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ORLANDO, Fla. – A man was arrested after police said he broke into an Orlando home and attacked the people inside with branch cutters early Thursday.
Officers said they responded to the home invasion as it was happening around 2 a.m. on Mallard Pond Court. The suspect, later identified as Lyndell Demps, had entered through the back patio, according to the department.
When Demps was confronted by the homeowner, police said he took a pair of branch cutters and began striking the victim in the head. Demps then entered the home, attacking more adults inside, before stealing their cellphones and money and fleeing the scene, according to officers.
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Detectives said they then noticed Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies talking with the suspect later that day and were able to link his clothing and belongings to the robbery.
Demps faces multiple charges for attempted murder, home invasion robbery and three counts of kidnapping, in addition to several other felonies.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/16/man-accused-of-breaking-into-orlando-home-attacking-people-inside-with-branch-cutters/ | 2023-06-16T19:50:45 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/16/man-accused-of-breaking-into-orlando-home-attacking-people-inside-with-branch-cutters/ |
MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Marion County deputies are asking for information in the shooting earlier this month of a 17-year-old found dead in a wooded area.
Lezarius “Lee” Graham’s body was found on June 7 in the 2100 block of NW 43rd St. in Ocala. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is asking for anyone with information on his whereabouts and who he may have been with before his death.
According to deputies, Graham was likely killed on June 6 near the area he was found.
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A suspected shooter has not been identified.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-7867 and reference 23-33.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/16/marion-county-deputies-seek-info-after-teen-found-shot-to-death-in-wooded-area/ | 2023-06-16T19:50:51 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/16/marion-county-deputies-seek-info-after-teen-found-shot-to-death-in-wooded-area/ |
VIERA, Fla. – In his first weeks as Brevard County’s superintendent, Dr. Mark Rendell, who was most recently the principal of Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School, is addressing another summer the district is challenged to fill vacancies.
Along with teachers, Brevard Public Schools said it’s looking to hire 90 bus drivers this summer.
“If we can’t get the kids to school on time, then they’re not going to learn,” Rendell said. “So we’re actually going to increase compensation to the bus drivers quite substantially. We’re going to announce that next week and that should help us attract drivers.”
Last year, bus driver Mark Rainey said drivers were quitting because of poor behavior.
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Dr. Rendell said the student discipline conversation will continue into next year.
On addressing his critics who point out Rendell left Indian River County as its superintendent when his contract wasn’t renewed, Rendell said he’s focusing now on improving this school district.
“We’ll go to work and the results should take care of themselves,” the superintendent said. “And we’re going to treat everybody with respect. We’re going to work hard. We’re going to focus on student achievement. My job as the superintendent is to get everybody focused on the classroom.”
A tradition for the Brevard superintendent, Rendell said he’s looking forward to greeting teachers and students on their first day when school resumes in August.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/16/new-brevard-county-superintendent-addresses-filling-vacancies-improving-school-district/ | 2023-06-16T19:50:57 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/16/new-brevard-county-superintendent-addresses-filling-vacancies-improving-school-district/ |
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Dekari Castell, who in 2017 admitted he fatally struck his 5-month-old daughter to quiet her during Hurricane Irma, was sentenced to decades in prison earlier this month in Orange County court.
According to Castell’s arrest affidavit, the girl — who was named Kali — was located unresponsive by her mother on Sept. 13, 2017, in an Orlando home where she and Castell were taking shelter from the storm. Kali’s mother called 911 and fire officials instructed her to perform ultimately unsuccessful CPR.
Kali was placed on life support at Arnold Palmer Hospital and was pronounced dead the next morning, the affidavit shows.
Following Kali’s arrival at the hospital, pediatric care staff alerted the Orlando Police Department, which in conjunction with the Florida Department of Children and Families learned that Castell’s son had been hospitalized a year prior when only weeks old due to a leg fracture. At the time, authorities did not have probable cause to recommend child abuse charges against Castell, who said that the boy had begun to slip from his grasp and was caught by the leg.
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A officer suspecting Kali may have been a victim of child abuse urged Castell’s mother to have him provide a truthful statement. While he denied at the hospital that Kali had been dropped, Castell’s tone changed in a phone call after his mother became involved, now telling police that Kali, too, had slipped from his grasp, this time hitting the floor. However, police said that this was another lie.
After an autopsy found that Kali’s skull was fractured in a way indicating a possible strike, Orlando police questioned Castell again, this time hearing him say, “I didn’t squeeze her head but I punched it” as he explained he was highly stressed due to being without power in the hurricane and how his daughter wouldn’t stop crying.
Castell even replicated his actions, striking a table twice with his hand, and he was placed under arrest to face a charge of aggravated child abuse.
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Castell, now 27, has since pleaded nolo contendere to a count of second-degree murder, and was sentenced June 5 to 35 years in prison followed by five years of supervised probation, court records show.
He was allowed a total of five years and 255 days as credit for time served.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/16/orange-county-father-who-fatally-hit-infant-daughter-sentenced-to-35-years-in-prison/ | 2023-06-16T19:51:03 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/16/orange-county-father-who-fatally-hit-infant-daughter-sentenced-to-35-years-in-prison/ |
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A Lake county woman was arrested Wednesday following reports that she had threatened and shot at her neighbors as they walked down the street outside her home.
Jeannie Clark, 42, faces charges for four counts of aggravated assault with a firearm and one count of discharging a firearm in a residential area.
An affidavit of probable cause shows that on June 7, four victims claimed they were walking down the street toward their homes when Clark came outside shouting obscenities at them and holding a firearm. The victims had continued their walk when they heard shots fired behind them, the affidavit continues.
Clark then allegedly told the victims they should hope the police got to them before she did, deputies said.
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This incident was reported by a witness that lived nearby.
Lake County Sheriff’s deputies arrived on scene around 11:15 p.m. and attempted to speak with Clark, but she refused to come to the door.
Then on June 12, deputies said they conducted a phone interview with Clark, who admitted she got in an argument with the victims as they were dealing drugs outside of her home. She also admitted to firing a gun, but claimed she was attempted to shoot a snake in her yard and that the shot was not directed at the victims, deputies added.
After the phone interview, the sheriff’s office said Clark reported that a .38 caliber revolver had been stolen from her home. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has not confirmed if this is the same gun that was used in the alleged shooting.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/16/woman-accused-of-threatening-neighbors-firing-weapon-in-lake-county-residential-area/ | 2023-06-16T19:51:09 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/16/woman-accused-of-threatening-neighbors-firing-weapon-in-lake-county-residential-area/ |
Atlantic Union Bank will be laying off 74 employees by the end of July, as part of a cost-cutting move that will also see it move people from two floors of a leased building into two other buildings.
Most of the layoffs will be in Richmond, where the statewide bank is headquartered.
The biggest impact is on the 15-person team that handles Atlantic Union’s indirect automobile loan business – the loans it makes to dealers that end up being what car buyers sign on to when arranging financing at a dealership. Most others are in support positions in various locations, no branches will be closed.
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“This is a transaction business; you may never really know that we’re the one your payments go to. But we’re about relationships with people and businesses; we want to be who you go to for all your loans,” said John Asbury, Atlantic Union chief executive.
The bank will still make car loans, but directly with buyers, he said.
The layoffs, and open jobs the bank will not fill to cut its positions by that 4%, are coming because the Richmond-based bank now expects high interest rates will slow revenue growth more than it had thought with last year’s projections, Asbury said.
“You don’t want expenses to grow more than revenue,” he said.
As 2022 wound down, Atlantic Union’s forecast for this year had been that its revenue would rise by about 4% to 6%.
But as the Federal Reserve kept raising interest rates this winter and spring, the bank now expects growth will be more in the 1% to 2% range, he said.
Central bankers, like the Federal Reserve, will boost interest rates when they see the economy growing fast and sparking inflation – and since the main reason that works is by discouraging borrowing, it can have an effect on banks’ revenue. Banks' revenue comprises net interest income – basically the difference between the money it makes from its loans minus the money it pays on its deposits – along with the various fees it collects.
Atlantic Union’s latest financial report showed its first quarter operating expenses rose by more than 2.5% from last year’s level, while salaries and benefits rose by nearly 4%.
But the layoffs and unfilled positions, along with consolidating office space in Richmond and savings on technology services contracts, will l reduce annual expenses by about $17 million.
That’ll keep growth in costs in line with growth in revenue, Asbury said.
He said Atlantic Union's deposits are holding steady and that the Virginia economy remains strong.
"We're cautiously optimistic," he said. | https://richmond.com/news/local/business/atlantic-union-bank-based-in-richmond-to-lay-off-74/article_bfad1f46-0c6d-11ee-85b4-9b581f229f71.html | 2023-06-16T19:56:37 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/business/atlantic-union-bank-based-in-richmond-to-lay-off-74/article_bfad1f46-0c6d-11ee-85b4-9b581f229f71.html |
Virginia State Police is investigating a single-vehicle crash that killed a motorcyclist in Goochland County Friday morning.
Police say that Troy Love, of Chesterfield County, was exiting from northbound Route 288 onto West Broad Street, just west of the Short Pump area, when his 2004 Harley-Davidson motorcycle left the road and struck a guardrail shortly before 6:15 a.m. Friday.
Love, 33, who police say was wearing a half-helmet, was ejected from the motorcycle and died of his injuries at the scene.
What you missed this week in notable Richmond crimes and court cases
This week's local crime and court updates from Richmond Times-Dispatch.
A 61-year-old Winston-Salem man is facing a murder charge after authorities said he assaulted his roommate at a Statesville adult living home.
Hash placed a 911 call that warned authorities they had 15 minutes to clear the school or "I will shoot one Mexican or Black child for every minute that will pass."
An investigation by Lee Enterprises and Type Investigations looked at how agencies have responded to calls for more accountability — including the use of cameras — after George Floyd's murder.
Amanda Brittani Mitchell is accused of causing the 2020 death of her 2-year-old daughter.
The lawsuit involved the shooting of an unarmed man who was undergoing a mental health crisis at his home.
A woman whose 4-year-old child died last year with a large amount of THC in his system was ordered Monday to serve 10 years in prison.
The father of a Spotsylvania County middle school student who brought a loaded gun to school last month has been charged with a misdemeanor offense.
Markus Maly is one of seven people from Western Virginia among the more than 1,000 charged so far. | https://richmond.com/news/local/virginia-state-police-motorcycle-crash-goochland-county/article_07e064ec-0c75-11ee-b505-5fb79be400ac.html | 2023-06-16T19:56:43 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/virginia-state-police-motorcycle-crash-goochland-county/article_07e064ec-0c75-11ee-b505-5fb79be400ac.html |
Summer in Tucson means a few things: hotter weather, the arrival of monsoon and an overall slowdown in business, traffic and events.
That slowdown isn't necessarily a slump, though. There are still dozens of events happening around town! Check out Juneteenth celebrations, a margarita competition, three free outdoor movies, wreath workshops amid blooming lavender, and lots more happening in the area.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest information before heading out!
Lavender Wreath Workshop
Lavender is officially blooming at the Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm in Oracle! Create a long-lasting lavender wreath during this workshop.
When: 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Thursday-Sunday, June 14-18
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Where: Life Under the Oaks Farm, 1221 N. Rancho Robles Road, Oracle
Cost: $45
Visit the event page for more information.
Chocolate Factory Tour
If you love "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" as much as our food writer Ellice Lueders does, this might be your dream come true. Take a tour of Monsoon Chocolate's factory to learn how the chocolate is made.
When: Various times and dates through June
Where: Monsoon Chocolate, 234 E. 22nd St.
Cost: $20
Visit the event page for more information.
Movies at Reid Park
Every other Friday beginning June 2 and ending July 28, catch a family-friendly movie in Reid Park thanks to Cox Communications. There will be pre-show entertainment including music, games and prizes. Food trucks will be onsite, too! The movie begins when the sun goes down.
When: 6 p.m. Fridays, June 16, June 30, July 14, July 28
Where: Demeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park, 800 S. Concert Place
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food trucks. Bring chairs or blankets!
Visit the event page for more information.
Midsummer Fairy Lights
Wander the paths of fantasy park Valley of the Moon under twinkling lights. You may see fairies or other mystical creatures along the way!
When: 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, June 16-17. Tickets are sold in 20-minute increments.
Where: Valley of the Moon, 2544 E. Allen Road
Cost: $7, free for kids ages 7 and under
Visit the event page for more information.
Monthly Tarot Salon
Metaphysical shop The Ninth House hosts informal tarot salons each month, allowing community members to practice their tarot reading skills. Bring a tarot or oracle deck — and a notebook and pen!
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, June 16
Where: The Ninth House, 2563 E. Fort Lowell Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
IBT's Pride Party
Fourth Avenue bar IBT's is hosting a pride party with a drag show featuring special guests from "RuPaul's Drag Race," India Ferrah and Tempest DuJour.
When: 9-11 p.m. Friday, June 16
Where: IBT's, 616 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $15. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Art Corner with BICAS
Get free access to recycled bike art parts, tools and other materials and get creative! Once you're finished, you can donate your creation to BICAS or give a suggested donation to the nonprofit, if you're able to. Check in at the front counter before heading to the art area.
When: 4-6 p.m. Fridays
Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested
Visit the event page for more information.
Chillin at the Chul
Tohono Chul's summer series Chillin at the Chul is back for another year! Check out music, spirits and bites. On Saturdays, Tohono Chul has partnered with Children's Museum Oro Valley to provide family-friendly nature play.
When: 5-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 2
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Trivia at the Short Rest Tavern
Fridays are for trivia at the Short Rest Tavern, a hidden bar tucked inside Tucson Mall's Tucson Games and Gadgets. This Friday's event is centered around the theme "Picard Day."
When: 7 p.m. Fridays
Where: Short Rest Tavern, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks. Tables are first come, first served.
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Juneteenth Festival
Head to this daylong Juneteenth celebration with live entertainment, a car show, food, job vendors, a kids zone and more.
When: 1-9 p.m. Saturday, June 17
Where: Kino Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Juneteenth Jam
Join Blax Friday, a database of Black-owned businesses in Arizona, for a night of live music at the Juneteenth Jam at Hotel Congress.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 17
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at the door
Visit the event page for more information.
World Margarita Championship
Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and Tucson Originals Restaurants are hosting the annual World Margarita Championship. Local chefs and restaurants will battle for the margarita champion title, with live judging and a people's choice award.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 17
Where: Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, 7000 N. Resort Dr.
Cost: $75. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Cool Summer Nights
Enjoy the sights of the Desert Museum at night — in cooler temperatures! Bring a flashlight to walk around and possibly spot a nocturnal animal, touch a stingray and check out themed activities.
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 26
Where: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road
Cost: $29.95 for adults, $19.95 for kids ages 3-12. $24.95 for Arizona residents.
Visit the event page for more information.
Summer Safari Nights
Enjoy the cooler nighttime temperatures at Reid Park Zoo's after-hours Summer Safari Nights. Each event will have different themed activities including keeper chats, animal encounters and live music.
When: 6-8 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 12
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court
Cost: $10.50 for adults, $6.50 for kids ages 2-14
Visit the event page for more information.
Movies in Marana
Outdoor movie screenings in Marana stretch all the way into the fall season. On June 17, catch a screening of "Zootopia."
When: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 17. The movie begins at sundown.
Where: Gladden Farms Community Park, 12205 N. Tangerine Farms Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food trucks. Bring chairs or blankets!
Visit the event page for more information.
Movies on the Lawn in Oro Valley
Oro Valley has a whole roster of movies being shown on the lawn of their rec center this summer, including "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile" on June 17.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 17
Where: Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center, 10555 N. La Cañada Dr.
Cost: Free to attend. Bring chairs or blankets!
Visit the event page for more information.
Makers Market at The Tuxon
Find more than 40 makers at this market created by Lilith & Daughters.
When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, June 17
Where: The Tuxon, 960 S. Freeway
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Skull Dome Workshop
Create your own one-of-a-kind pheasant skull dome with the help of curiosity shop The Heathenry.
When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, June 17
Where: The Heathenry, 657 W. St Marys Road
Cost: $80
Visit the event page for more information.
Family Saturdays with Watershed Management Group
Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays where you'll learn about reusing water around your home. Kids and teens can enjoy story time, song time and learning how to shape a worry stone.
When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, June 17
Where: Watershed Management Group, 1137 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Moon Market
Four of Wands is hosting a moon market, complete with astrology, palm readers, and bone and tarot readings. There will be $20 Zodiac-themed flash tattoos, vendors and a food truck.
When: 2-9 p.m. Saturday, June 17
Where: Four of Wands, 4349 E. Broadway
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Traditional O'odham Agriculture at Mission Garden
Attend this event to learn about Tohono O'odham agricultural practices, including demonstrations and talks about traditional crops like corn, beans and squash.
When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 17
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit the event page for more information.
Dinner at the Lavender Farm
June marks bloom season at the Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm in Oracle. Visit the farm on June 17 for a lavender-themed dinner with a menu that includes salad with lavender dressing, lavender roasted chicken and a strawberry lavender cupcake.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, June 17
Where: Life Under the Oaks Farm, 1221 N. Rancho Robles Road, Oracle
Cost: $65
Visit the event page for more information.
Desert Voices upcoming concert
Desert Voices, an LGBTQ+ chorus, is putting on a concert dubbed "Here's to Us! A Celebration of Friendship."
When: 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, June 17-18
Where: Pima Community College, 2202 W. Anklam Road
Cost: $20
Visit the event page for more information.
Kitten yoga with Barefoot Studio
Take this beginner's yoga class surrounded by kittens! Proceeds go to Southern Arizona Cat Rescue.
When: 1-2 p.m. Saturday, June 17
Where: Barefoot Studio, 7053 N. Oracle Road
Cost: $20
Visit the event page for more information.
"In the Cases" opening reception
Etherton Gallery is hosting an opening reception for an exhibit dubbed "In the Cases," featuring the work of photographer Dan Budnik and mixed media artist Caleb Gutierrez. A DJ will spin music in the courtyard!
When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, June 17
Where: Etherton Gallery, 340 S. Convent Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
"Blue" photography exhibition
The upcoming exhibit "Blue" at Decode Gallery will feature photography centered around the color blue. An opening reception takes place June 17.
When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, June 17
Where: Decode Gallery, 320 S. Convent Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Laser shows at Flandrau
A night of Pink Floyd — Flandrau is hosting two laser shows this Saturday, one of which is centered around "The Wall" and the other is "Dark Side of the Moon."
When: 7-8 p.m. and 8:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 17
Where: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost: $18, admission to science exhibits is included.
Visit the event page for more information.
Cars and Candy
Local candy shop Candy World is hosting a car show. All models are welcome, though it's first come, first served! There will be raffles, too.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, June 17
Where: Candy World, 9136 E. Valencia Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Goat yoga
Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats with this class at Udall Park!
When: 8-9 a.m. Saturday, June 17
Where: Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
Walking tours with the Presidio Museum
Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. Upcoming tours include Barrio Viejo, Armory Park and the Turquoise Trail.
When: 5:30-7 p.m. Saturday, June 17 for Barrio Viejo; 8-10 a.m. Sunday, June 18 for Armory Park; 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 18 for the Turquoise Trail.
Where: Locations vary based on tour.
Cost: $25. Pre-registration may be required for these events.
Visit the event page for more information.
St. Philip's Plaza Market
Visit St. Philip's Plaza to shop from local makers and enjoy live music. While you're there, grab a bite to eat at one of the plaza's several eateries.
When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays and Sundays
Where: St. Philip's Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater
At this event, you'll get to enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire, all while watching a magical theatrical performance.
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturdays through August
Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Road
Cost: $49 without dinner, $79 with dinner
Visit the event page for more information.
Juneteenth Market
Blax Friday, a locally-run database of Black business owners throughout Arizona, is hosting a Juneteenth market set to feature 16 vendors selling items like candles, jewelry and paintings.
When: 2-6 p.m. Sunday, June 18
Where: The Carriage House, 125 S. Arizona Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Father's Day Whiskey del Bac Tasting
Celebrate Father's Day at The Tuxon with a tasting of Whiskey del Bac, chocolates from Tucson Chocolate Factory and a leather flask burning workshop held by Tipsy Picassos.
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 18
Where: The Tuxon, 960 S. Freeway
Cost: $60
Visit the event page for more information.
TKMA Song Circle Social Gathering
Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association, aka the folks who put on the annual Tucson Folk Festival, are putting together a bimonthly Song Circle Social. Bring your instrument, share some songs and mingle with fellow musicians.
When: 5:30-8 p.m. Sunday, June 18
Where: Borderlands Brewing Company, 119 E. Toole Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Father's Day Grillin & Chillin Cookout
This community potluck celebrates Father's Day with ribs, chicken, burgers and hot dogs — you bring the sides! Hosted by Matt Kearney, owner of Off the Hook Seafood, the celebration will feature line dancing, stepping, spades, dominoes and bid whist. The event is free of charge, but RSVP on Facebook so the organizers buy enough food.
When: 2-9 p.m. Sunday, June 18
Where: Christopher Columbus Park, 4600 N. Silverbell Road
Cost: Free to attend, but you're encouraged to RSVP and bring a side for the potluck.
Visit the event page for more information. | https://tucson.com/news/local/41-fun-events-happening-in-tucson-this-weekend-june-16-18/article_98f795fc-0c5e-11ee-815f-437988818b2e.html | 2023-06-16T19:58:30 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/41-fun-events-happening-in-tucson-this-weekend-june-16-18/article_98f795fc-0c5e-11ee-815f-437988818b2e.html |
If only she had time, the executive director at Make Way for Books might ponder the whereabouts of those first children touched by the program in 1998.
Are any of them teachers now? Parents? Do they read to their kids as their teachers and parents once read to them?
Since those first, early days at Pio Decimo Preschool on the city’s south side, tens of thousands of Tucson children received their first books through Make Way programs.
A single-file, keep-your-hands-to-yourself line of “graduates” would extend from here to … well, Yissel Salafsky wishes she knew, but right now there are just too many meetings, too many Zoom calls, too many people to talk to.
“SO many people to talk to,” Salafsky laughed, but Make Way has a great story to tell, and she wants to tell everyone.
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Salafsky moved into the director’s office in January, just before Make Way for Books began celebrating its 25th anniversary year. On the face of it, the mission looked like child’s play. No, really. Since its inception, Make Way has provided more than 750,000 books to Pima County preschools and preschoolers.
Scratch the surface, though, and we learn Make Way for Books will soon be widening its lens to the entire state of Arizona. That is why the days just aren’t long enough for the new executive director.
“It started with a grant request to the Pima County Office of Education two or three years ago,” Salafsky explained. “They suggested we talk to the statewide office, too. The state was placing new emphasis on early childhood education. Not a lot of organizations do what we do, and they wondered if we might be able to expand.”
Already, Make Way for Books has opened satellite locations in Chandler and Avondale. An office in Phoenix is scheduled to open later this year. New initiatives are also being explored in Flagstaff and Chinle.
“It’s an exciting time,” Salafsky said. “Our mission is to help every child read and succeed. If we can help more kids, that’s great, but we need to do it in a thoughtful way.”
One priority: tailoring each local program to the specific needs of that community.
“We can’t just assume that the program we’ve developed here in Pima County will be what’s needed in Maricopa County or the Navajo nation north of Flagstaff. We want to craft every program to fit for those areas. So right now, we’re spending a lot of time getting to know those communities, trying to learn just what they need and how we can help.”
Here in Tucson, Make Way for Books offers two bedrock programs, both sufficiently nuanced to help children whose families speak languages other than English at home.
“The Story Project” provides books and teacher assistance to certified preschools and daycare centers.
The other Make Way program, called “Story School,” supports home care and child care providers, even if they’re grandparents or friends.
“We’ve known for a long time that our preschools touch less than half the kids in Pima County,” Salafsky said. “A majority of our 3- and 4-year-olds stay at home with their parents, with friends or with relatives. We want to help those kids, too.”
Both programs were buoyed during the pandemic by a newly developed app, and it proved to be a winning combination. The Library of Congress named Make Way for Books the winner of its 2022 American Prize “for significant and measurable contributions to increasing literacy levels in the United States.”
Much to be done
Make Way for Books was launched in 1998 by Mary Jan and Paul Bancroft from his law office, the name a loving nod to the classic picture book, “Make Way for Ducklings.”
Their first project was the establishment of a library and reading program at Pio Decimo Preschool.
In the 25 years since, Make Way has helped dozens of preschools, thousands of families and a generation of young readers discover the joy of reading.
It has matured into an organization with 32 staff members and an operating budget of $2.5 million, but expanding statewide will be a major undertaking.
Salafsky, a first-in-family college graduate who attended all three of Arizona’s public universities, brings a unique skillset to the challenge. She holds degrees in communications, public administration and nonprofit management.
A young mom herself, Salafsky came to Make Way from the University of Arizona, where she helped develop the school’s online degree program.
She is hoping the combination of these experiences will serve her well as her organization expands.
“When people ask what we will need to expand, the easy answer is ‘everything.’” she said, “We’ll need more people, more grants, more donors ... First, though, we need to put systems in place that will help us grow. Those are the kind of things we’re thinking about and working on this summer. We have a lot to do.”
FOOTNOTES
If you are interested in becoming a Make Way for Books volunteer or would like to learn more about the program, visitors are welcome to tour the main office on the last Friday of each month. Tours are offered on the hour each morning. To schedule a visit, call 520-398-6451.
As if she doesn’t have enough on her plate, Salafsky is pondering the viability of a new program for teachers of children in kindergarten through second grade. “Kids are coming into grade school now who lost a year or both years of preschool because of the pandemic. We know there won’t be a big increase in funding from the state. Could we help?”
The UA Poetry Center, 1508 E. Helen Street, will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays until students return for the fall semester in August.
Browse previous Bookmarks columns and keep up with news from the Tucson book community by following Bookmarks Arizona (@BookArizona) on Twitter. | https://tucson.com/news/local/education/tucsons-make-way-for-books-is-expanding-to-little-readers-statewide/article_70bac0d2-03c1-11ee-bc8f-0b62112db328.html | 2023-06-16T19:58:31 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/education/tucsons-make-way-for-books-is-expanding-to-little-readers-statewide/article_70bac0d2-03c1-11ee-bc8f-0b62112db328.html |
The Tucson Unified School District Governing Board voted unanimously to change the Student Code of Conduct, saying the move will improve security and provide a better educational experience.
"I hope I speak for all of the governing board members as well as on behalf of the district in saying that we are not a district that tolerates perpetuating the school-to-prison pipeline," said Board President Ravi Shah. "But we are a district that wants to hold our students properly accountable for their behavior while employing evidence-based restorative practice and that wants to ensure that our campuses are safe and have environments conducive to our students learning."
The vote Tuesday night came after parents and teachers during the meeting's call to the audience implored the board to focus on safety in classrooms and on campuses.
TUSD Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo stressed the importance of providing a learning environment where teachers can focus on teaching rather than discipline or security monitoring.
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"This is about a better TUSD for all, a better quality of life for our employees and our students and our parents," he said. TUSD serves about 47,000 students at about 90 schools and programs.
District officials said the revised code of conduct aims to restore authority and respect to principals and teachers, enabling them to maintain safe classrooms without assuming the primary responsibility for interventions and de-escalation efforts.
School administrators and other professional staff will have the onus of doling out discipline, Shah said.
Interventions after poor choices
"We're going to really rely on our administrators at our sites, so our principals and assistant principals and other leaders on our sites, to review the violations and manage those with the students," the board president said.
Trujillo acknowledged an existing emphasis on "restorative justice" practices, such as parent-teacher conferences and interventions, and assured stakeholders the revised code maintains those components. Restorative justice focuses on rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community at large.
The changes are intended to strike a balance and provide support to teachers while ensuring students receive the necessary interventions and support when making poor decisions, Trujillo said.
The district director for student relations, Anna Warmbrand, presented the recommended revisions to the board, with the main change being a split of the code into three tiers: high school, middle school and elementary school.
The revised code outlines consequences for various offenses, allowing flexibility and discretion for principals in decision-making.
It lays out violation levels, with Level 1 violation being the least serious offences to Level 5 being the most, along with prescribed escalating levels of consequences.
There are also guidelines included for if and when law enforcement should be consulted or called.
Warmbrand highlighted specific changes for offenses such as provocation, fighting, tobacco and alcohol violations, illicit drugs, attendance policy violations, defiance or disrespect towards authority, audiovisual recording and photographs without prior consent, trespassing, graffiti, tagging, sexual offenses, threats, and intimidation.
She said TUSD's Title IX coordinator will collaborate with other officials to address levels three, four and five sexual offenses, the most serious levels. Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.
Clean slates
The revisions also consider "grade bands," with a "band" being either elementary, middle school or high school.
"So if an elementary student has a level one offense at the beginning of their third grade year and they have the same violation offense in the spring of that third grade year, that is the second offense," Warmbrand explained. "If they have another violation their fourth grade year, that would be their third offense. However, if they have that same violation when they begin middle school with us, then they will start anew."
The change is to help ensure students start anew with a clean slate when transitioning to a new "band."
Warmbrand also discussed the inclusion of alternative education options for students who commit level four and five offenses to ensure continued engagement in the educational process while maintaining campus safety.
"Bringing an armed gun to campus, for example, that's a level five intervention," Shah said.
Warmbrand, like Trujillo, emphasized inclusion in the code of restorative consequences such as community service, which would be supported and facilitated by the district's Department of Student Relations.
The revisions incorporated feedback from the governing board, particularly regarding parking privileges and passes, Warmbrand said.
"We did work with legal counsel to get our language as best as we could to make sure that our site administrators are following those pieces and parts so student parking privileges shall be given only to those students with a permit issued by the school," she said.
Eddie Celaya is a breaking news reporter and host of the "Here Weed Go!" podcast. He graduated from Pima Community College and the University of Arizona and has been with the Arizona Daily Star since May 2019. | https://tucson.com/news/local/education/tusd-code-of-conduct/article_f0686dc8-095e-11ee-ad07-f7970ffc6562.html | 2023-06-16T19:58:34 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/education/tusd-code-of-conduct/article_f0686dc8-095e-11ee-ad07-f7970ffc6562.html |
Adam and Denise Upmeyer of Garner joked to their daughter about building their own venue when she was planning her wedding for last summer. While their daughter did not want to wait for them to build one, the Upmeyers decided to go through with their idea.
They are building an event center and campground one block north of the State Street/Highway 18 intersection on Taft Avenue in Garner.
Up 4 Celebrations is expected to be completed within the next 12-18 months and will be used for weddings, class reunions, family reunions, corporate events, wedding showers, baby showers and more.
“Our local community goes out of town for events, some go to Duncan, Northwood and Clear Lake, and most of those people say that if they could have something right here, they would use it,” said Adam.
Last year, the city of Garner began considering building an event center at the golf course. The city stepped back from the project after discovering the costs, which would have resulted in a tax increase for Garner residents.
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“With Adam and Denise Upmeyer, two life-long Garner residents, I couldn’t think of anyone better to have this project,” said Garner Mayor Tim Schmidt.
The venue will sit on a seven-acre property and will be roughly 10,500 square feet. The building will have two areas. The smaller 40 feet wide by 56 feet long room with 14 feet tall vaulted ceilings will seat up to 250 people. The larger 56 feet wide by 84 feet long room will have an 18 feet tall open-truss style ceiling and seat up to 300 people seated at tables.
In the back, the venue will also have a 4,700-square-foot courtyard with a 27,000-square-foot retention pond. The 30-lot campground will be built to the west of the pond.
The event center will follow a white-and-black accented farmhouse style that will allow people to decorate the center any way they wish. It will feature a DJ area, caterer’s kitchen, bar and bride and groom lounges.
Up 4 Celebrations will offer basic décor essentials for guests to use, like tablecloths, chair covers and vases.
“We’re excited for events to be there,” said Adam. “We want to help your weekend go well. So if we can help with tables and chairs or she (Denise) has decorating ideas that she can help with or whatever those things might be, we will be there through the process.”
The Upmeyers hope to have the concrete poured soon and will begin construction within the next few weeks.
“The city of Garner is very lucky to have people like Adam and Denise that are willing to invest back into their hometown,” Schmidt said. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/garner-community-center-upmeyer-camping/article_34cfa802-0b06-11ee-b6a3-733966315182.html | 2023-06-16T19:58:39 | 1 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/garner-community-center-upmeyer-camping/article_34cfa802-0b06-11ee-b6a3-733966315182.html |
What’s that new development coming to Barger Drive?
Project: A new multi-building apartment complex.
Location: 3700 Riviera, Eugene.
A new 57-unit multi-family housing development will soon break ground in the Bethel-Danebo neighborhood.
The 3.8-acre project will fill a vacant block between Barger Drive and Riviera. The site was previously developed with roadways and utilities for a possible expansion of a neighboring senior living facility.
When complete, Walnut Springs Apartments will consist of 10 residential buildings, a leasing office and onsite manager’s dwelling.
All 56 rental units will be two-bedroom, two-bathroom units.
The property is owned by Eugene-based Walnut Springs LLC.
A land use application for the project was approved in 2021 and building permits were issued this May.
The project was designed by Eugene-based Rodd Hansen Architect LLC. Timberview Construction LLC, also of Eugene, is the building contractor on the project.
Project Size: 3.8 acres
Architect: Rodd Hansen Architect, LLC
Builder: Timberview Construction, LLC
Source: City of Eugene records and building permits
Is there something under construction you'd like to tell us about or want to find out more about? Contact multimedia journalist Ben Lonergan atblonergan@registerguard.com or follow on Twitter or Instagram @lonerganphoto. | https://www.registerguard.com/story/news/local/2023/06/16/eugene-new-development-barger-drive-walnut-springs-apartments-two-bedroom/70323202007/ | 2023-06-16T20:01:44 | 0 | https://www.registerguard.com/story/news/local/2023/06/16/eugene-new-development-barger-drive-walnut-springs-apartments-two-bedroom/70323202007/ |
MITCHELL — The Corn Palace Stampede rodeo organization has begun the permitting process to build its new rodeo grounds near Mitchell’s airport, revealing for the first time what the future setup could look like.
On Monday, the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved a conditional use permit that would allow the organization to use a plot of city-owned land for future rodeos. In September 2021, a new organization primarily made up of Corn Palace Stampede Inc. (CPS) committee members entered into a 20-year lease agreement with the city of Mitchell to rent land for the purpose of turning it into its new rodeo arena after parting ways from the previous rodeo grounds it rented for decades due a long legal dispute.
City Planner Mark Jenniges explained a few details of the arena, which would be located on roughly 20 acres of land along the corner of North Ohlman Street and Airport Road, situated in between the airport and Pepsi Cola Soccer Complex. No representatives from Corn Palace Stampede Inc. (CPS) were in attendance at Monday’s meeting to provide further information about the new planned arena.
“The footprint of this fits within the existing soccer field that’s there currently,” Jenniges said.
Preliminary designs of the arena were presented during the meeting, which showed large bleacher style seating wrapping around roughly half of the rectangle shaped rodeo grounds.
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Designs also showed a concession stand built within a section of the bleachers and a roofed structure on the opposite side of the bleachers.
The arena would account for about a quarter of the 20 acres of land it sits on, according to the preliminary designs attached to the Planning Commission’s agenda.
When the Mitchell City Council approved the lease agreement with Mitchell Rodeo Foundation in 2021, the organization’s leader Jim Miskimins said the arena will be a “cadillac of a rodeo facility.”
“The other improvements that we have conceived would truly make this a cadillac of a rodeo facility and hopefully one of the very best, not only in South Dakota, but in the region,” Miskimins said during the Sept. 21, 2021 council meeting.
As for parking, the size of the arena would leave a hefty amount of land in the plot available for parking. However, Jenniges said plans for parking will need to be further worked through in the future.
“There is going to be some work through issues as it continues on, if it does get approved,” Jenniges said of parking matters. “But it’s the start of a conversation for it.”
The Mitchell City Council will ultimately make the final ruling on the conditional use permit during Tuesday’s meeting. The council will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday rather than Monday in recognition of Juneteenth.
The conditional use permit application comes after a judge awarded Horseman’s Sports Inc. – the organization that owns the rodeo arena where CPS has held its annual rodeo for decades – a one-month window to hold a replacement rodeo at Horseman’s Sports Arena, located along Highway 37 near Lake Mitchell. CPS attempted to halt HSI from being able to host a replacement rodeo this summer, but Judge David Knoff awarded HSI the ability to put on a rodeo at its arena.
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The judge’s ruling on June 9 also allowed CPS 30 days to remove its property – which includes the bleachers and other equipment – from HSI’s land. That gave CPS until July 1 to remove property from Horseman’s Sports Arena.
HSI leaders have yet to announce whether the organization will host a replacement rodeo at its arena this summer. HSI representatives did not respond to the Mitchell Republic’s request for comments about hosting a rodeo this summer prior to this story being published Friday.
During the June 9 hearing, HSI Attorney Tim Whalen said his clients intend to hold a rodeo in mid-July that would replace the vacancy left by CPS' cancellation.
The rodeo venue change stemmed from a legal dispute that was brought forward by CPS in 2020 when CPS sued HSI for breaching the contract between the two parties. CPS accused HSI of breaching the lease when the organization moved fencing and tore out CPS’ VIP platforms in an attempt to expand their arena.
The dispute between the two organizations led to a jury trial that was decided in April. A jury ruled that CPS can take major elements of the rodeo grounds with them to a new facility, plus awarded $100,000 to CPS in damages after ruling HSI breached the contract with CPS. The lawsuit was spurred in 2020 when HSI members moved fencing and tore out CPS-built VIP platforms as part of the arena expansion.
While it’s unclear whether Mitchell will have a rodeo this summer, the Mitchell Rodeo Foundation is set to host a chili cook-off, rodeo parade and other small side events synonymous with the annual rodeo. | https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/local/preliminary-plans-of-new-mitchell-rodeo-arena-emerge-as-corn-palace-stampede-seeks-permit | 2023-06-16T20:10:02 | 0 | https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/local/preliminary-plans-of-new-mitchell-rodeo-arena-emerge-as-corn-palace-stampede-seeks-permit |
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — The Cape May County Board of Commissioners this week approved hiring two additional law firms to help fight plans for offshore wind farms.
Ocean Wind 1 plans to construct close to 100 turbines off the coast of Cape May County.
It is the furthest along in the state and federal regulatory process, but more are on the way. The wind energy development company is owned by Denmark-based Ørsted.
“Right now, Ørsted has made Cape May County part of a mass experiment and they have no idea how bad the results will be and, frankly, they don’t seem to care,” Len Desiderio, director of the Board of Commissioners, said in a statement released Friday. “Our serious legal team will be looking for avenues to stop these projects from damaging our environment and our economy.”
In a Tuesday vote, the county hired the Washington, D.C.-based Marzulla Law Firm, which specializes in challenging federal regulatory decisions.
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The county has also engaged the services of attorney Anthony Bocchi of the law firm of Cullen-Dykman, with offices in New York, New Jersey and Washington, to review and challenge the permits issued to Ørsted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
The law offices of Blaney, Donohue & Weinberg, based in Avalon, are already litigating on behalf of the county in the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court over approvals issued to Ørsted by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.
Little information was released Friday about how much efforts will cost. A county spokesperson said the county will be “billed as needed,” but the hourly rate for each firm was not immediately released, although it is part of public contracts.
Attorney Michael J. Donohue has been leading the county’s efforts connected to offshore wind since 2020. He’s a former Superior Court judge and the leader of the county’s Republican organization. The county also hired Cultural Heritage Partners, a law firm based in Virginia, to defend historic resources in the county.
County officials have resolved to “utilize all reasonable resources” to fight the offshore wind power plans. First up, they said, will be to demand a hearing on permits recently issued by New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection. The county also plans to have the team review federal permits as they are issued, and will likely challenge those as well.
“We had hoped that both state and federal regulatory agencies would actually do their jobs and subject Ørsted’s Ocean Wind project to the same type of scrutiny that they subject our homeowners and small businesses to when it comes to environmental permitting,” Donohue said. “Anyone who has ever attempted to undertake a waterfront construction project in Cape May County knows how these regulatory agencies make us jump through hoops and over rising hurdles, sometimes for years. But on the Ørsted project, it looks like these environmental regulatory agencies have fast tracked their approvals and skipped important steps that are in place to protect the environment, including marine mammals. With the addition of these expert law firms, the county’s legal team is prepared to fight on every available front to challenge the state and federal approvals being issued to Ørsted.”
UPPER TOWNSHIP — It’s time for the township to take a stand on wind power, residents and adv…
Offshore wind plans face other challenges as well. Ocean City and Ocean Wind 1 are fighting over permits to bring power lines from wind turbines across that community at 35th Street, and other organizations are also seeking to hold off the work.
On Friday, the anti-wind power groups Save LBI, Defend Brigantine Beach and Protect Our Coast NJ announced they filed with the state Appellate Division challenging a DEP certification of the Ocean Wind 1 project.
In April, the DEP found the project proposal was consistent with the state’s Coastal Zone Management Act.
The court filing seeks to overturn that decision, and members of the groups said this is only the beginning of the legal challenges to be filed.
"We hope the offshore wind industry begins to understand that it will face fierce and growing legal battles if it continues in this destructive mission," said Bruce Afran, attorney for the three groups.
He said the DEP has acknowledged the wind farms will damage habitat, harm groups of marine mammals, reduce commercial fishing stocks and damage the tourism economy.
"Yet, the state persists in the bizarre belief that this massive engineering project will not injure our state's coastal zone, one of the most important marine communities on the East Coast and the core of New Jersey's $47 billion tourist industry," Afran said.
The Biden administration and Gov. Phil Murphy support offshore wind energy, seeing a means of reducing carbon emissions believed to contribute to climate change. Both have also cited the potential for new jobs in a clean-energy sector.
While officials in some shore communities work to slow the planned development of offshore w…
At a recent meeting of the BPU, board President Joseph Fiordaliso took issue with the speed of the projects, but not because things were moving too quickly. He accused the wind power companies of dragging their feet and said progress must be made, and soon.
“Climate change doesn’t delay itself. Climate change continues to progress at a rate that is dangerous,” Fiordaliso said. “We cannot afford any more delays.”
Cape May County hopes to slow things down as much as possible.
The Marzulla firm will review the multiple federal permits being sought by Ørsted, to recommend any potential legal challenges in that process. Bocchi will review and challenge the DEP permits.
Desiderio cited the deaths of whales over the winter in the county’s opposition to the wind power projects. Federal experts say there is no evidence that offshore work undertaken in advance of the wind farm projects had anything to do with the whale deaths, but many along the shore remain firmly convinced of a connection.
“We still believe that the state and federal governments have failed to address the continuing deaths of whales and dolphins and other marine mammals,” Desiderio said. “If Ørsted’s surveying equipment is leading to the deaths of the whales and dolphins, one can only imagine how many more will die if offshore construction of hundreds of windmills takes place. The plan to create a superhighway of windmills off of our beaches should be halted until studies can be completed to answer the questions about the whales and other serious negative environmental and economic impacts that are likely to occur.” | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/cape-adds-legal-firepower-in-fight-against-wind-power-plans/article_db062626-0c76-11ee-a9d8-8f53b83206c0.html | 2023-06-16T20:14:46 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/cape-adds-legal-firepower-in-fight-against-wind-power-plans/article_db062626-0c76-11ee-a9d8-8f53b83206c0.html |
NEW YORK — Daniel Ellsberg, the history-making whistleblower who by leaking the Pentagon Papers revealed longtime government doubts and deceit about the Vietnam War and inspired acts of retaliation by President Richard Nixon that helped lead to his resignation and to a landmark Supreme Court ruling on the First Amendment, has died. He was 92.
Ellsberg, who announced in February that he was terminally ill with pancreatic cancer, died Friday morning, according to a letter from his family released by a spokeswoman, Julia Pacetti.
Until the early 1970s, when he disclosed that he was the source for the stunning media reports on the 47-volume, 7,000-page Defense Department study of the U.S. role in Indochina, Ellsberg was a well-placed member of the government-military elite. He was a Harvard graduate and self-defined “cold warrior” who served as a private and government consultant on Vietnam throughout the 1960s, risked his life on the battlefield, received the highest security clearances and came to be trusted by officials in Democratic and Republican administrations.
He was especially valued, he would later note, for his “talent for discretion.”
But like millions of other Americans, in and out of government, he had turned against the yearslong war in Vietnam, the government’s claims that the battle was winnable and that a victory for the North Vietnamese over the U.S.-backed South would lead to the spread of communism throughout the region. Unlike so many other war opponents, he was in a special position to make a difference.
“An entire generation of Vietnam-era insiders had become just as disillusioned as I with a war they saw as hopeless and interminable,” he wrote in his 2002 memoir, “Secrets: A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers.” “By 1968, if not earlier, they all wanted, as I did, to see us out of this war.”
The Pentagon Papers had been commissioned in 1967 by then-Defense Secretary Robert S. McNamara, a leading public advocate of the war who wanted to leave behind a comprehensive history of the U.S. and Vietnam and to help his successors avoid the kinds of mistakes he would only admit to long after. The papers covered more than 20 years, from France’s failed efforts at colonization in the 1940s and 1950s to the growing involvement of the U.S., including the bombing raids and deployment of hundreds of thousands of ground troops during Lyndon Johnson’s administration. Ellsberg was among those asked to work on the study, focusing on 1961, when the newly-elected President John F. Kennedy began adding advisers and support units.
As much as anyone, Ellsberg embodied the individual of conscience — who answered only to his sense of right and wrong, even if the price was his own freedom. David Halberstam, the late author and Vietnam War correspondent who had known Ellsberg since both were posted overseas, would describe him as no ordinary convert. He was highly intelligent, obsessively curious and profoundly sensitive, a born proselytizer who “saw political events in terms of moral absolutes” and demanded consequences for abuses of power.
As much as anyone, Ellsberg also embodied the fall of American idealism in foreign policy in the 1960s and 1970s and the upending of the post-World War II consensus that Communism, real or suspected, should be opposed worldwide.
The Pentagon Papers were first published in The New York Times in June 1971, with The Washington Post, The Associated Press and more than a dozen others following. They documented that the U.S. had defied a 1954 settlement barring a foreign military presence in Vietnam, questioned whether South Vietnam had a viable government, secretly expanded the war to neighboring countries and had plotted to send American soldiers even as Johnson vowed he wouldn’t.
The Johnson administration had dramatically and covertly escalated the war despite the “judgment of the Government’s intelligence community that the measures would not” weaken the North Vietnamese, wrote the Times’ Neil Sheehan, a former Vietnam correspondent who later wrote a Pulitzer Prize winning book on the war, “A Bright Shining Lie.”
The leaker’s identity became a national guessing game and Ellsberg proved an obvious suspect, because of his access to the papers and his public condemnation of the war over the previous two years. With the FBI in pursuit, Ellsberg turned himself in to authorities in Boston, became a hero to the antiwar movement and a traitor to the war’s supporters, labeled the “most dangerous man in America” by National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger, with whom Ellsberg had once been friendly.
The papers themselves were seen by many as an indictment not just of a given president or party, but of a generation of political leadership. The historian and philosopher Hannah Arendt would note that growing mistrust of the government during the Vietnam era, “the credibility gap,” had “opened into an abyss.”
“The quicksand of lying statements of all sorts, deceptions as well as self-deceptions, is apt to engulf any reader who wishes to probe this material, which, unhappily, he must recognize as the infrastructure of nearly a decade of United States foreign and domestic policy,” she wrote.
The Nixon administration quickly tried to block further publication on the grounds that the papers would compromise national security, but the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of the newspapers on June 30, 1971, a major First Amendment ruling rejecting prior restraint. Nixon himself, initially unconcerned because the papers predated his time in office, was determined to punish Ellsberg and formed a renegade team of White House “plumbers,” endowed with a stash of White House “hush money” and the mission of preventing future leaks.
“You can’t drop it,” Nixon fumed privately to his chief of staff, H.R. Haldeman. “You can’t let the Jew steal that stuff and get away with it. You understand?”
Ellsberg faced trials in Boston and Los Angeles on federal charges for espionage and theft, with a possible sentence of more than 100 years. He had expected to go to jail, but was spared, in part, by Nixon’s rage and the excesses of those around him. The Boston case ended in a mistrial because the government wiretapped conversations between a defense witness and his attorney. Charges in the Los Angeles trial were dismissed after Judge Matthew Byrne learned that White House “plumbers” G. Gordon Liddy and E. Howard Hunt had burglarized the office of Ellsberg’s psychiatrist in Beverly Hills, California.
Byrne ruled that “the bizarre events have incurably infected the prosecution of this case.”
Meanwhile, the “plumbers” continued their crime wave, notably the June 1972 break-in of the Democratic Party’s national headquarters, at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. The Watergate scandal didn’t prevent Nixon from a landslide reelection in 1972, but would expand rapidly during his second term and culminate in his resignation in August 1974. U.S. combat troops had already left Vietnam and the North Vietnamese captured the Southern capital, Saigon, in April 1975.
“Without Nixon’s obsession with me, he would have stayed in office,” Ellsberg told The Associated Press in 1999. “And had he not been removed from office, he would have continued the bombing (in Vietnam).”
Ellsberg’s story was depicted in the 2009 documentary “The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers.” The movie had its West Coast premiere only a few blocks from the Rand Corp. headquarters in Santa Monica, Ellsberg former workplace. He sent college students with fliers to urge old colleagues to attend the screening, but none attended.
Ellsberg was born in Chicago in 1931, to Jewish parents who converted to Christian Science. His father was an unemployed engineer in the early years of the Great Depression and the family later moved to suburban Detroit, where his father worked in a plant making B-24 bombers. Daniel held vivid memories of learning that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941, and of reports of the Nazis bombing London and the U.S. bombing Germany and Japan.
In his teens, Ellsberg found himself in agreement with Harry Truman and other “Cold War liberals,” believing in civil rights and economic justice at home, and containing the Soviet Union overseas. He was also shaped profoundly by personal tragedy. During a car trip in 1946, his father nodded off at the wheel and crashed into a sidewall, killing Ellsberg’s mother and younger sister. Ellsberg would look back with a sense of loss and mistrust — his father, the authority figure, had failed to keep his family safe.
With thoughts of becoming a labor organizer, Ellsberg won a scholarship to Harvard University and graduated summa cum laude. He served in the Marines as an act of defiance against his Ivy League background, but eventually returned to Harvard and earned a doctorate in economics. In 1959, he became a strategic analyst at the Rand Corp., a global policy think tank based in Santa Monica, California, and consulted for the Defense Department and the White House on nuclear weapons, nuclear war plans and crisis decision-making. Ellsberg spent two years in the mid-1960s with the State Department in Vietnam, where he learned first-hand how casually military and political officials lied and became convinced the conflict was unwinnable, in part through the firefights with the North Vietnamese that he survived.
Encouraged by a close friend from Rand, researcher Anthony J. Russo, Ellsberg had decided by the fall of 1969 that the Nixon administration would continue the policies of other presidents and that the McNamara study needed to be seen. His life would soon resemble an espionage thriller.
Ellsberg removed some of the bound, classified volumes from his safe in the Rand offices, placed them in his briefcase and walked past security guards and a sign reading “Loose Lips Sink Ships.” With Russo’s girlfriend owning an advertising agency, Ellsberg spent months copying the documents on an office Xerox machine, sometimes helped by his teenage son Robert. On occasion, the office alarm would mistakenly ring, police would show up, and leave soon after. Ellsberg became so worried that he began slicing off the “Top Secret” markings from the papers, in case authorities wanted to inspect more closely.
Leaking to the Times was not his first choice. He had hoped that government officials, including Kissinger, would read the study and realize the war was hopeless. Legislators turning him down included Sen. William J. Fulbright of Arkansas, the longtime chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, and Sen. George McGovern of South Dakota, who in 1972 would run for president as an antiwar candidate.
A final plot twist was unknown to Ellsberg until decades later. He had showed some of the report to Marcus Raskin and Ralph Stavins of the liberal think tank the Institute for Policy Studies before approaching Sheehan. Only in the early 2000s did he learn that Raskin and Stavins, who had recommended that he speak with Sheehan, had already given some of the papers to the Times reporter. Sheehan, who died in 2021, also defied Ellsberg’s request not to make duplicate copies and did not give him advance notice before the first Times report ran.
“It was just luck that he didn’t get the whistle blown on the whole damn thing,” Sheehan later said of Ellsberg, whom he regarded as “out of control.”
In his later years, a spry, silver-haired Ellsberg became a prominent free speech and anti-Iraq war activist, drawing parallels between U.S. involvement in Iraq and Vietnam, and called for impeachment of President George W. Bush. He expressed similar fears about Afghanistan during the Obama administration, saying it had the potential to become “Vietnamistan” if the U.S. increased troops there.
He was active in campaigns to prevent nuclear arms proliferation and drew upon his history in government for the 2017 book “The Doomsday Machine: Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner,” in which he included a once-top secret document showing that the U.S. had considered launching nuclear attacks on the Chinese in 1958. He also defended other leakers and whistleblowers., among them WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden, the government contractor who disclosed details of secret U.S. surveillance programs and is now living in Russia.
“Many of the people whistle-blowers work with know the same things and actually regard the information in the same way — that it’s wrong — but they keep their mouths shut,” Ellsberg told The New York Times in 2023.
Ellsberg is survived by his second wife, the journalist Patricia Marx, and three children, two from his first marriage. He and Marx wedded in 1970, the year before the Pentagon Papers were made public. In a New York Times wedding announcement, he was identified as a “senior research fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for International Studies, where he was writing a critical study of United States involvement in Vietnam.”
___
Associated Press reporters Eric Tucker and Nomaan Merchant in Washington, D.C., contributed to this story, which includes biographical material compiled by former AP reporter Louise Chu.
___
Online: | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/2023/06/16/daniel-ellsberg-vietnam-war-pentagon-papers/8dd77068-0c75-11ee-8132-a84600f3bb9b_story.html | 2023-06-16T20:14:55 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/2023/06/16/daniel-ellsberg-vietnam-war-pentagon-papers/8dd77068-0c75-11ee-8132-a84600f3bb9b_story.html |
FOREST, Miss. — The Mississippi man known as “Case 1,” the first person to be diagnosed with autism, has died.
Triplett died Thursday, confirmed Lesa Davis, the bank’s senior vice president. He was 89.
Triplett worked for 65 years at the bank where his father Beamon Triplett was a primary shareholder.
“Don was a remarkable individual,” CEO Allen Breland said of Triplett, who was known as a fiercely independent savant. “And he kept things interesting.”
Triplett, a 1958 graduate of Millsaps College, enjoyed golf and travel and was frequently flying to exotic locales, Breland said.
“He was in his own world, but if you gave him two, three-digit numbers, he could multiply them faster than you could get the answer on a calculator,” he told the television station.
Triplett’s autism diagnosis arose from a detailed 22-page letter sent to a Johns Hopkins researcher in Baltimore containing telling observations by his parents about his aptitudes and behavior. The letter remains a primary reference document for those who study the disorder.
Oliver Triplett, Triplett’s nephew, told The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate that his uncle’s story offers hope to parents of children who are different.
“They can see Don and a community who embraced him,” he said. “As a whole, Forest encouraged him and accepted him. It gives people who have children on different levels of the spectrum hope that their children can live happy and full lives.”
Funeral services for Triplett will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the Forest Presbyterian Church. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/2023/06/16/donald-triplett-first-autism-diagnosis/7d48dd9c-0c78-11ee-8132-a84600f3bb9b_story.html | 2023-06-16T20:14:57 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/2023/06/16/donald-triplett-first-autism-diagnosis/7d48dd9c-0c78-11ee-8132-a84600f3bb9b_story.html |
Like father, like daughters and son.
At least, that’s how it is for Travis Masters and his son, Cauy, and one of his daughters, Alli. All of them have been through the CNFR circuit, Travis in 1997 and 1998; Alli and Cauy in this present year.
So, to put it in perspective, Travis will spend this Father’s Day taking his kids back home to Iowa after they competed in some of the same events as he did, in the same place.
“I don’t know how to describe it,” Travis said of getting to watch his kids compete on Thursday, mere hours before Alli would be up during that evening’s performance. “(It’s) one of them where — you’ll have to kind of do it. It makes us proud.”
Alli, who just graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and Cauy, who is a freshmen at Clarendon College, along with their younger sister who does rodeo at the high school level, said they were never forced into choosing rodeo. Their mother was a basketball player who did some barrel racing. Alli started on her high school basketball team for all four years of high school. Cauy wrestled a bit. But Travis and his wife gave their kids the choice, they said, to choose if rodeo was what they wanted to do.
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It was. Unequivocally. The Masters live on a ranch in southern Iowa with about “40 head of horses” and a few cows. If they’re not working on the ranch, then they’re practicing or traveling for rodeo events. Neither Cauy nor Alli, who both also compete in professional rodeo, gave any indication that they’ve ever regretted their choice.
But it’s not only the shared love of rodeo that’s made them closer, they told the Star-Tribune. It’s the simple act of spending time together.
“Well, ... we’re stuck with each other, whether we like it or not,” Cauy said.
But he also said, “I think it’s pretty awesome, whenever my sister goes out there and does what she needs to do. Sometimes I wonder what she’s doing out there, but I’m sure she thinks the same thing about me. I kind of like that they’re good. Yeah, my sisters wouldn’t be near as neat if they weren’t very good.
“You’ve got to hold the (family) name up.”
And, on top of that, they train all of their own horses.
“It’s kind of cool to all work together and train them,” Alli said.
All three siblings each have their own horse that fits them best. And like most siblings, they don’t love sharing, but they will if they need to.
Standing in the back of a horse trailer at the fairgrounds in Casper, Alli and Cauy are tall and athletic, dressed practically and comfortably in jeans and t-shirts. Both brother and sister have a sort of Midwest openness and ease about them. Travis looks at them with a quiet, fatherly pride.
He’s not upset about having to spend his Father’s Day driving 12 hours back home. In fact, he prefers to drive.
“They can drive,” he said of his kids. “(But) they’ll be asleep.”
“He does enjoy them (the drives),” Alli said teasingly. “No matter how much he complains about it.”
“Yeah, he complains. But we ask him if he wants us to drive, and he’ll never let us,” Cauy said.
“You need more practice,” Travis replied. “When I’m not with you.” | https://trib.com/news/local/a-rodeo-family-reflects-on-what-fathers-day-means-to-them/article_ce80e004-0c66-11ee-9078-eb926afd5634.html | 2023-06-16T20:20:33 | 1 | https://trib.com/news/local/a-rodeo-family-reflects-on-what-fathers-day-means-to-them/article_ce80e004-0c66-11ee-9078-eb926afd5634.html |
Leah Juarez, mayor of Mills, is sitting at a conference table with city council members Sara McCarthy and Cherie Butcher.
The three electeds seem to be discussing some pretty serious stuff. There are notebooks, binders and big tumblers lined up neatly in front of them. In one image, Juarez appears to be taking notes while Butcher and McCarthy leaf through an official-looking document. You can just make out the words “annual budget” on a blue packet tucked under McCarthy’s elbow.
“I once believed I could do as many as 6 impossible things before breakfast,” the accompanying caption reads. “With these two councilwomen by my side anything is possible.”
The photos, which Juarez posted to her Instagram and Facebook accounts on April 22, made some uneasy because they weren’t taken during an official city council meeting or work session.
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In general, when more than half of a governing body’s members intentionally convene to talk about public business, state law considers the gathering an open meeting. Not only is the public allowed to be there, the governing body also needs to take proper measures to notify the public that the meeting’s happening.
In the Instagram photos, Juarez, McCarthy and Butcher — who represent a majority of the five-member council — certainly look like they’re discussing public business. Could this be evidence, some wondered, that the councilors had violated the state public meetings law?
But here’s the thing: the photos are staged. They were taken as part of an April 8 photoshoot organized by Juarez, said photographer Krystal Brewer.
“She hired me to take what I call ‘brand photography,’” said Brewer. “It wasn’t an actual meeting, and they didn’t have any discussions of anything.”
Brewer said a Mills police officer was in the room the entire time to ensure the council members didn’t talk about any official city business.
It’s an unusual situation, no doubt. Staged photoshoots aren’t exactly something government leaders do often, at least in Wyoming. Brewer said this was her first time doing brand photography for an elected official.
“Brand” is one of Juarez’s specialties, though. She’s long used social media to document her journey in local politics and to educate people about civics. But her posts also have an unusual level of polish and flair to them — the pretend meeting photos just being one example.
Her social media savvy seems to have paid off; Juarez’s TikTok account, @americasmayor, has over 19,000 followers.
Juarez said she also sees her social media presence as an important representation of women in leadership positions. The purpose of the photoshoot was to convey “that we want more women to see themselves in these roles,” she said.
(A separate photo of the three councilors Juarez posted to her Instagram April 8 was also taken during the photoshoot, Juarez said.)
So was this non-meeting breaking the law in any way? Mills City Attorney Pat Holscher doesn’t think so.
“What I am certain of is that there hasn’t been any public business that’s been decided that way,” he said.
But the impact the photos had on public trust are an entirely different conversation.
The April 8 gathering may not have been illegal, but it still could have disenfranchised constituents if they got the impression that their leaders were gathering to do work under-the-radar, Holscher said.
“I think the implications of it are that it raised concern,” he said.
And the city hasn’t taken measures to make sure the public knows the photos are staged. To be fair, it’s unclear if many Mills residents are actually worried about the posts, if they’re even aware they exist.
While Holscher suggested the photos may have rubbed some members of the public the wrong way, Juarez and McCarthy said none of their constituents had approached them with any misgivings about the images.
There is evidence the photoshoot may have ruffled some feathers within the city, though; officials indicated the images were later discussed during a city council executive session on April 25. That said, no one was able to clarify why.
“I can’t discuss the contents of anything that happens in an executive session because those are confidential by law,” said Holscher.
The city of Mills denied the Star-Tribune’s request for a copy of the executive session’s meeting minutes.
Juarez has been a somewhat divisive figure in Mills.
Before taking office in January, she had been an outspoken critic of Mills’ city government for years. In 2018, she led a movement to stop budget cuts to the city’s fire department. She ousted incumbent Seth Coleman in the 2022 Mills mayoral election.
Some see Juarez as a breath of fresh air. But her approach hasn’t been popular with everyone in the city.
She’s said openly that her image as an outsider bent on shaking things up within Mills has caused some conflict on the council and within the city’s ranks. | https://trib.com/news/local/government-politics/photos-that-raised-questions-about-open-meetings-law-were-staged-mills-mayor-says/article_97344564-0c61-11ee-9018-ef2a66715b4a.html | 2023-06-16T20:20:39 | 0 | https://trib.com/news/local/government-politics/photos-that-raised-questions-about-open-meetings-law-were-staged-mills-mayor-says/article_97344564-0c61-11ee-9018-ef2a66715b4a.html |
Huguenard Road is to close between Cook and Wallen roads from Wednesday to June 30 during sanitary force main installation, the Allen County Highway Department said today.
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Trump pleads not guilty to federal charges that he illegally kept classified documents | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/huguenard-road-portion-to-close/article_beb30df8-0c77-11ee-a753-b33a9eac86ea.html | 2023-06-16T20:24:05 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/huguenard-road-portion-to-close/article_beb30df8-0c77-11ee-a753-b33a9eac86ea.html |
Irving Road between Indiana 37 and Ricker Road will close from 7 a.m. Thursday to 5 p.m. June 23 during road repair, the Allen County Highway Department said today.
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Trump pleads not guilty to federal charges that he illegally kept classified documents | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/irving-road-part-closing-for-2-days/article_56b15a8e-0c77-11ee-a332-172672290a83.html | 2023-06-16T20:24:05 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/irving-road-part-closing-for-2-days/article_56b15a8e-0c77-11ee-a332-172672290a83.html |
Manchester University today took a step toward cementing its effect in Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana with a groundbreaking for a $20 million expansion.
University officials were joined by elected representatives and regional business leaders for a late-morning ceremony at Manchester's campus, 10627 Diebold Road.
“This is an incredibly exciting day for everyone at Manchester University,” President Dave McFadden said in a statement. “This expansion and investment in our Fort Wayne health sciences hub is also an important development in helping health care providers meet the critical needs in the communities they serve, and it’s a reflection of our continued success in the health professions over the past 10-plus years.”
The $20 million investment is centered on a 32,000-square-foot addition at a building where the focus is health and science.
The North Manchester-based institution opened its 80,000-square-foot building on Diebold Road near Parkview Regional Medical Center in 2012. It was built for the university's doctor of pharmacy program.
McFadden announced the expansion plan in December, calling it a strategic move.
Key aspects of the expansion will include the creation of an interprofessional clinic, which will provide students and faculty with hands-on opportunities and experience serving a high-need population in the region.
Other new additions include state-of-the-art physical therapy teaching labs, research and classroom spaces, nursing simulation and skills laboratory, and a variety of versatile collaboration areas for students.
The university will replace the existing façade to include a new entrance and two-story addition. There also will be a significant bump-out on the back of the second floor faculty and staff suite, and a new café and patio.
“Our expanded presence in Fort Wayne is designed for those who will practice well into the 21st century,” said a statement from W. Thomas Smith, dean of health sciences and pharmacy. “We are maximizing our space – and providing world-class resources to our world-class faculty – to accommodate today’s learners and tomorrow’s health care providers.”
It will also enhance Manchester’s nursing program, which recently earned full, five-year accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This accreditation covers both its Fort Wayne-based Accelerated BSN Second Degree program and its traditional, four-year track for a bachelor’s degree in nursing, with two of those years in Fort Wayne.
The university previously announced plans to create a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Master of Science in Nutrition and Nutrigenomics in the upcoming year. Nutrigenomics is the scientific study of the interaction of nutrition and genes, especially with regard to the prevention or treatment of disease.
McFadden is scheduled to retire June 30. He will be succeeded by Stacy Young, an alumna, July 1. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/manchester-university-breaks-ground-on-20-million-expansion-in-fort-wayne/article_e043e05c-0c61-11ee-ab8d-c7b804eb1e80.html | 2023-06-16T20:24:05 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/manchester-university-breaks-ground-on-20-million-expansion-in-fort-wayne/article_e043e05c-0c61-11ee-ab8d-c7b804eb1e80.html |
Two people were hospitalized after an SUV-semi crash in Adams County today, the county sheriff's department said.
Clayton J. Zootman, 18, and his passenger, Janae M. McConnehey, 18, of Bluffton were in stable condition at an area hospital, the sheriff's department said in a statement.
It said Zootman's SUV was headed east on Indiana 124 near County Road 400 West when it went left of center and collided with a westbound semi driven by Kevin D. Lehman of Geneva, who was not injured.
The crash remains under investigation by the county sheriff's department. Adams County EMS, Preble firefighters and Berne police assisted. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-fire/2-hurt-in-adams-county-suv-semi-crash/article_58cd859c-0c70-11ee-8b0a-376830c0cf1d.html | 2023-06-16T20:24:06 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-fire/2-hurt-in-adams-county-suv-semi-crash/article_58cd859c-0c70-11ee-8b0a-376830c0cf1d.html |
STARKVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) — Starkville Police reported no injuries and made one arrest following a shooting Thursday morning, June 15.
The shooting happened at the intersection of Highway 12 and Louisville Street. One vehicle was damaged.
An argument had taken place at the Westside Market prior to the shooting, according to Starkville Police.
Police arrested Cameron Roby, 21, of Shuqualak, and charged him with aggravated assault.
More arrests are expected, according to Police. | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/arrest-made-following-thursday-shooting-in-starkville/article_93c5f0e8-0c7b-11ee-8dc3-4b939bc84258.html | 2023-06-16T20:29:38 | 0 | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/arrest-made-following-thursday-shooting-in-starkville/article_93c5f0e8-0c7b-11ee-8dc3-4b939bc84258.html |
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said they had located three children who they believe were in danger, however, their mom is still missing.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
On May 19, Marion County deputies said they received an order from the Department of Children and Families after their mother, 34-year-old Demelia Gates, refused to show her children to them during a visit.
According to a news release, deputies searched for 14-year-old Lashawd Janvier, 13-year-old Loveson Janvier and 9-year-old Danylah Janvier who were last seen with Gates at the Roadway Inn on Silver Springs Boulevard on May 11.
Read: Warning: Vehicles being stolen from valet services, Orange County deputies say
Investigators said Gates left a fourth child at the motel and never returned, but the child is now in DCF custody.
On Friday, the sheriff’s office said the three kids were located and were safe but Gates is still missing and wanted by authorities.
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In a press release, deputies did not explain how or where the three kids were located.
If you have any information on Demelia Gates’s location, call 911.
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/marion-deputies-locate-three-missing-kids-mom-is-still-wanted-by-authorities/PWCTUPF425EQPG37EJ4ML5GU4Y/ | 2023-06-16T20:30:31 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/marion-deputies-locate-three-missing-kids-mom-is-still-wanted-by-authorities/PWCTUPF425EQPG37EJ4ML5GU4Y/ |
WACO, Texas — The 6-year-old boy who was struck by lightning in Valley Mills last month died Friday morning, family members shared on social media.
Grayson Boggs death comes a month after his father, Matthew Boggs, died from the same lightning strike in Valley Mills on May 15 around 5 p.m.
Matthew Boggs was holding hands with Grayson Boggs when he was struck by lightning. That bolt then traveled to Grayson Boggs, which caused the boy's heart to stop beating for 30 minutes, according to authorities.
Grayson Boggs was taken to the hospital, then put on a ventilator. He started breathing on his own, but was then put on a feeding tube, according to family posts on Facebook.
The 6-year-old fought for his life until he died around 5 a.m. Friday., his mother, Kayla Boggs, announced on Facebook.
"Words can't describe this I can't believe my baby nephew is gone," his aunt who goes by "LilJenjen Rhinehart" on Facebook said. "I really prayed to God that you would’ve made it because it wasn’t your time to go but God had other plans for you and your daddy..."
The GoFundMe set up for Grayson Boggs is still active with a total goal of $100,000. Click here to donate. | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/family-6-year-old-boy-struck-by-lightning-in-valley-mills-dies/500-a7a04177-4e7a-4192-bd03-0e316ae44fad | 2023-06-16T20:30:36 | 1 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/family-6-year-old-boy-struck-by-lightning-in-valley-mills-dies/500-a7a04177-4e7a-4192-bd03-0e316ae44fad |
ORLANDO, Fla. — Scattered storms have fired up once again.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Meteorologist George Waldenberger said the storms would continue tracking through many neighborhoods within Central Florida through the end of the afternoon.
Isolated strong storms will be possible, with frequent lightning and brief, heavy downpours.
SEE: Truck falls into sinkhole in Titusville
Isolated pockets of damaging wind will also be possible through around 6 p.m.
This evening and overnight look quiet.
Warning: Vehicles being stolen from valet services, Orange County deputies say
We should expect more storms to pass through during your Father’s Day weekend, and the active forecast will continue through next week.
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/strong-storms-possible-through-friday-afternoon/UI5MBZG5YVAMDPPXQWEBUILF74/ | 2023-06-16T20:30:37 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/strong-storms-possible-through-friday-afternoon/UI5MBZG5YVAMDPPXQWEBUILF74/ |
An incident involving a police chase in Mandan resulted in an injured passenger and the arrest of a Bismarck man.
A Mandan police officer responded about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday after a report of a car fleeing from Bismarck police during a traffic stop, according to an affidavit. North Dakota Highway Patrol officers, Morton County deputies and Bismarck police also responded.
The suspect vehicle hit a light fixture on 10th Avenue Southwest, causing $8,000 worth of damage and injuring a 40-year-old unidentified passenger, according to authorities. The driver allegedly fled on foot. The Patrol eventually detained Robert Royce, 40.
The 40-year-old passenger was taken to a medical facility with unspecified injuries.
Royce faces multiple misdemeanor charges and a felony count of fleeing a police officer, which carries a maximum punishment of five years in prison. One of the misdemeanors is a weapons count. Authorities allege they found nunchucks, a machete, a knife and a hatchet concealed in a backpack in the car.
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Court documents do not list an attorney for Royce. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/mandan/mandan-police-chase-ends-with-arrest-injury/article_6c19518a-0c6b-11ee-906e-df10c5edb7b3.html | 2023-06-16T20:30:57 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/mandan/mandan-police-chase-ends-with-arrest-injury/article_6c19518a-0c6b-11ee-906e-df10c5edb7b3.html |
A Kenosha eye doctor has been ranked in the top 175 ophthalmologists in the country.
In a recent ranking of America’s Best Eye Doctors by Newsweek magazine, Dr. Inder Paul Singh, president of The Eye Centers of Racine & Kenosha, was ranked No. 69 out of 175 ophthalmologists. The ranking resulted from a survey of more than 10,000 healthcare professionals across the country.
“What made it so special was that it was based on surveying peers around the country,” Singh said. “It’s really an honor, because we all learn from each other.”
Singh, a “born-and-bred” Wisconsinite, said he was surprised when he learned about his ranking.
“It’s humbling, because you realize the people who are on this list, these are my people,” Singh said. “How could it be that I’m on a list with these people who I’ve admired for years and have taught me so much?”
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While he was honored by the high ranking, Singh emphasized that their work was collaborative, with the best “standing on the shoulders of giants.”
“One of the reasons why I speak and go out there and teach and go to meetings and do research is because it’s really a wonderful opportunity for us to learn from everybody,” Singh said. “There are a number of different ways of approaching the same disease, same technology, the same procedure.”
Trust and responsibility
Singh’s clinic is a relaxed space; he plays his favorite pop music in the background, chatting calmly to patients as he works. They lie on their back, faces mostly covered other than the eye in question. He specializes in glaucoma treatments and eye floater removal.
A camera and light arm are lowered over the patient and Singh, rather than hunching over them, watches a large screen with a blown-up 3D view of the patient’s eye. He works with an exceptionally steady hand, a necessary skill when working with such a delicate part of the human body.
The procedure is not for the squeamish, but watching Singh makes it seem as commonplace as putting on a bandage.
He takes the work seriously, however, despite his calm demeanor. He described the trust patients give him as “awe-inspiring.”
“It’s a lot of responsibility that someone puts in your hands,” Singh said. “Think about it, someone’s saying, 'Open my eyes, I trust you.'"
Local practice
Singh’s practice has deep roots in the area.
“I give a lot of credit to my father,” Singh said. “He started his own practice in the 1980s. Since then, it has been a big part of the Racine and Kenosha community. He really loved Wisconsin, loved this area.”
Singh eventually got to work with his father, who taught him valuable lessons about building trust with those in his care.
“I got to learn from him how to run a practice, how to actually take care of patients as a holistic approach,” Singh said.
While he had the technical knowledge, Singh said his father showed him many aspects of patient care he wasn’t taught in school.
“What patients want to know if you are someone who is going to care for them,” Singh said. “Are you someone who’s going to be able to relate to them, are you truly on their side?”
Despite ranking as one of the best ophthalmologists in the country, Singh emphasized the importance of continuing to learn more, adapt to changes and adopt new methods and technologies when they prove effective.
“Otherwise you get stagnant,” Singh said. “I learned a lot from my dad, from that mentality, to just keep pushing forward.” | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-area-eye-doctor-ranked-as-one-of-best-in-the-country/article_d3ff0204-03c9-11ee-a5a0-eb5c760e3f53.html | 2023-06-16T20:34:25 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-area-eye-doctor-ranked-as-one-of-best-in-the-country/article_d3ff0204-03c9-11ee-a5a0-eb5c760e3f53.html |
A Lincoln mother has filed a civil lawsuit against Lancaster County's chief deputy sheriff, who hit and hospitalized the woman's 9-year-old daughter as she rode her bike in northwest Lincoln last month, according to new court filings.
In a suit filed Thursday, Tiarrah Moton's attorney accused Chief Deputy Ben Houchin of driving his Dodge Ram pickup truck too fast for conditions on May 10, when he crashed into 9-year-old Janiece Moton near West Jennifer Street and Northwest Eighth Street at around 8:15 p.m. that evening.
Moton's attorney, Vince Powers, also accused Houchin of failing to yield the right of way, failing to keep his truck under proper control and failing to keep a proper look out in the moments before the crash, which left Janiece hospitalized and diagnosed with multiple skull fractures, a brain bleed, a fractured shoulder, an injured knee and road rash on various parts of her body.
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Houchin, who was off duty and driving his personal truck, told investigators he was driving around 20 mph in the moments before he struck Janiece, who was not wearing a helmet, according to the crash report filed in the incident.
The posted speed limit on West Jennifer is 25 mph.
Powers, a prominent attorney in Lincoln who has won costly injury verdicts in crashes before, said in Thursday's filing that the Motons had incurred medical expenses of an "unknown" amount that are likely to continue to stack up.
And, Powers said, Janiece has suffered past, present and future "pain, inconvenience, humiliation, suffering, mental anguish and permanent loss of earning capacity."
Powers didn't specific an amount, but the family is seeking a judgement that will "fairly and justly compensate" the 9-year-old for her injuries and medical costs.
Houchin, who has not commented publicly on the crash, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment Friday. He nor his attorney had filed a response to the suit as of Friday afternoon.
Reached by phone in May, Houchin declined to comment on the crash itself, saying he wanted to keep his response to the incident "personal" and not conflate it with his role as chief deputy sheriff.
Thursday's filing comes just over a month after the crash, which put one of Lancaster County’s top law enforcement officers under investigation, left the Motons in shock and shook Tiarrah Moton's confidence in local law enforcement, she said then.
In the crash report, Lincoln Police Investigator Nicholas Vest said Houchin was driving his Ram 1500 east on West Jennifer Street when he glanced down at his radio as he proceeded through the road's intersection with Northwest Eighth Street on Wednesday, crashing into Janiece, who was riding her bike south on Eighth Street.
The chief deputy, who told investigators he had looked down for a "split second" to change his radio station, told police the girl came out of nowhere and that he never saw her approaching the roadway, according to the crash report.
There are no stop signs on either side of the three-way intersection.
Nine days after the crash, the Police Department announced Houchin would not face criminal charges for his role in the collision.
Police don't suspect drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash, Police Chief Teresa Ewins said. Investigators did not test Houchin for either drugs or alcohol, according to the crash report.
For Tiarrah Moton, the Police Department’s failure to give Houchin a field sobriety test — along with comments she heard from officers at the scene, who seemed to be “trying to make excuses for” Houchin — called into question law enforcement’s response to the collision, she said in May.
The mother of five said, at first, she didn’t care that Houchin was a sheriff’s deputy. But by the end of last week, when she said she hadn’t heard an investigative update from the Police Department and hadn’t heard an apology from anyone at the sheriff’s office, her attitude had changed from understanding to angry.
“They promised a few phone calls that have still — today, two days later — have not been made,” she said then. “They have not kept those promises.”
A week after the crash, when LPD announced Houchin would not be cited, Sgt. Chris Vollmer, a department spokesman, said that "efforts to contact the mother of the child by our staff have been made and are documented in our case file." He did not say whether police had actually spoken to Moton since the crash.
Police sought video evidence as part of their investigation, Vollmer said, but ultimately didn't find any. Vollmer said many residents who utilize Ring-style doorbell cameras dial back the sensitivity to avoid the cameras being tripped every time a car drives by.
In a statement issued in May, Sheriff Terry Wagner said he was saddened to hear of the crash and wished Janiece “a quick and speedy recovery.”
Wagner said the early information from the sheriff's office's internal investigation into the crash suggested Houchin did not violate any agency policies. The sheriff said he stopped at the scene, rendered aid and had cooperated with police.
“As a parent myself, I cannot imagine the distress this has caused for the child’s parents and family,” Wagner said. “I know that this event has also been difficult for Chief Deputy Houchin, who also has young children of his own.” | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/lincoln-mother-of-injured-cyclist-sues-chief-lancaster-county-sheriffs-deputy/article_f434308a-0c66-11ee-9231-7f39dceb5a69.html | 2023-06-16T20:44:22 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/lincoln-mother-of-injured-cyclist-sues-chief-lancaster-county-sheriffs-deputy/article_f434308a-0c66-11ee-9231-7f39dceb5a69.html |
Alvion Davenport, entertainment director at Godfrey’s, a downtown Richmond club, applies her stage makeup before a performance on May 7.
Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH
Davenport’s been performing for 20 years, since accepting a dare to take the stage while a student in high school.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
Dana Tarleton, center, walks down a hallway backstage, while Davenport, left, and Tiffany Fuller, right, prepare for a recent performance at Godfrey’s, which is known for its drag brunches.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jermaine Hancock, a male dancer who goes by the stage name Just Jermaine, puts a makeup brush to work before taking the stage.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
At a recent Godfrey's drag brunch, the audience shows appreciation for Tiffany Fuller's performance with tips and applause.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
Alvion Davenport, entertainment director at Godfrey’s, here about to perform, says the work drag queens do is important for those who might feel as if there's no one like them.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
Dana Tarleton, who goes by the stage name Dana St. James, touches up her hair and makeup before a performance.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
Bring an open mind, dollars for tips and just enjoy the show, Alvion Davenport advises anyone planning to visit Godfrey's.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
Dana Tarleton, who goes by the stage name Dana St. James, puts the final touches on her outfit before heading to the stage at Godfrey's, a landmark in Richmond's LGBTQ+ community.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
“When I was growing up, … there was nobody like me. I didn’t turn on the TV and see 'RuPaul’s Drag Race.' … So being that person like me for somebody else is what matters to me," Davenport said.
Twenty years ago, a gay, Black high school student accepted a dare to get up on stage at a drag show and perform. Today, Alvion Davenport is still performing.
“If I don’t live another day, I feel complete with that. I’ve checked off so many boxes in life that a lot of people don’t get an opportunity to,” said Davenport, now entertainment director for Godfrey’s, a downtown Richmond club known for its drag brunches and late-night performances.
Although the art of female illusion spans centuries, recent years have seen a rise in anti-drag sentiment culminating in proposed and/or passed legislation in multiple states. In Tennessee, a law limiting public drag shows passed, but has been stalled by a federal judge. In North Carolina, House Republicans have introduced a bill that would limit where drag shows can be performed.
“There has been so much progression for the better, that now everything that’s happening is like, ‘Really? We’ve come this far, and y’all wanna start this (expletive)?’” Davenport said. “My sisters across the country have dealt with things where people have thrown gas bombs into the club, or nightclub shootings that we’ve heard about on the news.”
Davenport thinks that the work drag queens do is important as they can be people to look up to or role models.
“When I was growing up, … there was nobody like me. I didn’t turn on the TV and see ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race.’ … So being that person like me for somebody else is what matters to me.”
If you’re planning a visit to Godfrey’s, Davenport has some advice:
“If you’re gonna go, go with an open mind, bring a lot of dollars for tips and just enjoy the show. Leave the labels at the door, and enjoy the show. It’s just that simple.”
PHOTOS: Recognize anyone? 30 photos from the Times-Dispatch archives
Dana Tarleton, center, walks down a hallway backstage, while Davenport, left, and Tiffany Fuller, right, prepare for a recent performance at Godfrey’s, which is known for its drag brunches.
Alvion Davenport, entertainment director at Godfrey’s, here about to perform, says the work drag queens do is important for those who might feel as if there's no one like them.
Dana Tarleton, who goes by the stage name Dana St. James, puts the final touches on her outfit before heading to the stage at Godfrey's, a landmark in Richmond's LGBTQ+ community.
“When I was growing up, … there was nobody like me. I didn’t turn on the TV and see 'RuPaul’s Drag Race.' … So being that person like me for somebody else is what matters to me," Davenport said. | https://richmond.com/news/local/business/through-our-lens-performing-a-service-through-drag/article_93472246-0c39-11ee-a8f0-3b35c9f73234.html | 2023-06-16T20:47:29 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/business/through-our-lens-performing-a-service-through-drag/article_93472246-0c39-11ee-a8f0-3b35c9f73234.html |
In May, Ohio had the lowest unemployment rate it has seen since 1976 – the year the state began reporting unemployment.
The state’s unemployment rate of 3.6% was down from April’s rate of 3.7%, and the state’s nonagricultural wage and salary employment increased by more than 6,000 over the month. This brought the total up to 5.6 million workers.
Ohio’s unemployment in May was also slightly below the national average of 3.7%.
“Ohio job growth remained solid in May as the state finally surpassed its pre-COVID peak in total employment,” said Nationwide Senior Economist Ben Ayers after Friday’s release of Ohio May employment data.
The number of unemployed workers in Ohio in May was 207,000, down from 211,000 the month before.
The number of unemployed workers has also decreased by 16,000 in the past 12 months from 223,000, according to the state job department.
Ayers said May’s data does not give any indication that the state’s labor market is “cooling off.” More workers are reentering the workforce to seek job opportunities and higher pay.
Ohio has added nearly 60,000 workers to payrolls since the start of the year. This compares to 86,500 new jobs across all of 2022, Ayers said.
The health care sector accounts for nearly a third of total new jobs within the state through last month. In addition, the hospitality sector continues to add workers, Ayers said.
Statewide, more than 3 million workers contribute to the private service-providing sector. The month of May saw more gains in employment related to health, hospitality and other services than it did in losses related to employment for finance activities and business services, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
The Dayton Metropolitan Statistical Area includes Montgomery, Miami and Greene counties.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services will not release unemployment data by county for the month of May until next week.
In April, Montgomery County had an unemployment rate of 3.4%, ranking as the 39th highest unemployment rate among Ohio’s 88 counties, according to estimates by the state job department.
Greene County reported an unemployment rate of 2.7% in April, while Miami County saw an unemployment rate of 2.8%.
Statewide, the May unemployment rate decreased 0.3% from 3.9% in May 2022.
The U.S. unemployment has increased from April, which saw a rate of 3.4%
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/ohios-may-unemployment-rate-the-lowest-since-70s-bouncing-back-to-pre-covid-numbers/B6ZYLE5RSNBIRJVBXVSSECOR5Y/ | 2023-06-16T20:48:58 | 0 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/ohios-may-unemployment-rate-the-lowest-since-70s-bouncing-back-to-pre-covid-numbers/B6ZYLE5RSNBIRJVBXVSSECOR5Y/ |
The Hollywood Market and Yoga Spa sits amid residential properties In Boise’s North End neighborhood. A zoning code rewrite is intended to allow more businesses within walking distance of neighborhoods.
The Hollywood Market and Yoga Spa sits amid residential properties In Boise’s North End neighborhood. A zoning code rewrite is intended to allow more businesses within walking distance of neighborhoods.
In emotional comments Thursday, Boise’s city councilmembers tied their own experiences with the city to how they want the future to be with the new zoning code rewrite.
For example, Councilmember Holli Woodings, who made the motion to approve the rewrite, spoke about growing up in the North End, walking downtown and buying ice cream from a nearby store. She said she lived there during college and it’s where she and her husband bought their first home together.
“It was a wonderful place to grow up,” Woodings said. “It really afforded us the opportunity to live in the same neighborhood with a variety of needs at a variety of times in our life.”
The code, which was approved Thursday night in a unanimous vote from the Boise City Council, on some levels is a reimagining of Boise for the coming decades, but also a return to how older neighborhoods like the North End mix residential and commercial uses in the same areas.
The goal is to mix uses, grow denser and avoid urban sprawl. At the same time, the density is intended to help with setting up better public transportation and more affordable housing.
There were some generational splits in public reaction to the code. Many younger people were in favor of the rewrite. At the same, many older people were skeptical it could deliver on its promises.
City staff made a series of recommendations and compromises based on public testimony. Ultimately the code itself and the changes were enough to convince every council member to vote in favor.
The changes included allowing billboards to display a message for eight seconds, making electrical substations a conditional use in every zone, increasing long-term bike parking, changing accessory dwelling unit requirements and reducing the length of affordability deed restrictions.
The ordinance will come back before the city council for a first reading on June 27. Its third reading and the final vote will be on July 18, city spokesperson Maria Weeg said.
“There's a lot of people that are in my situation, that maybe never even owned a home, that feel like they missed the lottery ticket,” Councilmember Colin Nash said. "I'm proud to be casting a vote in favor of the motion.”
"This will be the certainly the greatest privilege I ever have to be able to vote in favor of this,” Councilmember Patrick Bageant said.
People say the mark of a good compromise is when everybody is unhappy. Over the course of the Boise Planning & Zoning hearings and the city council hearings, many Boiseans were split on whether the code went too far or not far enough.
And while almost every councilmember had things they wanted to change, they all voted for it.
“Are there things that I want changed and I want put on the record? You bet,” Councilmember Luci Willits said. “There's a lot of things that I want to change that have been addressed. It's not everything. I think if you look at my colleagues, every one of us has a list that we would change, but overall, I think it gets us down the road.”
Carolyn Komatsoulis covers Boise, Meridian and Ada County. Contact her at 208-465-8107 or ckomatsoulis@idahopress.com and follow her on Twitter @CKomatsoulis.
Carolyn Komatsoulis covers Boise, Meridian and Ada County for the Idaho Press. She previously worked at a newspaper in rural Nebraska. She's from the D.C. area and went to school in Boston, where she graduated with a degree in journalism. In her free time, she loves watching football, spending time with Kyoko and Pickles, exploring and going on road trips with her best friends. She welcomes news tips in English or Spanish. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/after-new-rezoning-code-approval-in-boise-whats-next/article_a4a95744-0c60-11ee-b9e6-7fe48349dc2a.html | 2023-06-16T20:48:58 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/after-new-rezoning-code-approval-in-boise-whats-next/article_a4a95744-0c60-11ee-b9e6-7fe48349dc2a.html |
Dramatic storm clouds form above the Treasure Valley on June 6. The month of June has seen consistent precipitation and more could come this weekend including on Father's Day. Temperatures figure to heat up soon, however, with July drawing near.
This year, the Treasure Valley seems to be easing into summer.
June has delivered regular thunderstorms, with downpours generally concentrated over north Boise, said Joel Tannenholz, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boise. So far this month, high temperatures have rarely strayed past the 80s, he said. The National Weather Service is predicting another rain system to come through on Father’s Day, with a high temperature of 71, decidedly cooler than the average high of 81 for mid-June.
So when will Boise see another 90-degree day? And what does the rest of the summer hold for weather and drought conditions?
The coming week is likely to bring more below-normal high temperatures and slightly above-average precipitation, Tannenholz said. Starting June 23, temperatures are predicted to creep upward into normal territory, with the average high reaching 87 degrees by the end of the month, he said.
June typically brings more variable weather than July and August, Tannenholz said.
“Usually because the position of the jet stream is still far enough south for us to get changeable weather, like we have seen in the last couple of days,” he said. “In July and August, the jet stream is usually so far north, we are usually under a high pressure ridge over the entire inner mountain west, and that gives us pretty stable weather.”
Last year, the average high for June was 81 degrees, but 2021's was 91 degrees and 2020's was 78 degrees, Tannenholz said.
As for drought, most of southern Idaho has recovered at this point, said David Hoekema, a hydrologist with the Idaho Department of Water Resources. This was helped along by La Niña conditions which brought ample rain and snow this winter, he said.
And something else happened, too: Ridges of high pressure that have historically developed during the winter and block moisture from getting to the state never materialized this year, Hoekema said. Both 2021 and 2020 saw this, with about a three-month period of ridging that blocked many storms from reaching Idaho, he said.
“(This year), we’ve just kind of had one system after another coming in,” Hoekema said.
Heading into the summer, the northern and southern parts of the state may differ in drought conditions, he said.
“I’d expect as we go into the summer, we might see drought intensifying in the north, but I doubt drought will reemerge in southern Idaho,” Hoekema said. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/experts-fathers-day-temps-looking-cool-but-warmer-days-on-the-horizon/article_2a58b604-0c62-11ee-bbe1-dbb45df05cbf.html | 2023-06-16T20:49:02 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/experts-fathers-day-temps-looking-cool-but-warmer-days-on-the-horizon/article_2a58b604-0c62-11ee-bbe1-dbb45df05cbf.html |
JOHNSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Johnson County Commission will meet July 10 to appoint a temporary successor to the county’s general sessions and juvenile court.
The meeting was called after Judge Perry Stout resigned Thursday night after he was involved in what he described as “immoral” acts.
Stout reportedly self-reported an incident between himself and court staff. Stout said Thursday night that no laws were broken and that the acts had been consensual with a “woman twice the age of consent.”
The special called meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Johnson County Courthouse in Mountain City after a budget meeting. A notice from the county states that a public comment period will be included in the meeting’s agenda.
Anyone hoping to be appointed to the interim position must meet the following criteria:
- At least 30 years old
- Licensed to practice law in Tennessee
- Resident of the state for at least five years
- Lived in the district for at least one year
Resumes and letters of interest must be submitted to County Mayor Larry Potter’s office. Applications may be dropped off at the courthouse during business hours, emailed to office.mayor@johnsoncountytn.gov or mailed to the courthouse to the attention of the Johnson County Commission.
Applicants will have a brief time to speak during the special called meeting before an interim judge is appointed.
Stout said Thursday night that while he thought it was best he step aside for the time being, he plans to run for the seat again in 2024. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/johnson-county-commission-to-appoint-interim-judge-after-resignation/ | 2023-06-16T20:49:03 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/johnson-county-commission-to-appoint-interim-judge-after-resignation/ |
Gila County Sheriff's Office continue search for missing Roosevelt Lake jet skier
The Gila County Sheriff's Office asked members of the public to avoid the Bobcat Boat launch at the Windy Hill recreation area as crews continue their search for a missing jet skier.
According to a press release posted to Facebook, on June 14, at around 2 p.m., GCSO received a call about a possible missing jet ski rider at Roosevelt Lake.
Deputies with the sheriff's office as well as Tonto Rim Search and Rescue, dive and air support units from the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Border Patrol drone operators responded to assist in the search, according to the release.
No other information had been released, as the search remained ongoing.
How to stay safe in the water
Water safety is crucial to remember during the summer months. Anyone can be at risk in lakes or open water when either impaired, swimming alone or unaware of how to swim.
If you find someone struggling in the water:
- Yell for help and pull the person out of the water.
- Call 9-1-1 immediately. Stay on the line.
- Begin CPR.
- If you are not trained, follow the instructions from the 9-1-1 operator until help arrives. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/06/16/search-for-missing-roosevelt-lake-jet-skier-continues/70331079007/ | 2023-06-16T20:50:10 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/06/16/search-for-missing-roosevelt-lake-jet-skier-continues/70331079007/ |
PUTNAM COUNTY, Indiana — A 570-acre piece of undisturbed forestland west of Greencastle will be protected forever to support important wildlife and plants.
The Next Level Conservation Trust provided more than $3.1 million toward the land acquisition, while the Central Indiana Land Trust, Inc. (CILTI) raised more than $1 million from private donors.
The total purchase price was $4,125,000.
“When I think about this land, I couldn’t be more thrilled we’re preserving the natural wonders of Hoosier landscapes like these,” said Gov. Eric Holcomb. “Through this first investment from the Next Level Conservation Trust, we are preserving land not just for today, but for generations of future Hoosiers to enjoy, protecting habitats and promoting quality of life.”
Hoosiers will have opportunities to enjoy natural areas, experience Indiana’s native flora and fauna, and benefit from improved water and air quality.
According to CILTI, when it closed on the property in May, it became the largest single land purchase in the nonprofit’s 33-year history. Now that CILTI owns the property, it is developing a land management plan and will be planning ways to open the preserve to the public.
“This property has been on our wish list since first exploring it in 2008 because of its size, pristine condition and rich biodiversity,” said CILTI President & CEO Cliff Chapman.
The land trust will protect the land forever, and the ongoing care will not require tax dollars.
"This is a great opportunity to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Putnam County," said Neysa Meyer, Putnam County Community Foundation Executive Director. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/gov-holcomb-announces-new-nature-preserve-central-indiana-land-trust-forestland/531-cd872c7a-f1e1-4ff9-8d22-8bdabe5f975a | 2023-06-16T20:57:53 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/gov-holcomb-announces-new-nature-preserve-central-indiana-land-trust-forestland/531-cd872c7a-f1e1-4ff9-8d22-8bdabe5f975a |
INDIANAPOLIS — Mayor Joe Hogsett told the City-County Council that he received “direct” and personal threats just weeks after he announced a new gun control proposal.
“Since I announced the measure, there has been a concerted effort to pressure me into withdrawing these proposals. Pressure from political perspectives, well that’s to be expected, but also direct threats to me personally if I do not back down,” Hogsett said. “I hope and I pray that none of you will experience those kinds of threats and those kinds of tactics.”
The comment was made during the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee meeting.
IMPD confirmed to 13News that the threats remain part of an open and ongoing investigation Friday.
“The IMPD takes all threats seriously and investigates them thoroughly,” said an IMPD spokesperson.
The Mayor’s Office also confirmed that they received a threat that was directed toward the mayor.
Proposal 156 would ban semi-automatic weapons, raise the age to purchase a gun to 21, and end permitless and concealed carry in the city.
The committee approved Hogsett's plan Wednesday and the full council plans to vote on it next month.
The proposal is a conditional ordinance. Since state law currently prevents local governments like Indy from regulating firearms in this way, the proposal wouldn't immediately take effect.
If state restrictions are lifted or the law one day changes by the legislature or by the courts, it would allow Indianapolis to implement these gun safety measures.
IMPD and the Mayor’s Office declined to comment on the nature of the threat and how it was made. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/impd-confirms-investigation-threats-made-against-indianapolis-mayor-joe-hogsett/531-4ea69a5b-0aa9-4fe2-870c-6720b01a2edb | 2023-06-16T20:57:59 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/impd-confirms-investigation-threats-made-against-indianapolis-mayor-joe-hogsett/531-4ea69a5b-0aa9-4fe2-870c-6720b01a2edb |
PORTER COUNTY, Ind. — Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating an incident that resulted in the death of a 7-year-old Chicago boy Thursday afternoon in Portage.
At 4:50 p.m., the Porter County 911 Center received a report of a child missing in Lake Michigan near the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Beach.
Responders from multiple agencies arrived and located the child in the water near Ogden Dunes at 5:11 p.m.
The child was taken from the water to a waiting ambulance where lifesaving measures were started. The boy was then transported to Northwest Health - Portage hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
An autopsy was completed Friday morning and the cause of death was ruled an accidental drowning.
Investigations have revealed the boy was playing in waist-deep water before entering deeper water. A witness reported it appeared the child was caught in a current that pulled him away from shore.
A family member entered the water in attempt to rescue the boy but also was caught in a current and lost sight of the boy.
A beach hazard statement from the National Weather Service was in effect at the time of the incident.
This story will be updated as Indiana Conservation Officers continue to investigate. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana/child-dies-after-being-recovered-lake-michigan-conservation-officers-investigating-ogden-dunes/531-d1686b8d-b8b6-4356-8c13-c6e92c210a06 | 2023-06-16T20:58:05 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana/child-dies-after-being-recovered-lake-michigan-conservation-officers-investigating-ogden-dunes/531-d1686b8d-b8b6-4356-8c13-c6e92c210a06 |
BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — A man who was using apps on his phone when his car slammed into stopped traffic on Interstate 75 in Florida in 2016 was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Thursday. The crash killed 9-year-old Logan Scherer and critically injured his parents and younger sister.
Gregory Andriotis, 39, was found guilty in April of one count of vehicular homicide and three counts of reckless driving.
Witnesses said Andriotis was on his cellphone and using multiple apps before crashing into the stopped cars in a traffic jam in Brooksville, Florida. Investigators asserted Andriotis was surfing the web, installing phone apps and possibly even making a credit card payment at the time of the crash.
The Scherer family moved to Greenwood from the Tampa area after the crash. They started the Living for Logan Foundation to eliminate distracted driving through education and legislation.
"We don't want anybody else to have to walk in the shoes that we do," said Jordan Scherer, Logan's father, during a 2020 interview with 13News. "We wouldn't wish this on our worst enemy. It's — for lack of a better way to put it — it's hell. It's hell on a regular basis to continue taking the steps forward."
The family helped push for a hands-free driving law in Indiana, making it illegal to drive while holding a mobile device.
Drivers found in violation of the Indiana law will be cited and can face fines up to $500, and points could be assessed to the offender's driver's license. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/man-sentenced-florida-texting-driving-crash-killed-9-year-old-boy-logan-scherer-distracted-gregory-andriotis-greenwood-indiana-hands-free-law/531-9f2b871d-a82e-45c3-a12e-0b5a89bce2aa | 2023-06-16T20:58:11 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/man-sentenced-florida-texting-driving-crash-killed-9-year-old-boy-logan-scherer-distracted-gregory-andriotis-greenwood-indiana-hands-free-law/531-9f2b871d-a82e-45c3-a12e-0b5a89bce2aa |
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Thousands of vehicles pass through Indianapolis interstates on a weekly basis.
Researchers at Purdue University are looking into what effect that has on the urban atmosphere and how we can make it better.
At the Ray W. Herrick Laboratories on Purdue's campus, students and staff are focused on sustainable transportation and sustainable buildings.
Dr. Greg Shaver, a mechanical engineering professor and lab director in West Lafayette, said one of the current projects deals with engines used in large vehicles. Researchers work to make them more efficient and cleaner.
"As we make the engine more efficient, it will burn less fuel. Whatever fuel we're using, that's a good thing," Shaver said. "When we are using fuels that are hydrocarbons, like gasoline, actual gas or diesel, we can reduce the amount of CO2 that is generated in the process, and that's good, because CO2 is a recognized global warming gas."
Shaver is part of a national push to look into reducing carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and microscopic particle emissions, while also improving the efficiency of diesel engines on the roads.
With the help of engineering professors, Boilermakers are now creating strategies to get gas in and out of the engine cylinders. The idea is to create a better way for the fuel to burn cleanly and efficiently. In turn, the research will also lessen tailpipe emissions.
"We are also looking at new types of fuels we can use, where the fuel itself has a lower carbon footprint and can burn cleaner in an engine," Shaver said.
One idea from Shaver's team allows engines to operate at lower power in certain situations, like when a semi-truck is stuck in traffic.
"These trucks, they don't need as much power from the engine when they are idling or moving slow," Shaver said. "Some of the strategies developed here, including cylinder deactivation, can help the engine act smaller by using fewer of the six cylinders that are standard in this type of engine."
Shaver knows air quality concerns have been top of mind for many Hoosiers, as we watched smoke from Canadian fires roll over town.
Remember the photos of New York City?
"There were cities in the United States that used to look like that, or at least almost that bad, on a regular basis because of transportation," Shaver said.
The Houston and Los Angeles of the 1950s and '60s resembled the burnt-orange New York City of early June, according to Shaver — only for two different reasons.
"We're still making improvements," Shaver said. "These challenges are challenges we can face and tackle, and it's a new generation of people who are tackling those challenges."
According to Shaver, transportation regulations have helped improve air quality over time.
"The air today is much cleaner than it was 10, 20, 30 years ago," Shaver said, "but there are still some additional steps we need to take as we continue to focus on improving human health."
Shaver said that is especially the case in urban areas like Indianapolis, where thousands of massive machines pass through every week, both on and off the interstate.
"We need freight and people moving trucks," Shaver said. "We need them on highway, and we also need them off highway to do work in agriculture."
Shaver said institutions like Purdue also need the next generation of engineers and technicians to help move this mission forward.
"That's what engineers do, and that's what Purdue engineers do," Shaver said.
When talking about his students, Shaver said it takes a team to make any real, impactful change.
"Some want to make the world a better place and improve air quality," Shaver said. "Some want to turn wrenches, and there's nothing wrong with that. Others like combustion and control systems, and some of them like some combination of that."
While improvements have been made overtime to both engine efficiency and emissions standards, Shaver knows there is still work to be done.
"This is not a new journey," Shaver said. "This is the same journey we've been on for many, many decades."
Click here to learn more about the research at Herrick Laboratories. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/purdue-research-helps-truck-drivers-better-efficiency-air-quality/531-0d7ebc34-4116-4ae8-8dfc-04990c328791 | 2023-06-16T20:58:17 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/purdue-research-helps-truck-drivers-better-efficiency-air-quality/531-0d7ebc34-4116-4ae8-8dfc-04990c328791 |
BROWNSTOWN, Ind. — In June 2022, the Jackson County Sheriff's Department reopened its investigation into a deadly 1971 cabin fire in hopes of solving it.
One year later, investigators believe a third teen, who was previously unaccounted for, died in the fire.
It happened Dec. 18, 1971, roughly a mile and a half south of Brownstown on State Road 135.
According to police reports from the time of the fire, two teenagers, 17-year-old Stanley R. Robison and 19-year-old Jerry Autry, were believed to have died in the fire at a make-shift structure which was used for camping.
A third teenager, 16-year-old Michael W. Sewell, was camping with the pair the night of the fire, but police reports from the time indicate only two bodies were found.
The two bodies were badly burned, and the only means of identification were class rings found, belonging to Robison and Autry.
Sewell was reported missing later that day and had not been seen or heard from since.
"Several questions have been raised over the years adding to the mystery of the events of that evening," Jackson County Sheriff's Department Lt. Adam Nicholson said in a statement. "After taking a deep look at everything and processing all the old reports and evidence, it seemed logical to think Sewell also perished in the fire."
On June 21, 2022, the remains of Autry and Robison were exhumed from Fairview Cemetery in Brownstown, with consent from the families, and transported to the University of Indianapolis for analysis. The families also provided DNA so it could be compared with the remains exhumed.
Dr. Krista Latham, a professor of biology and anthropology at UIndy and board-certified forensic anthropologist, completed her analysis on the remains Nov. 22, 2022.
Her report on the findings confirmed a minimum of three individuals within the two caskets were exhumed. This conclusion was made by identifying three copies of several bones.
According to Latham, there was no trauma found that couldn't be attributed to the fire.
Latham selected the least burnt bones to compare with DNA provided by the families, but only one bone was in good enough condition to produce results.
On June 12, the Indiana State Police Lab completed analysis on DNA extracted from the bone, which was positively identified as Robison.
"I'm glad we can finally give some closure to the families involved," Jackson County Sheriff Rick Meyer said. "I commend Lt. Nicholson and all the assisting agencies who helped find answers in this 52-year-old case."
Brownstown is roughly 70 miles south of downtown Indianapolis. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/reopened-investigation-leads-answers-1971-cold-case-jackson-county-cabin-fire-brownstown/531-a5ce4c85-7f05-42a6-aa2a-68d589901782 | 2023-06-16T20:58:23 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/reopened-investigation-leads-answers-1971-cold-case-jackson-county-cabin-fire-brownstown/531-a5ce4c85-7f05-42a6-aa2a-68d589901782 |
BUENA VISTA, Va. – Watch this story and hear more details tonight on 10 News at 5.
A Buena Vista man accused of killing his father and setting his house on fire in February 2022 received a life sentence on Friday.
In February 2022, Jonathan Patterson was arrested and charged with one felony count of murder and one felony count of arson in connection with the death of his father, retired Buena Vista Assistant Police Chief, Phillip “Jay” Patterson, as we reported.
Patterson’s trial came to an end in November 2022 when a 12-person jury found him guilty.
On June 16, 2023, Patterson went back to court for his sentencing. He was sentenced to serve a life sentence for a first-degree murder charge for killing his father.
Patterson was also sentenced to 20 years for arson with 10 years suspended.
Emotions were high in court after victims read statements sharing how their life has changed learning Patterson had killed his own father.
“This has completely broken me, as a person, I’m not the same mother-daughter sister friend I used to be,” sister Leslie Dowry said.
The victim of the crime, Jay Patterson, served the Buena Vista community for 32 years before he retired in 2014.
He also served an additional seven years with Virginia Military Institute Police Department in Lexington, earning the rank of Sergeant before he left the department in late 2021. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/16/buena-vista-man-convicted-of-killing-his-father-setting-house-on-fire-receives-life-sentence/ | 2023-06-16T20:58:43 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/16/buena-vista-man-convicted-of-killing-his-father-setting-house-on-fire-receives-life-sentence/ |
INDIANOLA — Simpson College announced that 147 students made the President's List for the Spring 2023 semester. Students named to the President's List achieved a 4.00 grade point average.
The list includes the following students:
Kacie Eisentrager, Sheffield
Jordyn Foelske, Waverly
Clarissa Huisman, Osage
Abby Meyer, Sumner
Tanner Striegel, Waterloo
This morning's top headlines: Friday, June 16
The Justice Department issued a withering critique of Minneapolis police, alleging that they systematically discriminated against racial minorities, often violated constitutional rights and disregarded the safety of people in custody for years before George Floyd was killed. The report came out Friday. It was the result of a sweeping two-year probe, and it confirmed many of the citizen complaints about police conduct that emerged after Floyd’s 2020 death. The investigation found that Minneapolis officers used excessive force, including “unjustified deadly force,” and violated the rights of people engaged in constitutionally protected speech. The probe also concluded that both police and the city discriminated against Black and Native American people.
Canadian police say a bus carrying seniors to a casino collided with a semi-trailer truck at a highway intersection in a rural part of the Canadian province of Manitoba Thursday, killing 15 people and injuring 10 more. Rob Hill, Commanding Officer of the Manitoba Royal Canadian Mounted Police, said the bus was carrying 25 people and authorities in Manitoba were deploying all their resources to the scene. TV broadcasters aired images of what looked like a large van or bus smoldering in a ditch near a transport truck with a smashed engine on a road. The pavement was littered with debris, including what looked like a walking aid.
Greece’s coast guard has launched its final day of searching an area of the Mediterranean Sea where a large fishing boat packed with migrants sank. Hundreds of passengers were missing and feared dead on Friday. The round-the-clock search and rescue operation off the coast of southern Greece entered its third day with little hope of finding survivors or bodies. None have been located since Wednesday, when 78 bodies were recovered and 104 people were rescued. The fishing boat carrying the migrants was traveling from Libya to Italy. The U.N. migration estimated the trawler may have carried as many as 750 passengers.
Three people have been killed after a tornado tore through the Texas Panhandle town of Perryton, leaving dozens more injured widespread damage. The National Weather Service in Amarillo confirmed that a tornado hit the area shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday. Local officials said Thursday night that two people were missing. Perryton Fire Chief Paul Dutcher said at least one person was killed in a mobile home park that took a “direct hit.” First responders from surrounding areas and from Oklahoma descended on the town, which is home to more than 8,000 people and about 115 miles northeast of Amarillo, just south of the Oklahoma line.
Rickie Fowler is the first player in U.S. Open history with a 62. He held that record for all of 15 minutes until Xander Schauffele joined him. It was an extraordinary morning for the so-called toughest test in golf. Fowler had 10 birdies and finished his round with a two-putt par from just inside 60 feet. Schauffele was two groups behind him and played bogey-free. They settled for their place in the record book. Dustin Johnson and Wyndham Clark played in the afternoon and each shot 64 to get within two shots of the record-breaking duo. Rory McIlroy and Brian Harman finished three shots off the lead.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, over the decades, have endured fans' diatribes along with their cheers. This week, perhaps for the first time, they were accused of blasphemy. Three prominent Catholic leaders — including the archbishops of New York and Los Angeles — said the team should have stuck by its short-lived decision to exclude a satirical LBGTQ+ group from this year's Pride Night because it features men dressed flamboyantly as nuns. Under fire from LGBTQ+ activists, the team re-invited the group, called the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. They're going to be honored for their charity work. The archbishops said it was blasphemy to honor a group which — in their view — mocks Catholic nuns in a vulgar way.
Pope Francis has been discharged from the Rome hospital where he had abdominal surgery nine days earlier to repair a hernia and remove painful scarring. The 86-year-old Francis left in a wheelchair on Friday. He smiled and waved and said “thanks” to a crowd of well-wishers. He then stood up so he could get into the small Vatican car awaiting him. His surgeon told reporters that Francis “is better than before” the surgery. Francis will make his traditional Sunday noon appearance at an Apostolic window overlooking St. Peter’s Square to greet the public in an appointment that lasts about 10 minutes.
U.S. officials say the Department of Energy is among a small number of federal agencies compromised in a Russian cyber-extortion gang’s global hack of a file-transfer program popular with corporations and governments. They say the impact is not expected to be great. Jen Easterly, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, told reporters that the hacking campaign was short, opportunistic and caught quickly. A senior CISA official said neither the U.S. military nor intelligence community was affected. Known victims to date include Louisiana’s Office of Motor Vehicles and Oregon's Department of Transportation.
The U.S. cybersecurity firm Mandiant says suspected state-backed Chinese hackers exploited a vulnerability in a popular email security appliance to break into the networks of hundreds of public and private sector organizations globally, nearly a third of them government agencies including foreign ministries. Fifty-five percent of the targets were from the Americas and 24% from the Asia Pacific region. They included foreign ministries in Southeast Asia and foreign trade offices and academic organizations in Taiwan and Hong Kong, Mandiant said. The activity exploiting the hacked Barracuda Networks’ Email Security Gateway dated back as early as October.
The United States has deployed a nuclear-powered submarine capable of carrying about 150 Tomahawk missiles to South Korea. The USS Michigan’s arrival Friday was the first of its kind in six years. It came a day after North Korea resumed missile tests in protest of the U.S.-South Korean live-fire drills. South Korean officials say the submarine's arrival is part of a recent bilateral agreement on enhancing “regular visibility” of U.S. strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula in response to North Korea’s advancing nuclear program. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol agreed at their summit in April that that the United States would enhance the visibility of its strategic assets to the region. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/simpson-college-spring-2023-presidents-list/article_5b7823f6-0c75-11ee-85ef-2b8cc189e6c7.html | 2023-06-16T21:01:47 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/simpson-college-spring-2023-presidents-list/article_5b7823f6-0c75-11ee-85ef-2b8cc189e6c7.html |
3 events in Salem to celebrate Juneteenth
Juneteenth was officially made a federal holiday in 2021, but celebrations of the holiday commemorating the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas received news of their emancipation in 1865 have taken place for decades.
On Monday, June 19, Salem residents will have the opportunity to reflect and celebrate once again at different gatherings in the city.
Community history walk
The Willamette Heritage Center is partnering with Oregon Black Pioneers and Just Walk Salem Keizer to host a community "history walk" through downtown Salem that will follow the history of pioneering Salem residents Albert and Mary Ann Bayless and their family and friends.
Albert and Mary Ann Bayless, or Mary Ann Reynolds/Randles, were both born into slavery. The two married in Salem in 1866 where they lived until their deaths in 1907.
Curator Kylie Pine previously delved into the lives of Albert and Mary Ann Bayless on the first episode of Black History Quest, a virtual series hosted by Oregon Black Pioneers. A recording of the January event is available on Youtube.
On Juneteenth, participants will be able to walk two routes to learn more about the Bayless family. One route will be about a mile loop, Pine said, taking participants from the Willamette Heritage Center to the site of the Bayless home and back.
Their home in the Piety Hill neighborhood was also where the family hosted an Emancipation Day celebration in 1879.
The full route is about three miles through downtown Salem and back to the museum.
Other stops will include the site of Albert's blacksmith shop and their church, which still stands downtown today. Albert is credited with the last push in fundraising to get the church built.
For those unable to join, a virtual map will be available digitally on theevent webpage on and after Juneteenth. Pine said the hope is to build a library of similar stories laid out over a map of Salem and for the event to become a new tradition in the city.
Pine described the walk as an opportunity to look at the Juneteenth story through a local lens.
When: 10 a.m. to noon June 19.
Where: Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St. SE.
Price: Free.
More information: willametteheritage.org/freedomsfootsteps/
Capitol block party
Equity Splash will host an event at the Capitol Mall with food, music and activities celebrating the holiday.
Oni Marchbank organized the event. She received the Distinguished Service Award in April for her work as a BIPOC advocate and nonprofit leader.
Other organizations partnering with Equity Splash for the event include Enlightened Theatrics, Seed of Faith Ministries International, Up Lift, Salem Neighborhood Associations, Marion Polk Food Share, Be-Blac Foundation, Salem Leadership Foundation, Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children, Chemekata Community College, the Kroc Center, YMCA, KTZ, Black Joy Oregon, Salem-Keizer NAACP, Salem Chamber of Commerce and more.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 19.
Where: 900 Court St. NE.
Price: Free
Ribbon cutting ceremony, celebration
The Bush House Museum has spent the past year working on a reimaging project to confront Asahel Bush's legacy as an early Salem businessman and newspaper publisher and also a racist.
On Juneteenth, the Salem Art Association will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Waldo Bogle Gallery in the museum. The gallery is named after America Waldo Bogle, a Black Oregon pioneer and the subject of Bush's racist ire due to her wedding in January 1863.
Reckoning with Salem's racist history:Conversations begin about Asahel Bush's legacy
The wedding, held on the same day President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation went into effect, was presided over by a white preacher and attended by both Black and white guests. Bush called the event shameful.
The event will not only celebrate the opening of the galley but will also feature the next paintings in a series of 10 portraits of early Black pioneers, all by Black Portland-based artist Jeremy Okai Davis.
Learn more about the series here.
While the event is free, space is limited and reservations will be required through Eventbrite: tinyurl.com/4b5jss6y.
When: June 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m. June 19.
Where: Bush House Museum, 600 Mission St. SE.
Price: Free. Eventbrite reservation is required. | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2023/06/16/juneteenth-is-coming-up-how-to-celebrate-in-salem/70318808007/ | 2023-06-16T21:03:17 | 1 | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2023/06/16/juneteenth-is-coming-up-how-to-celebrate-in-salem/70318808007/ |
AUGUSTA- Governor Janet Mills has signed the Highway Fund budget into law.
She says it creates a new, sustainable source of funding for infrastructure repair.
It dedicates 40 percent of Maine's sales tax on vehicle purchases and 40 percent of the sales and use taxes collected by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to the fund.
It is expected to generate more than 200 million dollars for infrastructure repair per biennium.
A statement says the funds will allow the Maine Department of Transportation to implement its three-year work plan including more than 300 bridge projects and 264 highway safety and spot improvements. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/highway-fund-budget-signed-into-law/article_28fdea9a-0c7b-11ee-89b4-674d705c0ad2.html | 2023-06-16T21:05:24 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/highway-fund-budget-signed-into-law/article_28fdea9a-0c7b-11ee-89b4-674d705c0ad2.html |
DETROIT — The new president of the United Auto Workers gave his strongest warning yet Friday that the union is preparing for strikes against Detroit's three automakers when contracts expire in September.
In a Facebook Live appearance to address members, Shawn Fain said the union is in a strong position to make major gains in talks with Stellantis, Ford and General Motors, "but only if our members get organized and are ready to strike."
Fain repeated the union's goals of winning back cost-of-living pay raises and pensions lost as the industry faced financial peril in 2009. They also want general pay raises and elimination of tiers of workers who are paid different wage rates, many for doing the same jobs. The union also wants to represent workers at joint-venture electric vehicle battery plants and get them top wages.
Whether there are strikes depends on how the companies react, Fain said, repeating that the automakers have made billions in the past 10 years but haven't rewarded workers. "We have to be able to do whatever we have to do if you want to have these gains. The companies aren't going to freely give it," he said.
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GM and Ford declined comment on the statements, and a message was left seeking comment from Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler.
Fain campaigned on a platform of taking on the companies to restore concessions made in the past. He narrowly unseated incumbent Ray Curry in the first direct election of officers in the union's history. The election was part of reforms enacted after a wide-ranging bribery and embezzlement scandal.
Contracts with the three automakers, which together employ about 150,000 auto workers, expire on Sept. 14. Negotiations are to start sometime in mid-July but no specific dates have been released.
Fain's statements come as unions try to make wage and organizing gains at a time of low unemployment and even worker shortages in some areas, and they've shown more of a willingness to strike. He spoke the same day as unionized UPS workers voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, setting the stage for a potential work stoppage when a Teamsters contract expires next month.
Even before Fain was elected, UAW members walked picket lines against several companies, in some cases rejecting contract deals reached by their leaders. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/business/new-uaw-president-issues-strongest-warning-yet-about-strikes/article_c0902006-0c7d-11ee-9bc5-d3853583e0d5.html | 2023-06-16T21:06:55 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/business/new-uaw-president-issues-strongest-warning-yet-about-strikes/article_c0902006-0c7d-11ee-9bc5-d3853583e0d5.html |
VALPARAISO — The Porter County Stormwater Management Board has begun a discussion on fee revenue and why it isn’t enough to fix everything.
“We’re running out of money here. You know it, and I know it. The fee we’re collecting here is not keeping up with demand,” said Jim Biggs, president of both the Board of Commissioners and the Stormwater Management Board.
Since its inception in 2016, the stormwater management fee, assessed on property tax bills for property in unincorporated Porter County, has been used to deal with some urgent problems, especially in South Haven, which has seen more than $14 million put toward rebuilding infrastructure that is more than 60 years old.
About 300 tons of debris was removed from 13,600 linear feet of storm sewer there. That’s about 45 pounds per foot, County Engineer Michael Novotney explained.
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“We should never let our infrastructure get to that point,” he said.
Even as the county addressed failing infrastructure in the state’s largest unincorporated community, $10 million was spent on projects elsewhere.
This week, the board agreed to address a sinkhole on Vlasta Court in the Moraine Manor subdivision just south of County Road 700 North. The subdivision was built in the early 2000s.
The developer used plastic pipe, but there’s a two-inch gap between pipe joints, Stormwater Program Manager Chelsey Gordon said. “We would use concrete today for 36-inch pipe,” she said. With plastic pipe, it’s important to make sure the backfill is done properly.
About two-thirds of the stormwater fee revenue goes back into projects. The rest is spent on the department that is trying to deal with legacy problems and preventing new ones. That includes inspecting work done on drainage infrastructure to make sure it’s installed properly and meets county standards.
“We are running pretty damn lean,” Novotney said. “There’s still and forever will be a whole lot of work we need to do.”
At Moraine Manor, “it’s an urgent or exigent situation for sure,” Novotney said.
The homeowners association is responsible for maintaining the infrastructure, but it’s unrealistic to expect the HOA to come up with the money needed to solve this problem. Instead, the county agreed to accept $10,000 cash from the HOA. Stormwater fees collected in the subdivision in the next 20 years will pay half the cost of the project, Novotney said.
Commissioner Barb Regnitz, R-Center, asked if the county would see more of these situations arise. The short answer is yes.
Prior to the stormwater board’s creation, the county drainage board let the developer decide who would be responsible for future problems. Sometimes the developer retained responsibility, but often it was quickly transferred to a homeowners association, County Surveyor Kevin Breitzke explained.
Moraine Manor’s situation shows why the stormwater fee is needed. If it’s a $1 million project, six affected property owners can’t afford it.
“It’s a failed construct to have the responsibility with the individual property owners or the HOA,” Novotney said.
A drainage board typically assesses affected property owners for drainage infrastructure maintenance. That might be easier when its maintaining ditches, but the situation is more complicated in Porter County.
“The public has an urbanized mindset,” Breitzke said. “They don’t want to see water flowing in front of their houses.” As with telephone lines and electric, “everyone wanted to go underground. Keep it out of sight and out of mind.”
Complicating the situation is getting rights to access the drainage infrastructure.
“If we don’t have the easement, we don’t do the work,” Commissioner Laura Blaney, D-South, said. The county is working to bring private streams into the county system. “They do the same thing. They perform the same function,” Novotney said.
Work isn’t done unless the property owners convey easements and pay stormwater fees directly to the county instead of to a conservancy district, County Attorney Scott McClure said.
“They are affecting downstream and upstream,” he said. “It’s one giant system, ultimately going to either the river or the lake.” Porter County is in both the Lake Michigan and Kankakee River watersheds.
“This is a very big, expensive problem to not solve, but to get ahold of,” Biggs said. He asked if there’s a smarter way to finance the work.
“If you ignore it, it’s only going to get worse,” Novotney said.
The board plans to continue the discussion in July. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/county-debates-stormwater-fee-results/article_c89ee9ae-0c77-11ee-9253-771914d8cddb.html | 2023-06-16T21:07:01 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/county-debates-stormwater-fee-results/article_c89ee9ae-0c77-11ee-9253-771914d8cddb.html |
VALPARAISO — Gender equality may not be achieved for 286 years, according to a 2022 Sustainable Development Goals report.
“Just because your body is shaped a certain way doesn’t mean your mind is conformed to what you look like,” Dot Nuechterlein said. “We have a world that has both male and female. We can’t leave one behind.”
Nuechterlein, 85, has advocated for gender equality through the Valparaiso Chapter of Together Women Rise. She says it’s in her DNA to be of service and accomplish things.
“Too often in the past women have been left behind in culture,” Nuechterlein said at FLUID Coffee Roasters in Valparaiso Tuesday morning. “We’re helping overcome some stereotypes and difficulties.”
Rise is celebrating 20 years of assisting women and girls around the world to become independent across 350 chapters in the U.S.
“Our 20-year history is a testament to the collective power of people coming together to end inequality and oppression of women all over the world,” said Beverly Francis-Gibson, CEO of Rise. “Millions of women have benefited from the work of Together Women Rise over the past two decades, but there’s still work to be done.”
Rise, formerly known as Dining for Women, was co-founded by Marsha Wallace and Barb Collins in Greenville, South Carolina, in 2003. Since its inception, Rise has invested more than $11 million in over 60 low-income countries around the world through grants and strategic partnerships, Wendy Frattolin said.
“When we come together, we can make change happen,” said Frattolin, Rise communications and membership director. “It is all about supporting women and girls, and making sure they can reach their full potential. The name reflects that.”
The organization’s mission is to award grants and increase awarness about issues girls and women experience internationally, Frattolin said. Grants are awarded to organizations that have a fiscal sponsor or are a 501c3 based in the U.S. (For more information visit togetherwomenrise.org.)
For the month of June, Rise is partnering with Educate2Envision International for the project, “Increasing Agency and Education Access of Rural Honduran Girls.” Rise is granting Educate2Envision $50,000, to address issues preventing girls’ full participation in their rural communities including lack of female role models, and an ill-equipped education system, according to its website.
Members from the Valparaiso chapter gathered the first week of June at the Lutheran Diaconal Association to discuss the relevancy of the current project. This chapter was co-founded by Anna Schoon in 2013. Schoon learned about Rise after reading “Half the Sky” by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, a book describing how women’s rights are being violated around the world.
“I was so moved. I had no idea what women and girls were experiencing in other countries,” Schoon said. “It was a way for me to do something concrete with the issues I was learning about.”
Though Rise is targeted toward women, the diverse organization incorporates men into its grant projects. In April, Rise partnered with The MoonCatcher Project to provide girls in Kenya, Malawi and Uganda with washable menstrual pads. Boys were included in educational workshops to learn how to be more caring toward their sisters, moms and future girlfriends, Nuechterlein said.
"This organization gives people an easy way to make a difference by coming together with others who share the same passion," Frattolin said. "It's a feel good way to help create change in the world and make friends."
PHOTOS: LaPorte hosts Class 4A Regional finals games
To learn more
Those interested in joining the Valpo. Chapter of Together Women Rise can email Anna Schoon at annamschoon@gmail.com or visit the chapter's Facebook page, "Together Women Rise – Valparaiso 1 Chapter."
Together Women Rise, a nonprofit organization, is celebrating 20 years of advocating for gender equality across the U.S. and around the world. The Valparaiso chapter was co-founded in 2013 by Anna Schoon. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/valparaiso/together-women-rise-continues-to-fight-for-gender-equality/article_de01cbc6-0aed-11ee-866c-ab5db6e195b2.html | 2023-06-16T21:07:07 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/valparaiso/together-women-rise-continues-to-fight-for-gender-equality/article_de01cbc6-0aed-11ee-866c-ab5db6e195b2.html |
A heartwarming video shows Denton County firefighters saving a fawn from a grass fire on Thursday.
As fire services fought the grass fire, they spotted a fawn surrounded by smoke. One firefighter ran to its rescue and carried it back to safety, where it was given oxygen and water.
The fawn was turned over to a wild animal rescue, WildRescue, Inc/Rabbit Rescue, who provided fluids.
On Friday morning, NBC 5 learned the fawn was recovering well and was up and around on her own.
"We’re happy to report that the fawn is now up and about, ambulating on her own, and hungry. Today she will be transported to Fawns and Friends to continue her rehabilitation," county officials said.
Denton County Emergency Services were working on putting out multiple grass fires that spanned 40-50 acres of land in the area southbound of Interstate 35W and Farm-to-Market Road 407 near Corral City. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/denton-county-firefighter-rescues-fawn-surrounded-by-smoke/3279237/ | 2023-06-16T21:09:41 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/denton-county-firefighter-rescues-fawn-surrounded-by-smoke/3279237/ |
Airport commissioner exits amid controversy. Why this Taunton cop is filling his seat
TAUNTON — Longtime Taunton Airport Commissioner Robert Adams has resigned from his seat after 23 years a year before his term was set to expire.
“I’m pretty proud of where I’m leaving things and where the airport is now. It was time,” said Adams, explaining he felt burned out and had been working on easing out of the Commission for over a year now.
His resignation was confirmed by Mayor Shaunna O’Connell at the May 30 City Council meeting through a letter announcing the appointment of 35-year veteran Taunton Police Officer Steven Turner to fill Adams’ seat.
“Mr. Turner has a radiant energy and carries with him a positive attitude — both of which are a pleasure to work with and a major asset to this City,” said O’Connell in her letter to Council.
Turner was appointed to fill Adams’ unexpired term, which runs through June 2024.
Toxic history between pilots and commission
The appointment comes amid years of tensions and toxicity between members of the Airport Commission and a segment of pilots at Taunton Municipal Airport. The bad relations have often been on display at Commission meetings, specifically when members of the public speak during public input.
“I believe this is the beginning of positive change,” said Melinda Paine-Dupont, president of the Taunton Pilots Association, on the resignation of Adams from the Commission.
Last year she told the Taunton Daily Gazette that Adams, who had previously been chair of the Commission, was often at the center of this rift.
“I would say our relationship with the Commission is worse than ever,” Paine-Dupont said back in June of last year.
'Toxicity' and 'distrust'Taunton airport management and pilots butt heads
Turner said he was asked by O’Connell to fill the Commission seat based on the hostilities showcased at Commission meetings. He accepted because he believes he can bring order, greater adherence to procedure and calmer heads to the table, having been on the Conservation Commission for the last 18 years, as well as his continued involvement with other boards, such as the License Commission.
“I feel meetings need to be run in a professional manner, and there should be positive relationships with those who come to those meetings,” Turner said.
An 18-room hotel in downtown Taunton?Here's what we know about an 18-room hotel planned for Taunton — and the concerns raised
Adams proud of his record of airport expansion
Adams said he’s proud of the growth the airport has experienced over the decades.
He feels what he’s leaving behind as a former commissioner since 2000 is 23 years’ worth of renovations and positive improvements to Taunton Municipal Airport, totaling tens of millions of dollars in federally-funded upgrades to the property, as well as a steady increase in hangers built and pilots joining the airport.
He said was he’s proudest of is the Airport finally having an Administration Building, saying previous commissions contributed to this $7.3 million project, but, along with the current commission, “we were able to take it over the finish line.”
A pilot himself, Adams keeps his plane at Taunton airport and uses it both for recreation and for his construction business. He said he believes the future of the airport is embracing more business and commercial aircraft and opportunities, on top of the recreational flying and teaching environment it already has.
“I’m hopeful the city starts using the airport to embrace more business, just like its industrial park,” he said.
Adams said he hopes the mayor and administration “going forward, continues its good relationship with the commission and airport.”
Recent hunting controversy involving Adams
Adams departs from the Commission not too long after news surfaced of an incident last November. The Massachusetts Environmental Police cited three people, including Adams, along with Commission Chair Kenneth Gibson, with multiple allegations related to illegal hunting at the airport.
The case was brought before the Clerk Magistrate of Taunton District Court, where it was thrown out, according to Taunton City Solicitor Matthew Costa, because the officer misclassified the incident as hunting, when what was going on was wildlife eradication, an act of animal population control allowed on airport grounds when it has to do with preserving the safety of the pilots taking off and landing on the premises.
What we know about hunting incidentDocs shed light on deer incident at Taunton airport
While the airport is permitted to do wildlife eradication, none of the three people cited, including Adams and Gibson, were listed on the permit as permissioned hunters. The report filed by the Environmental Police also stated neither Adams nor Gibson had active hunting licenses at the time.
The Environmental Police had confiscated a deer that had been shot during the November incident.
Adams couldn’t be reached for comment at the time of writing that story, and he declined to comment this time as well on the incident in question.
Turner's appointment welcomed by pilots
Turner, who has no prior aviation experience or knowledge of the industry, said he’s already received warm welcomes and positive feedback, both from members of the Commission, as well as pilots at the airport.
Turner attended a pilots’ breakfast event at the airport back on May 21, as a way to introduce himself to that community.
“We need the users of the airport to be on the same page,” he said, adding he hopes he can bring about increased dialogue between the pilots and the Commission, and alleviate some of the existing animosity.
“We might not agree on everything, but I hope less people will leave frustrated from meetings,” Turner said.
Said Paine-Dupont: “He seems like he’s willing to learn. He knows how to be on a committee. That’s all we wanted. We never wanted special treatment. We just wanted someone to listen to our concerns.” | https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/06/16/taunton-ma-airport-commissioner-bob-adams-resigns-police-officer-steve-turner/70292380007/ | 2023-06-16T21:13:36 | 0 | https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/06/16/taunton-ma-airport-commissioner-bob-adams-resigns-police-officer-steve-turner/70292380007/ |
LATHROP, Calif. — An Amazon truck driver is dead after being shot and crashing into a building in Lathrop.
Amazon confirmed the death of the driver Friday morning in a statement.
"We're very sorry to hear about his passing and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. We’re continuing to cooperate with law enforcement as they investigate this incident," an Amazon spokesperson told ABC10.
They said the driver, identified by the medical examiner as 37-year-old Ilkhom Shodiev from North Carolina, was not carrying any Amazon packages at the time of the crash.
It happened Thursday afternoon when a big rig went off the road and crashed into two cars and then a building on northbound I-5, south of Louise Avenue.
Upon arrival officers found the driver had been shot. The driver was taken to a hospital where he died.
There is no suspect information yet. California Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
Stockton area CHP officials are asking anyone with information to call CHP's investigative unit at (916)731-6580 or CHP-Stockton at (209)938-4800.
"If you were driving NB on I-5 between SR-120 and Louise Ave, between 12:30-1:00pm on 6/15 and have a dash cam, we need your help," the department said in a tweet. "No tip is too small." | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/amazon-truck-driver-dies-shot-crash-lathrop-building/103-22d94374-bd6b-42f9-b3f7-e2e9101d87aa | 2023-06-16T21:14:38 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/amazon-truck-driver-dies-shot-crash-lathrop-building/103-22d94374-bd6b-42f9-b3f7-e2e9101d87aa |
CALIFORNIA, USA — Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida escalated his feud with California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday, daring the West Coast Democrat to “stop pussyfooting around” and launch a primary challenge against President Joe Biden.
DeSantis, who announced his presidential campaign late last month, took on Newsom during a news conference in Florida in which he was asked about Newsom's recent comments to Fox News agreeing to a hypothetical debate with DeSantis hosted by Sean Hannity.
"He’s got huge problems in his state –- I mean, like, huge problems in his state," DeSantis said. "Yet with all those problems, he has a real serious fixation on the state of Florida. I think it’s just bizarre.”
DeSantis then turned to the Democrats' 2024 primary election, in which Biden is facing only token opposition.
“You know what? Stop pussyfooting around,” DeSantis said. “Are you gonna throw your hat in the ring and challenge Joe? Are you going to get in and do it? Or are you just gonna sit on the sidelines and chirp?”
DeSantis’ jab comes as he shies away from confrontation with his chief rival in the GOP's White House primary, former President Donald Trump. Newsom has previously said he would not challenge Biden in 2024 but has taken steps to boost his national profile in recent months.
While several of Trump's Republican rivals have raised concerns about his federal indictment, DeSantis has largely avoided the subject. The governor made only a brief mention of the charges in a weekend speech to the North Carolina GOP during which he focused his censure on the Justice Department and the Biden administration.
DeSantis has been much more willing to lean into fights against Democrats and the media.
For example, a pro-DeSantis super political action committee released a video Thursday titled “Punching Back” that highlights DeSantis' frequent confrontations with the media.
A Newsom spokesperson did not respond directly to DeSantis' latest comments, but did note that Newsom attended Disneyland's Pride night this week with company CEO Bob Iger. Disney has sued DeSantis, alleging the governor undertook a “targeted campaign of government retaliation” after the company opposed a Florida law that critics call “ Don’t Say Gay.”
Ace Smith, a senior Newsom adviser, responded to DeSantis' new broadside on Twitter: “Your whining is very unpresidential!" | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/desantis-ratchets-up-feud-with-newsom/103-81c88c15-9b00-4b30-b4e4-38686f5e6373 | 2023-06-16T21:14:40 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/desantis-ratchets-up-feud-with-newsom/103-81c88c15-9b00-4b30-b4e4-38686f5e6373 |
TURLOCK, Calif. — More than seven million pills-worth of fentanyl was found when Turlock police executed a search warrant leading to the arrest of 44-year-old resident Frank Romero, Thursday.
Police say they seized 24.75 pounds of the deadly drug — enough to potentially kill more than five million people — from a home in the 1000 block of West Avenue South.
Evidence of drug dealing was also found when police ran the search warrant.
“The dismantling of a major narcotics sales operation is yet another example of your police department’s relentless effort in keeping our neighborhoods safe. We want to thank the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office for providing air support for this operation. We could not be prouder of our staff and our partnering agencies," said Turlock police Capt. Miguel Pacheco. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/million-pills-worth-of-fentanyl-seized-by-turlock-police/103-d826af8d-a71e-4f0a-b7db-d817dc8508cc | 2023-06-16T21:14:41 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/million-pills-worth-of-fentanyl-seized-by-turlock-police/103-d826af8d-a71e-4f0a-b7db-d817dc8508cc |
OCCIDENTAL, Calif. — Just off Bohemian Highway in Sonoma County is a grove of redwoods breathing a certain fear into anyone who enters. If you listen closely, you’ll hear screams from the treetops. The fearful screams are from visitors flying through the trees at Sonoma Zipline Adventures.
The adventure part of Sonoma Zipline Adventures is key to the operation, and Zipline guides Noah Silverstein and Drew Farley are here to make sure you complete the full course. It includes seven ziplines, two sky bridges, six treehouses, a rappelling platform and a spiral staircase to the tree canopy.
The tree tops tour is the fastest and highest course. In all you will be zipping on almost 2/3 of a mile of cable. As for the speed, well, it all depends on how much you weigh.
“You can go as much as 30 to 40 miles an hour depending on your mass,” said Farley.
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The longest zipline is 1,500 feet, making it Northern California’s longest. It takes a full 45 seconds to get from one end to the other while you are suspended 250 feet above the ground.
Once you land on the platform, you get a good look at the treehouses. Dan Ferguson helps manage the park and gives tours inside the treehouses, which are yurts built around large platforms on the trees.
Inside you'll find plush beds, a large vanity and even a toilet. Built at height of 80 to 100 feet, Ferguson says these treehouses might help you get over your fear of heights.
“It could be. It is very secure; redwood sway a bit so it will rock you to sleep at night,” said Ferguson.
To finish off the zipline tour, visitors take a spiral staircase leading them to yet another shorter zipline. It's at this point the tour guides inform you that to get down you must jump 60 feet to the ground... while wearing a harness, of course.
Sonoma Zipline Adventures is a nonprofit open to the public offering a number of student outdoor programs.
ANOTHER TALL TIMBER TALE FROM THE BACKROADS: Giant redwoods with their own bat cave, land crabs and sky-high rope bridges are at home in a historic Northern California roadside attraction. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/ride-northern-california-longest-zipline-personal-tree-house/103-cf2cad50-25e2-4e9c-a905-9ce13c4a090d | 2023-06-16T21:14:42 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/ride-northern-california-longest-zipline-personal-tree-house/103-cf2cad50-25e2-4e9c-a905-9ce13c4a090d |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — When the Sacramento Gay Men's Chorus launched in 1984, it kept a much lower profile than it does today.
"At the time, it was named Sacramento Men's Chorus because we were afraid of calling it 'gay.' In the early 80s, people were not 'out,'" said founding member Norman Lorenz. "I'm a teacher and so you could be fired."
The chorus started as a low-key way for gay men to socialize, support each other and spread their love of music. As the AIDS epidemic tore through the community, social stigmas and constant loss made it a difficult time.
"In the 80s — the AIDS crisis — we sang at probably more vigils and funerals than I would ever care to tell you. We lost many people during that era, from mid 80s to mid 90s," recalled Lorenz.
In the 90s, the chorus added the word "gay" and public awareness of their performances spread. Members have enjoyed watching the awareness grow.
"I think a lot of people are surprised that we have a chorus of this size in Sacramento, sending the message that we do and as talented as we are," said Branson Rhodes.
As society changed, so too did the chorus. These days, you'll also find women in the ranks.
"Any time that I have said that I'm a member of it, and when I post on Facebook, I've had some interesting [responses] because it's 'Sacramento Gay Men's Chorus,'" said first year member Josephine Topping.
"You know, we're inclusive, people always say, 'but you say it's the Gay Men's Chorus, and yet you have women.' That's true," said member and vice president Don Henkle. "We were founded as the Men's Chorus, we grew into the Sacramento Gay Men's Chorus, we keep that as a legacy to honor those that came before us."
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The support system that brought the chorus together in the 80s has never faltered over the last four decades.
"It truly is family. We've helped people out when they've been in dire straits. If people have been unemployed or needed help with food, or logistics or anything like that, the chorus rallies around them," said Henkle.
For Lorenz, it changed his life.
"When I joined in 1984, it was about finding my gay family because — as many who were ostracized by their family for being gay, or lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer — you had chosen family. I think that many people today join it and see it as an inclusive organization from the standpoint that it becomes chosen family, and we need that in our community," he said.
First-year member Josephine Topping knows the pain of losing the bonds of family. It was that loss and a moment of serendipity that led her to join.
"I had come out late in my life, and I had been recently married and my family had decided to end our relationship. My wife and I saw the holiday performance... and it was so phenomenal," said Topping. "I happened to get a text at that moment from the last family member... and it was a moment where I was like... 'Great! Now what?' Then they sang 'You Belong Here' and I thought, 'Oh, that's pretty cool.' So I auditioned and here I am."
Recent events across the country may be troubling to some, but Henkle says the LGBTQ+ community is living life as it comes at them.
"Despite what the mood is in this country right now, politically, regarding gays or drag queens, or people who aren't what they would call 'the norm,' we are the norm, too," said Henkle. "Sacramento has embraced us immensely. Since we came back from the pandemic, every single show has been sold out. That's never happened in the almost 40-year history of this chorus."
The passion and well-polished performances of the chorus are what draws public support. The winter holiday concert has become a must-see event for many and their 2023 Pride Month concert, "Queens for a Night," quickly sold out all four performances.
"We just see so many faces looking back at you, just really eager to see what you have to present. I love to perform. I love to sing and I also love being in a warm and welcoming community. All of those things keep me coming back every season," said Rhodes.
To join, support or get information on upcoming performances, visit the Sacramento Gay Men's Chorus website.
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Accomplishing our goals of inclusive reporting requires hearing from you. Is there a person or place that you want us to highlight? Email us at raceandculture@abc10.com or fill out the form below.
MORE PRIDE MONTH FROM ABC10: The Origins of Pride Month: Remembering the 1969 Stonewall Uprising | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento-gay-mens-chorus-thriving-cultural-social-presence/103-79ca9566-e103-413b-869e-c8ac387b4766 | 2023-06-16T21:14:56 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento-gay-mens-chorus-thriving-cultural-social-presence/103-79ca9566-e103-413b-869e-c8ac387b4766 |
ROSEVILLE, Calif. — A new elementary school is set to open in Roseville for the 2023-2024 school year.
Westbrook Elementary is located in West Roseville and will be part of the Roseville City School District.
Jessica Hull, the executive director of communication and community engagement for the district, says the school was planned several years ago for anticipated growth.
About 460 students are registered to start in August as of June 16, but registration is still open, according to Hull. At full capacity, about 800 students can attend the school.
There will be multiple classes at various grade levels from Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grade.
"It's exciting to be able to design a new school in a new way. Many schools in the district look the same. This school, as you drive by, looks different," Hull said.
Hull says the opening of the new school will "ease up" enrollment at existing schools in the district.
Jessica Brooks, the principal of Westbrook Elementary, wrote in a letter to families ahead of the school year about her excitement for the upcoming school year.
"One of the most exciting things we will do together is develop the culture of Westbrook Elementary. The culture is the school’s personality and includes the traditions and events unique to Westbrook," Brooks wrote.
She comes to Westbrook from Stoneridge Elementary, another school in the district.
The school is in the final stages and Hull says to expect a lot of activity through the summer as it is on track to welcome students for the first day of school on August 10.
Roseville School Start Dates 2023-2024
Roseville Joint Union High School District
Schools start on Thursday, Aug. 10 in the Roseville Joint Union High School District.
Roseville City School District
Schools start on Thursday, Aug. 10 in the Roseville City School District.
Eureka Union School District
Schools start on Wednesday, Aug. 16 in the Eureka Union School District.
Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District
Schools start on Thursday, Aug. 10 in the Roseville City School District.
Watch more on ABC10: Controversy over plans for a new winery in Placer County | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/westbrook-elementary-roseville-new-school/103-b6a4f71f-8886-4d1f-befc-89fe8722a726 | 2023-06-16T21:15:02 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/westbrook-elementary-roseville-new-school/103-b6a4f71f-8886-4d1f-befc-89fe8722a726 |
A Milwaukee neighborhood has seen a rise in fires. Here's how the city is responding.
After four fires in Milwaukee's Martin Drive Neighborhood this year, firefighters went door-to-door offering smoke alarms and educational materials Friday.
"The reality is that the smoke detectors play a key and vital role in saving not only lives but saving property," said Ald. Michael Murphy, who represents the west side neighborhood south of Washington Park.
Murphy joined Fire Chief Aaron Lipski and other fire personnel at a news conference in front of a burned home on the corner of North 43rd Street and West Martin Drive to stress the importance of fire safety. Afterward, officials and firefighters, including fire cadets, fanned out into the neighborhood.
Firefighters with Wauwatosa's Engine 55 also assisted, arriving after answering an emergency alarm in the area in another example of mutual aid between the two communities.
"I want to point out that today we have Engine 32 and Ladder 9, who would have been the engine companies that responded and put this fire out on that tragic day," Lipski said. "Unfortunately, the fire behind us, there was not a working smoke alarm observed. We want to always be careful when we talk about that. They are true life-saving devices."
Over the past 10 months, the neighborhood has seen seven fires, which was unusual, Murphy said.
"Fortunately, all the fires that occurred in this neighborhood, no lives were lost. That's the most important thing," the alderman said.
The free smoke alarm effort is part of Project FOCUS, which stands for Firefighters Out Creating Urban Safety.
Pat Mueller, a resident of the area and founder of the neighborhood association, said she has seen the impacts of these fires first-hand, including one that occurred close to her own home.
"I kind of was at all of them in one way or another, sometimes just after it," Mueller said. "And we've never had anything like that. I'm not sure what it is."
Mueller said two of the fires apparently were caused by careless smoking, and another was electrical. She appreciated Friday's message from city officials and she noted people often remove batteries from their smoke alarms when the devices start beeping instead of replacing the batteries.
Zong Sae Vang was one of the people who received a smoke alarm Friday and listened intently as Lipski, the fire chief, explained the device's features, including a hush button.
"It's wonderful they are doing this," Vang said.
Murphy said firefighters were trying to distribute as many smoke detectors as possible in the neighborhood.
"I think a lot of us sometimes sit back and say, well, that could never happen to me," Murphy said of fire risk. "It can. It can happen to anybody."
Where to get help
Any Milwaukee residents in a single-family home or duplex who are in need of a smoke alarm can call the city’s smoke alarm hotline, at 414-286-8980, to get the device and have firefighters install it.
Ebony Cox of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report. | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2023/06/16/how-milwaukee-is-helping-a-west-side-neighborhood-hit-with-fires/70329555007/ | 2023-06-16T21:22:24 | 0 | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2023/06/16/how-milwaukee-is-helping-a-west-side-neighborhood-hit-with-fires/70329555007/ |
PINE HIILS, Fla. – The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is looking for two people who are believed to be involved in a shooting in Pine Hills.
The shooting occurred at around 8 a.m. on June 12 at the intersection of North Hiawassee Road and Silver Star Road.
Security footage caught a person walking along the road and a person driving what appears to be a gray late-model SUV. Deputies believe both were involved in the shooting on Monday.
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CAN YOU ID?
— Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) June 16, 2023
Detectives would like to talk to the person & whoever was in the vehicle below, who may have been involved in a shooting on June 12 at about 8 a.m. at the intersection of N Hiawassee & Silver Star. Anyone with info is asked to call @CrimelineFL pic.twitter.com/jXcmb3qjIs
Anyone with information regarding the shooting or the individuals in the photos shared by OCSO is urged to call Crimeline at (800) 423-8477.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/16/deputies-looking-for-2-people-as-they-investigate-pine-hills-shooting/ | 2023-06-16T21:22:26 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/16/deputies-looking-for-2-people-as-they-investigate-pine-hills-shooting/ |
This Wisconsin city made Fortune's '50 Best Places to Live for Families' list
This year, Fortune's "50 Best Places to Live for Families" list focused on combatting loneliness, as well as the unique needs of multigenerational families. And a Wisconsin city cracked the top 10.
It's Fitchburg, a young city of around 30,000 people that's about 20 minutes south of the state's capital.
Fortune analyzed nearly 1,900 cities, towns, suburbs, exurbs, villages and townships across the country that have around 20,000 residents, according to the report's methodology. This range provided places that offered both "high-quality amenities" and "a hometown feel."
The publication picked one place from each state, and Fitchburg came in at No. 10 of the 50.
The selected locations "share a range of qualities that can act as antidotes to loneliness," the report said. When compiling the list, Fortune considered more than 200,000 data points in five categories: Education, aging resources, general wellness, financial health and livability, according to the methodology.
Fortune also factored in the affordability of homes in the places it selected, and wanted to "highlight places that offered diverse neighborhoods."
What Fortune highlighted about Fitchburg
The report shares a blurb, showcasing each of its selections, and also some data on the place. These were some of the things Fortune highlighted about Fitchburg:
- Its nature, and having all four seasons.
- Activities, including farmers markets, art fairs, apple picking, and beer and wine fests.
- Its number of nearby "above-average" family physicians.
- Its Senior Center.
To read more about why Fortune selected Fitchburg, visit fortune.com/well/ranking/best-places-families/2023/fitchburg.
More about Fitchburg
"The City of Fitchburg is a young, dynamic and evolving community," the Fitchburg Chamber Visitor and Business Bureau's website said.
Incorporated in the 1980s, the city has become known for its "family-oriented" neighborhoods, both its bicycle and business communities, green spaces, "environmentally progressive" developments and more, according to the website.
Places Fortune chose in our neighboring states
The places Fortune chose in our neighboring states were: Eagan, Minnesota (ranked No. 11), Waverly, Michigan (ranked No. 28), and Bolingbrook, Illinois (ranked No. 48).
Where Fortune's data came from
Fortune worked with several critical data partners, sourced data from an array of other organizations and also used info from federal agencies, the methodology said.
To check out Fortune's full ranking, visit fortune.com/well/ranking/best-places-families/2023. | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2023/06/16/fortune-50-best-places-to-live-for-families-fitchburg-wisconsin/70329813007/ | 2023-06-16T21:22:30 | 1 | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2023/06/16/fortune-50-best-places-to-live-for-families-fitchburg-wisconsin/70329813007/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – We understand if just the mere thought of talking about a nude resort makes you blush.
It’s generally the first response from a lot of people followed quickly by a barrage of questions:
- What are the rules?
- Is it family-friendly?
- How do I get started?
- Where do I sit?
- How do I sit?
- Where do I look?
Don’t worry. Here at Florida’s Fourth Estate, we ask all those burning questions, so you don’t have to.
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This week, anchors Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden invited Erich Schuttauf with the American Association for Nude Recreation to talk about what is quite a lucrative business in the Sunshine State.
You can listen to every episode of the Florida’s Fourth Estate podcast in the media player below:
Erich said the most common question people ask is: why does he do it?
“It’s a perfectly natural question,” he said. “If you’ve ever walked down on the beach barefoot then you know the feeling of being barefoot, well this is just barefoot all over, and that’s why it’s so fun to do.”
That must be the description of the decade.
Erich said he’s used to people asking all kinds of questions and maybe even snickering before they know the details but once they learn more about it the chuckling stops and the clothes drop. Not right at that moment, but a lot of people realize nude recreation can be a relaxing way of life.
For the most part, what you can do with clothes on you can enjoy without clothes and it’s usually a lot more fun.”
Host Matt Austin was worried about being judged while in the buff, but he was assured there isn’t any of that.
In fact, Erich says not to worry. “The nudity becomes the great equalizer. We often say you don’t know a bank president from a bus driver and everything else. Every person is a beautiful person, and we’re just a little bit more equal when we are in our birthday suits,” Erich said.
He also said a good way to get started if you don’t feel comfortable visiting resort is by baring it all in your own home.
“Do a few chores in the nude or enjoy your backyard. Get used to that before you go to a club.” He also suggests looking up a club online so you can get a better idea of what they have to offer.
Once you do find a club you like, he says a good way of getting to know the people there is to join in on the recreational fun.
They play board games, horseshoes, volleyball and tennis. Erich said one game taking off right now is no surprise.
Watch News 6+ in the player below for live news and original programming:
“A very popular game right now in clubs is pickleball, which is enjoyed by people who perhaps have had a few extra years and want a lighter sports experience,” he said.
And more people are enjoying the nude life experience.
In 2017, the American Association for Nude Recreation compiled a report about the impact for clothing optional tourists.
The report found nude recreation was bringing in $4.3 billion. Certainly nothing to snicker about.
While each club is different, he said there are some things that are universal. For example: towels and sunscreen are a must. Cameras and cell phones are big no no’s. Clubs want you to enjoy the moment and not make others feel uncomfortable worrying about you taking pictures.
You’ll also be happy to know clubs have safety procedures in place to make sure it’s safe for everyone.
Again, Erich said the best thing to do is investigate the club you’re interested in by visiting online and contacting them if you still have questions. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/16/its-like-being-barefoot-all-over-nude-recreation-is-a-4-billion-per-year-industry-in-florida/ | 2023-06-16T21:22:32 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/16/its-like-being-barefoot-all-over-nude-recreation-is-a-4-billion-per-year-industry-in-florida/ |
CLERMONT, Fla. – Clermont police announced on Friday that they arrested a man at the Waterfront Park Splash Pad after reports he’d been “acting unusual.”
In a release, the police department stated that officers arrived at the park around 11:20 a.m.
— Clermont Police (@ClermontPD) June 16, 2023
A park ranger told officers that Henry Therrien, 27, had grabbed the arms of a child in the Splash Pad, the release shows.
According to police, Therrien was removed by other visitors at the park and taken into custody by law enforcement. Police added that Therrien was found with illegal narcotics.
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No injuries were reported in the incident, and police said that there was no indication of Therrien trying to remove the child from the area.
Therrien faces charges of battery and illicit drug possession. He is held on no bond.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/16/man-accused-of-grabbing-child-at-clermont-parks-splash-pad/ | 2023-06-16T21:22:38 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/16/man-accused-of-grabbing-child-at-clermont-parks-splash-pad/ |
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – An Orlando man was arrested Tuesday after police said he tried to murder a woman at a Clermont home last week.
Investigators said on June 8 around 11:27 p.m., someone called emergency services to report that Dewan Flores, 30, had shot up a home in Clermont before taking off.
Officers responded to the home to investigate, learning Flores had been discussing something with his sister earlier in the day, police said. Witnesses at the scene reported that Flores later began drinking heavily, according to investigators.
In an affidavit, police said a woman at the house took Flores’ sister to Orlando before returning to the home, getting into an argument with Flores shortly afterward about the house “being a mess.”
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The argument made its way into the garage, and the woman threatened to have Flores arrested due to an active warrant for his arrest out of Orange County, the affidavit shows.
Police said the woman called 911 but quickly hung up, and Flores fired a round from his handgun at the wall of the garage in response.
However, the 911 dispatcher called back, though the woman played it off, saying she had meant to call 411 instead, police added. At the same time, Flores was following her into the home with a gun pointed at her, saying, “I’m gonna drop you, (expletive),” according to investigators.
Once inside the home, Flores fired a round at the television, and the woman ran away to get her daughter, who was asleep in a bedroom, the affidavit aid. Flores then fired at the woman, though she was able to get out of the way, detectives explained.
According to the affidavit, the woman was able to flee from Flores and call 911. Police said they tracked down Flores’ vehicle around 6 miles from the home, though he was nowhere to be seen.
Ultimately, Lake County deputies were able to catch Flores and take him into custody on June 13 in Tavares, court records show.
Flores faces charges of aggravated assault, robbery, tampering with a witness and attempted first-degree murder. He is held on no bond.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/16/man-accused-of-shooting-at-woman-inside-clermont-home-during-argument/ | 2023-06-16T21:22:44 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/16/man-accused-of-shooting-at-woman-inside-clermont-home-during-argument/ |
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – News 6 is taking a closer look at the cuts from Florida Gov. Ron Desantis’ $116.5 billion state budget and how they’re impacting Central Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian.
Money for a homeless shelter in DeLand and children’s mental health resources at Camp Boggy Creek are among the items that didn’t make it in, along with efforts to mitigate flooding in communities hit hard by the 2022 hurricane.
In Seminole County, $1 million for drainage improvements in the Midway community was among the projects on the veto list. The county said it should not impact the project, considering more than $20 million is needed for the work officials are planning.
A spokesperson for the county told News 6 the money from the state budget would have recouped some of that cost, but ultimately it will not affect the plans.
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Midway, which sits north of the Orlando Sanford International Airport, is a historic community that has experienced flooding for years.
Rainfall flooded streets and homes during Hurricane Ian in the fall. Video shared by the Midway Coalition shows the water flowing from newer developments down into the lower-lying Midway community.
Emory Green has lived there his whole life. He said Midway, which was established during the celery boom in the 1920s, does not have the same capacity for water as larger and newer subdivisions. It’s a dynamic that has led to decades of documented flooding concerns.
“Most, if not a large portion, of these subdivisions did not retain their water as designed,” Green said.
Green showed our News 6 team an area near Beardall Avenue and Washington Street that was underwater during Hurricane Ian, pointing out where the water came from.
“This entire area that we’re in, water was literally up to our ankles,” Green said. “All of the water in this ditch was completely overflowed. That is a major problem with every home that is in Midway on septic tanks.”
Green said despite the governor cutting some funding for the drainage improvements, both he and the county remain committed to making the changes necessary for Midway.
A parcel of land on Beardall Avenue has already been purchased, just part of the plans to upgrade the infrastructure. Plans are underway to add a new network of piping and ponds for water storage.
“They’re right at about 60% of the planning phase, and we are in communication, constantly trying to figure out what the next steps are,” Green said.
For Green, it’s a priority for the place he calls home.
“If you have children, then you understand that you want to leave something better for your children. My children live here. My children attend Midway Elementary School, the same school I went to,” Green said. “There’s a legacy. There’s a history there, and personally I’m proud of the legacy that has been established and we’re going to continue to honor that legacy by doing the work.”
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/16/midway-to-progress-with-drainage-improvement-project-despite-state-budget-veto/ | 2023-06-16T21:22:50 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/16/midway-to-progress-with-drainage-improvement-project-despite-state-budget-veto/ |
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Gusty winds and choppy water Friday afternoon have prompted lifeguards on Clearwater Beach to fly red flags advising swimmers to use extreme caution.
Red flags are a sign to be weary of strong and frequent rip currents. It's recommended that swimmers stay out of the water when red flags are out.
A spokesperson for the Clearwater Police Department also shared that beachgoers should always remember to swim near a lifeguard.
Wind speeds at Clearwater Beach rose to around 20 mph sustained.
The forecast for the rest of the day features scattered afternoon thunderstorms, — some will roll through the Clearwater area. Conditions look to be a little bumpy into the weekend, as well, with storms at times.
And it's always a good idea to head inside if thunder is heard. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/red-flags-clearwater-beach-gusty-weather/67-20d996fa-9dc8-4ab8-8b42-262ef3258058 | 2023-06-16T21:24:13 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/red-flags-clearwater-beach-gusty-weather/67-20d996fa-9dc8-4ab8-8b42-262ef3258058 |
MILTON, Ga. — Two parents in Milton were awarded $35 million after a jury found the city liable for their son's 2016 death when he swerved off a road and struck a concrete planter that, they said, should never have been there.
It was believed that 21-year-old Joshua Chang, who was a senior at Yale University, was home for Thanksgiving at the time of the crash and he was trying to avoid an animal.
According to State Court of Fulton County records obtained by 11Alive, he was going within the speed limit and there were no drugs, alcohol, or cell phone use involved in the crash. Other possible factors, like falling asleep or a tire/mechanical issue with the car, were also ruled out in the crash.
The planter - a large industrial tire surrounded by concrete - was at the entrance to the Little River Farms wedding/event venue on Batesville Road.
The lawsuit filed by Chang's parents, John Chang and Rebecca Zhu, alleged the city violated its own ordinances by allowing the planter to be there.
The case was about a "violation on the part of the City of Milton to safely maintain its roadways," the lawsuit stated. "This breach in duty was the direct cause of Josh's death."
A verdict in the suit was delivered this week by a jury, who found the city liable in Chang's death. The verdict form found Milton "maintained a defect in the public roads of its municipal street system" and "maintained a nuisance dangerous to life or health."
According to the original lawsuit, Chang was studying mechanical engineering and economics at Yale. He was months away from graduating with a bright future ahead of him at the time of the crash, the lawsuit stated.
"By all accounts, he was a gifted student and a devoted friend... he was highly involved in numerous clubs and student organizations, and he was loved by all who knew him," the lawsuit stated. "His untimely death can only be described as a tragedy, especially considering the likely trajectory and potential of his young life. You would be hard-pressed to find a more outstanding young man."
On the day of the crash, Chang had gone to Atlanta to meet up with friends. According to the suit, he stopped on the way back at a store and, as he was leaving, "he sent a text message to his mother saying that he would be home soon, but, sadly, he never made it back." | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/parents-35-million-son-death-joshua-chang-milton-georgia-wrongful-death-lawsuit/85-e1839688-f3a6-44ef-95ea-57701205c36b | 2023-06-16T21:25:32 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/parents-35-million-son-death-joshua-chang-milton-georgia-wrongful-death-lawsuit/85-e1839688-f3a6-44ef-95ea-57701205c36b |
ATLANTA — The owner of an auto repair shop in Peachtree City has to fork over $39,000 in backpay and damages after paying an employee their final wages in oil-covered pennies, according to a judge.
It's a retaliation case that Judge Timothy C. Batten of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Newnan Division, resolved with a consent judgment and permanent injunction.
The issue first arose via a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Department of Labor alleging retaliation against a former employee at A OK Walker Luxury Autoworks.
An investigation by the department found that the employer retaliated against a former employee who contacted officials after they didn't receive their final wages, according to a Department of Labor news release.
Investigators learned the employer later paid the former employee $915, their final wages, by delivering 91,500 oil-covered pennies. The pennies were accompanied by a pay stub marked with an expletive to the worker's home, according to investigators.
“Workers are entitled to obtain the wages they earned without fear of harassment or intimidation,” said Wage and Hour Regional Administrator Juan Coria in Atlanta in a news release.
The employer also blasted defamatory statements about the employee on the company's website, investigators said.
The court ordered the auto shop operator to pay $39,934, representing back wages owed and an equal amount in liquidated damages, to nine workers.
“Employers who mistakenly believe they can willfully violate labor laws at the expense of employees and competitors must understand that we will do everything within our rights to bring them to justice," U.S. Department of Labor Regional Solicitor Tremelle Howard in Atlanta said in a news release. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/peachtree-city/peachtree-city-penny-payer/85-7fb3090b-a6f4-48a6-a459-11cededfafa7 | 2023-06-16T21:25:38 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/peachtree-city/peachtree-city-penny-payer/85-7fb3090b-a6f4-48a6-a459-11cededfafa7 |
CORRAL CITY, Texas — Some North Texas firefighters started doing double duty Thursday as they helped save the life of a fawn while also putting out a grass fire.
A little after 6 p.m. on Thursday, Denton County Emergency Services District responded to a call for multiple for multiple grass fires along I-35W near Corral City, Texas.
Due to dry conditions, the grass fire eventually grew to 40-50 acres. The cause is currently unknown while no injuries were reported and no structures were involved.
While fighting the fire, firefighters came upon a fawn, a young deer, and were able to rescue it and provide it with oxygen. The fawn was turned over to the Texas Game Warden.
Argyle Police Department transported the fawn to WildRescue, Inc. and Rabbit Rescue where she received fluids. Just after 9 a.m. on Friday, officials reported the fawn was up and about, walking on her own, and was hungry. Later in the day, the fawn was transported to Fawns and Friends to continue her rehabilitation.
Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1 Engine 514, Brush 514, Engine 511, Brush 511, Chief 510 and Flower Mound Fire Department Engine 506 and Brush responded to the scene.
The Denton County Emergency Services District is a political subdivision of the State of Texas dedicated to providing fire protection, fire prevention education, and emergency medical services in the communities of Argyle, Bartonville, Copper Canyon, Corral City, Northlake and surrounding areas of Denton County.
This organization operates out of three fire stations (Station 511, Station 513 and Station 514) and is a combination department that provides services to more than 42,000 residents within 65 square miles. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-firefighters-rescue-fawn-while-putting-out-fire/287-1977d4a5-5486-45a4-96c5-6e31a2175549 | 2023-06-16T21:33:09 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-firefighters-rescue-fawn-while-putting-out-fire/287-1977d4a5-5486-45a4-96c5-6e31a2175549 |
27 African-American North State sports influencers honored to celebrate Juneteenth
Members of the African-American community have played an instrumental role in growing sports culture in Shasta and Siskiyou counties for decades.
A select few have reached the pinnacle of their sports by competing in the Summer Olympics and playing professional sports overseas. Other members are coaches and trainers who have held a direct impact by mentoring young athletes around the area.
To celebrate Juneteenth, the Record Searchlight is recognizing 27 outstanding individuals who have contributed to sports in the North State either as athletes, coaches or trainers.
A thorough search was done to include as many noted members of the community as possible using recommendations from teachers, coaches and administrators from Redding, Cottonwood, Palo Cedro and Yreka. If there are contributors that were missed in the story, feel free to leave a comment on the Record Searchlight Facebook page.
Here's our list of the top 27 African-American sports influencers from around the North State.
Greg Gibson
Sport: Wrestling
School: Shasta High School
Influence: Athlete
Summary: Gibson is one of the most distinguished wrestlers in U.S. history. Gibson graduated from Shasta High School and became a two-time All-American wrestler at Oregon University before joining the Marines in 1978. Gibson maintained his service in the military while representing the U.S. in the Olympics and various world championships. Gibson won a silver medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics and is the only American in history to win world titles in all three wrestling disciplines: Freestyle, Greco-Roman and Sambo.
Eddie Machen
Sport: Boxing
School: Shasta High School
Influence: Athlete
Summary: Once known as the "Shasta Blaster" Machen stood among some of the most elite boxers during the 1960s. He fought in the elite heavyweight era that was dominated by such greats as Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Sonny Liston and Floyd Patterson. Machen fought for the World Boxing Association heavyweight title in 1965, losing a 15-round decision to Ernie Terrell. Machen fought Frazier, Liston and Patterson, finishing his boxing career 50-14 (29 wins by knockout). Machen died in 1972.
Jerry Brown
Sport: Basketball
School: Shasta College
Influence: Athlete, coach and educator
Summary: Brown has been a key figure in the lives of African-American students and athletes for nearly three decades. As a coach, Brown helmed the Shasta College women's basketball program from 1994-2020. He helped guide the Knights to the California Community College Athletic Association State Championships and lost narrowly to an undefeated Ventura College in 2000. Brown, since retiring from coaching in 2020, has led the Umoja Program at Shasta College. Umoja is a community devoted to helping enhance the educational experiences of African-American students at Shasta College. In addition to being a winning coach and known educator, Brown was also an All-American center at Mount Shasta High School and played four years at San Diego State University.
Izzy Matthews
Sport: Football
School: Enterprise
Influence: Athlete
Summary: Matthews was a dominant running back during his junior and senior year at Enterprise High School in 2013 and 2014 before a successful 4-year career at Colorado State University. Enterprise was an impressive 24-2 with Matthews as its lead rusher. He ran for 3,626 yards and scored 54 touchdowns in those years while the Hornets won an unprecedented three straight CIF Northern Section titles. Matthews with his bulky 6-foot-1 frame and burst of speed was a fortress on wheels that made tackling him extremely difficult. He received significant snaps at Colorado State between 2015 and 2018 and ran for 2,654 yards and 30 touchdowns. Matthews is the eighth leading rusher and owns the fourth most rushing touchdowns in Colorado State's history.
Lawrence Wingate
Sport: Basketball
School: Central Valley, West Valley, Liberty Christian and Simpson University
Influence: Athlete and coach
Summary: Wingate has coached boys, girls and women's college basketball in Shasta County since the 1990s. Wingate originally played at Shasta College under former coach Nick Rogers in 1979. Wingate played in the Continental Basketball Association for the Pensacola Tornados before returning to Shasta County where he coached at Simpson University. Wingate's tenure at Simpson saw the program win three conference championships between 1993 and 1996. He later founded the AAU program Shasta Magic in 2003 and has been the high school head coach at Liberty Christian, West Valley and currently Central Valley. Wingate has helped over 50 players receive 4-year scholarships since he began coaching high school basketball in 2000. His most recent signee includes point guard Kennedy Lain who signed with UC Merced and Ramla Clarke-Scholfield who signed with the University of Hawaii-Hilo.
Aaron Matthews
Sport: Basketball
School: Central Valley
Influence: Basketball
Summary: Over 34 years have passed since Central Valley became the first and only boys basketball team from Shasta County to win a state title. The figurehead of that historic 1989 team was 6-foot-5 power forward, Aaron Matthews. Matthews was a ferocious rebounder and aggressive scorer who used his footwork and strength to score near the basket. It was his coach, the late John Strohmayer, who motivated Matthews to lift weights and trim his baby fat before his senior year. Matthews entered the weight room in the summer of 1988 and morphed into the Falcons' leading scorer and rebounder. Matthews averaged 18.1 points and 10.4 rebounds per game and led Central Valley over Trabuco Hills 62-61 at the Oakland Arena.
Derrick Pringle
Sport: Basketball
School: Simpson University
Influence: Coach
Summary: Pringle is the all-time winningest coach in Simpson women's basketball history having led the Red Hawks for 13 years between 2008 and 2021. Pringle is now the head coach of Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas. Pringle's influence had a lasting impact on players like Alex Cooper — who became the head girls basketball coach at Enterprise in 2022.
Kamira Sanders
Sport: Basketball
School: Enterprise
Influence: Athlete
Summary: Sanders is an elite point guard whose athletic upbringing originates Redding. Sanders was named the Western Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year and an All-Conference first-team member in 2020 while playing at Seattle University. She ranks top 10 in Seattle University's school history in points, steals, free throws, free throw attempts, made field goals and field goal attempts.
Jovon Cunningham
Sport: Track and Field
School: Enterprise
Influence: Athlete
Summary: Cunningham was an elite long and high jumper who forged a successful career at the University of Arizona. Cunningham was a 2012 NCAA Second-team All-American after posting a 6 feet 9 inch high jump, 51 feet and 7.75 inches in the triple jump and 22 feet and 8 inches in the long jump. Cunningham owns the longest triple jump in CIF Northern Section history.
Tyler Green
Sport: Basketball
School: Enterprise
Influence: Athlete and trainer
Summary: Green set the Great Northwest Athletic Conference record for most 3-pointers made in a single game while playing for Montana State University Billings in 2020. Green knocked down 12 3-pointers against Saint Martin's of Lacey, Washington and played professional basketball in the country of Georgia in 2021. Green lives in Redding, is a basketball trainer and is helping develop the next generation of outside shooters from Shasta County.
Jadyn Matthews
Sport: Basketball
School: Enterprise
Influence: Athlete
Summary: Matthews is a top-level small forward who played at Weber State between 2018 and 2023. Matthews scored 1,173 points during her career at Weber State after leading Enterprise to CIF Northern Section titles in 2018 and 2019. Matthews averaged 18.4 points per game and 10.4 rebounds per game during her junior and senior years with the Hornets.
Richard Harris
Sport: Football
School: West Valley and Foothill
Influence: Trainer
Summary: Harris is considered to be one of the more influential strength-building coaches in Shasta County. His year-round routine of weight lifting and cross-training is credited with helping build successful CIF Northern Section winning football programs at West Valley and Foothill.
Ravien Lawson
Sport: Basketball
School: Enterprise
Influence: Athlete and coach
Summary: Lawson was an elite rebounder and post-player during her career both at Enterprise and Shasta College as a player. Lawson led the state in rebounding while playing for Shasta College in 2012. Over two years after a car accident nearly killed Lawson, she is slowly relearning how to walk again. Lawson's goal has been to coach varsity basketball. Lawson was inducted into the Shasta College Hall of Fame in 2017.
Marlon Gambol
Sport: Basketball
School: Pleasant Valley
Influence: Coach, trainer and referee
Summary: Gambol has develop the careers of many talented boys basketball players from Redding through his Chico-based AAU program, the Chico Tar Heels. Among the players Gambol's most accomplished player from Redding is Enterprise alum and Santa Clara University star point guard Brody Angley. Angley played professionally in Israel and Mexico. Other local players Gambol has coached includes 2013 Enterprise graduate and Westmont University point guard Jordan Spaschak, 2004 Enterprise graduate UC Davis forward Jeremiah Batdorf and former Italian professional basketball players Paolo and Carlos Mancasola who graduated from Foothill. Gambol has also officiated high school basketball games across the CIF Northern Section for over 20 years.
Jordan Kimbrough
Sport: Basketball
School: Enterprise
Influence: Athlete and coach
Summary: Kimbrough, who graduated from Enterprise in 2014, was an efficient power forward during her high school years. Kimbrough averaged 12.1 points per game and 8.8 rebounds per game before attending college at both Lane Community College and Cal Poly Pomona. Kimbrough progressed in college leading Lane CC in two straight Scenic West Athletic Conference appearances in 2015 and 2016. She became the program's second all-time leading scorer, rebounder and shot blocker and won the Pierce MVP award, the most valuable player award for the SWAC in back-to-back years. Kimbrough has been an assistant girls basketball coach at Central Valley.
Alex Cooper
Sport: Basketball
School: Enterprise
Influence: Coach and player
Summary: While Cooper had a rough go around during her one season as head coach at Enterprise going 3-24 in 2022-2023. Heer role as a sports leader extends beyond the confines of Manatowa Gymnasium. Cooper has coached multiple Redding 3-on-3 teams and played a crucial bench role while at Simpson University. Cooper averaged 5.7 points and 5.9 rebounds during her senior year in 2019-20 with the Red Hawks.
Micheal and Janae Gray
Sport: Basketball
School: Enterprise and Foothill
Influence: Coach and player
Summary: Micheal and Janae Gray enter this list together as a father-daughter duo. Micheal has been assistant boys and girls basketball coach in Shasta County for over two decades. He is the president of Shasta Magic, an AAU program first founded by current Central Valley girls basketball coach Lawrence Wingate in 2003. Micheal coached his daughter Janae who played four years of varsity basketball at Enterprise. Janae Gray, who played in 95 varsity games between 2012 and 2015, was known for her leadership and for helping improve the skills of future talent like Kamira Sanders and Jadyn Matthews.
George Robinson
Sport: Softball
School: Enterprise
Influence: Coach
Summary: Robinson's achievements go beyond the wins and losses in softball. He has produced five athletes who are attending 4-year universities including Dominican University pitcher Shelby Keltner and Norfolk State University third baseman and catcher Rylie Gilbreath. Keltner is Dominican's program leader in strikeouts, ERA, wins, innings pitched and complete games. Gilbreath was named to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference third team in 2023 after slugging a home run with 16 RBI and batted .295. Robinson has been Enterprise's athletic director since the 2021-22 season.
Cliff Blakely
Sport: Basketball
School: Yreka
Influence: Coach
Summary: Blakely, who brings a stoic and defensive mindset to the court, has been a head coach at both Mount Shasta High School and Yreka for more than a decade. Blakely has coached at Yreka for the past three seasons after leading Mount Shasta to the CIF State Division V Championship in 2019.
Justyce Cooper
Sport: Basketball
School: Enterprise
Influence: Player
Summary: Cooper during her prime was a top level power forward in the CIF Northern Section. She was an aggressive player who used her strong arms and soft hands to rebound and score around the paint. Cooper averaged 11.4 points per game and 10.9 rebounds per game for her career in high school. After graduating from Enterprise in 2018, she averaged 12.8 points per game and 8.4 rebounds per game at Shasta College in the 2018-19 season.
Ray Atkins
Sport: Football and basketball
School: Shasta College and Enterprise
Influence: Coach
Summary: Atkins has been an assistant football coach at Shasta College for nine seasons. He is currently the wide receivers coach and is also known for helping recruit players to the Knights' program. Atkins is also a volunteer referee during the Redding 3-on-3 Tournament and has been a varsity assistant boys basketball coach at Enterprise.
Greg Fudge
Sport: Basketball, football and volleyball
School: N/A
Influence: Trainer
Summary: Fudge is credited with helping improve the athleticism of athletes from Redding. Fudge worked with and helped former Shasta High School running back James Weaver receive a scholarship to Davidson along with his sister Elle Weaver, a state champion outside hitter who played her sophomore year at U-Prep before transferring to Oak Ridge in El Dorado Hills. Elle Weaver has committed to playing volleyball at Brown University.
Calvin Johnson
Sport: Basketball and softball
School: U-Prep
Influence: Trainer and coach
Summary: Johnson has become a key fixture in the U-Prep athletics program after playing at Simpson University from 2004-2008. Johnson is the head junior varsity basketball coach and is an assistant softball coach. Johnson founded Calogistic Hoops, an AAU basketball team in Redding and is mentoring over 40 middle school boys and girls.
Greg Yranie-Miclisse
Sport: Football and basketball
School: Shasta College
Influence: Trainer
Summary: Yranie-Miclisse has made Redding his home since moving to the North State from Palm Bay, Florida in 2014. Yranie-Miclisse was a 6-foot-tall middle linebacker who transitioned to the defensive line. The Knights went 10-1 with Yranie-Miclisse enforcing the line of scrimmage in 2014. The Knights lost a rematch to West Hills Coalinga 20-14 in the NorCal American Division Championship Bowl, but Yranie-Miclisse finished his freshman season with 17 tackles, including seven tackles for loss and four sacks. Yranie-Miclisse trains returning 6-foot-5 junior defensive lineman Devin Huegel through his strength and conditioning program BGR8 Training. Huegel led U-Prep with 53 tackles including four sacks. Yranie-Miclisse also runs the Redding-based AAU basketball program Chosen Elite.
Tyler Carey
Sport: Football
School: Shasta College and Foothill
Influence: Athlete
Summary: Carey received multiple Division I offers during his 2-year career at Shasta College after graduating from Foothill High School in 2020. Carey caught 44 receptions for 864 yards and 11 touchdowns. Carey will continue his football career at Missouri Western State University this fall.
Demarreya Lewis-Cooper
Sport: Basketball
School: Enterprise
Influence: Athlete
Summary: Lewis-Cooper is regarded as the best point guard that Redding has produced over the past five years. From his shifty ball-handling skills to his athleticism and ability to score around the rim in mid-air, Lewis-Cooper started 26 of Yuba College's 29 games in 2022-23 and averaged 7.2 points per game and 3.3 assists per game. Lewis-Cooper averaged 18.1 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game and 3.8 assists per game while leading Enterprise to a CIF Northern Section Division III title appearance against eventual CIF State Division III champion Pleasant Valley.
Malachi Anderson
Sport: Football
School: Enterprise
Influence: Coach
Summary: A former varsity offensive lineman and defensive tackle, Anderson has influenced Redding with both his coaching and his work as a firefighter. Anderson is an instructor at the Shasta College Fire Fighter 1 & 2 Academy. Anderson was on the front lines fighting the 8,835 recorded wildfires that burned across California in 2021. Despite the ongoing fires, Anderson still found time within his schedule to keep coaching football at his alma mater.
Ethan Hanson started working for the Redding Record Searchlight after four years with the Los Angeles Daily News as a freelancer. His coverage includes working the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament in South Bend, Indiana, and writing about the St. Louis Rams' move to Los Angeles with the Ventura County Star. He began his career as a play-by-play broadcaster for LA Pierce College from 2011-2017. Follow him on Twitter at @EthanAHanson_RS. | https://www.redding.com/story/sports/local/2023/06/16/juneteenth-honors-27-african-american-north-state-sports-influencers/70306443007/ | 2023-06-16T21:37:33 | 1 | https://www.redding.com/story/sports/local/2023/06/16/juneteenth-honors-27-african-american-north-state-sports-influencers/70306443007/ |
Hospitals hit out against Smiley's push to tax their tenants
The Hospital Association of Rhode Island wanted Mayor Smiley to get the bills amended. He refused.
Mayor Brett Smiley's push for tenants of commercially-used, nonprofit-owned properties to pay their fair share in taxes is one step closer to being law, raising anxieties for local hospitals.
House bill 5782 and Senate bill 924 managed to pass in the home stretch of the General Assembly's session and are now on Gov. Dan McKee's desk. Both will mean that within Providence, any property that belongs to designated nonprofits but is being used for a commercial purpose must be charged property taxes. In those situations, the tenant on the lease would be responsible for paying.
Furthermore, the bills apply only to colleges, universities and hospitals – not all nonprofits. Yet nothing new would be reaped from Brown University, Providence College, Johnson & Wales University and the Rhode Island School of Design, as they already pay the same taxes on commercial spaces that Smiley is looking to get, according to the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Rhode Island.
Instead, the Hospital Association of Rhode Island, or HARI, has contended that physician groups will suffer.
In a statement on Friday, HARI said it was "disappointed" in the bills being passed without any amendment to address the association's concerns.
"The legislation authorizes cities and towns to tax hospital owned real estate occupied by not-for-profit physician groups owned by and licensed under a non-profit hospital," HARI said. "This is a direct tax on our already struggling non-profit hospitals and the physicians who are directly connected to a hospital’s ability to deliver the best care to the greatest number of Rhode Islanders."
Smiley: Tax bills are 'a matter of fairness' to close a loophole
As of Friday, Smiley held firm when presented with questions about HARI's criticisms. The mayor called the legislation "a matter of fairness" that "applies to both our institutions of higher education and hospitals."
"When large not-for-profit institutions act as commercial landlords, the building is property tax free, no matter who the tenants might be – a coffee shop or a doctor’s office," Smiley said. "We see this as unfair for the taxpayers of Providence and in other communities where these institutions are buying property. This legislation fixes that statewide loophole and ensures that any building renting to tenants that are not property tax exempt pay taxes to their city or town."
More:Hospitals are raising alarm over Mayor Smiley's tax bill. Here's why.
Smiley said he has spoken to HARI, but appeared unmoved by the association's arguments, maintaining that the taxes are a "matter of equity."
It does not appear that the city has undertaken any assessment to determine what additional funds it would gain from the tax bills, if signed into law. Smiley said right now, it "difficult to know exactly how much money this legislation will bring in" granted that the properties have historically been tax exempt. | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/06/16/nonprofits-in-providence-could-pay-taxes-on-property-they-lease-out/70329658007/ | 2023-06-16T21:40:52 | 1 | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/06/16/nonprofits-in-providence-could-pay-taxes-on-property-they-lease-out/70329658007/ |
A Hampton man was arrested Thursday after a search warrant was executed at his residence and more than $10,000 in check stubs not in his name were allegedly found.
According to court records, 32-year-old Hubestein Jimenez Martinez has been charged with identity theft — over $10,000. A class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
The affidavit states the search warrant was executed at a residence at 9:50 p.m. Martinez was allegedly in possession of multiple forms of identification, some fake identification, along with a Social Security card and tax documents of another individual.
Martinez told law enforcement officials he used the documents for employment. No court date has been set as of Friday morning. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/hampton-man-identity-theft-martinez/article_bd9f8e5a-0c5e-11ee-b7aa-17cc27f9432f.html | 2023-06-16T21:41:50 | 1 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/hampton-man-identity-theft-martinez/article_bd9f8e5a-0c5e-11ee-b7aa-17cc27f9432f.html |
DeSantis cut several Sarasota-Manatee construction projects. Here's what remains
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida's latest budget on Thursday, cutting and approving several construction and maintenance projects in Manatee and Sarasota County.
About $511 million was vetoed from the original $117 billion total, bringing the final budget to $116.5 billion. Here's what local projects were approved and vetoed.
What local projects were vetoed by DeSantis?
Sarasota County
- $4 million: Road-widening project on Fruitville Road between Debreccen Road and Lorraine Road and construction of sidewalks and bike lines along that stretch.
- $1 million: Project that would re-establish a tidal connection between the Gulf of Mexico and Little Sarasota Bay.
- $4 million: Indoor sports complex at Nathan Benderson Park. It will also serve as a staging facility during hurricanes and a post-storm shelter.
- $1 million: Replacement for aging water main and sewer main that cross Alligator Creek in Sarasota County.
- $250,000: Bobby Jones Nature Park project will be turning some of the Sarasota golf complex into a park.
- $800,000: Whitaker & Hudson Bayous Water Quality Project, which will improve Sarasota’s stormwater infrastructure.
- $500,000: Relocation of Venice’s Fire Station #2, which is currently in an Evacuation Level A zone for hurricanes.
- $600,000: Expansion of Sarasota Academy of the Arts.
- $1.5 million: Construction of a Florida Studio Theatre building that will include workforce housing, parking spots and new theatre facilities.
- $1.5 million: Permitting and construction site costs of a multipurpose facility for the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.
- $750,000: Measures to protect the shell midden and shoreline at Historic Spanish Point from erosion and storms.
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Manatee County
$1.1 million: Improvements to Manatee County Area Transit Route 99 operations.$250,000: Tidal check valves on storm sewer outfalls in the city of Bradenton.$1.4 million: Bradenton Public Safety Operations Center. The city is remodeling the former Red Cross regional headquarters on 59th Street West into a public safety operations center, according to the city’s request form.
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What local projects were approved by DeSantis?
Sarasota County
- $2 million: Construction of the Regional Fire/EMS Training Academy, which is a partnership between the Sarasota County School Board, the county and other government entities. It will provide training both to people wanting to become firefighters or EMTs and to individuals already in those fields. The state funding requested this year will pay for some of the cost of building the facility.
- $8 million: Project to widen Laurel Road between Knights Trail Road and Jacaranda Boulevard, build a multi-use recreational trail along the road and add a traffic light to the intersection of Jacaranda and Laurel.
- $1.5 million: Widening of Price Boulevard from two to five lanes in North Port. The project also includes other improvements such as a multi-use path on both sides of the road and mitigation measures to prevent damage during hurricanes.
- $850,000: Replacement of Venice’s 1950’s water mains along Tarpon Center Drive and corroded water mains on Inlet Circle and Gibbs Road.
- $1,541,985: Longboat Key’s potable water system. The town plans to replace asbestos cement water pipes that were installed in the 1960’s and 1970’s with new pipes.
- $15 million: "Senator Nancy C. Detert Home of Your Own Project" at the Loveland Center, which was sponsored by Boyd. The project will build an affordable housing complex, and 40% of the residents will be individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and 60% will be low-income seniors.
- $1.5 million: Community Assisted & Supported Living (CASL) program that provides people with mental health struggles with housing, outreach, case management and other services.
- $1 million: All Star Children's Foundation's work serving youth and families in foster care.
Manatee County
- $2 million: Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Science at Anna Maria Elementary School.
- $1.4 million: Project to improve safety and accessibility along Pine Avenue in the city of Anna Maria and address the impact of seasonal traffic, according to the city’s funding request form.
- $4 million: Widening and extension of 44th Avenue East.
- $2.5 million: Widening of the Fort Hamer Road from the north side of the Fort Hamer Bridge to Moccasin Wallow Road.
- $3 million: Construction of second Fort Hamer two-lane bridge.
- $2.5 million: Construction of two lanes of the ultimate four-lane roadway extension of 51st Street West from 53rd Avenue West to El Conquistador, according to the county’s request form. The project also involves street lighting and bike/pedestrian facilities.
- $500,000: Emergency standby power generators at multiple sanitary sewer lift stations in the city of Bradenton.
- $1 million: New field with lighting and to add lighting to an existing field at 9th Street Park.
- $8 million: Widening of a segment of Moccasin Wallow Road.
- $2 million: Constructing Parrish Fire District station #2.
- $375,000: for the city of Bradenton’s sanitary sewer lining program for infiltration/inflow reduction.
Contributing: Anne Snabes and Zac Anderson, Sarasota Herald-Tribune | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2023/06/16/desantis-veto-florida-budget-sarasota-manatee-construction-recreation-sports-complex/70325002007/ | 2023-06-16T21:43:40 | 1 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2023/06/16/desantis-veto-florida-budget-sarasota-manatee-construction-recreation-sports-complex/70325002007/ |
Manatee County's longest tenured commissioner, Vanessa Baugh, suddenly resigns
Manatee County's longest-tenured commissioner, Vanessa Baugh, unexpectedly resigned from the seat on Friday.
Baugh leaves the District 5 seat she has held for over 10 years suddenly after announcing her resignation in an email sent to county commissioners.
"Commissioners, the day has come to announce my retirement from the Manatee County BOCC," Baugh said in the email. "One thing I have come to realize is that one of the most important things in life is family. This week has reinforced that it is time to take care of my husband (Don Baugh), children, and grandchildren and to be a bigger part of their lives."
ICYMI:Sarasota state Sen. Joe Gruters criticized DeSantis for vetoing money for local projects
"I have forwarded the governor my retirement letter effective July 31. Representing Manatee County has been such an honor, and I will always cherish and be proud of the accomplishments during my tenure," she said.
Baugh's seat would likely be filled through an appointment process.
She has been notably absent, or at times present remotely, at a handful of county meetings over the past couple of months ever since Manatee County Chairman Kevin Van Ostenbridge was removed from his seat. She was immediately named as chair instead, only to have the decision reversed at the very next meeting.
Baugh was also involved in the planning of a pop-up COVID-19 vaccine site in 2021 that served only residents of Lakewood Ranch, as a part of a statewide effort to roll out the vaccine at a time when supplies were scarce and in high demand.
She settled a case with the Florida Commission on Ethics over her involvement in the situation early this year.
Baugh did not immediately return a request for comment on this report. | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/manatee/2023/06/16/breaking-baugh-resigns-from-manatee-county-bocc/70330514007/ | 2023-06-16T21:43:46 | 1 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/manatee/2023/06/16/breaking-baugh-resigns-from-manatee-county-bocc/70330514007/ |
BLOOMINGTON — Country music lovers and festivalgoers have been lining up in Bloomington for a weekend filled with award-winning and emerging artists.
The Tailgate N' Tallboys music festival is playing its second year in McLean County with over 20 artists ranging from country to rock 'n' roll. The event moved from Peoria to the Interstate Center at the McLean County Fairgrounds in 2022.
Wayne Klein, president of USA Concerts & Events, said it's a perfect venue for the festival, with plenty of space for stages, parking, and spots for attendees camping over the weekend.
"I love this location. I mean, if I could sign a 99-year lease I would," said Klein, who is from Washington. "The support we get from the community and all of our sponsors is amazing."
USA Concerts & Events, based out of West Peoria, produces and organizes the event alongside others with the same name in Clinton, Iowa, Auburn, Michigan, Rockingham, North Carolina, and Taylorville.
Klein said they are an independent promoter with a team of about eight people managing the shows and hundreds of others working as volunteers, emergency personnel and security throughout the festival.
"It gets a little hard sometimes with waves of people coming up here, but overall it's fun," said volunteer Peyton Dearing, from Morton. "Everyone's just excited to be here."
Dearing said volunteers are helping in different locations throughout the fairgrounds with parking, tickets and other jobs, but at the end of the night, some do get a chance to listen to a headlining act or attend after-parties.
Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe said events like Tailgate N' Tallboys bring economic benefits when visitors stay in local hotels, eat in local restaurants and enjoy what Bloomington-Normal has to offer.
Preliminary estimates indicate the event could generate about $2 million that will impact the local economy and help the community, Mwilambwe said.
"We definitely would like to get more people to come and live in Bloomington and recruit them for our various employers, and the best way for people to sample the community is experience it," Mwilambwe said. "When people come here for a festival or any other event, they get an opportunity to see what the city has to offer and visualize themselves living in the community."
Mwilambwe said he would like to see more festivals and events like this that could expand music genres and draw crowds from across the state.
Around 60,000 people attended last year's Tailgate N' Tallboys in Bloomington, and this year organizers are projecting about 50,000 people over the weekend, though more people will likely buy tickets the day or night of the shows, Klein said.
"The weather's gorgeous, so there can always be those last-minute ticket buyers," Klein added.
Matthew Whitehead said he drove all the way up from Abilene, Texas, with a couple of friends and an RV trailer to listen to Texas country music and see some of the modified trucks on display for the Ultimate Truck Show Experience.
"We go to a lot of truck meets and that's really the reason why we came here, because they added the truck meet to the music festival," Whitehead said. "We actually have another buddy who's driving up today after he saw videos from last night, so it's gonna be a fun weekend."
Jacob Baker and Adam Bonnet, from Indianola, Iowa, said they are both spending the weekend relaxing with their wives, and plan to catch artists like Jelly Roll and Nickelback perform this weekend.
"Seven years ago my wife was pregnant with twins and we were going to go to a Nickelback concert, but we didn't go, (and since) then we lost one of our kids," Bonnet said. "This is the closest event ... so it's a bit special for us to see him perform."
Rachel Wickman, along with her friends Kendra Haynes and Melissa Anderson from the Chicago area, said it was their first time at the music festival. They decided to set up a tent for the weekend and be around other people who were camping out.
"We came across it online on Facebook and we just decided to go, and here we are now," Wickman said. "I go camping a lot, and I think it's fun to meet new people over drinks and music."
They also planned to see Jelly Roll and Nickelback, and hoped to get good spots for Lainey Wilson's performance Thursday night, Wickman said.
"Everyone's here for the same reason, to have a good time and make new friends," Wickman added.
Klein said they will be announcing one of their headliners for next year's festival this weekend, and are already talking about possibilities for 2025.
"As long as we can pay our staff, make a little bit of money and put on an amazing show for people, that's what we're all about," Klein said. "Being a second-year festival, we're here to stay."
Klein said he recommends that people drink plenty of water before they arrive on the fairgrounds. Free water will be handed out during peak high temperatures throughout the day, he added.
For more information about Tailgate N' Tallboys, visit www.tailgatentallboys.com/bloomington. | https://pantagraph.com/entertainment/local/crowds-rigging-up-for-tailgate-n-tallboys-music-fest-in-bloomington/article_a31df4da-0b9c-11ee-87f2-075a0ee7e3ea.html | 2023-06-16T21:45:29 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/entertainment/local/crowds-rigging-up-for-tailgate-n-tallboys-music-fest-in-bloomington/article_a31df4da-0b9c-11ee-87f2-075a0ee7e3ea.html |
Local teacher to help national bone marrow registry
Local teacher Jennifer Hawkins is continuing her lifesaving mission. Hawkins works to advocate for Be the Match, an organization that collects and shares information about bone marrow donation and encourages people to register for the national bone marrow registry. The latest local opportunity for the community to support this cause comes Saturday, June 17.
Be the Match will host a booth at Burkburnett’s Juneteenth celebration. The event runs from 9 a.m. til 2 p.m. Saturday. Anyone who stops by can learn more about the donation process, who it helps and can even join the registry.
Hawkins said her involvement with Be the Match began in 2015 when her sister was diagnosed with cancer, and it made her want to do more.
“When she became sick, it made it real,” Hawkins said, later adding “If I’m the big sister, I need to be able to fix this. I’m a fixer, it’s what I do.”
After her sister’s battle, Hawkins eventually joined the bone marrow registry herself. That decision led to her becoming a life-saving donor for a child in Montana, Dax Schieffer.
Hawkins said visiting Dax and seeing him get to run and play with his classmates “will be a picture in my brain forever.”
She stressed that her entire family’s lives have been enriched by Be the Match, from her sister beating cancer to the experience Hawkins had with the Schieffer family. She said that now she hopes to pass that opportunity on to other families.
“Just seeing the shared blessings our family has received from this process, I want that for others,” Hawkins said, later adding, “I’m holding this drive to share that. I want other people to experience what my family has gotten to experience. It’s been such a life-changing experience.”
Hawkins has not only donated, but has worked to lobby Congress to increase job protection for anyone who has to take time off from work to donate.
More:Burkburnett woman heads to D.C. to support Life Saving Leave Act
The process to join the registry takes less than 10 minutes, and involves filling out some basic contact and medical info, then getting a quick cheek swab. For questions about registering or Be the Match, contact Jennifer Hawkins at jenniferhawkins@1791.com. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/16/be-the-match-coming-to-burkburnett/70329875007/ | 2023-06-16T21:46:05 | 0 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/16/be-the-match-coming-to-burkburnett/70329875007/ |
City: Hotel, conference center to open Aug. 8
The new Delta Hotel and city convention center on the grounds of the MPEC complex will open for business Aug. 8, according to a TikTok video posted on the City of Wichita Falls Facebook page.
The 200-room hotel is being built and will be owned by O’Reilly Hospitality Management LLC. The company also built the adjacent banquet room/conference center, but it will be owned by the city. The city authorized the borrowing of the $19 million in 30-year sales tax revenue bonds to construct the banquet room, with the 4B Sales Tax Corporation making the payments.
City and O’Reilly officials broke ground on the hotel in a parking lot of the MPEC complex Oct. 20, 2021. O’Reilly is footing most of the cost of the construction, estimated at groundbreaking to be $48 million. The 4B tax corporation chipped in a $2-million forgivable loan. The city also donated the land, waived permit fees and rebated taxes to O’Reilly during construction.
The city originally estimated the cost of the banquet room to be $14.8 million, but those costs escalated during construction.
The city said on its website the hotel and banquet room were needed because Wichita Falls has no full-service hotels, which it said are necessary to compete for “numerous larger conventions that require a full-service hotel in the vicinity of the meeting space where the conventions are held.”
The city said that put Wichita Falls at a disadvantage when recruiting conventions to the MPEC complex.
In addition to hotel rooms, the Tik Tok video touted the facility as having a bar, lounge, fitness center, restaurant and Starbucks. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/16/city-hotel-conference-center-to-open-aug-8/70331350007/ | 2023-06-16T21:46:05 | 1 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/16/city-hotel-conference-center-to-open-aug-8/70331350007/ |
Free concert set for Tuesday
Staff Reports
Times Record News
The Wichita Falls Parks and Recreation Department invites the public to a free outdoor concert Tuesday at Bud Daniel Park, 900 Ohio Ave.
Hellen Bach will perform at 7 p.m. The group plays a myriad of rock, pop, dance, and top 40 that range from the classics up to today’s hits.
The Parks and Recreation Outdoor Concert Series features musicians representing a variety of musical genres. Attendees may bring lawn chairs of blankets. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/16/free-concert-set-for-tuesday/70329815007/ | 2023-06-16T21:46:05 | 0 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/16/free-concert-set-for-tuesday/70329815007/ |
Storms rake region but spare Wichita Falls
Damaging storms rumbled across the Southern Plains Thursday, bringing death and destruction to one small Texas Panhandle town and dropping tornadoes perilously close to the Wichita Falls area.
Thunderstorms developed in southwest Oklahoma by late Thursday afternoon and moved east. By 5 p.m. the National Weather Service was issuing tornado warnings in the Lawton and Duncan, Okla. area. Winds at 80 mph were clocked in the Lawton area and baseball-sized hail was reported as twin supercell thunderstorms moved through.
Just after 5 p.m., a tornado on the ground was confirmed east of Faxon in Comanche County. Less than a half hour later another occurred near Duncan in Stephens County. Just after 6 p.m. a twister was confirmed near the Sugden community in Jefferson county and another was sighted north of Walters in Cotton County.
The large cluster of storms veered south across the Red River where at least one tornado was confirmed in Clay County.
A separate, smaller cell developed west of Wichita Falls and at times had intensity levels higher than the storms in Oklahoma. It made a beeline for Wichita Falls, but rapidly dissipated just west of the city, bringing thunder and a smattering of rain. While the weather service had warned of hurricane-force winds in the storms, the highest recorded gust in Wichita Falls was 35 mph.
The storm system moved into the Dallas area, causing scattered damage and knocking out power to an estimated 30,000 residents.
While all this was going on in North Texas and southwest Oklahoma, a separate storm formed in the Texas Panhandle and dropped a tornado -- or possibly two -- on Perryton, a town of about 8,000 people in Ochiltree County. At least three people were killed and between 75 and 100 were injured. The storm knocked out power to the town, including to the hospital. Damage to the town is extensive. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/16/storms-rake-region-but-spare-wichita-falls/70329066007/ | 2023-06-16T21:46:08 | 0 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/16/storms-rake-region-but-spare-wichita-falls/70329066007/ |
New housing complex approved near Unity Park in Greenville. Here's what to know.
On Thursday, June 15, the City of Greenville announced the approval of the development of Parkside Lofts.
The 56-unit complex was approved by the Planning Commission and will be built adjacent to Unity Park. It will border Meadow, Nassau and Oscar streets. The complex will provide rental homes, with 75% offered to families who earn 50-80% of area median income, stated Loren Thomas, the City of Greenville's Multimedia Communications Specialist.
Led by the Greenville Housing Fund, the project will be constructed on land donated by the City of Greenville. Eight acres of vacant land worth $8 million have been set aside by the city for equitable development around the park, Thomas said.
James Jordon Development is the builder for the project.
Nina Tran covers trending topics for the Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com | https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/greenville/2023/06/16/housing-complex-approved-near-greenvilles-unity-park-what-to-know-apartments-upstate-devlopments-sc/70330443007/ | 2023-06-16T21:47:17 | 0 | https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/greenville/2023/06/16/housing-complex-approved-near-greenvilles-unity-park-what-to-know-apartments-upstate-devlopments-sc/70330443007/ |
DULUTH — Three residents were displaced after a duplex fire in the Lincoln Park neighborhood early Friday.
Smoke was reported in the side-by-side units at 2228 W. First St., just before 4:45 a.m., according to the Duluth Fire Department. Fire crews began arriving within three minutes and attacked the blaze, containing it before it could spread further.
No injuries were reported as all three occupants, two dogs and one cat safety escaped. However, damage to the structure and contents was estimated at $85,000 and the residents were receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.
There was no immediate word on the cause of the fire.
“Because of this family’s diligence in keeping their smoke detector batteries fresh and their detectors working, this family is safe, their pets are safe, and everyone is uninjured. They were able to quickly call 911 and get fast assistance from DFD,” Assistant Fire Chief Dennis Edwards said in a statement. "Anytime is always a good time to remind the public to check their smoke detectors and make sure they’re in good working order.” | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/3-displaced-by-lincoln-park-fire | 2023-06-16T21:50:31 | 0 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/3-displaced-by-lincoln-park-fire |
BARNUM — A small plane made an emergency landing on Interstate 35 in Carlton County on Friday afternoon.
The single-engine plane touched down in the northbound lanes at approximately 1 p.m. and eventually came to a stop in the ditch, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. No injuries were reported and there was said to be little to no damage to the plane.
The incident, in the Mahtowa area, just north of Barnum, added to the congestion related to travel ahead of this weekend's Grandma's Marathon and associated races in Duluth. The Minnesota Department of Transportation urged motorists to drive with "extreme caution" until the plane could be safely removed, which was expected to occur around 4 p.m.
Authorities did not immediately identify the pilot or offer any further details on the reason for the emergency landing. | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/plane-lands-on-interstate-35-near-barnum | 2023-06-16T21:50:33 | 0 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/plane-lands-on-interstate-35-near-barnum |
DES MOINES, Iowa — EDITOR'S NOTE: The above video is from November 2022
After years of idling, the Des Moines International Airport's renovation plan is taking flight, with new renderings released this week.
The airport overhaul would add a new terminal and administration building to the airport's existing footprint.
A check-in lobby, baggage claim and "meeter greeter" area will be located on the new terminal's main floor, with all security checkpoints, departure gates and concession spaces located on the second floor.
Gates will light up green when they are active and remain white when inactive, signaling visually what's for the passengers.
The sleek, neutral design of the terminal is a stark contrast with the airport's current carpeted concourses and older infrastructure.
As of June 2, the Des Moines Airport Authority is in possession of 30% of the plan documents. More designs and renderings will be released by the planned date of Nov. 3, 2023, and utility work is expected to begin in October 2023.
The plan predicts the terminal construction will begin in April 2024.
To read the full presentation and view more renderings, click here. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/des-moines-international-airport-renovation-terminal-addition/524-2257e183-da8e-4f4e-8d77-5cb943f864c0 | 2023-06-16T21:51:30 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/des-moines-international-airport-renovation-terminal-addition/524-2257e183-da8e-4f4e-8d77-5cb943f864c0 |
DES MOINES, Iowa — A historic ruling came down Friday from the Iowa Supreme Court when the justices split 3-3 on what Gov. Kim Reynolds' calls her "Fetal Heartbeat Bill", ultimately avoiding any change to Iowa's abortion laws.
That means the current law, which allows abortion until the 20-week mark in pregnancy, is still in effect.
So, how did Iowa's highest court — made up of five appointees from the Republican governor Reynolds appointees and two justices from former Gov. Terry Branstad's era — end up in a deadlock?
To even make a 3-3 split possible, one justice must not participate in the ruling.
In Friday's decision, Justice Dana Oxley recused herself from the ruling, paving the way for an even vote.
A split ruling may not be unheard of, but it is a rarity, with only 18 cases ending in a non-decision deadlock in the last 15 years.
Even rarer than the decision itself is multiple justices providing written remarks on the outcome. Included in the Iowa Supreme Court's ruling was an explanation written by Justice Thomas Waterman, with Chief Justice Susan Christensen and Justice Edward Mansfield "joining" the opinion.
Justice Christopher McDonald wrote a separate opinion, with Justice David May joining that and Matthew McDermott writing his own opinion which sides with McDonald and May.
Waterman touched on the rarity of this outcome in his opinion on the case, referencing the last instance of opinions being shared — a 2009 kidnapping and sexual assault case:
"The last case where the court was divided 3–3 on the overall resolution of the case and the justices filed opinions arguing their respective positions was State v. Effler".
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► Subscribe to Local 5 News on YouTube | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/local-politics/iowa-supreme-court-abortion-ruling-split-deadlock-how-rare-is-it/524-80e34f9e-ed22-4eed-94dc-99f96eb89c07 | 2023-06-16T21:51:36 | 1 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/local-politics/iowa-supreme-court-abortion-ruling-split-deadlock-how-rare-is-it/524-80e34f9e-ed22-4eed-94dc-99f96eb89c07 |
From children's books to memoirs, one person's story is another's plight.
“When people begin banning books and poetry, they’re doing so out of fear,” said Yasmin Angoe, a mystery and thriller author whose work has earned accolades from Amazon Best Book lists to the Eleanor Taylor Bland Award for Emerging Writers of Color. Her trilogy follows the Ghanaian Nena Knight and has earned critical acclaim.
Angoe was among Virginia's most popular and prolific authors interviewed by the Richmond Times-Dispatch after the Hanover School Board earlier this month moved to ban 19 books from school libraries, and as book-banning has been debated nationally for the past couple of years.
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Angoe, a Virginia native and author, and also a finalist of the Library of Virginia's 20th Annual People’s Choice Awards, believes schools and libraries should not be allowed to ban books.
As a lifelong writer and reader, having always attended schools and libraries, she said there were not as many books and characters who looked or lived as she did.
“Now that there is an influx of diverse literature that speaks directly to and for marginalized communities, to silence those voices is a travesty and a direct attack on one's personal right to knowledge,” Angoe stated.
Richmond resident Meg Medina is a New York Times best-selling author for picture books, as well as middle grade and young adult fictions, believes it’s a mistake to put obstacles between kids and books.
“Parents are entitled to be in conversations with their kids, but it’s different to make decisions for everyone’s families,” said Medina, a national ambassador for young people’s literature and a Newbery Medal winner.
“Parents are entitled to be in conversations with their kids, but it’s different to make decisions for everyone’s families,” Medina said, adding that books offer a powerful space for conversations, thinking and sharing ideas.
Shauna Robinson is another Library of Virginia's People’s Choice Awards finalist and Virginia resident. She writes contemporary fiction featured in more than a dozen of features in "must read" lists. She believes book banning is “incredibly harmful,” adding that it limits the diversity of perspectives readers can access and learn from.
“Banning these books sends the damaging and untrue message that these marginalized voices don't matter,” Robinson stated. “Diverse voices and stories shape our world, and schools and libraries need to carry books that reflect that.”
Author and Richmond resident Rachel Beanland wrote 2023's "The House Is On Fire," following the lives of four characters impacted by the Richmond Theater fire of 1811. The book was selected as an Indie Next pick by the American Booksellers Association and deemed "most anticipated" by a number of outlets, like The Washington Post, Good Morning America, E! News and more. Beanland believes that books can bring the country together and is against the practice of books banning.
“Reading books builds empathy,” Beanland said.
Some titles banned by the Hanover board earlier this month include: Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye,” one of the most banned in the country; “This Book is Gay” a guidebook for young people discovering their identity; John Green’s young adult novel “Looking for Alaska” that explores themes of grief, hope and relationships.
Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves (804) 649-6123
gdecamargogoncalves@timesdispatch.com
@decamgabriela on Twitter | https://richmond.com/news/local/book-banning-virginia-hanover/article_eb2bb488-0c5a-11ee-8148-77580395b7fc.html | 2023-06-16T21:53:46 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/book-banning-virginia-hanover/article_eb2bb488-0c5a-11ee-8148-77580395b7fc.html |
A federal judge has agreed to delay court proceedings against an Ocean County man charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot until next month.
A status conference in the case against Larry Fife Giberson, of Stafford Township, was pushed to July 20, according to a court filing.
The conference was originally scheduled to take place Thursday.
Giberson was indicted in April for allegedly partaking in the riot, in which supporters of former President Donald Trump broke into the building, interrupting the certification of current President Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election.
He is charged with felony civil disorder and related misdemeanor offenses.
Giberson is represented by Charles Burnham, who, when reached by phone on Friday, directed questions to his email address. He later declined to comment.
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In their motion for an extension, Giberson's defense team sought more time for evidential purposes, according to court documents.
WASHINGTON — A federal grand jury last week indicted an Ocean County man and Princeton Unive…
Prosecutors and the defense have also discussed "a possible settlement in the case," the document states.
Giberson was indicted on six counts. He pleaded not guilty to all of those offenses when he was arraigned in late April, according to court records.
Giberson was charged with participating in the riot through an investigation by the FBI, which found images of him at the U.S. Capitol posted on the internet, according to the government's criminal complaint. Giberson was a Princeton University student at the time. Some photos matching his profile were found on Instagram and the university's website, the complaint states.
Investigators further linked the photos to his profile from Southern Regional High School, the complaint states, finding he graduated from there in 2019. His identification was later confirmed through New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission records.
Giberson later confirmed himself as being the person in the collection of photos the FBI gathered, the complaint states.
Giberson was wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat and had a Trump flag around his neck when prosecutors say he conspired with the mob’s assault on police officers in a tunnel on the Capitol’s Lower West Terrace. He also waved other rioters into the tunnel before joining a second round of pushing against police, trying to start a "drag them out" chant before the crowd used pepper spray against officers, prosecutors allege.
Since the riot, nearly 1,000 people from almost every state have been arrested for allegedly participating in the insurrection, the U.S. District Attorney’s Office has said. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/trump-manahawkin-riot-capitol/article_b670ff62-0c7f-11ee-8df3-e7d09eef709b.html | 2023-06-16T21:54:56 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/trump-manahawkin-riot-capitol/article_b670ff62-0c7f-11ee-8df3-e7d09eef709b.html |
A Mandan man allegedly crashed into the Federal Building’s railing during a police chase in Bismarck that ended with authorities seizing what they said was cocaine and several other drugs from the vehicle.
A Bismarck police officer noticed a vehicle leaving the Elbow Room Bar shortly after midnight Wednesday. It eventually turned into the back parking lot of the Federal Building on East Broadway Avenue and crashed into the building’s railing, according to an affidavit.
The suspect vehicle continued to evade responding officers for 12 minutes before crashing into a pine tree on the north side of Kirkwood Mall. The driver exited the vehicle with his hands up after crashing, authorities said. Police detained Tyler Jans.
Jans, who is in his late 20s, told authorities he was fleeing from police because he had cocaine on him, which officers found in his shorts, according to the affidavit. Jans consented to doing tests that resulted in him being arrested for DUI. Authorities said they found large amounts of illegal drugs in his vehicle, including cocaine, meth and THC, which is what gives marijuana users a high.
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Jans faces felony drug and fleeing charges, along with two misdemeanors. The most serious charge against him carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The attorney listed for Jans did not immediately respond to a Tribune request for a comment. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck/mandan-man-crashes-into-federal-building-property-during-bismarck-police-chase/article_0d61ea50-0c87-11ee-bfed-d720dafb68b6.html | 2023-06-16T21:58:15 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck/mandan-man-crashes-into-federal-building-property-during-bismarck-police-chase/article_0d61ea50-0c87-11ee-bfed-d720dafb68b6.html |
CROWN POINT— A California man was charged Thursday in connection with violating a protective order and repeatedly stalking a woman.
Riding Shotgun with Merrillville Police Officer Amanda Earley
Tyler McHenry, 26, was charged with stalking, criminal confinement and invasion of privacy, which are Level 6 felonies; and a Class A misdemeanor count of invasion of privacy.
He is at large on an arrest warrant, according to court records.
Charging documents detailed how McHenry repeatedly followed a woman with whom he previously had a relationship. The woman took out a protective order against McHenry on Dec. 29, court records stated.
Officers were called April 6 when McHenry showed up at the Schererville Panera, 144 U.S. 41, where the woman was making her coffee, according to a probable-cause affidavit. McHenry came up to the woman and told her that he saw her at a stop light and followed her to the restaurant.
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The woman told police that McHenry violated the protective order several other times, the affidavit stated. When officers spoke to McHenry on April 12, he told them that he had heard about the protective order but was never served any paperwork. He also said the woman has had him blocked on her phone, so he hasn’t been able to reach her.
Police wrote in charging documents that when they spoke to McHenry, he admitted to following the woman but said he just wanted to talk to her. McHenry told them he was in town to see a church mentor.
Officers received another call from the woman later on April 12, and they wrote that she sounded “like she was in extreme distress,” according to a probable-cause affidavit. The woman told them she was leaving her classes at the Indiana University Northwest in Hammond when she saw McHenry standing next to her car with flowers and a bag of her clothes.
She described how McHenry kept trying to talk to her and, once she got in her car, he “crouched on the ground between her car and the open door so that she could not shut the door of the vehicle to leave,” according to charging documents. She said McHenry admitted to knowing about the protective order, but he told her this was his “last opportunity to fight for her.”
McHenry has a previous conviction for violating a protection order in Michigan, charging documents said.
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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WASHINGTON D.C. — There are thousands of unique pieces of art throughout the U.S. Capitol grounds.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Some of these pieces are in the National Statuary Hall Collection. There are 100 statues with two contributions from every state chosen by local legislatures.
Each statue representing historical figures including some with ties to the Confederacy.
The Architect of the Capitol said eleven Confederate statues remain on Capitol grounds today. This includes statues of Jefferson Davis of Mississippi and Alexander Hamilton Stephens of Georgia who served as president and vice president of the Confederacy.
Read: Mother tells Congress about AI voice cloning scam during a faked kidnapping scheme
“It’s a matter of really educating people so that they really understand how hurtful those symbols are,” said Rep. Alma Adams, (D) North Carolina.
Congresswoman Alma Adams represents the 12th district of North Carolina.
Both statues from her state are controversial. Zebulon Vance was a Confederate soldier who served in Congress and Charles Brantley Aycock was a former governor and a white supremacist from the late 1800s.
“It is very distressing to me to walk past going on my way to vote to walk past all of these statues that are symbolic of things that in my opinion are just not appropriate,” said Rep. Adams.
Read: Workers nationwide feel uncertain about job security after recession warnings
Currently North Carolina state leaders are working to replace Aycock’s statue with one of Reverend Billy Graham.
However, Congresswoman Adams wants more statues of women and African American trailblazers like civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“Those of us who do know have a responsibility to help bring others along who don’t know,” said Rep. Adams.
Some Democrats are reintroducing legislation to remove the remaining Confederate statues on U.S. Capitol grounds. This comes after the House passed a similar bipartisan measure back in June 2021 but the bill didn’t make it out of the Senate.
At the time, many House Republicans supported removing some of the statues.
“We on this side of the aisle not only agree but we have been advocating for these very things for quite some time. In fact, as [for] Georgia’s statue, as I had advocated in times past for the removal of Alexander Stephens’ statue,” said Rep. Barry Loudermilk, (R ) Georgia during House floor comments on June 29, 2021.
Read: New federal consumer warning about storing your money in digital payment apps
However, some disagreed on how to do it and believe the states that selected them and not Congress should be making those choices.
“If the states that originally put those statues in here were the ones that asked that they be removed I think that would be much more appropriate than this act, this body taking action,” said Rep. Loudermilk.
Moving forward, Congresswoman Adams hopes future contributions to the collection are more diverse.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to so many people who made some significant contribution to our country,” she said.
The statue of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune from Florida is the first African American represented in the National Statuary Hall Collection. Bethune was an educator, civil and women’s rights leader.
THE FOLLOWING STATUES HAVE TIES TO THE CONFEDERACY:
- Alexander Hamilton Stephens - GA
- Crawford W. Long - GA
- Wade Hampton III – SC
- Jefferson Davis – MS
- James Zachariah George – MS
- John E. Kenna – WV
- Joseph Wheeler – AL
- Edward Douglass White – LA
- Charles Brantley Aycock – NC
- Zebulon Vance – NC
- Uriah Milton Rose – AR
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Razorback fans will be able to crack open a cold one inside of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium's outdoor sports bar, Big Red's, this fall.
University of Arkansas Director of Athletics, Hunter Yurachek, posted an update on the construction to his social media. In the post, Yurachek claims this will be the largest outdoor sports bar in an on-campus venue.
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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.thv11.com/article/news/local/outdoor-sports-bar-to-open-this-fall-razorback-stadium/527-e88a4bee-07f0-4810-b09a-22a66e3932bf | 2023-06-16T22:02:09 | 1 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/outdoor-sports-bar-to-open-this-fall-razorback-stadium/527-e88a4bee-07f0-4810-b09a-22a66e3932bf |
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County leaders heard from several groups Friday looking for a slice of the tourist development tax.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
That’s the money visitors pay to stay in hotels, motels and short-stay rentals. Last year, the county collected more than $330 million.
The Citizen Advisory Task Force heard from a long list of groups asking for tourism revenue at the meeting, and there’s only so much money to hand out. The groups include the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, UCF Sports and the Amway Center.
Read: Orange County leaders look to dish out millions of tourist development tax dollars
Dr. Phillips wants $175 million to expand.
If approved, construction could start as early as 2024.
Read: Orange County organizations learn how to qualify for portion of tourism development tax
Officials said these plans are not just for the center but will impact the community for years. The goal is to bring international tourism to Central Florida.
“The arts center has had the chance to really deliver its purpose,” Kathy Ramsberger, president and CEO of Dr. Phillips. “And so, when you feel that people are behind that and enjoying it, it just makes all the effort worthwhile.”
Ramsberger said they hope that if the funding comes through, they hope to have the new expansion open by 2027.
Read: Board weighs how to use $287M in Orange County tourism tax money
The plan includes building the front plaza side and back of the campus, an auditorium to hold 8,000 people, 10,000 square feet of event space, a roof garden and restaurants.
Ramsberger said these expansions are expected to bring in a million visitors annually, along with new jobs.
The TDT Task Force will give a recommendation of the center to the county commissioners, who will make the final decision.
The next meeting will be on June 26 at 2 p.m.
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/dr-phillips-center-hopes-receive-175-million-orange-county-tourist-development-tax/TFVQSA7GMBBGTI2BVGFGLFW5FA/ | 2023-06-16T22:02:12 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/dr-phillips-center-hopes-receive-175-million-orange-county-tourist-development-tax/TFVQSA7GMBBGTI2BVGFGLFW5FA/ |
WASHINGTON D.C. — Responding to an emergency that is man-made or a natural disaster is difficult for any family or individual.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
But it can be even more challenging for people with disabilities and their caregivers, especially if they aren’t getting the information they need.
This week, a mother of a son with special needs testified before the Senate Special Committee on Aging about her family’s difficulty getting reliable emergency information from local authorities.
Annie Lloyd and her family live in Darlington, Pennsylvania, which sits about five miles away from where a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio in February.
“It became very clear to me that finding reliable information to keep our family out of harm’s way would be difficult,” said Lloyd.
Read: Bill reintroduced in Congress gives federal protection for right to birth control access
Lloyd’s nine-year-old son Teddy has Autism and symptoms of anxiety and ADHD.
She said she sent him to school the morning of the explosion since the school was farther from the derailment site than their home.
They later learned the school had been evacuated.
“We needed clear communication from authorities with intimate knowledge of the train derailment of what the danger was and who needed to take active steps in protecting themselves,” said Lloyd. “Evacuating disabled kids from their schools and hoping that they will navigate their way out of harm’s way in an emergency is simply not enough.”
READ: Federal agencies hit in global cyberattack
There is now a bill in Congress aimed at giving people with disabilities and older Americans more of a voice in emergency situations.
It’s dubbed the Real Emergency Access for Aging and Disability Inclusion for Disasters Act, known as the REAADI Act.
According to the bill’s sponsors, it would ensure there is “a strong disability and older adult voice in the preparation, response, recovery and mitigation of disasters.”
It would also work to ensure there’s enough training and resources for agencies so they know how to protect these vulnerable populations in emergencies.
“Whether it’s a pandemic, a natural disaster or a human made emergency, older adults and people with disabilities need to be considered in both planning and response,” said Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), sponsor of the Senate bill.
Republicans on the committee, meanwhile, argued Congress needs to ensure emergency federal funding doesn’t go to waste, so that it can get to the people who need it most.
Another proposal focuses on giving Congress back more power to end national emergencies like a pandemic.
“The federal government should do more to plan ahead for emergencies and change the trajectory for emergencies especially to protect older Americans and those with disabilities,” said Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN).
READ: Pence and other GOP hopefuls begin criticizing Trump over ‘very serious allegations’
As for Lloyd, her focus was ensuring lawmakers walked away with a clear understanding of her message about getting families the information they need quickly.
“Senators, we desperately need more reliable information,” said Lloyd. “I am asking you as a mother of a son with a disability, and a friend of many disabled people, all of whom make unique remarkable contributions to our communities, to put forth a comprehensive accommodation plan for our disabled citizens for times of emergencies and disasters.”
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/mom-son-with-autism-warns-congress-about-lack-information-emergencies/2ZKSCWHND5BBXDGANVSHHB2O3E/ | 2023-06-16T22:02:18 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/mom-son-with-autism-warns-congress-about-lack-information-emergencies/2ZKSCWHND5BBXDGANVSHHB2O3E/ |
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — In recent weeks, Central Florida beaches have seemingly had a reprieve from brown blobs of seaweed known as sargassum.
However, more than 13 million tons of that seaweed is still floating out in the Atlantic Ocean.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Researchers from Florida Tech have recently secured a grant to study the sargassum and are taking it back to the lab in hopes of finding new uses for it.
The researchers are working on ways to convert the seaweed into a material that can be used for water filtration.
Read: More sargassum seaweed expected to arrive at Brevard County beaches
Sargassum can provide a valuable habitat for sea creatures but too much can be detrimental both in the ocean and on shore.
“Because of global warming and ocean pollution in recent years, there’s more and more sargassum coming our way,” said Florida Tech Assistant Professor Toufiq Reza. “It usually rots over the beach it produces odor and some other chemicals.”
Read: What is sargassum, the 5,000-mile-long mat of seaweed heading toward Florida?
Florida tech researchers received a $400,000 EPA grant to examine different uses for sargassum.
Dr. Reza said the seaweed has already shown promise for its potential use in water filtration.
Read: Massive seaweed invasion arrives at Florida beaches, could be worst bloom ever recorded
“Our project is up until 2025, hopefully, we will be providing the proof of technology, as well as, as the economic and environmental assessment,” Reza added. “We don’t want to create another problem by solving a problem. "
Dr. Reza told Channel that if research goes well there may be other commercial applications.
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/researchers-florida-receive-grant-study-sargassum-its-potential-uses/2F4WYVPBIFHNDOSIEN4OMMEAO4/ | 2023-06-16T22:02:25 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/researchers-florida-receive-grant-study-sargassum-its-potential-uses/2F4WYVPBIFHNDOSIEN4OMMEAO4/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — A favorite guilty pleasure in Waterford Lakes is closing its doors this weekend.
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Sweet By Holly posted on social media Thursday evening they would be closing their location in east Orange County on Sunday, June 18.
In the post, they mentioned a pending rent increase as the reason for closing.
“All orders through Sunday will be completed as promised. All clients with future orders will receive timely refunds without exception,” the bakery’s post read.
Sweet By Holly was founded by three-time Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” winner, Hollis Wilder, aka the Holly in Sweet by Holly.
In August 2022, Sweet By Holly also closed their location in the St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville after 11 years.
Read: Winter Park rejects land swaps for old library, to seek more redevelopment bids
In 2022, the company posted on its Facebook page, the business said since COVID-19, “the brand has proved unable to operate successfully in this location.”
Thursday’s post regarding the Waterford Lake closing, concluded by thanking those that supported Sweet By Holly over the years.
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/sweet-by-holly-is-closing-waterford-lakes-location/QG3FCZC6KJER5BWXHDA2YNNFMU/ | 2023-06-16T22:02:32 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/sweet-by-holly-is-closing-waterford-lakes-location/QG3FCZC6KJER5BWXHDA2YNNFMU/ |
TANNERSVILLE, Pa. — It's a day Harrison Brodman of Stroudsburg has been patiently waiting for.
But it wasn't because it was opening day at Camelbeach Waterpark near Tannersville.
The 11-year-old's been counting down the days to test out the waterpark's newest attraction Rival Racer.
Brodman and his sister were the very first guests to go down the slide on opening day.
"10 out of 10, and I was so excited. On the computer, I looked at my calendar and counted down as many days as I can," said Harrison.
The Brodmans are season pass holders and have been coming to the park for the past four years.
"The staff is super friendly. We love taking the photos they have here. The food is good, and the rides are fun," said Lisa Brodman of Stroudsburg.
The new slide is sponsored by Pocono Raceway, and the first 400 people who went down it got a free ticket for Saturday's race.
"This is, that's really exciting," said Lisa Brodman.
Dave Makarsky is the managing director of the resort.
He said it only made sense to partner with the raceway on the new slide.
"Pocono Raceways are all about speed. Rival Racer is all about speed, and both of us are premier destinations in the Poconos, so it just seemed natural for the two of us to get together," said Markasky.
Not only is the park debuting its new slide, but it's Camelbeach's 25th anniversary.
Makarsky says, looking ahead, the summer season looks to be a busy one.
"Bookings are already ahead of last year. We're trending very, very well. We feel it in our bones that it's going to be a good summer, and all we're doing is asking mother nature to cooperate," said Makarsky.
Camelbeach is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/camelbeach-debuts-new-slide-on-25th-anniversary-rival-racer-harrison-brodman-lisa-dave-makarsky/523-bf1be1e9-a612-4ce5-b507-847ead6afadb | 2023-06-16T22:03:03 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/camelbeach-debuts-new-slide-on-25th-anniversary-rival-racer-harrison-brodman-lisa-dave-makarsky/523-bf1be1e9-a612-4ce5-b507-847ead6afadb |
EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. — From clothing to cleaning supplies to bedding, a storage unit on the campus of East Stroudsburg University is filled with stuff students no longer want.
It all goes up for sale at ESU's Warrior Yard Sale this weekend.
"Small refrigerators, TV screens, coffee makers, office supplies, home decorating, office organizing things. The items were donated from the ESU students when they moved out in May," said Maria Cohen, coordinator of the yard sale.
There are more items than ever before after organizers expanded their collection to two apartment buildings on campus.
The sale started three years ago to repurpose and reuse items in good condition.
"For us and this project, it's really important to try and capture some of the items that would otherwise go into the landfill and make sure they get to a home to use them or a place that could use them, whether that's on campus or in our community," said Lauren Stemler, the recycling committee chair.
Hundreds of items are for sale, and all the money raised goes back to helping students on campus through the Warrior Food Pantry.
"(The pantry) helps students who just need some food. There are lots of reasons why that might happen, and this is a way of Warriors giving back to other Warriors in the community, which is a really important part of our university," Stemler said.
Many of the items cost a couple of bucks, but there are some bigger ticket items, including TVs, microwaves, and coffee machines.
If you need a reason to come out and shop, organizers have one.
"You'll find great deals. But also, it's helping others, like, it helps our students who would be in need, but also, it's reusing reusable items," Cohen said.
The sale is Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at ESU's College Circle. Organizers say everything must go.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/warrior-yard-sale-repurposes-campus-clutter-aids-food-pantry-east-stroudsburg-university-college-circle/523-31559d4d-67f9-4d0b-992d-d90b568535dd | 2023-06-16T22:03:09 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/warrior-yard-sale-repurposes-campus-clutter-aids-food-pantry-east-stroudsburg-university-college-circle/523-31559d4d-67f9-4d0b-992d-d90b568535dd |
Grand Rapids TV station investigated following leaked Pride Month memo
A leaked memo from a Grand Rapids television station told reporters to ease up on LGBTQ-focused stories during Pride Month and staff are pushing back.
The news director and assistant news director of NBC affiliate WOOD-TV8 will no longer be involved in coverage decisions this month after a controversial memo was issued to the newsroom staff Tuesday, the parent company said Friday.
Assistant news director Amy Fox emailed the memo, titled "June Pride Month," stating LGBTQ issues can be controversial to viewers and advised reporters to "get both sides of the issue."
“We know that West Michigan is a Conservative area in many ways,” the memo from Fox said, according to a copy first obtained by The Desk, an online independent news. “We need to recognize that some stories related to LGBTQ issues are going to be controversial and polarizing in our community. While you personally may not agree with a certain position, people are entitled to their opinions, and they are our viewers.”
TheDesk.net is published by journalist Matthew Keys, who covers technology, media, telecom and streaming. He obtained a copy of the memo along with CNN Business. According to those publications, Fox went on to write that the station wasn’t able to cover “every event or festival that happens in West Michigan” due to a lack of resources, and that “we should not cover every Pride event that we learn about.”
“We need to do some work to discern the newsworthy-ness of the event,” she continued, according to the reports. “If we are covering Pride events, we need to consider how to make the story balanced and get both sides of the issue.”
Nexstar Media Group, the corporate parent company of WOOD-TV8, released a statement Friday saying they are investigating the incident following reports of the leaked newsroom memo.
Nexstar said News 8 staff immediately pushed back against the content of the message and "the newsroom was told Wednesday that the news director and assistant news director responsible for the memo would no longer be involved in news coverage decisions regarding Pride month."
After multiple media outlets reported the content of the email Thursday, Nexstar EVP/Chief Communications Officer Gary Weitman sent the following statement to News 8:
“Diversity, equity, and inclusion are among Nexstar’s core values. Our local TV stations are expected to cover and report the news of the day in an expansive and inclusive fashion, consistent with these values. We’re looking into the situation at WOOD-TV, as the communication regarding the station’s coverage of PRIDE month activities in the area is not consistent with Nexstar’s values, the way we cover the news, or the respect we have for our viewers. We will take appropriate action as necessary to address this situation, and apologize for offending members of the LGBTQ community and WOOD-TV’s viewers.”
Luke Stier, an executive producer of news and special events at WOOD-TV, tweeted that corporate is conducting an investigation.
"This memo was met with immediate pushback from our newsroom," he tweeted. "The guidance is not being followed. The only two people involved in its creation have been removed from any discussions surrounding WoodTV Pride coverage as our corporation conducts a thorough investigation."
Meanwhile, staff inside the newsroom took to Twitter to share their support for the LGBTQ+ community.
"The news director and assistant news director sent this memo without input from anyone in our newsroom," tweeted executive producer Madeline Odle. "Our team immediately pushed back and called it to the attention of upper management. This memo does not reflect our views. It has not and will not change how we cover members of our community."
Madalyn Buursma, a digital business reporter at the station, said she received support from colleagues following the memo.
"As an openly queer person at work, I have felt nothing but love and support from the rest of the newsroom, starting immediately after that email was sent out. I am thankful for their leadership, courage and willingness to speak truth to power — in all circumstances," she tweeted.
The leaked memo comes as Hamtramck city officials are receiving pushback for approving a proposed neutrality flag resolution that would effectively ban LGBTQ+, religious, ethnic, racial and political flags from being flown on city property. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/16/wood-tv-memo-leaked-asking-reporters-to-tone-down-pride-month-coverage/70331255007/ | 2023-06-16T22:03:15 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/16/wood-tv-memo-leaked-asking-reporters-to-tone-down-pride-month-coverage/70331255007/ |
Two teens charged with armed robbery, assault of off-duty Detroit cop at gas station
Two teenagers have been charged with armed robbery in connection with the attack of an off-duty Detroit police officer at a gas station Saturday evening, according to prosecutors.
Dwayne Whitley, 16, and Marlon Henderson, 17, were both charged as adults with armed robbery and disarming a police officer. Whitley also was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and three counts of felony firearm. Henderson was charged with two counts of felony firearm.
Henderson allegedly robbed the officer, who was in full uniform on his way to work at the Taylor Swift concert, at 5:39 p.m. June 10, at a gas station in the 18130 block of Joy Road in Detroit, according to a press release from the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. Whitley allegedly pointed a gun at the officer.
After a physical altercation, prosecutors said the officer regained control of the gun and Henderson and Whitley fled from the scene, according to the press release. The officer was not injured.
"The defendants in this case attacked our victim, a police officer in full uniform on his way to work, for no apparent reason," Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement. "Everyone in the gas station at that moment in time was extraordinarily lucky that this situation did not escalate into losses of life."
Detroit Police Chief James White said the officer considered shooting at the teens as they fled, but decided not to because of the people coming in and out of the gas station. White commended the officer for the decision.
Magistrate Malaika Ramsey-Heath and the prosecutor said the teens were both lucky they were not shot by the officer. The prosecutor said both teens were identified by many community members, and the involved officer identified Henderson in a line up.
Ramsey-Heath called their acts "brazen" and said house arrest would not be sufficient for someone so bold to try to disarm a police officer.
"If he can brazenly do this to a police officer, the people would feel justified to say he could do this to anyone," the prosecutor said.
She set bond at $175,000 cash for Henderson and $200,000 cash for Whitley.
kberg@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/06/16/two-teens-charged-with-armed-robbery-assault-of-off-duty-detroit-cop/70331026007/ | 2023-06-16T22:03:21 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/06/16/two-teens-charged-with-armed-robbery-assault-of-off-duty-detroit-cop/70331026007/ |
ECTOR COUNTY, Texas —
The Ector County Judge’s Office announced Friday that judges from the 70th, 161st, 244th, 358th and 446th district courts appointed a new Ector County auditor.
The appointee, Ellen Friar, joins the county from Ward County, where she audited for decades. She also helped with Reeves and Loving counties’ budgets.
The news comes soon after the resignation of former county auditor Randy Donner. The resignation happened amid an investigation into irregularities in county finances, according to the judge’s office.
Ector County Judge Dustin Fawcett expressed his confidence that Friar is the right choice for the job.
"Ellen is going to be able to hit the ground running on Monday,” said Fawcett. “Ellen is well known statewide for her auditing prowess and knowledge of county budgets. She is going to be a perfect fit for what we need to get through this 2023-2024 budget process."
Fawcett went on to thank those who have helped in what he calls a “challenging time,” and showed optimism for the future of the county.
"l applaud the staff of our Ector County Auditor's Office for their strength and resilience throughout this challenging time,” said Fawcett. “I also want to thank our District Judges for their thoughtful appointment, as well as the incredible team we have at Ector County, who have been heavily involved in navigating this unique challenge. Ector County will be stronger than ever moving forward." | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/ector-county-appoints-new-county-auditor/513-7ba4c202-c86b-4b60-b78d-54a965544421 | 2023-06-16T22:12:16 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/ector-county-appoints-new-county-auditor/513-7ba4c202-c86b-4b60-b78d-54a965544421 |
PORTLAND, Maine — A federal appeals court has sided with commercial fishermen who say proposed restrictions aimed at saving a vanishing species of whale could put them out of business.
The fishermen harvest lobsters and crabs off New England and oppose tough new restrictions on the way they fish that are intended to protect the North Atlantic right whale. The whale numbers only about 340 in the world and it's vulnerable to lethal entanglement in fishing gear.
The fishermen and the state of Maine appealed their case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit after losing in a lower court. The appeals court said Friday it disagreed with the lower court's ruling.
The appeals court ruling could mean that the federal government must take another stab at crafting new rules to protect the whales. The restrictions would limit where lobster fishers can fish and what kind of gear they can use to try to prevent the whales from becoming entangled in fishing ropes.
The changes would represent a potential worst-case scenario for the lobster fishing industry, wrote Douglas H. Ginsburg, the senior judge of the appeals court, in Friday's ruling.
“The result may be great physical and human capital destroyed, and thousands of jobs lost, with all the degradation that attends such dislocations,” Ginsburg wrote.
The fishers sued the National Marine Fisheries Service, an arm of the federal government. The service declined to comment on the lawsuit.
A district court judge ruled in September 2022 that the service used the best available data to create the new fishing restrictions. The rules are meant to reduce the likelihood that the whales will get caught in the vertical rope lines that run from the surface of the water to lobster and crab traps on the ocean floor.
Numerous conservationists have argued over the years that the trap lines pose too much of a risk to whales because even those that survive an entanglement can emerge less likely to thrive and reproduce.
“If they've been traumatized by ropes, and climate change, lack of food, they may wait for years to calve, maybe up to 12 years, and some never do,” said Michael Moore, director of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Marine Mammal Center in Massachusetts. “It's not only about mortality, it's also about keeping the animals that are still alive healthy and growing.”
The whales were once abundant off the East Coast, but they were decimated during the commercial whaling era. Their populations have declined in the last several years, and they also face other threats such as collisions with large ships.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, and other Maine politicians have sided with the fishermen, who feel the new fishing restrictions are based on flawed data and are overly punitive. The U.S. lobster fishing industry, worth hundreds of millions of dollars per year, is based largely in the state.
“We’re facing rules that are just nonsensical,” said Dave Cousens, a lobster fishermen and past president of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association. “They don’t pass a straight-face test.” | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/courts-news/federal-court-sides-with-lobster-fishers-in-whale-protection-case-anchored-off-new-england-courts-maine-right-whale-protections-ruling-maine/97-e25ef25a-ffda-4a1f-94df-7b4b53f3f55d | 2023-06-16T22:12:31 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/courts-news/federal-court-sides-with-lobster-fishers-in-whale-protection-case-anchored-off-new-england-courts-maine-right-whale-protections-ruling-maine/97-e25ef25a-ffda-4a1f-94df-7b4b53f3f55d |
This week features plenty of Juneteenth celebrations and events, kicking off Wednesday with a community giveback event and judging for the 2023 Mister and Miss Teen Juneteenth.
Community Giveback
Several volunteers gathered at Lincoln Park, 6900 18th Ave. to hand out donated hygiene items, clothing and household supplies Wednesday afternoon.
Alvin Owens, a local businessman and organizer for Kenosha’s Juneteenth events, said it was to “show some presence” at Lincoln Park, hopefully setting a foundation for larger events in the future.
Owens handed out socks, soaps, toothbrushes and more to anyone who arrived. It was an important aspect to the week’s overall Juneteenth events Owens said.
“The festival is nice, but giving back is important,” Owens said.
People are also reading…
Teen Juneteenth
Of the four Kenosha teens who gathered at the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha Wednesday evening, two will be named as this year’s Mister and Miss Teen Juneteenth.
The high school graduates were each interviewed by a panel of judges that included past Miss Teen Juneteenth Jada Robinson and the first Black Miss Kenosha Willow Newell. The winners will be announced during Saturday’s festival.
Juneteenth can be tracked to June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state of Texas were free by executive decree. That day came to be known as “Juneteenth,” by the newly freed people in Texas. Originating in Galveston, Juneteenth has since been observed annually in various parts of the United States, often broadly celebrating African-American culture. The day was first recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.
The teens reflected on what Juneteenth meant to them.
Ariana Ervin, a Bradford graduate planning to attend Clark Atlanta University, said that one important aspect of Juneteenth was its focus on Black history and education.
“It’s indescribable,” Ervin said. “It’s our history. It’s who we are today and who we can be.”
Aidan Brantley is an Indian Trail graduate who plans to attend Xavier University of Louisiana. He said he chose to compete to get a deeper “historical understanding and knowledge” of his culture.
“It’s independence day,” Brantley said. “Having this day immortalized, it means a lot to a lot of people.”
Ailani Savage graduated from Indian Trail and plans to serve in the Air Force.
“It’s an important holiday to acknowledge and recognize,” Savage said. “It’s only just become a federal holiday ... We’re standing strong. It’s something we should be proud of.”
Keyon Hill-McAbee graduated from Indian Trail. He plans to attend Gateway Technical College for website and computer programming. He emphasized, like many of the candidates, that Juneteenth was also a celebration.
“It’s a celebration of Black people’s independence,” Hill-McAbee said.
Many of the candidates encouraged Kenosha residents to join in on that celebration of Black culture, history and independence regardless of their backgrounds. The Kenosha Juneteenth festival is Saturday at 1345 52nd St.
“They should attend, they’ll have a great time,” Ervin said. “It’s like a birthday for the culture.”
Marguerite Phillips, who helped organize the Teen Juneteenth event, said it was an acknowledgment and recognition of Black history.
“It’s very important our youth understand who they are and where they come from, and to be proud,” Phillips said. “It’s important for Kenosha as well.” | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-juneteenth-events-get-underway-with-community-giveback-in-the-park-and-mr-and-miss/article_27063914-0bad-11ee-8108-d3f432b448ed.html | 2023-06-16T22:14:30 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-juneteenth-events-get-underway-with-community-giveback-in-the-park-and-mr-and-miss/article_27063914-0bad-11ee-8108-d3f432b448ed.html |
COLOME, S.D. — A small-town school district that covers a huge geographic region has a big decision.
Voters in the Colome Consolidated School District will vote on Tuesday, June 20 to decide on breaking off the Wood and Witten sections of the district and potentially ending a geographically eccentric relationship between towns 50 miles apart. A reorganization plan was approved by the South Dakota Department of Education and would split the territory between two nearby school districts.
Voters will vote either “For” or “Against” the reorganization plan. If it’s approved, the changes will take effect for the 2024-25 school year. Voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Colome Fire Hall, Witten City Hall and the Wood Community Hall.
If approved, the new dividing line between the White River and Winner school districts would follow the county line between Mellette and Tripp counties. White River is about 17 miles to the west of Wood, a small community of about 40 residents. The new Colome district would shrink to about 325 square miles, down from its current 804 square miles and would lose more than $115 million in assessed value in taxable property in its boundaries, a decrease of about 33%.
The plan to change the district’s boundaries came from residents in the Wood and Witten areas of the district. Both joined the Colome district in 2010 when they still had school buildings in those towns and at the time, Colome’s district had vowed to keep those schools open in a potential consolidation, while the White River and Todd County districts did not.
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Since then, the Colome Consolidated district saw attendance fall in both Witten and Wood, with the Witten school closing in 2021. The Wood school officially closed in November 2022 in part because the district could not hire a teacher to work in Wood, meaning they didn’t have any students attending the facility either. The district had two teachers in Wood for the 2021-22 school year but both left mid-school year, leaving the school board to approve busing the students to Colome to finish the school year. As of March, seven students were being bused from Wood or Witten to Colome for classes, and Colome Consolidated School Board has since declared the old Wood school to be surplus and turned the building over to the community of Wood.
Wood area petition supporters indicated that they didn’t want to see the Colome school close but wanted to change the district boundaries to send their tax dollars to the schools their children already attend, particularly White River. About three-fourths of the north section of the Colome Consolidated district is located in Mellette County and closest to White River.
“The feedback of those attending the public meetings was that they were satisfied with the language of this reorganization plan because it had the most potential to pass when it reached the public vote — especially since it kept the Colome school open,” the Colome plan submitted to the state said.
As of fall 2022, Colome had 162 students in the district in grades K-12, which is 16th-smallest among 149 public school districts in South Dakota, and projects to have about 160 students if the new district alignment goes into effect. According to state data, Winner has 760 students and White River has 401, according to state data.
Open enrollment figures from December 2022 from the SDDOE shed light on the movement between districts. In 2020 and 2021, Colome Consolidated had net zero open enrollment, with the same numbers of students open enrolling in and out. In fall 2022, the district had a net loss of 20 students (53 students going out; 33 coming in.). White River had 54 students open enroll into its district for the 2022-23 school year, with 15 open enrolling elsewhere. Its net open enrollment has been approximately plus-30 students annually over the last three school years.
Approval of a reorganization would end a 15-year story between the two sections of the district. The SDDOE signed off on the merger of Colome and Wood in 2008, shortly after a state law prohibiting non-contiguous school district boundaries was changed, and voters in both districts approved the consolidation in 2009. Colome Consolidated voters failed to approve a 2019 plan to spend about $5 million on a new high school facility in Colome, in part because of concerns from Wood and Witten area voters.
No matter how the vote turns out, the Colome district is planning for the future again. With a main high school building that dates back to 1915, Colome is pursuing plans to build seven new classrooms on its campus, in part using funds from the coronavirus-related American Rescue Plan, connecting its elementary school and gym facilities. It has also approved moving to a four-day school week for 2023-24. | https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/local/vote-to-split-off-two-sections-of-colome-school-district-scheduled-for-tuesday | 2023-06-16T22:16:28 | 1 | https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/local/vote-to-split-off-two-sections-of-colome-school-district-scheduled-for-tuesday |
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