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ARLINGTON, Texas — Teresa Taylor, the Arlington-born musician made iconic through the poster for the indie movie classic "Slacker," died Monday at age 60.
Taylor's death was confirmed in a tweet from Butthole Surfers, the band she served as the drummer for at different periods between 1983 and 2009.
"Teresa Taylor passed away peacefully this weekend after a long battle with lung disease," the tweet said. "She will live in our hearts forever. RIP, dear friend."
Those who don't know her by her music, may know Taylor from her scene in "Slacker" -- an early film by director Richard Linklater, and an indie love letter to the city of Austin.
With little to no story at all, "Slacker" would transition from scene to scene to focus on various odd characters that one may have come across in the Texas capital city during the late '80s. Taylor's character, credited only as "Pap Smear Pusher," was seen in the movie trying to sell a pap smear alleged to be taken from Madonna.
Even if you haven't seen the movie, you may have seen her just from the iconic poster or the DVD cover of the movie, as those visuals feature Taylor front and center.
The "Slackers" appearance was Taylor's second and final film role.
She spent the vast majority of her life as a musician. She got start in music in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, playing for various high school marching bands around the area.
She would later move to Austin.
Taylor announced in November 2021 in a public Facebook post that she had been diagnosed with end-stage lung disease.
"I know I smoked like a chimney and this is to be expected," Taylor wrote. "My spirits are up." | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/arlington-drummer-slacker-star-teresa-taylor-dies-60/287-79c2a7a0-f37e-4572-9bf4-e9a6377edaa8 | 2023-06-21T01:44:23 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/arlington-drummer-slacker-star-teresa-taylor-dies-60/287-79c2a7a0-f37e-4572-9bf4-e9a6377edaa8 |
DALLAS — Editor's note: This article was originally published in the Dallas Business Journal here.
Homes in Dallas-Fort Worth are selling far more slowly and for lower prices than they were a year ago, according to the latest report from residential real estate firm Re/Max.
Dallas-Forth Worth ranked fourth in the U.S. for the largest increase in days on market in May, with the average home selling in 37 days, up from 15 days last year. That’s an increase of 141.8% year over year.
Tampa, Fla., posted the highest year-over-year percentage increase in days on market, at 219.6%, followed by Orlando at 193.3%, and Phoenix at 143.2%.
The median home sale prices in DFW was down 4.5% in May compared to a year ago, according to the Re/Max National Housing Report. The median price of DFW homes sold in May was $402,000 compared to $427,881 in May 2022.
Nationally, the median of all 51 metro area sales prices was $423,000, down 1.9% from May 2022. The markets with the biggest year-over-year decrease in median sales price were San Francisco, down 10.7%; Las Vegas, Nev., down 10%; and Phoenix, down 8.9%.
DFW saw the second largest decrease in close-to-list price ratio compared to a year ago, according to the Re/Max report. The May 2023 close-to-list price ratio in DFW was 98.7%, down sharply from 104.7% in May 2022.
The close-to-list price ratio is calculated by the average sales price value divided by the list price for each transaction. When the number is above 100%, the home closed for more than the list price. If it's less than 100%, the home sold for less than the list price.
Only San Francisco had a bigger year-over-year drop in close-to-list ratio than DFW — although homes are still selling for more than their list price in the City by the Bay. The May 2023 close-to-list price ratio in San Francisco was 104%, dropping from 111.5% in May 2022.
Sales volume also dropped in Dallas-Fort Worth year over year. A total of 9,336 homes sold in May 2023, which is 4.6% fewer than the 9,789 homes sold in May 2022. On the other hand, May home sales in DFW rose 18.7% over April’s sales of 7,865 homes.
The sharply higher mortgage rates compared to last year are to blame for the year-over-year declines in sales volume and home prices, said Todd Luong of Re/Max DFW Associates.
It remains a tough market for shoppers looking to buy a home right now, Luong said.
“Despite the higher mortgage rates compared to a year ago, the demand for homes in Dallas-Fort Worth remains robust and healthy,” he said. “With a median home price of $402,000, Dallas-Fort Worth is still a comparatively affordable option for people relocating from more expensive parts of the country. As homebuyers adapt to the 'new normal' of higher interest rates, median sold prices have steadily increased since February. However, median sold prices are still lower than the peak in June 2022.”
Luong said would-be sellers paying a 3% mortgage on their current home are reluctant to move and be forced to pay a much higher interest rate on their next home.
“There are buyers right now who are calling me and asking me to help them buy a home in Plano, but I have no inventory to show them,” Luong said. “Sellers still have a tremendous advantage right now, creating a challenging situation for buyers. It would not be surprising to see further upward pressure on home prices in the near future.” | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dfw-housing-marked-fewer-home-sales-lower-prices-longer-time-on-market-than-year-ago/287-0794d20c-65c2-4cce-a54c-6628f882f639 | 2023-06-21T01:44:29 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dfw-housing-marked-fewer-home-sales-lower-prices-longer-time-on-market-than-year-ago/287-0794d20c-65c2-4cce-a54c-6628f882f639 |
TARRANT COUNTY, Texas — Known as one of the most congested stretches of road in the state, the I-35W project stretching across different parts of the metroplex is complete.
Located between North Tarrant Parkway and Eagle Parkway, the final segment of the project opened Tuesday to the public.
This stretch of I-35W, which began construction in the Spring of 2020, is a major north and south route for commuters and the movement of goods and services.
The project extends the “managed lane” corridor, or toll road, to the north side of Alliance Airport at Eagle Parkway. Existing lanes are upgraded and are still toll-free, while two tolled managed lanes will be built in each direction for additional mobility.
On I-35 W, construction first began in 2013 on a $1.6 billion project to rebuild 10 miles from north of I-30 to US 81/287. This project, which is part of the North Tarrant Express, doubled the existing capacity with four toll TEXpress Lanes and frontage roads. This was competed in 2016.
I-35W from north of I-30 to north of I-820 reached was competed in July 2018.
Then came the final piece of the interstate project: US 81/287 to Eagle Parkway.
The public-private project will rebuild 6.7 miles of I-35W and add four TEXpress Lanes and frontage roads.
The final stretch of road construction was completed three months ahead of schedule.
North Tarrant Express said Tuesday that the “average daily traffic” expected is 170,000, but that number is expected to rise as drivers become more familiar with the new roads. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/final-segment-of-i-35w-project-completed/287-31ddca72-bccf-4b17-a137-0b5cd39a8a18 | 2023-06-21T01:44:35 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/final-segment-of-i-35w-project-completed/287-31ddca72-bccf-4b17-a137-0b5cd39a8a18 |
WISE COUNTY, Texas — A North Texas man charged with murder in the deaths of his wife and 11-year-old daughter told authorities that his son killed them, according to the arrest affidavit.
Robert A. Morairity, 45, faces charges of murder, capital murder and tampering with a corpse after he led law enforcement to the bodies of 42-year-old Kimberly Kellam and his daughter at a home near Decatur, the Wise County Sheriff's Office said last week.
According to the affidavit, Kellam's brother-in-law had called the department June 12, saying he hadn't heard from her or her daughter since November 2022 but that the family was afraid to report them as missing because of Morairity.
"I wish they would've called us earlier, but they neglected to do that," Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin told WFAA.
"They were all scared to death of this guy, they were afraid to say anything," he added.
The affidavit stated when family members asked about Kellam and her daughter that Morairity would make an excuse about where they were. The brother-in-law asked the sheriff's office to do a welfare check.
On June 12, authorities went to a home on County Road 437 near Decatur where relatives believed Morairity and his family lived. The sheriff's office said deputies arrived but determined the home had been abandoned.
Authorities on June 13 then located Morairity in Dallas, according to the sheriff's office. He was found with two of his children, who were ages 3 and 10, authorities said.
While speaking with law enforcement, Morairity had claimed his son stabbed Kellam to death in November 2022, the arrest affidavit stated. Morairity then placed her body in a large plastic container and put the container in a garage at the home on County Road 4371, according to the affidavit.
The affidavit stated that Morairity then told law enforcement that his son killed the 11-year-old child by smothering her with plastic in January or February 2023. Morairity then put her body in the garage, according to the affidavit.
According to the affidavit, Morairity led investigators to the garage where the bodies were. The 11-year-old had been wrapped in tarp while Kellam's body was found in the plastic container, the affidavit stated.
"And they had been there for quite some time… probably 5-6 months," Akin said.
Akin said the sheriff's office was still investigating how Kellam and her daughter died and the motive for their deaths.
In the affidavit, authorities said they believe Morairity committed the offenses of murder, capital murder of a person under 10 years old and tampering with physical evidence with intent to impair a human corpse.
Morairity was booked into the Wise County jail, and his bond was set at $800,000.
The two children found with Morairity remain in custody of Child Protective Services. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-man-led-authorities-to-bodies-of-wife-daughter-claims-son-killed-them-affidavit/287-45907081-a393-4eda-b543-f519314e65d8 | 2023-06-21T01:44:41 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-man-led-authorities-to-bodies-of-wife-daughter-claims-son-killed-them-affidavit/287-45907081-a393-4eda-b543-f519314e65d8 |
Manitowoc site that manufactured Christmas tree ornaments added to State Register of Historic Places
The facility is at 1133 S. 16th St.
MANITOWOC – The site of the National Tinsel and Toy Manufacturing Company in Manitowoc has been added to the State Register of Historic Places.
The Wisconsin Historical Society announced the designation June 20.
The facility at 1133 S. 16th St. was first completed in 1918 as a factory for the Tinsel Manufacturing Company, a Christmas tree ornament manufacturer. The company at the time was owned by entrepreneur William C. Protz after he bought the Stolze Manufacturing Company, specializing in the same product, from founder Henry Stolze Jr.
Protz went on to purchase the National Toy Manufacturing Company of Milwaukee, merging it with the Tinsel Manufacturing Company to create the National Tinsel & Toy Manufacturing Company in 1920.
In 1923, Protz renamed the enterprise National Tinsel Manufacturing Company. Christmas tree ornaments were manufactured at the building from its original construction in 1918 until 1998, by which time the company had become National Rennoc, operating under an arm called Santa’s Best.
According to a news release from the Wisconsin Historical Society: “The building conveys the early industrial, labor and entrepreneurial history of Manitowoc and is associated with innovation within the Christmas tree ornament industry. During the early 20th century, the company was a major local industry and employer of women. Under William C. Protz, the company grew to become the largest of its kind in the nation and eventually the world by the beginning of World War II. The original 1918 portion of the building and its later additions display the company’s growth, as mergers occurred and manufacturing activities evolved.”
The State Register is Wisconsin’s list of state properties determined to be significant to Wisconsin’s heritage. The State Historic Preservation Office at the Wisconsin Historical Society administers both the State Register and National Register in Wisconsin.
For more about the National Tinsel and Toy Manufacturing Company, go to https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Property/HI57561.
Contact Brandon Reid at 920-686-2984 or breid@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @breidHTRNews. | https://www.htrnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/20/manitowoc-national-tinsel-and-toy-manufacturing-company-historic-site/70337469007/ | 2023-06-21T01:48:20 | 1 | https://www.htrnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/20/manitowoc-national-tinsel-and-toy-manufacturing-company-historic-site/70337469007/ |
A Tucson man convicted in the murder of two people last year was sentenced Tuesday to a natural life term in prison.
Pima County Superior Court Judge Danelle Liwski ordered Zachary Joseph Thomas Naifeh to serve two natural life sentences after he was found guilty on two counts of first degree murder last month in the killing of Celina R. Garcia, 39, and Rashad Laron Smith, 44.
In addition to the homicide charges, Naifeh was also sentenced to 21 years for one count of armed robbery and 13 years for one count of theft, along with several other more minor charges.
Barbara Newsome, Smith's grandmother, told the court during sentencing that her grandson was a kind man and the incident has "left a big hole in her heart." Sunday Hamilton, Garcia's sibling, described her as a "ray of sunshine" and a joy to be around, calling her wonderful, generous and loving.
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Joseph Ricks, the prosecutor in the case, called the incident a senseless act of violence and told the court Naifeh had bragged about the incident.
"This was an execution," Ricks said.
Naifeh's attorney, Katherine Voll, told the court he made those statements because of his immaturity, saying his life is worth something and he is worthy of redemption.
In the end, Liwski called the shootings, "cold and calculated," and sentenced Naifeh to a natural life term.
Garcia and Smith, who were reportedly in an on/off relationship, were found dead on March 23, 2022, on South 12th Avenue, near Los Reales Road after Tucson police responded to a shooting in the area, an interim complaint filed in the Pima County Justice Court said.
Witnesses said they heard arguing followed by one gunshot. They then heard a female voice saying, “no no no, I have kids,” followed by several more gunshots, the complaint said.
Officers identified a Jeep SUV seen leaving the shooting. It was reported stolen earlier that same month, along with a 9mm gun, the complaint said. Naifeh was later arrested driving that Jeep days later, and a gun was inside, the complaint said.
One of the occupants inside the vehicle told police that she and Naifeh picked up Garcia and Smith and went to a casino on the day of shooting, dropping off the couple in an alleyway after, the complaint said. Naifeh told officers they had gone to the casino and stopped in an alley to eat. Garcia and Smith allegedly got into an altercation, which led Naifeh to ask Smith to get out, the complaint said.
Naifeh then exited the Jeep, opened Smith’s door and told him several times to get out. After Smith refused again, Naifeh shot him in the chest, the complaint said.
Naifeh told Garcia to push Smith out of the vehicle, which she did. Garcia then got out and knelt behind him, the complaint said.
Naifeh pointed the gun at the other woman and told her to start the car. He then pointed his gun at Garcia and told her several times to get back into the vehicle, the complaint said.
As Garcia began to stand up, Naifeh shot her four times, then got back into the Jeep and told the woman to drive away, the complaint said.
Jamie Donnelly covers courts for the Arizona Daily Star. Contact her via e-mail at jdonnelly@tucson.com | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/tucson-man-sentenced-in-pima-county-superior-court/article_503f092a-0ed5-11ee-9a29-7f62a4327ba6.html | 2023-06-21T01:49:25 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/tucson-man-sentenced-in-pima-county-superior-court/article_503f092a-0ed5-11ee-9a29-7f62a4327ba6.html |
CALIFORNIA, USA — This story was originally published by CalMatters.
Losing income is the No. 1 reason Californians end up homeless – and the vast majority of them say a subsidy of as little as $300 a month could have kept them off the streets.
That’s according to a new study out of UC San Francisco that provides the most comprehensive look yet at California’s homeless crisis.
In the six months prior to becoming homeless, the Californians surveyed were making a median income of just $960 a month. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in California is nearly three times that, according to Zillow. And though survey participants listed a myriad of reasons why they lost their homes, more people cited a loss of, or reduction in, income than anything else.
The study’s authors say the findings highlight the idea that money, more than addiction, mental health, poor decisions or other factors, is the main cause of – and potential solution to – homelessness.
“I think it’s really important to note how desperately poor people are, and how much it is their poverty and the high housing costs that are leading to this crisis,” said Margot Kushel, a physician who directs the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, which conducted the study.
Already the study – which the authors say is the most representative homelessness survey conducted in the U.S. since the mid-1990s – has drawn attention from high places.
The initial idea for the survey came from California Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly, Kushel said. Ghaly’s office has been involved along the way, though the state didn’t fund the research.
“As we drive toward addressing the health and housing needs of Californian’s experiencing homelessness, this study reinforces the importance of comprehensive and integrated supports,” Ghaly said in a news release. “California is taking bold steps to address unmet needs for physical and behavioral health services, to create a range of housing options that are safe and stable, and to meet people where they are at. We are grateful for the voices of those who participated in this study, as they will help guide our approach.”
The survey comes as local governments press Gov. Gavin Newsom to distribute ongoing funding to fight homelessness, arguing the one-time grants he has doled out so far don’t allow them to make lasting progress. Newsom has resisted that kind of multi-year commitment, although his administration has allocated nearly $21 billion toward homelessness and housing since he took office.
The UCSF team surveyed 3,198 unhoused adults throughout California between October 2021 and November 2022, and conducted in-depth interviews with 365 of those participants.
What drives California’s homeless crisis?
When asked why they left their last home, respondents cited conflict between roommates, not wanting to impose on the person or people they were living with, domestic violence, illness and breakups.
A loss of or reduction in income was the most common response, with 12% of people saying that’s what caused their homelessness. Just 4% blamed their own substance use or drinking.
All of those varied factors that led people to lose their homes often have underlying roots in economic instability, said Jennifer Wolch, a professor emerita at UC Berkeley specializing in homelessness.
“This lack of income and severe instability and housing precarity, it has spillover effects on people’s relationships, their use of alcohol and other kinds of problematic substances,” she said. “It impinges on their health status.”
The story told by one survey participant, identified as Carlos, shows how someone can gradually descend into homelessness. He had to stop working after falling off a ladder and injuring his spine, but wasn’t eligible for workers’ compensation because he had been paid in cash. Unable to afford his rent, he moved out of his apartment and rented a room in a new place. He soon left due to conflicts with his roommates. He then briefly lived with his sister’s family, until they faced COVID-related job loss and he moved out to avoid becoming a burden. He lived in his truck until it was towed due to unpaid parking tickets. Now, he lives in an encampment in a park.
Most of the homeless Californians surveyed said a relatively small amount of cash would have saved them from the street. Seventy percent said a monthly rental subsidy of $300-$500 would have kept them from becoming homeless, while 82% believed a one-time payment of between $5,000 and $10,000 would have worked.
Jennifer Loving, CEO of Santa Clara County nonprofit Destination: Home, hopes the study’s findings will help debunk what she says is a common myth that people are homeless because of their individual failings, rather than because rents are outpacing wages. She’d like to see California’s leaders take notice.
“Hopefully it will inform a statewide strategy,” she said, “because we need a statewide strategy to be able to manage how we are addressing homelessness.”
Another California homeless myth
Another myth the study attempts to dispel is that most homeless people flock to California cities because of warm weather, liberal policies and generous services. In reality, 90% of the people surveyed said they were last housed in California, and 75% live in the same county as where they lost their housing.
That’s important to remember, Wolch said, because it’s easy to disregard unhoused people who we think “aren’t from here” and haven’t paid taxes here.
“People who are homeless are your neighbors,” she said. “People who are homeless live in the same city that you do and they possibly have lived there longer than you have.”
The survey painted a bleak picture of the traumas and tragedies that made survey participants more vulnerable to ending up on the street. People reported growing up in depressed communities with few job opportunities, where they experienced exploitation and discrimination. Nearly three-quarters said they had experienced physical violence during their lives, and one-quarter had experienced sexual violence.
One in three people surveyed attempted suicide at some point.
Mental health and addiction also were a common undercurrent in the lives of many of the unhoused people surveyed, which is to be expected in a population that has suffered so much trauma, according to the researchers. Two-thirds of people reported experiencing mental health symptoms – including depression, anxiety or hallucinations – in the past 30 days. Homelessness and all it entails, including lack of sleep, violence and difficulty accessing medication, exacerbated their symptoms, many people said.
About one-third of people reported using drugs three or more times a week – mostly methamphetamines. And 1 in 5 people who reported regular drug or heavy alcohol use said they wanted addiction treatment but couldn’t get it.
Jail to homelessness pipeline
The study also emphasizes the relationship between incarceration and homelessness, said Alex Visotzky, senior California Policy Fellow for the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
More than three-quarters of people surveyed had been incarcerated at some point during their life. And in the six months before becoming homeless, 43% were in jail or prison, or were on probation or parole. The vast majority of those who had been incarcerated received no help signing up for housing, healthcare or benefits upon release.
“That drove home for me this point: Incarceration, homelessness and then subsequent criminalization are fueling a really vicious cycle for marginalized people, especially Black and Latino Californians, that’s both causing and prolonging homelessness,” Visotzky said.
‘We don’t have enough housing for poor folks’
To solve the homelessness crisis, the main problem California needs to address is the lack of housing that’s affordable for extremely low-income residents, according to the researchers. The state has just 24 affordable and available homes for every 100 extremely low-income households, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
Among the solutions the researchers proposed: expanding vouchers that use federal, state and local dollars to subsidize people’s rent. They also suggested piloting shared housing programs where multiple households live together and split costs, while also providing funds to help people remain with or move in with family or friends.
Kushel hopes the study helps drive public support for these ideas, which in turn will spur politicians to act.
“I hope that it really focuses our efforts on housing, which is the only way out of homelessness,” Kushel said. “It’s almost so obvious it’s hard to speak about. We don’t have enough housing for poor folks.” | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/calmatters/the-biggest-survey-of-homeless-californians-in-decades/103-af3c34f1-8d2b-4081-8863-13e75c741acb | 2023-06-21T01:57:45 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/calmatters/the-biggest-survey-of-homeless-californians-in-decades/103-af3c34f1-8d2b-4081-8863-13e75c741acb |
SAN FRANCISCO — President Joe Biden convened a group of technology leaders on Tuesday to debate what he called the “risks and enormous promises” of artificial intelligence.
The Biden administration is seeking to figure out how to regulate the emergent field of AI, looking for ways to nurture its potential for economic growth and national security and protect against its potential dangers.
“We’ll see more technological change in the next 10 years that we saw in the last 50 years,” Biden said as the meeting with eight technology experts from academia and advocacy groups kicked off.
“AI is already driving that change,” Biden said.
The sudden emergence of AI chatbot ChatGPT and other tools has jumpstarted investment in the sector. AI tools are able to craft human-like text, music, images and computer code. This form of automation could increase the productivity of workers, but experts warn of numerous risks.
The technology could be used to replace workers, causing layoffs. It's already being deployed in false images and videos, becoming a vehicle of disinformation that could undermine democratic elections. Governments, as well as the European Union, have said they are determined to regulate and put brakes on AI before it is too late.
Biden said social media has already shown the harm technology can do "without the right safeguards in place.”
In May, Biden's administration brought together tech CEOs at the White House to discuss these issues, with the Democratic president telling them, “What you’re doing has enormous potential and enormous danger.”
White House chief of staff Jeff Zients' office is developing a set of actions the federal government can take over the coming weeks regarding AI, according to the White House. Top officials are meeting two to three times each week on this issue, in addition to the daily work of federal agencies. The administration wants commitments from private companies to address the possible risks from AI.
Biden is meeting Tuesday at the Fairmont hotel in San Francisco with Tristan Harris, executive director of the Center for Human Technology; Jim Steyer, the CEO of Common Sense Media; and Joy Buolamwin, founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, among others. California Gov. Gavin Newsom was also in attendance.
Biden is also in the San Francisco area to raise money for this 2024 reelection campaign. At his first fundraiser of the night, Biden spoke about what he saw as freedoms under siege, particularly for the LGBTQ community and with the overturning of abortion protections by the U.S. Supreme Court. And as president, it's his job to help safeguard the right to choose.
“I think the American people need to have the confidence that we’re going to do what we say we’re going to do,” he said. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/president-joe-biden-discusses-risks-and-promises-of-artificial-intelligence-with-tech-leaders-in-san-francisco/103-4f1280e0-4997-46a3-a102-d18f2e704fa7 | 2023-06-21T01:57:51 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/president-joe-biden-discusses-risks-and-promises-of-artificial-intelligence-with-tech-leaders-in-san-francisco/103-4f1280e0-4997-46a3-a102-d18f2e704fa7 |
PENRYN, Calif. — A controversial winery project in Placer County is moving forward after Tuesday’s board of supervisors meeting.
Many people who spoke at the meeting expressed support for the project, while some residents also shared their concerns about several factors including the height of the building and traffic it could potentially bring to the area.
“We, the community, are fighting for the sanctity of our homes,” said Penryn resident, Ann Henderickson.
Also known as Project 8, the plan calls for a production facility, network of underground wine caves and a 75-foot octagonal building offering visitors views of the foothills and vineyards.
“Traffic’s going to go by my house, but I think it’s going to be worth it,” said Cord Lamphere, who lives nearby. “We have the opportunity to do something amazing, and I hope you support.”
“It’s something that I have been hoping would happen in the Placer County wine industry for a long time,” said Phil Maddux, owner and winemaker at Lone Buffalo Vineyards.
But some neighbors spoke out against their plans and shared their concerns.
“Arsenic levels in the soil which are alarmingly high, inevitable traffic changes, increased traffic and a monstrous tower twice the allowable height,” said Claudia Starkey.
Some questioned why they’d put the project in the middle of a neighborhood while others said they welcome the winery but don’t support the county changing its zoning rules for the sake of the project. It was one item on the agenda: an amendment to the county’s zoning rules to allow for height limit exceptions.
Project developer Mike Fournier spoke before the board addressing some of the concerns, including the height of the proposed tower.
“On a half-mile radius, I would say that there’s probably 15 to 20 houses that can see it if they step outside,” said Fournier. “Overall, there’s a big majority. We believe we’re at about 93% of the people who can see it are absolutely in support.”
He also addressed the arsenic concerns, saying they’d follow every state and county rule.
The board of supervisors voted shortly after 5 p.m. to approve the environmental impact report (unanimous), the zoning amendment (4-1 no), and the conditional use permit (4-1 abstention). As such, the project is able to move forward.
The winery would be located at 7615 Callison Road in Penryn. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/controversial-project-8-winery-moves-forward-placer-county/103-352be2bb-2d00-4981-a992-d7219faad473 | 2023-06-21T01:57:57 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/controversial-project-8-winery-moves-forward-placer-county/103-352be2bb-2d00-4981-a992-d7219faad473 |
OREGON CITY, Ore. (KOIN) — Oregon City Pride Night has been “a long time in the making,” said coordinator Wesley Hanson.
Oregon City Pride Night gets underway at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at the Oregon City Children’s Theatre. It’s the first time there’s been a Pride Night in Oregon City — an open, public event for the queer community.
“I grew up in this city being chased, beaten, thrown in lockers, had my head flushed down toilets because I was queer in high school,” said Hanson. “In this community, in this city, sometimes it’s not the safest and we know where we’re tolerated a lot but where are we actually welcomed at.”
Creating that safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ community is one of the driving reasons behind why they’re now hosting a pride event.
“Queer people are a part of literally every single community and Oregon City is one of the bigger cities in Oregon,” said Lisa Halcomb, an event sponsor and owner of Happyrock Coffee Roasting Co. “Quite frankly, the fact that we haven’t had a Pride before now is incredibly overdue. Every time I talk to people about this event happening, they’re ecstatic and can’t wait to get involved and can’t wait to be a part of it.”
Some of those involved say it was a no-brainer to get involved.
“I’ve lived in Oregon City for 3 years now and I would say for the first 2 years, I was incredibly closeted which was a very weird experience to have as an adult,” said event sponsor and local realtor Alexa Lachman.
“I did not know where I was safe and there are times when the other side, if you will, gets very loud in this community and most people in this community are loving and accepting and wonderful human beings but they don’t necessarily know what it feels like to be out and about in a town where you’re not quite sure because you’re not from there,” she said. “There’s a lot more love and acceptance here for LGBTQ+ people, we just need to know we have each other’s backs and stand up, and the more we stand up, the more people will stand up for us also.”
The family-friendly Pride Night will have a DJ, drag shows, family readings, raffles and more. But as word spread, some in the community have not been supportive. They push backed to organizers and even sponsors by email and social media.
“We’ve gotten a few emails but I will give credit to the fact that it’s an open dialogue with some of them because they kind of came in with spears out, so we responded with kindness and said we understand that we have a difference of opinion here but we’re not going to make it through it if the conversation is not had,” said Michelle Leigh, founder and director of the Oregon City Children’s Theatre, which will host the Pride Night.
She said they had some people engage in conversation — and that made a difference.
“Change doesn’t happen until we hear each other, understand each other, and then move forward,” she said.
Sponsors who spoke with KOIN 6 News all said they plan to stay on as sponsors and allies.
Organizers said a big part of having this event, beyond the Pride celebration itself, is to also benefit local organizations. Proceeds will go toward The Living Room — a non-profit for queer and trans youth — as well as the Oregon City Children’s Theatre, which says about a third of the kids who participate are LGBTQ+.
“Not being a part of that community, I didn’t recognize the importance, to be really frank with you,” Leigh said. “I’ve been running this theatre for 19 years. About a third of the kids who participate in my theatre are a part of the LGBTQ community. As I’ve watched those kids grow up and transition or become proud of who they are or share their stories more openly, I realize how far back I had the privilege of having those kids in my presence, but I didn’t recognize how important my presence was in their life.”
Leigh said the kids need to know “they are loved, they need to know they’re important, and they need to know that organizations like mine will stand behind them, beside them, in front of them, because that’s our job as adults.”
While some may fight back against Pride Night, Hanson said they’re not going anywhere.
“The bad is bad, but the good way out-trumps anything else that has been coming. I’d say for all of the hate that has been thrown this way, the love has been 400% more. People are ready and it’s time. It’s 2023,” said Hanson. “I’m here, I’m queer, I’m not going anywhere. I’m here for the queers, the weirdos, the millennials. I’m here for people like me and I’m here for my community.” | https://www.koin.com/local/clackamas-county/its-2023-oregon-city-ready-for-1st-ever-pride-night/ | 2023-06-21T01:58:01 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/clackamas-county/its-2023-oregon-city-ready-for-1st-ever-pride-night/ |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Some in Sacramento feel the audit of Sacramento Police Department's misconduct complaint cases shows that the Black community is more often than not involved in some of the findings in the audit.
They want a larger conversation to ensure it doesn't continue to be the case.
In the audit, the Office of Public Safety Accountability (OPSA) shared its findings of the Sacramento Police Department's misconduct complaint cases.
"I'm a little surprised and disappointed. I was really hoping that the audit would come out a little different than it did, but I think it's something that we've been anticipating," said Graciela Castillo-Krings, chair of the Sacramento Community Police Review Commission.
The report includes 10 findings and makes 19 recommendations.
One finding is the department does not have a current, stand-alone policy regarding the fourth amendment, which includes search and seizure.
"It was disturbing, right? It was like OK, now we have quote, unquote proof if you will of the many concerns that have been addressed by Black people for centuries if you will," said Dr. Kristee Haggins, executive director for Safe Black Space.
Dr. Kristee Haggins said the audit shows how the Black community is being targeted.
This chart shows the racial breakdown of the complainants with the majority being Black/African American.
"Number one is Black drivers are three times to be stopped more than other drivers," said Haggins. "That Black pedestrians are six times stopped more frequently than other races. That Black residents are 3 times more like to be searched for drugs, for weapons, or stolen goods."
One case that particularly bothered her was that of an elderly woman, who was outside recording several officers while they arrested her son.
The example said the woman's demeanor was calm, but officers seized the cellphone.
In another case, officers handcuffed a 10-year-old African American girl who was not a threat to officers and was only crying.
The chair of the Community Police Review Commission said she hopes the audit will serve as an opportunity.
"I think additional conversations are definitely warranted. What I would hate for is the audit to come out and nothing to come out of it," said Castillo-Krings. "So I'm actually looking forward to working with OPSA and PD to try to figure out how do we actually start addressing and really ensuring that in Sacramento we have a path that other cities can model."
A presentation in front of the Sacramento City Council is expected to take place Tuesday afternoon.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/sacramento-police-misconduct-complaint-cases/103-cb601ab7-9dc1-402e-9c86-9ce3deb2e2e6 | 2023-06-21T01:58:03 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/sacramento-police-misconduct-complaint-cases/103-cb601ab7-9dc1-402e-9c86-9ce3deb2e2e6 |
STOCKTON, Calif — An audiology center based in Stockton is using artificial intelligence to improve the hearing and lives of older adults in the region.
Lizzie Perkins, the owner of Stockton Hearing Aid Dispensing Center, says the AI technology isn’t being used in the way you think.
“The AI isn’t traditional AI,” she said. “It's not taking any of your personal information. It's not taking your name or anything that can be connected to you. It's just taking a mathematical understanding of an environment and shooting it up to the cloud. Then, if you're in a situation where you're struggling and your situation matches something else, or most likely many other things that people have experienced, it will then put those sound parameters as options for you to experience to see if that's something that will work for you.”
In other words, they adjust to a person's surroundings, providing hearing in 3D by adjusting to speech comprehension and background noise.
One of those using the high-tech hearing aids is Bobbie Wallinger. She noticed she was having trouble hearing while reading to children and couldn’t hear their questions.
“I am not a tech person at all, but I can use my phone to adjust my hearing aids,” said Wallinger. "It is easy. If I can use it, anybody can use it."
Currently, the Stockton Hearing Aid Dispensing Center offers the product and does free testing.
“I look forward to making a difference in people's lives because of what I do. What I spend... like maybe three minutes doing here... on a computer will affect them every single day inside and outside of whatever it is they're doing,” said Perkins. “That's huge.”
To learn more about the Stockton Hearing Aid Dispensing Center and what they offer, click here. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton-hearing-aid-dispensing-center-ai-hearing-aids/103-428d7a66-2e2c-437e-8380-cae563789ae9 | 2023-06-21T01:58:09 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton-hearing-aid-dispensing-center-ai-hearing-aids/103-428d7a66-2e2c-437e-8380-cae563789ae9 |
PHOENIX — Arizona's Medicaid system is making changes to stop more scammers from potentially taking advantage of a state program that provides health care to millions of Arizonans.
The state's elected officials announced last month they were suspending payments to over 100 healthcare providers who are suspected of defrauding the state by billing for nonexistent or unnecessary services.
"Credible evidence has been established that individuals were targeted and aggressively recruited with false promises of food, treatment, and housing, only to be taken to facilities where providers billed for services that were not provided," the agency wrote in a statement.
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System announced Tuesday it was making numerous reforms to prevent these types of deceptive billing practices from happening again.
The reforms include the following:
- Stop providers from billing on behalf of others
- Require certain providers to undergo site visits and fingerprint background checks
- Add the ability to flag concerning claims
- Set billing thresholds
- Implement a six-month moratorium on new provider enrollments for mental health outpatient clinics, community service agencies, integrated clinics, and behavioral health residential facilities.
Exemptions to the enrollment moratorium will be granted to applicants who meet certain requirements.
"This action is necessary to safeguard AHCCCS members, public funds and to maintain the fiscal integrity of the AHCCCS program," the moratorium document states.
The agency said it intends to make more reforms in the coming months.
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>> Live, local, breaking. Download the 12News app | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/ahcccs-making-reforms-stop-fraudulent-billing-arizona-medical/75-4781259a-8088-4e5e-b772-66cf65a63d7a | 2023-06-21T01:58:10 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/ahcccs-making-reforms-stop-fraudulent-billing-arizona-medical/75-4781259a-8088-4e5e-b772-66cf65a63d7a |
STOCKTON, Calif. — Stockton City Council members are set to vote on whether or not to honor Pride month by displaying the Pride flag on city flag poles.
The decision was previously delayed by a week after council members agreed to make that vote on Tuesday.
"The symbolism is still pretty powerful and potent to see it be raised up," said David Sengthay.
As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, David Sengthay has hopes to see the Pride flag flying at city hall in his hometown of Stockton. That is why he joined the San Joaquin Pride Center in rallying in front of city hall on Tuesday to make sure that hope becomes a reality.
This comes after the city council decided to push the vote by a week. During last week's meeting, Councilmembers Michelle Padilla and Michael Blower expressed their hesitation.
"Our city is suffering from crime and homelessness and that's where our focus needs to be," said Councilmember Padilla.
Both Padilla and Blower making it clear that they do stand with the LGBTQ+ community, regardless of their decision regarding the flag.
"I too don't have a problem with Pride, and I don't want to see people discriminated against but I also don't understand why one group would get a flag," said Councilmember Blower.
For James Patnaude, a transgender service specialist with the San Joaquin Pride Center, he said these responses just make him roll his eyes.
"That's one of the oldest excuses in the book, in my opinion, raising a flag is the bare minimum that a government agency or organization can do to show their support for our community," he said.
On Tuesday afternoon, Patnaude and other supporters showed up to city hall to make sure council members know where they stand.
"We are citizens of Stockton, and we need to be represented just have our humanity acknowledged in the same way that anybody else's is," he said.
Regardless of the decision, this group said they will keep on fighting for their rights. The California Women's List also raised more than $1,000 to go towards the San Joaquin Pride Center to help their mobilizing efforts, just like their cause for the display of the Pride flag.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/stockton-pride-flag/103-96e75508-8358-4a9c-ad57-929325b5adcc | 2023-06-21T01:58:16 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/stockton-pride-flag/103-96e75508-8358-4a9c-ad57-929325b5adcc |
PHOENIX — A service animal and two other dogs were reportedly stolen from a north Phoenix short-term rental home last week.
Travis Hutchinson recently moved to the Valley from Florida and had been staying for two nights at an Airbnb near 12th Street and Dunlap Avenue when someone broke in and allegedly stole his beloved dogs.
“It’s really hard because it’s like someone broke in and stole my child,” Hutchinson said.
He booked to stay at the short-term rental from June 14-21, but two days into his stay, the unimaginable happened.
“I went to the airport to get a rental car,” Hutchinson said about the day of the burglary. “When I came back 40 minutes to an hour later, my animals were missing. All of our property was missing. Social security cards, debit cards, shoes, everything.”
Hutchinson found broken glass inside the townhome’s living room and kitchen, the patio door busted open, and the patio’s fencing broken.
There were no signs of his beloved service animal Dexter, a 5-year-old boxer, and his two micro bullies, Davinci and Athena.
“It’s like the first time they’ve been alone and the one time, they’re just gone,” he said.
Hutchinson said Dexter has been with him since he was 15 years old, traveling with him through 12 states, and helping him prevent epilepsy seizures.
“There was a point in time that I was homeless when I was younger and he was always there for me all the time,” Hutchinson said with a broken voice. “So, just not having him right now is hard because it’s a lot, he’s like my child… it just hurts that someone would come in and steal my animal.”
Phoenix police told 12News they have an open investigation into the residential burglary.
Hutchinson posted flyers around the community.
“I would never imagine that someone would steal my dog,” he added. “The two pedigree dogs I understand because of the value of them, but my service animal, he’s not worth money.”
Airbnb tells 12News they are in touch with Hutchinson and the host of the property.
“I just want my animals,” Hutchinson said. “I don’t really care about the money they stole or my property, I just want my dogs.”
Hutchinson is offering a $3,000 cash reward for any information that leads him to his dogs.
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Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12News YouTube playlist here. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/dog-two-micro-bullies-north-phoenix-short-term-rental-home-burglar-stolen-airbnb/75-3456ec88-32f6-4d49-b9a3-2e921bff51de | 2023-06-21T01:58:16 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/dog-two-micro-bullies-north-phoenix-short-term-rental-home-burglar-stolen-airbnb/75-3456ec88-32f6-4d49-b9a3-2e921bff51de |
TUOLUMNE COUNTY, Calif. — The search is still on for a missing swimmer in Lake Don Pedro.
The Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office began their search after getting the report around 12:30 p.m. on June 16 near South Bay and Rogers Creek.
Deputies have called on resources from the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office, Alameda County Sheriff's Office and Sacramento County Sheriff's Office. Those resources include a remotely operated vehicle, a drone, a deep dive sonar device and a K9 from a search and rescue team.
As of Tuesday, the man is still missing.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/swimmer-goes-missing-lake-don-pedro/103-315046aa-f5f0-4477-9a71-f2354850fcf4 | 2023-06-21T01:58:22 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/swimmer-goes-missing-lake-don-pedro/103-315046aa-f5f0-4477-9a71-f2354850fcf4 |
PHOENIX — Hannah Smith grabs a large instrument case and a big bottle of water. She walks onto a large football field with 149 of her friends and gets in position. Through a megaphone, the corps leader talks to the group and gives them directions on what their first task will be. He counts down and the Arizona Academy of Drum and Bugle Corps is in motion.
"I would describe this like a marching band, but it's like the NFL of marching bands," said Smith. "It's like pro-level. You have to be dedicated to the activity."
For two years, Smith has played the Mellophone with the Drum and Bugle Corps. She said when she first learned of the group she was hooked and made it her mission to be a part of it.
"I think it was 2017," she said. "I didn't really know what marching band was and what it was all about. And then I see a bunch of people with their instruments playing so loud and I thought this is the coolest thing I've ever seen."
The Arizona Academy of Drum and Bugle Corps is a nonprofit youth organization located in the heart of Phoenix. Each summer, 150 performers are picked through a rigorous application/tryout process.
After rehearsing for about a month, they hit the road for 70 days, competing in 30 competitions around the United States with the hopes they'll receive top honor.
"Our members come from all over the world, some are with us from Japan this year," Co-Director Daniel Adams said. "So they've all finished up school, some have graduated high school or college. They show up with their luggage, air mattresses and gear and they're ready to go."
The competition is usually fierce so the group puts in long hours each day during rehearsals.
"Our members wake up about 8:00am, we serve them breakfast, and they usually eat four meals a day," said Adams. "We usually have a two-to-four-hour rehearsal our members are engaged in with breaks in-between. Health and safety is a big priority of ours here at the Academy because our members are considered athletes."
However, while long, the members don't mind and Adams said watching their dedication is inspiring.
"These kids love performing, they love playing and they love affecting our fans with great music," he said. "I started as a 16-year-old in an organization very similar to this and I fell in love with it, it changed my life. And to notice the little things and the progression along the way with our members, I can't imagine a life without it."
"I love the people," said Smith. "They really are like a family. I have spent every day waiting to get back this year, and now I'm back and I couldn't be happier. It's my favorite place."
Members like Smith said the program offers a memorable experience. It's one Smith will always appreciate.
"It's a great way to see new places," she said. "Not that many people get the chance to travel the country and it's an amazing way for me to do that. I've also learned a lot about dedication and putting in hard work. It doesn't really matter the outcome, it matters what you put into it."
All their hard work though is tested at the championship in Indianapolis. But the most important competition is actually here in Arizona, at the Drums Across the Desert. Being from Phoenix, Smith said she hopes she'll make her home state proud by sharing what she loves.
"Being able to take all of your worries or your stress and anger and being able to put it through your horn," she said. "You breathe in and everything you take in is all that stress and anger and what you put out is gorgeous and you've turned all those bad things into something beautiful."
The Drums Across the Desert competition is July 3 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $19 and is being held at Mesa Community College. If you'd like more information you can go online here.
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Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/the-nfl-of-marching-band-valley-drum-corps-ready-to-compete-arizona/75-e34485f4-3e6d-403d-8782-197fdf20019c | 2023-06-21T01:58:22 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/the-nfl-of-marching-band-valley-drum-corps-ready-to-compete-arizona/75-e34485f4-3e6d-403d-8782-197fdf20019c |
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. — The latest discovery of a mosquito with West Nile virus in Sacramento County was just a week ago. There's no human transmission yet, but with all the rain we saw this year, mosquito and vector control districts are asking people to do everything they can to protect themselves.
West Nile virus is a real threat in California. In summer 2006, Marie Heilman was working in her yard in Winters when a mosquito infected with West Nile Virus bit her.
“I'm not old. I was a healthy 40-year-old woman and this completely changed my life,” said Heilman. “A lot of fatigue, then by that evening I had vertigo and extreme nausea so much I had to crawl to the bathroom.”
It took several doctors visits and a missed-diagnosis before discovering Heilman contracted West Nile virus from a mosquito bite.
“By the time it reached the top of my head, it felt like two cast iron skillets hitting my head, and I would let out a scream and pass out,” said Heilman.
There is no cure for West Nile Virus. Doctors can only help manage the pain, so all Heilman’s family could do was watch as the symptoms got worse.
“The next thing I know is that I was in a coma and my husband had signed my DNR (Do Not Resuscitate form),” said Heilman.
Originally thought to be on her death bed, she miraculously woke from her coma 15 days later. She was alive but the symptoms of the virus will follow her forever.
“Vision loss, light sensitivity, optical nerve damage in my eye, dizziness. I now have seizures, I’ve had two strokes and I am on meds for the rest of my life,” she said.
West Nile virus is in the Sacramento Valley now and because of our wet spring, the Sacramento Yolo County Mosquito and Vector Control District is urging you to prepare.
“We're already starting to see virus activity. A few weeks ago we found our first birds that tested positive for the virus,” said Luz Maria Robles, spokesperson for the Yolo County Mosquito and Vector Control District.
RELATED STORY: Worries surround pool at Stockton's iconic Victory Park
West Nile Virus is now considered an endemic. Since 2003, more than 7,600 Californians have been seriously infected and more than 300 have died from the virus.
“West Nile Virus is our top priority because that is the one we know affects people year after year,” said Robles. “This is a collaborative effort; we really ask people to do their part.”
West Nile generally starts in birds. If a mosquito bites an infected bird, the mosquito can transmit the virus to humans. Dead birds can be indicators of West Nile, so the Vector Control’s Laboratory asks the public to report dead bird sightings so they can come out and test the carcasses.
Prevention is the first step to fighting the bite. It's District Inspector David Smith’s job to look for signs of mosquito larvae in different communities. He says mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water and they only need a bottle cap full to survive.
“It only takes about three days for those eggs to hatch and a total of a week to go through the total mosquito life cycle,” said Smith.
Inspections are a free service provided by the Vector Control District. Smith works with homeowners to point out problematic areas like the water accumulating in trash cans or flowerpots after watering. If the mosquitoes are airborne, he will either spray or set up a mosquito trap.
Prevention is only a part of fighting the bite. Protection is also important. The CDC recommends covering up with clothing and using a mosquito repellent with DEET.
“I am more scared for the young people because everyone seems to think that it is an older person infection and that is not true; anyone can get West Nile Virus. I mean we don’t think about our kids outside playing sports. Mosquitoes are attracted to your breath and sweat,” says Heilman.
If you find a dead bird, especially a crow, jay, magpie or finch, please file a dead bird report online or call toll-free 1-877-968-2473 (1-877-WNV-BIRD).
MORE FROM ABC10 ORIGINALS: Despite being her conservator, neglect from a state agency delayed health care for a woman with a developmental disability. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/west-nile-virus-mosquitos/103-e876558a-557c-4c2e-8f6e-65b6e5cce873 | 2023-06-21T01:58:28 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/west-nile-virus-mosquitos/103-e876558a-557c-4c2e-8f6e-65b6e5cce873 |
PHOENIX — After a wet winter and spring, fire fuels are drying out across Arizona and generating a higher risk for fires.
Over the weekend through Tuesday, several fires sparked across Southern Arizona.
"It's just elevated winds, dry conditions, and low relative humidities," said Tiffany Davila, public affairs officer for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. "And that combination just creates very high fire danger."
The wet winter and spring led to a later start to fires in Arizona, Davila said, and fewer acres have burned so far this year than last year.
"It's one of those double-edged swords, it pulled us out of the drought situation, really helped us out where we needed it the most and across all of Arizona, but then it just increased the fuel loading in Southern Arizona and across the Sonoran Desert," Davila said.
Davila said some parts of the state have grasses that are waist to chest high and are now drying out.
To help respond to fires, the Department of Forestry brought down crews from Northern Arizona because of the fire risk in the southern region of the state.
"The fire activity is not as active in the northern portion of the state as we're seeing in you know, the Phoenix area, the outlying areas and down in the Tucson area," Davila said.
While monsoon season officially started, the characteristic moisture hasn't arrived yet.
Davila said until the moisture of the season comes in, there could be an increase in fires.
"Be mindful of your surroundings, please don't burn, please don't use any tools that may spark. Again, with those high winds and the dry conditions any spark into that fine fuel can start a fast-moving wildfire," Davila said.
There are different fire restrictions across different parts of the state, the latest information on those restrictions can be found here. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/wildfire/fire-danger-rising-arizona-forestry-tucson-phoenix/75-e913493a-b9c3-4889-bb08-ee051777caee | 2023-06-21T01:58:28 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/wildfire/fire-danger-rising-arizona-forestry-tucson-phoenix/75-e913493a-b9c3-4889-bb08-ee051777caee |
YUBA CITY, Calif. — Four days of food, fun and live music are returning to Yuba City and the county fair.
The Yuba-Sutter Fair is prepped and ready for a four-day run at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds. Attractions include the carnival, hypnotist, tractor pulls, pony rides and live music.
For all the fun slated for the Yuba-Sutter Fair, view below.
What's at the fair?
The fair will have some yearly attractions people can expect, but there'll also be some special attractions as well.
Some of the things to expect include the carnival, Skip Banks the Balloon Man, Flo the Clown, Violin on Fire, All Alaskan Racing Pigs, Tyzen the Comedy Hypnotist, Pony Rides and more.
However, you'll have to be more discerning about when you go if you're wanting to catch the Extreme Tuff Trucks and Mud Bogs Arena event, the Hispanic Rodeo & Music Arena Event and the destruction derby.
Here's when to catch some of the exclusive events:
Thursday
- Miss Teen & Miss Yuba-Sutter Competition
- Supreme Champion Livestock Judging Selection
- Live music by Journey’s Edge, The Sticky Stones & Sons of Rock n’ Roll
Friday
- Mini Miss Yuba-Sutter Competition
- Extreme Tuff Trucks & Mud Bogs Arena Event
- Live music by 60s Summer of Love, CCSeger, Tribute to Bob Seger, Ariel Jean Band
Saturday
- Jr. Livestock Auction
- Destruction Car & RV Derby Arena Event
- Live music by Township, Nathan Owens Band, Johnny D’s Steel Horse Stampede, American Mile
Sunday
- El Dia’ Hispano - Hispanic Rodeo & Music Arena Event
- Live music by Hill Street Band, The Outlaw Mariachi, Gotcha Covered
How much is the fair?
Generally speaking, the fair will cost you about $10 for general admission, that's everyone 12 years and older. However, seniors, children ages 6 to 11 and children under five can get in for less.
Parking is $5.
While general admission is $10, it doesn't mean you always have to pay full price. Early bird discounts are available until Wednesday at midnight. Even after Wednesday, there are still ways to save.
Thursday - Thrifty Thursday: $5 Admission for all ages 6 and over
Friday - Kid’s Day: Kids 11 and under are Free all day
Saturday – Senior’s Day: Free Admission for Seniors 60 & Greater, Military Appreciation Day: Free Admission to Military ID Holders
Sunday – Family Day First Responders: Free Admission to Certified First Responders
For more information on fair admission prices and carnival ticket prices, click HERE.
When and where is the fair?
If you've heard enough and are ready to plan your trip to the county fair, then here's what's left to know.
The Yuba-Sutter Fair runs from June 22-25. The schedule is as follows:
Thursday, June 22: 4 p.m. to midnight
Friday, June 23: 4 p.m. to midnight
Saturday, June 24: Noon to midnight
Sunday, June 25: Noon to 11 p.m.
The fair is located at 442 Franklin Avenue in Yuba City. The parking lot is at the corner of Franklin and Wilbur Avenue in the south parking lot.
For more information on when certain events will be taking place, click HERE or view the PDF below. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/yuba-sutter-fair-returns-2023/103-f7300440-8a78-4d64-9397-2e43ae0a94c5 | 2023-06-21T01:58:34 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/yuba-sutter-fair-returns-2023/103-f7300440-8a78-4d64-9397-2e43ae0a94c5 |
New online dashboard allows Oregonians to track summer public health emergency trends
The Oregon Health Authority has unveiled a new, interactive data center to monitor trends for common summer hazards: heat-related illness, water submersion, wildfire smoke and air quality issues.
The Oregon ESSENCE Summer Hazard Report Dashboard has graphics showing daily emergency room and urgent care visits associated with the four main summer injury and illness categories.
“Injuries such as heat-related illness and smoke-related respiratory distress are, unfortunately, all too common now as climate change-related threats have become the new reality in Oregon,” said Dr. Tom Jeanne, deputy state health officer and epidemiologist at OHA.
“We need to monitor ESSENCE data so we can anticipate when and where resources will be needed to help us adapt to these events,” Jeanne said.
The dashboard will be updated weekly through the summer and includes the daily number of emergency or urgent care visits in each of the four categories. It has historical data going back to the summer of 2018.
On each of the four dashboard pages, there is a description of the health problem, groups that are considered high-risk for the hazard and prevention and treatment tips.
The information is compiled from the Oregon ESSENCE database, which provides data for hospitals to monitor emergency departments throughout the state so they can stay ahead of public health emergency trends.
Charles Gearing can be reached at cgearing@gannett.com. | https://www.registerguard.com/story/news/local/2023/06/20/oregon-summer-public-health-emergency-trends-smoke-heat-air-quality/70326858007/ | 2023-06-21T02:02:05 | 0 | https://www.registerguard.com/story/news/local/2023/06/20/oregon-summer-public-health-emergency-trends-smoke-heat-air-quality/70326858007/ |
PITTSBURGH — The City of Pittsburgh will honor Pitt men’s basketball great Sam Clancy with a celebration and a street naming, the university released in a press release on Tuesday.
City Council will declare Saturday, June 24 as “Sam Clancy Day” in the City of Pittsburgh on Wednesday. The Council will read a proclamation on Wednesday Downtown at the City Council Building (Fifth Floor, 414 Grant Street).
The City will also unveil a street sign this Saturday, honoring Clancy at the corner of Bedford Avenue and Roberts Street in the Crawford-Roberts neighborhood in the Hill District.
Read the full story from our partners at Sports Now Group Pittsburgh here.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/city-pittsburgh-honors-pitt-basketball-great-sam-clancy-with-celebration-street-naming/R7NSB5BL2ZA57P7TYF3JOFBY6I/ | 2023-06-21T02:04:18 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/city-pittsburgh-honors-pitt-basketball-great-sam-clancy-with-celebration-street-naming/R7NSB5BL2ZA57P7TYF3JOFBY6I/ |
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have released wide receiver Anthony Miller, the team announced on Tuesday.
Miller, 28, joined the Steelers in 2021, playing in one game as a practice squad elevation. He re-signed with the team in 2022 and was in the midst of a strong training camp when an injury during practice on Aug. 11 ended his season.
The Steelers brought Miller back again on a one-year contract for 2023, and he was expected to compete to be the starting slot wide receiver. But the traded for Allen Robinson II to fill that role just before the 2023 NFL Draft. Still, he could compete for a spot but was hampered early on in the offseason.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/steelers-release-veteran-wide-receiver/YHBEA4IWLVDYBOLIFOHKUKQXFY/ | 2023-06-21T02:04:24 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/steelers-release-veteran-wide-receiver/YHBEA4IWLVDYBOLIFOHKUKQXFY/ |
Ramona Stoutenburg, 76, of Gooding died June 19, 2023, at Bennett Hills Assisted Living in Gooding. Arrangements are under the care of Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home, Twin Falls.
Debbie Ann Ontiveros, 58, of Jerome died June 19, 2023. Arrangements are under the care of Farnsworth Mortuary & Crematory, Jerome.
Marlin Hull, 85, of Twin Falls died June 19, 2023. Arrangements are under the care of Farnsworth Mortuary & Crematory, Jerome. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/death-notices/article_8366ba9a-0f94-11ee-bac3-437850bd656f.html | 2023-06-21T02:10:50 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/death-notices/article_8366ba9a-0f94-11ee-bac3-437850bd656f.html |
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — During the summer months, water-related tragedies happen far too often in central Iowa.
"No one plans for anything to go wrong on the water," said Kristen Frohnhoefer, president of the Board of Directors for the Sea Tow Foundation. "You know, we all plan to go out and have a great day on the water and make memories with our families, but it's no different, when you're in a car, you don't plan to get in an accident."
Unlike seatbelts, life jackets are not required by Iowa law while on a boat for people older than 13.
There must be a life jacket on board for everyone, but that doesn't mean the adults have to wear them.
The Sea Tow Foundation wants to protect people, so it's set up "loaner life jacket" sites at water hubs, just like this one at Saylorville Lake.
All patrons need to do is take the life jacket, borrow it for the day and put it back.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 83% of people who drowned in 2021 were not wearing a life jacket.
That's why its important to put on a life jacket as soon as you're on a boat.
"If you find yourself in the water, your lifejacket is floating downriver, downstream, or it is underneath the boat if its capsized, an adult is not going to be able to find the life jacket [and] put it on in an emergency situation," said Susan Stocker, boating law administrator for Iowa DNR.
As such, the DNR recommends that, just like a seatbelt, people put on a life jacket on no matter what.
"The life jackets are the seatbelt of the water," Stocker said. "And we strongly encourage people to wear them whether you're an adult, mom, dad, grandma, aunt [or] uncle." | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/water-safety-iowa-raccoon-river-park-life-jacket-rules-laws-recommendations-drowning-prevention/524-31dee7f2-6d8c-4657-a848-03a954c10eee | 2023-06-21T02:12:47 | 1 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/water-safety-iowa-raccoon-river-park-life-jacket-rules-laws-recommendations-drowning-prevention/524-31dee7f2-6d8c-4657-a848-03a954c10eee |
SAN ANTONIO — A 62-year-old Bexar County man has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a young girl over a period of a few years, according to local authorities, and two men jailed elsewhere in Texas could be charged for similar crimes in unrelated cases.
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said an 8-year-old made an outcry against Patrick Carey, alleging he had abused her since she was about 5 years old. Carey later admitted to the abuse when interrogated by investigators, Salazar said.
He's now jailed on a felony charge of continuous sexual abuse of a child, and his bond set at $115,000.
Other suspects could be brought back to Bexar County
Two other men, 34-year-old Ronnie Joel Saldana and 47-year-old Randy Castillo, are behind bars in Kerr County and Harris County, respectively, for unrelated crimes. But Salazar said they were recently matched with previous sex assault cases via a DNA database, and could be brought back to Bexar County to face punishment.
Saldana's alleged crime goes back a decade. Salazar said he is accused of assaulting a then-15-year-old girl in August of 2013 after meeting her online and bringing her to his residence.
The victim reported the incident the next day, and provided DNA evidence.
"We are going to (keep) him accountable for this attack on this young lady from 2013," Salazar said, adding a warrant for Saldana's arrest has been filed.
Castillo, meanwhile, is accused of breaking into a home last summer and threatening a teen girl to come with him after the family returned to their residence. She was able to evade him, Salazar said, and he escaped out a window.
Investigators believe the girl met Castillo online, according to the sheriff. She was also able to provide DNA evidence from the 2022 confrontation.
The timelines for when both Bexar County may be able to bring Saldana and Castillo back to the San Antonio area is uncertain. Both face charges of sexual assault of a child.
>TRENDING ON KENS 5 YOUTUBE: | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/bcso-sexual-assault-suspects-salazar-bexar-county-texas-police-crime/273-e668496a-fab4-45d7-9373-4708662ef413 | 2023-06-21T02:14:49 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/bcso-sexual-assault-suspects-salazar-bexar-county-texas-police-crime/273-e668496a-fab4-45d7-9373-4708662ef413 |
Upstate SC summer starts with flood watch, seasonably cool temperatures. What to know.
It will continue to be a soggy, first week of summer for Upstate SC.
From Tuesday night into Thursday, the area will receive up to 3.8 inches of rainfall, with weather clearing up on Friday, said Bill Martin, Meteorologist at the National Weather Service (NWS) at GSP.
Most of the Greenville-Spartanburg area is in a flood watch until Thursday, June 22 at 6 p.m.
There will also be a potential for flash flooding throughout the week due to thunderstorms, which residents should be prepared for.
"We do have thunderstorms that are occurring with lightning in them, and that will be the case over the next two days," Martin stated. "Severe weather is not a high risk, although there is a risk for some wind damage associated with the storms."
Meteorologist Christiaan Patterson of the NWS at GSP said Tuesday that Polk and Rutherford counties in North Carolina have the greatest potential for flood impact, especially along the Hickory Nut Gorge.
"Those are kind of our bullseye right now that we're watching out for the heaviest rain and potential landslides, or debris-flow hazards." she said.
Along with the rainy and stormy conditions, high temperatures will only reach the low 70s through Thursday. Into the weekend and next week, highs are forecasted to reach the mid 80s. Low temperatures are forecasted to stay in the 60s through the middle of next week.
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/2023/06/20/greenville-residents-are-in-for-rainy-weather-this-week-what-to-know-national-weather-service-storm/70339706007/ | 2023-06-21T02:19:39 | 1 | https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/greenville/2023/06/20/greenville-residents-are-in-for-rainy-weather-this-week-what-to-know-national-weather-service-storm/70339706007/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/3-shot-at-airbnb-house-parties-in-philadelphia/3589172/ | 2023-06-21T02:21:12 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/3-shot-at-airbnb-house-parties-in-philadelphia/3589172/ |
What to Know
- A graduate of the former Philadelphia University is one of the five people aboard a small submersible that vanished near the wreckage of the Titanic.
- Shahzada Dawood has degrees from the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom and Philadelphia University (now Thomas Jefferson University) in the U.S.
- Dawood, his son Suleman, British adventurer Hamish Harding, French explorer and Titanic expert Paul-Henry Nargeolet and pilot Stockton Rush, the CEO of the company leading the expedition, are all on board the submersible.
A graduate of the former Philadelphia University is one of the five people aboard a small submersible that vanished near the wreckage of the Titanic.
The submersible Titan was reported overdue Sunday night about 435 miles (700 kilometers) south of St. John’s, Newfoundland, according to Canada’s Joint Rescue Coordination Center, spurring a desperate international rescue effort.
The expedition was led by OceanGate, making its third voyage to the Titanic, which struck an iceberg and sank in 1912, killing all but about 700 of the roughly 2,200 passengers and crew.
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A pilot and four other people are on the Titan. They include father and son Shahzada and Suleman Dawood who are members of one of Pakistan’s most prominent families.
Shahzada Dawood has degrees from the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom and Philadelphia University (now Thomas Jefferson University) in the U.S.
He is a member of the Global Advisory Board at the Prince’s Trust International, founded by Britain's King Charles III to address youth unemployment as well. He is also on the board of trustees for the California-based SETI Institute that searches for extraterrestrial intelligence. The Dawoods live in the UK, according to SETI.
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
Their firm, Dawood Hercules Corp., based in Karachi, is involved in agriculture, petrochemicals and telecommunication infrastructure.
The other passengers include British adventurer Hamish Harding, who lives in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates as well as French explorer and Titanic expert Paul-Henry Nargeolet. At the helm is pilot Stockton Rush, the CEO of the company leading the expedition.
An expanding international armada of ships and airplanes is currently searching for the submersible.
U.S. Coast Guard officials said the search covered 10,000 square miles (26,000 square kilometers) but turned up no sign of the lost sub known as the Titan. Although rescuers planned to continue looking, time was running out because the vessel would have less than two days of oxygen left if it is still intact and functioning. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/philadelphia-u-grad-among-crew-of-missing-submersible-near-titanic-wreck/3589283/ | 2023-06-21T02:21:18 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/philadelphia-u-grad-among-crew-of-missing-submersible-near-titanic-wreck/3589283/ |
BALTIMORE — A family shelter in Baltimore City is creating a new child care option for those in need.
In West Baltimore - with one of the highest child poverty rates in the city - Sarah’s Hope shelter is opening an Early Head Start program, providing child care and education for youngsters six months to three years old. It comes at no cost to families in need.
As rewarding as it is, raising a little one, especially a very little one, can be a lot. First-time mother Dawn Downey is getting some help.
"I’m just really excited for his developmental process as far as getting older," said Downey, "and being able to interact with other people, other kids."
Downey tells WMAR she's been at Sarah's Hope for about three months. It doubles for homeless and childcare services.
Sarah’s Hope is under the purview of St. Vincent de Paul. Dr. Jarrell McRae, its chief operating officer, told WMAR they’ve prepared for 12 spots, but they’re hoping to expand in the future.
"We’re that stepping stone - we’re that bridge. And so that’s what I see. I see the opportunity to allow another community member to get that bridge toward success," said McRae.
The program is open to both shelter residents and the public.
Anyone interested in applying can do so using their website. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/early-head-start-in-west-baltimore | 2023-06-21T02:22:51 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/early-head-start-in-west-baltimore |
GREENSBORO — After a storied 20-year run as a favorite among local artists, actors and theatergoers, Triad Stage will close, its Board of Trustees announced Tuesday.
This spring, the professional regional theater in downtown Greensboro stopped selling tickets to shows while examining its options amid financial struggles. The group’s volunteer board had hoped to find a path to save it as other regional theaters across the country shuttered in recent years, including the Actors Theater of Charlotte and others that were decades old.
“Despite the best efforts of the board and a small and extremely dedicated staff, as well as the evaluation of numerous options, we have concluded that the operation of Triad Stage is unsustainable. The board has determined that the only responsible option remaining is to liquidate our assets and dissolve the organization,” Sarah Saint, a board co-chair, said in a three-page announcement.
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The ticket office will remain open to support the Eastern Musical Festival through its 2023 season. In the coming weeks, ticket holders will be contacted regarding outstanding ticket credits.
Board member Margaret Arbuckle said the Triad Stage team is extremely grateful to the many people “who embraced the vision of Greensboro hosting a regional professional theatre in its downtown” and to those “who made financial investments over many years to support it.”
Cassandra Williams, another board co-chair, summed up the feelings of many at Triad Stage in one word: “devastated.”
“Triad Stage has been key to revitalizing downtown Greensboro and an artistic refuge for writers, performers and theatergoers,” Williams said. “For 20 years, this organization entertained audiences, premiered new work and introduced schoolchildren to the experience of live theater. We should never lose sight of the good work that has been done here, and we will deeply miss our role in Greensboro’s arts community.”
The longtime South Elm Street fixture was co-founded by Preston Lane and Richard Whittington, who raised more than $5 million and turned the former Montgomery Ward department store into a marquee venue, with its 300-seat Pyrle Theatre and UpStage Cabaret upstairs.
Triad Stage opened in January 2002 and became known for classical plays by renowned playwrights as well as original productions.
In June 2019, Whittington left as Triad Stage’s founding managing director and joined UNC School of the Arts in Winston-Salem as associate vice chancellor for advancement. Lane resigned in November 2020 as producing artistic director amid allegations that some UNCG male theater alumni accused him of sexual abuse — allegations Lane denied. No criminal charges were filed in Guilford County.
By the time the pandemic forced Triad Stage’s temporary closure in 2020, the theater was carrying a deficit of $1.5 million, according to the board’s announcement Tuesday. During its two-and-a-half-year hiatus, the organization made significant changes to its operating model, including a shift in artistic focus to include newer productions and more diverse storytelling, as well as a reduced operating budget. It also disposed of its offsite scene shop as part of an effort to address its longstanding deficit.
“Pressure on the revenue side was exacerbated by dramatic increases in the costs of production,” according to Tuesday’s announcement. “Additionally, the downsizing of Triad Stage’s staff caused increased reliance on professional contractors, which have become more expensive and difficult to find.”
Greensboro resident Drew Dix described the loss of Triad Stage as “painful.”
“When people look for new places to live, they look beyond their paychecks for engagement and stimulation. What we have now is enviable: our festivals, homegrown visual arts programs, dance, the symphony, our community theater,” Dix said Tuesday. “But a loss of an institution like a live professional theater would be a great cost to us culturally and leave us at a tremendous disadvantage as a community.”
Dix, who has a theater background in New York City, is among those who are hopeful that the space now occupied by Triad Stage can become the home of new alliances in the arts community.
“Healthy and thriving arts institutions should be a social investment no different than the support the town gives for our fantastic park system, or the levy on our vehicles to pay for our wonderful roads,” Dix said.
City Councilman Zack Matheny, who is president of Downtown Greensboro Inc., an economic development agency, said Triad Stage’s board made a “tough, difficult decision.”
“We’re losing the staple in the arts industry that brought people downtown,” Matheny said. “They brought something unique to downtown. That’s something I think we will all miss.”
While the impact of the coronavirus pandemic “didn’t help,” Matheny said he does not believe it was the driver behind Triad Stage’s financial difficulties.
“It’s a challenging market. In their case, you’re looking at a few shows a year,” Matheny said. “There were times that the building was sitting somewhat empty. How do you generate more revenue?”
Before the pandemic, North Carolina and New York actors often filled the cast and at one time the operation had close to 2,500 season ticketholders and more than 800 annual donors.
Over the course of 20 seasons, Triad Stage has produced over 140 mainstage productions, including 20 world premieres.
According to the board’s announcement, Triad Stage has assets valued “considerably in excess of its liabilities and, although the liquidation process will require some patience, it is the organization’s intention and expectation to satisfy liabilities to ticket holders and other creditors in full.”
The board said complete details of the theater’s liquidation plan are being finalized and will be released over the summer. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/devastated-its-the-end-of-an-era-as-triad-stage-will-close-after-20-years/article_a1e0f174-0f63-11ee-ad2f-777247fc2e69.html | 2023-06-21T02:25:40 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/devastated-its-the-end-of-an-era-as-triad-stage-will-close-after-20-years/article_a1e0f174-0f63-11ee-ad2f-777247fc2e69.html |
BOISE, Idaho — An unlikely conversation over the 2007 Castle Rock Fire, ironically built one of the most robust nonprofits in state. The fire evacuated more than 2,000 homes, burned thousands of acres, and catalyzed the Boise Bicycle Project (BBP).
It is a memory BBP Founder and Executive Director Jimmy Hallyburton remembers fondly from the comfort of the downtown community-centric bike repair castle he built from the ground up.
"Brian Anderson and I - he's the other co-founder - we were both firefighters," Hallyburton said. "It had been, you know, two weeks of intense firefighting. Finally, it slowed down, and we started talking about our backgrounds. Both of us growing up with a bicycle and feeling that freedom that most people associated with a bicycle - leaving the driveway for the first time and it'd be like your world expanded."
After 16 years, Hallyburton is now stepping away from organization.
He set out to make Boise the "Bicycle Capital of America," by providing anyone with a bike regardless of income, teaching them how to fix their bike, and ensuring quality places to ride that bike in every neighborhood.
"I'm confident BBP can still help Boise get to that bicycle capital of America status and be one of the strongest bicycle communities in the country," Hallyburton said. "I started this place when I was 25 years old. There's nothing that I that I love more than BBP, and the people that are involved with it. And so, I wanted to make sure that whenever I did leave, that I left it in a really, really good spot."
BBP is responsible for spearheading the annual Boise Goathead Fest with the 2023 goal to remove 7.5 tons of the invasive weed - known to pop bike tires - from the city. Hallyburton estimates BBP has provided 12,000 kids with bikes since its founding.
BBP plans to release the executive director job posting on June 23 with a target hiring date of Sept. 5.
Hallyburton's last day is scheduled for Sept. 29.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/local-boise-bicycle-project-founder-retires-from-non-profit-after-16-years/277-871e6877-a4f0-42a9-9e37-342ab77b6f31 | 2023-06-21T02:30:40 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/local-boise-bicycle-project-founder-retires-from-non-profit-after-16-years/277-871e6877-a4f0-42a9-9e37-342ab77b6f31 |
CALDWELL, Idaho — A new charter school aims to make sure local students who have suffered severe trauma can still thrive in the classroom.
Promise Academy is under construction on the new, nearly finished Idaho Youth Ranch campus in Caldwell.
The Idaho Youth Ranch is a nonprofit that serves kids across the state who need mental and behavioral health services. They accomplish that through outpatient therapy and equine therapy.
Soon, they'll be able to serve kids at a long-term Residential Center for Healing & Resilience in Caldwell.
"For these kids, they need an opportunity to kind of reset," Jeff Myers, VP of marking and communications for the Idaho Youth Ranch said. "So, the Residential Center is really designed to be what will be the leading facility in the country to serve Idaho kids that need longer residential care to get them on track."
The Idaho Youth Ranch's Residential Center for Healing & Resilience is designed to serve kids ages 11 to 17 who have experienced forms of trauma in their past.
"They come from significant trauma, dealing with mental health issues, sometimes very little access to resources - and that results in them being disengaged from school," Rick Hale, school leader of Promise Academy said. "A big part of what we do here is to get them reengaged with school, reconnect them."
Reengage and reconnect at Promise Academy - a charter school sponsored by the Middleton School District that's designed to serve kids during their three-to-nine month stay at the Youth Ranch's Residential Center.
Hale says the program is needed in Idaho, where 100-150 students are sent outside the state every year for residential care and therapy.
"Those are students that can now be here, be closer their families. The families can participate in their therapy, and we can get them a quality, highly engaging public-school education," Hale said. "Those things have all been missing for the students that are sent sometimes very far away."
Promise Academy will offer the same core classes and electives you see at other schools, but the classroom experience will be different to help accommodate students. The school will have smaller classes, direct care staff, different furnishings, and an emphasis on hands-on assignments.
"We can get the kids outside, they can experience things in the real world rather than just fill out a worksheet or read a chapter in a book," Hale said. "The typical type of educational experience hasn't always worked really well for our population of students. So, we are really coming down on a more experiential or more project-based type of learning for them."
The school will be able to serve up to 64 students in its 6 classrooms. Promise Academy will work up to that number as the Youth Ranch starts welcoming students to the Residential Center later this year.
"This is such an important mission that the Youth Ranch has," Hale said. "These kids just sometimes fall between the cracks. Teachers and schools work really hard, and we do the best we can. But this is a tough population of students. And it's a population that hasn't always had the resources that they need. But now, here we are."
Promise Academy will open alongside the Idaho Youth Ranch's Residential Center for Healing & Resilience in August.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/local-idaho-youth-ranch-new-caldwell-campus-features-a-school-serving-kids-dealing-with-trauma/277-622777ea-8b84-4e57-bfff-8886ba724f8b | 2023-06-21T02:30:46 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/local-idaho-youth-ranch-new-caldwell-campus-features-a-school-serving-kids-dealing-with-trauma/277-622777ea-8b84-4e57-bfff-8886ba724f8b |
PORTLAND, Maine — Having earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Bates College and then a master’s degree in evolutionary biology, Mark Erelli certainly didn’t need any lessons in how things can go wrong with the human body. He just didn’t think one of those things would happen to him.
A talented singer and songwriter who’s been performing professionally for more than two decades, Erelli was doing a show in New Hampshire in 2020 when he looked down at his guitar and was rattled by the view.
“I couldn’t see something — and that was my guitar neck,” he says. “It was just too dark and I couldn’t see the frets or the markers to see where I was or even what string I was on. It was pretty disconcerting.”
Soon after, a doctor diagnosed the problem: retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease.
“It basically starts in middle age, usually,” Erelli says, “And progresses unpredictably but usually inevitably to legal blindness and in some cases even further.”
In daylight, with his glasses on, Erelli has 20/20 vision. In dim light, his vision declines significantly, which presents all kinds of professional challenges. For one, concert venues tend to be fairly dark offstage. For another, Erelli can no longer drive at night, the time when nearly all shows take place.
The idea of walking away from music, though, never entered his mind, and Erelli’s latest album, “Lay Down Your Darkness” reflects his new reality.
“[Performing] just requires a lot more thought, a lot more careful consideration, a lot more logistics,” he says. “It’s a bit exhausting. But the alternative is to not play music — and that is not an alternative.”
Mark Erelli is performing at One Longfellow Square in Portland on June 30. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/as-his-eyesight-diminishes-a-singers-artistic-vision-grows-sharper-music/97-ee154fd0-47bb-40e2-b1fa-595727d4023e | 2023-06-21T02:31:09 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/as-his-eyesight-diminishes-a-singers-artistic-vision-grows-sharper-music/97-ee154fd0-47bb-40e2-b1fa-595727d4023e |
PORTLAND, Maine — For much of the past month, Steven Rowley has been traveling around the country promoting his new novel, "The Celebrants." And while out on the road, he received about the best news a writer can get: his book had made The New York Times best-seller list.
"I couldn’t believe it," Rowley said. "I was someone who always dreamed of writing from when I was a kid in the library, and I thought perhaps it was a job that was available to you if you grew up in Manhattan or had a society name or something."
The memory of that library is vivid. Rowley grew up in Maine, and when asked by Down East Magazine to name his favorite place in the entire state, he picked the South Portland Public Library.
"It’s the library where I learned to read," he said with enthusiasm. "I am able to do what I do today because I had parents who got me a public library card and encouraged me to use it."
Writing has brought Rowley money, praise, and a degree of fame, and although he has lived in California for many years, he still relishes the simple pleasures of summer in his hometown of South Portland.
"I went straight from the library last night across the street to Red’s Dairy Freeze,” he said.
More 207 stories | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/for-this-best-selling-maine-writer-the-path-to-success-had-humble-beginnings-steven-rowley/97-44558e8c-a54c-4203-a4fe-23c86b3579e1 | 2023-06-21T02:31:15 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/for-this-best-selling-maine-writer-the-path-to-success-had-humble-beginnings-steven-rowley/97-44558e8c-a54c-4203-a4fe-23c86b3579e1 |
MONTICELLO, Maine — Maine State Police are trying to locate 42-year-old Kimberly Hardy.
The Monticello resident was last seen in New Limerick the night of Friday, June 16, according to a social media post by Maine State Police.
Officials said Hardy's family and friends reportedly haven't been able to make contact with her and are concerned for her safety.
Maine State Police ask anyone who may have information to contact Troop F in Houlton at 207-532-5400 and ask for Trooper Timmy Saucier. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/aroostook-county/kimberly-hardy-monticello-maine-aroostook-county-missing-person/97-5110bbc4-a255-4e13-97d6-ce48e7c325b7 | 2023-06-21T02:31:21 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/aroostook-county/kimberly-hardy-monticello-maine-aroostook-county-missing-person/97-5110bbc4-a255-4e13-97d6-ce48e7c325b7 |
BANGOR, Maine — Keeping Maine's cities clean and safe is a top priority for residents and visitors alike. The City of Bangor is considering hiring a third-party company to clean and monitor the downtown area to do just that.
The nonprofit Downtown Bangor Partnership proposed an idea to city leaders in collaboration with a New York-based company, Streetplus, to hire the third-party service to meet the downtown's needs.
"There's some long ongoing issues that just have been plaguing downtown," Betsy Lundy, the nonprofit's executive director, said.
Streetplus works in more than 90 communities across 14 states, which has ambassadors doing maintenance and janitorial work, social service outreach, and landscaping among other things to help maintain focus areas within a city, according to its president, Steve Hillard.
"We're able to concentrate on those eye sores and environmental conditions multiple times during an 8-hour shift," Hillard said.
Hillard estimates Streetplus would need to hire about eight ambassadors to maintain Bangor's downtown if the city approves the proposal. The proposed contract would cost the city about $1.2 million for three years.
Hillard said the ambassadors would work in collaboration with other city entities, like the police and public works departments.
"They [ambassadors] would start every day just walking through downtown identifying the issues that exist and solving them before anybody ever arrives," Lundy said. "It kind of presents a clean slate for people when they arrive to downtown so they're not walking into situations they weren't planning for."
Hillard and Lundy presented the proposal to city councilors on June 12. Some councilors see the benefits of rolling out a ready-made program, while others think some up-and-coming city programs could do the same work.
"The real question is, do we want to invest in an organization that can relieve a lot of stress off of a lot of our departments so that we can actually focus on things that we are potentially not focusing on because of these overworked burdens from public works, police department, fire department, you name it?" Councilor Joseph Leonard said during the city council workshop. "Or do we want to go the longer route and build a department to focus on these issues that potentially can take years to build and incorporate?"
Bangor's Development Director, Anne Krieg, said the city will look into how the company interacts with different departments to make sure it would be an efficient way to provide services. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/bangor/bangor-considers-third-party-service-to-maintain-the-downtown-area-maine/97-8cd25859-ca00-44d5-bddf-49804d01c3c7 | 2023-06-21T02:31:27 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/bangor/bangor-considers-third-party-service-to-maintain-the-downtown-area-maine/97-8cd25859-ca00-44d5-bddf-49804d01c3c7 |
COLORADO, USA — A star of a Netflix TV show says he is on the Colorado ballot for president.
Joseph Maldonado, aka Joe Exotic, one of the faces in the Netflix true crime documentary series "Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness," announced on Monday that he is on the ballot.
According to Maldonado's 2024 campaign website, he said he would decriminalize marijuana nationally.
"He vows to fight, first, to decriminalize marijuana nationally so that people like the ones he has met in federal prison no longer serve federal time for coming to Colorado and purchasing legal marijuana from a dispensary, then taking it home to Wyoming, Kansas, or anywhere else, which currently would land you in federal prison for interstate commerce of trafficking marijuana, no matter the amount."
He also said he would allow special interest groups to lease Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land.
Maldonado is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence after he was convicted of trying to hire two men to kill animal welfare activist Carole Baskin.
He said he would be the third person to run for president from federal prison.
At the end of his campaign announcement, it says, "PS Next up on the list to get on the ballot is New Hampshire."
On the website, he also posted a screenshot on of his declaration of intent to be a candidate for president in Colorado. 9NEWS reached out to the Colorado Secretary of State for confirmation.
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To download 9NEWS+ on Fire TV search for 9NEWS. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/joe-exotic-2024-president-ballot-colorado/73-3be6f6b0-d18e-4297-8231-05aaa1b1e0a5 | 2023-06-21T02:31:34 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/joe-exotic-2024-president-ballot-colorado/73-3be6f6b0-d18e-4297-8231-05aaa1b1e0a5 |
EVERETT, Wash. — Washington-based OceanGate Expeditions is the company behind a submersible that was reported missing on Sunday after losing contact with a surface team an hour and 45 minutes into a trip to survey the wreckage of the Titanic.
The company takes paying customers to see the Titanic at a price tag of $250,000 a spot.
Teams from OceanGate Expeditions began surveying the deterioration of the iconic ocean liner in 2021, and have returned every year since. There are five mission legs planned for 2023.
The company said the aim of their Titanic expeditions is to document flora and fauna living in the wreckage, document the condition of the wreck with high-definition photographs and video, and supplement the work of previous scientific expeditions by capturing data and images that can be used for continued scientific study at the site.
In a previous interview with KING 5 back in 2021, OceanGate Expeditions CEO Stockton Rush said, "For me, the whole mission is how do we get access to the deep ocean that isn't limited by government research dollars or billionaires' yachts? And so, the Titanic is the way to do that."
The submersibles
The company has three submersibles: Antipodes, which can go 305 meters or 1,000 feet deep, Cyclops 1 which can go 500 meters or 1,600 feet deep, and Titan which can reach depths of up to 4,000 meters or 13,200 feet. According to a promotional video by the company, the controls are made using a repurposed PlayStation 3 controller.
Titan is the submersible that the company takes on Titanic expeditions. The vessel was designed in consultation with a team of engineers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.
The submersible includes the company's proprietary Real Time Hull Health Monitoring systems (RTM) which assess the hull's integrity throughout every dive, according to the company's website. The company said off-the-shelf components helped to streamline the submersible's construction.
The expeditions
Each mission leg is 10 days, which includes eight days at sea. In an interview with KING 5 back in 2021, the company said missions would include roughly 40 paid tourists, who take turns operating sonar equipment and performing other tasks on the five-person submersible, in addition to archeologists and marine biologists.
The submersible goes on several missions down to the Titanic over the course of the expedition. Each one of the trips is between eight to 10 hours. Each submersible trip typically includes a pilot, a researcher and three "mission specialists," or paying customers.
Mission specialists' training and support fees underwrite the expeditions and the participation of the science team, according to the company's website.
The submersible is launched from a platform that is towed behind the mothership, according to a promotional video. The submersible command module then leaves the platform, performs its mission and returns to the underwater platform to be brought back to the surface.
The risk
"It's obviously not without risk,” former Titanic dive tourist Colin Taylor said in an interview with NBC. “You're really pushing to the very limits of human capabilities.”
Taylor made the trip in the submersible to the Titanic wreckage in 2022.
"It's a remarkable adventure really,” Taylor said. “It's about two and a half miles down. It takes about two and a half hours to get to it. We spent four or five hours at the wreck itself.”
The adventure involves highly qualified engineers and technicians that are very safety-conscious, according to Taylor.
Taylor estimates the submersible loses its GPS signal a few hundred feet underwater. The only form of communication is sonar messaging that the mothership uses to locate the small submersible.
“The fact that communications are difficult is not a surprise here. The fact that they lost all communications on the way down…that's not a good sign,” Taylor said.
Taylor said the five people aboard will get very cold inside the vessel. The submersible is a carbon fiber tube with titanium domes.
"The ambient temperature there is below freezing, and so it does get cold inside that vessel,” Taylor said. “Particularly on the titanium surfaces."
OceanGate’s submersible is estimated to have enough oxygen for 96 hours. Since the submersible began its dive Sunday, that would mean there is likely only enough oxygen to last until Thursday morning. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/oceangate-expeditions-missing-submersible-not-submarine-titanic/281-58d1676c-dc66-4c8e-9620-50032f3555ed | 2023-06-21T02:31:40 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/oceangate-expeditions-missing-submersible-not-submarine-titanic/281-58d1676c-dc66-4c8e-9620-50032f3555ed |
WESTBROOK, Maine — Law enforcement officials are investigating a reported shooting on Main Street in Westbrook Monday night.
Westbrook police responded to a report of gunshots in the 800 block of Main Street at about 8:30 p.m. Monday. Investigators said two people were found dead at the scene.
Police said they also found a suspect at the scene and took that person into custody. They said there is no threat to the public.
The Westbrook Police Department has not released the names of either victim while the investigation continues. Police said they were working to notify family members of the deaths.
Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss said the autopsies were expected to be conducted Tuesday morning.
Maine State Police told NEWS CENTER Maine they are helping the Westbrook Police Department with the investigation. The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office is also involved.
Witnesses told NEWS CENTER Maine they heard multiple gunshots. One said they saw someone with a gun get tackled.
A portion of Main Street was closed from the intersection of Bridge Street to Mechanic Street while police investigated.
No further information is available at this time. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/police-investigating-death-in-westbrook-road-closure-main-street-investigation-police/97-979915b5-117f-4376-bb08-182730ea2ffc | 2023-06-21T02:31:46 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/police-investigating-death-in-westbrook-road-closure-main-street-investigation-police/97-979915b5-117f-4376-bb08-182730ea2ffc |
MAINE, USA — Today, we’re focusing on energy efficiency upgrades — ways to use less oil without totally changing your heating system.
But first, here’s Annie Ropeik’s audio report from WBUR in Boston on her Hooked on Heating Oil series she is reporting for The Maine Monitor.
How much fuel do you use?
Start by adding up your oil usage and bills for the year (and compare to the past few years if possible, as prices tend to change). In addition, total up your annual electricity costs and the costs of any other fuel you use (propane, wood), etc.
This will give you a complete picture of what you pay for energy and how you might shift costs around.
Efficiency Maine’s home energy efficiency calculator tells you how your home’s energy use stacks up to a home with good insulation and weatherization.
Upgrade the energy efficiency of your home!
This is the first, most critical step to using less fuel and lowering your emissions and costs. Weatherization and other efficiency upgrades start with an energy assessment, which can help you gauge your home’s need for air sealing, new insulation, window and door upgrades, and more.
Use this state tool to find a contractor.
State incentives: Efficiency Maine offers up to $8,000 in rebates for home insulation upgrades. Many homeowners can also get up to $7,500 in low-interest loans for home energy upgrades that are eligible for those rebates (any-income loans are coming soon, the state says).
Federal tax incentives: 30% of various project costs, up to $3,200 a year across all efficiency upgrades — broken down, according to Energy Star, into a maximum of $1,200 for “any combination of home envelope improvements (windows/doors/skylights, insulation, electrical) plus furnaces, boilers and central air conditioners” and $2,000 for “any combination of heat pumps, heat pump water heaters and biomass stoves/boilers” (which we’ll get to in a moment).
Energy Star recommends spreading your upgrades out to ensure you get the maximum tax credit each year. An energy audit can help you prioritize.
Here are some specific federal tax credit options, courtesy of Energy Star:
- Insulation and air sealing: 30% of project costs up to $1,200
- Home energy audits: 30% of project costs up to $150
- Windows and skylights: 30% of project costs up to $600
- Exterior doors: 30% of project costs for up to two doors, a maximum of $250 each
- Electrical panel upgrades: 30% of project costs when paired with other efficiency upgrades, up to $600
And don’t forget about your hot water heater — there are state rebates and federal incentives for upgrades, including for highly efficient water heaters powered by heat pump technology.
Rewiring America, an advocacy group, has this calculator for how much you could save with Inflation Reduction Act funds.
Efficiency Maine lists a handful of other federal tax incentives for projects large and small.
And here’s a handy Energy Star tool: a rebate finder for your zip code that generates a list of all federal and state incentives by equipment or upgrade type.
If you want to keep using oil, make sure your furnace or boiler is efficient:
Efficiency Maine lists lots of fuel-saving features to look for in your oil boiler or furnace. If you’re thinking of replacing your oil system and you’re worried about costs and emissions, you should consider other fuels — oil is especially carbon-intensive and subject to volatile price swings.
Efficiency Maine also recommends smart thermostats to better control when your heat and cooling kick on and off, no matter your fuel.
Federal tax incentives: 30% of the cost of a new gas or oil furnace, up to $600.
If you make roughly 200% or less of the federal poverty level (about $40,000 for a two-person household):
Start with MaineHousing’s energy programs and call your local community action agency.
Check these income eligibility guidelines to see if your household may generally qualify for low-cost or free energy upgrades provided through these agencies.
Some MaineHousing programs that can help you lower your oil costs and usage:
- HEAP: annual assistance paying heating bills
- Heat Pump Program: free heat pumps for low-income households
- Weatherization: free or low-cost insulation, air-sealing and more
- Central Heat Improvement Program: repairs and replacements for furnaces and boilers, especially in emergency breakdowns
If you’re a renter:
First of all, send this guide to your landlord and ask them to make repairs that will save you both money.
There are limited incentive programs available to help renters with their energy usage. MaineHousing has an incentive of up to $400 for certain low-income renters to replace or repair their central heating equipment.
This story was originally published by The Maine Monitor, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. To get regular coverage from the Monitor, sign up for a free Monitor newsletter here. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/tips-for-using-less-home-heating-oil-heat-pump-maine/97-37f827a6-0654-4cae-90e0-6e2f72fbc430 | 2023-06-21T02:31:52 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/tips-for-using-less-home-heating-oil-heat-pump-maine/97-37f827a6-0654-4cae-90e0-6e2f72fbc430 |
Northern Mich. man pleads guilty to possessing pipe bombs
A northern Michigan man who prosecutors said had extremist, anti-government views has pleaded guilty to possessing illegal pipe bombs, federal officials announced Tuesday.
Terrence Wayne VanOchten, 56, pleaded to a federal charge of possessing unregistered destructive devices, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan said in a statement.
The plea agreement was reached this month, U.S. District Court records show.
Federal officials said VanOchten had pipe bombs and a projectile launcher attached to an AR-15 type rifle. "The launcher also qualified as an unregistered destructive device," the release said.
As part of the agreement, VanOchten cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition again.
He faces up to 10 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney has scheduled sentencing for Oct. 4 in Kalamazoo.
“Today’s plea agreement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to protect the public from people who unlawfully possess destructive devices,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Vanochten possessed these pipe bombs in clear violation of federal law, and I am grateful to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kalkaska County Sheriff’s Office for their careful work.”
The investigation dates to at least Aug. 17, when Kalkaska County Sheriff's deputies searched property linked to VanOchten in Rapid City, near Traverse City, after a report that he fired a Glock pistol from the front door of his home.
After finding what initially appeared to be a fully automatic rifle, authorities obtained a search warrant and found three pipe bombs in an ammunition can, officials said Tuesday.
"The bombs were constructed from sections of metal pipe with screwed-on metal end caps," according to the release. "One end of each bomb was drilled to allow the insertion of fuse cord ... When subjected to laboratory testing, the powder and fuses rapidly burned as designed. If detonated, the devices could kill, maim or injure people through the projection of shrapnel."
Deputies also found "manuals for manufacturing explosive devices and a large room filled with other weapons and military equipment," Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler said in a filing.
During the probe, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents also obtained recordings of VanOchten talking to his wife about political extremism and the Jan. 6 siege in Washington, D.C., by then-President Donald Trump supporters.
“I want true freedom, I really do. Nancy Pelosi? She needs to have her head put on a stick," VanOchten says in one recording before mentioning people charged in the attack.
Federal prosecutors in Grand Rapids sought to have him jailed while awaiting a trial, citing concerns about engaging in "disturbing behavior." They also faulted him for violating bond conditions imposed in March on the possessing unregistered destructive devices charge.
Since he was freed on bond, court officials said VanOchten possessed a blowgun, pellet rifle, AR-15 rifle components, a crossbow, samurai sword, ammunition and body armor despite being prohibited from having weapons while awaiting trial.
Last month, U.S. Magistrate Judge Ray Kent imposed home detention and location monitoring after hearing testimony from an ATF agent, VanOchten's wife and another woman.
His guilty plea follows a northern Michigan man recently accused of threatening to kill President Joe Biden and making false bomb threats. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/20/northern-mich-man-pleads-guilty-to-possessing-pipe-bombs/70340666007/ | 2023-06-21T02:34:11 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/20/northern-mich-man-pleads-guilty-to-possessing-pipe-bombs/70340666007/ |
Fort Wayne City Council plans to limit its appointees to boards and commissions to two consecutive terms, and some members are considering doing the same for the mayor’s appointments.
Council members gave preliminary approval with a 6-2 vote Tuesday to an ordinance that would affect their appointments to government bodies, such as the plan commission, the safe housing and oversight committee and the animal control commission. Councilmen Paul Ensley, R-1st, and Tom Freistroffer, R-at large, voted against the measure, and Councilman Russ Jehl, R-2nd, was absent.
Term limits would also apply to council members who serve on boards and commissions, said Councilwoman Michelle Chambers, D-at large, the bill’s sponsor. Residents and council members can be reappointed to the boards and commissions after not serving for one term or if the City Council cannot find a replacement within 60 days.
Councilman Jason Arp, R-4th, committed to bringing an ordinance for Mayor Tom Henry’s and future mayoral appointees after he and other council members voiced concerns about fairness. City Council attorney Joe Bonahoom said he believes the members can legislate the mayoral appointments.
Councilman Glynn Hines, D-at large, said he’d co-sponsor Arp’s bill, which Arp said he will present “as soon as possible.”
Chambers said she introduced the bill to create transparency and to get more diverse representation on boards and commissions and to add more accountability. Many appointments are for three or four years, which makes two terms a long time to serve, she added.
Boards should be able to exist without the talents of certain members, Chambers said. However, the ordinance she presented excludes the Fort Wayne Board of Zoning Appeals and the internal audit committee from term limits because of the specialized nature of their work. The ordinance affects about 23 positions, she said.
Chambers and Councilman Tom Didier, R-3rd, both mentioned that some people have served for more than 30 years. They declined to name any publicly.
Didier said he had concerns about the ordinance only affecting council appointments. He said it would create a double standard, and the only reason he voted for it was because of Arp’s commitment to pursue a similar ordinance for mayoral appointments.
Didier, who faces Henry in the mayoral election, also said he's concerned about the limits affecting appointees with one-year terms more than people serving in four-year positions.
It could also be hard to fill some of the positions, Didier said. Many people don’t know about the boards and commissions or don’t have the time to serve on them, he said.
Ensley said he thought the ordinance would restrict the council from choosing whomever they want to appoint to boards.
“I don’t think the term limits are necessary,” Ensley said. “I think the vote by the majority of the council is enough.”
Freistroffer said term limits would hamper experience and learning. The plan commission, which he serves on, is a governing board, and he’s still learning about how it works after seven years, he said. Freistroffer is nearing the end of his second four-year term.
City Council has publicly examined for about a year how members are appointed to board and commissions.
Jehl said in February that council members would take a look at all 39 city government-specific commissions and boards and 22 more that are set by state code.
Of the state-defined boards, the mayor's office gets 68 appointments and the council has 14, he said. The council also has no appointments on 15 of the boards and commissions defined in state code.
Chambers said she wanted to bring forward her proposed changes to board appointments after Jehl pursued ordinances to add council appointments to some of the governmental bodies.
Council members are expected to make a final decision at the June 27 meeting. Preliminary votes rarely change before final decisions are made. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/fort-wayne-city-council-seeks-to-limit-its-appointments-to-two-terms/article_af21e898-0fc7-11ee-9ab7-e703dce1af37.html | 2023-06-21T02:38:59 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/fort-wayne-city-council-seeks-to-limit-its-appointments-to-two-terms/article_af21e898-0fc7-11ee-9ab7-e703dce1af37.html |
Southwest Allen County Schools board members approved a change in bus drivers’ pay Tuesday night in a move to simplify the compensation model.
Board members unanimously approved the proposal.
Under the previous model, bus drivers would earn an established base pay for every route, with a mileage rate and longevity increase based on the individual driver’s seniority. Now, drivers will be paid hourly.
Hourly wages will start at $21.
In a memo to the board, SACS Director of Transportation Mike Martin, Director of Business Mark Snyder and Director of Human Resources LuAnn Erickson said the rate is either equal to or more than what is offered by surrounding districts.
“Our plan is to aggressively recruit for bus drivers,” the memo reads. “We will promote the competitive hourly rate, full benefits and part-time hours.”
Though there was little discussion at Tuesday’s meeting, board members went through the proposed changes at a meeting earlier this month. Snyder pointed to the new structure’s simplicity as a key benefit.
“Everyone will understand this,” Snyder told the board at the June 6 meeting. “It was anything but that previously.”
Erickson added that it has been difficult in the past to say how much SACS pays drivers, because the route-based pay came with so many variables.
Martin told the board earlier this month that aside from a few exceptions, the switch should not decrease the drivers’ pay. In cases where it does, those drivers are expected to work fewer hours.
“We have really tried to be fair to folks and attractive as a district by comparing to what other districts are doing as well,” Snyder said. “We feel that this does that.”
SACS, like many other districts nationwide, has been impacted by a bus driver shortage that has led to changes in the form of new routes or cancellations. The district had several route cancellations in the last year, leading the district to launch a new transportation system this coming school year.
School start times will be adjusted to accommodate the new approach. The district’s new structure will serve SACS schools in three groups rather than two.
Homestead High School and Woodside Middle School will make up the first group, the second group will serve Summit Middle School and Covington and Whispering Meadows elementary schools and the third group will consist of the remaining elementary schools in the district.
The new structure will replace a system that separated the groups into two categories, one for secondary buildings and another for elementary schools.
Board member Mark Gilpin expressed his gratitude for the work done to make the changes.
“I know this was kind of a big change,” Gilpin said. “Thank you guys for making this happen.” | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/sacs-board-approves-switch-from-route-based-pay-for-bus-drivers-to-hourly-rates/article_164e3452-0fc5-11ee-8bf4-e3f7e32b58e2.html | 2023-06-21T02:39:05 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/sacs-board-approves-switch-from-route-based-pay-for-bus-drivers-to-hourly-rates/article_164e3452-0fc5-11ee-8bf4-e3f7e32b58e2.html |
NEW YORK — (AP) — Actor Jonathan Majors’ domestic violence case will go to trial Aug. 3, a Manhattan judge said Tuesday, casting him in a real-life courtroom drama as his idled Hollywood career hangs in the balance.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Majors’ accuser alleges he pulled her finger, twisted her arm behind her back, struck and cut her ear and pushed her into a vehicle, causing her to fall backwards, during a March confrontation in New York City. The woman was treated at a hospital for minor head and neck injuries, police said.
Majors’ attorney, Priya Chaudhry, said Tuesday that she provided prosecutors with video evidence showing the female accuser attacked her client, not the other way around. The woman has not been named in court records.
Majors had been a fast-rising Hollywood star with major roles in recent hits like “Creed III” and “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania.” But in the wake of his arrest, the U.S. Army pulled TV commercials starring Majors, saying it was “deeply concerned” by the allegations. Disney last month postponed Majors’ upcoming Marvel film “Avengers: Kang Dynasty” from May 2025 to May 2026. He is also slated to appear in “Avengers: Secret Wars” in 2027.
READ: ‘Deadpool 3′ moves up, ‘Blade’ pushed back as Marvel adjusts release schedule
Judge Rachel Pauley wished the actor “best of luck” as she scheduled his trial. “Yes, ma’am,” Majors said, standing with his lawyers in front of Pauley’s bench in Manhattan’s domestic violence court.
Majors, 33, is charged with misdemeanors, including assault, and could be sentenced to up to a year in jail if convicted.
Tuesday’s hearing was his first time in court since just after his March 25 arrest in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. He appeared by video at a hearing last month where prosecutors said they were revising the assault charge to reflect the accuser’s perspective. A police officer’s account was used in the original version.
Before his case was called Tuesday, Majors watched from the courtroom gallery with his lawyers and his girlfriend Meagan Good, who stars in the “Shazam!” movies, as two men in unrelated cases had their domestic violence charges thrown out.
Chaudhry urged the Manhattan district attorney’s office to do the same for Majors and to instead charge his 30-year-old accuser, “holding her accountable for her crimes.” In lieu of a decision, Chaudhry requested that Majors’ case go to trial as soon as possible.
Chaudhry said she’s provided prosecutors with “compelling evidence” of Majors’ innocence, including video showing the woman assaulting the actor and Majors running away from her.
READ: Actor Jonathan Majors accused of strangulation, assault
“We also provided photographs illustrating the injuries she inflicted on Mr. Majors and photos of his clothing torn as a direct consequence of (the woman’s) violent actions,” Chaudhry said.
She has also accused police and prosecutors of racial bias against Majors, who is Black. She said a white police officer got in Majors’ face and taunted him when he tried showing the officer injuries that he said the woman caused.
Before scheduling Majors’ trial, the judge issued a sealed decision that prompted Chaudhry to withdraw court papers she’d filed challenging the case. Pauley handed copies of her ruling to Majors’ lawyers and prosecutors, but did not discuss any details in open court.
READ: ‘Avatar 3′ pushed to 2025 and Disney sets two ‘Star Wars’ films for 2026
Majors, who plays villain Kang the Conqueror in the Marvel films, carried his personal Bible and a poetry journal into court. He smiled at times, but said little other than his brief exchange with the judge, which lasted all of three minutes.
Majors must continue to abide by a protection order barring him from contact with his accuser. A warrant could be issued for his arrest if he does not show up for his trial date, the judge said.
___
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/actor-jonathan-majors-domestic-violence-trial-scheduled-aug-3/RQSBOSXD35CFLISG24APR3F6RI/ | 2023-06-21T02:39:42 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/actor-jonathan-majors-domestic-violence-trial-scheduled-aug-3/RQSBOSXD35CFLISG24APR3F6RI/ |
ATLANTA — The Georgia Supreme Court could decide the fate of six Fulton County jailers within the next few months. Prosecutors have made accusations linking them to the death of an inmate in 2018. However, a judge tossed the charges months earlier.
The case now lies in the hands of the state Supreme Court. The arguments Tuesday centered around the definition of the term "peace officer."
"The question is what is the ordinary meaning of this undefined term here?" Justice Andrew Pinson posed.
According to Georgia law, a peace officer maintains public order and has arrest powers. Attorneys representing the Fulton County District Attorney's Office, the state in this case, and attorneys representing the jailers, presented arguments requesting the court to more clearly define what it means to be a peace officer.
Attorney Devin Rafus, who represents Omar Jackson, argued that the definition should apply to the six jailers accused in the death of Antonio May. In November, a judge tossed the jailers' indictments, saying the DA's office failed to comply with state law when pressing charges.
"The DA's Office should have given us opportunity and notice that they were presenting an indictment so that way our clients, the peace officers, the jailers if you will, could have testified in front of the grand jury to talk about what happened," Rafus said. "The justice system is sort of a slow process, unfortunately, so our client and all the other clients have to experience this hanging over the head during that timeframe.”
Peace officers typically get a say in court before a grand jury can return an indictment. The six jailers were originally indicted in 2021 on charges including felony murder, aggravated assault and violating their oath as public officers. The charges stem from an incident involving May, whose family claims he was having a mental health crisis before he was jailed on a misdemeanor trespassing charge.
A medical examiner's report from 2018 states the jailers responded to May when he was naked and on drugs in a holding cell. The GBI said May tried to fight them off, but witnesses claim May was beaten, sprayed with a water hose and stunned with a Taser. He ended up dying in jail.
"It's an unfortunate situation obviously whenever someone passes away inside a jail or outside," Rafus said. "But the fact remains there are some benefits or protections for peace officers that we should have been entitled to."
While the defense for the jailers wants an expanded application for peace officers so they can testify before a grand jury, Charles Jones, an attorney arguing on behalf of the Fulton DA's Office, said the court would have to add guardrails to the terms because the legislature failed to do so.
"These defendants maintain order within the jail, and even in that they’re very limited," Jones said. “We don’t want every security guard to have to receive this notice to appear before a grand jury.”
The DA's Office can re-indict the jailers should the Supreme Court agree to drop the charges. The office did not want to comment directly to 11Alive on this case.
The Fulton County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to inquiries about the current employment status of the jailers. The Georgia Supreme Court has within six months to make an official ruling. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/georgia-supreme-court-antonio-may-case/85-871f8235-1de6-4724-8148-5600b86354e6 | 2023-06-21T02:43:39 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/georgia-supreme-court-antonio-may-case/85-871f8235-1de6-4724-8148-5600b86354e6 |
Greg Baka appeared likely to win the GOP primary for the Henrico County Board seat representing the Tuckahoe District, one of several contested local races on the primary ballot Tuesday.
Henrico County had two Democratic primaries and one Republican primary for its board of supervisors. In Hanover County, there were two contested Republican primaries and one uncontested Republican primary for its board. Chesterfield County had just one party primary for commonwealth's attorney.
Henrico County
As of 9:30 p.m., Baka held a 71.78% (2,259) edge over Craig Suro's 28.22% (888) portion of the vote in the Tuckahoe Republican primary.
The winner will inherit the task of making sure retiring Tuckahoe supervisor Pat O’Bannon’s seat stays red in November. The Henrico Board of Supervisors is currently made up of three Republicans and two Democrats.
Baka, who has represented Tuckahoe on the county’s Planning Commission since 2016, was endorsed by the departing O’Bannon. Suro currently serves as a board member at Parham Doctor's Hospital.
Anne-Marie J. Leake and Jody Rogish are going head-to-head in the Tuckahoe Democratic primary to see who will advance to the general election. Rogish is leading the race with 56% (1,554) of the tallies, with Leake sitting at 44% (1,221).
Leake is a board member for the Henricopolis Soil and Water Conservation District; Rogish is a consultant for Impact Makers, a business and technology firm.
Democrats have held the majority of Henrico board seats once in the past three decades — a seven-month stretch in 2017-18 — but Leake or Rogish will look to change that in November.
The Three Chopt District has two Democratic candidates vying for the party’s nomination — Noah Page and Misty Whitehead.
Page has been an outspoken local advocate for issues like housing affordability, the prevention of gun violence, transit and walkability, labor, election reform and abortion. Whitehead is a family and criminal law attorney who campaigned on education, social justice, reproductive rights and gun control.
Whitehead ended the night with a tight lead: 50.68% (1,260) of the vote to Page's 49.32% (1,226). All precincts are reporting with provisional votes yet to be counted.
The winner will go on to face the district’s multi-term incumbent Tommy Branin in November.
Branin has been Three Chopt’s Republican supervisor since 2016. He won the district’s 2015 race, earning 53% of the vote against Democratic and Independent challengers.
That district has not elected a Democrat since at least 2003, according to the earliest Virginia Department of Elections available online.
Hanover County
Hanover had two contested Republican primaries that could bring new supervisors to the Beaverdam and Mechanicsville Districts.
Beaverdam is contested by three people running for the Republican primary.
The incumbent Supervisor Robert Monolo won his seat after running unopposed during a November 2022 special election. The seat opened up after the death of longtime supervisor Aubrey “Bucky” Stanley, who first took the seat in 1983.
He is running against two Republican contenders in Jeff Stoneman and Doug Schuhle.
Stoneman is a small business owner and ordained Baptist deacon for Beaverdam Baptist Church. He was endorsed by the Virginia Citizens Defense League's PAC. Schuhle is a U.S. Army combat veteran and current branch manager for a mortgage lender in Henrico.
Monolo has ended the evening with a slight edge over Stoneman. Monolo has 45.62% (787) of the vote to Stoneman's 44.99% (776). Schuhle is behind the two with 9.39% (162) of the vote.
The Mechanicsville District hosts a contest between an incumbent, current board Chair W. Canova Peterson IV, and challenger Ryan M. Hudson.
Hudson holds a lead over Peterson. Hudson attained 57.51% (452) of the vote, compared to Peterson's 42.49% (334). Provisional votes are all that remain to be tallied.
Hudson is a licensed real estate agent who started his career as an EMT. He is also a registered nurse and worked at VCU medical center for nearly a decade. Peterson has been on the board since he was elected in 2011, and served as chairman in 2014 and again since 2019.
Hanover's republican primary for the Ashland District will go to Yael Levin after her opposition, M. Travis Crown, dropped out of the race.
The Ashland incumbent is Faye Pritchard, who is in her 23rd year as an elected official and was formerly Ashland’s Mayor. A Republican last won the district in 2011. Pritchard later defeated that candidate with 63% of the vote in 2015.
Chesterfield County
The Virginia Public Access Project as of 9:30 p.m. was calling a narrow victory for Chesterfield County Commonwealth’s Attorney Stacey Davenport in her re-election bid against prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper Tom McKenna in the Republican primary.
Davenport earned 51.36% (12,605) of the vote, while McKenna finished slightly behind at 48.64% (11,937), according to VPAP.
The winner will face challenger Erin Barr, a prosecutor who is running as an Independent on the November ballot.
Davenport defeated Democrat Scott Miles in 2019 with 54% of the vote to earn her current position as commonwealth’s attorney.
A look at Tuesday's Election Day in photos across Richmond region | https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/greg-baka-leading-over-opponent-in-henrico-board-gop-primary/article_96218d10-0fb5-11ee-a8ba-df1607c61770.html | 2023-06-21T02:44:17 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/greg-baka-leading-over-opponent-in-henrico-board-gop-primary/article_96218d10-0fb5-11ee-a8ba-df1607c61770.html |
The Museum of Idaho reexamined the history of the Minidoka National Historic Site and the forced removal of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II in a Museum Club presentation Thursday.
The Minidoka Relocation Center, located in Jerome County near Twin Falls, was the incarceration site for more than 13,000 Nikkei, people of Japanese ancestry, according to the National Park Service.
The forced removal of people with Japanese heritage from an exclusion zone stretching across the West Coast began after President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066 in February 1942 — two months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Tim Morishita, a local Japanese American, shared how his mother’s family was broken apart following Roosevelt’s order.
His mother, Ruth Imaizumi, was born in California and raised in Palm City. She was in her early 20s when World War II started. Her mom had died while she was in high school.
“When the war broke out, first thing that happened is the FBI came and took her dad away,” Morishita said. “He ended up in Santa Fe (New Mexico) at one of those detention centers. The rest of the family was sent to Santa Anita Race Track (in California) at an assembly center. Then they were going to be moved here (to Minidoka).”
However, Morishita’s uncle cut a deal with a farmer from Mud Lake “to help with the sugar beets, so some of them were allowed to come up here,” he said.
As a result, they were able to avoid incarceration in a concentration camp until 1943, when Imaizumi was sent to Heart Mountain Relocation Center in Wyoming.
Morishita’s father, Sud Morishita, was a Japanese American born in Shelley.
Later, “he lived in Iona, and they eventually settled out in Osgood. That’s where they had a farm out there, and he was one of the first people to go to Osgood School. … (Sud and Ruth) met, and they got married,” Morishita said. “That (marrying an inland Japanese American) is how she eventually got out of Heart Mountain.”
Morishita’s family has a long history in the area. His paternal grandfather immigrated to Montana in about 1900 to work on the Great Northern Railway.
“He slowly worked his way down,” Morishita said. “He ran various things like pool halls and barber shops and various things in Pocatello and Ucon, but he decided that once he got married, that wasn’t the kind of life he wanted his kids to have. He farmed potatoes, hay and grain.”
Because Sud Morishita and his father lived outside of the exclusion zone, they were not forcefully incarcerated.
“Idaho Falls had approximately 200-plus Japanese Americans right around 1942 who were not subjected to the same separation,” said Kurt Ikeda, director of interpretation and education at Minidoka National Historic Site.
But the story of Morishita’s mother’s family exemplifies the racism and prejudice many Japanese Americans faced during World War II.
Ikeda’s grandfather also was forcibly removed from his home and incarcerated at a relocation center.
Ikeda said that the Minidoka National Historical Site is often incorrectly described as an “internment camp” when in reality it was a “concentration camp.”
“The word internment means you are taking a population of citizens who are not citizens in a time of war and putting them behind barbed water or putting them inside some sort of camp,” Ikeda said. “But I realized my grandfather was a citizen. He was born here. I realized that the terminology we have been using to describe this history is in and of itself deeply problematic and deeply racist. … I want to encourage us as a community … to be able to use language that doesn’t hide the reality of this history, but more so places it at the forefront.”
The Japanese American National Museum and the American Jewish Committee define a concentration camp as “a place where people are imprisoned not because of any crimes they have committed, but simply because of who they are. … The people in power removed a minority group from the general population, and the rest of society let it happen.”
Ikeda quoted Idaho’s Gov. Chase Clark, who said in 1942, “(Japanese) are like rats, breathe like rats and act like rats. I won’t take any of them in Idaho except under guard confined and in concentration camps.”
Minidoka Relocation Center was one of 10 incarceration centers established in Idaho, California, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, Colorado and Arkansas.
Also known as Hunt’s Camp, it was surrounded by eight guard towers and five miles of barbed wire fences, according to a National Park Service flier.
Its 640 buildings were largely built on 946 acres, although the total site area included 33,000 acres.
At its peak, the Minidoka Relocation Center held 9,397 people of Japanese ancestry, making it the seventh largest city in Idaho.
The vast majority of these were American citizens.
The site consisted of living barracks, a baseball field, a mess hall, fire station, latrines, hospital, Stafford Elementary School, a junior high, Hunt High School, a root cellar and swimming hole. It contained large areas for agriculture, a hog farm and a poultry farm.
Ikeda shared a PowerPoint presentation with recollections of the camp from the Japanese Americans who resided there.
“I want to forget the day we were herded like cattle into a prison camp,” said Sylvia Kobayashi. “What did we do wrong? What was our crime?”
Others recalled the desolate landscape that awaited them at Minidoka.
“It is unendurably hot and dusty, though eventually I’ll get used to it,” said Hanaye Matsushita.
The camp opened in August 1942 and closed in October 1945, Ikeda said.
After the war, many Nikkei had to return to their former lives and found it hard to rebuild the homes and businesses they’d been forced to leave behind.
The Minidoka National Historic Site Visitor Center is run by the National Park Service from May 26 to Sept. 3 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours are offered to the public on the weekend, and the trails are accessible all days of the week.
Ikeda quoted Dr. Frank Kitamoto, a survivor of the Minidoka Relocation Center, “This is not just a Japanese American story … but an American story with implications for the world.” | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/forced-incarceration-museum-club-explores-history-of-the-minidoka-relocation-center/article_b8b757f8-0fae-11ee-831a-7b1d64dc3746.html | 2023-06-21T02:44:21 | 0 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/forced-incarceration-museum-club-explores-history-of-the-minidoka-relocation-center/article_b8b757f8-0fae-11ee-831a-7b1d64dc3746.html |
LOCK HAVEN, Pa. — Fred Weaver has been flying planes for more than 70 years. The man from Ocala, Florida, is spending the week at the Lock Haven Airport.
"This is more like what it was, what it was like when we started," said Weaver.
It is all a part of the annual Sentimental Journey Fly-In. Piper Cub airplanes will grace the sky above Lock Haven all week long.
"It brings me back to my origin when I started to fly and so forth. I got my private license in a Piper Cub," Weaver said.
"It is quite a bit different than most air shows," said Ron Masek of Cleveland, Ohio. "A lot of air shows have more of a commercial feel, this is like a classic car show down the street where guys are flying in, flying all day, burning gas, and just having a great time."
Masek flew in from Cleveland earlier this week. He is camping out and looking forward to a high-flying week.
"Just flying, looking at airplanes, and hanging out with the family," he said.
One of the air show's main attractions is Greg Koontz. Every day this week, he will perform a high-flying act for those in attendance. On day one, he landed his airplane on top of a moving truck.
"It seems like he is being crazy in the airplane, but really he is demonstrating how flexible a Cub airplane is," Weaver added.
"He is a great guy, and he has a great shtick. I know the kids love it, and everybody enjoys the show. It is awesome what he is doing," Masek stated.
The Sentimental Journey Fly-in at the Lock Haven Airport will run through Saturday, June 24th. Admission is $12.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/clinton-county/sentimental-journey-fly-in-lifts-off-clinton-county-lock-haven-airport-show-aircraft-fred-weaver/523-140a84f3-c50a-45d0-834d-199dc1452beb | 2023-06-21T02:47:10 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/clinton-county/sentimental-journey-fly-in-lifts-off-clinton-county-lock-haven-airport-show-aircraft-fred-weaver/523-140a84f3-c50a-45d0-834d-199dc1452beb |
SCRANTON, Pa. — Members of the Scranton Fire Department spent nearly two hours trying to rescue a man who had fallen down into Roaring Brook near Nay Aug Park Monday afternoon.
"From what he told us, he was actually walking on the Central Scranton Expressway. He must have been on the other side of the guardrail and fell down the embankment, then rolled and tumbled down the hill, over top of a rock ledge, and down into the water," said Scranton Fire Department Chief John Judge.
Crews were able to get the man up to safety. He was taken to the hospital with several injuries.
In the summer months, Scranton Fire Chief John Judge says the rescue team is called to Nay Aug Park a lot for water rescues.
Many are people who are swimming illegally. Chief Judge says the anticipation of getting those calls keeps him up at night.
"They're very staff intensive, they're dangerous for our responders, and they take a lot of technical expertise to have a successful rescue," said Chief Judge.
Chief Judge says the rescue crews do a lot of preplanning every spring. They survey the area, marking out pathways and safe locations for rescue.
"We have a couple of different points where we know we can get them out. The plans we put into place, I think we had him out in about an hour which is really good," explained Chief Judge.
There are surveillance cameras that are monitored by Scranton Police and signs warning people of the dangers, but that doesn't always deter people from swimming in the gorge.
"If you're going up to visit, stay on marked pathways, enjoy the beauty of the area, but just realize it's very dangerous, and you're not just putting yourself in danger, you're putting our rescuers in danger as well," Chief Judge said.
The name and condition of the rescued man have not been released.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/firefighters-warn-of-dangers-at-nay-aug-gorge-chief-john-judge-fire-department-park-rescue-water-swim/523-c372b52e-77e2-4664-b38e-c7797335c318 | 2023-06-21T02:47:16 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/firefighters-warn-of-dangers-at-nay-aug-gorge-chief-john-judge-fire-department-park-rescue-water-swim/523-c372b52e-77e2-4664-b38e-c7797335c318 |
EDWARDSVILLE, Pa. — With saw in hand, volunteers with heroes Hearthstone and Northeast Roofing Specialists spent much of their day giving some TLC to a building at St. Hedwig's in Edwardsville.
"They use it right now as an outdoor recreation area, so we're doing some beautification today. We also want to make sure that the inside is usable as a rec area or whatever it is if they need to use it for," said Richard Blaine, Heroes Hearthstone Co-founder.
The veterans village supports homeless men and women who served our county. Right now, 12 people rely on its services.
"Putting the roof on here is a major issue, our budgets are shoestrings just like any non-profit, so this is a major contribution," said Luke Malonis, case manager with St. Hedwig's.
Heroes Hearthstone and Northeast Roofing Specialists wanted to team up and give the building a new roof. Since veterans hold a special place in their hearts.
"I come from a military family, so that's one thing, and I've lost a couple of close friends to PTSD. So helping out the veteran community and doing anything we can to help out veterans who are the most important people in our society to move forward is something we are always a part of," said Dyllon Rybka, owner of Northeast Roofing Specialists.
The volunteers also spruced up a recreation area at the village.
Heroes Hearthstone is a non-profit that offers support for veterans, first responders, and their families.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/sprucing-up-st-hedwigs-village-hearthstone-and-northeast-roofing-specialists-luke-malonis-dyllon-rybka/523-4633499f-338a-45d8-87f4-433fbbb6ed58 | 2023-06-21T02:47:22 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/sprucing-up-st-hedwigs-village-hearthstone-and-northeast-roofing-specialists-luke-malonis-dyllon-rybka/523-4633499f-338a-45d8-87f4-433fbbb6ed58 |
Homicide victim near Flagstaff identified years after death
The Coconino County Sheriff's Office announced Monday that it identified a person whose body was found near Flagstaff in October 2020.
The victim was identified as 56-year-old David Clark Wilkinson, according to authorities. Sheriff’s Office investigators and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the person was a victim of a homicide.
“In January 2023 analysis of the DNA sample connected the victim to a specific family tree, one member of which could not be located or accounted for,” the statement said.
Wilkinson’s remains were found in a shallow grave north of Flagstaff near the Lava Caves off U.S. 180. At the time of the discovery, the victim's body was unidentifiable due to the advanced decomposition his body had undergone.
“David was known to have been in northern Arizona prior to the body being located, and a missing persons flyer was issued in an attempt to find him,” according to the statement.
Officials also said Wilkinson was known to frequent Phoenix and Prescott during 2019 and 2020. The statement added that they believe he could have been traveling with dogs in his 1997 Toyota Paseo.
“It is believed he was camping in the Prescott National Forest and the Coconino National Forest and may have approached other campers in those areas,” according to the statement.
Anyone with information that could be of assistance in the ongoing investigation or who had contact with Wilkinson in the months before his death is asked to contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/06/20/homicide-victim-near-flagstaff-identified-by-sheriffs-office-years-after-death/70340529007/ | 2023-06-21T02:47:43 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/06/20/homicide-victim-near-flagstaff-identified-by-sheriffs-office-years-after-death/70340529007/ |
ASU denies center shut because of right-wing speakers; Says pulled funding was the cause
The director of an Arizona State University center devoted to personal development and conservative values is alleging that she lost her job for bringing several speakers, including Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, to campus in February — a claim the university strongly denies.
Ann Atkinson, who has led the T.W. Lewis Center for Personal Development since August 2021, wrote in an opinion piece for the Wall Street Journal on Monday that the center is closing on June 30 because she refused to bow to pressure from university officials to cancel the event.
In a Tuesday statement to the press, the university said Atkinson "lost the distinction between feelings and fact" in her comments on her employment.
"Ms. Atkinson’s current job at the university will no longer exist after June 30 because the donor who created and funded the center decided to terminate his donation," the statement read. "Unfortunate, but hardly unprecedented."
The university's statement acknowledged that the February event faced backlash from some students and faculty. This, university officials noted, "is not uncommon in a university setting."
"The university values and adheres to the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which provides freedom of speech," the statement read. "These values apply to the students and other members of our community who helped to organize the speaker program — and to the faculty who expressed strong opinions about the event."
In a statement to The Republic, ASU spokesperson Veronica Sanchez said that Atkinson's job was linked to the center's funding. She is still eligible for other jobs at ASU, Sanchez said, and has "been treated like everyone else."
"Arizona State University remains committed to, in practice, not just rhetoric, all things that support free speech and all of its components," Sanchez said. "The event in question was held and was a success."
Tom Lewis, the center's founding donor, confirmed that he withdrew his funding for the center after the university's response to the February event. He had pledged $800,000 to the center in his first year of funding and $400,000 annually thereafter.
But Atkinson said the center could still have continued with $500,000 in other donor support that she secured last year. Her opinion piece accuses ASU of paying lip service to free speech and intellectual diversity despite "a deep hostility toward divergent views."
"The long story short is that conservative viewpoints are not welcome at ASU," Lewis said. "Or, at most public universities in America."
In recent years, the university has weathered several instances of right-wing backlash as conservatives have questioned free speech rights on college campuses nationally.
In September 2020, a student station manager at ASU's Blaze Radio was removed from her position after tweeting about a police shooting victim and sparking controversy.
A year later, a video clip showing two white male students getting asked to leave a multicultural space went viral. One man had a sticker on his laptop that read “Police lives matter” which the female students later said sparked the incident. The other man was wearing a shirt with a message that said, “Did not vote for Biden.” The interaction quickly escalated into yelling and cursing, and the university later investigated code of conduct violations against the two female students of color who spoke with the men.
And last August, two conservative student groups clashed over an invitation for Jared Taylor, a white supremacist who has espoused racist views for decades, to speak on campus. Taylor was hosted by College Republicans United, a more conservative splinter group of the traditional ASU College Republicans, who denounced the event.
'Health, Wealth and Happiness'
Kirk's group, Turning Point USA, is a nonprofit organization that advocates for conservative viewpoints on high school and college campuses. Since its founding in 2012, it grew political arms that were heavily involved in Republican politics in Arizona and other states in 2022.
Kirk also runs a conservative talk radio show. He's used his platform to promote numerous conspiracies about election fraud and COVID-19, called himself a Christian nationalist and said that transgender issues were being promoted by the devil. At times, he's associated himself with people categorized as extremists by anti-hate groups like the Southern Poverty Law Center, such as Alex Jones and Jack Posobiec.
But he stayed well away from those topics during the ASU event, titled "Health, Wealth and Happiness." Instead, Kirk focused his address on life habits that cultivate wellness and joy, advising students and others in the audience to try going a day with their phones off.
He was joined by Robert Kiyosaki, founder of a personal finance education company and author of "Rich Dad, Poor Dad," and Dennis Prager, host of a conservative talk radio show, who spoke on similar themes.
But Kirk's appearance in Tempe nonetheless precipitated a letter of protest signed by nearly 40 faculty of ASU's honors college, which houses the center. In total, the college has around 50 faculty members.
Calling Kirk and Prager "purveyors of hate" for attacks on women, minorities and the LGBTQ+ community, the faculty condemned the event.
"By platforming and legitimating their extreme anti-intellectual and antidemocratic views, Barrett will not be furthering the cause of democratic exchange at ASU, but undermining it in ways that could further marginalize the most vulnerable members of our community," the letter said.
The event went on regardless and was attended by about 1,500 students, according to Atkinson. The university put the number at about 600 in its statement. Atkinson said another 24,000 tuned in online. Lewis described the event as "nothing but positive, wholesome, good stuff about life."
"These are world-class speakers," he said. "It was a wonderful event. But the faculty went nuts."
Weeks later, Kirk attended events at University of California, Davis and University of California, Santa Barbara. His presence at both schools drew immense protest, but he wasn't prevented from speaking at either campus.
What is the T.W. Lewis Center for Personal Development?
The center, founded in 2019, aims to "prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of life," according to its website.
That includes cultivating career development, life skills, personal values and entrepreneurship, said Atkinson. The spirit of the center was to educate students on "traditional American values of individual liberty, free enterprise, personal responsibility, faith, family, community service and civic responsibility," she said.
Atkinson said the center has historically hosted a "diverse" group of speakers from numerous viewpoints, with 40 programs coming to Tempe during the spring semester.
"We worked really hard to bring in diverse speakers, diverse views, speakers with all sorts of different stories," she said. "We achieved that, and I'm really, really proud of how we were able to achieve that."
Lewis said the speaker series specifically aimed to promote conservative voices. The center also offered university courses, which he said weren't politically slanted. Those classes included "Entrepreneurship and Free-Enterprise," "Self-Awareness, Leadership and Career Management" and "Success, Purpose and Happiness," according to the center's website.
Even before the Kirk debacle, Lewis said he considered pulling out of funding the center over disagreements with faculty about course content. He said he later "renegotiated" his agreement with the university. But ASU's reaction to the event featuring Kirk and Prager was the last straw.
Sasha Hupka covers higher education for The Arizona Republic. Do you have a tip on Arizona's universities, community colleges or trade schools? Reach her at sasha.hupka@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter: @SashaHupka. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-education/2023/06/20/arizona-state-university-denies-center-shut-because-of-conservative-speakers/70339259007/ | 2023-06-21T02:47:49 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-education/2023/06/20/arizona-state-university-denies-center-shut-because-of-conservative-speakers/70339259007/ |
TEXAS, USA — A special committee was expected to announce the rules of Ken Paxton's impeachment trial on Tuesday but instead spent most of the day in recess. They won't return until 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
The rules of the impeachment trial can include details on what kind of evidence can be presented, how witnesses can be called and when the trial will actually start.
Back in May, the Texas House of Representatives voted 121-23 to impeach Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, alleging a pattern of misconduct and abuse of power. The vote immediately led to Paxton's temporary suspension from office, pending the outcome of the impeachment trial.
What we know
A committee of five Republicans and two Democrats has been drafting the rules for the impeachment trial.
- Senators will act as the jury while 12 state representatives will act as prosecutors.
- State Sen. Angela Paxton, the AG's wife, has confirmed she will participate in the trial.
- Houston state Rep. Ann Johnson, who is one of the managers, said she's hoping for a trial that's transparent to the public.
- Paxton's legal team, who is led by Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, said there should be no live testimony, calling it a needless piece of showmanship.
- High-profile Houston-based attorneys Dick DeGuerin and Rusty Hardin will present the Texas House's case in the impeachment trial.
- Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick will serve as the judge in this trial, but he also gets to set the rules.
Follow along with the latest on the impeachment trial. KHOU 11's Janelle Bludau is in Austin and will have live updates as information becomes available:
Tuesday
9:08 p.m.: The Senate went into recess until 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
6:15 p.m.: The Senate was supposed to reconvene at 6 p.m., but instead recessed until 9 p.m.
1:03 p.m.: The Senate passed its version of a property tax reform bill.
11:22 a.m.: Today in the Senate chambers, we’re expecting to hear the rules that will govern the impeachment trial for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Monday
6:18 p.m.: State Sen. Angela Paxton, wife of Attorney General Ken Paxton, released a statement not fully confirming that she will vote in the possible impeachment of her husband but that “I will carry out my duties.”
10:15 a.m.: Paxton took to social media Monday and called the trial a "kangaroo court," before asking the public for donations to fight back.
"RINOS and far-left radicals have established a kangaroo court in the TX Lege. to eliminate America’s most conservative Attorney General. Help me fight back! Would you donate $1, $5, $50, $100 today to show Austin you are in this fight w/me? Follow the link below to donate TODAY," the tweet read. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/ken-paxton-impeachment-trial-update/285-0d912e26-bad7-4474-8837-348de5259dba | 2023-06-21T02:55:48 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/ken-paxton-impeachment-trial-update/285-0d912e26-bad7-4474-8837-348de5259dba |
Prosecutors say a woman shoved in a violent unprovoked attack in Manhattan last month has been paralyzed after the suspect pushed her "with all his force into the moving subway car."
The altercation, which broke the 35-year-old's spine, went down the morning of May 21 in an apparently wordless, random attack at the Lexington Avenue and 63rd Street station.
Police said that Kamal Semrade, 39, was arrested two days later. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said Tuesday that the Queens man had been indicted on an attempted murder charge. Attorney information for Semrade was not immediately known.
The victim, later identified as Emine Yilmaz, had boarded the same train at the Roosevelt Avenue stop in Queens on her way to work. They had both stepped off the train at the Manhattan stop around 6 a.m. when the attack happened.
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According to the NYPD, Semrade allegedly came up from behind the woman and shoved her head into an E train, which was preparing to depart the station. She fell backward onto the platform and was taken to a hospital for treatment of lacerations to her head as well as a diagnosed spinal fracture, officials say.
A witness, Nancy Marrero, said she saw Yilmaz walking along the platform as the train started to move, which is when the suspect allegedly attacked.
Local
"I just see him walk up besides her to her left side and with palms open just shove her head onto the train as it moved...He just took both hands, not at her body, aimed specifically at her head like he wanted the head to hit. So when he shoved her into it, so her head hit and her body like tumbling in a circle and she just dropped onto the platform," said Marrero.
That's when the man took off, and Marrero screamed out loud. She then rushed to the victim's aid.
"Why would you do that to her? I go up to her and I kneel down and I was like, 'Are you OK? Are you OK?'" Marrero asked, as Yilmaz was bleeding and not moving. "When she landed, because she tumbled she landed on her stomach with her hand like this and this arm twisted and she said 'I have no feeling to my arm.'"
Marrero comforted Yilmaz, who was asking if she was going to die as her forehead was "split from the front all the way to the back," the good Samaritan said. She was so badly bloodied the woman's Face ID feature on her phone didn't recognize her, Marrero said. She stayed with Yilmaz until first responders arrived.
"I was rubbing her back. Consoling her because she wanted to go to sleep. Her eyes kept opening, she said I feel weak. Oh my god she broke my heart," Marrero said. "I stood with her to the very end. To the very end."
A GoFundMe page described Yilmaz as a "source of joy as a friend, colleague and human being. She's artistic, lighthearted, witty, and above all, someone we consider family," it says.
Bragg's office alleges Semrade returned to his shelter in Queens following the attack, where he removed this clothing and placed it out for laundry service. Staff at the shelter reportedly identified him following a Crime Stoppers post. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/woman-paralyzed-from-shoulders-down-after-spine-cracked-in-nyc-subway-shove/4439179/ | 2023-06-21T03:04:12 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/woman-paralyzed-from-shoulders-down-after-spine-cracked-in-nyc-subway-shove/4439179/ |
SEATTLE — The average cost of center-based childcare for a toddler in Washington is $14,355. For perspective, the University of Washington estimates tuition for the 2023-2024 school year will be $11,524.
That price tag, from the 34th Annie E. Casey Foundation's KIDS COUNT® Data Book, doesn't come as a shock to Michelle Maury. She relishes the few weeks a year her family gets to come visit Seattle.
"I want my kids to know what this place is because it's so special to me," Maury said. It was special enough for her and her husband to move up to the Pacific Northwest from Albuquerque around 20 years ago. "I love Seattle more than anything in the world." But Seattle didn't love her family back.
"We couldn't convince the grandparents or any of our family to move up here from New Mexico, so we had to go home especially when I realized I was pregnant with number two."
In bigger cities, like Seattle, childcare costs are easily thousands of dollars more than the average listed in the KIDS COUNT report. A Reddit thread on the topic showed people in and around Seattle sharing what they pay and how they manage. Maury describes how much childcare during the summer would typically cost for her boys who are in elementary school.
"For most childcare camps, you're looking at about $200-$250 per kid, times two, times four weeks. That ends up being $2,000," she said. "And those camps usually only run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. which isn't that helpful for people who have to work."
The KIDS COUNT report also encourages federal, state, and local governments to invest more money in childcare, something Maury believes is important for kids and the future of society.
"When we don't take care of our kids, they become broken grown-ups. That's not fair. If we want a society that is happy, we need to support and love the kids," she said.
Washington and several cities within the state offer up some form of childcare subsidies. The links below will take you to some of those resources. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/childcare-cost-washington-average-more-expensive-uw-tuition/281-2ba2c06e-8f2b-448b-8314-bb014386d4dc | 2023-06-21T03:08:22 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/childcare-cost-washington-average-more-expensive-uw-tuition/281-2ba2c06e-8f2b-448b-8314-bb014386d4dc |
EVERETT, Wash — Tuesday was officially "World Refugee Day" in Snohomish County.
People from Fiji to Brazil came to Everett Community College to celebrate their food, song, dance and culture.
Through the more than two-hour event, the voices of refugees and immigrants were lifted. Among them were about a dozen refugees from war torn Ukraine.
Yulia Malachynska, 26, came to Washington 14 months ago as the Russians were bombing apartment buildings in her home town.
"It's very scary," she said. "All the time you hear the alarms because of bombs."
Yulia's grandparents remain in Ukraine. She believes they are safe, but can't be sure for how long.
"You just feel this worry all the time," she said.
There are currently well over 16,000 Ukrainian refugees in Washington. Since October, 3,783 have arrived in Snohomish County. An estimated 300 more men, women and children are coming every month.
Sixteen months into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, resources in western Washington are wearing thin.
"Right now we rely on the community," said Van Kuno, executive director of Refugee and Immigrant Services Northwest (RISNW). "At some point, the welcome mat gets tired. I think at that point the people coming in will not get the support they need."
RISNW is the state's only refugee welcoming center, helping transition to life in a completely foreign culture.
Kuno believes the influx of immigrants is beginning to strain health care systems, housing markets and schools.
"Most of the people we see arriving have some sort of health issue," Kuno said. "Then they need a place to live. The openings, the vacancies are getting smaller and smaller. We try to put them in hotels and transitional housing, but that resource is dwindling down, right now."
Kuno said more help is needed from the state and federal governments to support refugee services. If not, "my fear is they will probably sleep under trees," warned Kuno.
An additional 3,000 refugees are expected in Snohomish County by the end of the year.
Advocates are pleading with people, church groups and community organizations to donate a spare room, rental property or mother-in-law apartment to help house the growing number of refugees. Housewares and diapers are also desperately needed.
Yulia said the American people have been kind and generous.
"They ask where I am from and when they hear Ukraine they say they will pray for me," she noted.
Still, the transition to life here has been hard. That's why she is now working with Refugee and Immigrant Services Northwest to help new arrivals from Ukraine find homes, jobs and learn the language.
"I understand what they are going through," she said. "I want to help."
Both Yulia and Kuno hope to keep western Washington a safe haven for Ukrainians until they can once again return home.
"It's our country. It's our land. We know for what we are surviving," said Yulia. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/everett/my-fear-is-they-probably-will-sleep-under-trees-concerns-mount-over-dwindling-resources-for-ukrainian-refugees/281-eef04f61-30d7-4359-a907-3308e60c9fd5 | 2023-06-21T03:08:28 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/everett/my-fear-is-they-probably-will-sleep-under-trees-concerns-mount-over-dwindling-resources-for-ukrainian-refugees/281-eef04f61-30d7-4359-a907-3308e60c9fd5 |
VASHON, Wash. — The Washington State Ferry system said in an update last week that it will not restore some routes to pre-pandemic levels until next year. The two main reasons for the delay are a staffing shortage and a vessel shortage.
Washington State Ferries said in the online update that the "Triangle” route between Fauntleroy, Vashon Island, and Southworth will not go back to a three-ferry daily weekday schedule until next year. Until that route can have another ferry added, the agency said it cannot add a second ferry to the Bremerton/Seattle route.
The agency had planned to restore these routes this year, but until the shortages are improved, that cannot happen.
“It’s a significant impact, especially for the people on Vashon that only have, they're on an island, and they only have one way off,” said Frank Immel, the Fauntleroy Representative on the Ferry Advisory Committee.
The online update from Washington State Ferries said, in part:
"Recent unexpected retirements, resignations and protected leaves of absence have caused attrition to outpace our recruiting and training efforts, especially among licensed vessel crews."
The ferry system said until it can get a third ferry added permanently to the Triangle route schedule, it will use a third boat occasionally on the route, only when staffing and vessel availability allows.
Immel hears both from the public and Washington State Ferries in his role on the advisory committee. He said the ferry system is actively working to get these staff positions filled.
“I firmly believe that their goal is to get this resolved, and get all these boats running, and get everybody working as they have in the past,” said Immel.
Justin Hirsch, who is the Ferry Advisory Committee Representative for Vashon Island, sent KING 5 the following statement about the delay in restoration:
"Riders are very disappointed with the reduced service levels due to lack of credentialed mariners. We commend WSF on their new workforce development programs, but we wish they had started before there was a crisis." | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/ferry-routes-service-restore-pre-pandemic-levels-washington-state/281-6f315990-dc9b-4d38-8160-b491523397f7 | 2023-06-21T03:08:34 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/ferry-routes-service-restore-pre-pandemic-levels-washington-state/281-6f315990-dc9b-4d38-8160-b491523397f7 |
SEATTLE — For the second year in a row, Seattle police officers will not be allowed to march in uniform at the Seattle Pride Parade on Sunday.
It's a policy that has left some LGBTQ+ police officers disappointed and frustrated.
"It's a stunning hypocrisy and a double standard that to us, it's extremely concerning," said Mike Solan, president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild which represents more than 1,300 members of the Seattle Police Department. "I think it’s a gross violation of just human decency.”
"Police officers that are LGBTQ, they don't seem to really want to embrace and to us, that's a double standard and shows the utter bigotry and the lack of inclusivity that for us is absolutely unacceptable," said Solan.
He said there are dozens of LGBTQ+ officers within the Seattle Police Department and many of them have reached out to him in the last few days.
"Very upset that this was occurring and they didn't want to go on record because they would not be able to contain their frustration and anger," said Solan.
Meanwhile, the interim executive director of Seattle Pride Noah Wagoner stands by the policy. Wagoner emailed KING a statement saying in part:
“As with many Pride Parades around the country, last year Seattle Pride’s board of directors instituted a policy allowing police officers to march in the parade – with other City of Seattle employees – out of uniform. This decision was made based on feedback from a community survey, as well as the result of the queer community’s long history of distrust of law enforcement, criminalization of LGBTQIA+ people, and police violence against marginalized groups – which was the genesis of the Pride movement, and is why Pride Parades around the country are held on the last Sunday in June in remembrance of the Stonewall rebellion.”
Wagoner also said just like in previous years, Seattle Pride is required to work with SPD for permitting through the City of Seattle, and it remains in close contact with SPD regarding safety measures and monitoring and adjusting safety plans as needed ahead of the parade.
KING did reach out to the Seattle Police Department about the policy. It told KING it is not commenting at this time. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/lgbtq/spd-officers-not-allowed-march-uniform-seattle-pride-parade/281-4976917c-4426-4fb1-b010-24c8f69eb6d0 | 2023-06-21T03:08:40 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/lgbtq/spd-officers-not-allowed-march-uniform-seattle-pride-parade/281-4976917c-4426-4fb1-b010-24c8f69eb6d0 |
QUINCY, Wash. — The two people killed during the shooting near the Gorge Amphitheatre on June 17 were identified as 26-year-old Josilyn Ruiz and 29-year-old Brandy Escamilla of Seattle.
The suspect, who has not been officially charged, is stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The 26-year-old male remains in Grant County Jail after being hospitalized for a gunshot wound, according to Grant County Sheriff Joe Kriete.
Officials with Joint Base Lewis-McChord confirmed the suspect is stationed out of there.
Two other people were wounded in the shooting, including a 20-year-old Mill Creek resident and a 31-year-old of Eugene, Oregon.
A private security officer responding to the report was struck by a bullet that deflected off her eyeglasses, according to the sheriff. She suffered bruising and lacerations due to the impact, but was not seriously hurt.
Around 8:20 p.m. on June 17, dispatchers received a 911 call reporting shots fired inside a campground near the Gorge, where an electronic dance music festival was being held.
Officers from several different law enforcement agencies were already providing services at the Gorge when the shooting occurred, including the sheriff's office, Moses Lake Police Department, Soap Lake Police Department, the US Bureau of Land Management, the Quincy Police Department and the Royal City Police Department.
Those officers responded to Campground H, where they found Ruiz and Escamilla unconscious. The two women were pronounced dead at the scene.
The shooter was taken into custody within minutes.
The suspect is being held for investigation on two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault and one count of first-degree assault domestic violence.
The North Central Washington Special Investigation unit is conducting the investigation. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/name-victims-suspect-gorge-amphitheatre/281-10d81063-e848-40cb-bd6b-b0068f45b073 | 2023-06-21T03:08:47 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/name-victims-suspect-gorge-amphitheatre/281-10d81063-e848-40cb-bd6b-b0068f45b073 |
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. — A Washington National Guard team will be part of Major League Baseball’s 2023 All-Star festivities in Seattle on July 11.
Members of the guard’s 10th Civil Support Team will not be taking the field, but they will be assisting local agencies to help keep the game, and events leading up to it, safe.
“We’re an all hazards team,” said team leader Lt. Col. Tyler Royster.
Royster said his 22-person team assists local agencies during presidential visits, suspicious device calls, and potential hazardous materials calls.
In March, the team helped Thurston County detectives investigate a series of fentanyl overdoses at the county jail.
“We don’t self-deploy, we don’t show up unannounced,” said Royster. “It’s a request that comes in.”
He said their team members will assist with communications and provide air quality sensors to identify potential gas leaks, natural or otherwise, in and around T-Mobile Park.
It’s the same work Staff Sgt. Jordan Cowart has done at Seahawks games in the past.
He described the sporting events as “fun” assignments.
”Sometimes you’re able to kind of see what’s going on. If it’s a Seahawks game you might be able to watch a little bit,” said Cowart. “But what we’re there for is more important than what everyone else is there for.”
The Civil Support Team will also be working during the 2024 NHL Winter Classic at T-Mobile January 1, as well as working at Lumen Field during the 2026 World Cup.
For a daily roundup of everything you need to know for across western Washington, sign up for our 5 Things to Know email newsletter. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/washington-national-guard-2023-mlb-all-star-game-seattle/281-1f4bd1b9-6dda-4a45-aa14-1c1bf7868f7c | 2023-06-21T03:08:53 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/washington-national-guard-2023-mlb-all-star-game-seattle/281-1f4bd1b9-6dda-4a45-aa14-1c1bf7868f7c |
TACOMA, Wash. — Pierce County’s Juvenile Court system weighed in on youth violence during Tacoma’s weekly study session.
The agency presented data to city leaders and highlighted some concerning trends.
“We are on pace to be exceedingly high for our felonies this year,” said TJ Bohl, who served as the administrator of the Pierce County Juvenile Court.
According to the findings, 2022 saw a rise in juveniles being charged with felonies, particularly violent felonies against people. The report also showed a disturbing pattern as far as which youths get referred to Juvenile Court.
According to the findings, law enforcement was over five times more likely to refer Black juveniles to the juvenile court than their white counterparts.
Black juveniles currently make up 60% of the detention population, despite being only 12% of Pierce County’s overall population.
The report also says around two-thirds of juveniles from Tacoma who were referred to juvenile court last year live in two areas: Tacoma’s Eastside and South Tacoma.
Tacoma Councilmember Kiara Daniels says that’s not a coincidence.
“I think this is directly related to, as other councilmembers have alluded to, infrastructure, other things, programming that we put in our neighborhoods,” she said.
However, the juvenile court system says there’s hope.
The agency says it’s been moving away from a surveillance-based model, as seen in the adult probation system, to focus more on changing behavior and partnering with youth organizations to help young people feel more connected to their community.
Bohl says this approach has led to a significant decline in juveniles falling back into the system.
“I think it speaks to the power of community and speaks to tapping into young people’s potential, and if you focus on their strengths as opposed to their deficits, you get a lot more benefit, and it promotes more long-term behavior change than just the short-term surveillance oriented kind of model,” he said. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/tacoma/pierce-county-youth-violence-data/281-3436b1d0-e2af-463a-8356-f1ed5388d050 | 2023-06-21T03:08:59 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/tacoma/pierce-county-youth-violence-data/281-3436b1d0-e2af-463a-8356-f1ed5388d050 |
UF Health Cancer Center now one of state's leaders in cancer treatment, research
The University of Florida announced it received a prestigious title Tuesday that places it among the leading cancer centers in the state − if not the nation.
The UF Health Cancer Center is now one of 72 in the country to receive a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, officials announced during a press conference. It is one of three Florida hospitals to earn the title and only one in the North Central Florida region, a badge only a handful of cancer centers in the nation have been awarded over the past 15 years.
Officials said the certification ensures patients in the region will receive the most advanced and personalized treatments for the disease in a state that has the second-highest cancer level in the country.
“The UF Health Cancer Center will become a magnet to recruit distinguished leaders in cancer care and cancer research,” said College of Medicine chair Jonathan D. Licht, who is also director of the center. “Florida will serve as a proving ground to attract the most promising trainees. Here in this state, we’ll cultivate a new cadre of leaders committed to addressing the burden of cancer.”
More:Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro expected to speak at UF
More:Sheriff Clovis Watson will not seek second term in office, submits withdrawal letter
The NCI Cancer Centers Program was created in 1971 and serves as an anchor for the nation’s cancer research effort. The NCI recognizes centers around the country through this program that meet high standards for transdisciplinary research focused on developing new, improved approaches to preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer. The classification means that UF met rigorous standards in cancer research, has advanced scientific leadership and distractive training programs, as well as outreach.
In 2014, state legislature passed the Florida NCI Cancer Centers Act, initiated by then-Gov. Rick Scott. Resources for the initiative accelerated the development of cancer research at UF, officials said, allowing the center to assemble a collaborative leadership team and invest in infrastructure, people and programs. Additional partnerships with state and federal officials also allowed the center to secure essential funding and support for cancer research.
Licht, who joined the UF Health Cancer Center as its director in fall 2015, has played a pivotal role in accelerating those efforts to achieve NCI designation. During his tenure, he has helped recruit over 60 new cancer researchers and doubled peer-reviewed cancer research funding since 2016 with $48.8 million in total cancer research grants. In 2022 alone, the center saw 359 active cancer projects.
“Every day on this journey we asked: ‘How are we moving the field of cancer research forward on behalf of our patients in our community?’ And the members of the cancer center rose to this challenge,” Licht said.
Patient participation in new cancer treatments through clinical trials also doubled, with 50 new interventional trials and 164 clinical trials available to cancer patients throughout the center’s 23-county coverage area in 2022. The trials gave patients access to new treatments and give doctors the ability to study the treatments’ efficacy.
“The UF Health Cancer Center will become a magnet to recruit distinguished leaders in cancer care and cancer research,” Licht said. “Florida will serve as a proving ground to attract the most promising trainees. Here in this state, we’ll cultivate a new cadre of leaders committed to addressing the burden of cancer.
“We’re closer to a future where personalized approaches to cancer are the norm, and the toll cancer takes on our neighbors, friends and loved ones is eliminated,” he added.
What does UF get?
The designation also allows access to additional funding opportunities and collaboration to further the center’s research potential.
The NCI will give the UF Health Cancer Center $2.1 million annually through a support grant to enhance, strengthen and increase the center’s leading cancer research. Officials hope the funding will improve the center’s ability to attract more of the top researchers and clinical investigators, train the next generation of the cancer research workforce, and increase its competitiveness for cancer research grants.
“This is a big deal — and it’s going to make a difference for many of Florida’s families as their loved ones fight cancer,” said UF President Ben Sasse in a press release. “This designation keeps UF Health and the UF Health Cancer Center on the cutting edge of research and innovation — and ensures top-notch care.”
Sasse, who was originally expected to attend the announcement, was absent Tuesday, as he is cheering on the Gators in the College World Series tournament in Omaha, Nebraska.
Also in attendance was Republican Congresswoman Kat Cammack who said the designation will allow world-class treatment and biomedical research. She said bipartisan effort was undertaken to help push for this designation, with drafts of the letter being sent back and forth between Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and herself.
“UF has demonstrated the long-standing commitment of excellence, not just to research and development, but to the community as a whole and to the state,” Cammack said. “Whether it is clinical cancer care, education, screening events, or training of our next generation of scientists and clinicians, the novel cancer therapies and biomedical advancements are world class, and I couldn’t be, again, more proud that today is a recognition of those efforts.” | https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/local/2023/06/20/uf-health-cancer-center-gets-nci-designation-for-treatment-research/70339068007/ | 2023-06-21T03:21:01 | 0 | https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/local/2023/06/20/uf-health-cancer-center-gets-nci-designation-for-treatment-research/70339068007/ |
Shasta County Counsel Ross to retire, joining list of top administrators who have left
Shasta County Counsel James Ross has notified the Board of Supervisors that he plans to retire in August, less than four months after becoming the county’s top attorney.
Ross confirmed to the Record Searchlight after Tuesday’s supervisors meeting that his last day will be Aug. 11.
“It’s been an honor and pleasure to work for Shasta County,” Ross said.
He declined to say why he is leaving the county.
Supervisors unanimously appointed Ross to the position on March 28. He succeeded longtime County Counsel Rubin Cruse Jr., whose last day was April 21. Cruse had served as county counsel for more than 12 years and had worked for the counsel’s office for nearly 25 years.
Ross is the attorney for Shasta County, the Board of Supervisors and all other county offices, departments, boards and commissions. His office also acts as the legal adviser for the Shasta County Grand Jury.
He had been assistant county counsel before his promotion.
Supervisor Mary Rickert said she doesn’t recall Ross talking about any plans to retire when he interviewed for the job, and she didn’t know why Ross is leaving.
“I’m just assuming something must have happened,” Rickert.
Ross will join a growing list of county executives who have either left the county or have been fired since the recall of Supervisor Leonard Moty in February 2022, which ushered in a new majority on the board.
More:Shasta County seeks to heavily redact records judge ordered released: 'Gone overboard'
The administrators who have left include: former County Executive Officer Matt Pontes; former Health and Human Services Agency Director Donnell Ewert; former Director of Adult Services Paige Green; and former Support Services Director Shelley Forbes.
In May 2022, supervisors fired by a 3-2 vote former Health Officer Dr. Karen Ramstrom.
Her dismissal came around the time that public health workers were reporting threats and leaving their jobs due to the stress from the COVID-19 pandemic. It received statewide attention and might have played a role in the county's ability to quickly hire her replacement.
The county still hasn’t hired a permanent health officer.
Eric Magrini has gone on leave from his job as assistant executive officer, a county official confirmed to the Record Searchlight last month.
Magrini, who resigned his job as sheriff in June 2021 to become assistant CEO, went on leave 30 to 40 days ago, county Board of Supervisors Chairman Patrick Jones said in late May.
Meanwhile, Deputy County Executive Officer Mary Williams’ last day is Wednesday. Williams, who was acting CEO earlier this year before new CEO David Rickert was hired, is taking a job with a local nonprofit.
Williams told the Record Searchlight that it was getting more difficult to do her job when she feels some of the work "is something that I don’t believe in and things I don’t feel are best for the community.” She wasn’t more specific.
Williams, though, emphasized that her departure is not a reflection of David Rickert becoming CEO.
“CEO Rickert has been a welcome addition to our department, and I trust that he will work to move the county forward with expertise and care,” she said.
At Tuesday’s board meeting during supervisors’ reports, Mary Rickert hinted about Ross’ impending retirement while lamenting the exodus of top administrators that is taking place.
“And now we have another announcement coming out soon. Someone is leaving. These are key leadership positions in Shasta County and anyone that’s been in the private sector knows the importance of retaining our employees. It’s so very imperative that we keep people in key positions,” Rickert said during her report. “We’re losing people right and left, the morale continues to deteriorate.
More:Not an 'appropriate fit:' Back to square one to find a new Shasta County health officer
“I’m terrified that the board majority has made decisions that will impact future generations and it’s going to take generations to basically recover from all these changes,” she added.
Rickert’s comments prompted a rebuttal from Supervisor Kevin Crye.
“We have a lot of phenomenal people at this county, a lot of phenomenal people,” Crye said. “I will not apologize for Shasta County. Shasta County’s great; Shasta County is special, and I’m actually thankful for the people that are reaching out across the state saying you guys are a beacon for a way of life we want California to go back to.”
David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly "Buzz on the Street" column. He’s part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 1-530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. | https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2023/06/20/shasta-county-counsel-ross-to-retire-after-just-four-months-on-job/70340079007/ | 2023-06-21T03:24:28 | 0 | https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2023/06/20/shasta-county-counsel-ross-to-retire-after-just-four-months-on-job/70340079007/ |
DULUTH — School district officials here have rechristened a West Duluth sports stadium.
Duluth School Board members on Tuesday voted 6-0 to rename Denfeld High School’s stadium after a pair of successful and well-regarded football coaches there. The former “Public School Stadium” is set to be called “Walt Hunting Stadium - Marv Heikkinen Field” from July 1 onward. Not present for the vote was board member Amber Sadowski.
Hunting coached the Denfeld football team from 1927 to 1955 and is the inspiration for the “Hunters” name under which the school’s athletes play. Hunting racked up 14 citywide football titles, plus a combined five official and unofficial state titles.
Heikkinen, who is still a familiar face at Hunter games, coached the school’s football team from 1971 to 1983. Under a more formalized postseason than Hunting, he led the team to two state tournament appearances and a 1975 Northern Minnesota Championship.
Hunting tallied a 162-63-15 record and Heikkinen notched a 81-40 record.
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Both coaches were longtime teachers at Denfeld, as well. Hunting also was the school's athletics director and Heikkinen became an assistant principal.
“We’re ecstatic, but even more pleased and happy for the Hunting family and the Heikkinens,” said Joe Vukelich, a retired social studies teacher at Denfeld and the school’s unofficial historian. “They’re outstanding people and they lived outstanding lives, and these are exactly the type of people that our community should recognize as role models. In a society that’s in desperate need of good role models, we’ve got two great role models.”
Vukelich in May described Hunting and Heikkinen as the George Washington and Abraham Lincoln of the school’s athletics.
He and Tim Doyle, another advocate for the name change, said they’re working to unveil the new name and signage at a Sept. 8 home football game against Grand Rapids.
The two have been meeting with a group of Denfeld students to work on what that signage will look like. They're also redesigning the pillars that flank the stadium's entrance to note the accomplishments of other Denfeld sports teams, as well as now-closed high schools Morgan Park and Central.
The new name is the result of years of planning by a committee of Denfeld alumni, staff, students, and other leaders. That committee includes Vukelich and Doyle, as well as Denfeld principal Tom Tusken and Alanna Oswald, who is one of the six school board members who voted in favor of the name change Tuesday.
The committee formally suggested renaming the stadium in April, triggering a newly minted Duluth Public Schools policy that opened the floor for suggestions from the public at large. That yielded a further eight suggestions for the stadium's name.
School board members reviewed all nine proposals last month. Suggestions besides the one approved Tuesday included:
- “Michael Colalillo Memorial Park,” after a World War II Medal of Honor recipient who played at the now-former Public School Stadium.
- “Spirit Stadium,” after the nearby Spirit Valley neighborhood, plus Spirit Lake and Spirit Mountain – names for the areas in which Morgan Park High School and Central High School were located, respectively. Before they were shuttered, athletes at those schools played their home games at Public School Stadium.
- “The Joe Vukelich Stadium,” after Vukelich himself. Requester Echo Bos said Vukelich is the main reason Bos graduated.
- No name change.
Doyle said he was pleased with school district leadership, which he said supported the committee's efforts while its members navigated district policies and procedures.
ADVERTISEMENT | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/denfeld-sports-stadium-renamed-after-two-coaching-greats | 2023-06-21T03:24:28 | 1 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/denfeld-sports-stadium-renamed-after-two-coaching-greats |
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — The City of Tuscaloosa is officially the fifth largest city in the state of Alabama.
The city added another 10,000 residents and now has a population of 110,602 people. Mayor Walt Maddox says this is good news for the city’s economy, job growth and businesses.
“I just think it’s beneficial that we are growing,” Maddox said. “That means a lot when you are selling your city every single day and it reinforces what we are trying to do in making a difference.”
Kaitlin Nixon, the owner of Vibe Salon, was also thrilled with the news and believes the bigger population will help her small business.
“As a business owner, this is awesome for me and I love meeting all my new clients constantly,” Nixon said. “I lose many of my student clients every four years so the new growth helps me stay in business.”
Maddox tells CBS 42 that the recent jump in population is due to an inaccurate count of the University of Alabama students in the 2020 census when most students left campus early during the COVID-19 pandemic. He says Tuscaloosa received about a third of the UA students counted on the census.
“We were glad to see the census seems to have taken into fact that during the April 1, 2020 census,” Maddox said. “Tuscaloosa was adversely impacted because the university closed its doors in the middle of March, so we feel it reflects that number but also reflects the growth you see.”
Maddox says roughly 63% of UA students live out of state. He says he is hoping to see the population continue to grow in the future. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/tuscaloosa-is-alabamas-5th-largest-city-according-to-new-census-data/ | 2023-06-21T03:24:31 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/tuscaloosa-is-alabamas-5th-largest-city-according-to-new-census-data/ |
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Residents of Orlo Vista received an update on a flood mitigation project on Tuesday, with community leaders explaining how it’s coming along.
The Orange County neighborhood was the site of severe flooding during Hurricane Ian in 2022 — and Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Orange County Commissioner Mike Scott said that even though the project won’t be finished until the summer of 2024, there are measures the county is taking to help with the 2023 hurricane season.
“We’re working on capacity as the long-term solution, but the immediate solution is we increased the capacity of pump stations,” Scott said. “We’ve set up earlier warnings, so whereas before it was a three-day warning, it’s now a five-day warning.”
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As part of the project, crews are increasing the capacity of retention ponds and making other upgrade to prevent future flooding.
Last week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a $6 million request for a future Orlo Vista flood mitigation project that was set to begin in 2026.
Despite concerns that the veto would impact the current flood mitigation project, Scott ensured the public that the current project would not be impacted by the veto.
“We were hoping to fund (the 2026) project and use general revenue dollars or county dollars elsewhere. It’s not going to impact the (current) project in any way,” he said.
Orlo Vista resident Brian Harris said that the concerns over the funding veto were brought about by misinformation.
“The veto had nothing to do with the mitigation project...” Harris said. “They’re not taking any money from us. This money’s already been allocated.”
Harris added that he feels the project has been coming along nicely.
“They’re doing some really powerful work. It’s moving along very quickly, very steadily,” he said.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/21/orange-county-neighborhood-receives-updates-on-flood-mitigation-project/ | 2023-06-21T03:28:21 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/21/orange-county-neighborhood-receives-updates-on-flood-mitigation-project/ |
SANFORD, Fla. – Residents in Seminole County took part in a public information event inside Millennium Middle School on Tuesday evening.
The Central Florida Expressway Authority said it is still in the early phases of the proposed project to connect State Road 417 to the Orlando-Sanford International Airport as it determines whether the construction is feasible.
“It’s really to see if we can actually do it — if it’s cost-worthy to do it,” said Brian Hutchings with CFX. “There’s definitely traffic issues now and are only going to get worse in time, and a project like this will really help improve traffic conditions for those that live and work in this area.”
The proposal includes several different routes to construct a new 2-mile extension on State Road 417, connecting the tollway directly to the airport.
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Andrew Waibel is the HOA treasurer for the Kensington Reserve Neighborhood near the proposed routes.
“I wouldn’t say it’s unanimous, but I will say it’s as close as you can get to unanimous support against building these routes,” Waibel said.
Resident Chelsea LeNoble said the project would take away the natural habitat for wildlife.
“Our remaining wetlands, sort of at the buffer area above, north of Lake Jesup, they are increasingly fragmented. Wildlife and protective species have fewer places to go,” LeNoble said.
CFX said it is still in the very early stages of the project, and nothing has been finalized for the extension.
A firm hired by the express authority said it would cost about $160 million dollars to construct.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/21/sanford-residents-voice-concern-over-possible-expansion-of-sr-417-expansion/ | 2023-06-21T03:28:27 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/21/sanford-residents-voice-concern-over-possible-expansion-of-sr-417-expansion/ |
TITUSVILLE, Fla. – A Brevard County pharmacist has been indicted on charges of trafficking in controlled substances, according to court records.
The indictment shows that 46-year-old Basil Samir Itani — owner of Itani Family Pharmacy in Titusville — was discovered to have been dealing in substances like oxycodone and methadone at least six times between January and April.
Itani previously received penalties in 2019 after one of his employees failed to maintain a daily log for the business and was caught filling prescriptions when his license had expired years beforehand, an administrative complaint states.
During a first appearance on Tuesday, Itani pleaded not guilty. He was released on the conditions that he undergoes drug testing, surrenders his passport and refrains from keeping firearms in his home, court records say.
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A jury trial in Itani’s case is scheduled for Aug. 7 at 9 a.m.
No information was provided about how Itani distributed the substances or whether the drug trafficking was connected to his pharmacy.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/21/titusville-pharmacist-accused-of-dealing-in-illegal-drugs/ | 2023-06-21T03:28:33 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/21/titusville-pharmacist-accused-of-dealing-in-illegal-drugs/ |
Porter police and Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating.
PORTER — After searching the waters of Lake Michigan for approximately 20 minutes, emergency crews pulled an 18-year-old man onto the shores of Porter Beach Tuesday evening, Porter police Lt. Dan Dickey said.
Porter Fire Department crews were dispatched at 6:48 p.m. to the Indiana Dunes National Park beach for a report of a 14-year-old girl who had been pulled from the water by a bystander and a male still in the water. His location was unknown at the time of the call, Porter Fire Chief Jay Craig said.
Riding Shotgun with Merrillville Police Officer Amanda Earley
First responders searched for the man until he was located at 7:07 p.m. and brought to shore. Emergency crews administered CPR on the man and transported both individuals to Northwest Health Porter hospital. The girl is reportedly "doing well," Dickey said, and the man's condition is unknown.
Beachgoers in the Porter area were at moderate risk for swimming and rip current as of Tuesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
Porter police and Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into the Porter County Jail
Travis Vaughn
Arrest date: June 16, 2023
Age: 32
Residence: Chesterton, IN
Booking Number: 2302506
Charges: OWI, Misdemeanor
Provided
Brittany Fitzgerald
Arrest date: June 16, 2023
Age: 25
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2302504
Charges: OWI, Misdemeanor
Provided
Bailey Ficek
Arrest date: June 16, 2023
Age: 24
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number: 2302505
Charges: OWI, Misdemeanor
Provided
Changquan Tang
Arrest date: June 15, 2023
Age: 39
Residence: Brooklyn, NY
Booking Number: 2302501
Charges: Dealing hash/marijuana/salvia, felony
Provided
Stevie Seymour Jr.
Arrest date: June 15, 2023
Age: 42
Residence: Chesterton, IN
Booking Number: 2302492
Charges: Auto theft, felony
Provided
Michael Rodich
Arrest date: June 15, 2023
Age: 28
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number: 2302487
Charges: Leaving the scene of an accident, felony
Provided
Jackelyne Medrano
Arrest date: June 15, 2023
Age: 23
Residence: San Antonio, TX
Booking Number: 2302485
Charges: OWI, Misdemeanor
Provided
Michael Menear
Arrest date: June 15, 2023
Age: 24
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number: 2302491
Charges: OWI, felony
Provided
Joseph Coleman
Arrest date: June 15, 2023
Age: 36
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2302493
Charges: Theft with a prior conviction, felony
Provided
Brandon Allen
Arrest date: June 15, 2023
Age: 39
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number: 2302488
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Provided
Ashley Marshall
Arrest date: June 14, 2023
Age: 26
Residence: Chesterton, IN
Booking Number: 2302483
Charges: Possession of cocaine or a narcotic drug, felony
Jill Tenorio
Arrest date: June 14, 2023
Age: 32
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number: 2302472
Charges: Resisting law enforcement, felony
Blake Brown
Arrest date: June 14, 2023
Age: 30
Residence: LaPorte, IN
Booking Number: 2302480
Charges: Robbery, felony
Jessica Gates
Arrest date: June 14, 2023
Age: 36
Residence: Glen Ellyn, IL
Booking Number: 2302484
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Cameron Kerr
Arrest date: June 12, 2023
Age: 25
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2302457
Charges: Weapons/serial number has been removed, obliterated, or altered, felony
William Hanyard
Arrest date: June 12, 2023
Age: 23
Residence: Michigan City, IN
Booking Number: 2302454
Charges: Invasion of privacy, felony
Jarell Jenkins
Arrest date: June 12, 2023
Age: 27
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number: 2302450
Charges: Criminal recklessness, felony
Kevin Garcia
Arrest date: June 12, 2023
Age: 21
Residence: Schiller Park, IL
Booking Number: 2302445
Charges: Resisting law enforcement, felony
Michael Dolan
Arrest date: June 12, 2023
Age: 48
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2302460
Charges: Battery, felony
John Weir II
Arrest date: June 11, 2023
Age: 26
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2302433
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Julie West
Arrest date: June 11, 2023
Age: 31
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2302441
Charges: Possession of cocaine or a narcotic drug, felony
Jeremy White
Arrest date: June 11, 2023
Age: 43
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number: 2302432
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Robert Veden
Arrest date: June 11, 2023
Age: 40
Residence: LaCrosse, IN
Booking Number: 2302436
Charges: OWI, felony
Jeremiah Gonzalez
Arrest date: June 11, 2023
Age: 19
Residence: Delray Beach, FL
Booking Number: 2302431
Charges: Auto theft, felony
Miguel Pulido Jr.
Arrest date: June 11, 2023
Age: 23
Residence: Kouts, IN
Booking Number: 2302429
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Kenneth Quinn
Arrest date: June 11, 2023
Age: 37
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2302430
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Nicholas Serrano
Arrest date: June 11, 2023
Age: 37
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2302437
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Marvin Buckland
Arrest date: June 11, 2023
Age: 57
Residence: Porter, IN
Booking Number: 2302442
Charges: Auto theft, felony
Maxamillion Correa
Arrest date: June 11, 2023
Age: 23
Residence: Westville, IN
Booking Number: 2302434
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Joseph Croy
Arrest date: June 11, 2023
Age: 56
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2302443
Charges: OWI, felony
Kuldeep Singh
Arrest date: June 10, 2023
Age: 26
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2302420
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
David Rudd
Arrest date: June 10, 2023
Age: 26
Residence: Knox, IN
Booking Number: 2302424
Charges: Possession hypodermic syringe or needle, felony
Johnathan Nelson
Arrest date: June 10, 2023
Age: 29
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2302425
Charges: OWI, felony
Amelia Pack
Arrest date: June 10, 2023
Age: 18
Residence: Michigan City, IN
Booking Number: 2302418
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Eric Lewis
Arrest date: June 10, 2023
Age: 52
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number: 2302426
Charges: Theft, felony
Rabecca Broschat
Arrest date: June 10, 2023
Age: 58
Residence: Lincoln Park, MI
Booking Number: 2302421
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Steven Dunn
Arrest date: June 10, 2023
Age: 41
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2302419
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Travis Talley
Arrest date: June 9, 2023
Age: 32
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2302413
Charges: Battery, misdemeanor
Dustin Neuliep
Arrest date: June 8, 2023
Age: 44
Residence: Valparaiso
Booking Number: 2302409
Charges: Burglary, felony
Lawrence Reilly
Arrest date: June 9, 2023
Age: 46
Residence: Rensselaer, IN
Booking Number: 2302403
Charges: Intimidation, felony
Arthur Schmidt III
Arrest date: June 8, 2023
Age: 42
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2302410
Charges: Reckless homicide, felony
Devon Malerich
Arrest date: June 8, 2023
Age: 31
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2302402
Charges: Invasion of privacy, felony
Dylan Merrell
Arrest date: June 8, 2023
Age: 29
Residence: Michigan City, IN
Booking Number: OWI
Charges: Misdemeanor
Shaunna Dickson
Arrest date: June 9, 2023
Age: 40
Residence: Braddock, PA
Booking Number: 2302414
Charges: Possession hypodermic syringe or needle, felony
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More than two years after Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) first announced its plans for a new Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) and about nine months past the initial timeline set for groundbreaking, the city has approved the specific plan and zoning map amendments for phase one of the hospital's move to a new location.
The plans have developed in the years since a new campus near Ft. Tuthill County Park was announced in April 2021, though the overall concept of a hospital and ambulatory care center (ACC) surrounded by a larger health and wellness village has remained consistent, as has community skepticism about the proposal.
The city’s June 6 approval of the phase one specific plan and zoning map amendments means NAH can move forward with planning and design for its new hospital and ACC. The healthcare organization’s leadership has been doing just that; a preliminary plat was set to be reviewed by Flagstaff City Council at Tuesday's meeting and, if all goes according to plan, they hope to begin working on the new site in Feb. 2024.
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Local residents and organizations with unanswered questions and concerns about the project have been organizing since the council's approval, gathering signatures in the hope of placing a referendum on the ballot. If they have slightly over 2,600 by July 6, the question will be put to a vote for Flagstaff residents.
Here’s a closer look at two of FMC’s potential futures as the project moves into its next stage of development.
Referendum petition
Flagstaff community members and organization have been gathering signatures on a petition over the past two weeks with the hope of calling a referendum on an ordinance connected to the plans to move FMC to a new location.
The referendum petition questions city ordinance 2023-11, which is the rezoning unanimously adopted by the council at its June 6 meeting (though vice mayor Austin Aslan was absent). It amends Flagstaff’s zoning map by rezoning 93.98 acres of the NAH property next to Ft. Tuthill County Park for uses related to the hospital.
With this ordinance, the property moved from a mix of rural residential (40.47 acres) and estate residential (57.92 acres) to highway commercial (63.18 acres) and public facilities (35.21) to accommodate phase one of construction, primarily the new hospital and ACC.
According to Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) executive director Michele James, each ordinance challenged would require a separate petition to be put on the ballot, so organizers focused on the rezoning as it includes some of their biggest questions with the campus.
“This is a big decision that’s going to affect our city in many, many ways," she said. "Everything from what's happening on the existing campus to the amount of traffic to the increase in vehicle miles traveled is predicted to happen for people driving to the new location, how that overlaps with the carbon neutrality plan. …It’s a big development, period, but it’s also very big in terms of magnitude and we think a decision of this magnitude ought to be at the hands of the voting public.”
F3 has been helping gather signatures to support the petition, an effort that is being led by a new political action committee called Flagstaff Community First. The group has until July 6 to gather just over 2,600 valid signatures on the petition, which will then need to be certified, so they are trying to collect as many as possible.
“We believe NAH and their private development partners’ proposal is of such magnitude that the citizens of Flagstaff should be able to vote on it, based on as much information as possible,” FCF’s website said. “It is one of the largest development projects in the city’s history and will impact the city in many significant ways. …This decision is too important to not be given to the voters.”
If the current efforts are successful, this question will be put to the public on a ballot in November; the petition’s success by itself does not automatically mean overturning the council’s decision.
Referendums are one of two powers given to the people in part one of Article IV of the Arizona constitution. Section eight outlines the process for more local matters, including at the city level. It specifies that 10% of electors can propose a referendum on legislation enacted -- in this case, by the City of Flagstaff.
NAH leaders have said they would not be able to move forward with their campus plans without city approval on the rezoning. But with the June 6 council meeting, they have it, and are moving forward with their plans. Approval of a preliminary plat was on the agenda for Tuesday’s council meeting, for example.
"We understand the desire for the public vote," said Steve Eiss, NAH's vice president of construction and real estate development. "I think what we want to make sure is that the folks that are talking about the hospital publicly are accurately depicting the project. A lot of the talking points we hear out in the community and sometimes ones we see on social media, we have directly refuted with information during our meetings."
He said these misconceptions included that the construction would cost taxpayers in infrastructure improvements. NAH is also directing people to a page on its website about the new campus.
"… We’re confident that the residents of our region understand the value of a level one trauma center," Eiss added. "...We just want to make sure that residents understand the facts, they understand that these services we plan on providing to the community are services for the entire region, and we want to make sure we understand we're planning a project that is suited to serve the next generation of northern Arizonans, including those within the city of Flagstaff."
Eiss did not say what NAH specifically planned to do should a vote on the referendum go against the council decision, though he said "if ultimately our zoning is overturned, we would have to readdress what we would need to meet our community's healthcare needs."
“...I think we’ll have to reconvene when that happens,” he said. “Right now, we're holding steady on our plans because we feel they're the appropriate plans for the community and the region and hopeful that we will give the information that the community desires through this process to show that."
Tuesday's council meeting also included preparations for calling a special election on Nov. 7, which includes several city charter amendments and potentially the referendum, should it receive enough signatures.
“We will not know if the referendum will qualify for placement on the ballot within a timeframe sufficient to provide proper notice and solicitation for pro/con statements from the public,” the agenda noted. “As such, we are including the referendum in this resolution, contingent upon the qualification of signatures.”
The item also said if the petition is unsuccessful, the ballot will continue without the referendum question.
Reasoning for the referendum
FCF is aided in its efforts by several Flagstaff residents and organizations, including FMC certificate holders, former councilmembers and a local doctor. Many of these have previously expressed concerns with the plan to move FMC and, eventually, create a larger health and wellness village around it.
Like many involved in the efforts to put the referendum on the ballot, James primarily focused on her ongoing questions and concerns about the plan to move the hospital more generally when discussing the need for a referendum.
“The referendum is exactly what we’re for,” she said of F3, mentioning election forums the organization held last year. “We think the public should have a say in what happens in elections. In this case, because there’s so many unanswered questions, we think the public should have a chance to decide.”
While James said F3 isn’t against the hospital, she said there were still several unanswered questions about its impact on the community she’d like to see addressed before moving forward -- whether a renovation at the current site is possible and how the current campus will be used after the move, for example. The organization is also asking for a community impact study to show all the ways moving the hospital to Ft. Tuthill could affect Flagstaff and its medical care.
She has commented about these concerns at almost every meeting on the topic over the past year, and F3’s website has a page further detailing its response to the project. F3 had previously considered putting together a referendum effort itself, but decided not to because of a lack of capacity. When it heard about this effort, it decided to assist, she said.
“We believe Flagstaff and northern Arizona residents deserve high-quality healthcare. Absolutely,” she said. “We just have some questions we’d like to have answered that would be used to make a better decision or to make a more full and complete decision.
“...We would like transparency,” she added. “I think the public deserves transparency and answers to the questions that a lot of people have and the referendum appears to be the only way to potentially get those answers.”
More about the referendum efforts, including places to sign the petition, can be found at flagstaffcommunityfirst.org. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/fmcs-future-flagstaff-community-members-organizing-to-put-campus-plans-on-the-ballot/article_68c96256-0fac-11ee-bfeb-8348deb0573c.html | 2023-06-21T03:33:04 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/fmcs-future-flagstaff-community-members-organizing-to-put-campus-plans-on-the-ballot/article_68c96256-0fac-11ee-bfeb-8348deb0573c.html |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – From Astoria to Tillamook, Providence’s Seaside hospital is one of just four medical centers on the coast – but its nurses are in the middle of a strike after struggling to keep up with patient loads and cost of living.
Since Monday, 120 nurses have gone on strike at the Seaside hospital, which is the largest for at least an hour-and-a-half in either direction. However, labor and delivery services resumed Tuesday – just as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit did in Portland.
The health workers say they are hoping for a contract that can keep nurses on staff and give them time to recover. They say the proof of their low wages shows in the hospital’s recent turnaround.
Nurses at the hospital told KOIN 6 News they have seen other nurses take jobs in Portland while living in Seaside, because that is what it took for some of them to keep up with the price to rent or to buy a home.
“Seaside hospital isn’t able to retain nurses. They’re taking off and they’re going to Portland, they’re going to travel nursing where they can make more money,” said Mary Romanaggi, a Seaside nurse. “The cost of living in Seaside… I’ve been here 40 years. People can’t find places to live.”
Many of the health workers feel the pandemic led to more strain in their daily tasks due to much higher patient counts. Some say the number of patients in their care has yet to decrease since COVID waned, so they’re still feeling the burnout.
Providence says they respect their workers right to strike and look forward to their return. They say they’ve offered Seaside nurses a 10% wage increase in the first year, and 3% for the two years after that.
But Ingrid Boettcher, a clinical specialist nurse at Seaside, said it’s not just about the money.
“If we were all here just to make more money, we’d all be travel nurses,” Boettcher said. “But that’s not what we want to do, that’s not the family we’re looking for.”
On Monday, the hospital’s leadership said the offer from before the strike would be the best the union would get.
Providence Seaside nurses are hoping for all nurses to get paid at the same level.
Providence has a policy to not negotiate during a strike so the nurses will be on the picket line through Friday.
Stay with KOIN 6 as this story develops. | https://www.koin.com/local/oregon-coast/cant-find-places-to-live-providence-seaside-nurses-strike-over-patient-load/ | 2023-06-21T03:37:31 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/oregon-coast/cant-find-places-to-live-providence-seaside-nurses-strike-over-patient-load/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – An estimated $10,000 to $20,000 worth of damage to the Heceta Head Lighthouse in Florence has led to a public search for those involved, the Oregon State Police said.
On June 14, officials say four persons of interest were seen on surveillance video arriving at the property off Highway 101 near Milepost 178 around 8:43 p.m. One was seen carrying a can of spray paint and two were seen breaking a window in an attempt to enter.
The four suspects fled when an unassociated person approached them, police said. However, an associated lighthouse building had already been “vandalized with spray paint and signage along the trail from the parking lot to the lighthouse was also affected.”
OSP received a report of the damage June 15 at 11:43 a.m. and are still investigating the case.
“We will continue working diligently to ensure the safety and integrity of this iconic site,” a statement from OSP read.
Anyone who can recognize the subjects in the video are asked to contact OSP’d Dispatch Center at *677 from a mobile phone or 800-442-0776. Reference case #SP23-178524.
Stay with KOIN 6 as this story develops. | https://www.koin.com/local/oregon-coast/osp-vandals-cause-10-20k-in-damage-to-heceta-head-lighthouse/ | 2023-06-21T03:37:37 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/oregon-coast/osp-vandals-cause-10-20k-in-damage-to-heceta-head-lighthouse/ |
ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — Allegheny County Council members voted to override County Executive Rich Fitzgerald’s veto of a wage increase for county employees.
RELATED >>> Allegheny County Council votes to raise county employee minimum wage
The plan previously approved by council before being vetoed by Fitzgerald proposed a minimum wage increase to $18 an hour in 2024, $19 the following year and $20 in 2026.
Fitzgerald said he isn’t against a wage increase, but believes it falls under the jurisdiction of the county executive.
Tuesday night, Fitzgerald said he is considering taking the case to court.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/allegheny-county-council-votes-override-fitzgeralds-veto-minimum-wage-increase/GYKMUZSWVFB2BI3F6DKDFE5TR4/ | 2023-06-21T03:39:05 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/allegheny-county-council-votes-override-fitzgeralds-veto-minimum-wage-increase/GYKMUZSWVFB2BI3F6DKDFE5TR4/ |
PITTSBURGH — Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Clark Haggans has died at the age of 46, according to a report by Colin Dunlap of 93.7 The Fan.
The circumstances surrounding his death were not reported. Haggans leaves behind a son, Damon and a daughter, Alianna.
The Steelers’ fifth-round draft pick out of Colorado State in 2000, Haggans played 13 NFL seasons, the first eight of them in Pittsburgh, and was a member of the team’s Super Bowl XL championship squad in 2006. He retired from football in 2013.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/former-steelers-linebacker-clark-haggans-dies-46/6NQIJB3PQRG6HO7PJTXC4TMARI/ | 2023-06-21T03:39:11 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/former-steelers-linebacker-clark-haggans-dies-46/6NQIJB3PQRG6HO7PJTXC4TMARI/ |
BETHEL PARK, Pa. — Six kids will be facing charges after Bethel Park police said they set off smoke bombs at the South Hills Village Mall. Police said the group threw the smoke bombs inside the Macy’s store about an hour and a half before closing time, setting off the security alarm.
Kevin Schran and his family live across the street from the busy mall.
“We don’t really experience any problems like that,” Schran said. “It’s a really nice neighborhood and area, so to hear something like that at the mall we go to a couple times a week, it’s pretty shocking.”
Police Chief Timothy O’Connor said it was last Thursday, June 15, when the five teens and a 10-year-old set off an unknown number of smoke bombs.
Schran finds the incident troubling, especially after hearing the youngest suspect is just 10.
“I have a 10-year-old daughter so to put that into perspective, to know that kid’s at that age, is pretty shocking to hear,” Schran said.
One witness told Channel 11, the group was lighting the bombs and then hurling them in Macy’s garbage cans, filling the entire second floor with smoke. She later saw the kids being arrested near The T tracks at the mall’s parking garage.
“I think a precedent needs to be set before stuff like that gets out of hand,” said Schran.
The six kids are now banned from mall property, according to police, and face charges for criminal mischief and disorderly conduct and possibly for theft. Police Chief O’Connor said they plan to file the charges once the investigation is done.
Channel 11 reached out to the manager at Macy’s and the mall’s owner, and they told us they had no comment.
No one was hurt during the incident.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/group-teens-accused-throwing-smoke-bombs-south-hills-village-mall-will-face-charges/S7TV63KG2FD5NI2WZOWHDFZXQY/ | 2023-06-21T03:39:17 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/group-teens-accused-throwing-smoke-bombs-south-hills-village-mall-will-face-charges/S7TV63KG2FD5NI2WZOWHDFZXQY/ |
NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. — Policing in North Braddock is set for a major change.
Tuesday night, the North Braddock Borough Council accepted the resignation of Police Chief Issac Daniele, whose contract was not renewed by Council last month, and was set to expire June 30.
RELATED >>> All but 1 North Braddock officer quitting the force after controversial council vote
Leaders appointed Officer Ryan Wooten to serve as acting chief.
This comes as the Borough works to establish the Eastern Regional Mon Valley Police Department along with East Pittsburgh and Rankin.
“You have officers working under the same model, the same best practices and their policy, and you’re not guessing on what you’re getting as a citizen when you call 911,” explained Gerald Simpson, who is a peer consultant with the PA Department of Community and Economic Development.
Simpson is a retired chief of a regional police force in Eastern Pennsylvania tasked with helping to guide the formation of this new regionalized department.
“In the commonwealth, this is the model that works right now. It’s hard for communities particularly that are struggling with some of the financial pieces to do this on this on their own,” Simpson said.
Residents brought their questions about this regionalization process to Tuesday’s meeting.
RELATED >>> Channel 11 speaks with North Braddock mayor about future of police department
Among their concerns is covering a lot of ground across three communities.
“What’s the timeframe for response for somebody in Rankin when the police department is in East Pittsburgh? Or what’s the response from East Pittsburgh for a resident here in North Braddock?” questioned Dennis Evans, from North Braddock.
According to Simpson, it’s still undecided where the new department will be housed.
He says the goal is to have the new police force up and running by Jan. 1, with 12 full-time and a few more part-time officers.
Once all three communities officially enter into an agreement, a regional commission will begin hiring new officers and a chief.
“While there are a lot of things to still figure out as it relates to that implementation phase, we’re well underway with a good timeline and a plan to start to tackle those projects,” Simpson said.
North Braddock is expected to officially approve joining the regional police commission next week.
Rankin and East Pittsburgh are expected to do the same within the next 30 days.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/north-braddock-police-chief-resigns-borough-expected-join-regional-commission/ATIS6E5JI5DCXGRDKUJPUR56EE/ | 2023-06-21T03:39:24 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/north-braddock-police-chief-resigns-borough-expected-join-regional-commission/ATIS6E5JI5DCXGRDKUJPUR56EE/ |
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates not only can’t win a game, but they can’t even score a run.
The Pirates lost to the Cubs 4-0 on Tuesday night at PNC Park, the second straight night they were shut out by Chicago. The Pirates (34-38) saw their losing streak reach eight games with five of the defeats coming against the Cubs.
The Pirates have gone 24 innings since last scoring a run Sunday at Milwaukee.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/pirates-blanked-again-by-cubs-4-0-skid-reaches-8/PBLXO5VXZRGHVGBVJNEJ7VKFPA/ | 2023-06-21T03:39:30 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/pirates-blanked-again-by-cubs-4-0-skid-reaches-8/PBLXO5VXZRGHVGBVJNEJ7VKFPA/ |
ADAMS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A possible $60 million recreation investment could be coming to Adams Township, Butler County. A local group is working to raise funds to build a state-of-the-art aquatic center.
“There’s really not a facility like this in western Pennsylvania,” Ben Narwold said. He’s the president of the Adams Township Training and Aquatic Community Center, ATTACC for short. “What the Lemieux Center did for hockey, we want to do for aquatics in the area.”
The ATTACC’s goal is to build a 50-meter competition-style pool. Group representatives say it fills a need.
“The Mars High School team right now practices at the local YMCA. They actually don’t have home meets because there’s no pool to host them,” ATTACC secretary Jamie Damico said.
The vision comes at a cost, somewhere between $20 million and $60 million. The hope is to join in a public-private partnership of sorts with Adams Township.
“This kind of thing would be perfect for Adams Township,” Adams Township Supervisor Darryl Brandon said. “The land is a pretty big chunk of any development and, being in the park, if we put that as our stake and them the funding, we thought that’s a pretty good partnership.”
It’s still early in the process. Narwold told Channel 11 their hope is to build in about three years.
Right now, the group is raising funds for a feasibility study. You can find more information here: https://theattacc.org/.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/state-of-the-art-aquatic-center-could-be-coming-adams-township/7I5PSJXYF5BA3BCQDJCBO7X3KA/ | 2023-06-21T03:39:36 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/state-of-the-art-aquatic-center-could-be-coming-adams-township/7I5PSJXYF5BA3BCQDJCBO7X3KA/ |
The former director of History Nebraska, the state agency tasked with collecting and preserving state history, has been charged with a felony for his alleged mishandling of more than $270,000 in funds in 2020, according to new court filings.
Trevor L. Jones, who resigned from his post as the CEO and executive director of the agency last July after six years in the role, was charged with felony theft by deception, according to a complaint filed Friday by David Bydalek, the state's chief deputy attorney general.
The charge against Jones, 50, stems from a request he made in June 2020, seeking $269,926.24 in discretionary funds from the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation in an effort to "offset anticipated loss of quarter four revenue due to COVID," Nebraska State Patrol Investigator Amanda DeFreece said in the probable cause statement for Jones' arrest.
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The State Historical Society Foundation — an independent, nonprofit corporation created in 1942 to support state history and the agency responsible for curating it — sent History Nebraska a second check for $325.09 in July 2020, DeFreece said in the probable cause statement.
Both checks were endorsed with a stamp that read: "Pay to the Order of State Treasurer, Nebraska State Historical Society, History Nebraska," according to court filings and an August 2022 report from the state auditor following that agency's own probe into the transfer.
But instead of remitting the funds to the state treasurer for proper recording and disbursal, as required by law, Jones allegedly scratched out the stamped endorsement and deposited the money into a History Nebraska Foundation bank account, DeFreece said.
The History Nebraska Foundation is a private organization created in 2020 to rival the State Historical Society Foundation, which had served as the agency's primary fundraiser for decades, devoting 75% of its income to History Nebraska.
Jones, who was among the organization's initial board members, opened the History Nebraska Foundation's bank account in December 2019 and identified himself as the charity's "president" on initial First National Bank of Omaha financial documents, according to the auditor's report.
The funds that were allegedly rerouted from the State Historical Society Foundation to its newly created rival "comprised almost 99% of the entire balance" the History Nebraska Society had on hand in July 2020, according to the auditor's report.
"Without these two diverted checks, which were intended for the use of History Nebraska to offset financial losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic, this account would have had a negative balance of $92,324.94" in January 2022, Deputy State Auditor Craig Kubicek wrote in the report.
The History Nebraska Foundation's total assets are worth $247,000, according to GuideStar, an organization that tracks nonprofits. The State Historical Society Foundation's assets total more than $18 million, according to the nonprofit tracker.
The money the State Historical Society Foundation sent at Jones' request was in part made up of private donations that had been specifically designated for History Nebraska purposes, like historic preservation, archeology or conservation, according to the probable cause statement filed last week.
But once it landed in History Nebraska Foundation's account, the money was used in part to pay legal fees related to the foundation's creation — and, at least once, the foundation paid Jones himself.
The foundation issued a $99.60 check to Jones in September 2021. And the foundation's debit card was used at coffee shops and restaurants in Lincoln and Omaha six times between June and December 2021 in purchases that Jones "may have benefited personally from," according to the auditor's report.
"Mr. Jones appears to have played an important, if not actually managerial, role in administering the financial affairs of the History Nebraska Foundation for much of 2020 and 2021," Kubicek wrote in the 2022 report.
"In addition to endorsing over 100 checks deposited into the History Nebraska Foundation’s bank account through October 2021, Mr. Jones was one of only two signatories for the organization’s check payments during that period."
Whether Jones benefited from the funds isn't central to the criminal case the State Patrol outlined in Friday's court filing, though.
DeFreece, the State Patrol investigator, made no mention in her affidavit of how the funds may have aided Jones personally — accusing him only of deceiving the State Historical Society when he sought the funds by indicating in his request form that the money would be used to offset pandemic-related shortfalls.
The charges mark an apparent reversal on behalf of the authorities. In December, the Nebraska Examiner reported that Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon's office had declined to file criminal charges in connection to the probe.
Jones has not been arrested, and it's unclear whether he knows he's been charged with the crime. The Attorney General's Office filed a request Friday asking the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office to deliver the complaint against him to his last known address.
In June 2022, Jones told History Nebraska officials that he and his wife planned to move to France following his resignation from History Nebraska, the Examiner reported. In his LinkedIn biography, the longtime museum director and curator wrote that he is "taking the year to travel the world."
Jones did not immediately return an email seeking comment Tuesday. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/ex-history-nebraska-director-charged-over-improper-transfer-of-270k/article_4e95aa08-0f97-11ee-b402-5319aa583b55.html | 2023-06-21T03:47:07 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/ex-history-nebraska-director-charged-over-improper-transfer-of-270k/article_4e95aa08-0f97-11ee-b402-5319aa583b55.html |
NORTH EAST, Md. — One person was shot by a Cecil County Sheriff's deputy Monday afternoon.
Around 4 p.m., deputies were looking for a wanted person in the area of 400 West Claiborne Road.
A deputy found the person in a stairwell near the residence.
According to deputies, an altercation occurred between the deputy and the person, which caused the deputy to shoot his gun at them.
The deputy then provided medical attention to the person.
The person was taken to Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware, with non-life-threatening injuries.
Deputies have not disclosed the person's identity at this time.
Per Cecil County Sheriff's Office policy, the deputy has been placed on administrative leave.
The shooting is under investigation by the Cecil County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/man-injured-in-deputy-involved-shooting-in-cecil-county | 2023-06-21T03:53:53 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/man-injured-in-deputy-involved-shooting-in-cecil-county |
BALTIMORE — On Tuesday, Mayor Scott signed the city budget for the year 2024, which will become effective on July 1.
The ceremony followed the City Council's passage of the budget last week.
“Today marks the continuation of record levels of investment in our city,” said Mayor Scott.
This was the first year in over a century that the process included council sponsored amendments.
“Of this being a brand new process for everybody, I think we did a great job, and we look forward to continuing to work with the administration moving forward, continuing to push towards the priorities of the city of Baltimore,” said Nick Mosby, City Council president.
One of the major changes to the budget was the $79.3 million investment into Baltimore City Public Schools, setting the record for the city investing the most money into the system at almost $500 million.
“While the initial investment for the city that was required for blueprint was slightly higher than we initially expected, the record level of funding going to our public school system is absolutely an investment that this city is proud to be making and will continue to make as we move forward."
Mayor Scott says this type of investment is long overdue, and while creating the budget, a lot of the focus was put on youth, not just in schools but into youth programming as well, a key investment in the future leaders of Baltimore City.
“But when I think about this historic level of investment the city is making into public schools, I think about how different this city would be if that kind of investment was made when the council president the council members who grew up here when we were growing up. How many more lives would have been saved if their education was invested in the way that we’re going to be investing in the education of our young people today?"
Council president Nick Mosby also says he and the council are looking forward to the continued partnership and the administration's work on future budgets.
Mayor Scott also mentioned that the budget was completed without raising any of the tax burdens for people living in in Baltimore City. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/mayor-scott-signs-fy2024-baltimore-city-budget | 2023-06-21T03:53:59 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/mayor-scott-signs-fy2024-baltimore-city-budget |
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas says the state has enough electrical capacity to meet soaring demand in this heat wave.
Across the state, enough consumers held off on electric usage between the peak heating hours between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. to keep the electric grid out of any one of the three energy emergency levels.
ERCOT used the yellow color designation on Tuesday to request energy conservation due to high heat, slowing winds and an atypical amount of power plants using coal or natural gas being offline, the grid operator said.
Grid operation returned to green or normal conditions by 9 p.m. after sunset.
“Whatever we can do for voluntary conservation along the edges that will help the grid get through these times,” said Daniel Cohan, an associate professor of environmental engineering at Rice University who watches ERCOT grid conditions closely.
Cohan adds the mix and the amount of energy sources powering the electric right now is more diverse and plentiful than the February 2021 winter storm, especially for solar energy.
Texas gained its first gigawatt of solar power just five years ago. Cohan says that solar electrical capacity on the grid is already 16 times greater today.
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“The new solar coming online that’s really made the difference between having these voluntary calls like we have today and being a much more serious situation like we would be without the solar,” Cohan said.
Still, Cohan says the combination of higher temperatures, no wind and more power plants going offline at the same time could put additional strain on the grid during any extended heat wave.
As for this current round of high heat, Cohan expects another call for electric conservation on Wednesday.
“ERCOT is expecting demand to get even higher with a bit hotter temperatures and the winds are expected to be slower,” Cohan said. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/calls-for-energy-conservation-expected-to-continue-during-heat-wave/3281366/ | 2023-06-21T04:05:52 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/calls-for-energy-conservation-expected-to-continue-during-heat-wave/3281366/ |
A Grapevine Police officer received statewide recognition for his meticulous work over the last several years for putting together detailed maps of almost two dozen schools in Grapevine to help law enforcement respond quickly to emergencies.
"I'm not an awards guy, but I appreciate the state for what they did, but at the end of the day, it's all about the safety of the kids," said O'Neal who was very humble about the recognition.
On Friday he was given the 2023 State of Texas Law Enforcement Achievement Award for Public Service in the House of Representatives Chamber at the state capitol in Austin.
The veteran of 17 years has a background with the SWAT team which gave him the perspective that a map would be beneficial for officers responding to school campuses officers may not be familiar with.
O'Neal began his mission to create blueprints of each school in 2017, realizing a need for consistent information of each location.
"When I was doing the mapping process, I would literally walk every square foot of those locations," said O'Neal about canvasing about 20 different campuses. “So being able to walk those [buildings] inch-by-inch and track every door, every wall, every crevice and then bringing that to fruition," said O'Neal.
He said he would print out Google Maps and then start drawing on them. O'Neal said he needed help taking it from paper to digital, and that's when he linked up with the Grapevine Geographic Information System (GIS) staff to develop the maps.
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"Every single school is color coordinated and then having those door identifiers on the map is always huge," explained O'Neal.
He couldn't show the maps for security reasons but said it's like a basic floor plan, showing the access points into the schools, the doors that are numbered and what kind of key is needed to access each door.
"My goal was to develop a system to where all the officers who are not able to access the schools like I am. God forbid we get that call, they can have a system that they can go by to access to school so we get an active shooter we have Colleyville that will come or Southlake, so long term is to access that same map even in a different city," explained O'Neal.
"It's always good to look at to develop a plan to where you can respond quickly, not only get there but get to the right locations," said O'Neal. "Hypothetical situation, you got a bad guy that's on the north side of a building, but we ended up going to the south side. That's a huge gap when it comes to these buildings, so being being able to develop a mapping system to where the information that we gather, if the bad was on the north side. 'OK, how can I get into the building and access to building in the fastest way on the north side?'"
He said last year there was an incident at a high school and he was told that the command staff who responded used the mapping system to identify where the situation was and officers were able to get there directly.
“My whole goal was, 'OK, if we can do this in Grapevine we can do it into surrounding cities,'" said O'Neal.
He became passionate about this project after forming relationships through community outreach with the staff and students at the different schools in Grapevine, specifically at Timberline Elementary in the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD.
“You always consider the babies and that they can't protect themselves, and so how can we respond here faster," said O'Neal thinking about student safety.
"We are so proud to know Officer O'Neal, he embodies a value of community that we have in Grapevine-Colleyville, specifically at Timberline he's a face that's in our halls almost every day that he can be. Our students know him, our staff knows him it truly is special to see him honored in a way that we know values and honors and validates the work that he does," said Liz Hilcher, the principal at Timberline, about his award.
"When Officer O'Neal comes in he's like a rock star, he gets lots of attention, high fives, fist bumps and smiles," continued Hilcher.
"When you've had an interaction with the families and I I've developed a lot of relationships with families, you kind of take that to heart," said O'Neal about keeping the students and staff safe. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/grapevine-officer-on-mission-to-improve-school-safety-receives-state-recognition/3281314/ | 2023-06-21T04:06:04 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/grapevine-officer-on-mission-to-improve-school-safety-receives-state-recognition/3281314/ |
In Keller Tuesday night, a school board meeting turned heated about potential policy changes surrounding LGBTQ+ issues, including pronoun usage.
That debate focused on two policies, including whether to require students to use restrooms and locker rooms, and other facilities based on the sex they were assigned at birth.
And similarly, determining that teachers and other district staff cannot promote or require pronouns for a student or any person that don’t match those on their birth certificate.
Both had the community divided.
Nearly 40 people signed up to share their thoughts, both in support of the board’s suggested policies, and against them.
“Pupils and families who have their own religious beliefs should not be treated unfairly or disruptively when something that is so twisted is being taught in classrooms for young children and students of my age group. I ask that all lessons and discussions of gender ideology be removed,” said one student.
“Words have power. They can build up or tear down. They can affirm or negate. The seemingly simple act of acknowledging a child’s pronouns is a powerful statement. It tells them, I see you. I accept you. You matter,” a resident said.
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Speakers included parents, current and retired teachers, residents, and even a student, all split on the role that Keller ISD should play when it comes to how students identify themselves. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/keller-isd-school-board-meeting-grows-heated-over-potential-pronoun-policy-changes/3281390/ | 2023-06-21T04:06:10 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/keller-isd-school-board-meeting-grows-heated-over-potential-pronoun-policy-changes/3281390/ |
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — A weekend search for long-missing actor Julian Sands on Southern California's massive Mount Baldy was unsuccessful, authorities said.
Sands was reported missing in January after setting out to hike on Mount Baldy, which rises more than 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) east of Los Angeles and was pounded by severe storms during winter.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said the latest search was conducted Saturday by more than 80 search-and-rescue volunteers and deputies, two helicopters and drone crews.
Search teams were flown into remote areas and drones were used to search areas inaccessible to ground crews, the department said in a statement.
“Despite the recent warmer weather, portions of the mountain remain inaccessible due to extreme alpine conditions,” the department said. “Multiple areas include steep terrain and ravines, which still have 10-plus feet (3 meters) of ice and snow.”
The department said it has conducted eight searches for Sands since January, and there have been eight other unrelated search-and-rescue operations in the Mount Baldy area.
Sands starred opposite Helena Bonham Carter in the 1985 British romance “A Room With a View.” He also had major roles in 1989's “Warlock,” 1990's “Arachnophobia,” 1991′s “Naked Lunch,” 1993′s “Boxing Helena,” and 1995's “Leaving Las Vegas." | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/a-new-search-for-actor-julian-sands-on-california-mountain-is-unsuccessful/103-8a2fed2d-afd7-497f-abae-83efb01ab9ca | 2023-06-21T04:08:24 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/a-new-search-for-actor-julian-sands-on-california-mountain-is-unsuccessful/103-8a2fed2d-afd7-497f-abae-83efb01ab9ca |
SAN FRANCISCO — Homeless people in California are already a vulnerable group, often struggling with poor health, trauma and deep poverty before they lose their housing, according to a new study on adult homelessness.
The study released Tuesday by the University of California, San Francisco attempts to capture a comprehensive picture of how people become homeless in California, and what impeded their efforts at finding permanent housing. The representative survey of nearly 3,200 homeless people found that when they lost housing, their median household income was $960 a month, and for renters on leases it was $1,400 a month, of which on average half went to rent.
“People are homeless because their rent is too high. And their options are too few. And they have no cushion,” said Dr. Margot Kushel, lead investigator and director of UCSF’s Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative. “And it really makes you wonder how different things would look if we could solve that underlying problem.”
Homelessness is a national crisis, and all too pervasive in California, where an estimated 171,000 people — or 30% of all homeless people in the U.S. — are homeless. Political leaders are divided over how to address the crisis, with some, including Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, favoring tent encampment sweeps and a tough-love approach toward those with mental health and addiction issues.
It it not groundbreaking news that the state's exorbitant housing costs are a major driver behind homelessness, but researchers hope their study will strengthen public support for policies that focus on offering housing and emergency rental assistance — rather than policies emphasizing punishment or stigma.
Voters could soon get a chance to weigh in on the state's latest approach to addressing homelessness. On Tuesday, Newsom revealed details of his plan to borrow $4.68 billion for 10,000 new treatment beds as well as community-based housing for people with severe mental health and substance use disorders. That plan would include an overhaul of a voter-approved law from 2004 that imposed a tax on millionaires to fund mental health services.
Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of the state’s health and human services agency, said he hopes the expansion will fill a critical need in services.
But Dr. Kushel, the study’s lead investigator, said most people who are homeless and struggling with behavioral health impairments do not require intensive, in-patient treatment. Rather, she said, they need housing paired with “really robust services” and she hopes the state gets the balance right.
“The root of the problem is housing, and if we want people to recover, to heal, it’s really impossible to do that when they’re homeless,” she said.
Newsom's plan must first pass the state Legislature this year. If it does, it would go to voters in March 2024.
Of those surveyed, 45% reported current, regular use of cocaine, amphetamines and opioids, or heavy episodic drinking. Some participants described how heavy substance use contributed to losing their homes, while others attributed their ability to stay alert and to protect themselves from assault or theft to methamphetamine usage.
Kushel's team surveyed nearly 3,200 adults around California, and followed up to conduct in-depth interviews with 365 people, between October 2021 and November 2022.
The study found that Black people made up 26% of the homeless population in a state where they are only 6% of the general population. About 90% of participants were living in California when they became homeless. Half reported an inability to work due to age, health or disability. The median length of homelessness was a little under two years.
More than a third of adults surveyed met the criteria for chronic homelessness, meaning they had a disabling condition and were homeless for at least 1 year — or were homeless four times in the previous three years totaling more than 12 months.
In Los Angeles in 2015, Sage Johnson's mother was evicted from their apartment when she was unable to meet rent that had increased to $1,200. In disability pay, she received about $1,340 a month. She bounced around, from LA's notorious Skid Row to various convalescent homes while her daughter lived at a shelter.
Later, Johnson, 28, was able to place her mother in a home, where she stayed for about two years. In 2018 though, her mother died from a debilitating stroke. Johnson, who now has stable housing, wishes she could have done more.
“But in the end, she did have a bed. She was inside. She didn’t have any more strokes outside. And she was able to regenerate and rejuvenate and restore some of her life while in the convalescent home,” said Johnson, a co-chair for one of the study's advisory boards.
Nearly half of the adults surveyed were not on a lease in the six months prior to becoming homeless, and had likely moved in with family or friends, contributing to rent when they could. Nearly a quarter cited conflict among housemates, desire for more space or not wanting to impose any longer on family and friends as primary reasons they left.
On average, people surveyed who were not on leases received only one day of warning before needing to move out.
Among people on rental lease agreements, more than 20% cited income loss or reduction as the primary reason they lost housing. “So it wasn’t so much that their housing costs increased, it’s that they could no longer keep up with it,” said Kushel.
California ranks as the most unaffordable state when it comes to housing, according to an annual report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition. A person earning an hourly minimum wage of $15.50 would have to work nearly 90 hours a week to afford the statewide average for a modest one-bedroom rental, which is nearly $1,800 a month, the coalition states.
The study was requested by Newsom's administration, but the state did not fund it so didn't play a role in analyzing data or interpreting the findings.
The report makes many recommendations, including expansion of rental assistance and cash assistance to struggling households, as well as pilot programs to facilitate shared housing.
Watch: Doctor says Carlos Dominguez "not competent" in Davis stabbings, jury will determine competency | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/study-says-high-housing-costs-low-income-push-californians-into-homelessness/103-dc81245b-2c1d-4f45-b293-9d52cb130122 | 2023-06-21T04:08:30 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/study-says-high-housing-costs-low-income-push-californians-into-homelessness/103-dc81245b-2c1d-4f45-b293-9d52cb130122 |
STOCKTON, Calif — The Stockton Kings hired Lindsey Harding as coach and Anjali Ranadivé as general manager on Tuesday, marking the first time that a G League team will simultaneously have women in those roles.
Harding — a former No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft — has spent the last four seasons as an assistant coach and player development coach for the Sacramento Kings. She has also worked for the Philadelphia 76ers, has coached national teams for Mexico and South Sudan and was a two-time All-American in college while playing for Duke.
Ranadivé is the daughter of Sacramento owner Vivek Ranadivé. She was the assistant GM in Stockton this past season, and is a past intern with the Golden State Warriors.
Stockton is Sacramento's G League affiliate. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/lindsey-harding-anjali-ranadiv-hired-as-coach-gm-of-stockton-kings-california-sports/103-00c52805-182e-480d-89a1-d26e9b54eceb | 2023-06-21T04:08:36 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/lindsey-harding-anjali-ranadiv-hired-as-coach-gm-of-stockton-kings-california-sports/103-00c52805-182e-480d-89a1-d26e9b54eceb |
TAMPA, Fla. — A multi-city protest is rolling through Florida this week, urging voters to “stay woke” in the face of new laws signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
A bus adorned with a bold-faced “vote” and the face of late civil rights icon John Lewis rolled through East Tampa Tuesday night, one of 15 stops the NAACP and Transformative Justice Coalition’s “Stay Woke, Vote” protest on wheels will make this week.
Local Democratic leaders and a number of progressive groups were on hand rallying voters and members of the community.
“We are doing voter registration, voter engagement and letting people know about the horrible legislation that has been inflicted on people,” explained Yvette Lewis, president of the NAACP – Hillsborough County Chapter.
Their hope is to get bigger voter turnout and engagement in 2024 and future elections.
“HOPE means how to overcome problematic elections,” said Florida House Minority Leader Rep. Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) said to the crowd.
The “votercade” comes as the NAACP and other civil rights groups have issued travel advisories for Florida in response to laws they say are “hostile” to people of color and the LGBTQ community.
DeSantis has called the advisories a stunt.
“I just wish Ron DeSantis could see this right now, I wish he could see the strength of our community, I wish he could feel the energy and what I love about this is, it’s for us and led by us,” Driskell added.
The bus will be back on the road for a stop in Sarasota Wednesday morning. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/naacp-protest-florida-woke/67-aedb796d-a109-445d-8d30-777fd3b529e4 | 2023-06-21T04:10:12 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/naacp-protest-florida-woke/67-aedb796d-a109-445d-8d30-777fd3b529e4 |
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — The Flagler County School Board has chosen not to advance a proposal that would have allowed certain teachers and staff to be armed on campus.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The board was divided before the vote. The back and forth came after the district first looked at two models for what’s known as “The Guardian Program.”
READ: Teens get more violent charges dropped in Orlando than rest of state, report shows
One option is to arm teachers, and the other is to hire uniformed personnel to carry guns on campus.
There is currently a school resource officer at every campus in the county, and two at the high schools.
READ: New exhibit honoring Jewish athletes who pioneered modern soccer coming to Holocaust Center
But with a growing population and more problems in schools, Sheriff Rick Staly said his officers need support.
See more in the video above.
READ: Second Harvest Food Bank prepares for hurricane season
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/flagler-county-school-board-decides-against-proposal-arm-teachers-staff-campus/QIQ37O2FKNEUXEQJLNMFVCYWJI/ | 2023-06-21T04:11:04 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/flagler-county-school-board-decides-against-proposal-arm-teachers-staff-campus/QIQ37O2FKNEUXEQJLNMFVCYWJI/ |
MAITLAND, Fla. — A new visiting exhibition celebrating Jewish athletes and their place in history is coming to Central Florida.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
“Venerated-Persecuted-Forgotten: Victims of Nazim at FC Bayern Munich” honors Jewish athletes who pioneered modern soccer in Germany is coming to Central Florida. The visiting exhibit comes to the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida in Maitland.
The exhibit features the story of nine Jewish pioneer players from the FC Bayern Munich soccer club during the development of modern soccer in Germany, according to a news release.
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Through the exhibit, guests will learn how the club won the national championship for the first time in 1932, “and the religious and political persecution under the Nazis that led to a halt on its success story,” the news release states.
An opening reception will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday. The exhibit runs through Sept. 10. Advance registration is required. Click here to register.
The Holocaust Center is located at 851 N. Maitland Avenue in Maitland.
READ: Give Kids the World to host evening with ‘Wheel of Fortune’ host Pat Sajak
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/new-exhibit-honoring-jewish-athletes-who-pioneered-modern-soccer-coming-holocaust-center/ECFOOK3WN5E2XOAJPVVWIM2Y7I/ | 2023-06-21T04:11:10 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/new-exhibit-honoring-jewish-athletes-who-pioneered-modern-soccer-coming-holocaust-center/ECFOOK3WN5E2XOAJPVVWIM2Y7I/ |
ODESSA, Texas — A 6-week-old girl was killed in a wreck involving a drunk driver last week.
Right now, the family of the little girl, named Eliana, is planning a funeral, but they are also searching for something very special, a stuffed bunny.
This stuffed bunny contains a recording of Eliana's heartbeat. The bunny hasn't left her mother or brothers side.
"We could all hear her heartbeat loud and clear through the machine in the room," said Robert Pasquale, Eliana's grandfather. "Well while they were doing that for us they recorded it, the actual audio of it, then it was installed on this bunny. You squeezed it, the heartbeat beat out loud."
Her mother and brother keep it with them, but the bunny was taken from the Walmart in West Odessa while Nallely was in the bathroom.
"When she walked out it was gone," said Pasquale.
They believe two children around the age of 6 or 7 may have taken the bunny and they're just asking for a safe return.
"Why turn a negative into more negative," said Pasquale. "Why not turn a negative into a positive? Use this as a teaching lesson for the kids to where we can sit down and be like, 'hey look, this meant so much to her and you hurt her, but you did her good by bringing it back. So I want to reward you for it.' So I want to give the kids each 100 bucks if they'll step forward." | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/family-of-baby-killed-in-drunk-driving-crash-searching-for-stuffed-bunny/513-2ab0e81c-ce0f-402f-991c-3f146f1dbb26 | 2023-06-21T04:12:38 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/family-of-baby-killed-in-drunk-driving-crash-searching-for-stuffed-bunny/513-2ab0e81c-ce0f-402f-991c-3f146f1dbb26 |
BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) — At a called meeting Tuesday, Bristol, Virginia City Council members considered ordinances to raise both cigarette and admission taxes and lower solid waste fees.
The cigarette and admission tax ordinances had their first readings. The ordinances state that the cigarette tax would go from 17 to 25 cents per pack, and the admissions tax would go from 5% to 7%.
Mayor Neal Osborne said that the decision to raise the admission tax will bring in more money in the coming years.
“We anticipate the admissions tax in the next year or two, three years because of economic development that’s happening in the city, the admissions tax will generate some more money,” Osborne said.
Osborne also stated that the rise in the two taxes was less about the revenue generated and more about matching other local areas.
The solid waste fee decrease had its second reading, followed by the adoption of the ordinance by the council. The ordinance will bring the solid waste fee from $60 a month down to $48. Osborne said the higher rates were due to issues with the landfill and he hopes the lower fee will make it easier on customers.
“The City of Bristol has a lot of senior citizens, a lot of low-income families and we want to minimize any kind of negative impact as much as we can,” Osborne said.
The cigarette and admission taxes are set to begin on July 27 while the new trash fee will begin on July 21. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/bristol-va-city-council-discusses-fee-and-tax-changes/ | 2023-06-21T04:12:41 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/bristol-va-city-council-discusses-fee-and-tax-changes/ |
MIDLAND, Texas — For five days a week and around nine hours a day, Florencio Munoz, Anthony Spitzer and Raul Rivera are outside hard at work on their projects.
However, during the summer it can be more challenging for them to work because of the heat.
"We’re kind of used to it, but it gets overbearing," said Munoz. "Our bosses give us money for water and ice. If it gets too hot, we’ll break out the canopy, get a little shade and stop every once and a while and catch up."
When it comes to taking breaks, they take them as needed, but they said it isn't that often.
"We actually keep working until we feel like we need a break," said Munoz. "We’re not like a 10 o’clock stop and take a break, nothing like that. If we can keep on going, we’ll keep on going till lunch and take our 30 minute break and come back and do it again."
Some things that make it easier for them to get through the day is a hat, their canopy and sunblock.
"Once you stay out here too long, it’s like 'wow,' you got to hit that shade and there’s really no shade no where," said Spitzer. "That’s why we bring out the canopy or umbrella, have one of those hats and sunblock, because you’ll get dark out here."
The main thing that gets them through the nine-hour work day is lots and lots of water.
"Stay hydrated, make sure you drink a lot of water, stay hydrated," said Spitzer.
Because if you're not staying hydrated enough while working out here, it can get bad.
"We’re usually okay, but I’ve been there where people collapsed," said Munoz. "One of my coworkers collapsed. They drink nothing but Cokes and not water, and Cokes don’t really help as far as keeping hydrated. I’ve seen it where they start shaking, then down they go. Main thing is if you don’t feel right, tell somebody. Don’t try to hide it to keep your job, tell somebody." | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/staying-safe-working-in-intense-heat/513-1c07e4e4-21da-4e11-b87a-caa8c3ea254e | 2023-06-21T04:12:44 | 0 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/staying-safe-working-in-intense-heat/513-1c07e4e4-21da-4e11-b87a-caa8c3ea254e |
Driver accused of firing at off-duty Detroit officer on I-94 arrested
Michigan State Police arrested a driver and seized weapons, cash and illegal marijuana from his home in connection with a road-rage incident Monday on Interstate 94 involving gunshots fired at an off-duty Detroit police officer.
Detectives from the Freeway Investigative Support team apprehended the 24-year-old suspect and obtained a search warrant for his Detroit home, MSP said on Twitter.
"They seized two rifles, a pistol, several pounds of illegal marijuana packaged for sale and approximately $50,000," officials said.
The suspect remained at the Detroit Detention Center pending a review by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.“This is just another example of the great work the Freeway Investigative Support Team," said First Lt. Mike Shaw, public information officer for the MSP Second District. “Between the relentless work of these detectives and the use of technology, we hope this will serve as a deterrent to those seeking to commit crimes on the freeway."
The gunfire was reported around 12:30 p.m. Monday on westbound I-94 near Gratiot.
Investigators learned a 22-year-old officer had been driving west from Vernier when the suspect allegedly “began road raging with him by throwing bottles/objects at his vehicle," MSP officials said. "At some point near Gratiot, the victim heard a pop and subsequently discovered his vehicle was hit by gunfire."
The suspect exited at Gratiot, police said. Neither the officer nor his passenger reported injuries. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/06/20/driver-accused-of-firing-at-off-duty-detroit-officer-on-i-94-arrested/70340873007/ | 2023-06-21T04:14:42 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/06/20/driver-accused-of-firing-at-off-duty-detroit-officer-on-i-94-arrested/70340873007/ |
BOISE — Above-normal grass fuel loads in southern Idaho’s rangelands may contribute to greater fire potential this summer.
Nick Nauslar, a predictive services meteorologist with the National Interagency Fire Agency, provided a wildfire outlook to the State Land Board on Tuesday morning.
The wet spring in Idaho, especially the southwest part of the state, has contributed to a lot of growth of rangeland fuels, such as grasses and shrubs. It’s expected that once those grasses dry out in July and August, this could create prime conditions for more fire activity in those months.
In the panhandle, the snowpack is rapidly melting, Nauslar said. Many areas in the northern part of the state are at or near record-low snow water equivalent and snowpack values for this time of the year.
“This does have concern for us with the timber in North Idaho, and obviously higher elevations up there too, that they will have a longer time to dry out and be available for ignition if fires spread,” he said.
For July and August, the panhandle and southwest areas of the state have above-normal wildfire potential.
In July, the Climate Prediction Center is anticipating normal temperatures for Idaho and somewhat above-normal precipitation on the eastern side of the state. However, the outlook through August shows above-normal temperatures for the entire state, especially the southwest region, and mostly normal precipitation.
For the most part, the southern region of Idaho has seen improvement in drought conditions over last year, while much of North Idaho worsened.
Washington, central Oregon, and western Montana also have above-normal wildfire potential, which may impact air quality this summer.
Nauslar emphasized that even under normal wildfire potential in Idaho, large fires can and will still occur.
FIREFIGHTING READINESS AND RESOURCESThe Idaho Department of Lands has contracted firefighting aviation resources — which include helicopters, amphibious water scoopers and single-engine air tankers — based in Coeur d’Alene, Grangeville and McCall, said Fire Management Bureau Chief Josh Harvey. These resources move based on fire activity and where they’re needed.
The department also recently purchased another drone, referred to as an “unmanned aviation system,” bringing the fleet up to six. These drones allow “safe and cost-effective reconnaissance,” Harvey said.
The department employed 170 firefighters for the 2023 fire season, and 50% of the seasonal firefighting force are new hires. Nearly 78% of the overall seasonal firefighters are in their first or second year.
“As indicated by our hiring staff, it’s proven to be difficult to retain our experienced firefighters,” Harvey said. “We’re currently working on a plan to assist the districts most lacking in the leadership qualifications.”
It’s likely the department will need to bring in experienced leaders from some of its partners.
This year, the department has 28 engines located at 10 district offices. However, this doesn’t include the new Cottonwood District, which will be known as the Eastern Idaho Fire Protective District. The new district is still in the process of being set up, Harvey said. IDL staffs a 20-person hand crew out of its Ponderosa office and a six-person hand crew out of the Pend Oreille office. Hand crews typically are assigned duties such as constructing firelines, burning out areas, and rehabilitation of burned areas.
At the beginning of August, contracts will go into effect for 10 Idaho-based contract engines at eight offices throughout the state.
Idaho also has 10 Rangeland Fire Protection Associations, known as RFPAs. These comprise local landowners and rangers who volunteer to train in firefighting and serve as a first attack on rural rangeland fires before crews can arrive.
In 2022, RFPAs reported twice as many fires as in 2021, Harvey said.
For this year, 300 RFPA members attended in-person fireline refresher training, and 40 new members attended basic wildland fire classes. Mountain Home’s RFPA expanded its boundaries to the north, adding more than 143,000 acres to its protection area, which includes 71,000 acres of National Forest.
The department is also investing in a number of prevention messaging campaigns that include public service announcements on gas station TVs, on streaming services in targeted areas and statewide billboards. There are 13 new fire danger rating signs being installed.
The gas station ad campaign cost $100,000 and was paid for with federal grant funds for fire prevention, according to a release from the department.
Radio and TV public service announcements are running in Lewiston, Idaho Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Boise and Blackfoot. Use of reader boards with burn permit and fire danger information will continue in the St. Joe area and be expanded to Kootenai Valley and Pend Oreille districts, Harvey said.
“Correlation between the use of the signs and reducing unwanted human-caused fires has been reported during the last two years of use at pilot sites,” he said. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/fire-outlook-idaho-rangeland-has-high-wildfire-potential-this-summer/article_f16c163a-0fa7-11ee-a314-732dc54a213c.html | 2023-06-21T04:20:57 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/fire-outlook-idaho-rangeland-has-high-wildfire-potential-this-summer/article_f16c163a-0fa7-11ee-a314-732dc54a213c.html |
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