'We love each other. We are going through, but we are not apart,'" Hoskins said.
The Mobile Pride Parade is designed as a family-friendly event.
Edward Bridges-O'Connor has been coming to the parade for three years.
"I'm sober," Bridges-O'Connor said. "So this is a nice alternative to events where it centers around drinking and stuff like that."
Bloomington resident Gracen Lukoskie, who uses they/them pronouns, holds a sign they made Saturday for the Mobile-Pride Parade in Miller Park.
D. JACK ALKIRE, THE PANTAGRAPH
Since beginning, the parade has grown to include community resources like Central Illinois Friends , a free and low cost sexual health clinic that focuses on the LGBTQ+ community.
Nurse practitioner Sara Carl said the clinic started in Peoria in 1990 "to basically be the friends of people living with HIV." Now, the organization provides free testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), free vaccines for hepatitis A and human papillomavirus infection (HPV).
"For the most part," Carl said, "the services that we provide ... are free or low cost."
The parade also featured Misty Midler, a self-proclaimed drag diva.
"This is actually my first year as a drag performer," said Midler, a man who uses feminine pronouns when in drag.
She said Pride events are especially important.
"I think, in today's climate, in general, Pride is more important than ever ... I think it's super important for families to get involved in Pride just to show - just celebrate diversity, celebrate the lives around them," Midler said.
"Whether it's family, friends, neighbors, whoever (or) people they don't know. Pride events are important because it gives an opportunity for people to find their family."
Misty Midler, a Bloomington based drag performer, was featured Saturday at the Mobile-Pride Parade in Miller Park in Bloomington.
D. JACK ALKIRE, THE PANTAGRAPH
That "family" she mentioned are people who care for and support members of the LGBTQ+ community when others won't.
Midler said she found her "family" at a Pride event like the parade. "Those people have saved my life and been there for everything," she said.
Hoskins said Pride events "put a spotlight" on LGBTQ+ people and celebrate their individuality. "It's not about 'including us,' because inclusion means, 'it's mine, and I'm going to let you in.'
"It's about acceptance, visibility," she said.
Hoskins said, "We've always been trying to fit in. Like, 'Where can I go? I don't want to look too gay. I don't want to present too gay ... I want to fit in.'
"The thing is, none of us are supposed to fit in anyway. We are supposed to be unique."
Bridges-O'Connor said he was glad to have Pride events like the parade. "Growing up, I never saw this kind of diversity. So it's nice to see it in my hometown finally."
LGBTQ+ history before Stonewall
LGBTQ+ history before Stonewall
Today’s Gay Liberation Movement can trace its roots directly to the Stonewall riots on June 28, 1969. The impromptu demonstrations, which occurred after a nighttime police raid at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, New York City, lasted several days. Soon after, the Gay Liberation Front was formed, joining the many gay activist organizations that had been springing up in previous decades. From there, the movement caught fire and spread rapidly.
Stacker put together a timeline of LGBTQ+ history leading up to Stonewall, beginning with prehistoric events and ending in the late 1960s. As you read, keep in mind that LGBTQ+ is a relatively new term and, while queer people have always existed, the terminology has changed frequently over the years. In an effort to avoid being anachronistic and to accurately describe the experiences of these historical figures, we have chosen in some instances to use the terminology of the time.
Keep reading to learn about some significant moments in LGBTQ+ history.
You may also like: A history of LGBTQ+ representation in film
Simeon Solomon // Wikimedia Commons
2900–2500 BC: First record of a transgender person
Although rock art dating as far back as 9600 B.C. depicts what some scholars have interpreted as homosexual love scenes, one of the first sets of skeletal remains of an LGBTQ+ person was a body thought to be a transgender woman discovered in 2011. The archaeological remains, which were found outside Prague, were that of a skeleton that was assigned male at birth but arranged in a burial ritual that was reserved strictly for women. “We believe this is one of the earliest cases of what could be described as a transsexual or third gender grave in the Czech Republic,” archaeologist Katerina Semradova said at a press conference.
Airman 1st Class Perry Aston // U.S. Air Force
2400 BC: Niankhkhnum and Khnumhotep are buried together
Niankhkhnum and Khnumhotep were ancient manicurists who worked for the royal court in a city called Saqqara, Egypt, around 2400 B.C. In 1964, archaeologists unearthed a joint tomb in which the men were buried face-to-face in the same fashion many married couples were buried at the time. Although the site is called the Tomb of the Two Brothers, and there is debate as to its significance, many historians have interpreted it as evidence of early gay relationships. “Same-sex desire existed just behind the ideal facade constructed by the ancients,” said Egyptologist Greg Reeder in a 1998 speech in Dallas.
Ahmad Badr // Wikimedia Commons
630–612 BC: Sappho the poet is born
The lesbian poet Sappho, who hailed from the island of Lesbos (the root of the word lesbian), was born sometime between 630 and 621 B.C. Though her sexuality has been an ongoing subject of debate, she wrote commonly about seemingly lesbian desires, and her only complete surviving poem, “Ode to Aphrodite,” features the female speaker begging the goddess of love to help her get over her unrequited love for a woman.
Simeon Solomon // Wikimedia Commons
27 BC: First recorded same-sex marriage under Roman Empire
In 27 B.C., Augustus established the Roman Empire under which the first recorded same-sex marriage ceremony reportedly took place. At this time, laws around homosexuality were also formed—among them that gay prostitution would be legal, but taxed. When Nero became emperor decades later, he married two men—one of whom Nero allegedly dressed in the clothing of one of Caesar’s wives and even castrated to make the man seem more “womanlike.”
George E. Koronaios // Wikimedia Commons
1478: The Spanish Inquisition stones ‘sodomites’
In 1478, the Spanish Inquisition was established, which resulted in the stoning and castration of many gays and lesbians, dubbed “sodomites” at the time. Decades later, it is estimated there were nearly 1,000 sodomy trials before the Aragonese Inquisition.
Francisco Goya // Wikimedia Commons
1532: Holy Roman Empire makes ‘buggery’ punishable by death
The Holy Roman Empire in 1532 made intercourse between two women a crime punishable by death. In 1533, the “abominable vice of buggery” for both sexes was made a capital crime, a law that remained mostly unchanged until 1861, when it was changed to life in prison. The last people executed for the crime were Londoners James Pratt and John Smith, who were executed by hanging after the landlord claimed to have seen them through a keyhole having sex.
MICHAL CIZEK/AFP // Getty Images
1623: King James appoints his lover as Duke of Buckingham
It is well-documented that King James I had a lover named George Villiers whom he called his husband and the one he loved “more than anyone else.” In 1623, he went to the length of appointing his “sweetheart,” as he also called him, to the nobility as the Duke of Buckingham, a move that made him the highest-ranking subject outside the royal family.
You may also like: The best streaming services in 2021
Cornelius De Neve // Wikimedia Commons
1791: France becomes the first Western European nation to decriminalize homosexuality
During the French Revolution, the penal code outlined new crimes and their respective punishments in an effort to take sweeping power away from judges. Along with the new code came the legalization of sodomy, which was the first lift on the ban in Western Europe and one that paved the way for others to follow.
Jean-Pierre Houël // Wikimedia Commons
1800s: Decriminalizing homosexuality spreads through Europe and Latin America
In 1811, the Netherlands was the first major European country of the 19th century to decriminalize homosexuality. The Dominican Republic followed suit in 1822. Over the next decade, El Salvador, Brazil, Bolivia, Portugal, Argentina, Turkey (then the Ottoman Empire), Honduras, Italy, and even the Vatican did the same—all before the turn of the next century. By contrast, Russia, Poland, and Germany enacted new laws against gay and lesbian activity.
Markus Bernet // Wikimedia Commons
1886: We’wha takes part in a delegation to Washington, DC
In 1886, a mixed-gender Zuni Native American named We’wha took part in a delegation to Washington D.C., where they were introduced to then-President Grover Cleveland. We’wha was a famous Lhamana, a person in Zuni culture who is assigned a male gender at birth but takes on ceremonial roles and attire typically reserved for women. Today, the Lhamana gender identity is referred to as “two-spirit” or “third-gender.”
John K. Hillers // Wikimedia Commons
1892: Magnus Hirschfeld earns his doctoral degree
Magnus Hirschfeld was a German physician who spent most of his career studying sexuality with a focus on homosexuality. He became a champion for gay rights and co-founded the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee, the world’s first gay rights organization. Being both Jewish and gay, he was frequently targeted in his home country, yet he continued his work. He said he became interested in activism after observing many of his gay patients who died by suicide.
Wikimedia Commons
1910: Emma Goldman begins speaking publicly
A contemporary of Magnus Hirschfeld’s, Emma Goldman was an American feminist and anarchist who served as an early ally to gay rights activism. The Russian-born Jew, who emigrated to America as a teenager, was heterosexual but spent much of her life championing various minority causes. In a letter to Hirschfeld, she said: “It is a tragedy, I feel, that people of a different sexual type are caught in a world which shows so little understanding for homosexuals and is so crassly indifferent to the various gradations and variations of gender and their great significance in life.”
T. Kajiwara // Wikimedia Commons
1931: Dora Richter becomes the first transgender woman to get vaginoplasty
Dora Richter was a transgender woman under the care of Magnus Hirschfeld who received the first known vaginoplasty procedure in 1931 (though Hirschfeld did not perform the surgery). Along with a number of other transgender women, Richter worked at the Institute for Sexual Research where she was given special permission by police to wear women’s clothing. Two years after her affirmation surgery, the Nazis burned the library of the Institute and began sending homosexuals to concentration camps.
You may also like: 50 of the best albums by LGBTQ+ musicians
Wikimedia Commons
1932: Eleanor Roosevelt’s alleged lesbian affair
Amelia Earhart and openly gay reporter Lorena Hickok are just two of the women with whom former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt was rumored to have had closeted affairs, the latter with whom she exchanged more than 3,300 letters over a 30-year period; Roosevelt and Hickok allegedly began an affair from 1932 to 1938. There has been extensive speculation about the former first lady’s sexuality over the years, however, some have argued it’s irrelevant when discussing her contribution to the gay rights movement, particularly given her position of power. “[Roosevelt] did more than almost anyone in the pre-Stonewall era to model acceptance of gay relationships —and she did it in the White House,” wrote Marc Peyser for the Huffington Post.
Harris & Ewing // Wikimedia Commons
1936: Federico García Lorca is executed
In 1936, Spanish police raided the Granada home of Federico García Lorca, a famous poet they described as a socialist prone to “homosexual and abnormal practices.” He fled to a friend’s house but they caught up with him and surrounded the home, arrested him, and took him to an interrogation spot called the Fuente Grande. According to documents published in 2015, they executed him after he gave unspecified confessions, burying him on site in a “very shallow grave, in a ravine.”
Wikimedia Commons
1948: Alfred Kinsey publishes ‘Sexual Behavior in the Human Male’
When biologist Alfred Kinsey published “Sexual Behavior in the Human Male” in 1948, he asserted that approximately 37% of men at the time had engaged in homosexual activities at least once. That, along with other findings in his book, acted as the “opening salvos of the sexual revolution,” according to some, and brought the conversation about sex of all types to the mainstream.
“During the Twentieth Century, no one individual did more to bring homosexuality into the public forum than Alfred Charles Kinsey,” wrote James Alan Branch , professor of Christian ethics at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. “Prior to Kinsey, people were generally considered to be either heterosexual or homosexual. Instead of this binary approach, Kinsey saw sexual behavior on a continuum which rarely described individuals as either strictly homosexual or heterosexual.”
Keystone Features // Getty Images
1951–52: Christine Jorgensen has sex reassignment surgery
Gender confirmation surgeries (called “sex reassignment” at the time) had been performed prior to Christine Jorgensen. However, the transgender woman from the Bronx was the first person to become famous for it, bringing awareness and resources to the trans community that previously had very little access to information. After completing two operations in Denmark, she returned to New York to instant fame and began touring, writing, and speaking to advocate for transgender rights.
Roger Jackson/Central Press // Getty Images
1955: The Daughters of Bilitis is formed
In 1955, there weren’t any lesbian political rights groups in the United States until the Daughters of Bilitis formed in San Francisco, making history as the first group of its kind. What began as a safe space for women to meet without the risk of police raids at gay bars quickly morphed into a full-blown political organization that created other political offshoots including The Ladder—the first nationally distributed lesbian publication—which encouraged women to “take off their masks.” For 14 years, DOB, as they were known, helped women come out of the closest and offered resources to anyone who needed it.
Wikimedia Commons
1956: ‘Go Tell It on the Mountain’ is first published by James Baldwin
James Baldwin published “Go Tell It on the Mountain” in 1956, offering the world a novel that was “pivotal in American gay literature,” according to many critics. Although the theme of homosexuality is never outrightly expressed, the subtext is hard to miss.
Townsend // Getty Images
1958: US Supreme Court rules in favor of gay free speech
One, Inc. v. Olesen was the first U.S. Supreme Court case that involved gay rights—and it won, marking a triumphant moment for the emerging liberation movement. The ruling occurred in 1958 when the high court overturned a federal district court’s decision to label gay magazine ONE: The Homosexual Magazine as “obscene” and ban it from being distributed through the United States Postal Service.
Daderot // Wikimedia Commons
1962: Illinois removes sodomy law from criminal code
In 1962, Illinois became the first state in the nation to remove sodomy laws from its criminal code. The historic legislation occurred after the American Law Institute put together a list of recommendations called the Model Penal Code in an effort to create more legal uniformity across states. Illinois was the first state to adopt the full set of recommendations that omitted sodomy from the criminal code.
You may also like: 50 celebrities you might not know are LGTBQ+
Patrick Emerson // Flickr
1964: First gay rights protests at Whitehall
Although it’s hard to say for sure given the burgeoning nature of the gay rights movement at the time, the protests outside the U.S. Army’s Whitehall Street induction center in 1964 are generally considered to be the first public demonstrations for gay rights. The demonstrations occurred after the confidentiality of a gay man’s draft record was broached, prompting an activist named Randy Wicker to organize the protest to speak out against the military’s anti-gay policies.
Warren K Leffler // Wikimedia Commons
1965: Vanguard is created
In 1965, a group of young people in San Francisco got together to create the Vanguard, the country’s first gay liberation organization. The group, co-founded by Adrian Ravarour and Billy Garrison, also produced an accompanying news publication, the Vanguard Magazine, which was created by Jean-Paul Marat and Keith Oliver St.Clair.
Warren K Leffler // Wikimedia Commons
1966: The Mattachine Society organizes a ‘Sip-In’
When the New York State Liquor Authority banned bartenders from serving alcohol to gay people, an activist group called the Mattachine Society responded in 1966. Large groups turned out at the bar Julius’ in New York City to host a “Sip-In,” as they called it, promoting the issue to land in court. “The importance of this, I think, was that until this time gay people had never really fought back,” said Dick Leitsch, head of the New York Mattachine Society at the time. “We just sort of took in everything passively, didn’t do anything about it. And this time we did it, and we won.”
Mattachine Society of New York
1967: Police raid Black Cat Tavern
After plain-clothed police officers raided the Black Cat Tavern in Los Angeles on New Year’s Day in 1967, beating up staff and patrons alike, a group of gay rights protestors began demonstrating out front. Organized by the Personal Rights in Defense and Education group, the crowd was considered the biggest civil rights demonstration the LGBTQ+ community had produced at the time, leading some historians to call it the “birthplace of a worldwide movement.”
David McNew // Getty Images
Contact D. Jack Alkire at (309)820-3275.
Twitter: @d_jack_alkire
Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/bloomington-pride-parade-in-miller-park/article_19557b9c-07be-11ee-b805-c7ba60c0f921.html | 2023-06-11T02:48:58 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/bloomington-pride-parade-in-miller-park/article_19557b9c-07be-11ee-b805-c7ba60c0f921.html |
Originally published June 5 by Idaho Reports.A proposed voter initiative to overhaul how Idaho conducts its elections does not meet statutory requirements to get on the ballot, and conflicts with both the state and federal constitution, according to an analysis by the Idaho Attorney General’s Office.
All state-level ballot initiatives in Idaho undergo an analysis for form and style before they can be circulated for signature gathering. This certificate of review was released last week and authored by Lincoln Davis Wilson, chief of civil and constitutional defense, and Jim Rice, deputy attorney general and a former state senator.
“The proposed initiative plainly violates Idaho Code,” the review states. “It addresses two distinct subjects: (1) the so-called ‘open primary’ system that eliminates party primaries; and (2) the institution of ranked choice voting for the general election. These two matters are separate subjects and neither one depends on the other.”
Lawmakers in 2020 amended state law so that ballot initiatives can only address a single subject, along with other requirements. One of the organizations behind this initiative, Reclaim Idaho, challenged and successfully overturned some of the changes in 2021, but the single-subject rule was not considered in that court case.
The attorney general’s analysis takes issue with use of the term “open primary,” saying it is misleading for voters. Rather than create an open primary in which voters don’t have to declare their party affiliation, the review says, the initiative “abolishes the system of party primaries for most offices” and should be described as creating a “blanket primary” or similar terminology.
The legal review also says the proposed initiative conflicts with constitutional requirements for certain elected offices. The U.S. Constitution says congressional elections “shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature thereof,” which the analysis says raises questions on whether those rules can be changed by a voter ballot initiative rather than by state legislators.
The Idaho Constitution says the candidates for executive branch “having the highest number of votes” are elected, which the Attorney General’s Office says only requires a plurality of votes for victory. Courts in the two states to adopt ranked choice voting have settled the plurality-vs-majority issue differently.
The Maine Supreme Court held that each round of ranked choice tabulation is a separate round of voting, and so advancing to subsequent rounds of votes violated that state’s constitution when one candidate had in fact reached a plurality of votes. However, the Alaska Supreme Court held that ranked choice voting is a single election which is not complete until all rounds of tabulation are finished.
“This office believes that the opinion of the Maine Supreme Court better accords with principles of interpretation as they relate to the Idaho Constitution and the proposed initiative. The proposed initiative’s clear emphasis is on obtaining majority support to elect a candidate, even though the Idaho Constitution nowhere states that a majority is required,” the review says.
The AG’s office also interprets the initiative text as requiring voters to rank all candidates in order of preference — or, unable to leave the candidates they do not like as blank — which “constitutes direct interference with the right to vote only for candidates the voter supports” under Idaho caselaw.
“In an ordinary election, a voter may vote for one of the candidates on the ballot, a write-in candidate, or no candidate at all. But the proposed initiative interferes with suffrage by requiring voters to vote for all candidates on the ballot. It does so through its instruction prohibiting the voter from, among other things, skipping a ranking of candidates,” the review says.
The Idahoans for Open Primaries coalition announced and submitted their draft initiative in early May. The attorney general’s analysis is advisory only, and initiative petitioners are free to accept or reject any of the recommendations.
Organizers have up to 15 working days after receipt of the review to make any changes before they submit the final initiative text for circulation and signature gathering.
“This office offers no opinion with regard to the policy issues raised by the proposed initiative or the potential revenue impact to the state budget from likely litigation over the initiative’s validity,” the analysis notes.
Idaho Reports asked initiative organizers for comment. They responded Monday afternoon with the following press release:
Attorney General Labrador Issues Biased Review of Open Primaries Initiative
Boise — Last week, the office of Attorney General Raúl Labrador issued its official review of the Open Primaries Initiative, a recently-filed ballot initiative that would end closed primary elections in Idaho. Idahoans for Open Primaries, the grassroots coalition supporting the initiative, says the AG’s review is heavily biased against the proposal.
The same day the Open Primaries Initiative was filed in early May, Attorney General Labrador issued a public statement on Twitter calling for the defeat of the initiative. Labrador’s vocal opposition to the initiative led some critics to call on the AG to recuse himself from the review process and appoint outside counsel.
Former Attorney General Jim Jones, who supports the Open Primaries Initiative, said Attorney General Labrador has politicized the review process and neglected the duties of his office:
“The AG’s review is a collection of contrived arguments designed to sabotage the initiative. Labrador fears the initiative because it would allow all Idaho voters to have a voice in our elections, rather than the small clique that has driven Idaho politics toward the outer bounds of extremism in recent years.”
Jones serves as a volunteer leader of the Idaho Task Force of Veterans for Political Innovation, one of the member organizations of the Idahoans for Open Primaries coalition. Idaho law requires the Attorney General to review initiatives “for form and style” and to provide recommendations for revision.
Jones commented on specific flaws in Labrador’s analysis:
“Labrador’s review asserts the initiative is constitutionally unsound, based upon a 2017 advisory opinion of the Maine Supreme Court. However, the initiative is fashioned after the “Alaska Better Elections Initiative” that was found to be constitutional by the Alaska Supreme Court in 2022.”
“Labrador takes the absurd position that the right of political parties to control who can vote in primary elections takes priority over the right of voters to vote for the candidates of their choice in those elections. The Idaho Constitution does not grant political parties the right to control who votes in our elections, but our Supreme Court has held the right of citizens to elect their leaders is an inviolable constitutional right.” | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/election-initiative-violates-single-subject-rule-idaho-attorney-general-advises/article_98545eda-0648-11ee-9735-1f16714afe25.html | 2023-06-11T02:49:37 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/election-initiative-violates-single-subject-rule-idaho-attorney-general-advises/article_98545eda-0648-11ee-9735-1f16714afe25.html |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.