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BOERNE, Texas — Drivers along I-10 near Boerne will soon have a place to find clean restrooms, Beaver Nuggets and kolaches!
Plans for a Buc-ee's location in Boerne are moving forward, according to a project details page on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation's website.
Construction is set to start on the Boerne location on October 1, 2023, according to the TDLR posting, and is estimated to end on October 1, 2024.
The posting says the project is privately funded and on private lands at I-10 and Highway 87. It is estimated to cost around $38 million. The site is described as a travel center with fuel canopies and will be around 53,417 square feet.
Plans for the Boerne location were made public back in 2016, but were delayed for various reasons, likely including the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new location will be the 41st location of the Buc-ee's in the United States. The famous gas station chain started in Texas, but has expanded to Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia and Kentucky.
Currently, the largest Buc-ees location is in Tennessee, but construction has started on an addition to one of the first locations, in Luling, which would make that location the largest in the country. The company broke ground on construction for that project in November of 2022.
In addition to the company's famously clean restrooms, Buc-ee's also recently received kudos for its Beaver Nuggets. The sugar-coated crunchy, puffy corn pop bites were named Texas' best snack in a review by Food and Wine. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/construction-to-start-on-new-buc-ees-location-in-boerne-on-october-1-texas-travel-center/273-5683923b-3f70-41d7-bad9-285f7810d22d | 2023-06-15T23:49:26 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/construction-to-start-on-new-buc-ees-location-in-boerne-on-october-1-texas-travel-center/273-5683923b-3f70-41d7-bad9-285f7810d22d |
SAN ANTONIO — Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill that would make it so law enforcement can issue AMBER Alerts without requiring confirmation of an abduction.
The legislation was named after 7-year-old Athena Strand from Wise County, Texas, who was killed in late November 2022.
One day after Athena disappeared, an AMBER Alert was issued since the case failed to meet the qualifications for the alert the day prior.
Tanner Horner, 31, was indicted by a Wise County grand jury for capital murder in February.
Horner, a former delivery driver, told police he accidentally hit Athena with his vehicle then proceeded to take her with him. Authorities said Horner ended up strangling Athena to death, fearing she would tell her father about being hit by the FedEx van.
Once an Athena Alert is authorized, police will utilize the AMBER alert system to notify people within 100 miles of the child’s reported disappearance.
“If a parent can’t find their child, there’s no need to wait,” said Dottie Laster, who’s spent decades advocating for finding missing children. She formerly led the Heidi Search Center, which helped thousands of families searching for a missing child. The center closed in 2018 after nearly 30 years due to a lack of funding.
Laster’s efforts to help families in need has continued through education and training efforts through the organization, Trafficking Victim Rescue Central.
She supports the Athena Alert bill, stressing time is crucial in missing persons cases.
“Taking that barrier away is going to be helpful. Now I know a lot of people are probably going oh my gosh, my phone’s going to go off all the time now. Well, rightfully so,” Laster said.
The bill could prove potentially lifesaving, including for the family of 12-year-old Joseph Torres.
Family members, alongside community volunteers, have been searching for Joseph since the weekend when he initially went missing.
Family said they don’t believe he’s in danger but there always remains the possibility. No AMBER Alert has been issued in Joseph's disappearance.
San Antonio police noted Joseph was last seen around 3 p.m. Sunday at his home near Midcrown and Gibbs Sprawl on the northeast side.
Relatives said a VIA transit officer spotted Joseph at the Randolph Park and Ride who told him he was going to take bus 552 to Fredericksburg.
Isabel Casillas, Joseph’s aunt, said one man may have seen him at the Budget Suites motel at 7880 Fredericksburg Road, near Callaghan.
That’s the area where family are focusing their search efforts by teaming with groups such as Search and Rescue SATX.
“We’ve been doing everything possible. We love him. We want him home.” | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/athena-alert-bill-signed-into-law/273-8575885e-4bf0-4716-ab36-549b5525dcf4 | 2023-06-15T23:49:33 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/athena-alert-bill-signed-into-law/273-8575885e-4bf0-4716-ab36-549b5525dcf4 |
Tucson air travelers will have a new nonstop option to the Dallas area for the upcoming winter holiday season, as Southwest Airlines launches seasonal service between Tucson International Airport and Dallas Love Field in late November.
Southwest will fly one nonstop each way daily for 14 days between Nov. 21 and concluding on Jan. 2, the Tucson Airport Authority said.
The roughly two-hour flights from TIA will depart at either 5:10 p.m. or 5:15 p.m. while the flights from Dallas will variously take off at 10:30 or 11:50 a.m.
Southwest Airlines’ website on Thursday showed base prices for the flights as low as $174 each way, under its limited-availability Wanna Get Away fares.
Last year saw the return of more seasonal nonstop flights at TIA after the airport lost many flights as airlines retrenched nationwide amid the COVID-19 pandemic emergency and its lingering aftermath.
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TAA President and CEO Danette Bewley said TIA’s air-service development team demonstrated Tucson could support the flight, adding she’s confident local residents will help fill the flights.
Contact senior reporter David Wichner at dwichner@tucson.com or 520-573-4181. On Twitter: @dwichner. On Facebook: Facebook.com/DailyStarBiz | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/tucson-airport-travel-southwest-nonstop/article_68a36f10-0bce-11ee-8236-cba5dbcfbb04.html | 2023-06-15T23:50:34 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/tucson-airport-travel-southwest-nonstop/article_68a36f10-0bce-11ee-8236-cba5dbcfbb04.html |
A man convicted of the 1994 murder of a 4-year-old Tucson girl and at one time sentenced to death was released from prison Thursday.
In a plea agreement, Barry Lee Jones, 64, pleaded guilty to a single count of second degree murder in the death of Rachel Gray. That is based on his admission that he failed to seek medical care for the girl, court records show.
And, in doing so, he admitted to "extreme indifference to human life" which created a grave risk — and ultimately cause — the death of the girl.
As a result, Pima County Superior Court Judge Kyle Bryson sentenced Jones to 25 years in prison, with credit for time served.
And counting from the time of his arrest until Thursday, that amounts to 10,636 days, which is 1,511 days longer than the sentence.
In exchange for the plea, the judge dismissed the other charges of which Jones had previously been convicted, including first degree murder for having caused Rachel's death as well as sexual assault and child abuse, court records show.
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The decision to allow Jones to plead to the lesser charge and be immediately released was backed by both state and Pima County prosecutors.
"Subsequent medical re-examination of the evidence does not support a finding of proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Jones caused the injury of Rachel Jones," said Ritchie Taylor, a spokesman for Attorney General Kris Mayes. What the evidence does support, he said, is that Jones allowed Rachel, who was under his care and custody, to die as a result of the injuries she suffered.
"Any reasonable person in the position or Mr. Jones would have witnessed the results of the trauma that Rachel suffered," Taylor said, and that his failure to obtain medical assistance supports a finding of second degree murder.
Pima County Attorney Laura Conover defended the decision to allow Jones to plead guilty to second degree murder and dismiss the other charges.
"These are some of the most difficult decisions we face as prosecutors, trying to balance the rule of law and, in this case, holding someone accountable for the death of an innocent 4-year-old child," Conover said in a prepared statement.
"What's also important is having the courage to re-evaluate these cases thoroughly, while staying true to our responsibility of charging them accordingly with what is right in the eyes of the law," Conover said. "To that end, Mr. Jones has been held more than accountable."
Court records show that in 1994 Jones was sharing his trailer on East Benson Highway near South Alvernon Way with his girlfriend, Angela Gray, his own daughter, and his girlfriend's three children, who were ages 4, 11 and 14 at the time.
Early on the morning of May 2, 1994, Jones drove his girlfriend and Rachel, the 4-year-old, to a Tucson hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Reports said Rachel died after being struck in the abdomen, which caused a fatal small-bowel laceration. Doctors also found evidence that Rachel was beaten and sexually assaulted at some point before she was taken to the hospital.
Jones, then 35, was arrested the same day.
According to court records, jurors accepted the prosecution's argument that all the events occurred within a two-hour window, making Jones guilty of "felony murder." That made him eligible for the death penalty, which the trial judge ultimately imposed after jurors found him guilty of the charges.
But the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals concluded that what prosecutors claimed about the timeline was not as clear as they claimed. For example, the appellate court said, evidence of sexual assault not only predated the abdominal injury but may have occurred even before Jones began living with the girl and her family.
Appellate court Judge Richard Clifton said was there was a "reasonable probability" that the trial jurors might have reached a contrary result had Jones' lawyers provided effective representation and challenged the timeline. So the appellate judges ordered him released.
All that, however, became legally moot when the U.S. Supreme Court last year overturned the ruling. The majority said that that federal courts cannot legally consider new evidence that was not brought up in state court.
That put Jones back on death row where he remained until Thursday.
What changed is that Cary Sandman, a federal public defender, said he got state prosecutors to "engage in good faith settlement discussions" to put the legal issue to rest. And Sandman, in a prepared statement, said that while Jones did agree to plead guilty to second degree murder, that is a far cry from the crimes for which he had been sentenced.
"Mr. Jones was convicted of assaulting Rachel causing her death," he said, resulting in the the finding of guilt of first degree murder and the death sentence.
"That conviction and sentence were wrongful," Sandman said. "He did not assault Rachel and did not deserve a penalty of death."
Howard Fischer is a veteran journalist who has been reporting since 1970 and covering state politics and the Legislature since 1982. Follow him on Twitter at @azcapmedia or email azcapmedia@gmail.com. | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/man-freed-from-death-row-in-1994-killing-of-tucson-girl/article_41fe1d3a-0bc2-11ee-88ae-534dd1c8328a.html | 2023-06-15T23:50:40 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/man-freed-from-death-row-in-1994-killing-of-tucson-girl/article_41fe1d3a-0bc2-11ee-88ae-534dd1c8328a.html |
BUTLER, Pa. — A former Butler school board member charged with sexual assault appeared in court on Thursday for an alleged bond violation.
Bill Halle allegedly violated one of his bond conditions to keep him off social media.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Former Butler school board member charged with sexual assault
Last month, police criminally charged the former Butler school board member for sex crimes. They said he assaulted a teenage girl he employed and counseled.
RELATED >>> Local school board member resigns, accused of inappropriate sexual relationship with teenage girl
Only Channel 11 was there when Bill Halle walked into court for a bond revocation hearing.
Last month, Halle suddenly resigned from the Butler school board after being accused of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl.
Police said they found sexually explicit texts and the girl admitted to having sex with Halle. She worked at the cafe and youth Net Outreach center Halle ran.
A bond condition was set to refrain from using the internet. However, the next day, Halle allegedly violated that condition and opened up a Snapchat account.
A Butler school board member testified that she got a notification on her phone that he joined.
In court, the DA’s office asked the judge to revoke his bond.
Halle’s defense attorney said the condition wasn’t specified.
The judge clarified that Halle cannot use social media and only certain internet use is now allowed.
The building where Halle’s cafe and youth center is located is up for sheriff’s sale in September.
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BLAIRSVILLE BOROUGH, Pa. — Blairsville Police Chief Louis Sacco spent part of the day Thursday with crews from Indiana County Emergency Management and The Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigating Wednesday’s deadly roof collapse.
“We had the drone up here taking pictures of all sides of the building, actually, the roof, and was able to actually look inside the building without endangering any of us,” Sacco said.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Man dies after falling through roof of vacant Blairsville school
Chopper 11 flew over the old school Wednesday. You can see the hole in the roof where Sacco said John Plunkett, 63, died after falling through the roof when it caved in.
Sacco said Plunkett owned the building.
Another man, who Sacco said is Plunkett’s friend and an independent contractor, was able to crawl out of the building and tell police Plunkett was trapped inside.
Officer David Romagnoli went inside to find him.
“Actually, ended up finding the individual. He could hear his labored breathing,” Sacco said.
Plunkett was trapped under a lot of rubble and debris.
Romagnoli started to dig him out. Firefighters arrived shortly after, as did Citizen’s Ambulance.
Crews from all three were able to pull Plunkett from the building within 15 minutes. He was flown to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, where he later died.
Sacco said what they did was heroic.
“Things were pretty dangerous at that time, and everybody risked their lives to get to that individual,” Sacco said. “I mean, I witnessed it firsthand, and they need to be commended for what they did.”
While crews will now work to analyze drone video and photos to determine the future of the building, Sacco said his thoughts are with the impacted families, Officer Romagnoli, and the other first responders who tried to help.
“Unfortunately, we get calls like this a lot of times, either the police or within the fire departments, and It works on you,” Sacco said. “It’s tragic.”
Sacco said the other person who was injured in Wednesday’s incident is stable.
There is no timetable for when the safety assessment of the building will be completed.
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WASHINGTON — Experts are concerned about your money and privacy as the banking industry leans on Artificial Intelligence. They believe there are new challenges of AI in the financial sector.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau helps protect your finances as technology continues to evolve.
“We have to focus on how big tech and AI will transform banking,” Director Rohit Chopra said.
He recently told a group of lawmakers the country must strike a balance while using Artificial Intelligence.
“Will we harness technology to maintain and enhance relationship banking, to drive competition and protect privacy or will we continue our lurch toward a system marked by surveillance,” Chopra asked.
Senators agree there are worries based on the stories constituents are bringing them.
“We’re seeing it across our state,” Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) said. “We had a number of people targeted through the use of AI.”
Some believe scams aren’t the only issue here -- there are privacy and discrimination concerns when it comes to your information and AI.
“They already are ingesting enormous amounts of data to feed some of these Artificial Intelligence models,” Chopra explained.
“There’s the ability to have these algorithms literally discriminate against consumers in the financial services sector,” Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) said.
Chopra believes as the industry evolves, consumer protection needs to change, as well.
“In the age of AI, pamphlets won’t be what solves it,” he added. “We’re looking at digital literacy tools, ways in which consumers can protect themselves, spot scams. We’re also looking at how it could be focused on specific populations.”
The CFPB said it is also working to bring more technical talent into the agency.
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The shooting stunned the city as graduation ceremonies were postponed and the school year ended early.
“(Shawn’s) smile was contagious; he did light up a room when he walked in,” said Kevin Olds, former assistant principal at Huguenot High School and current principal at George Wythe High School. “Despite what you hear or what you see in the media, this was a child of God.”
Smith was remembered as a good family man.
“He spent his time taking care of his family,” the Rev. Fred Wyatt of Speaking Spirit Ministries said about Smith during the eulogy. “The kids knew him as ‘dad.’ He spent his time taking care of his family, and that’s where his heart’s desire was.”
A horse drawn carriage carrying Shawn Jackson’s casket waits to travel to the burial site on June 15, 2023, at Speaking Spirit Ministries. MARGO WAGNER/TIMES-DISPATCH | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime/eulogy-graduation-shooting-altria/article_6c11f49e-0ba8-11ee-92a8-03f12ef84d5e.html | 2023-06-15T23:54:56 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime/eulogy-graduation-shooting-altria/article_6c11f49e-0ba8-11ee-92a8-03f12ef84d5e.html |
Salina Juneteenth celebration will include parade, gospel show
A day to celebrate the freedom of all people in the United States, Salina is honoring Juneteenth with events this Saturday, June 17.
The holiday, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States is celebrated each year on June 19 and became a federal holiday in 2021.
This year's celebration in Salina begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the City Lights Stage at the intersection of Ash Street and Santa Fe Avenue with the reading of a proclamation by the City of Salina recognizing the day, followed by a parade down Santa Fe ending in Oakdale Park.
Margaret Dixon, president of the Salina Juneteenth Committee, said that beginning at noon at the Eric Stein Stage in Oakdale will be the main celebration, with vendors, music, food, games and bounce houses.
"Starting at 1 (p.m.) will be the gospel (music) show," Dixon said.
She said included in the games will be bingo, trivia and more.
"Starting at 8 o'clock that night, there will be a celebration at the Quality Inn (at 2110) W. Crawford St.," Dixon said.
While the main celebration at Oakdale is free and open to the public, the dance and social have a ticket price of $20 for singles and $35 for couples and can be purchased on the committee's website, salinajuneteenth.org.
In addition to the celebrations on Saturday, several organizations and businesses are recognizing the federal holiday by being closed June 19, including the Salina Public Library and both the City of Salina and Saline County government offices. As the day falls on a Monday, there is also not a Salina City Commission meeting scheduled that day. | https://www.salina.com/story/news/local/2023/06/15/salina-celebrating-2023-juneteenth-with-community-events/70313285007/ | 2023-06-15T23:55:02 | 0 | https://www.salina.com/story/news/local/2023/06/15/salina-celebrating-2023-juneteenth-with-community-events/70313285007/ |
Pop-up Pride event happening Saturday at Salina's Oakdale Park
While North Central Kansas Pride hosts its main PrideFest in October of each year, the LGBTQ+ organization is celebrating Pride Month with a pop-up event this weekend.
Raiden Gonzales, a board member of NCKP, visited the Salina City Commission Monday to read a proclamation recognizing the month in the city.
"Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall uprising, a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and equality," Gonzales said.
Gonzales said this mini Pride event, which begins at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Eric Stein Stage in Oakdale Park, will feature several fun activities for people of all ages.
"There'll be games and karaoke even," Gonzales said.
According to the Facebook page for the event, there will also be performances and a "selfie photo wall."
Finally, the event is scheduled to have a creative area for those in attendance called "What inspires you?" NCKP said it will provide a sheet and paint and that people can tap into their creative spirit to show what their inspiration is.
In addition to the Pride event this weekend in Salina, Gonzales said there are several other events celebrating the LGBTQ+ community this month throughout the state.
Other events include the Salt City Pride weekend beginning at 3 p.m. Friday, June 16, at the Baker Ballroom in Hutchinson; 62 PrideFest that happens all day Saturday, June 24, at Studio 62 in Topeka; Dodge City Pride beginning at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at Wright Park in Dodge City; and several events with Wichita Pride throughout the weekend of June 23-25. | https://www.salina.com/story/news/local/2023/06/15/salina-pride-group-hosting-pop-up-event-saturday/70288847007/ | 2023-06-15T23:55:08 | 0 | https://www.salina.com/story/news/local/2023/06/15/salina-pride-group-hosting-pop-up-event-saturday/70288847007/ |
CALDWELL, Idaho — Expect some detours in Caldwell this summer as the city works on its project to widen Ustick Road.
The City of Caldwell said drivers can expect major delays at the intersection of Ustick Road and Cleveland Boulevard on Monday, June 19 from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., while night crews shift traffic to newly paved lanes in preparation of the widening project.
In addition to the Ustick/Cleveland project, crews will begin construction on a roundabout at the intersection of Ustick Road and Middleton Road on Tuesday, June 20. Drivers can anticipate closures at this intersection to last until early November.
Access to driveways may be temporarily limited. The city said that a detour route will be in place for commuters and that local businesses near the intersections will remain open during construction.
"As important as it is to keep up with the growth in our city, we know construction can be difficult for local businesses," said Caldwell Mayor Jarom Wagoner.
"I want members of our community to know that access to these businesses will remain open during construction. The continued support of the community is invaluable to these businesses and their employees," Wagoner continued.
The Ustick Road/Cleveland Boulevard project includes:
- Widening Ustick Road to five lanes with sidewalk and bicycle lanes between I-84 and Lake Avenue.
- Adding new right-turn lanes and improving left-turn lanes at the Ustick Road/Cleveland Boulevard intersection.
- Adding a new traffic signal at the intersection.
For the latest construction information call (208) 377-9688 or go to the City of Caldwell website here.
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See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/caldwell-construction-begin-ustick-road-cleveland-boulevard/277-3a1a770f-d769-4444-b47f-e9180229456f | 2023-06-15T23:56:14 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/caldwell-construction-begin-ustick-road-cleveland-boulevard/277-3a1a770f-d769-4444-b47f-e9180229456f |
Community Corner is sponsored by Scandinavian Designs.
"Operation Community Cats also known as OCC, is an Idaho 501 C3 non-profit. Our outside or community cat program was founded in early 2019. We are an all volunteer organization and dedicated to providing Humane TNR for lost, abandoned, stray and feral cats to reduce the over population of community cats."
Source (and learn more): https://occidaho.org/about/ | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-today/idaho-today-community-corner-operation-community-cats/277-d288266d-1a3c-46ce-b8cd-a1d780967c69 | 2023-06-15T23:56:20 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-today/idaho-today-community-corner-operation-community-cats/277-d288266d-1a3c-46ce-b8cd-a1d780967c69 |
Find a local Farmer's Market here: https://idahopreferred.com/
Idaho Today: Flavorful Kitchen - Fresh Produce from the Farmer's Market
Shop local produce at multiple local Farmer's Markets here in the Valley!
Find a local Farmer's Market here: https://idahopreferred.com/ | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-today/idaho-today-flavorful-kitchen-fresh-produce-from-the-farmers-market/277-5fc5b5a8-35bf-46d9-a7a4-437a4724774c | 2023-06-15T23:56:26 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-today/idaho-today-flavorful-kitchen-fresh-produce-from-the-farmers-market/277-5fc5b5a8-35bf-46d9-a7a4-437a4724774c |
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Idaho Today: Flavorful Kitchen - Summer cooking with Chef Nikki
Chef Nikki shares some easy peazy summer cooking tips & recipes
Follow Chef Nikki on social media at - @easypeazykitchen | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-today/idaho-today-flavorful-kitchen-summer-cooking-with-chef-nikki/277-57d2fdeb-62e2-4435-acb7-a490391f4d74 | 2023-06-15T23:56:33 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-today/idaho-today-flavorful-kitchen-summer-cooking-with-chef-nikki/277-57d2fdeb-62e2-4435-acb7-a490391f4d74 |
DALLAS — It's that time of the year at the Dallas Zoo!
The zoo on Thursday announced the dates for this year's popular Dollar Day events, which allow visitors to enter the zoo at just $1 per ticket.
This year's Dollar Days are on Thursday, July 13, and Tuesday, Aug. 8.
If you're planning on spending the day at the zoo on these dates, you'll need to be aware of some changes that accommodate for the special events.
According to the zoo, Dollar Day admission tickets must be purchased online. Tickets will not be sold at the gate on these two days.
Tickets are already on sale and be purchased here.
The zoo also says it plans on opening early at 8:30 a.m. on those two days so that visitors have a chance to beat the Texas summer heat.
During checkout, patrons will choose what time they will be arriving at the zoo.
Those interested in going on either of those days are encouraged to purchase their tickets as soon as possible. The zoo says it will be capping ticket sales again this year.
Due to limited parking, visitors on Dollar Days are also encouraged to use ride-share or DART to get to the zoo. Those planning to use the parking lot will still need to pay $10.
"Each year, the Dallas Zoo holds Dollar Days to show appreciation for the community’s support by offering lower admission costs and special deals throughout the park. Dollar Days make the zoo accessible to all and provide an affordable experience the entire family can enjoy," the zoo said in a news release. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/dallas-zoo-dollar-days-2023-dates-times-tickets/287-f488125d-979b-46e0-adcd-38ffc1c2ef91 | 2023-06-15T23:56:36 | 0 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/dallas-zoo-dollar-days-2023-dates-times-tickets/287-f488125d-979b-46e0-adcd-38ffc1c2ef91 |
Idaho Today Idaho Today: This week on Daily Blast Live June 13, 2023 More Videos Next up in 5 Example video title will go here for this video Catch Daily Blast Live every week day at 2PM on KTVB! | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-today/idaho-today-this-week-on-daily-blast-live/277-1230520c-1d85-4d69-a244-7d4eed520fe8 | 2023-06-15T23:56:39 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-today/idaho-today-this-week-on-daily-blast-live/277-1230520c-1d85-4d69-a244-7d4eed520fe8 |
SAN ANTONIO — Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill that would make it so law enforcement can issue AMBER Alerts without requiring confirmation of an abduction.
The legislation was named after 7-year-old Athena Strand from Wise County, Texas, who was killed in late November 2022.
One day after Athena disappeared, an AMBER Alert was issued since the case failed to meet the qualifications for the alert the day prior.
Tanner Horner, 31, was indicted by a Wise County grand jury for capital murder in February.
Horner, a former delivery driver, told police he accidentally hit Athena with his vehicle then proceeded to take her with him. Authorities said Horner ended up strangling Athena to death, fearing she would tell her father about being hit by the FedEx van.
Once an Athena Alert is authorized, police will utilize the AMBER alert system to notify people within 100 miles of the child’s reported disappearance.
“If a parent can’t find their child, there’s no need to wait,” said Dottie Laster, who’s spent decades advocating for finding missing children. She formerly led the Heidi Search Center, which helped thousands of families searching for a missing child. The center closed in 2018 after nearly 30 years due to a lack of funding.
Laster’s efforts to help families in need has continued through education and training efforts through the organization, Trafficking Victim Rescue Central.
She supports the Athena Alert bill, stressing time is crucial in missing persons cases.
“Taking that barrier away is going to be helpful. Now I know a lot of people are probably going oh my gosh, my phone’s going to go off all the time now. Well, rightfully so,” Laster said.
The bill could prove potentially lifesaving, including for the family of 12-year-old Joseph Torres.
Family members, alongside community volunteers, have been searching for Joseph since the weekend when he initially went missing.
Family said they don’t believe he’s in danger but there always remains the possibility. No AMBER Alert has been issued in Joseph's disappearance.
San Antonio police noted Joseph was last seen around 3 p.m. Sunday at his home near Midcrown and Gibbs Sprawl on the northeast side.
Relatives said a VIA transit officer spotted Joseph at the Randolph Park and Ride who told him he was going to take bus 552 to Fredericksburg.
Isabel Casillas, Joseph’s aunt, said one man may have seen him at the Budget Suites motel at 7880 Fredericksburg Road, near Callaghan.
That’s the area where family are focusing their search efforts by teaming with groups such as Search and Rescue SATX.
“We’ve been doing everything possible. We love him. We want him home.” | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/texas/athena-alert-bill-signed-into-law/273-8575885e-4bf0-4716-ab36-549b5525dcf4 | 2023-06-15T23:56:42 | 1 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/texas/athena-alert-bill-signed-into-law/273-8575885e-4bf0-4716-ab36-549b5525dcf4 |
BOISE, Idaho — Kuna Police are searching for a 57-year-old man named Frederick Mancini, who was last seen early Monday morning, the Ada County Sheriff's Office reported Thursday.
Mancini was last seen near his home in Kuna on South Swan Falls Road, located south of Indian Creek. The sheriff's office said Mancini has "extensive medical issues" and needs a cane for walking.
The Kuna Police Department has been searching for the man since Monday, June 12. Mancini is described as 6-foot, 250 pounds. He was last seen wearing tan shorts and a red and orange shirt.
The Ada County Sheriff's Office said fire crews are searching Indian Creek Thursday afternoon searching for Mancini.
Anyone with information is asked to call Ada County dispatch at 208-377-6790.
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/kuna-police-looking-for-man-missing-since-june-12/277-02c0edff-62e3-46e3-a902-2d5eac66b8ea | 2023-06-15T23:56:45 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/kuna-police-looking-for-man-missing-since-june-12/277-02c0edff-62e3-46e3-a902-2d5eac66b8ea |
ORLANDO, Fla. – Whether you can do the splits or barely touch your toes, yoga is a great way to get your workout in as well as find your zen.
International Day of Yoga is on June 21, so we’ve compiled a list of studios in Orlando offering free yoga classes this week to celebrate.
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- Center for Health & Wellbeing on June 21 - Yoga instructors from the Crosby Wellness Center come together to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Ideal for beginners and people looking to enter the summer season with intention.
- Heartfulness Institute on June 17 - Offers a morning and afternoon class where aspiring yogis will learn about meditation and yoga for therapeutic purposes during their workout. Yoga session will be followed by a seminar led by a yoga therapist and a family medicine physician.
- MetroHealth of East Orlando on June 16 - Yoga and dance classes designed specifically for senior citizens. You don’t have to wait for the holiday to come around; MetroHealth offers free yoga classes every Friday!
- Warrior One Yoga on June 21 - Partnered with Sheperd’s Hope, a nonprofit organization that offers free healthcare in Florida, Warrior One Yoga plans to celebrate Iternational Day of Yoga by raising awareness and funds for people living without health insurance
- YogaMix Orlando on June 21 - Classes at YogaMix Orlando offer a combination of yoga, cardio and dance. This studio works for people in every stage of their yoga journey and is ideal for working up a sweat.
If you would like a studio added to this list, please email web@wkmg.com
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/15/where-to-celebrate-international-day-of-yoga/ | 2023-06-16T00:01:39 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/15/where-to-celebrate-international-day-of-yoga/ |
JASPER, Ala. (WIAT) — As new medical cannabis licenses are being distributed in Alabama, one of the companies, based out of Walker County, shared their experience and enthusiasm in being awarded a license.
For the first time, medical cannabis will be grown, processed and distributed in the state of Alabama. After a long application process, Jasper Development Group (JDG) is thrilled to be one of those companies selected.
JDG is a newly licensed medical cannabis processor. JDG is one of four companies awarded a processor license in the state. At their facility in Jasper, they will convert raw cannabis into state approved products like topicals, soft gel capsules, balms and edibles. Those products will then be sent to distributors throughout the state.
“Pretty much we’re the middleman between the cultivators and the dispensaries,” Tyler Robinson, CEO Jasper Development Group, said. “Once we get the product, we make the final product that will be seen in the dispensaries that the patients will be able to get their hands on.”
Industry leaders estimate this will bring in over $500 million in revenue over the first three years. Robinson said this is a huge win for the state and the city of Jasper.
“It’s about the patients,” Robinson said. “Giving these patients what they truly need and that’s what our mindset, what our goal is going to be. We truly want to see the patients benefit from this; We want to see the community benefit from us … We really want to see this blossom into something really big.”
These products can be used to treat certain conditions approved by the state, which currently includes cancer patients, post-traumatic stress disorder patients and terminal illness patients.
Robinson said medical cannabis will help give patients options, reduce reliance on opioids and provide safe access to products needed to treat pain management.
For now, Robinson is waiting on cultivators to bring in the first shipment of raw cannabis. He said he’s humbled and excited to take this next step and start sending out products to dispensaries. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/jasper-development-group-awarded-medical-cannabis-license/ | 2023-06-16T00:01:44 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/jasper-development-group-awarded-medical-cannabis-license/ |
SACRAMENTO, Calif — The Supreme Court released a decision Thursday leaving the 1978 Indian Child Welfare Act in place. It gives preference to Native American families in foster care and adoption proceedings of Native children.
According to the Associated Press, before the Indian Child Welfare Act was enacted, between 25-35% of Native American children were being taken from their homes and placed with adoptive families, in foster care or in institutions. Most were placed with White families or in boarding schools in attempt to assimilate them.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote "the issues are complicated" in the majority opinion, noting “bottom line is that we reject all of petitioners’ challenges to the statute.”
Only Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented, with Alito writing the decision “disserves the rights and interests of these children.”
Meanwhile, in his concurring opinion, Justice Neil Gorsuch discussed the importance and impact of the decision:
“Often, Native American Tribes have come to this Court seeking justice only to leave with bowed heads and empty hands. But that is not because this Court has no justice to offer them. Our Constitution reserves for the Tribes a place—an enduring place—in the structure of American life. It promises them sovereignty for as long as they wish to keep it. And it secures that promise by divesting States of authority over Indian affairs and by giving the federal government certain significant (but limited and enumerated) powers aimed at building a lasting peace. In adopting the Indian Child Welfare Act, Congress exercised that lawful authority to secure the right of Indian parents to raise their families as they please; the right of Indian children to grow in their culture; and the right of Indian communities to resist fading into the twilight of history. All of that is in keeping with the Constitution’s original design."
ICWA requires states to notify tribes and seek placement with the child’s extended family, members of the child’s tribe, or other Native American families.
National and state Native American lawmakers immediately reacted to the decision.
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland tweeted a statement that says, in part, “Today’s decision is a welcome affirmation across Indian Country of what presidents and congressional majorities on both sides of the aisle have recognized for the past four decades. For nearly two centuries, federal policies promoted the forced removal of Indian children from their families and communities through boarding schools, foster care, and adoption… Congress passed the Indian Child Welfare Act in 1978 to put an end to those policies."
Assemblymember James C. Ramos, California’s first and only California Native American elected to the legislature, released the following statement:
"California’s tribes today join other Native Americans across the United States in celebrating the reaffirmation of our sovereign right to raise our children in tribal communities where they can maintain their tribal identity, culture and traditions…No one can underestimate the trauma of genocide, the forced separation of children from their parents, the creation of boarding schools and other crimes aimed at eliminating or assimilating Native Americans in California and the nation. We have survived the attacks on our existence and our culture, and we will continue to resist attempts to deny our rightful place on this land as sovereign people.”
Some of the state's Native American organizations and tribes also shared their thoughts.
Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango released the following statement:
“Today Wilton Rancheria joins with all of Indian Country as we celebrate the Supreme Court’s decision in the landmark case, Brackeen v. Haaland! As Chairperson, I am proud to say that Wilton Rancheria joined with 496 Tribal Nations, 62 Native organizations, 20 states and the District of Columbia, 87 congresspeople, and 27 child welfare and adoption organizations in signing on to 21 briefs submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court in favor of upholding the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)... This case was not simply poised to attack our Native children and communities by removing important safeguards currently provided by the law, it also stood to have a negative and lasting impact on our ability as tribes to self-govern. This overwhelming 7-2 decision not only demonstrates a fair and unbiased view of the efforts to preserve and protect Native American families but also further affirms and protects tribal sovereignty.”
Chairman Charles Martin of The Morongo Band of Mission Indians released the following statement:
“Morongo is very pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision today, strongly affirming the constitutionality of protecting Indian children and Tribal families. Once again, the court has found the Indian Child Welfare Act is constitutional and in alignment with decades of legal precedent. Hopefully, this ruling will put an end to the ongoing legal attacks from ICWA opponents who continue to try to send us back to the dark days when one of every three Indian children was taken from their homes, families, and cultures without cause. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with the Cherokee Nation, the Navajo Nation, the Oneida Nation and the Quinault Indian Nation in this effort, and we thank the more than 485 tribes across the country, including all 109 federally-recognized tribes in California, for standing with us to defend ICWA. We also extend our deepest thanks to the California Attorney General’s Office, as well as dozens of bipartisan members of Congress, along with child advocacy and social service agencies across the nation, for joining us in this fight to protect Tribal sovereignty.”
The California Tribal Families Coalition also shared their thoughts, saying in part:
“Today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling is a major victory for tribes in California and across the nation, and most importantly, it is a victory for tribal children, tribal families, and the future of tribal nations. Today’s ruling was especially meaningful for California, which hears the most ICWArelated cases per year as home to the nation’s largest Native American population.”
Read the full statement here.
In 2021, ABC10 spoke with two Native Youths about what it means to be Native and grow up in the culture. To read the full article about “What it means to grow up Native American,” click here.
Other notable reactions to the decision
President Joe Biden released a statement on the decision. It reads, in part:
"I stand alongside Tribal Nations as they celebrate today’s Supreme Court decision. This lawsuit sought to undermine the Indian Child Welfare Act – a vital law I was proud to support. The Indian Child Welfare Act was passed to protect the future of Tribal Nations and promote the best interests of Native children, and it does just that. The touchstone law respects tribal sovereignty and protects Native children by helping Native families stay together and, whenever possible, keeping children with their extended families or community who already know them, love them, and can help them understand who they are as Native people and citizens of their Tribal Nations. The Indian Child Welfare Act safeguards that which is most precious to us all—our children. Today’s decision from the Supreme Court keeps in place a vital protection for tribal sovereignty and Native children."
You can read his full statement here.
Gov. Newsom's office also tweeted a statement saying:
"The Indian Child Welfare Act has for decades helped ensure that Native American children remain connected to their cultures. Today, the Supreme Court declined to upend this law. California will continue to be a strong partner to Tribal Nations in the spirit of truth & healing."
You can read the full Supreme Court ruling here. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california-native-americans-us-supreme-court-ruling-to-uphold-indian-child-welfare-act-icwa/103-61f1e95a-b06e-42b9-af09-24d3ada45311 | 2023-06-16T00:02:54 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california-native-americans-us-supreme-court-ruling-to-uphold-indian-child-welfare-act-icwa/103-61f1e95a-b06e-42b9-af09-24d3ada45311 |
1935 – 2023
Donna Fay Ulmer was born in Sumas, Washington to Donald and Myrna “Ruth” Tillotson, joining sister, Myrna.
Donna moved to Coos Bay and attended Marshfield High School. She married Sherrell Alford and had two children, Gary and Lisa. As a young couple, Donna and Sherrell spent many happy hours socializing with a group of friends from Tennessee now living in Oregon. They also enjoyed visiting family in Washington and camping in Canada. Donna was the proud mother of Gary and Lisa, saving stacks of their school awards, memorabilia, and hundreds of pictures.
After divorcing she married Ed Ulmer, she helped keep the books for his painting business. When the kids got a little older, she went to work as a nurse.
Tragedy struck in 1971 when Lisa was killed in a car accident. Donna carried the grief of losing her 16-year-old daughter the rest of her life. She relied on family and friends to help get her through this difficult period of time, especially her dear friend, Joyce Dean.
Donna desperately wanted to become a grandmother. In 1998, her wish became true when Addison Alford was born. Her only grandchild; she was in love. She established the tradition of Sunday night dinner at Grandma’s which lasted over 20 years.
She ended her working career at North Bend Medical Center in the office of Dr. Shulsinger as his nurse. After retirement she became a CASA volunteer.
Donna loved to travel especially to Mexico and visited many times including a cruise there with 2 year old Addison. She went to England with Gary so he could watch tennis at Wimbledon. Trips to Australia and New Zealand, Holland, and France. A highlight was a trip to Africa to watch the great migration on the Serengeti of the wildebeests and zebras as they followed the rains in Kenya.
Other than spending time with her family and traveling, Donna enjoyed the simple pleasure of sitting in the sun, reading a good book, and drinking iced tea.
Donna is survived by her son, Gary Alford and his wife, Jill Jacobson of Coos Bay; grandson, Addison Alford of Coos Bay; step granddaughter, Whitney Wilson of Venice, California; sister, Myrna Haagenson of Roseburg; numerous nephews and nieces, including special nephew, Virgil Goodrich.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa Alford; parents, Don and Ruth Tillotson; and Ed Ulmer.
A graveside service was held Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Ocean View Memory Gardens 1525 Ocean Blvd. Coos Bay under the direction of Coos Bay Chapel 685 Anderson Ave. 541-267-3131. www.coosbayareafunerals.com | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/donna-ulmer/article_74703d0a-0bc9-11ee-bb21-579a8acec9eb.html | 2023-06-16T00:05:30 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/donna-ulmer/article_74703d0a-0bc9-11ee-bb21-579a8acec9eb.html |
June 27, 1934 – June 7, 2023
Jeanette “Jan” G. (Bunker) Price passed away in Coos Bay, Oregon on June 7, 2023, just 20 days shy of her 89th birthday. She was born June 27, 1934, in Plankinton, South Dakota. The youngest child of Ross Bunker and Peggy (Cowan) Bunker. Jan was a toddler when her family moved to Corvallis, Oregon which is where she was raised and attended all 12 years of public school. Jan graduated from High School in 1952. She met Roy L. Price that summer while she worked at the Big O drive-in in Corvallis as a carhop on roller skates. They were married in October of 1952 and by April of 1957 had 4 children: Karen, Mike, Kathy and Raymond “Pat”.
At the time of their marriage, Roy was working in the woods as a logger out of Corvallis. When Karen was less than a year-old Roy was offered logging work out of Newport, they moved there for a year. That company moved to a project out of Coos Bay which is where Mike was born. The next project was working out of Port Orford. Once they moved to Port Orford, Roy and Jeanette fell in love with the beauty and people of the area and that is where they made their home. Kathy and Pat were both born in the Gold Beach Hospital. They purchased a home and small acreage on Cape Blanco Road. Roy built a small barn and then a big shop where he would do diesel mechanic work for many years. There they raised their own beef and had a bountiful 1 acre garden every year. All 4 children graduated from high school while living in that same house.
Jan remained a very busy stay-at-home Mom during those early years. Roy continued working in the logging industry as an equipment operator and mechanic. In the 1970’s Roy became interested in Commercial Fishing, bought a boat and changed careers. By then their kids were either in high school or graduated so Jan went to work, too. She worked at the local Western Auto Store in Port Orford for several years, then accepted a job at what was then called First Interstate Bank. Roy passed away in 1988. Jan remained with the bank another 4 years until retirement. She moved to Myrtle Point then with her long-time friend, Wayne Hodge and managed his restaurant there until her “second” retirement. Wayne passed away in 2012. A little while later, Jan moved to North Bend to be closer to her daughter, Kathy and family.
While she was growing up Jan took piano and accordion lessons and both ballet and tap dance. Her love of music and dance stayed with her throughout her adult life. Several of the neighbors on Cape Blanco Rd were also musicians and many a Saturday night they all met and played a lot of good country music at the Price Household well into the night. She also danced with a group called the Satin Dolls and several clogging and tap groups well into her 60’s. She became involved with the Port Orford Ambulance Association, received all her EMT certifications and was a volunteer with them for many years. She took great pleasure in being able to help and be a part of the local community.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Ross and Peggy Bunker’ her brother, Dwaine Bunker; sister-in-law, Jean Bunker; sister, Lois Meier; sister, Helen Howard; long-time friend Wayne Hodge; and her son, Mike Price. She is survived by son, Raymond “Pat” and Laurie (Summers) Price of Ketchikan, AK; daughter, Kathy (Price) and Mark Rose of North Bend; daughter, Karen of Astoria; 8 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; 3 dear nephews; 6 dear nieces; and all their children.
Per her wishes, she is to be cremated and her ashes placed with her husband Roy at his gravesite. We will be having a graveside service for Jan on July 1, 2023, 11 am at the Port Orford Cemetery. Then about 2:00 pm we will be meeting at Paradise Point Wayside in Port Orford to place her son, Mike’s ashes (per his request) where he had placed his dog, Jamie’s ashes. After this we will be going to The Salty Dawg in Port Orford and “Have a beer for Mike” as well as share memories of both Jan and Mike. Any family and friends who would like to are invited to join us there. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/jeanette-jan-g-price/article_0a4fd3c0-0bcb-11ee-95df-5f45aba66998.html | 2023-06-16T00:05:36 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/jeanette-jan-g-price/article_0a4fd3c0-0bcb-11ee-95df-5f45aba66998.html |
March 2, 1940-January 15, 2023
A Celebration of life for Kay Louise Mills will be held Friday June 23, 2023 at 1 pm at Black Market Gourmet, 495 Central Ave, Coos Bay, Oregon with Pastor Chris Von Lobedon officiating. High tea to follow. Her cremation arrangements were handled by Coos Bay Chapel, and her cremated remains will be scattered by the lake, where she scattered her mother’s. A bench to memorialize Kay and her parents is being planned.
Kay was born March 2, 1940, in Salem, Oregon to the late Brewer and Lola Dale Mills. She died surrounded by her loving family January 15, 2023, in Coos Bay, Oregon after a 15-year descent into Alzheimer’s disease. Although she lost her ability to communicate, her infectious laugh persisted and endeared her to her caregivers. She was well cared-for in a private home setting until her passing.
Kay and her parents lived in Salem, Oregon near her grandparents until she was approximately 3 years old. The family moved to Coos Bay, Oregon where her father started the Mills Funeral Home (now called Coos Bay Chapel), ambulance company, and later became the mayor. She often told stories of the years they spent living above the funeral home and how she played in the casket room. When she had sleepovers she and her friends would sometimes peek in the occupied caskets, although it was forbidden. As the family grew, they moved to a house on 14th street overlooking the bay.
Living on the Oregon Coast inspired her adventurous spirit, no doubt born of her pioneer ancestry. Her father built one of the first dune buggies which the family used to explore the Oregon dunes. They spent summers water skiing and swimming at their cabin in Lakeside. Kay loved her little brothers, Tom and Jim, and enjoyed water skiing with them on her skis. She often told the stories of her dry dock starts in pajamas and how she didn’t get wet. She was a water safety instructor and loved teaching kids to swim. Her father had a unique understanding of the dangers of the ocean and dunes and impressed this deeply upon his children.
Kay attended Harding Elementary School, graduated from Marshfield High School in Coos Bay, then earned her Bachelor’s, and later her Master’s degree, at Oregon State University in Corvallis. She was a member of Job’s Daughters, the Sigma Kappa sorority, and Daughters of the American Revolution. She was social and lovable, making lifelong friends throughout all her experiences.
After she finished her Bachelor’s degree she worked as a civilian as Recreation Director for the US Armed Forces in Spangdahlem, Germany and while there took the opportunity to explore Europe and Scandinavia. When she returned to the United States, she taught Home Economics and 7th Grade Science in Virginia. It was there she met Dan Randle, who became her husband of 13 years and the father of her three children, Scott, Susan and Sean. Kay and Dan lived for a short time in New York but moved back home to Portland, Oregon for the birth of her first son.
Kay was a devoted mother and placed a high value on health and fitness for the family. She was proud to be a La Leche League Leader, a Campfire leader, was active with Coos Head Co-op, PEO, and the First Presbyterian Church where she volunteered summers at the Youth Hostel, and various sewing groups. She was an excellent seamstress, sewing vests, stuffed animals, and clothing for all in the family, including Gunnie Sax and prom dresses for her daughter. She supported all her children in their sports and activities even as she struggled through challenging years as a single mother in graduate school. Regardless of her personal and professional commitments, she always made time for performances, games, and competitions. While watching her son ,Scott dominate his wrestling matches, she would be on the edge of her seat hollering, then minutes later his massive, sweaty self would be sitting on her lap tussling her hair, making sure we were going to Woodstock’s Pizza afterward.
She was open-minded, inclusive, accepting, gentle-spirited, creative, forgiving, selfless, gracious, and kind. Though her daughter chose some challenging paths, Kay never wavered in her support and love. She joined in her daughter’s adventures from white water rafting in Colorado to Sundance in South Dakota to music in Nashville, Tennessee and Phoenix, Arizona. During her last visit to Arizona she played the tambourine for a song on stage with her daughter’s band, giggling and grinning the whole time.
Kay enjoyed having 5 years with her youngest, Sean, the only child at home. She welcomed his friends at all hours of the day and night, enduring countless (harmless) pranks and shenanigans joyfully. Kay and Sean were very active at the Coos Bay Yacht Club, where Sean met his future wife, Jessica as young teens. She accepted Jessica into the family and loved her as her own.
Kay loved nature, especially the ocean, and frequented Shore Acres, Cape Arago, Sunset Bay, Horsfall Beach, Tenmile Lake, and the Oregon dunes. She especially enjoyed adventuring in nature with her partner of many years, Bob McArthur. Together they enjoyed hiking, canoeing, backpacking, cross country skiing, rafting, camping, gardening, and traveling. They took their combined families on many adventures! Bob brought joy, support, adventure, excitement, and stability to her life. She enjoyed Bob’s children, Jenny and Christopher and maintained a close relationship with them throughout her life.
Kay enjoyed entertaining and had a flair for decorating and making unique and creative foods. She was a master at making beautiful arrangements from whatever was blooming or growing nearby, including weeds and branches. Driftwood, fishing nets, shells, starfish, and glass floats were some of the things she frequently used to decorate a table, or for landscaping in her garden. You could expect fresh rosemary, parsley, chives, and thyme in her cooking and might be asked to go out and cut some for her if you were visiting. Her garden brought her great joy and was crafted with love.
After earning her master’s degree, she worked for Oregon Traffic Safety Now helping to get the Oregon Seat Belt Laws passed. She was thrilled to move back to Coos Bay near family and friends as soon as she found appropriate work. She worked for Coos County Mental Health as the Drug and Alcohol Prevention Coordinator for 20 years, until her retirement. She was active in Rotary and was on many boards and committees.
Her sons built her dream home for her to enjoy during her last years of work and throughout retirement. Her brother, Tom built the beautiful cabinets for her kitchen. All of it was in her favorite shades of aqua and teal, with a lovely pale yellow and rust for an accent. She was very happy in her home and welcomed all.
Her bedroom was her sanctuary. She loved listening to the birds and watching them through the sliding glass door in her bedroom and hung crystal prisms in her windows so she could enjoy the rainbows dancing with the sunlight. Scott built her a birdfeeder that she put right outside her bedroom window for years. Although the squirrels loved to steal the seed, she loved them too. Hummingbirds would frequent the feeder she kept outside the kitchen window.
She hosted tea parties for her grandchildren and taught them to bake and sew. Lavender was almost an obsession with her, so she always grew it and was known to put it in different foods. The grandchildren learned to use sprigs of lavender when decorating packages or spritzes of lavender water to freshen a room or sheets.
Ballroom dancing was a hobby she picked up later in life and she did it every chance she could. Even in her dementia if you played the right song, you could get her dancing and her face lit up with a smile.
In the end, although she and Bob spent some years apart, he returned to her life when he learned she was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. He loved her and cared for her as long as he could, and he gave her a quality of life she would otherwise not have had. His presence allowed her to stay at Evergreen Court until the absolute last moment possible when she required memory care. The family is deeply grateful.
Overall, she was proud of the life she built. She loved her family and friends fiercely, in the gentlest of ways. She was a unique combination of a lady, a scholar, and a rugged outdoorswoman. She will be loved and missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Brewer Mills and Lola Dale (Pickens) Mills; her beloved brother, Thomas Mills; and her partner, Bob McArthur.
Kay is survived by her 3 children, Scott Randle (Shannon) of North Bend, OR, Dr. Susan Darby (Peter) of Chandler, AZ, and Sean Randle (Jessica, Dannett) of North Bend, OR; grandchildren, Schuyler Randle, Chance Randle (Megan), Dominique (Randle) Greenwell (Logan), Alexandria Randle, Charlee Randle (Brandi), Kaitlin Randle, Zachary Randle, Jacob Randle, Leander Darby, and Ariston Darby; great-grandchildren, Emery and Everly Randle (Chance), Charles Greenwell (Dominique); brother, Jim Mills; sister-in-Law, Anjo Mills (Tom); and 10 nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are being handled by Kristen Hoefer at Black Market Gourmet 541.269.0194
Donations in Lieu of flowers may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/kay-louise-mills/article_18634fce-0bca-11ee-8680-03030c68a66a.html | 2023-06-16T00:05:42 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/kay-louise-mills/article_18634fce-0bca-11ee-8680-03030c68a66a.html |
February 25, 1955 – December 25, 2022
Michael R. Price of Newport, Oregon passed away in Clackamas, Oregon on December 25, 2022, after a long fight with lung cancer and Guillian-Barre’ syndrome. Michael “Mikey Who” (as he was known to many) was born on February 25, 1955, in Coos Bay, Oregon to Roy L. Price and Jeanette G. (Bunker) Price. He was raised on Cape Blanco Rd, Sixes, Oregon and attended all 12 years of public education in the Port Orford school district. Mike was an excellent student and very athletic. Mike absolutely loved to play basketball and enjoyed running with his high school cross-country team. He graduated as an Honor Student from Pacific High School in 1973. That fall he enrolled in SOC at Ashland, Oregon. He attended SOC for 2 years then left to become a full-time commercial fisherman and he never looked back.
His first boat was named the Abiquay. He fished for salmon and bottom fish at that time. He and his faithful dog, Quila, became well known on the Oregon and Northern California coast as fine fishermen. They made friends everywhere they traveled. Mike leased an 85’ boat, the Dora II, for several years in the 80’s and fished her out of Brookings, Oregon for salmon, tuna, bottom fish and crab. The last boat he fished was the Quila J. He built this boat himself, naming it after his favorite dogs, Quila and Jamie. With the Quila J he was able to fish for salmon, tuna, bottom fish and crab. Though he fished out of Port Orford and on the south coast for many years, his final years were spent fishing out of Newport, Oregon. He made several close friends while living there and it became his home.
Mike often told me that out on the ocean was where he felt most alive and when he felt he could really breathe. That feeling never changed for him. When he wasn’t fishing, Mike enjoyed spending time with his friends, hunting, sport fishing, playing cribbage, wild mushroom picking, cooking, coffee, beer and music. There was always music playing everywhere he was: on his boat, in his pickup or at his house. He was a big man with a big smile and a very big heart. He was always the champion of the underdog and would move a mountain to help a friend when he could. Mike never met a stranger and Lordy, could that man dance.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Roy. He was survived by his mother, Jeanette Price of Coos Bay; brother, Raymond and Laurie Price of Ketchikan, AK; sister, Kathy and Mark Rose of North Bend; sister, Karen of Astoria; and his favorite cousin, Peggy Giles of Corvallis. Mike had 8 nieces and nephews; at least 14 great nieces and nephews; and 2 great-great nieces and nephews. Mike loved them all and often bragged how his nieces and nephews were the best.
Mike requested no formal memorial, service or fanfare. He asked to be cremated and his ashes placed where he put his dog, Jamie’s ashes. We will be honoring those wishes on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at the Paradise Point Wayside Day Use area in Port Orford, 2:00 pm. Following this, we will be going to The Salty Dawg in Port Orford and “Have a beer for Mike.” Any friends, family and fellow fishermen who would like are invited to join us there.
UPDATED INFORMATION: Mike’s mother Jeanette Price recently passed several months after Mike. The family will be holding a graveside service for Jeanette at 11:00 am on Saturday July 1, 2023 at the Port Orford Cemetery ahead of the spreading of Mike’s ashes at 2:00 pm. All are invited to The Salty Dawg as planned for “Have a beer for Mike” as well as visiting and remembering the lives of both Jeanette and Mike. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/michael-r-price/article_6ba0aa00-0bcb-11ee-a7f7-f7f2224c8b1a.html | 2023-06-16T00:05:48 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/michael-r-price/article_6ba0aa00-0bcb-11ee-a7f7-f7f2224c8b1a.html |
Destinations and Resource Link students reach the finish.
Thirty-three students who might have been lost without alternative means of education walked across the stage Thursday to receive high school diplomas.
Destinations Academy had 23 graduates while Resource Link Charter School had 10. Both schools are part of the Coos Bay School District, but they give students a different route to graduation.
Destinations graduates Buddy Lockwood and Samuel Cagley shared their stories, saying without Destinations they would not have graduated on time. In part due to COVID and in part due to other issues, both students fell way behind after their sophomore years.
They were given two options. Stay at Marshfield and stay in high school five years or move to Destinations and have a chance to graduate in four. Both chose Destinations, which offers individual learning plans for each student.
Lockwood said he was still well behind entering this year, but by working with Principal Kayla Crook and his teachers, he was able to catch up.
“Destinations helped get me in the right direction,” Cagley said.
One person who understands the value of alternative education more than most is Kimberly Brick, the chair of the Coos Bay School Board.
“I’m not anybody special,” Brick told the graduates. “I’m not particularly smart. I failed math all four years of high school. The only reason I made it to class most days was because it was better than being home. I failed a lot.
“There were so many challenges I needed to learn from. There were times I didn’t think I would graduate. One reason I did was because I continued to show up.”
Brick told the students she tried out for cheerleading every year since seventh grade and finally made the team as a senior. Then she found out she was pregnant. As a pregnant teen, Brick was given the opportunity to go to the alternative-education school, and it changed her life.
She graduated from high school and became the first person in her family to graduate from college. All because she showed up and never quit, much like the students from Destinations and Resource Link.
“As alt-ed students, we sometimes have lives that don’t fit into the traditional model,” Brick said. “It doesn’t mean we’re less than those students in other schools. It means we’re bad asses who need to make our own way.:”
Leslie Traylor, who leads the Resource Link Charter School, told the students they were able to redefine what education means for themselves.
“Redefining education is the hallmark of alternative education,” Traylor said. “You are the embodiment of what that means, a pathway for students that works for them. Show the world who you are.”
Destinations Principal Kayla Crook had a similar message for the graduates.
“Today, we gather to honor a group of students who have overcome many obstacles and worked hard to succeed,” Crook said. “Graduates, congratulations, you made it. Once you walk across that stage tonight, you start a new class – adulting 101. I have confidence you possess the skills, knowledge and resiliency to ace this class. Remember, you got this.”
Dr. Charis McGaughy, superintendent of Coos Bay School District, said watching the seniors graduate was a moment of extreme pride.
“I am proud this district offers multiple pathways for students to chart their own success,” McGaughy said. “This is truly a group accomplishment. Kudos to everyone here who has provided care and support for this group of students.”
After hearing the speeches, the students finally got what they came for, diplomas signifying a major accomplishment in life. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/photos-forging-an-alternative-pathway-to-graduation/article_ca245aec-0acf-11ee-8088-2747058a83b6.html | 2023-06-16T00:05:54 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/photos-forging-an-alternative-pathway-to-graduation/article_ca245aec-0acf-11ee-8088-2747058a83b6.html |
SAN ANTONIO — Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill that would make it so law enforcement can issue AMBER Alerts without requiring confirmation of an abduction.
The legislation was named after 7-year-old Athena Strand from Wise County, Texas, who was killed in late November 2022.
One day after Athena disappeared, an AMBER Alert was issued since the case failed to meet the qualifications for the alert the day prior.
Tanner Horner, 31, was indicted by a Wise County grand jury for capital murder in February.
Horner, a former delivery driver, told police he accidentally hit Athena with his vehicle then proceeded to take her with him. Authorities said Horner ended up strangling Athena to death, fearing she would tell her father about being hit by the FedEx van.
Once an Athena Alert is authorized, police will utilize the AMBER alert system to notify people within 100 miles of the child’s reported disappearance.
“If a parent can’t find their child, there’s no need to wait,” said Dottie Laster, who’s spent decades advocating for finding missing children. She formerly led the Heidi Search Center, which helped thousands of families searching for a missing child. The center closed in 2018 after nearly 30 years due to a lack of funding.
Laster’s efforts to help families in need has continued through education and training efforts through the organization, Trafficking Victim Rescue Central.
She supports the Athena Alert bill, stressing time is crucial in missing persons cases.
“Taking that barrier away is going to be helpful. Now I know a lot of people are probably going oh my gosh, my phone’s going to go off all the time now. Well, rightfully so,” Laster said.
The bill could prove potentially lifesaving, including for the family of 12-year-old Joseph Torres.
Family members, alongside community volunteers, have been searching for Joseph since the weekend when he initially went missing.
Family said they don’t believe he’s in danger but there always remains the possibility. No AMBER Alert has been issued in Joseph's disappearance.
San Antonio police noted Joseph was last seen around 3 p.m. Sunday at his home near Midcrown and Gibbs Sprawl on the northeast side.
Relatives said a VIA transit officer spotted Joseph at the Randolph Park and Ride who told him he was going to take bus 552 to Fredericksburg.
Isabel Casillas, Joseph’s aunt, said one man may have seen him at the Budget Suites motel at 7880 Fredericksburg Road, near Callaghan.
That’s the area where family are focusing their search efforts by teaming with groups such as Search and Rescue SATX.
“We’ve been doing everything possible. We love him. We want him home.” | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/athena-alert-bill-signed-into-law/273-8575885e-4bf0-4716-ab36-549b5525dcf4 | 2023-06-16T00:06:01 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/athena-alert-bill-signed-into-law/273-8575885e-4bf0-4716-ab36-549b5525dcf4 |
1 arrested, 2 sought after Farmington Hills robbery, chase across counties
Michigan State Police have arrested one of three suspects wanted in connection with an armed robbery in Farmington Hills after a high-speed chase Thursday across multiple counties, the agency announced.
Paw Paw Post troopers were alerted around 2:10 a.m. about a car connected to the Oakland County incident and the trio inside believed to be armed and dangerous, MSP said in a statement.
Around 3 a.m., troopers found their car in Kalamazoo County headed westbound on Interstate 94. Theyattempted a traffic stop in Paw Paw, but the driver sped off at rates topping 130 mph, according to the release.
"Stop sticks were successfully deployed, which are used to flatten tires, in Berrien County," state police wrote. "The driver subsequently lost control of the vehicle, ran off the roadway and crashed into trees near Coloma."
The three inside jumped out and ran out. But the driver was captured and taken into custody without incident, MSP said.
The 22-year-old South Holland, Illinois, man, was held in the Van Buren County jail on multiple charges, including fleeing and eluding. His name is withheld until an arraignment.
Authorities are seeking the other two suspects. Both are described as men 20-25 years old, with one seen wearing olive colored clothing.
"Through investigations, authorities located evidence suggesting both suspects may have been picked up and left the area," state police said. "At this time, all search efforts have been called off, as no credible threats to the public remains."
Troopers were helped by the Van Buren County Sheriff's Department, Berrien County Sheriff's Department,Pokagon Tribal Police, Watervliet Police Department, Coloma Police Department, Hartford PoliceDepartment and Great Lakes Drone Company.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to contact the MSP Paw Paw Post at (269) 657-5551, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-342-7867, or Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/15/1-arrested-2-sought-after-farmington-hills-robbery-chase-across-counties/70327987007/ | 2023-06-16T00:09:54 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/15/1-arrested-2-sought-after-farmington-hills-robbery-chase-across-counties/70327987007/ |
UM increases tuition 2.9% for students on Ann Arbor campus
Michigan residents who attend the University of Michigan and live on the Ann Arbor campus will pay an additional 2.9% in tuition and 5.2% in housing for the 2023-24 school year.
The tuition increase means that costs for an in-state, lower division student will increase an additional $492, up from $16,736 annually in 2022-23, to $17,228 in 2023-24 annually, for a full-time, 30-credit load.
Room and board on the Ann Arbor campus will increase $685 for students living in a double room in the residence halls, from the 2022-23 cost of $13,171 annually to $13,856 annually in 2023-24.
That means costs for tuition and those who live with a roommate on the Ann Arbor campus will add up to $31,084 annually.
The annual tuition and housing increase is part of UM Ann Arbor's $2.8 billion general fund budget for 2023-24 that the Board of Regents approved Thursday.
The tuition vote was unanimously approved, 7-0. Chair Paul Brown was absent.
UM's financial aid budget will increase $21 million, increasing financial aid from $269.6 million in 2022-23 to $290.7 million in 2023-24. Officials say UM's “net price” of tuition, the cost after financial aid is applied, will not increase for in-state undergraduate students in the 2023-24 since additional financial aid will offset the increase in tuition and fees.
For students who attend UM Dearborn, tuition will increase 4.4% for lower division Michigan students, an increase of $624 for two terms, or $14,944 annually.
At UM Flint, tuition will increase by 4.9% for lower division resident students, increasing $666 for two terms or $14,190 annually.
Regent Sarah Hubbard, who was elected chair of the board for the 2023-24 school year, said UM has maintained its level of affordability for in-state students.
"That's been something that has been incredibly important to me, the ability to maintain very low, below the rate of inflation increases in Ann Arbor, and very modest increases in Flint and Dearborn as well," said Hubbard.
kkozlowski@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/15/university-of-michigan-hikes-tuition-2-9-for-in-state-students/70326737007/ | 2023-06-16T00:10:00 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/15/university-of-michigan-hikes-tuition-2-9-for-in-state-students/70326737007/ |
Romulus man, 25, awarded nearly $10M after assault by Dearborn police officer
A Wayne County jury ruled in favor of a 25-year-old Romulus man on Tuesday, awarding him $9.3 million after determining his constitutional rights were violated by a Dearborn police officer following his arrest in 2018.
The verdict is the largest in history against a Dearborn police officer, said Azzam Elder of Elder Brinkman Law, the plaintiff's attorney. The lawsuit was filed in October 2020 and named the City of Dearborn, the Dearborn Police Department and several police officers as defendants.
The jury's decision after the seven-day trial came five years after Luther Gonzales-Hall, then 20, got lost while riding his bike home from a friend's house and asked the officer for directions. He then went inside a White Castle and asked employees for directions to ensure he was given the correct guidance, as shown on the officer's bodycam footage.
Warning: The following video contains explicit content that may be disturbing to some. Viewer discretion is advised.
"Dude, what're you doing, man?" the officer asked Gonzales-Hall after entering the restaurant.
"I'm just looking for my way back to the crib," Gonzales-Hall responded while on his bike inside the eatery.
"I told (you) where it was at, right?" the officer asked. "So, why you in here asking the same thing?"
"Yeah," Gonzales-Hall responded. "I'm sorry, I just — I know you're the cops. ... I'm not for sure where I'm going."
After the officer told Gonzales-Hall to "hold tight," Gonzales-Hall responded "thank you" and headed toward a separate exit in the restaurant's lobby.
The two ultimately tussled to the ground in the parking lot, with Gonzales-Hall asking repeatedly, "What did I do? I'm sorry; what did I do? I was just asking for directions, bro."
With the camera on the ground, the bodycam footage shows the officer on top of Gonzales-Hall, who can be heard repeatedly saying, "you're choking me."
Gonzales-Hall's arrest, according to his attorney, resulted in severe injuries, including six fractures in his foot, multiple surgeries and fusions and a limp.
"He suffered some serious physical and emotional injuries; that's why the jury spoke through their verdict and sent the message (that) said, 'You have to be respectful of everyone's constitutional rights,'" Elder told The Detroit News.
"My injuries will never completely heal even though I did nothing wrong. I just asked for directions," Gonzales-Hall said in a statement. On the stand, Gonzales-Hall, according to a statement, said: "I have nightmares of getting arrested and having my ass beat."
Dearborn police and city officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Gonzales-Hall was originally charged with resisting and opposing the officer, but the charge was dismissed because the arrest was made without probable cause, Elder said.
The officer was given a one-day suspension without pay after an internal affairs review two years after the arrest, Elder said. He said the verdict could be appealed.
Elder said prosecutors later cited Gonzales-Hall's slurred speech from drinking as an additional reason for his arrest, which was not included in the original police report, he said.
Gonzales-Hall had a learning disability, Elder said. He argued that officers should be trained to deal with all people within a community without assaulting them or wrongly charging them with a crime.
"Officers are trained to deal with diabetics; they're trained to deal with people on the (autism) spectrum; they're trained to deal with people who are drunk; so, when you have somebody in a condition like that, the standard of the officer should be even more sensitive and more helpful," Elder said.
Elder said jurors are generally biased and more inclined to believe police officers. The presence of a video camera, he said, has the power to bring truth to light.
"The only time a citizen has a real voice is when there's a video camera, and that's what's scary," Elder said. "(The bodycam) protects good police officers and also protects the citizen's rights."
Staff Writer Mark Hicks contributed.
jaimery@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @wordsbyjakkar | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/06/15/romulus-man-awarded-10m-after-alleged-assault-by-dearborn-police-officer/70325007007/ | 2023-06-16T00:10:06 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/06/15/romulus-man-awarded-10m-after-alleged-assault-by-dearborn-police-officer/70325007007/ |
Cellphone tower atop Wyandotte school to stay inactive another 2 weeks, judge rules
Detroit — A federal judge decided a new 5G T-Mobile cellular phone tower atop a Wyandotte elementary should remain idle for another 14 days as the judge decides whether a lawsuit filed by residents opposed to the tower should be heard in a federal or state court.
U.S. District Court Judge Mark Goldsmith ruled late Thursday to extend a temporary restraining order that prevents the telecommunications giant T-Mobile from activating the tower for the first time. The order remains in effect until June 30. It is the second 14-day ban a judge has ordered that has prevented the new tower from becoming activated. A Wayne County Circuit Court judge ordered the first 14-day restraining order on June 2.
T-Mobile is attempting to move the case to federal court because it contends the case deals with federal law regarding cellular technology. The lawsuit alleges the telecommunications giant duped the local school district and a city of Wyandotte engineer into issuing an illegal building permit and certificate of occupancy to build the wireless communications facility on top of Washington Elementary School.
The cell tower has sparked fierce resistance by a group of parents in the Downriver community who argue the cellular technology poses a potential health threat to the schoolchildren. Attorneys for T-Mobile pointed out in court Thursday the cellphone tower will emit radio frequency waves that are well below, about 5%, the acceptable level allowed by the Federal Communications Commission.
But the residents are relying on a network of critics that include academics and others who contend the federal regulation for cellphone tower emissions are outdated and more research is needed, especially the potential impact of radio frequencies on young children.
Three Wyandotte parents are suing T-Mobile, the Wyandotte school district, board of education, City Council, Mayor Robert Desana and former Superintendent Catherine Cost and more than a dozen other current and former city and district employees.
Goldsmith said he needed more time to determine if the case should remain in federal court or Wayne County Circuit Court, where the lawsuit was originally filed.
Josh Castmore, one of the parents who has spearheaded the effort to fight the cell tower, called the judge's decision Thursday "a huge win" in a Facebook post. Castmore, who has children who attend Washington Elementary, is one of the attorneys representing the residents.
Castmore said the parents have until Tuesday to file a motion to remand the case back to state court. T-Mobile will have until Thursday to respond and then the parents will have an option to file a reply by the end of next week. From there, Castmore said, the judge will decide if it goes back to Wayne County.
"Long story short, T-Mobile will not be able to activate the tower for a fairly considerable length of time," Castmore said in his post.
"Another battle won in what is sure to be a long war," he wrote.
laguilar@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/06/15/wyandotte-cellphone-tower-atop-school-to-stay-idle-another-2-weeks-judge-rules/70325901007/ | 2023-06-16T00:10:12 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/06/15/wyandotte-cellphone-tower-atop-school-to-stay-idle-another-2-weeks-judge-rules/70325901007/ |
The Lancaster County Attorney's Office will ask to dismiss first-degree murder charges against Jahhrasta Fletcher for a fatal shooting last September behind a downtown Lincoln strip club.
"Upon reviewing all of the investigative reports, physical evidence and digital evidence, which includes detailed forensic video analysis completed by the Lincoln Police Department, the Lancaster County Attorney's Office does not believe there is sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Fletcher was not acting in self defense," County Attorney Pat Condon said in a press release Thursday.
He said the decision has been shared with the family of the 33-year-old Omaha man who was killed, Robert Brannon, and his thoughts are with them.
Condon said the charging decision also would impact charges his office filed against three others, including Fletcher's mom and brother and a friend. But it wasn't immediately clear how.
At a press conference last September, Lincoln Police said the interaction between Fletcher, 22, and Brannon just after 12 a.m. Sept. 25, had been captured on surveillance video.
The video, depicting the alley behind the Foxy Gentlemen’s Club at 1801 O St., showed Brannon lunging at Fletcher before the 22-year-old pulled a gun and shot several rounds toward Brannon, who returned fire as he fell to the ground, Police Sgt. Kenneth Koziol said in the affidavit for Fletcher's arrest.
In a press conference announcing Fletcher’s arrest the next day, Lincoln Police Chief Teresa Ewins said Fletcher stood over Brannon and fired another round into the Omaha man before fleeing.
Police said Brannon had been shot at least five times, with gunshot wounds to his left eye, chest, left arm and hip, according to the affidavit.
He died at the scene.
Investigators found a semiautomatic handgun beneath Brannon’s body and shell casings from two different handguns, according to the affidavit.
Police said Fletcher, who was dating one of the club’s performers, had been inside just moments before the shooting and fled after.
On Thursday, Condon said as in all criminal cases, the burden is on the state to prove each of the material elements of a crime charged beyond a reasonable doubt.
"In certain cases it is also the state's burden to disprove an affirmative defense, such as self-defense, beyond a reasonable doubt. Ethically, to proceed forward with a charge, the prosecution must believe that it can meeting this high burden of proof," he said.
Fletcher's public defender didn't immediately return a message seeking comment.
He remains in jail on another pending case where he's facing gun and drug charges. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/county-attorneys-office-drops-murder-charge-in-shooting-outside-downtown-lincoln-strip-club/article_348516c8-0bc1-11ee-bd5a-8bd4d06846a0.html | 2023-06-16T00:12:52 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/county-attorneys-office-drops-murder-charge-in-shooting-outside-downtown-lincoln-strip-club/article_348516c8-0bc1-11ee-bd5a-8bd4d06846a0.html |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-moves-to-online-reporting-of-some-crimes/3278734/ | 2023-06-16T00:13:09 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-moves-to-online-reporting-of-some-crimes/3278734/ |
The Dallas Police Department hosted a series of informational sessions for the Dallas Online Reporting Systems or DORS to neighborhood associations.
The meetings were held throughout Thursday afternoon at headquarters and are part of the education and outreach on mandatory reporting.
According to DPD, DORS will improve the efficiency of officers and increase their availability for high-priority calls.
Online reports should be made when there isn't an active scene and if physical evidence or medical assistance is not required.
In the past year, high-priority calls that require multiple officers have increased, leading to longer response times for other issues. The departments said the changes will allow everyday people to handle reports that don't require an officer.
The following categories must be submitted online:
- Accident Reports: No injuries, insurance info exchanged, wrecker not needed, under $1,000 in damage, vehicles are drivable.
- Credit/Debit Card Abuse: The use of a credit card or debit card without the owner's consent and occurs in the Dallas city limits.
- Identify Thefts: Obtaining someone else's personal identifying information to obtain credit, goods, or services and occurred in the Dallas city limits.
- Interference with Child Custody: Did not exchange children at court-ordered time. Must have a court order. The child cannot be in any danger and have occurred in Dallas.
- Theft: Property stolen valued under $2,500. Not resulting from entry into a home or business.
- Theft Shoplifting: This report is for businesses that have items stolen from their stores valued at under $2,500.
Vehicle burglary, harassing phone calls, graffiti, and criminal mischief can be reported online and by phone.
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The changes are estimated to free up 135,000 patrol hours every year, which according to DPD, would be equivalent to hiring 65 police officers or saving $8.7 million.
DORS will become mandatory on July 3. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-police-department-begins-outreach-and-education-on-mandatory-reporting/3278712/ | 2023-06-16T00:13:15 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-police-department-begins-outreach-and-education-on-mandatory-reporting/3278712/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/families-now-have-access-to-irving-slave-cemetery/3278694/ | 2023-06-16T00:13:21 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/families-now-have-access-to-irving-slave-cemetery/3278694/ |
For the second time in a week, drivers of semi-tractor trailers are accused of not securing their loads or tires leading to crashes on U.S. Highway 75/Central Expressway in Richardson.
Last Thursday, a woman died after police say tires flew off of a semi and one crashed into her windshield.
On Tuesday, a woman says she narrowly escaped severe injuries or worse after a piece of equipment hauled by a semi came straight through her windshield.
"I could've died," said Briana Reed becoming emotional. "I could've wrecked. I could've wrecked other people. It could have been really bad. I mean, I have kids. Luckily, they weren't with me."
The Plano mother and massage therapist says she was driving southbound on Central Expressway on Tuesday at around 1 p.m. heading toward Dallas for lunch with friends.
She had just passed under the Bush Turnpike when she noticed a yellow semi-tractor trailer cab pulling a flatbed trailer transporting what appeared to be construction or farm equipment.
The semi drove ahead of her on the left, she said.
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"It all happened so fast," she said. "[A piece of rebar] hit the hood of my car and I guess bounced off of there and hit my windshield… I didn't really hear anything. I felt it hit my head but more than anything, I felt the blood start pouring down my face."
The 36-year-old was in shock, spitting blood from her mouth while exiting the highway and calling police for help.
Police and an ambulance responded, she said, while the driver of the semi kept traveling southbound.
It is, however, possible that the driver was unaware of the flying rebar.
Paramedics did not immediately see the need to transport Reed to the hospital, she says.
But after a few hours, she says the gash continued to bleed, she started experiencing strong headaches and blurry vision, so her boyfriend drove her to the hospital.
"The doctor came out and was like, 'Well, so the CT scan didn't show any internal damage, but you have a laceration and your skull is fractured,'" she said. "It took me a minute to process that."
Reed received two stitches.
This is the second incident involving semi-trucks on Highway 75 in Richardson in a week's time.
Police say two tires flew off of another tractor-trailer in the 16000 block of Central Expressway last Thursday afternoon.
One of the tires reportedly smashed into the windshield of a car traveling in the opposite direction, killing the driver 39-year-old Micole Cromer. Her baby in the backseat was unharmed.
The driver of the semi in this fatality has not been charged, according to police on Thursday.
Detectives are still investigating the company that makes the trailers.
In Reed's case, she says she gave police the rebar that landed on her floorboard hoping it leads to the driver.
However, Richardson PD tells NBC 5 they have no leads, no license plate, make or model, and no witnesses or evidence to follow up with.
"I'm really lucky, but apparently, people not having their equipment tied down properly is a big deal and it's been a problem lately. I was looking up and at the most, it's a $500 fine," said Reed. "They should secure their load properly, none of this would have happened and they should be held liable."
Reed has set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to help with medical expenses and bills. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/i-couldve-died-driver-recounts-piece-of-rebar-flying-through-windshield/3278652/ | 2023-06-16T00:13:27 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/i-couldve-died-driver-recounts-piece-of-rebar-flying-through-windshield/3278652/ |
An isolated cemetery that includes former slaves now has new access for families of loved ones who wish to visit.
Shelton’s Bear Creek Cemetery is perched along the George Bush Turnpike in Irving.
Development that surrounded and further isolated the burial ground turns out to be a link to reach it.
A wall separating the cemetery from a new housing development now has a door through which visitors can enter the cemetery.
For the first time Thursday, Anthony Bond, who’s looked after the place for the past 28 years, saw the new access to this hard-to-reach location.
“It’s very difficult to get here, but it’s easier now and that is a blessing from God,” he said.
The path includes a ramp up the curb from a new street in the adjacent neighborhood.
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The path was built through teamwork with Irving city officials and the housing developer.
“Everybody saw the significance of this property and what a gem it is for the community to have so we wanted to make sure that it was accessible for everybody,” Irving Parks Director Joe Moses said.
Among those buried in the cemetery are the descendants of former slaves who settled in the area that once was a plantation.
“You still have a lot of family relatives that are here, that have ties to this cemetery, that can trace their ancestry back to this cemetery. As an African American, to be able to do something like that, that’s amazing because a lot of us, we can’t trace our history,” Moses said.
Thursday, Anthony Bond received a document from Irving city officials showing a dedicated easement to the cemetery from the new street which the city helped secure.
It’s something Bond said he has been seeking for years.
“Anybody that’s got loved ones buried under the ground in a cemetery wants to able to visit their loved ones and have them rest in peace,” he said.
And now, visiting Shelton’s Bear Creek Cemetery in Irving is easier.
The City of Irving helped pay for the pathway but donations and volunteers are still needed to maintain the cemetery.
The pathway also makes it easier for volunteers to help. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/new-access-to-sheltons-bear-creek-cemetery-for-former-slaves-in-irving/3278732/ | 2023-06-16T00:13:34 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/new-access-to-sheltons-bear-creek-cemetery-for-former-slaves-in-irving/3278732/ |
Two men are in custody, accused of delivery of marijuana after Garland Police confiscated more than 200 pounds of illegal THC products from a local dispensary.
Police said some products at Bee Hippy Hemp Dispensary showed a THC level of 95.3%, which is more than 300 times higher than the legal limit of 0.3%.
Some products were sold to customers under the impression that they were within legal limits, according to Garland Police.
The owner of the store, 41-year-old Charles Fagan, was arrested and charged with delivery of marijuana under five pounds on June 7. The store manager, 55-year-old David Lee Dranguet, was also arrested and charged with delivery of marijuana under four grams and two counts of delivery of marijuana under five pounds.
It's not immediately clear if Fagan or Dranguet have obtained attorneys to speak on their behalf.
Bee Hippy Hemp Dispensary will remain closed until further notice, however, a statement was published on the store's website indicating they intended to reopen.
"Please note this was not our choice and we will do everything within our powers to re-open," the statement said.
Officials are concerned that customers of the store may unknowingly use or possess products with dangerous levels of THC.
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"If you have purchased any ingestible product from Bee Hippy Hemp Dispensary, we recommend you immediately and safely dispose of the product," Garland Police said in a statement.
Members of the public can drop off any products from the store in a secure "prescription drop off" in the police lobby at 1891 Forest Lane. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/products-with-thc-levels-316-times-above-the-legal-limit-confiscated-from-garland-business/3278282/ | 2023-06-16T00:13:40 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/products-with-thc-levels-316-times-above-the-legal-limit-confiscated-from-garland-business/3278282/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/short-term-rentals-no-longer-allowed-in-dallas-single-family-neighborhoods/3278741/ | 2023-06-16T00:13:46 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/short-term-rentals-no-longer-allowed-in-dallas-single-family-neighborhoods/3278741/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-woman-recovering-after-rebar-smashes-through-windshield/3278695/ | 2023-06-16T00:13:52 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-woman-recovering-after-rebar-smashes-through-windshield/3278695/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/why-the-battle-over-texas-property-tax-relief-continues/3278733/ | 2023-06-16T00:13:59 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/why-the-battle-over-texas-property-tax-relief-continues/3278733/ |
LAKE CITY, Iowa — Thursday marks the two-year anniversary that Lake City lost a staple of their community: The Dobson Pipe Organ Builders factory.
Today, that business is working toward opening a brand new factory that will go in place of the old building.
The original building once stood tall in the middle of Lake City, but it was gone within a matter of hours.
Three minutes is all it took for a local community member and volunteer firefighter, Scott Bruns, to be the first on the scene.
He said when he got there, there was no hope.
"With that short of a response time, the entire North Building was fully engulfed by the time we had gotten on scene," Bruns said. "We had our first pumper on scene, empty water within the first five minutes. From their way, kind of knew we were in defensive mode and wasn't a whole lot of saving that we were going to do”
The firefighters worked for twenty hours with the help of eight other fire departments from nearby counties.
“It was a long, hard battle," Bruns said. "But our community came out and definitely did a fantastic job of supporting us. I mean, we had stacks of bottled water, we had pizzas and sandwiches and our community. That park was just full of people watching and supporting the fire department and our ambulance."
Even as a volunteer firefighter, Bruns said this fire was different than others.
"For a small town, we've got a thriving downtown business district," he said. "So we take a lot of pride in that and just see one of the centerpieces burned, [it] was definitely gut wrenching for a lot of people in the community.”
Dobson's Pipe Organ Builders is now working on a new building to replace the old one, so this centerpiece can be restored.
“I mean, we were already immediately that very next day talking about how we're going to get the tools that we need to keep doing the projects that we can do," said Donny Hobbs, the shop foreman. "Obviously, we couldn't build the organs we were building, but we do a lot of maintenance and rebuilding.”
While a new building is in store, this world renowned business means so much more to this community.
“The last two years has been a lot of work and, and a lot of just effort put in behind all that stuff," Hobbs said. "So it feels tremendous that we've actually achieved this."
The groundbreaking ceremony of the new building will happen July 5. Community members say they can't wait for this place to return. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/dobson-pipe-organ-builders-factory-fire-two-year-anniversary-reopening-groundbreaking-ceremony/524-ea44343f-ecb8-448a-92a1-3afd33b058c9 | 2023-06-16T00:18:35 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/dobson-pipe-organ-builders-factory-fire-two-year-anniversary-reopening-groundbreaking-ceremony/524-ea44343f-ecb8-448a-92a1-3afd33b058c9 |
What to Know
- A New Jersey man was sentenced on Thursday for a 2021 car crash that killed beloved Lower Merion High School principal Sean Hughes.
- Azuka Ossai, 55, of Pine Hill, New Jersey, was sentenced to 90 days in home confinement or house arrest, five years probation and numerous fines.
- Ossai was speeding and ran through a stop sign at the time of the deadly crash. Hughes' widow, Kristi Hughes, addressed Ossai during the sentencing hearing.
Kristi Hughes was full of emotion on Thursday as she recounted the day her husband, beloved Lower Merion High School principal Sean Hughes, was killed in a car crash.
“I heard the machines and their alarms,” she said. “I watched my husband, my best friend, my partner in life, die in front of me.”
On November 13, 2021, shortly before 7:30 a.m., Azuka Ossai, 55, was driving a Mercedes SUV at the intersection of Fleming Pike and Hays Road in Winslow Township, New Jersey.
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Police said Ossai was speeding and went through a stop sign when he crashed into a Ford SUV driven by Sean Hughes. Hughes, 51, of Harleysville, Pennsylvania, suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead later that day at 10:19 a.m.
Hughes’ 13-year-old son was also inside the vehicle and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Hughes was taking the teen to a soccer tournament at the time of the crash.
Ossai was arrested on March 10, 2022, and charged with vehicular homicide by operating a vehicle recklessly and assault by auto.
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Kristi Hughes addressed Ossai directly during his sentencing hearing on Thursday.
“Are you aware of the value of the life you took? And the value of the lives you destroyed?” she asked.
Kristi Hughes, who is also a cancer survivor, said she asked her teenage sons to leave the courtroom on Thursday because they have “been through enough pain, trauma and anguish.” Her 11-year-old daughter also refused to attend the sentencing hearing, which was ultimately the result of a plea agreement negotiated by the prosecutor and defense attorney.
In the agreement, Ossai admitted to speeding through the stop sign at Fleming Pike and Hays Road before crashing into Hughes’ vehicle.
“I have so many questions about that moment,” Kristi Hughes said Thursday. “Like how can you speed through and miss a stop sign that you travel through every day to and from work? Were you rushing to get to that butcher shop? Was it really that important? Were you on your phone? Were you under the influence?”
Ossai, who was a caretaker at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital, was in tears as he apologized in front of Hughes’ widow and other loved ones.
“I’m deeply sorry from the bottom of my heart,” he said.
Judge Yolanda Rodriguez called Hughes’ death an extraordinary loss for his family and the thousands of lives he touched in the Lower Merion School District. She ultimately decided to sentence Ossai to 90 days in home confinement or house arrest, five years probation and numerous fines. She factored in the fact that he is paying $5,000 in restitution, performing community service and had never been in any trouble with the law prior to the deadly crash.
As the principal of Lower Merion High School for 14 years, Hughes was an educator, coach and mentor to thousands of generations of students.
“I was so jealous of Sean because he just knew everyone and everyone knew him. He knew every single student by name," Wallingford School District Superintendent Dr. Wagner Marseille said in his impact statement in the courtroom on Thursday.
In his letter to families announcing Hughes’ death in 2021, Lower Merion School superintendent Dr. Khalid N. Mumin wrote that Hughes was “beloved” by thousands of Lower Merion students over the years.
“He knew most of them by name and always had time to listen to their concerns, cheer them on and support their accomplishments,” Dr. Mumin wrote. “They greeted him in the halls by calling out his signature nickname, 'Huuuuuuughes.' He welcomed each one at 9th grade orientation and proudly handed out diplomas at their graduations.”
In addition to being the principal of Lower Merion High School, Hughes was also President of the Central Athletic League.
“He wasn’t finished with living,” Kristi Hughes said. “One person’s carelessness robbed us of this amazing and gifted individual far too soon and with far too much left to give his family and colleagues, his students and the world.” | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/man-sentenced-in-crash-that-killed-beloved-lower-merion-high-school-principal/3586743/ | 2023-06-16T00:18:38 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/man-sentenced-in-crash-that-killed-beloved-lower-merion-high-school-principal/3586743/ |
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Pointe on 88th apartments hosted a grand opening for its affordable multi-family community on Thursday.
The complex features one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with 90% of those units reserved for lower-income people.
"It's very important to give those people a chance at affordable housing, at a cost they can afford," said property manager Staesha Christianson.
The goal is for these apartments to provide Iowans a place to live at a time when inflation is contributing to rising rental prices.
But how affordable are these apartments?
One bedroom units at The Pointe on 88th are listed between $450 and $950 per month. Two bedroom units start at $530, and three bedrooms start at $600 and go up to nearly $1,200.
Yet, there's a need for affordable housing in the area, according to Major Butch Frost of the Salvation Army in Clive.
"We see a lot of individuals coming in an out of our facility," Frost said. "We receive over 300 and some calls a month, just for rental assistance alone."
And for the people the Salvation Army can assist, they help them by paying rent and utilities.
"We have people right here in our community who are hurting, and we need to evaluate what funds that we can make available to help get them back up on their feet," Frost said.
But sometimes that help still isn't enough for people.
Frost said that housing is so unaffordable that they have had to provide their services to their own people at Salvation Army, including making a first month's rent payment.
To help give Iowans more affordable living options, the city of Des Moines received more than $3 million from the American Rescue Plan Act back in 2021 to help develop affordable rental housing.
And earlier this week, the Des Moines City Council agreed to loan Anawim Housing one-third of that money to rehabilitate an empty Days Inn Motel. This will create 40 units of affordable housing, with five of those designated for people at risk of experiencing homelessness. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/the-pointe-on-88th-apartments-west-des-moines-affordable-housing/524-e2a04afc-f9e8-4dc4-9ede-7b18a29e5853 | 2023-06-16T00:18:41 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/the-pointe-on-88th-apartments-west-des-moines-affordable-housing/524-e2a04afc-f9e8-4dc4-9ede-7b18a29e5853 |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/man-sentenced-in-crash-that-killed-beloved-lower-merion-principal/3586709/ | 2023-06-16T00:18:44 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/man-sentenced-in-crash-that-killed-beloved-lower-merion-principal/3586709/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/rebuilding-of-i-95-begins-in-northeast-philadelphia/3586693/ | 2023-06-16T00:18:46 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/rebuilding-of-i-95-begins-in-northeast-philadelphia/3586693/ |
Brittany Rainsdon walked to her seat in the back of her middle school band practice. She carried in one hand her music pages and her flute. In the other hand was her secret writing notebook.
She placed the notebook on the music stand first. She then placed the day's music pages on top of the notebook. Her teacher would never know.
The band teacher left the flute section and would begin talking to the trumpet players. Quick, now was Rainsdon's time to write a few more lines in her secret notebook. Not even the flute could take priority over her desire to be a writer.
Rainsdon, who once furtively scribbled short stories in spiral notebook, now sees her science fiction pieces published. Living in Blackfoot with her husband and five children, Rainsdon still finds time to write stories with a hectic schedule, just like when she set the flute aside for a pencil.
Rainsdon placed second in 2022 in the international Writers of the Future competition. The competition awards a first-, second- and third-place prize quarterly throughout the year. Rainsdon's story "The Last Dying Season" won her the silver in the first quarter awards.
Her work is published in L. Ron Hubbard's "Writers of the Future Vol. 38." But this award is nothing new to her. She has submitted her work for years to the amateur writing contest, and in 2021, she took fourth place.
Each year, the contest holds its ceremony in Hollywood. Rainsdon looked forward to walking down the red carpet and meeting writing icons after her second-place win. But 2022 didn't pan out that way.
"I couldn't go to the award ceremony. I looked at the calendar and it was going to be held a week after my due date," Rainsdon said.
Her fifth child was on the way. However, her youngest is now one and sleeping through the night. Rainsdon packed up and headed to Hollywood to accept her second-place award, a year late, during the 2023 awards.
Her husband and three oldest children joined Rainsdon on the red carpet.
"Everyone was so sweet to my kids. That's how you get to my heart, be nice to my kids," Rainsdon said, laughing.
The support from her family meant the world. Her time writing as an adult hasn't been as easy as squeezing it in when the band teacher wasn't looking. During her fifth pregnancy, Rainsdon experienced many medical issues. After the birth, she had to undergo several surgeries while still caring for her five children.
She could feel the rust building up on her writing skills. She entered "The Last Dying Season" into the writers contest early in 2022, but that's where her writing journey halted. New ideas stayed in her mind and her pen stayed on her desk.
But then her science fiction story about a mother-daughter relationship placed second. At the award ceremony, Rainsdon participated in writing workshops. She joined in the 24-hour writing exercise. She met with a group. They gave her a subject. And in a day's time, Rainsdon had completed a short story.
"It was nice to know I was still able to do it. I am still capable. I still have it inside me," Rainsdon said.
Before she began sneaking her writing notebook into band practice, Rainsdon used to take full advantage of poetry assignments in elementary school.
"I used to be into some awful poetry. Like the kind you write in your closet," Rainsdon said.
In fifth grade, she turned in her poetry anthology assignment. Her teacher told her that it was really good. That she had a gift.
After high school, Rainsdon became a registered nurse, completing coursework at Brigham Young University-Idaho in 18 months. She had to, once again, put her creativity aside.
Even though life sometimes gets in the way, whether it was nursing school, medical complications or just having five kids, Rainsdon believes writing helps her grow. Helps her learn. Helps her heal.
"It keeps me sane. Writing helps us discover more about ourselves. It helps our mental health. It helps us see other people's perspectives," Rainsdon said. "It can only benefit you."
Rainsdon is holding a book signing at Barnes and Noble in the Grand Teton Mall, 2300 East 17th St,. from 2-4 p.m. Saturday.
Her published stories will be in stock and she will bring in the accompanying artwork. She might even take out her secret writing notebook and read a few excerpts from her a silver-medal-winning story.
"I am excited to meet whoever is there," Rainsdon said.
More about Rainsdon and her work can be found on her website. | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/blackfoot-author-wins-2nd-place-in-international-writing-competition/article_ceffedb6-0bbe-11ee-bbf8-ab4c3d4ecd6b.html | 2023-06-16T00:19:20 | 1 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/blackfoot-author-wins-2nd-place-in-international-writing-competition/article_ceffedb6-0bbe-11ee-bbf8-ab4c3d4ecd6b.html |
ARKANSAS, USA — A Crawford County attorney has been accused in a lawsuit of taking advantage of two developmentally disabled siblings in Alma by charging nearly $200,000 of a $700,000 trust fund created to support their needs.
Larry and Loreva Boatright were left with a trust fund from their sister Barbara Steffen who died from Parkinson's in 2021. According to the lawsuit filed by a lawyer representing the siblings, Barbara's primary intention behind the trust was to support the "lifetime needs" of her siblings due to their disabilities and limited employment ability.
Two other beneficiaries were included in the trust: Dylan Conrad and Brian Steffen, the latter of whom also has disabilities and is believed to be in a nursing home in Bryant.
Prior to Barbara's death, an amendment was made to the trust that separated Larry, Loreva, and Brian's shares "in order to safely hold and carefully distribute the funds" to confidently ensure the funds will provide for their basic needs, the lawsuit says.
Between Loreva and Larry, their share of the trust totaled 75% of the total amount in the fund, an amount in which Van Buren Attorney Gentry Wahlmeier is accused of "baiting and switching" the siblings into signing over one-third of that total amount to him for his work in distributing the money.
Distribution of the trust:
- Loreva Boatright: 40%
- Larry Boatright: 35%
- Dylan Conrad: 13%
- Brian Steffen: 12%
While Barbara was alive, she reportedly made a deal with Ameriprise to distribute the trust when she died, however, the lawsuit states that after Barbara's death, Ameriprise "declined to serve."
Eventually, Larry and Loreva were referred to Van Buren Attorney Gentry Wahlmeier.
Wahlmeier was reportedly employed by Larry and Loreva to create their "supplemental needs trusts," which according to the lawsuit, may not have actually even been needed, but "even if they were, that is all the legal work that Larry and Loreva needed, and that is all the legal work that they wanted."
Our affiliate Arkansas Business spoke to Timothy Russell, the president of Estate Planners of Arkansas, who said that a trustee's duty is to ensure that the rules of the trust are being followed and that beneficiaries aren't being cheated.
He said that the special needs trust that Wahlmeier worked on was largely redundant because Steffen had already made provisions for her siblings, the Boatrights. Russell said all the work required of Wahlmeier was getting two or three tax IDs, which are free, and arranging for a trustee to be appointed.
“And so that would have been maybe an hour’s worth of work,” Russell told Arkansas Business.
The lawsuit states that the work requested by Larry and Loreva "should have taken a minimal amount of work (an hour or two at the very most)" and should only cost a "few hundred dollars."
In early 2023, caretakers for Larry and Loreva reportedly realized that Wahlmeier had charged them $197,591 for creating the documents, an amount of money that was disbursed from the trust into Wahlmeier's law firm.
The nearly $200,000 fee is, according to the lawsuit, the largest payout of the entire trust distribution—larger than each of the four named beneficiaries.
In February 2022, Wahlmeier filed a petition to appoint Citizens Bank & Trust as the trustee of Larry and Loreva's trust, which was granted in May 2022.
The lawsuit states that Wahlmeier sent a letter to Joe Stewart, who reportedly serves as the bank's trust officer, senior vice president, and cashier, to send a check "to Wahlmeier Law Firm, P.A. for 33% of the gross value of Larry Boatright and Loreva Boatright's share."
Loreva and Larry reportedly were not sent a copy of the letter, or informed of its existence.
The ongoing lawsuit argues that Citizens Bank & Trust "inexplicably distributed $197,591 as an attorney fee to Wahlmeier, evidently without questioning its reasonableness or otherwise insisting upon any rationale or documentation justifying such an incredibly large fee."
Two weeks after distributing the funds to Wahlmeier's law firm, the lawsuit states that Citizens Bank & Trust took $26,483.50 out of the trust as its own "administration fee." The lawsuit states that this fee "was evidently for really doing nothing more than distributing a car to Loreva and improperly distributing $197,591.49 to Wahlmeier."
It wasn't until six days later that Loreva, Larry, Dylan, and Brian had their shares of the trust funds distributed.
A quote in the lawsuit reads, "Wahlmeier's conduct is precisely the type of greedy, self-serving behavior that gives lawyers a bad name and seriously injures the reputation of the legal profession in society at large."
Wahlmeier's attorney, M. Jered Medlock of Fort Smith, said he wasn’t interested in commenting, he told Arkansas Business. But in a March 30 filing in a probate proceeding that raised the allegations, Medlock wrote that Wahlmeier “Denies all allegations.”
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com and detail which story you're referring to. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/attorney-accused-advantage-developmentally-disabled-alma-siblings/527-a55dc412-cd59-4963-a97e-d127b254ccea | 2023-06-16T00:25:49 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/attorney-accused-advantage-developmentally-disabled-alma-siblings/527-a55dc412-cd59-4963-a97e-d127b254ccea |
WASHINGTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. — The Washington Co. Sheriff's Office stated that a dump truck went over a bridge and into the water on Blue Springs Road on Thursday.
Water rescue was reportedly deployed to the area, but no injuries have been reported at this time.
Officials say the driver was able to get out of the truck and was picked up by a passing boat. There is no official word on what caused the crash or if the driver was injured.
5NEWS will update this story as more information becomes available.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com and detail which story you're referring to. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/car-reportedly-went-springdale-bridge-beaver-lake/527-f1e32977-3bb3-4c7c-a31d-874f9a87a331 | 2023-06-16T00:25:55 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/car-reportedly-went-springdale-bridge-beaver-lake/527-f1e32977-3bb3-4c7c-a31d-874f9a87a331 |
SAN ANTONIO — Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill that would make it so law enforcement can issue AMBER Alerts without requiring confirmation of an abduction.
The legislation was named after 7-year-old Athena Strand from Wise County, Texas, who was killed in late November 2022.
One day after Athena disappeared, an AMBER Alert was issued since the case failed to meet the qualifications for the alert the day prior.
Tanner Horner, 31, was indicted by a Wise County grand jury for capital murder in February.
Horner, a former delivery driver, told police he accidentally hit Athena with his vehicle then proceeded to take her with him. Authorities said Horner ended up strangling Athena to death, fearing she would tell her father about being hit by the FedEx van.
Once an Athena Alert is authorized, police will utilize the AMBER alert system to notify people within 100 miles of the child’s reported disappearance.
“If a parent can’t find their child, there’s no need to wait,” said Dottie Laster, who’s spent decades advocating for finding missing children. She formerly led the Heidi Search Center, which helped thousands of families searching for a missing child. The center closed in 2018 after nearly 30 years due to a lack of funding.
Laster’s efforts to help families in need has continued through education and training efforts through the organization, Trafficking Victim Rescue Central.
She supports the Athena Alert bill, stressing time is crucial in missing persons cases.
“Taking that barrier away is going to be helpful. Now I know a lot of people are probably going oh my gosh, my phone’s going to go off all the time now. Well, rightfully so,” Laster said.
The bill could prove potentially lifesaving, including for the family of 12-year-old Joseph Torres.
Family members, alongside community volunteers, have been searching for Joseph since the weekend when he initially went missing.
Family said they don’t believe he’s in danger but there always remains the possibility. No AMBER Alert has been issued in Joseph's disappearance.
San Antonio police noted Joseph was last seen around 3 p.m. Sunday at his home near Midcrown and Gibbs Sprawl on the northeast side.
Relatives said a VIA transit officer spotted Joseph at the Randolph Park and Ride who told him he was going to take bus 552 to Fredericksburg.
Isabel Casillas, Joseph’s aunt, said one man may have seen him at the Budget Suites motel at 7880 Fredericksburg Road, near Callaghan.
That’s the area where family are focusing their search efforts by teaming with groups such as Search and Rescue SATX.
“We’ve been doing everything possible. We love him. We want him home.” | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/texas/athena-alert-bill-signed-into-law/273-8575885e-4bf0-4716-ab36-549b5525dcf4 | 2023-06-16T00:28:45 | 1 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/texas/athena-alert-bill-signed-into-law/273-8575885e-4bf0-4716-ab36-549b5525dcf4 |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Johnson City Commission approved its $114 million general fund budget in a 4-0 vote Thursday.
Commissioners voted unanimously to raise property tax rates by 25 cents as a part of the budget item. This is the city’s first property tax rate increase since 2016.
“We don’t take doing this lightly, but we also want to make sure that we have police cars to respond when you make them and that there are 911 operators to answer the phone,” Commissioner Joe Wise said before the vote. “That’s what this budget is really trying to do.
Next year, Johnson City homeowners will pay $1.98 per $100 dollars assessed property value, 25 cents more than the city’s current rate of $1.73 per $100 dollars of assessed property value.
The revenue generated by the tax increase will fund three city objectives: the cost of building a new Towne Acres Elementary School, roadway improvements, and beefed up contributions for Washington County emergency services.
Of the 25 cent total, 15 cents are earmarked for Towne Acres, seven cents for infrastructure, and three cents for emergency services.
Towne Acres taxes
Revenue from 15 cents of the total 25-cent property tax increase earmarked for Towne Acres is set to generate $3.2 million for the city next year.
School Board President Kathy Hall told News Channel 11 the money will allow the city and school system to begin making design plans for a new Towne Acres campus.
“We’ll be working with our city commission to decide on an architect, to decide what we need in that school,” said Hall.
Early plans estimate the project would increase capacity at Towne Acres from 420 to 700 students, allowing the city to both replace aging facilities and adapt to the needs of a growing school system.
Hall said she hopes the project will be complete in three years.
“We are ready to roll now that the funding is secure for bonding that project,” said Hall.
Emergency services funding
Johnson City Schools isn’t the only entity benefitting from the tax increase. Washington County Emergency Medical Services and 911 will see the revenue from three cents of the total tax increase.
Washington County 911 Directory Greg Matherly told News Channel 11 the majority of the money they receive from the city will help cover employee raises.
“I appreciate the city recognizing struggles and being able to cut off some of our turnover rate,” Matherly said.
Matherly told News Channel 11 that his department had 11 empty positions out of 40 total roles at one point this year.
“We’ve struggled this year with overtime costs, as you can imagine,” Matherly said.
He said the over $200,000 the city is contributing to 911 will help keep the department staffed.
The remainder of both 911 and EMS funding comes from the state of Tennessee and Washington County combined.
Washington County is scheduled to vote on its budget on June 22. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/johnson-city-commission-gives-final-approval-to-budget-property-tax-hike/ | 2023-06-16T00:30:02 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/johnson-city-commission-gives-final-approval-to-budget-property-tax-hike/ |
ODOT closing ramps at I-77/U.S. Route 30 interchange
CANTON – Highway motorists who use the Interstate 77/U.S. Route 30 interchange at night will encounter several ramp closures next week.
The Ohio Department of Transportation said the following ramps will close at 7 p.m. Monday and reopen at 6 a.m. Tuesday:
- I-77 northbound to state Route 800. The detour will be I-77 northbound to state Route 172 to I-77 southbound to Route 800.
- Route 800 to I-77 northbound. The detour will be I-77 southbound to Faircrest Street to I-77 northbound.
Road construction:Here's what to expect with road construction in Stark County in 2023
The state agency also said the following ramp closures are in place through Tuesday morning:
- The ramp from I-77 northbound to Route 30 westbound is closed.
- The ramp from Route 30 east to I-77 north is closed.
Meanwhile, the ramp from Route 30 westbound to I-77 northbound will be closed at 10 p.m. Tuesday and reopen at 6 a.m. Wednesday. And the ramp from I-77 southbound to Route 30 eastbound and westbound will be closed at 10 p.m. Wednesday and reopen at 5 a.m. Thursday.
The work is part of a $56.2 million project to resurface I-77 between Route 800 and Route 30, replace pavement on I-77 at the Route 30 interchange and replace bridges. ODOT estimates the construction will be finished in June 2024. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2023/06/15/odot-closing-highway-ramps-at-i-77u-s-route-30-interchange-next-week/70327826007/ | 2023-06-16T00:31:41 | 0 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2023/06/15/odot-closing-highway-ramps-at-i-77u-s-route-30-interchange-next-week/70327826007/ |
The Ocean City Nor’easters were held to a 0-0 tie by host Real Central New Jersey on Wednesday at Rider University in Lawrenceville.
The tie put the Nor’easters at 5-0-2 midway through the regular season. Ocean City tops the United Soccer Leagues League Two Mid-Atlantic Division with 17 points. The tie put Real Central New Jersey at 2-3-2 for eight points and third place in the division.
The Nor’easters extended their regular season unbeaten streak to 22 games. O.C.’s last regular season loss was on July 9, 2021. The draw also increased Ocean City’s regular season road unbeaten streak to 19 games. The Nor’easters’ last regular season road defeat was on June 19, 2019.
O.C. goalie Stefano Camerlengo recorded his third shutout of the season. Lukas Burns, a Nor’easters player last year, earned the shutout for RCNJ.
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Ocean City’s next game is at 5 p.m. Wednesday against Philadelphia Lone Star FC at Bartram High School in Philadelphia. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/noreasters-tie-rcnj-0-0/article_6e75abd4-0bc8-11ee-8386-5794b96196bc.html | 2023-06-16T00:35:13 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/noreasters-tie-rcnj-0-0/article_6e75abd4-0bc8-11ee-8386-5794b96196bc.html |
DENVER — A Denver Police Department officer was struck by a firetruck and seriously injured during the Denver Nuggets parade in downtown on Thursday morning.
The crash happened about 11:30 a.m. near the end of the parade route at West 13th Avenue and Cherokee Street.
The officer was on the front passenger side of the truck, protecting fans from the truck, which was carrying several Nuggets players, when he was caught under the wheels, said Police Chief Ron Thomas at a briefing at Denver Health.
Video taken by Brian Willie and shared with 9NEWS showed the officer was conscious and moving after the crash. The officer was taken to a hospital with a serious lower-leg injury, where he was undergoing surgery to save his leg, Thomas said.
Mayor Michael Hancock identified the officer as Sgt. Justin Dodge. Thomas said Dodge is a veteran who's highly decorated and had been assigned to the SWAT division for a number of years.
Minutes before the crash, Sky9 showed fans over barriers in place to keep people out of the road. Fans were pressing up alongside the firetruck, with Denver Police officers closely lined up along the truck's sides.
After the officer was injured, Nuggets players including Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, and other parade participants who were on that firetruck, got off and into a DPD vehicle to continue to the Civic Center rally.
Thomas said fencing was in place to keep people out of the street, along with police officers along the parade route and around vehicles carrying Nuggets players, but that fans were able to "overcome" that. He said it wouldn't be fair to blame those fans who were celebrating the Nuggets.
"The only safety challenge we faced at that point was the injury that happened to the officer as he was protecting these community members from the firetrucks," Thomas said. "The officer was doing his job, protecting the public, and unfortunately was injured."
Denver Police said the cause of the crash was under investigation.
> Below: Video courtesy of Brian Willie shows the aftermath of the officer getting hit:
This is a developing situation. This article will be updated as information is confirmed.
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KUSA can be found on paid Internet video streaming services such as Hulu TV, YouTube TV, and Playstation Vue. If you've cut the cord in favor of one of these services, your plan needs to include NBC for you to watch 9NEWS. At this time My20, KTVD, is not on these services, but you can watch all our news shows on our free streaming app, 9NEWS+. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/denver-police-officer-hit-firetruck-nuggets-parade/73-8b92e454-c898-4999-b128-1efc6c82013f | 2023-06-16T00:53:37 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/denver-police-officer-hit-firetruck-nuggets-parade/73-8b92e454-c898-4999-b128-1efc6c82013f |
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — The City of Atlanta isn’t the only government entity in the process of building a new public safety training center. Fulton County is building its own police training site, which is expected to open next year. County officials said the move comes after they've experienced multiple structural issues with its current training facility.
“A roof that doesn’t leak. Conditioned air, would be great both within the summertime and the winter time,” said Fulton County Police Chief Wade Yates.
Yates said his wish list of amenities for the training facility is pretty simple. Yet the current training location at Wolf Creek Shooting Range, which was built for the 96 Olympics, is lacking those basic necessities.
“That building wasn’t designed to last 40 or 50 years and it’s showing its age. We have a lot of roof leaks, the air condition system needs a complete overhaul. But I think most importantly, that building is now in the City of South Fulton and they want that facility," he said. "So, the county either already has or is in the process of transferring that the city. So we have to leave."
And because the property is changing hands, Fulton County officials said they cannot be without a training location. They began to process to build a new one years ago.
“We’ve been working on this before COVID,” said Fulton County Commission Chair Robb Pitts. “And, the reason we were working on this is because our facility was outdated and we provide training services not only to our public safety people, but the others as well, including surrounding counties, but also MARTA, Georgia State and Federal agencies use our facility. And the important point here is, it’s free of charge."
He said there was a point where they considered scrapping their training facility plan and instead join the City of Atlanta at its future public safety training facility, that many opponents have dubbed "Cop City" but the county decided against the partnership.
“We were approached by Wilkerson and his police foundation. He gave us a number which if I recall correctly was approximately $4 million and some change. We did the math work and it simply didn’t work,” said Pitts.
Instead, Pitts said they purchased and are renovating several building in the Fulton Industrial area and will consolidate several county services, including a new animal shelter at the location.
And, as for controversy around the Atlanta Public Safety Training Facility, Pitts said they don't have "a dog in that fight."
"We just continue what we’ve been doing," he said. "It’s an ongoing effort on our part not only to beautify that area, but to consolidate some of the services that we provide,” said Pitts.
The new Fulton County training facility is expected to completed by mid-2024. The price tag, according to county officials, is $15 million -- mostly financed through an existing $60 million county bond. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/fulton-county-training/85-c5239bd1-ca19-48ec-90eb-2dacec3efe42 | 2023-06-16T00:53:43 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/fulton-county-training/85-c5239bd1-ca19-48ec-90eb-2dacec3efe42 |
ATLANTA — Drivers in the midst of rush hour along Interstate 75 may face delays after a car flipped traveling northbound Thursday evening.
The vehicle blocked two lanes of traffic near Peachtree Battle Avenue Northwest. Emergency crews were at the scene for at least an hour.
Authorities are investigating what caused the car to overturn. They did not offer information on the driver's condition.
People are advised to avoid the area as traffic moves slowly through the area.
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/i75-peachtree-battle-northwest/85-c13f5ae8-9025-4716-8450-527165b462f1 | 2023-06-16T00:53:49 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/i75-peachtree-battle-northwest/85-c13f5ae8-9025-4716-8450-527165b462f1 |
ATLANTA — A metro Atlanta mother continues to grieve over two years after her 7-month-old son died after a daycare worker allegedly placed him on a Boppy pillow where he later stopped breathing. The worker was arrested and charged with murder earlier this week.
Zakiah Morris said she tries to keep her son Ocean Carter's memory alive for her two daughters and sons. She said she even takes the children to the 7-month-old's grave after he lost his life due to negligence at a Fulton County daycare.
Ocean tragically passed away when he was allegedly left unsupervised while sleeping on a Boppy lounger at the Easter Seals Center Sylvan daycare facility. Morris, determined and hopeful that justice will be served, shared her thoughts on the case.
"I have more questions than answers," Morris expressed, highlighting the lingering uncertainties surrounding her son's untimely death.
Despite the pain she endures every day, Morris fondly remembers Ocean as a tranquil and easy-going baby who brought immense joy into her life. Ocean's infectious smile lit up her world, and he effortlessly fit into their family dynamic.
Already having enrolled two of her children in the Easter Seals Center Sylvan, Morris believed that Ocean would find a welcoming environment there as well. Unfortunately, tragedy struck in February 2021 when Ocean lost his life at the daycare center.
Arrest warrants revealed that Stephanie Thompson, an employee at Easter Seals, had left the child unattended on a Boppy lounger for roughly 20 minutes without proper supervision. This week, Thompson was arrested, more than two years after Ocean's passing.
While initially relieved by the arrest, Morris admitted that the development stirred up painful memories of her loss. The tragic incident has made it challenging for her to trust others with the care of her children, especially her new infant son, Royal.
Morris emphasized that if she were to entrust her children to someone else in the future, it would only be with someone she knows and someone she can place her faith in.
The trauma of losing Ocean has cast a shadow over her ability to rely on others, but she remains determined to navigate the difficult days ahead with the support of her family and the cherished memory of her son.
"This is all I want to do, just get justice for Ocean. He deserves that. They might not care about my baby, but I do," Morris expressed, emphasizing her unwavering dedication to seeking justice.
11Alive reached out to the Atlanta Police Department to inquire why it took more than two years to make an arrest in the case. As of now, a response from the authorities is pending.
The devastating loss of Ocean Carter serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent supervision and safety protocols in childcare facilities. Zakiah Morris's pursuit of justice for her son stands as a testament to a mother's enduring love and unwavering determination to ensure the safety of other children in similar circumstances. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/mom-reacts-daycare-worker-accused-murder-unintentionally-causing-death-sleeping-infant/85-62c976d4-dd43-4cd1-882b-ae87d5acf883 | 2023-06-16T00:53:55 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/mom-reacts-daycare-worker-accused-murder-unintentionally-causing-death-sleeping-infant/85-62c976d4-dd43-4cd1-882b-ae87d5acf883 |
ATLANTA — Editor's note: The video above is regarding a class action lawsuit filed against Mercer University for an alleged security breach.
The University System of Georgia said cybercriminals "likely" gained access to unauthorized data via a possible security breach in its software system.
The potential breach is linked to the USG's MOVEit Security File Transfer and Automation software, which is used for storing and transferring sensitive data, officials said.
Progress Software, the company which created MOVEit, said a zero-day defect in its software -- a vulnerability in an application or operating system that is unknown to the software maker -- potentially allowed cybercriminals access to prohibited information stored inside the MOVEit repositories stored at several sites.
Those two sites included the University System of Georgia and the University of Georgia, a USG spokesperson said.
After finding out about the potential breach, USG officials said they moved quickly to apply Progress Software's recommendations which limited internet access to MOVEit software and applied newly-developed patches in order to "rectify the defective code."
USG said its cybersecurity experts are working to determine the extent of the possible exposure and let those affected by the issue know if their data has been breached.
A class action lawsuit was filed against Mercer University on June 5 after more than 93,000 people were impacted by a data breach, according to court records. The lawsuit alleges a "failure to properly secure and safeguard" personal information for all those affected by the breach. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/university-system-georgia-security-breach-likely-exposed-access-unauthorized-data/85-e6e0b107-cb7a-4549-a91b-89ab896ed2ef | 2023-06-16T00:54:01 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/university-system-georgia-security-breach-likely-exposed-access-unauthorized-data/85-e6e0b107-cb7a-4549-a91b-89ab896ed2ef |
Looming GRU bill to cost taxpayers nearly $3M in bond deal
The bond purchase will cost ratepayers $2.9 million over three years.
A bill that will take away Gainesville's control of its utility is already costing taxpayers in a big way.
Gainesville city commissioners unanimously agreed Thursday to authorize the purchase of bonds with a new bank for Gainesville Regional Utilities after a first bank pulled out over concerns related to House Bill 1645, also dubbed the "GRU ‘takeover bill'" and the uncertainty that comes with it.
The legislation, which awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature, will appoint a new five-member governance board to oversee all decisions related to the municipal utility. The bill will ultimately cost GRU ratepayers an additional $2.9 million over the next three years, city leaders announced Thursday.
“It's unfortunate that it's come to this," Commissioner Bryan Eastman said. "This bill is costing our ratepayers more money already and it hasn't been signed yet. I hope that the governor is watching this. It's sitting on his desk and I hope he considers a veto before it costs our ratepayers any more than it already has."
More:Major credit rating agency warns that GRU governance change will cost taxpayers
More:'GRU Takeover' bill reaches Gov. Ron DeSantis' desk, awaits signature
Barclays, the bank that initially was set to do business with GRU, was unwilling to move forward with a bond deal due to uncertainty regarding the utility’s future governance. It left commissioners few options but to purchase the bonds with TD Bank.
TD Bank required the city to authorize the bonds before July 1, HB-1645's effective date. Bonds approved after that date could be rejected or cause a financial issue, city officials were told.
Concerns over GRU Takeover Bill
City leaders have shared that HB-1645 and its uncertainty would cause financial harm to the city, a fear that largely has gone ignored by lawmakers who say the bill is to help the city's financials.
A major credit rating agency also released a statement in May warning that new legislation would have negative financial impacts for Gainesville.
Moody’s Investors Service, one of three major credit unions working with the city, wrote that the uncertainty surrounding the day-to-day operations and objectives of the new authority board can lead to credit implications. It particularly touched on concerns related to the autonomy of the board and its ability to govern the utility.
“This is exactly the reason we oppose Rep. [Chuck] Clemons’ GRU bill,” said Mayor Harvey Ward last month. “It introduces uncertainty into a previously stable economic outlook for our city organization with no benefit to the people of Gainesville.” | https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/local/2023/06/15/gainesville-leaders-say-gru-bill-to-cost-taxpayers-before-desantis-signs/70327697007/ | 2023-06-16T00:56:28 | 1 | https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/local/2023/06/15/gainesville-leaders-say-gru-bill-to-cost-taxpayers-before-desantis-signs/70327697007/ |
PORTLAND, Maine — More than 100 housing units could soon replace a vacant office building at 511 Congress St. in Portland. The project was approved by the city's planning board at a meeting this week.
According to Kevin Kraft, Portland's deputy director of planning and urban development, the developers would need to submit a building permit application, and then construction and remodeling can begin.
Kraft said 77 of the units would be one-bedroom, 30 would be studio apartments, and 27 of the units would be workforce housing.
According to the City of Portland's website:
"Affordable means that the percentage of income a household is charged in rent and other housing expenses, or must pay in monthly mortgage payments (including insurance, HOA fees, taxes, and utilities), does not exceed 30% of a household’s gross income."
Kraft said this is not the first project in the city where a vacant building was turned into housing units, and the future of similar projects is made possible by city ordinances that allow this redevelopment.
"It makes it a little easier for someone to come in and propose a conversation of our office space and I certainly think we’ll see more of that," Kraft added.
The property is located right in the heart of the city's downtown, and the building will be equipped with bike storage and will encourage residents to utilize public transportation.
The city's planning board also approved a master plan of a proposed development that would transform Portland's Bayside neighborhood. The multi-year plan would be developed in phases that would each need separate approval.
"[The approval of the master plan] establishes the general parameters that the future site plans would have to adhere to over the course of the development," Kraft said.
Both projects are being proposed by the same developer. If tenants get the green light to move into the building on Congress Street or at the locations in the Bayside neighborhood, the properties would be managed by Port Property.
The final development of the Bayside project would add 804 units of housing across multiple buildings, 201 of which would be considered affordable units.
"It’s a good project, it’s a needed project, and it’s a big project," Sarah Michniewicz, president of the Bayside Neighborhood Association, said Thursday.
Michniewicz has lived in the Bayside neighborhood for decades, and she and other residents have been following the proposed plan closely. She said the developers did make plan adjustments to her liking, like the addition of more greenspaces for dogs and kids.
Michniewicz and other neighbors also hope to be involved in the process moving forward so the end result can be "something we can all be proud of."
There is still a long way to go before any shovels break ground in the Bayside neighborhood. Kraft said each phase of the project would still need to go under a review process, take public comment, and receive final approval from the planning board.
"I think we are definitely expecting some more input [from the public] and look forward to that," Kraft added.
Michniewicz said she and other neighbors can "see" what developers or planners can and can't offer up ways to manage construction traffic and work zones.
She also wants to see continued investment in making the neighborhood walkable, vibrant, and welcoming. Currently, the developers are planning to place all of the affordable housing units in one of the buildings and not spread out throughout the neighborhood.
"The bottom line is we all just want it to be a cohesive vision and a respectful neighborhood, where everybody feels like they have a place, everybody is welcome, and all of the buildings reflect that, and it’s a little unclear thus far if that’s what will happen here," Michniewicz added.
As these projects begin their next steps, Maine needs all the housing it can get.
Scott Thistle, a spokesperson for MaineHousing, said the state is roughly 20,000 to 25,000 units behind market demand. The organization set a goal of building or financing 1,000 new units every year.
According to MaineHousing data, more than 920 units of housing have been completed or are expected to be finished by the end of this year.
Thistle added all parts of Maine need affordable housing, and it will take creative solutions and assistance from local and federal partners to combat this crisis. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/housing/two-portland-housing-projects-get-votes-to-move-forward-maine-infrastructure/97-30445e3f-e36b-49ef-be98-618f80e786ea | 2023-06-16T01:03:07 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/housing/two-portland-housing-projects-get-votes-to-move-forward-maine-infrastructure/97-30445e3f-e36b-49ef-be98-618f80e786ea |
PORTLAND, Maine — Dick Harrison's journey has an untraditional path that brought him to The County.
"I didn't come out until I was 27," he said. "I was living in Boston and then I moved to Van Buren. That was a culture shock."
As a gay man in a small rural town along the Canadian border, being out was not always easy.
"I would joke that I went back into the closet, but my door had louvers on it," Harrison said.
He knew there had to be others who felt the same way as he did, so he created the state's first LGBTQ+ organization Northern Lambda Nord in 1980. The group brought people together for social gatherings from small communities across the state and even over the border.
It did not take long to find they needed a way to better connect, leading them to create Maine's only gay-lesbian phone line.
"It was important for people living there at the time who just felt isolated. And if they found out that the group was around, they could go to a meeting, they could call the phone line, they could get support," Harrison said.
The original answering machine from that line is now a piece of history in the state's largest LGBTQ+ collection at the University of Southern Maine.
"They raised the money both to have a phone line and create an answering machine to allow people to connect, to get in touch with them, to ask them questions, to just have somebody else to talk to," Susie Bock, the coordinator of the collection, said.
Just years after it started, the AIDS crisis hit the state. The hotline quickly became a lifeline.
"It then became the AIDS hotline for the state," Bock said. "This wasn't a group in Portland who was setting up the AIDS hotline for the state, this social group up in Caribou, up in northern Maine, and I think that's a remarkable fact."
AIDS started to take hold of the gay community across the country and in rural Maine. With little information coming from the federal government, it was up to grassroots organizations to take the lead.
"One of the first deaths in Maine was a man from Caribou," Harrison said. "It was scary at first, because you didn't know what was going on."
David Simpson knows that fear all too well.
"I've known hundreds of people that have died," he said.
Simpson cared for many people in their final days at the Frannie Peabody House in Portland. The house was started by 80-year-old Frances Peabody who lost her grandson to AIDS.
"Many people didn't have family," Simpson said. "It gave them a place to come and pass."
He eventually contracted the virus himself, but survived. He is now living undetectable.
"I was afraid because back then, you were going to die. Back then, it was a death sentence," Simpson said.
Frannie Peabody is now operating as Maine's prominent HIV-Aids Organization. According to the CDC, there are still around 1,700 people living with HIV.
"The state of Maine has one of the highest viral load suppression rates of any state in the country," Katie Rutherford, the executive director of the Frannie Peabody Center, said.
Rutherford said that is thanks to decades of work and progress across the state, ensuring care is available.
Now a test for HIV can be taken with simple kits that are mailed to homes. It is an easier and less intrusive way for people to get the help they need.
The organization is no longer focused on hospice care and instead provides housing support, access to health care, and mental health resources.
"And because of that access people are living healthy with HIV, they have undetectable viral loads, so they can't transmit the virus," Rutherford said. "That's really the goal."
As for Dick Harrison, he looks back on his role helping to provide support to the LGBTQ+ with pride.
Over the years he and so many others saved lives and changed how gay people are perceived.
"Once people realize that they know gay people, it makes a difference. You put a face in front of it. It's not just some abstract idea. It's not something you see on TV. It's your neighbors and your relatives," Harrison said.
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-a-gay-hotline-started-in-aroostook-county-became-a-lifeline-lgbtq-community-history/97-6a71e10c-2f26-46b4-aba0-668e7a5466c6 | 2023-06-16T01:03:13 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/lgbtq/maine-pride-a-gay-hotline-started-in-aroostook-county-became-a-lifeline-lgbtq-community-history/97-6a71e10c-2f26-46b4-aba0-668e7a5466c6 |
SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — When South Portland's new middle school opens this fall, it will mark a major transition for nearly 1,000 students and teachers who are coming together under one roof.
The city currently has two middle schools: Memorial Middle School and Mahoney Middle School. Memorial Middle School is being demolished, and the city has not yet announced plans for what it will do with Mahoney Middle School.
Grades five through eight will attend the new school. Previously, grade five students were part of the elementary schools.
The new unified middle school will be a "community school," according to Principal Rebecca Stern, who has served as Memorial Middle School's principal for five years. She said the district is partnering with other community organizations to bring services to the school, connect service organizations outside of school with families, and to also provide wraparound support for families.
"Their kids can really focus on learning while they're here," Stern said.
On each floor, locker colors match the paint of the hallways and floor tiles as a method of color-coding, so no one gets lost. The building is not as sprawling as either Memorial or Mahoney; instead, the plan was to build vertically.
The goal was to design a sustainable school. It uses geothermal energy to heat and cool the school. It has solar panels on the roof and sides of the building to generate electricity, but some also hang over the windows to create shade. The roof also has drains to collect rainwater into cisterns that irrigate the athletic fields.
"It's geared for 21st-century learning. It's focused on sustainability. It's one of the best opportunities any superintendent has," South Portland School Department Superintendent Tim Matheney said.
For teachers, it's bittersweet. Kate Porter has been teaching language arts and social studies at Memorial Middle School for the past 19 years. Her 20th year will be in the new school.
"I think it's going to be a harder transition for adults than it is the kids," Porter said. "It's hard to let go, but new beginnings are always great, too."
The benefit to students softens the blow to teachers like Porter. The new space will also include a central hub for student counseling, where providers can collaborate and bring all the services to one location, instead of telling families to drive across town to another school for the help they need.
"It isn't just about their math and their science and their, you know, their core subject. It's looking at the whole child and how to help that whole child learn," mental health provider Ben Tierney-Trevor said, who worked at both middle schools.
Architect Mike Johanning with WBRC said the new school will also have 40 single-use, non-gendered bathrooms for student privacy. He said they designed the building to be able to expand vertically without disrupting learning.
Porter said the physical limitations of Memorial, such as HVAC issues and a sometimes leaky roof, cannot overshadow the friends and memories she has made in her career.
"It was our home, so we were proud of it no matter what," Porter said. "We all realize that it was the people, and the people are all coming with us and we'll always have those memories, and the kids are coming with us and they're really excited about it. It's a new beginning in South Portland."
The school is set to open this fall and will include many physical reminders of Mahoney and Memorial, including repurposing Memorial's gym floor into an art installation. It will be one of three professional installations.
And to pair with the new school, the students have chosen a new mascot: the sharks. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/south-portland/moving-to-new-middle-school-bittersweet-for-south-portland-teachers/97-c580a325-18b9-4d01-91ad-7746493939b6 | 2023-06-16T01:03:19 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/south-portland/moving-to-new-middle-school-bittersweet-for-south-portland-teachers/97-c580a325-18b9-4d01-91ad-7746493939b6 |
SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. — The Western Tent caterpillar population has recently exploded on Guemes Island, with some residents even saying they're shoveling the insects off driveways and walkways.
The caterpillar, which gets its name from a dense tent-like web that larvae live and feed inside, has one generation each year. The caterpillars emerge for four to six weeks between mid-May and June to search for a place to pupate, according to Washington State University's (WSU) website on tree fruits and orchard pest management.
Western Tent caterpillars spend the winter as eggs and emerge as larvae sometime between March and June. The caterpillars cocoon themselves between June and July, then emerge as a reddish brown moth between July and August, according to WSU.
During outbreaks, swarms of moths can be common, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The moths lay eggs on live branches of a host tree.
The caterpillar is more of a nuisance than a damaging pest, according to the USDA. Tree hosts include alder, cottonwood, crabapple, fruit trees, oak, poplar, and willow, among other species that may be more popular with the caterpillar depending on the region.
Larvae are known to strip the leaves of their host trees if allowed to develop, according to WSU. Successive years with stripped leaves can be damaging to some tree species, potentially leading to reduced production in fruit trees, and even tree death in some extreme cases, according to the USDA.
While Western Tent caterpillars are not known to be severely damaging to trees, infestations are typically allowed to run their course, however, several chemical and biological insecticides are used for population control amid outbreaks, according to the USDA. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/what-to-know-caterpillars-guemes-island/281-585fd268-069b-46f9-997c-ef1cb20897e4 | 2023-06-16T01:05:07 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/what-to-know-caterpillars-guemes-island/281-585fd268-069b-46f9-997c-ef1cb20897e4 |
BREAKING NEWS
Police search for second suspect after 1 hurt in downtown Phoenix shooting
Perry Vandell
Arizona Republic
Phoenix police and Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers were searching near a downtown Phoenix neighborhood after a Thursday shooting left one man critically injured.
Sgt. Brian Bower, a Phoenix police spokesman, said law enforcement responded to the area of Fifth Avenue and Culver Street at around 1:38 p.m. Police detained a suspect but closed off the area until a K-9 unit was available to conduct a more thorough search. Authorities asked residents to lock their doors and remain inside as the search continued.
The injured man, who was not identified, was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
Additional information was not immediately available as of Thursday afternoon. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2023/06/15/phoenix-police-search-downtown-after-1-hurt-in-shooting/70328203007/ | 2023-06-16T01:11:05 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2023/06/15/phoenix-police-search-downtown-after-1-hurt-in-shooting/70328203007/ |
Man arrested in connection to Phoenix stabbing in May
A man was arrested Friday after Phoenix police say he fatally stabbed a man for sleeping with his wife, according to court documents.
Seferino Carrillo, 47, was arrested in the fatal stabbing of 36-year-old Luis Montoya, after Carrillo admitted it was him in the surveillance footage obtained by authorities during the investigation of the stabbing. according to documents.
On May 11, at around 6:39 a.m. officers responded to the area of North 35th and West Glendale Avenues on reports of a body found in the alley with face trauma. Officers reported the victim, identified as Montoya, was unresponsive and lying on the ground.
He was later pronounced dead by responding Phoenix fire personnel. He had an injury to the right side of his face as well as two additional wounds to his back, court documents state.
An independent investigation conducted by the Office of the Medical Examiner ruled Montoya's death a homicide due to multiple stab wounds.
Investigators obtained surveillance footage from the area, which showed Carrillo walking through the alley at 4:29 a.m.
According to court documents, Carrillo went east through the alley and around a chain link fence before approaching Montoya, who was asleep, and began stabbing him.
Following the attack, Carrillo hopped the fence and left the alley out of camera view, according to court documents.
Through interviews with witnesses, investigators were able to identify Carrillo through photos matched with the surveillance video as well as the apartment he lived in.
One witness said that he was present during the incident and knew Carrillo as "OG." The witness said once Carrillo stabbed Montoya and jumped the fence, he turned back and said "that is what he gets" for sleeping with his wife, according to documents.
On June 9, police served a search warrant at Carrillo's apartment, and later arrested him. Investigators spoke with both Carrillo and his wife, with both admitting it was him on the surveillance video, according to court documents.
Court documents state that Carrillo declined to provide any further statements when questioned about the homicide.
Carrillo was booked into jail on $1 million bond and faces one count of premeditated first-degree murder. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/06/15/man-arrested-connection-may-phoenix-stabbing/70327370007/ | 2023-06-16T01:11:11 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/06/15/man-arrested-connection-may-phoenix-stabbing/70327370007/ |
Salt River woman sentenced to 15 years in prison after child dies of fentanyl overdose
A resident of the Salt River-Pima Maricopa Indian Community was sentenced to 15 years in prison after her son died by overdosing on fentanyl on Monday.
Sarah Caitlin Burnette, 23, pled guilty to the voluntary manslaughter of her 18-month-old baby son and endangerment of her three-year-old son.
According to the plea agreement submitted to the court, Burnette bought multiple fentanyl pills for personal use on Feb. 23, 2021. The next day, Burnette and her two sons checked into a hotel room in the Salt River-Pima Maricopa Community.
“During my four-day stay, I smoked the fentanyl pills in the hotel room, while both of my sons were in the room. I also lost track of some of the fentanyl pills, and left drug paraphernalia with fentanyl residue lying around within my sons’ reach,” Burnette said in the plea agreement.
Drug deal turned deadly:Man arrested after bus stop drug deal ends in 2 dead, 1 hurt
Court records show that on Feb. 27, 2021, Burnette woke up to find that her baby had died of acute fentanyl toxicity after consuming the drug. About eight months later in October, Burnette was charged with both murder and child abuse charges.
“In sum, I smoked fentanyl to the point of passing out, and left both of my sons unattended with fentanyl, after which one of my sons ingested some fentanyl, and died of a fentanyl overdose,” Burnette said in the plea agreement.
Although Burnette's 18-month-old boy died from the overdose, the condition of her three-year-old son is unknown as of the writing of this article.
Records show that Burnette had previously overdosed on fentanyl in August 2020, having been taken to an emergency room where she survived.
According to the Department of Justice, the Salt River Police Department and FBI conducted a joint investigation into this case. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/scottsdale/2023/06/15/woman-sentenced-after-child-dies-of-fentanyl/70326940007/ | 2023-06-16T01:11:17 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/scottsdale/2023/06/15/woman-sentenced-after-child-dies-of-fentanyl/70326940007/ |
GARDEN CITY — The debate over growth and its merits continues in Garden City, and this time, it's in reference to one of Idaho's oldest golf courses.
The River Club, a golf course on 6515 W State St., was recently sold to the Lincoln Property Company, which filed an application with Garden City for a redesign of residences at the club in December. The development would be on 22 acres of land, building 750 apartments and townhouses along State Street. The plan would require a golf course remodel, rerouting some holes and adding new cart paths.
On May 20, the Garden City Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the approval of the application to the city council. The council met and discussed the project for six hours on Monday night.
"This project is a game changer for this city," previous owner of the Lincoln Property Company Will Gustafson said. "It's bigger than the self interest of a handful of disgruntled and fearful neighbors. The city will never have an opportunity like this ever again."
But not everyone sees the potential development as a good thing. Most residents against the development specifically have issues with the growth and lifestyle change the new housing would create.
David Patterson labeled the project as “evil” during public comments. Patterson referenced Judas Iscariot from the new testament, telling the council "this is your 30 pieces of silver."
"It's going to be $30,700 a year that you're going to make tax wise," Patterson said. "This is evil, to put that kind of project into one of the nicest subdivisions you have in this town.”
Patterson voiced concerns about the new irrigation the development would introduce, and if the new systems would cause flooding in his yard.
Many residents have been aware of and against the development for several months.
"I first became involved in the opposition to this proposed development because I was astonished at the audacity and hubris of the proposal," Debra Riedel said, reading Ronald Bush's remarks during public comment.
Bush specifically takes issue with the number and size of proposed buildings and the population increase the housing units would bring to Garden City, resulting in an "astonishing number of cars and trucks, noise traffic overcrowding, and other greatly negative impacts on the existing neighborhoods, single-family home environment."
People against the proposal, Bush said, are "good people" who are rallying to "defend their homes and their way of life." Density is at the center of the development, Bush said.
“It all seems backward to build extremely dense housing next to single-family neighborhoods, exacerbate population growth problems and greatly diminish, and in some instances, effectively destroy the quality of life of our existing citizens,” Riedel said, reading Bush's remarks.
The complaint about density among many residents, is that it will result in overcrowding, affecting commutes, schools and recreation in Garden City.
“I can safely assert that everyone in this room, if I were to ask you, 'would you give up your backyard and put an apartment building there instead of your backyard or your front view?' I don't think anyone in the room would say 'yeah, sign me up,'” Schmellick said. ”Are we doing to our neighbors and friends something that we wouldn't want to do for ourselves?”
The view of the golf course is exactly why Schmellick lives on Fair Oaks Place, and now, this development could take that away.
Before the council meeting on Monday began, Gustafson predicted there would be "theatrical" personal attacks from people who are "afraid of change, afraid of the future and afraid this amazing project will somehow disrupt their lives." He assured the council that the claims of procedural and technical misconduct are based on nothing more than "gut feelings" or gossip.
"It is clearly smoke and mirrors, is meant to distract you from seeing the incredible benefits this project will bring to the entire Garden City community," Gustafson said.
Not everyone is opposed to the change.
“Change is inevitable, as is this development,” Jerome Schofield said. “Garden City has shown that they can have sensible and high-quality development across the river, and I believe this will be another gem for the city.”
Garden City Council is expected to discuss the development further and potentially make a decision on June 26.
Emily White is a reporter for the Idaho Press. She covers Boise and Ada County with an emphasis on education. Follow her on Twitter @EmilyWhite177 and email her at ewhite@idahopress.com
Emily White is a reporter for the Idaho Press. She is a graduate from Utah State University and holds degrees in journalism and English. Previously, White worked as a reporter and content manager at the Utah Statesman. In her free time, she can be found baking or watching a good movie. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/evil-development-will-face-garden-city-council-decision-in-two-weeks/article_8606a192-0b08-11ee-9ec2-cf5b0e472dad.html | 2023-06-16T01:17:30 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/evil-development-will-face-garden-city-council-decision-in-two-weeks/article_8606a192-0b08-11ee-9ec2-cf5b0e472dad.html |
Meridian Chief of Police Tracy Basterrechea speaks with members of the media after a groundbreaking event for a new Meridian Police/Fire Department precinct, Tuesday, June 21, 2022.
Members of the Meridian City Council, city budget analysts and department heads met Thursday to discuss and workshop the city’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2024. Department heads, including both the police and fire chiefs, presented their requests in an effort to hire new staff and purchase capital.
Meridian Police Department Chief Tracy Basterrechea requested approximately $1.9 million to go toward new equipment and officers.
Basterrechea said about $15,000 would go toward an internet cloud storage system. He stated it would be mainly used in cases of internet crimes against children so the department wouldn’t have to rely on physical storage systems that could be misplaced or get out into the public.
The police department would put $129,850 toward community service officer trucks, $429,080 toward four new patrol vehicles, $42,000 toward a police training lieutenant vehicle and just under $1.1 million for six officers and three vehicles.
Basterrechea said the four patrol vehicles would help bring up the officer-to-vehicle ratio that went down last year after the department made a push to increase its school resource officerpresence at West Ada’s elementary schools. He said the department’s focus is to increase patrol presence as the city continues to experience an influx of growth.
Also as part of the request, $16,000 would go toward a new drone to document critical incidents or serious accidents. The department also asked for $20,000 to purchase speed signs that would capture the speed and noise level of cars passing by. Basterrechea said this data would be used to determine which areas needed additional patrol presence. This was met with jokes by councilmembers about putting the signs on Eagle Road.
Finally, $81,443 would go toward hiring an additional records clerk to help process public records requests. Basterrechea said MPD receives more public records requests than all other city departments combined.
Meridian Fire Department Chief Kris Blume had one request in his presentation: $2.5 millionfor two new fire trucks.
Blume said the new engines will replace two of MFD’s engines that are timing out. One is already over its recommended use time and the other is going to be in two years. Blume said by adding both engines this year, the department hoped to have one of its engines as part of a “reserve fleet” in case they have a vehicle break down. Blume said currently the department doesn’t have any extra vehicles if that situation were to occur.
The price tag on the engines caused some city council members to balk. But Division Chief of Logistics Justin Winkler explained that the large number largely came due to increased costs from the manufacturer. He said the cost also factored in a $593,200 operating cost that would go toward fitting the truck with all its equipment, such as fire hoses.
Winkler said the department is trying to make each truck “turnkey” so firefighters don’t have to strip the equipment off of trucks when they transfer vehicles because the process of striping and reloading onto another truck can take an hour.
Sydney Kidd covers Kuna, Melba and Meridian for the Idaho Press. She is the supervising editor of the Kuna Melba News and Meridian Press. Send her an email at skidd@idahopress.com and follow her on Twitter @Syd__Kidd.
Sydney Kidd oversees and reports for the Kuna Melba News and Meridian Press weeklies, in addition to her reporting and editing duties for the Idaho Press. She is a graduate of Utah State University and holds a degree in journalism. Previously, Kidd completed internships with Boise Weekly and Deseret News. A true Boise girl, she is happy to be working for a newspaper that serves the area she grew up in. In her free time, Kidd enjoys water and snow sports, discovering new food joints with her husband and occasionally running away to the ocean. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/police-fire-make-requests-at-meridian-budget-workshop/article_65cec30a-0bcb-11ee-a92c-e383b57eb202.html | 2023-06-16T01:17:36 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/police-fire-make-requests-at-meridian-budget-workshop/article_65cec30a-0bcb-11ee-a92c-e383b57eb202.html |
A heavy thunderstorm caused flooding late Thursday afternoon along some streets in Casper and throughout Natrona County.
Multiple intersections were impassable as of 4:30 p.m., the Casper Police Department reported. And there's a potential for additional closures as the storm continues.
Among the flooded streets were:
- Poplar and Ash;
- Poplar and Collins;
- several areas of CY Avenue from Wyoming Blvd west to Valley Drive;
- East C St and Lincoln; and
- the North McKinley Street underpass.
If possible, it's best to avoid underpasses around Casper while the storm is occurring because they are more susceptible to collecting extra rainfall, said city of Casper spokeswoman Rachel Bouzis.
"Just be cautious, and be smart," Bouzis said.
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The Natrona County Fire Protection District also reported flooding on Interstate 25. A live-streamed photograph of the interstate confirmed some mild flooding on the roads.
The National Weather Service in Riverton issued a flood advisory until 6 p.m. City and small stream flooding is expected.
Casper Mountain, Mills, Evansville, Bar Nunn, Red Butte, Paradise Valley and Bessemer Bend are also likely to experience flooding.
Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas is expected, and some low-water crossings may become impassable.
"Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads," the warning said. "Most flood deaths occur in vehicles." | https://trib.com/news/local/weather/streets-flood-in-casper-as-storm-drops-heavy-rain/article_9ea50c70-0bc6-11ee-a20c-ab9e12bc9b23.html | 2023-06-16T01:18:22 | 1 | https://trib.com/news/local/weather/streets-flood-in-casper-as-storm-drops-heavy-rain/article_9ea50c70-0bc6-11ee-a20c-ab9e12bc9b23.html |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A man suspected in a domestic assault and kidnapping incident on June 3 was arrested in Salem on several weapon- and drug-related charges Wednesday afternoon, officials say.
Salem police say 40-year-old Todd Willard Mabe was found with a gun, meth and drug paraphernalia when he was arrested, and faces the following 11 charges:
- Menacing, two counts
- Unlawful use of a weapon, two counts
- Unlawful use of a motor vehicle
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Unlawful possession of a firearm
- Burglary, first-degree
- Unlawful possession of methamphetamine
- Unlawful delivery of methamphetamine, attempted
- Unlawful delivery of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school
Mabe also faces charges for an outstanding Oregon State Parole Board warrant, officials say.
Detectives spotted Mabe walking to a car in a Salem neighborhood. When they tried to contact him, officers say he ran away and showed a gun while passing neighbors.
Police say they saw Mabe run through another neighbor’s home and head into the backyard to jump over a fence. However, a K9 team tracked the suspect and found him hiding in another backyard.
Mabe was brought to a hospital for a dog bite from the K9, and was eventually lodged in Marion County Jail.
Stay with KOIN 6 as this story develops. | https://www.koin.com/local/marion-county/police-man-accused-of-domestic-assault-kidnapping-arrested-after-attempt-to-flee/ | 2023-06-16T01:19:00 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/marion-county/police-man-accused-of-domestic-assault-kidnapping-arrested-after-attempt-to-flee/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A Washington County jury found a 57-year-old man guilty of 12 counts of child sex abuse in a case that began in April 2022.
On June 6, Jose Natividad Calderon-Chavez was found guilty of two counts of first-degree unlawful sexual penetration and ten counts of first-degree sexual abuse. The minimum sentence for these convictions is 25 years in prison.
According to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, the victim confided in a loved one that Calderon-Chavez has sexually abused her multiple times, and that loved one contacted authorities.
The DA’s office says it “commends the victim for her bravery in reporting this abuse and for participating in the trying court process.”
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 16.
Stay with KOIN 6 as this story develops. | https://www.koin.com/local/washington-county/57-year-old-man-found-guilty-of-12-counts-of-child-sex-abuse/ | 2023-06-16T01:19:06 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/washington-county/57-year-old-man-found-guilty-of-12-counts-of-child-sex-abuse/ |
WASHINGTON — Longtime Congressman Mike Doyle was honored prior to the annual congressional baseball game on Wednesday night.
Doyle was inducted into the Congressional Baseball Hall of Fame during a ceremony prior to the first pitch.
During his 13 years as a player, he was named MVP twice.
As a manager, Doyle finished with a 10-4 record, making him one of the winningest managers in congressional baseball history.
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Bill Dolan
Times Correspondent
HAMMOND — A Crown Point man is pleading guilty to a federal charge he defrauded insurance companies.
Marlon Underwood appeared Thursday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge John E. Martin to admit he stole money from one East Coast insurance firm.
A federal grand jury indicted the 49-year-old criminal defendant two years ago on allegations he tricked insurance companies into paying him for insurance policies he sold to Northwest Indiana residents.
Federal prosecutors allege Underwood wasn’t licensed to sell insurance in Indiana, but did anyway by working with a licensed insurance agent who isn’t named in the terms of Underwood’s plea agreement.
The government accuses Underwood of visiting and calling area residents to gather enough information to submit insurance policy applications to insurance firms, including one in Maryland.
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The government alleges that while some of the applications were legitimate, Underwood also submitted applications for customers who never authorized him to do so.
The government alleges Underwood exploited insurance firms who paid insurance agents cash commissions even before receiving premium payments from policyholders.
Underwood had previously pleaded not guilty to federal fraud and identify theft charges and was scheduled to stand trial next month.
Riding Shotgun with Merrillville Police Officer Amanda Earley
Underwood gave up his constitutional right to a jury trial under an agreement negotiated between his defense attorney, Darnail Lyles of Gary, and the U.S. Attorney, in return for leniency at sentencing.
Under the terms of his plea agreement, Underwood admits he went to the East Chicago home of a senior couple in September 2018 and talked them into applying for an insurance policy.
The government alleges Underwood used the couple’s information to illegally apply for an additional policy months later with a different insurance firm without the couple’s knowledge or consent.
The government alleges Underwood received an $842 commission through his misrepresentation.
The U.S. Attorney has agreed to recommend Underwood receive a more lenient sentence and has dropped two charges against him of mail fraud and aggravated identify theft.
The federal magistrate is recommending Chief Judge Jon DeGuilio accept Underwood guilty plea as voluntary and that he understands the rights he is giving up in exchange for the deal.
Underwood’s sentencing is now set to take place Sept. 27.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail
Matthew Roggenkamp
Age : 22
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305148
Arrest Date: May 31, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - STRANGULATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ruben Vega III
Age : 36
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305181
Arrest Date: June 1, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jordan Picotte
Age : 29
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305144
Arrest Date: May 31, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - MODERATE BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Rakeem Pippins
Age : 27
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305141
Arrest Date: May 31, 2023
Arresting Agency: Other
Offense Description: ROBBERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Victor Odgen
Age : 26
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305151
Arrest Date: May 31, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - MODERATE BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Matthew Moses
Age : 48
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305154
Arrest Date: May 31, 2023
Arresting Agency: Other
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Thomas Murray
Age : 34
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305164
Arrest Date: May 31, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Kurt Gonzalez II
Age : 32
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305146
Arrest Date: May 31, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: ROBBERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Anthony Green
Age : 41
Residence: Cedar Lake, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305160
Arrest Date: May 31, 2023
Arresting Agency: Cedar Lake Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Robert Hollis
Age : 67
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305169
Arrest Date: June 1, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake Station Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Johnny Jones
Age : 50
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305170
Arrest Date: June 1, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: STRANGULATION; DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
2305170
Kenny Flagg Jr.
Age : 19
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305179
Arrest Date: June 1, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Howard Geib Jr.
Age : 52
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305165
Arrest Date: May 31, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT; UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY OF A MOTOR VEHICLE; POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Keith Cales
Age : 41
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305153
Arrest Date: May 31, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Daniel Dillman
Age : 26
Residence: Lowell, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305175
Arrest Date: June 1, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Robert Allison
Age : 48
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305142
Arrest Date: May 31, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: HOMICIDE - VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Lavonya Banks
Age : 44
Residence: Harvey, IL
Booking Number(s): 2305163
Arrest Date: May 31, 2023
Arresting Agency: Other
Offense Description: FRAUD - FORGERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jacob Pritt
Age : 35
Residence: Hebron, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305296
Arrest Date: June 3, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: HEALTH- POSSESS HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Joshua Pritt
Age : 40
Residence: Hebron, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305295
Arrest Date: June 3, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Danny Serrano Jr.
Age : 40
Residence: Whiting, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305282
Arrest Date: June 3, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Michael Valdez
Age : 46
Residence: Dyer, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305319
Arrest Date: June 4, 2023
Arresting Agency: Dyer Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Mary Powers
Age : 36
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305289
Arrest Date: June 3, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG; THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Bryan Oparka
Age : 49
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305308
Arrest Date: June 3, 2023
Arresting Agency: Crown Point Police Department
Offense Description: FRAUD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Vishad Patel
Age : 34
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305305
Arrest Date: June 3, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Latrice McNeil
Age : 36
Residence: Chicago Heights, IL
Booking Number(s): 2305301
Arrest Date: June 3, 2023
Arresting Agency: Highland Police Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Edwin Negron
Age : 50
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305285
Arrest Date: June 3, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Oscar Martinez Ocampo
Age : 33
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305290
Arrest Date: June 3, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Devonte Gipson
Age : 30
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2305283
Arrest Date: June 3, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Bryne Manns
Age : 34
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305287
Arrest Date: June 3, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Edgar Martinez
Age : 33
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305315
Arrest Date: June 4, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Martin Cruz Jr.
Age : 53
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305304
Arrest Date: June 3, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Bianca Dominguez
Age : 33
Residence: Munster, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305311
Arrest Date: June 3, 2023
Arresting Agency: Munster Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Anthony Combs Jr.
Age : 36
Residence: Lafayette, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305297
Arrest Date: June 3, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Cachun Combs Jr.
Age : 45
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305288
Arrest Date: June 3, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: WEAPON - POSSESSION - FIREARM - BY A FELON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Dameka Ali
Age : 32
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305299
Arrest Date: June 3, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
William Alms
Age : 28
Residence: Whiting, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305316
Arrest Date: June 4, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jesse Argandona
Age : 21
Residence: Whiting, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305314
Arrest Date: June 4, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ryan Vaughn
Age : 29
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305221
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OPERATE VEHICLE AFTER BEING HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Allan Triplett
Age : 34
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305217
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: FAMILY OFFENSE- INVASION OF PRIVACY; BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
David Roper
Age : 22
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305193
Arrest Date: June 1, 2023
Arresting Agency: LCCS
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Louwon Scott
Age : 22
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305218
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Lamont Murdaugh
Age : 23
Residence: Schererville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305228
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY; BATTERY - SIMPLE - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Delvin Perkins
Age : 28
Residence: South Holland, IL
Booking Number(s): 2305223
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Timothy Pettis
Age : 28
Residence: Kentland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305211
Arrest Date: June 1, 2023
Arresting Agency: St. John Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESS LEGEND DRUG OR PRECURSOR
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Matthew Midkiff
Age : 39
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305190
Arrest Date: June 1, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG; POSSESS LEGEND DRUG OR PRECURSOR
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Christopher Lanman
Age : 21
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305196
Arrest Date: June 1, 2023
Arresting Agency: Merrillville Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Christopher Hedges
Age : 44
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305197
Arrest Date: June 1, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Misti Harbison
Age : 39
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305188
Arrest Date: June 1, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Kenneth Babiarz
Age : 23
Residence: Chicago Heights, IL
Booking Number(s): 2305201
Arrest Date: June 1, 2023
Arresting Agency: Munster Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Shawntina Beatty
Age : 30
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305191
Arrest Date: June 1, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Timothy Brown
Age : 45
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305214
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake Station Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Marcos Gutierrez
Age : 39
Residence: Whiting, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305219
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Shannon Alelunas
Age : 44
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305225
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Gabriel Washington
Age : 39
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305271
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: FAMILY OFFENSE- NEGLECT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Keorra Wilson
Age : 24
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305270
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - DECEPTION - IDENTITY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jesus Salas Jr.
Age : 42
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305235
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Clarence Sistrunk
Age : 33
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2305257
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Richard Vinet Jr.
Age : 46
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305249
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: N/A
Offense Description: FAIL TO COMPLY A FINAL ORDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Sadat Wade
Age : 47
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305261
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: LCCC
Offense Description: ROBBERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Lavell Nylon
Age : 19
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2305231
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Whiting Police Department
Offense Description: ROBBERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
David Pitts
Age : 48
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305245
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Robert Moore
Age : 29
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305259
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: FALSE REPORTING - REPORT, CRIME, OR COMPLAINT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Asia Munford-Winters
Age : 28
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305266
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: FRAUD - FORGERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
George Lowe Jr.
Age : 60
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305274
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Michael Malkowski
Age : 37
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305233
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Raul Mendoza
Age : 50
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305267
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: OPERATE VEHICLE AFTER BEING HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Carlos Larrea
Age : 25
Residence: Whiting, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305263
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: LCCC
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jessica Hegwood
Age : 32
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305272
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: FAMILY OFFENSE- NEGLECT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jerome Kusbel
Age : 68
Residence: Schererville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305269
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Llewain Hardin
Age : 41
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2305265
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Keith Gardenhire
Age : 46
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305246
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Yancey Gray
Age : 54
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305247
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Lorenzo Crooks
Age : 50
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305277
Arrest Date: June 3, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Marko Duric
Age : 36
Residence: Park Ridge, IL
Booking Number(s): 2305281
Arrest Date: June 3, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Carlos Castillo
Age : 26
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304984
Arrest Date: May 26, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Brandon Cramer
Age : 39
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305264
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hobart Police Department
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT DEFENDANT USES A VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Brayan Benavides Acevedo
Age : 22
Residence: Berwyn, IL
Booking Number(s): 2305258
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: ROBBERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Erica Brooks
Age : 37
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305232
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Daniel Castaneda Jr.
Age : 33
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305239
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Cordaryl Bell
Age : 35
Residence: Sauk Village, IL
Booking Number(s): 2305250
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - FORGERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
William Barnes
Age : 75
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2305237
Arrest Date: June 2, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
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Get local news delivered to your inbox! | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/bogus-insurance-agent-pleads-guilty-to-fraud/article_e71b4132-0bbb-11ee-94c6-6f2474e8739e.html | 2023-06-16T01:24:30 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/bogus-insurance-agent-pleads-guilty-to-fraud/article_e71b4132-0bbb-11ee-94c6-6f2474e8739e.html |
MERRILLVILLE — Officials who inspected the Hickory Ridge Lake Apartments discovered numerous flaws Tuesday that have rendered the building uninhabitable for the near future, according to a news release Thursday from the Town of Merrillville.
In addition to structural concerns, Merrillville Fire Marshal Robert Pillman cited mold in occupied and unoccupied units, electrical hazards, inaccessible fire extinguishers, missing or inoperable smoke detectors, inoperable fire alarms and a large accumulation of trash.
Two of the buildings in the 5600 block of Hayes Street were evacuated June 7, leaving 12 families displaced.
Signs posted Tuesday by the health department deem the buildings "uninhabitable" and must be evacuated within 10 days of the posting. The signs have since been taken down. The Town of Merrillville previously posted signs prohibiting occupancy and warning of possible fines if inhabitants choose to stay in the area.
George O'Donnell, environmental sanitarian with the Lake County Health Department, said he was at Tuesday's inspection. He said the health department discovered a high volume of mold and trash in the apartments, requiring him to post the signs on the door. The health department subsequently received an influx of calls asking if the agency was evicting the tenants. The department has no plans to evict any of the tenants, nor do they have the power to do so.
"The health department's Number 1 goal is to make sure it gets cleaned up," O'Donnell said. "All we're trying to do is make sure mold, garbage and high grass is taken care of."
The property is set to be purchased by another company that has offered to provide crews to clean the units as an act of good faith. The signs have been removed while the company cleans.
"The [potential] new owner called us Wednesday and said, 'We want to get in there and work'," he said.
In an assessment by the fire marshal in March, Pillman found "many of the same safety issues" that are in the most recent report. However, the inspection focused on common areas in the apartment complex.
A lack of cooperation from on-site property management made it unfeasible to inspect vacant units at the complex in March, according to the release. Pillman will re-inspect the site in 30 days to determine whether the building meets compliance with fire codes.
It is unclear how the Hickory Ridge Lake Apartments became derelict. Former property owners at Friedman Communities have not responded to multiple requests for comment.
Minnie Sabati, who has lived at Hickory Ridge for 4½ years, said she had no issues with the apartments until she started smelling mold in the complex about two years ago. It's become a huge issue during the past year, so she said she contacted the health department and the Town of Merrillville for help.
The health department took her name and phone number but did not follow up on her call, she said, and the town told her there wasn't much they could do because the company is privately owned. She has tried to reach out to the management company but has not had much success.
After last week's incident, she is packing her things and moving out: "It's very frustrating and time consuming to be on the phone all the time and just be given the runaround."
Within the past six months, trash pickup hasn't been consistent, Sabati said. Weeks would go by without trash being picked up.
"We're paying for services we're not receiving," she said.
Antiqua Austin, chief of staff for Ross Township Trustee Eric Blackmon, said his office will offer assistance to any of the families who were displaced by the evacuation. The office has collaborated with Bayshore Properties to offer living arrangements and discounted rates for the residents. More information is available on the Town of Merrillville's Facebook page. Anyone who is interested in donating to help affected residents can visit rosstownshipin.org.
"This is what we've pulled together in collaboration with Bayshore," Austin said. "Anything we can do, we're on it." | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/government-politics/numerous-hazards-prompt-evacuation-order-at-hickory-ridge-lake-apartments-in-merrillville/article_3288977c-0bb3-11ee-8a28-f3abc0f6280e.html | 2023-06-16T01:24:36 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/government-politics/numerous-hazards-prompt-evacuation-order-at-hickory-ridge-lake-apartments-in-merrillville/article_3288977c-0bb3-11ee-8a28-f3abc0f6280e.html |
STARKE, Fla. — A public health advisory has been issued for Ben T. Davis Beach due to high bacterial levels, the Hillsborough County Health Department said in a news release Thursday.
Samples taken showed high levels of enterococci bacteria at Ben T. Davis Beach off the Courtney Campbell Causeway. The advisory serves as a notice to beachgoers and swimming is not recommended. A re-sampling will take place next week.
"An advisory is issued when the beach action value is 70.5 or higher," health leaders explain in a release. "This is set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County has been conducting coastal beach water quality monitoring at nine sites once every two weeks since August 2000, and weekly since August 5, 2002, through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program."
Those interested in learning more can visit the Florida Department of Health's Beach Water Quality website. To review the beach water sampling results for reporting counties, click on the county name. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/ben-t-davis-health-advisory/67-c090765c-8b3f-4144-8a5d-9c966e053539 | 2023-06-16T01:28:51 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/ben-t-davis-health-advisory/67-c090765c-8b3f-4144-8a5d-9c966e053539 |
HOLMES BEACH, Fla. — A controversial bill to allow the construction of a multi-story parking deck on county land in the city of Holmes Beach heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis' desk.
House Bill 947 would override existing city ordinances prohibiting parking decks within city limits. Manatee County leaders plan to build the parking garage for beach access at the end of State Road 64.
The bill would also allow them to do this without a permit from the city. The mayor of Holmes Beach wants citizens to speak out to help get Desantis to put the brakes on it and veto the bill.
"It's just picking on the city of Holmes Beach. The city of Bradenton Beach, they're not made to put in a parking garage neither is Anna Maria. It's really strange how this is a local bill and it's only affecting our city," Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said.
Florida Representative Will Robinson filed the bill as part of a fallout from a long-running feud between city leaders and county commissioners over the issue of limited parking spaces for beachgoers.
The city cut parking by nearly half from 2,400 to 1,300 due to citizen complaints and congestion.
"The county's answer to us on finally putting limits on what we could handle on our residential streets, their answer was to build a parking garage on their public beach," Titsworth said. "Instead of them coming with a plan to present to the commission on what they were looking at, they instead asked the state to craft a bill to give them what they want."
If the governor sides with Manatee County commissioners and signs the bill, the parking deck would be built in the current parking lot to access the Manatee Public Beach and would see a local signature cafe destroyed.
The deck would create around 1,500 parking spaces but many residents of Holmes Beach are hoping that the governor vetoes the bill.
Several citizens have been circulating petitions calling for a veto and one of the petitions has garnered nearly 6,000 signatures.
The mayor has called the move by the county and the potential of the bill being made law with the governor's signature a big government overstep.
"Decisions need to be made at the local government level," Titsworth said. "It's a true overreach. We are a city within a county and there should be some type of a relationship there.
"We know what's best for our community."
Manatee County commissioners were unavailable for comment due to a land use board meeting. Desantis has 15 days to either sign the bill into law or veto it. Holmes Beach's mayor said if he signs it into law, the city would likely challenge it in court. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/manateecounty/holmes-beach-parking-deck-bill-desantis/67-a9e81139-e544-4147-a215-9862d1d9bf76 | 2023-06-16T01:28:57 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/manateecounty/holmes-beach-parking-deck-bill-desantis/67-a9e81139-e544-4147-a215-9862d1d9bf76 |
DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla. – Construction crews are working toward rebuilding the seawall in Daytona Beach Shores near Sunglow Pier.
It’s a critical part of businesses getting back to where they were before Hurricane Ian hit, bringing heavy damage to the beach.
News 6 spoke with the operations manager of Crabby Joe’s, Alex Barchay, about the repairs that need to be made back in March.
“The seawall is probably our biggest hang-up because all of our utilities run through it,” Barchay said.
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The restaurant sits at the end of the pier and has been closed since the storm.
It’s a local favorite to many who live along the beach, including Bill and Juanita Lally.
“In the morning, we would just go up there have our breakfast and watch the dolphins,” Juanita Lally said.
The couple said they were at their condo on the beach when Ian hit.
They said they saw the damage, and since have watched crews rebuild the temporary seawall, and now the permanent seawall.
With construction underway, the Lallys are hopeful to see some of their favorite spots open again.
“We’re watching it grow. I mean it is coming back,” Juanita Lally said.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/15/seawall-repairs-begin-after-months-of-waiting-in-daytona-beach-shores/ | 2023-06-16T01:32:53 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/15/seawall-repairs-begin-after-months-of-waiting-in-daytona-beach-shores/ |
The College Board announced Thursday that it would refuse to take out certain topics from its AP courses to match with a recent education law in Florida.
After House Bill 1069 was signed into law in May, the Florida Department of Education asked the College Board to review its courses to make sure they adhered to the new state standards.
HB-1069 prevents concepts like “gender identity” and “sexual orientation” to be taught to students in school in grades pre-K - 8 unless the lessons deal with health or a reproductive health course.
It also restricts classes teaching those topics in grades 9 - 12 if the instruction isn’t “age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students.”
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As a result, FDOE told the College Board that it would have until June 16 to get back with the department about any changes that needed to be made.
The terms have come under fire in Florida schools as parents expressed concern about potentially inappropriate content being taught to children.
According to the American Psychological Association, “gender identity” refers to “a person’s deep felt, inherent sense of being a girl, woman, or female; a boy, a man, or male; a blend of male or female; (or another) gender.”
However, the term has become divisive, as some people believe that gender is wholly separate from sex, and others believe that gender is instead predicated on sex.
In a statement on June 15, College Board officials said that they would not modify any of their 40 courses, including art, history and psychology, to comply with Florida’s standards.
There has been no word from FDOE about whether the course will be banned in the upcoming 2023-2024 school year.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/16/college-board-refuses-to-remove-gender-identity-content-from-ap-courses-to-fit-florida-law/ | 2023-06-16T01:32:59 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/16/college-board-refuses-to-remove-gender-identity-content-from-ap-courses-to-fit-florida-law/ |
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The city of Portland is seeing a big addition to its mosquito population.
Psorophora ciliata can be nearly an inch long when stretched out, said Portland Public Works Director Ken Banks.
"It's one that we haven't seen in this area before," he said.
Although their size can be startling, Banks said they're not believed to be carriers of disease.
Banks said that Portland's vector team didn't find any evidence of the psorophora ciliata at all last year.
"It's a very noticeable mosquito for its sheer size," he said.
The species is known to grow up to three times the size of a typical mosquito, with Banks saying that the insects are roughly the size of a quarter.
They're described as floodwater mosquitoes, due to their ability to thrive in standing water.
"Farm, fields and ditches -- and that's where these mosquitos are hatching out," he said.
This is the first year this type of mosquito has been seen in the city of Portland. Banks said that due to its rarity, his department is reporting the species to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
"It puts San Patricio County on the map, so to speak, because that's the first sample that's been sent from the county," he said.
Corpus Christi Animal Care Services Program Manager Joel Skidmore said the variant of mosquito has not been captured in Corpus Christi.
"We haven't seen that specific one, which doesn't mean it is in our community, it just has not been captured in one of the traps that we submit the samples for," he said.
Since the species has been identified in Portland, Banks said residents should not be scared.
"They're a threatening mosquito just by their size, but in terms of their ability to spread diseases," he said. "They're really not effective to be able to do that."
Banks said that the large mosquitos can fly long distances.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
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Email tell3@kiiitv.com so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/unusually-large-species-of-mosquitos-seen-in-portland/503-83af0d3a-a35f-4a18-8d09-c654c21cd83e | 2023-06-16T01:37:34 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/unusually-large-species-of-mosquitos-seen-in-portland/503-83af0d3a-a35f-4a18-8d09-c654c21cd83e |
MOUNDVILLE, Ala. (WIAT) — A developer wants to build a three-story retail residential development in downtown Moundville. Lance Hocutt wants to build his proposed project near the intersection of Second Avenue and Market Street.
“So we are excited to have three different types of events there,” Hocutt said. “Retail and two bedrooms, more family type units and then a one bedroom.”
The proposed development, which is 35,000 square feet, includes a mixed-use retail and residential three-story building. It would feature two restaurants on the ground floor and a gym, plus residential apartments on the second and third floors.
“The second level is going to be two bedrooms, two baths, 10-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, nice granite counter tops,” Hocutt said. “This is something that Hale County has not seen, and we want to bring another piece to that as the third floor. It’s going to be unique, micro-efficiency units, if you want to call it that, where it’s a one-bedroom unit, a bathroom, a nice kitchen area.”
Moundville Mayor Tony Lester supports the project and hopes it will continue to bring growth to the city. The property where the development would be built is across the street from Big Mike’s Steakhouse that opened a few years ago.
“Well, I think it’s going to be nothing but positive,” Lester said. “We’ve got great people working with us and we’ve got good businesses already here and this is going to be another plus to draw people to the downtown area and to Moundville in general.”
Hocutt has already taken his project before the Moundville City Council and believes he has been given the green light. He said if all goes well, he would like to start construction in six months. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/developer-wants-to-build-3-story-retail-residential-development-in-moundville/ | 2023-06-16T01:37:40 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/developer-wants-to-build-3-story-retail-residential-development-in-moundville/ |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Disaster survivors demanded an apology from Gov. Gavin Newsom after allowing the leader of his cabinet to plug PG&E as a featured guest during a recent corporate event for the monopoly’s shareholders.
Newsom’s cabinet secretary Ann Patterson walked out on stage to applause at PG&E’s company-owned San Ramon conference center last month during the corporation’s 2023 Investor Day.
The appearance took place during a pending felony manslaughter case against PG&E for starting the 2020 Zogg Fire, which killed four people. The criminal charges were dropped in a civil settlement less than a week later.
“You know who’s padding whose pocket,” said Suzie Bewley, whose granddaughter and daughter-in-law were killed in the Zogg Fire. “How much more are they going to get away with? How many more lives will be lost until somebody puts a stop to it?”
The governor’s office and PG&E both declined to be interviewed for this story. Neither responded to our request for comment.
CAL FIRE also participated in the event, along with a state senator. Their comments appear below.
Under state public record laws, ABC10 requested Ann Patterson’s calendar entries for her meetings with PG&E officials in the month of May.
The governor’s office replied by saying it intends to keep those records secret. The legal reasons given for withholding the records are “mistaken” and “problematic,” according to David Loy, who serves as legal director for the California-based First Amendment Coalition.
PG&E A ‘GOOD PARTNER?’
For nearly 20 minutes, Patterson fielded friendly questions from senior PG&E executive vice president Carla Peterman.
“It's absolutely completely and utterly disgusting,” said Terry McBride, who has spent the last 8 years camping in a trailer with her daughter on the land where their home once stood.
The McBride home burned in the 2015 Butte Fire, which was started by PG&E’s power lines.
The damages owed to her were rolled into a PG&E bankruptcy deal brokered, blessed and bolstered by Newsom.
Some of the 70,000 fire survivors have yet to receive any money. Those who have, including McBride, have only been paid 60 percent of their claims.
“Not only does [Newsom] need to apologize, he needs to say, alright, we need to get this fixed,” said McBride.
On stage at the investor event, Patterson never mentioned the plight of the tens of thousands of disaster survivors. But she did repeatedly praise PG&E as “overall, just a good partner.”
Patterson exclaimed “it’s working” when asked about Newsom’s California Assembly Bill 1054 law, passed in 2019 in response to PG&E’s bankruptcy.
The law, which an ABC10 investigation revealed was drafted by PG&E’s longtime law firm at taxpayer expense, did pave the way for PG&E to exit the bankruptcy it declared.
Utilities got access to a new $21 billion state insurance fund, half of which is being paid for by customers. But the law left out the 70,000 survivors of the fires leading PG&E to file for bankruptcy.
Back in 2019, McBride testified in favor of AB 1054 at the state Capitol because she was led to believe the law’s passage would finally secure payment for her and her fellow survivors.
“You're not going to see any change from a governor and his cabinet that allowed all this to happen in the first place. It's not going to happen,” said McBride. “They have to admit they're wrong, and they will not.”
Newsom dodged repeated questions from ABC10 this year about PG&E’s fire survivors and whether he will do anything to help make them whole.
Newsom has shrugged off past questions about PG&E’s donation of $208,400 toward his 2018 gubernatorial campaign, saying that the money does not influence him.
CAL FIRE, STATE SENATOR ALSO PARTICIPATED
Patterson wasn’t the only state official to attend PG&E’s investor day event. The utility invited investors on a field trip to Napa County, complete with “optional lunch and winery tours.”
There, investors heard from guest speakers that included the CAL FIRE chief for Napa and state Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa.)
CAL FIRE’s participation raised eyebrows because the agency has been responsible for numerous arson investigations that found PG&E at fault for starting large, destructive fires.
Asked why the agency felt it was appropriate to participate in the utility’s investor event, CAL FIRE spokesperson Nick Schuler said “we strive to reach diverse audiences.”
He described the event as one of many forums CAL FIRE has used to educate the public about fire risk.
CAL FIRE Battalion chief JC Greenberg did ask superiors for permission to attend PG&E’s investor event, according to emails obtained by ABC10 under state public record laws.
In reply, regional unit chief Mike Marcucci told Greenberg he would check with officials in Sacramento for “any landmines,” but said Greenberg should plan to participate.
The agency said it did not mean to offend survivors of PG&E-caused fires.
“Our intent is to never disappoint the public we serve,” said Schuler, pointing to the fact that PG&E crews work inside active fire zones. “CAL FIRE will continue to prioritize collaboration with our emergency response cooperators.”
Sen. Dodd, who previously declined to comment on campaign funds he accepted from PG&E in the wake of the company’s 2016 felony convictions, portrayed his attendance as part of an ongoing effort to make PG&E safer.
“It’s critical that PG&E continue its investments in safety and wildfire prevention, and to accelerate those efforts,” said Dodd via email. “We’ve made strides, but we’re still not where we want to be.”
THE UNSPOKEN MESSAGE
The attendance of state officials at PG&E’s investor day contrasts with the company’s pattern of annually being investigated as the cause of major disasters.
PG&E has come under arson investigation for wildfires every year of Newsom’s administration: the 2019 Kincade Fire, the 2020 Zogg Fire, the 2021 Dixie Fire and the 2022 Mosquito Fire.
During Newsom’s first term, PG&E pleaded guilty to the deadliest homicide ever committed by a corporation in the United States: the 2018 Camp Fire.
A grand jury investigation found PG&E had made severe cuts to safety work that amounted to criminally reckless behavior. PG&E was convicted of felony reckless arson and 84 felony counts of involuntary manslaughter.
“How is it that a convicted criminal enterprise, that is just about the most unpopular entity in the state of California, how is it that they keep still getting what they want out of government,” asked Dave Rosenfeld, who leads the Solar Rights Alliance.
To him, it makes sense that PG&E executives hyped cabinet secretary Patterson as a “big deal” when she appeared on the company’s stage: It sends an unspoken message to investors who’ve been jarred by PG&E’s calamitous track record.
“By getting together in these kinds of intimate settings, they're signaling what's going on is ‘we're on the same side,’” said Rosenfeld.
He was also struck by the person asking Patterson the questions: PG&E executive vice president Carla Peterman. Peterman was one of PG&E’s appointed state regulators on the California Public Utilities Commission.
She served as a commissioner from 2013-2018 when PG&E caused the fires that drove it into bankruptcy.
“Follow the money, follow the lobbying, follow the revolving door,” Rosenfeld added.
Other advocates told ABC10 they didn’t hear anything especially problematic in Patterson’s remarks to PG&E’s investors, but still questioned the political wisdom of her participation.
“Ann [Patterson] should know better in terms of the optics,” said Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog.
Fire survivors are less concerned with optics than they are with getting paid and preventing future people from suffering in preventable fires started by the utility.
Instead, they see the state participating as PG&E announced plans to resume paying profits to investors in shareholder dividends anticipated later this year.
“What we're seeing now is that our government is working hand in hand with corporates,” said McBride. “It's all about profit.”
MORE ABC10 ORIGINALS INVESTIGATIONS: Serial squatters: Couple has lived rent-free for years, despite being evicted from more than 8 homes. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/abc10-originals/fire-power-money/newsom-advisor-plugs-pge-as-partner-during-shareholder-event/103-ba3fc8c1-2748-41fa-a5ae-291578398bfa | 2023-06-16T01:44:38 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/abc10-originals/fire-power-money/newsom-advisor-plugs-pge-as-partner-during-shareholder-event/103-ba3fc8c1-2748-41fa-a5ae-291578398bfa |
LOMA RICA, Calif. — A mandatory evacuation order is now in effect as a grass fire burns in Yuba County, according to the Yuba County Sheriff's Department.
Zone LOM-E087 and Zone LOM-E079 of Loma Rica are under evacuation and residents are being told to leave immediately. Loma Rica Road at Scott Grant Road and at Marysville Road is closed. Los Verjeles Road is closed at the Butte County Line.
Marysville Road is now open, but officials are asking people to avoid the area if possible and be cautious of emergency personnel.
There is a temporary evacuation location at Sycamore Ranch (5390 California Highway 20, Browns Valley). Any large animals can be taken to the Sheriff’s Posse Arena (5396 Marysville Road, Browns Valley).
EVACUATIONS: Keep up with the latest evacuations with Zonehaven HERE.
STAY INFORMED:
WILDFIRE PREPS
If you live in a wildfire-prone zone, Cal Fire suggests creating a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is an area around a building in which vegetation and other debris are completely cleared. At least 100 feet is recommended.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests assembling an emergency kit that has important documents, N95 respirator masks, and supplies to grab with you if you’re forced to leave at a moment’s notice. The agency also suggests signing up for local warning system notifications and knowing your community’s evacuation plans best to prepare yourself and your family in cases of wildfires.
Some counties use Nixle alerts to update residents on severe weather, wildfires, and other news. To sign up, visit www.nixle.com or text your zip code to 888777 to start receiving alerts.
PG&E customers can also subscribe to alerts via text, email, or phone call. If you're a PG&E customer, visit the Profile & Alerts section of your account to register. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/grass-fire-yuba-county/103-f71cc15c-9cd3-4f24-990e-831b63424f06 | 2023-06-16T01:44:44 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/grass-fire-yuba-county/103-f71cc15c-9cd3-4f24-990e-831b63424f06 |
CITRUS HEIGHTS, Calif. — The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a person who might have more information about how two kittens were paralyzed and had to be put down.
The person is not considered a suspect yet, but detectives would like to speak to them about a video they were in.
Kitten Crossing Rescue Inc. says two kittens were surrendered to them at different times with similar injuries and had come from similar areas of Citrus Heights.
"After evaluation of x-rays of the two kittens, it was surmised that their injuries were too serious for a healthy life," said the organization in a public service announcement. "The injuries were consistent with intentional trauma to the two kittens."
A video then surfaced of a young person with curly hair in a baseball cap with blue headphones around their neck dropping a kitten off on a person's porch. They rang the door bell and ran off.
Anyone with information about their identity or location can call detectives at (916) 874-5115. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento-deputies-animal-abuse-investigation/103-d8a61dbf-e407-4bf9-97e9-31066f432bb2 | 2023-06-16T01:44:50 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento-deputies-animal-abuse-investigation/103-d8a61dbf-e407-4bf9-97e9-31066f432bb2 |
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — A man accused of sexually assaulting two girls outside Lake Tahoe was arrested Tuesday after he was caught trying to drive off a cliff with one of his victims, according to the Washoe County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies first found 23-year-old Alexander Difoggio-Wasson after he crashed his car carrying a teenage passenger into a boulder and a tree on Mt. Rose Highway.
He tried to leave the scene and was arrested on charges related to a struggle with deputies, while his passenger was taken to a hospital for her injuries.
The sheriff's office says further investigation found Difoggio-Wasson allegedly raped his teenage passenger, and then tried to drive himself and his victim off a cliff to their deaths.
Detectives also suspect Difoggio-Wasson of sexually assaulting another person at his Incline Village home in December. He's also a person of interest in a Feb. 2023 date rape drug incident.
Difoggio-Wasson is charged with two counts of sexual assault, two counts of false imprisonment and one count of attempted murder. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/suspected-of-multiple-sexual-assaults-at-resorts-outside-lake-tahoe-arrested/103-fc1daba6-2754-47b0-9dc4-7777fea73ad5 | 2023-06-16T01:44:56 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/suspected-of-multiple-sexual-assaults-at-resorts-outside-lake-tahoe-arrested/103-fc1daba6-2754-47b0-9dc4-7777fea73ad5 |
PORTLAND, Ore. — On Thursday, the Supreme Court preserved a law that gives Native American families priority in adopting and fostering Native children.
The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was established in 1978 and aims to ensure Native children are not unnecessarily separated from their families and tribes.
Many tribal leaders say the ICWA preserves important cultural and familial traditions.
"I'm so relieved. I'm excited, I'm thrilled, and so I am definitely joining in celebration today with all of Indian Country today," said Loni Greninger, vice chair of the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe in Sequim, Washington.
Texas and several individual families challenged the law, claiming it was discriminatory and unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court ruled 7-2 and Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote in her majority opinion, "The issues are complicated... But the bottom line is that we reject all of petitioners’ challenges to the statute, some on the merits and others for lack of standing."
Many local leaders praised the decision including Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA).
"For decades, the Indian Child Welfare Act has kept Native children connected to their communities and their cultures — helping to right the wrongs our nation brutally inflicted on Native children for decades — and it has played a key role in keeping Native American families together," said Murray.
Greninger also noted the long and painful history many Natives have endured in the United States. She said that history plays into the emotion of this decision.
"It's upholding the breath of our future, it's upholding our nationhood, it's upholding our sovereignty, it's upholding our tribal families," Greninger said.
"The recognition of what happened then in 1978 is being recognized now." | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/supreme-court-decision-upholding-indian-child-welfare-act/283-03e7a258-706c-40e8-9ebe-3ead93d4264b | 2023-06-16T01:49:18 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/supreme-court-decision-upholding-indian-child-welfare-act/283-03e7a258-706c-40e8-9ebe-3ead93d4264b |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/uber-driver-shot-in-the-head-while-driving-passenger-in-philadelphia/3586714/ | 2023-06-16T01:50:47 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/uber-driver-shot-in-the-head-while-driving-passenger-in-philadelphia/3586714/ |
EMMETT, Idaho — Tucked in the shadow of Freezeout Hill, an ambiguous Border Collie mix remains the top customer at Tyler's Rocky Point Orchard to kick off the 88th annual Emmett Cherry Festival.
"We're still about 10 days behind, maybe a week, on these Bing cherries," Owner Scott Tyler said. “And Odie [the dog] he's eaten the not so ripe cherries.”
The Emmett Cherry Festival is the oldest running festival in the state, according to the Gem County Chamber of Commerce. The festival has always been on the second full week of June, according to the chamber's executive director.
"It would be a little bit, I think, more in line with the crop being ripe if the Cherry Festival were we're about a week later,” Tyler said.
Ideally, the festival relies entirely on local orchards. It's been their focus since the 1930's, turning to out-of-state cherries only when necessary.
However, providing the full pallet of produce on time as proved to be increasingly difficult, according to Tyler. Storms and freezing weather can wipe months of hard work right off his tree branches. Simultaneously, the farmers are also stuck waiting at the whims of bee pollination patterns.
The festival has had to ship in cherries to make the festival possible in years past; a local supplier told KTVB the festival turned to California to make this year possible.
Tyler bought his orchard in the 1990's and has seen the industry change over the past few decades.
"More orchards became subdivisions, and even our first house that we lived in over here in our backyard there were fruit, old fruit trees," Tyler said. "Now, it's kind of a more of an agritourism kind of thing is what I guess you could call it. We do have a lot of people that are coming over here to recreate."
The chamber has looked at other options to move the festival date to align with more contemporary weather patterns; however, surrounding weekends have been booked by nearby towns and festivals ultimately limiting their options.
"There's just such a short window of opportunity to get them fresh. There is just nothing like them when you taste them right off the tree," Tyler said. "[The Emmett Cherry Festival] really, you know, kept that going - that tradition going."
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/local-emmett-cherry-festival-relies-on-local-produce-if-its-ripe-in-time/277-04a55268-229c-4ef0-911a-043b5c1885b5 | 2023-06-16T02:04:23 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/local-emmett-cherry-festival-relies-on-local-produce-if-its-ripe-in-time/277-04a55268-229c-4ef0-911a-043b5c1885b5 |
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP — Sophia Curtis only had to worry about one track and field event Thursday.
It was a welcome relief.
The Ocean City High School junior won the triple jump with a leap of 40 feet, 7.5 inches at the Meet of Champions. Adannia Agbo of Morris Hills jumped 39-3.75 to finish second.
Curtis usually competes in three or four events during a meet.
“This is awesome. I’m so excited,” Curtis said. “Triple jump, I finally put everything together.”
Curtis’ win highlighted an outstanding day by Press-area athletes during the meet at Franklin High School. Leah Howard of Millville won the Javelin. Fabian Gonzalez of Southern Regional took first in the discus.
The MOC is the culmination of the track and field season. Athletes qualified for the MOC based on their performances at last weekend’s state group championships.
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The MOC was scheduled for Wednesday but was postponed because of thunderstorms. The new day changed the plans of some athletes, including Curtis.
She competed in just the triple jump and skipped the 400 hurdles because she’s running the hurdles at the New Balance National Outdoor Championships at the University of Pennsylvania’s Franklin Field on Friday.
“It was a very tough decision because there’s a lot of great athletes I would have competed against today (in the 400 hurdles),” she said. “I thought about it and was like it will be the same type of competition at New Balance. I’d rather take the triple jump today and then focus on the 400 hurdles ( Friday).”
Her decision turned out to be the right one. Curtis surpassed 40 feet in the triple jump for the first time since the Penn Relays Carnival in April.
Curtis usually spends track meets squeezing in her triple jump attempts between races. She made the most of Thursday’s slower pace.
“It was great. It was amazing,” she said. “I was like, ‘Oh my God, I can think of everything just triple-jump related.’ I put my mind on the pit, and that was it.”
*********
Leah Howard was in a hurry Thursday.
She threw 159-4 and then passed on her final three attempts to race back to Millville for graduation. Tyaja Thomas of Paramus Catholic finished second with a throw of 139-1.
Howard dominated New Jersey javelin competitions this spring. In addition to the MOC, she won the state and South Jersey Group IV championships, the Cape-Atlantic League and Cumberland County titles and the Woodbury Relays.
*******
Fabian Gonzalez threw not only for a championship but also his legacy Thursday.
The Southern Regional senior won the discus and finished second in the shot put.
“I’ve been working for this all year,” he said. “I’m so glad to go out on top. It's a great feeling to cap off my career with another (MOC) championship. I think I cemented my name among the greats of high school throwers.”
Gonzalez first finished second in the shot put with a put of 63-11. Joshua Huisman of Sr. Rose won with a put of 64-7.75. Mike Simeon of Egg Harbor Township finished eighth with a put of 54-7.
“I threw a great throw for myself,” Gonzalez said. “Josh is a great guy, a great competitor. I was happy for him. I knew I had the discus to focus on. I couldn’t dwell (on the shot put).”
Gonzalez threw 193-7 to win the discus. Benjamin Shue was second with a throw of 190-7. Gonzalez also won the discus at the 2021 MOC during his sophomore season.
Thursday’s winning throw came on his second attempt.
“It would have been nice to build on it,” he said. “But I got the job done. I can’t complain.”
Gonzalez will continue his track and field career at Stanford University. He finishes his outdoor track and field career with two MOC championships, five state Group IV titles and five South Jersey Group IV championships.
Few Southern athletes have accomplished more in their high school careers.
“I’m just grateful to be able to represent such a great program,” Gonzalez said. “All my coaches, all my teammates, they’re just great people. I’m really proud of myself for what I’ve been able to do as a Southern Ram. I’m not done yet. High school is over, but I still have college and whatever is after that ahead of me. Hopefully, I can keep building my legacy.”
*****
Mawali Osunniyi had no regrets after the high jump.
The Mainland Regional athlete tied his personal best with a leap of 6-8 and finished tied for second with Jamille Gantt of Paulsboro. Damarion Potts of South Brunswick cleared 6-10 to finish first. Isaiah Davenport jumped 6-4 and finished eighth.
“I knew it was really going to be a dogfight with all the best jumpers in the state,” Osunniyi said. “My mindset was win or go home, but I’m really happy with what I did today. Second-place is not bad.”
Osunniyi nearly cleared 6-10 on his first attempt. The bar wobbled and finally fell off.
“I’m getting closer and closer to 6-10,” he said. “I felt so good (on his first attempt). I don’t know what hit the bar. I think it was the back of my heel. But I’m happy to take second.”
In other events, the Pleasantville foursome of Isaiah Davenport, Yusuf Golden, Jermain Nelson and Xander Roberts-Bogin ran 3:18.27 to finish third in the 4x400 relay.
Roberts-Bogin finished third in the 400 in 48.23.
Ahmad Fogg (46-11) and Jamil Wilkins (45-5..75), both of Egg Harbor Township, were fourth and eighth, respectively, in the triple jump.
Maeve Smith of Ocean City ran 5:03.78 to finish seventh in the 1,600 run.
Hannah Ross of Absegami finished sixth in the 400 dash in 56.66.
Emma Crozier-Carole of Mainland jumped 17-10 to finish eighth in the long jump. She also cleared 5-4 to finish eighth in the high jump. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/curtis-gonzalez-howard-win-titles-at-track-meet-of-champions/article_b408db98-0bab-11ee-b347-cfd211030b33.html | 2023-06-16T02:06:42 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/curtis-gonzalez-howard-win-titles-at-track-meet-of-champions/article_b408db98-0bab-11ee-b347-cfd211030b33.html |
The Ocean City Nor’easters were held to a 0-0 tie by host Real Central New Jersey on Wednesday at Rider University in Lawrenceville.
The tie put the Nor’easters at 5-0-2 midway through the regular season. Ocean City tops the United Soccer Leagues League Two Mid-Atlantic Division with 17 points. The tie put Real Central New Jersey at 2-3-2 for eight points and third place in the division.
The Nor’easters extended their regular season unbeaten streak to 22 games. O.C.’s last regular season loss was on July 9, 2021. The draw also increased Ocean City’s regular season road unbeaten streak to 19 games. The Nor’easters’ last regular season road defeat was on June 19, 2019.
O.C. goalie Stefano Camerlengo recorded his third shutout of the season. Lukas Burns, a Nor’easters player last year, earned the shutout for RCNJ.
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Ocean City’s next game is at 5 p.m. Wednesday against Philadelphia Lone Star FC at Bartram High School in Philadelphia. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/noreasters-tie-real-central-nj-0-0/article_6e75abd4-0bc8-11ee-8386-5794b96196bc.html | 2023-06-16T02:06:49 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/noreasters-tie-real-central-nj-0-0/article_6e75abd4-0bc8-11ee-8386-5794b96196bc.html |
COLORADO CITY, Texas — Clint Dunn has been mourning the loss of his daughter, Hailey Dunn, since 2010. But now he is using what happened to him to try and make a difference in the lives of others in the form of legislation.
"13 years later, 12.5 years later, and they're still finding evidence and they're still having to process things," said Dunn.
Hailey went missing in 2010, and almost 3 years later her body was found in a lake. Shawn Adkins, the boyfriend of Hailey's mother, was arrested and charged for her murder in 2021. Right now, he awaits trial.
"The attorney general's office said that they are still receiving data, and that's why they need the delay because they're still finding discovery materials," said Christine Salzer, founder of Moms on a Mission. "That's an issue."
Dunn is trying to make a change, so that what happened to him and his family doesn't happen again.
"I think, without a doubt, that if this legislation was in place at that police department then things would have went way differently and an arrest would have been made over a decade ago," said Dunn.
Dunn is trying to pass a bill in memory of his daughter called "Hailey's Act," which focuses on police accountability
"Police departments haven't been held accountable for whenever they mess up, and having transparency with parents and families of missing people and murdered people, there's just no transparency," said Dunn.
Their goal is to improve police forces and add new rules and regulatory bodies.
"The mistakes that happen in cases like this, we see that repeated," said Salzer. "The ultimate goal is to make them better officers. You know, what we do can sound like it's critical or like we want to beat them down, and that's not it at all. What we want to do is to make sure they have the proper support that they need."
At this time, Clint Dunn has just drafted a bill himself and he is looking for lawmakers to help co-write the bill with him. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/hailey-dunns-father-looks-to-pass-legislation-in-memory-of-his-daughter/513-0c03b9cf-5925-44ff-9154-68c9a8fb71d0 | 2023-06-16T02:11:03 | 0 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/hailey-dunns-father-looks-to-pass-legislation-in-memory-of-his-daughter/513-0c03b9cf-5925-44ff-9154-68c9a8fb71d0 |
ORLANDO, Fla. — More storms are expected in Central Florida Thursday night.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The storms are moving in from the north were in Marion County and Flagler County, Channel 9 Certified Chief Meteorologist Tom Terry said.
READ: Tropical wave off coast of Africa now at 30% chance of forming next 7 days
Though the storms are probably not going to be severe, Terry said they will bring heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds over 40 MPH that are expected through midnight.
The line of storms will weaken but still bring occasional heavy rain and lightning through metro Orlando after midnight, Terry said.
Read: Hurricane season: Are you ready? Survey says many Floridians are not
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/more-storms-moving-into-central-florida-tonight/R5SWBKO3BJG5TFDYNRVGWH7L4M/ | 2023-06-16T02:12:30 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/more-storms-moving-into-central-florida-tonight/R5SWBKO3BJG5TFDYNRVGWH7L4M/ |
PERRYTON, Texas — A tornado ripped through the Texas Panhandle town of Perryton on Thursday, killing one person, injuring dozens more and causing widespread damage as another in a series of fierce storms carved its way through the South.
The National Weather Service in Amarillo confirmed that a tornado hit the area Thursday afternoon. But there was no immediate word on its size, meteorologist Luigi Meccariello said. “There are still reports of ongoing rescues,” he said.
Perryton Fire Chief Paul Dutcher told ABC 7 that a person was killed in a mobile home park that took a “direct hit” from a tornado. Dutcher said at least 30 trailers were damaged or destroyed. At 6 p.m., firefighters were rescuing people from the rubble.
First responders from surrounding areas and from Oklahoma descended on the town.
Storm chaser Brian Emfinger told Fox Weather that he watched the twister move through a mobile home park, mangling trailers and uprooting trees.
“I had seen the tornado do some pretty serious destruction to the industrial part of town,” he said. “Unfortunately, just west of there, there is just mobile home, after mobile home, after mobile home that is completely destroyed. There is significant damage.”
Nearly 50,000 customers were without electricity in Texas and Oklahoma, according to the poweroutage.us website.
Ochiltree General Hospital in Perryton on Facebook said “Walking/wounded please go to the clinic. All others to the hospital ER.”
The hospital also said an American Red Cross shelter had been set up at the Ochiltree County Expo Center.
Chris Samples of local radio station KXDJ-FM said that according to hospital officials at least 100 people went to the emergency room. The station was running on auxiliary power.
“The whole city is out of power,” he said.
By evening, the weather front was moving southeast across Oklahoma. The weather service said a second round of storms would continue to move through that state and parts of Texas through the evening while the risk of severe weather, including tornados, remained for the metropolitan Oklahoma City area. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/perryton-texas-tornado-deadly-dozens-injured-panhandle/287-906ba969-b739-494a-be58-0aa7e41cd302 | 2023-06-16T02:19:45 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/perryton-texas-tornado-deadly-dozens-injured-panhandle/287-906ba969-b739-494a-be58-0aa7e41cd302 |
(NewsNation/WJHL) — An AMBER alert issued two years ago to find Summer Wells remains active.
Despite the nationwide attention over her disappearance, there are still no answers as to what happened to the little girl.
The most significant recent development came Wednesday when an age-progressed image was released showing what Summer could look like at seven years old. She was five when she disappeared.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says there are no new details they can publicly release.
As law enforcement searches for answers, Summer’s father is also searching for answers of his own.
He spoke with News Nation and News Channel 11 about his daughter’s case.
“I’m just having to put my faith completely in God and know that he has a better plan. And, that’s pretty much where I’m at,” Wells said. “My wife is still struggling.”
A lot has changed for the Wells family over the last two years.
“[People on] social media have come out, you know, and protested at my job everywhere we go. So it’s hard for us to get any work or anything in eastern Tennessee,” Wells said.
Wells says he and his wife Candus have been in Arkansas on and off for the last few months, where he’s been working in construction. He also says they have been working with the Department of Children’s Services there to get their three older sons back.
Their sons have been in Tennessee DCS custody since the month after Summer was reported missing.
“I think [our sons are] scared of our house because of what happened and that’s one of the issues, Wells said. “We would like to buy another house here in Arkansas.”
The house he’s referring to on Ben Hill Road is where his daughter went missing from.
“We couldn’t understand what happened to Summer. The police couldn’t understand. And they were questioning us. There were times they were hard on us and other times they weren’t. Just depending on, you know, what police agency was there at the time or whatever. You know, so emotionally, it was very bad.”
Two years later, he and Candus have no clues as to where Summer is.
“We try to bounce things off of each other all the time. We might have talks about some of the drug activity that was going on at the time and was going on right after her disappearance for quite a while,” Wells said. “But yeah, there’s nothing new.”
He says the family stays in touch with law enforcement through their private investigators.
“About two months ago they talked to our private investigators, and the FBI did and they shared what they could work with,” he said “They’re just trying to come up with any new information or leads that they possibly could. And so far we just haven’t been able to come up with anything.”
As two years pass with no new information publicly released, Wells says the emotional toll is weighing on the family, especially Candus.
“She’s been burnt by so many people. They want to supposedly interview her or help and stuff and then basically turn on her in every imaginable way,” he said. “She’s been hurt deeply by these kind of things…plus the thought of we lost our daughter and our boys are in custody also with the [Child Protective Services].”
He says they haven’t been able to talk to their sons.
“At first we were allowed to talk to them and everything but what we haven’t been able to talk to them for about six months. No contact or anything like that,” Wells said. “And that’s all we want to do, is be able to tell them that we love them and we’re rooting for them and we’re working on things to get them back anything we can do.”
Hope is hard to hold on to after all this time but Don says he’s clinging to faith.
“Whatever the outcome is, I have hope in God. And one day, either sooner or later, I will be with my daughter again,” he said.
News Channel 11 reached out to the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office, the TBI, the FBI, and the Wells family’s private investigators. They all declined an interview but the TBI did answer some questions by email. Those answers however don’t bring us any closer to knowing what happened to Summer. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/summer-wells-tn/summer-wells-father-speaks-out-on-two-year-anniversary-of-daughters-disappearance/ | 2023-06-16T02:21:46 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/summer-wells-tn/summer-wells-father-speaks-out-on-two-year-anniversary-of-daughters-disappearance/ |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — It has been two years since a Hawkins County child was last seen at her home in the Beech Creek community.
Summer Wells was reported missing two years ago today from her home on Ben Hill Road. There’s been an active AMBER Alert and investigation into her disappearance ever since
There is no more of a clue as to where Summer is than what investigators had two years ago.
News Channel 11 reached out to the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office for an interview about this case but never heard back from Sheriff Ronnie Lawson or the other investigators that were reached out to.
The FBI and the Wells family’s private investigators declined interviews.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation declined an interview but did answer a few questions via email.
Are you still getting leads? If so, how many?
TBI: We are still receiving leads, although very few.
What are those tips like now in comparison to when Summer was first reported missing?
TBI: Most of the tips consist of theories or speculation circulating on social media.
At what point will this become a cold case?
TBI: As long as agents and detectives have leads to follow, the case will not be classified as cold.
Does the AMBER Alert continue to create any sort of urgency this far out?
TBI: The AMBER Alert is used to get the public’s attention and assistance and is intended to locate a missing child quickly. But in this case, there have been no credible leads. The AMBER Alert for Summer will remain active until she is found or we determine what happened to her.
Any comment on the unofficial age-progressed photo that is circulating online?
TBI: We encourage the public only to share official age-progressed photos released by law enforcement and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Age progression can be requested through NCMEC after a child has been missing for two or more years. Age progression is done by a forensic artist.
Anyone with information regarding Summer Wells’ whereabouts is urged to call 1-800-TBI-FIND. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/summer-wells-tn/tbi-answers-questions-on-two-year-anniversary-of-summer-wells-disappearance/ | 2023-06-16T02:21:52 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/summer-wells-tn/tbi-answers-questions-on-two-year-anniversary-of-summer-wells-disappearance/ |
DALLAS — After nearly 900 days of bargaining, the Dallas News Guild has concluded their negotiations with Dallas Morning News executives and approved a new three-year contract.
The contract guarantees minimum salaries for guild members, who are Dallas Morning News employees, and a yearly pay increase.
"This historic and progressive contract ensures every corner of our newsroom will be adequately compensated for our revelatory content," Dallas News Guild Unit Chair Maggie Prosser said in a statement. "And we’re thrilled our members will have the security to give our readers quality journalism for years to come."
Guild members, who work at the Dallas Morning News and Al Dia Dallas, passed the collective bargaining agreement 122-0, with 99% of guild members voting.
The contract also gives guild members better protections against layoffs as well as better severance packages for about 130 Dallas Morning News journalists.
"Our mission now is to keep our Guild united and strong," Prosser added in the statement. "We welcome anyone who wants to contribute."
Of the 130-plus union members, the membership includes reporters, data journalists, columnists, copy editors, librarians, audio producers, web producers, photographers, videographers and page designers.
The Dallas News Guild was first formed in October 2021 after eligible newsroom workers voted to form a union with a margin of more than 75%.
This is the first major newspaper newsroom in Texas to unionize. The union is part of NewsGuild-Communication Workers of America, a newspaper journalist-founded labor union which was first founded in 1933.
WFAA has reached out to Dallas Morning News executives for comment but has not received a statement as of Thursday afternoon. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/dallas-news-guild-collective-bargaining-agreement/287-8a98f32f-7936-4756-8fdb-3af7ae17f520 | 2023-06-16T02:22:18 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/dallas-news-guild-collective-bargaining-agreement/287-8a98f32f-7936-4756-8fdb-3af7ae17f520 |
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