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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-usps-worker-dies-on-his-route-in-extreme-heat/3282190/ | 2023-06-22T03:38:18 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-usps-worker-dies-on-his-route-in-extreme-heat/3282190/ |
Representative Bruce Skaug addresses the Idaho House of Representatives during a legislative session regarding a ban on transgender care for minors at the Capitol Building in Boise in February.
A decision by a federal judge Tuesday that struck down Arkansas’ ban on transgender health care for minors may have implications for a similar challenge in Idaho.
The ruling by U.S. District Judge James Moody Jr. blocks the first-in-the-nation ban on this type of health care — which can include puberty blockers, hormones and surgery. The decision applies only to Arkansas.
Ritchie Eppink, of the American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho, is one of the lawyers representing the families of transgender teenagers challenging a similar ban that passed the Idaho Legislature in this past session. He said it follows a pattern of many of these types of laws being blocked in other states.
“Once these courts look at the evidence, the overwhelming evidence, they find these laws are discriminatory and, like in Arkansas, not even rational,” Eppink said.
The Idaho Attorney General’s Office, which is defending the state’s law, declined to comment.
Earlier this month, federal judges temporarily blocked bans on transgender care for minors in Indiana and Florida while those laws are being challenged.
Idaho’s law, after hours of emotional testimony, passed easily through the House and Senate. Gov. Brad Little signed House Bill 71 on April 4.
Little wrote in a transmittal letter, “In signing this bill, I recognize our society plays a role in protecting minors from surgeries or treatments that can irreversibly damage their healthy bodies. However, as policymakers we should take great caution whenever we consider allowing the government to interfere with loving parents and their decisions about what is best for their children.”
Families of two Idaho transgender teenagers filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court on June 1, arguing the law violates the constitutional guarantee of equal protection and due process for the parents, the Associated Press reported.
The law would make it a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison to provide puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones or gender-affirming surgery to someone under 18 years old.
Judge Moody Jr.’s decision on the Arkansas ban found that depriving minors of this type of treatment could cause them harm, NPR reported.
“Rather than protecting children or safeguarding medical ethics, the evidence showed that the prohibited medical care improves the mental health and well-being of patients and that, by prohibiting it, the State undermined the interests it claims to be advancing,” the ruling states.
Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, who sponsored the legislation in the House, previously told the Idaho Press he felt confident the law would hold up to legal challenges. He said he consulted with appellate attorneys from two different law firms as well as the office of the previous attorney general, Lawrence Wasden.
“There is no constitutional right to sterilize children,” Skaug said.
Eppink said it was noteworthy that in the Arkansas case, the judge did not find the experts or evidence in favor of the ban credible.
“Hopefully courts will continue to put a stop to these laws taking effect, including in Idaho, because the overwhelming evidence, as this Arkansas decision details, shows that this health care is safe, necessary and well within the rights, including the Constitutional rights, of families and children to choose in private consultation with their health care providers.”
Laura Guido is the Statehouse reporter and covers Idaho politics. You can follow her on Twitter @EyeOnBoiseGuido, email her at lguido@idahopress.com and sign up for the Eye on Boise newsletter online. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/arkansas-ban-on-trans-care-for-minors-struck-down-could-idahos-be-next/article_e8f96bee-1086-11ee-9c11-73146aa929ba.html | 2023-06-22T03:38:36 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/arkansas-ban-on-trans-care-for-minors-struck-down-could-idahos-be-next/article_e8f96bee-1086-11ee-9c11-73146aa929ba.html |
Natalie MacLachlan speaks Wednesday at the retirement announcement for longtime Boise legislator Sue Chew, who has endorsed MacLachlan as her replacement.
Natalie MacLachlan speaks Wednesday at the retirement announcement for longtime Boise legislator Sue Chew, who has endorsed MacLachlan as her replacement.
BOISE — After 18 years representing the Boise Bench, Rep. Sue Chew will retire from the Legislature at the end of her term. She is the longest-serving Democrat in the Idaho Legislature.
Chew is in her eighth term as a District 17 representative and said she felt ready to step down when the right person was ready to step up to run for her seat; that person, she decided, is Natalie MacLachlan. Chew announced her retirement and her endorsement of MacLachlan at an event at Cassia Park on Wednesday afternoon.
“I think that for quite a while I’d been looking to try and give an opportunity for someone that we need that has a lot of energy and passion, that cares, and for Natalie to want to come back home to District 17 and (is) ready to go right now, I think it’s perfect timing,” Chew said.
She said if she didn’t feel the right person was ready to step in, she would’ve stayed for another term.
Chew said she met MacLachlan through work with the Idaho Education Association and her political involvement; in 2022, MacLachlan ran unsuccessfully against long-time incumbent District 22 Rep. John Vander Woude, R-Nampa.
MacLachlan said she’d been looking to upgrade her home and moved into a new residence in District 17 this spring. She said when it became known she was moving districts, she was encouraged to talk to Chew.
“When Sue found out it was (District) 17, we figured we better have a conversation and she said she was eager to retire knowing she had a person she could endorse that would be a hard worker and share her values,” MacLachlan said.
Chew said she and MacLachlan share priorities such as access to health care and strong support for education. MacLachlan is a middle school teacher in the West Ada School District.
Chew was joined at her announcement by fellow District 17 Rep. John Gannon and House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise.
“She has taught me so much,” Rubel said of Chew on Wednesday. “She has been such a fearless voice both inside and outside of the Legislature.”
Chew is a licensed pharmacist with a bachelor’s degree in biology of natural resources and a doctorate in pharmacy. During her tenure she’s been recognized with the Women Making History Award in 2003, the Cultural Service Award in 2006, Outstanding Legislative Advocacy Achievement Award in 2013, Idaho Democratic Party Legislator of the Year in 2014, Idaho Health Care Champion in 2019, and other awards.
The minority leader highlighted Chew’s votes that helped advance bills that provided dental coverage of Idaho’s Medicaid or created the state’s health care exchange.
Rubel also echoed Chew’s endorsement of MacLachlan as Chew’s replacement.
“I couldn’t think of a better person to rise to this challenge and to try to fill these shoes,” Rubel said.
Chew will serve the remainder of her current term and MacLachlan will run for her seat in the November 2024 election. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/longtime-boise-bench-legislator-announces-retirement-endorses-maclachlan-as-replacement/article_36762dbe-1085-11ee-ae4d-83bbd9563923.html | 2023-06-22T03:38:42 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/longtime-boise-bench-legislator-announces-retirement-endorses-maclachlan-as-replacement/article_36762dbe-1085-11ee-ae4d-83bbd9563923.html |
The city of Caldwell may not need a new parking garage, after all.
Steve Jenkins, the city’s economic development director, shared the latest information on parking in downtown, including the results of a study, during the workshop portion of the city council’s meeting Tuesday night. While the study’s authors made some recommendations, including installing a parking payment system, they did not recommend the construction of a new garage.
Jenkins gave a presentation to the council in March about the perceived need for constructing a four- or five-story parking garage with 500 stalls to serve downtown visitors as well as residents.
The council also heard a presentation on the need for fire and emergency medical services facility upgrades on Tuesday. Here are highlights from both presentations.
PARKING IN CALDWELL COULD BE IMPROVED WITH OTHER SYSTEMSKimley-Horn, a consulting firm with an office in Boise, conducted a parking study in Caldwell by looking at parking in the downtown area, from Fourth Street in the west to 11th Avenue in the east, and from Cleveland Boulevard in the south to Albany Street in the north.
In that area, the city has 695 on-street parking spaces, 642 off-street parking spaces, and 709 off-street, private commercial parking spaces, for a total of 2,046 parking spaces, Jenkins said.
The firm’s staff observed parking in the downtown area using drone footage on two different dates: Sunday, May 13, when a Mother’s Day Market took place at Indian Creek Plaza; and Tuesday, May 16, opening day of the farmers market, Jenkins said.
Parking demand peaked around noon on May 13 and around 6 p.m. on May 16.
“So, different dynamics given the events taking place on either day, but it gives you an idea of utilization downtown,” Jenkins said.
Overall, even considering the demand for parking that will be generated by apartment complexes already under construction or planned for downtown, the study concluded that “our parking, with 2,046 total spaces, public and private, is sufficient to meet the demand currently,” Jenkins said.
However, the study noted that if the city were to approve construction of a hotel, convention center or other large project, it could create parking demand beyond current projections, he said.
The study’s authors provided a number of recommendations. One that the city is already working on in partnership with Destination Caldwell is providing “wayfinding” signage to help people find parking. Other recommendations were creating a bus or trolley system and implementing a paid parking system.
“It was noted that there were some vehicles that had been in a parking stall for an extended period of time,” Jenkins said. “In order to move those vehicles around, paid parking may be helpful to get that going.”
Jenkins said he had met with three paid parking systems companies. His preferred option would be to go with The Car Park, a Boise-based company that manages paid parking systems across the U.S., including in downtown Boise. The company’s technology includes a license plate recognition vehicle, which scans people’s plates as opposed to chalking tires, and the company provides enforcement services and meter maintenance, Jenkins said.
Jenkins said the fees from parking would likely not cover all the costs associated with the system but could offset some of it.
FIRE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES IMPROVEMENTSCaldwell Fire Chief Rick Frawley told the council Tuesday night that his department has been exploring some of the challenges and opportunities around station infrastructure. In partnership with Clearwater Financial, they developed a community survey and educational materials to gauge public interest in prioritizing and funding improvements.
Many of the city’s fire stations are aging, with the first and primary station, Fire Station 1, built in 1966, Frawley said. Tuesday morning, a new issue had cropped up — a leaky roof, he said.
The department is having trouble scaling its response efforts to calls, which have increased 30% over the past five years, he said. Department staff have begun logging data, such as how long crews have to work at a scene.
“We’re starting to track that information so that we can speak to the community about (the department’s) need for growth and our need for additional facilities,” Frawley said.
So far, priorities may include rebuilding Fire Station 1 in a new location that would allow a bigger footprint, building a new joint fire station — Fire Station 4 — at Lake Avenue and Karcher Road, in tandem with the city of Nampa’s fire department, and upgrading Fire Station 3 to have more dormitory facilities, he said.
The city’s Fire Station 4 is already located at Lake Avenue and Karcher Road, according to a map of stations and their response times posted on the department’s website. The city council approved funding to build the joint station with Nampa a few months ago, Frawley said.
The community survey opened last week and is available through the fire department’s website, said Chase Perry, a consultant with Clearwater Financial. So far, 141 respondents have shared their thoughts on priorities the department should focus on and how to finance them, he said.
The city is planning public outreach events for people to learn about the needs of the department, said Char Jackson, city spokesperson, via text. People will also see city representatives at summer events, including the Caldwell Night Rodeo and Canyon County Fair, she said. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/potential-paid-parking-fire-station-upgrades-caldwell-eyes-opportunities-to-support-growth/article_0d3ff510-1076-11ee-bfec-df7529d03a8f.html | 2023-06-22T03:38:49 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/potential-paid-parking-fire-station-upgrades-caldwell-eyes-opportunities-to-support-growth/article_0d3ff510-1076-11ee-bfec-df7529d03a8f.html |
BLOOMINGTON — Early education administrators at Bloomington District 87 are asking the school board to consider purchasing a larger facility to help move the district out of its “preschool desert” status.
At Wednesday’s school board meeting, Laura Delgado, director of elementary education, and Jeff Dobbs, principal of Sarah Raymond School of Early Education, told the board the Illinois State Board of Education had identified McLean County as a preschool desert because “there are not enough state-funded preschool programs to serve 80% of all low-income children in our area.”
Dobbs noted that after a 2022 audit, Raymond was found to be “not in compliance” for issues related to the physical space at the school, especially the stairs, space within classrooms and distance between classrooms and playground.
The preschool and early childhood education programs at Raymond serve at-risk and special education students ages 3-5 in half-day sessions. The waitlists to attend typically have about 50 students because of building capacity limitations.
Delgado and Dobbs presented a few options to address the preschool needs based on the completed assessment, and they recommended seeking a larger building in order to increase enrollment.
According to board documents, this option would allow the district to serve more students in need and expand the program by at least 50% to meet those needs, increase funding options to include those related to expanding programming, respond to audit findings, pursue full-day programming and minimize the impact on the other elementary schools in the district.
With support from state Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria, and state Rep. Sharon Chung, D-Bloomington, the General Assembly passed legislation this year that would allow District 87 to purchase a building without a referendum. That bill — Senate Bill 2323 — awaits Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s signature.
“We’re thrilled that it moved through as fast as it did,” Superintendent David Mouser said after Wednesday’s meeting.
Mouser said the district administration recognized the need and sought support from local lawmakers so they would be able to negotiate in good faith should the law be passed.
“But we’re in a holding pattern, like we have been,” he said of the bill awaiting gubernatorial approval. “But I think these are the discussions that we’re going to be having moving forward.”
When it was moving through the legislature, Mouser said District 87 was “in desperate need of pre-K space,” and acknowledged that vocational education offerings could expand if more space were available, too.
“Obviously it depends on the space, it depends on the availability,” he said Wednesday, noting discussions about a potential purchase would begin immediately upon signing.
The timeline beyond that was not clear, though, as the district would need to evaluate potential sites and determine if and when the sale process could be initiated, Mouser said.
In a presentation of the McLean DeWitt Regional Vocational System and Bloomington Area Career Center budgets —both of which were anticipated to be balanced in fiscal 2024 — Bryce Hansen, incoming director of those programs, said enrollment was projected to be 782 students in the 2023-24 school year, but lengthy waitlists remain for the welding, culinary arts and automotive technology classes.
“It’s primarily a space issue,” he said, noting that with more space, they could serve more students.
In other business, the board approved the amended budget for fiscal 2023, which ends June 30.
Since the tentative budget that estimated an overall deficit of $3.1 million was passed in September, the amended budget now has a surplus of $85,946, according to board documents.
Michael Cornale, chief facilities and financial officer, said the surplus came about in part because of an increase in overall revenue and decrease in overall expenses in the education fund, the fund that pays for teachers, curriculum, etc.
According to board documents, the $2.5 million increase in overall revenue in the ed fund includes an increase in corporate personal property replacement tax, property tax collection and interest.
The operations and maintenance fund, however, had a $500,000 decrease in overall revenue associated with projects that are still in progress. The district also decreased expenditures in that fund by more than 460,000 thanks to the use of grant funding.
A new chiller and renovations to locker rooms at Bloomington Junior High contributed to an increase in expenses in the life safety fund, according to the documents. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/district-87-awaits-new-law-building-to-address-preschool-desert/article_74f0c320-10a2-11ee-a63a-dbe328c10e46.html | 2023-06-22T03:38:55 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/district-87-awaits-new-law-building-to-address-preschool-desert/article_74f0c320-10a2-11ee-a63a-dbe328c10e46.html |
Taunton house hit with racist graffiti same day as synagogue. What we know
TAUNTON — New information has come out from the Taunton Police Department regarding the vandalism of Agudath Achim Synagogue with swastikas and other hate speech spray-painted on the building’s front entrance and walls over this past weekend.
According to a written statement, Taunton PD first responded to a report of vandalism at a home on Everett Street, at about 3:30 p.m. on Friday, June 16.
Homophobic and racist graffiti had been found on the home’s vehicle and recycle bin.
The graffiti on the synagogue "appeared similar to that found on the Everett Street home," the written statement said.
A representative from John Guilfoil Public Relations, representing Taunton PD, declined to comment regarding whether it is believed that the home was targeted or if it was a random act — saying it is an active investigation and no additional information will be provided at this time.
Later on Friday Taunton police received two anonymous calls, the first one at 7:24 p.m., reporting the synagogue, located on Winthrop Street had been vandalized.
Security footage from the synagogue indicates the vandalism occurred at around 1:42 p.m. Friday.
Taunton PD couldn’t reach anyone at Congregation Agudath Achim Friday night as the synagogue was closed.
Tensions mount over umpire harassmentTalks between umps and Taunton Little League fall apart. What we know
Speaking previously with the synagogue’s Board of Directors, President Mija Almeida said the congregation typically holds weekly Shabbat/Sabbath services Saturday mornings, reserving Friday night services once a month, at the end of the month. That is why the graffiti wasn’t discovered by members until Saturday morning, at around 8:45 a.m. when staff and congregation were showing up for services, as well as a bat mitzvah scheduled that morning.
Board members were in contact with Taunton PD by the morning of June 17, Saturday morning.
Like the Everett Street home, the vandalism of the synagogue remains an active investigation.
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Security footage showed a person, dressed head-to-toe in black and carrying a black backpack, with their face covered by a black hoodie, black sunglasses and black mask covering the lower face.
“Taunton will not stand for acts of hate and intolerance, and we will call out these malicious and hurtful acts wherever we see them. We will aggressively investigate these crimes and work with the district attorney to prosecute those responsible for these acts to the furthest extent of the law,” Taunton Police Chief Edward J. Walsh said in the written statement. | https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/taunton-ma-everett-street-house-vandalized-racist-graffiti-synagogue-swastika/70343442007/ | 2023-06-22T03:46:46 | 1 | https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/taunton-ma-everett-street-house-vandalized-racist-graffiti-synagogue-swastika/70343442007/ |
CLARKSTON, Ga. — An infant delivered prematurely earlier this year after her mother was shot has died. Little Millianni battled surviving for four months.
Her mother, Shaniyah Rodriguez, died after being shot on Feb. 2 at the Brannon Hill condo complex. When DeKalb County Police arrived to the scene that morning, they discovered that Shaniyah, who was eight months pregnant at the time, had been shot in the head. She passed away at the hospital, but doctors were able to deliver her baby during an emergency C-section.
Now, the family is devastated that little Millianni is gone.
“It says, 'Millianni, honey, I promise I tried my hardest,” said Adrienne Rodriguez, as she read the heartfelt poem she wrote for her granddaughter.
“She died literally in my arms. I don’t even look at her like a grandchild. I love you, I looked at her as my baby, that I never knew I needed,” Adrienne said.
She spent everyday of the last four month at the hospital hoping her granddaughter would get healthy enough to come home with her; she even prepared her room. But, Monday the child had complications and died.
“It was so traumatizing. I can’t get those sounds out of my head," said Adrienne, as she described Millianni's last moments of life.
She said the infant struggled to take her last breath as a recording of her mom singing came to an end.
“She is so strong but there comes a point where enough is enough. Like, I literally tried everything humanly possible to fix his mistake,” said Adrienne.
In late February, DeKalb Police arrested 22-year-old Diamonte Haithcoats in connection with the deadly shooting. Shaniyah was dating Haithcoats and was pregnant with his child.
Now, all Adrienne says she is left with are pictures of her daughter and a molding of her granddaughter’s tiny hands.
“He took everything, you literally took everything. I hope justice is prevailed. I don’t want him to get a slap on the wrist, don’t even want him to get a plea deal. I want to go to trial," she said.
DeKalb Police have not confirmed if or when Haithcoats charges will be updated to include the baby’s death.
Adrienne has created an online fundraiser for funeral expenses. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/baby-delivered-prematurely-dies-four-months-old-mom-shot-killed/85-f03bd135-8373-4694-ac29-bf53b8c9b2aa | 2023-06-22T03:55:19 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/baby-delivered-prematurely-dies-four-months-old-mom-shot-killed/85-f03bd135-8373-4694-ac29-bf53b8c9b2aa |
MARIETTA, Ga. — Editor's note: This story reports on two recent deaths by suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Two teenagers died by apparent suicide within three days of each other in the Cobb County jail, according to authorities.
The Cobb County Sheriff's Office said on June 17, Augustus Green, 19, was found unresponsive in his cell. He was rushed to Kennestone Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Green was in jail on several charges, including aggravated assault since March 25.
No details have been released on the death of William Lopez, 17, who the sheriff's office said died from an apparent suicide on June 20. He had been in jail since January 18 on an armed robbery charge.
Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens sent his condolences to the families in a news release on Wednesday. He also urged increased support for mental health services.
“It breaks my heart that we lost two young men,” he said. "We are leaning even more heavily on our community partners and will seek assistance from the state to both increase our number of close observation beds and to streamline the process for referring detainees to outside service providers so they can get all of the services that will benefit them and aid in preventing suicides."
According to National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), about two in five people who are incarcerated have a history of mental illness. Statistics show suicide is the leading cause of death for jail inmates.
Inside the Cobb County jail, Sheriff Owens said his staff provides all detainees with 24/7 mental health access. In a news release, Sheriff Owens said his agency recently became the first in Georgia and only "one of two nationally" to implement the latest body camera technology which allows for "two-way communication" between a person who is having a mental health episode and a mental health provider.
The Cobb County jail has a 32-bed unit that houses individuals who might be having a mental health crisis that puts them under "close observation." The sheriff said it's often at capacity.
Detainees in this unit have medical watches that monitor their vitals.
The sheriff's office said Green was not in this unit when he was found unresponsive. No details were released on where Lopez was found in the jail.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI) is investigating both deaths; it's a policy that Owens put in place shortly after taking office following an investigation by 11Alive into inmate deaths at the jail.
Owens said they are continuing to review policies and seek out programs to provide detainees with the emotional and medical support they need.
“As NAMI for Cobb, we understand the feeling of loss by this tragedy,” said Peter M. Lyons, president of NAMI Cobb. “We intend to continue working very closely with Sheriff Owens to prevent future tragedies because we are aware that our youth are in a mental health epidemic. The data and statistics tell us that. Our children are telling us that through the yearly Department of Education mental health school surveys.”
According to NAMI, 70% of youth in the juvenile justice system have a diagnoseable mental health condition. They added, young people in detention are more likely to suffer from psychoses.
Friends and loved ones of detainees who have expressed thoughts of suicide or depression can call the Cobb County Adult Detention Center Watch Commander at (770) 499-4212 so that staff can notify medical professionals. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/two-teens-die-suicide-cobb-jail/85-43650926-8d54-4e96-874f-992b95b33ec8 | 2023-06-22T03:55:25 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/two-teens-die-suicide-cobb-jail/85-43650926-8d54-4e96-874f-992b95b33ec8 |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Union employees at Spirit AeroSystems voted to strike Wednesday.
According to Union Leader Cornell Beard, 79% of union employees voted “no” to the proposed contract, and 85% voted to strike.
Spirit AeroSystems released the following statement on IAM’s vote to strike:
We are disappointed that our employees represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in Wichita have rejected our four-year contract offer and have voted to strike. We believe that our fair and competitive offer recognizes the contributions of our employees and ensures we can successfully meet increasing demand for aircraft from our customers.
We know that no one wins in a work stoppage; however, we respect the rights of our represented employees. Despite this setback, we are not distracted from the task at hand. We look forward to continued meetings with IAM leadership.”
Spirit AeroSystems
Shortly after releasing the first statement, Spirit AeroSystems sent another one:
In light of the decision by Spirit IAM-represented employees to strike, Spirit will suspend factory production prior to the expiration of the contract. Beginning with start of first shift on Thursday, June 22, all IAM-represented employees are not to report for work but will receive pay for their regularly scheduled work hours. All scheduled overtime is canceled.
All employees not represented by the IAM should report to work as usual on Thursday.”
Spirit AeroSystems
The current contract between the Local Lodge 839 of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM) and Spirit AeroSystems expires on June 23. Contract negotiations began on May 1.
On June 13, machinists union members rallied outside Spirit AeroSystems. They are trying to gain support for a better contract and say they will strike if they do not get it. Two days later, Spirit and IAM reached an agreement on a new contract, which led to Wednesday’s vote.
KSN News will add more information as it becomes available.
To view the contract, click here. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/machinists-union-vote-to-strike-at-spirit-aerosystems/ | 2023-06-22T03:55:45 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/machinists-union-vote-to-strike-at-spirit-aerosystems/ |
BREAKING NEWS
Man suspected of shooting, killing parents and self in murder-suicide in Phoenix
Perry Vandell
Arizona Republic
A man is suspected of fatally shooting his elderly parents before taking his own life in what appears to be a murder-suicide, according to Phoenix police.
Sgt. Phil Krynsky, a department spokesman, said officers arrived at a home near 14th Place and Rose Lane on Tuesday at around 9 a.m. in response to calls for a welfare check where they found two men and a woman lying dead on the floor.
Krynsky said preliminary information suggests 50-year-old Lance Lammers shot his mom and dad, 81-year-old Betty Lammers and 78-year-old William Lammers respectively, and then turned the gun on himself.
It was not immediately clear what led to the fatal shooting.
Services for Arizonans in crisis include:
- Dial 2-1-1 to reach 211 Arizona.
- Solari Crisis & Human Services offers a free, statewide crisis line 24/7/365 – dial 844-534-HOPE (4673). Help is also available 24/7/365 via text by texting “hope” to 4HOPE (4673).
- Dial 988 to reach the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Help is available in English and Spanish. It's free and confidential for those in distress who need prevention or crisis resources for themselves or loved ones.
- La Frontera Empact Suicide Prevention Center's crisis line serves Maricopa and Pinal counties 24/7 at 480-784-1500.
- Teen Lifeline 24/7 crisis line serves teens at 602-248-8336 for Maricopa County and 1-800-248-8336 statewide.
- The Trevor Project Lifeline serves LGBTQ youth at 866-488-7386.
Resources for domestic violence and reporting information to the police include:
- Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence: 602-279-2980 or 800-782-6400
- Chrysalis 24-hour hotline: 602-944-4999
- CPLC 24-hour hotline: 602-269-1515
- The Family Advocacy Center: 602-534-2120
- Phoenix.gov/DomesticViolence
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Text 911 if you cannot speak
- Non-emergency 602-262-6151
- Report anonymously at 480-WITNESS (948-6377) or 480-TESTIGO (837-8446) for Spanish or silentwitness.org. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2023/06/21/police-say-man-shoots-kills-parents-self-in-phoenix-murder-suicide/70344900007/ | 2023-06-22T03:59:47 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2023/06/21/police-say-man-shoots-kills-parents-self-in-phoenix-murder-suicide/70344900007/ |
Vanessa Baugh's retirement completes Manatee County commission's changing of the guard
District 5 Commissioner Vanessa Baugh's retirement has completed a changing of the guard in Manatee County that started during the 2020 election cycle.
Baugh announced her retirement on Friday, just days after her husband, Donald, was hospitalized with serious medical conditions. She will officially leave the position on July 31.
The longtime commissioner alluded to the situation when she notified fellow commissioners of her retirement in an email sent on Friday, stating the week has reinforced the importance of her presence for her family. On Tuesday, Baugh issued a statement on social media indicating her husband has been hospitalized for about a week with serious medical conditions.
ICYMI:Manatee County's longest tenured commissioner, Vanessa Baugh, suddenly resigns
Also in Manatee:State dismisses DUI case against Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse
And:Second case of malaria confirmed in the Sarasota-Manatee area
"First, let me say, 'thank you' to so many who have called, texted, sent messages, etc. regarding Donnie," Baugh wrote in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
"I can’t thank enough all the doctors, nurses, practitioners, etc. who have been by his side. He is slowly improving every day," she wrote.
Decade of service as District 5 commissioner
Baugh's seat will be filled by an appointee of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to serve out the remainder of her four-year term that ends in 2024.
She was first elected in 2012, and twice again in 2018 and 2020. The district encompassed Lakewood Ranch and southern portions of east Manatee County like Myakka City but was redrawn during redistricting and approved by county commissioners at the end of 2021 to predominantly represent the Lakewood Ranch area.
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More:What to know in Manatee: A new golf course designed by Nick Price is headed to Myakka City
Baugh also serves on numerous boards, including as chair this year at the Florida Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council as well as the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, and as a board member of the Sarasota Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Florida Association of Counties Federal Committee.
Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, thanked Baugh for over a decade of service to the Manatee County community. He was among several local politicians who shared comments of support for Baugh upon hearing of her retirement.
“Vanessa has been a caring and dedicated public servant and this community will miss her service," Boyd said. "She has always worked very hard with us at the state level to do what is best for Manatee County and its residents. I will miss that collaboration with her but wish she and Don all the best in this next chapter. We are all praying for Don’s recovery and good health.”
Changing of the guard
During her tenure, Baugh held the Manatee County chairmanship role in 2016 and 2021, along with two days in April after a surprise vote to remove Chairman Kevin Van Ostenbridge from his seat in her favor. That vote was reversed almost immediately at the following county meeting.
This week, Van Ostenbridge expressed support for Baugh and her family. At recent meetings since the April vote, Van Ostenbridge has said that despite their differences, he often meets eye-to-eye with Baugh on many issues.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Baugh family at this difficult time," Van Ostenbridge said. "Giving 10 years of your life to public service is a sacrifice few people are willing to make. Commissioner Baugh made that sacrifice and always adhered to her conservative principles. She will be missed."
Those two days in April, though, were a sign of strife among a board once thought to be poised for unity because of the shared conservative values of its members, former County Commissioner Carol Whitmore said.
Instead, Manatee County leadership has been mired in controversy from the beginning of this year. Issues arose that led to the removal of Scott Hopes from the county administrator role, a failed gambit to hire Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association CEO Jon Mast to the interim position, changes to human resources leadership, and the impact that the April power struggle left on commissioners.
ICYMI:Manatee County toils over leadership, pursues Mast for interim administrator role
More:Mast declines interim Manatee County administrator job after $195,000 salary offer
Also:'Putting the fox in the hen house': Martin Hyde roasts Manatee County plan to hire Mast
Baugh also was involved in the planning of a pop-up COVID-19 vaccine site in 2021 that served only residents of Lakewood Ranch, as a part of a statewide effort to roll out the vaccine at a time when supplies were in high demand. She settled a case with the Florida Commission on Ethics over the situation early this year.
No stranger to caring for a spouse with serious medical concerns while in office, Whitmore offered words of support for Baugh and her family. Whitmore's husband died on her last day in office last year, during a time of political strife that marked the end of her 12-year run as commissioner.
"I'm glad she is stepping away to take care of her family, that's more important than anything," Whitmore said. "I can relate. My husband was ill for quite a few years, and I held it together as much as I could. I'm glad that she's spending time with her husband because he needs her."
Whitmore said the change could be good for the county. Baugh's departure means for the first time, Manatee County's board will be comprised entirely of commissioners elected no sooner than November 2020.
"The changing of the guard for two days, that was totally orchestrated and anybody that doesn't think so doesn't know anything about politics in Sarasota and Manatee County," Whitmore said. "I think this will be good for the county, and hopefully bring some cohesiveness." | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/manatee/2023/06/21/vanessa-baughs-retirement-completes-changing-of-the-guard-in-manatee/70341812007/ | 2023-06-22T04:00:02 | 1 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/manatee/2023/06/21/vanessa-baughs-retirement-completes-changing-of-the-guard-in-manatee/70341812007/ |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Wednesday marked the first official day of summer, which means the bugs have also arrived in Arkansas.
While mosquitos can be a pest, experts said people should watch closely for ticks.
Dr. Kelly Loftin, an Extension Entomologist at the University of Arkansas, said ticks are based on weather and the nearby wildlife they can cling onto.
"We've had plenty of ticks this year," Loftin said. "We happen to be collecting ticks this morning... When you have an early spring, it warms up quickly. You'll have ticks sooner."
But even with an early start, Loftin said Arkansas's tick season shouldn't be any worse than years past.
"What I like to say is pretty much all tick years are the same," Loftin said. "Tick populations tend to be more consistent than mosquito populations."
Although the tick season will be like any other in Arkansas, UAMS Internal Medicine Dr. Robert Hopkins said people should still take precautions regarding tick bites.
"Generally, for you to get an infection or an illness from a ticket has to be embedded for at least 12 to 24 hours," Hopkins said. "If you get it off soon, that reduces your risk even further."
Hopkins said some symptoms of a more severe tick bite infection or illness include fever, rash and nausea. The risk of developing a health condition from a tick bite is still relatively low in Arkansas.
"I would say that probably far less than a third of the ticks in Arkansas will cause you a significant problem," Hopkins said.
There are ways to try and avoid a bite altogether by using bug spray and wearing proper clothing.
"If you're going to be out in your yard, or you're going to be out in the woods, probably best to wear a hat and long sleeves and long pants," Hopkins said.
Similarly, Hopkins said it's best to contact your vet for any concerns about tick bites on pets. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/ticks-in-arkansas/91-c85b3ee5-42f8-4b86-9bff-e92ad632e4e6 | 2023-06-22T04:04:16 | 1 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/ticks-in-arkansas/91-c85b3ee5-42f8-4b86-9bff-e92ad632e4e6 |
WHITEHALL, Pa. — The brand-new, $6 million Whitehall swimming pool still doesn’t have a concrete opening date.
Originally, construction was set to finish at the beginning of April so the pool could open over Memorial Day weekend. That didn’t happen. In fact, construction is still ongoing.
The delay has been a source of frustration for many. In May, the borough refunded more than 800 bought and paid for pool passes.
RELATED >>> New pool’s opening date pending as Whitehall councilman, mayor at odds
Council did make a decision on passes at Wednesday evening’s council meeting. This season, they’ll be free for Whitehall residents.
“Council made a great decision and that is don’t charge for a pool pass. Then, it doesn’t matter when the pool opens because there’s no loss for residents,” Mayor Jim Nowalk said.
There will also be a discount for swimmers coming from nearby Baldwin. Passes will be 50% off.
“I think it will alleviate a lot of frustration that’s gone on,” Mayor Nowalk said.
As far as a timeline, the borough expects construction to be done by July 6. That date isn’t set in stone and it’s unclear what the turnaround time from the end of construction to the opening would be.
Channel 11 asked the mayor about covering the cost of the free passes. He told Channel 11 there would be a loss in revenue but doesn’t believe it would be substantial.
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PITTSBURGH — Construction is underway on The Crossing in Pittsburgh’s Homewood neighborhood.
It’s on the corner of Fifth and Hamilton Avenues, bordering Larimer.
Jamison Combs, with development company Brandywine Communities, says the project is giving the space a needed facelift.
“It’s overdue for redevelopment and we’re literally taking what used to be really a rundown site that was an eyesore in the community and developing it into something great,” Combs said.
The new development is bringing three new businesses to the neighborhood: Pizza Hut, PetWellClinic, and First National Bank, while also bringing new jobs to the area.
“We see it as a great opportunity to open doors for people,” said Combs. “We’re creating jobs in the construction process, but also with the three companies we have moving in here knowing that they’re going to create new jobs and provide growth for folks that live right here.”
According to Combs, the development could be completed as early as this fall.
“Our mission is to make a difference in communities,” Combs said. “We really say building, bridging, and binding communities, and this location gives us the chance to do that.”
Combs says all three companies jumped at the opportunity to bring their business to Homewood, recognizing the need for more developments like this one.
“We’ve really heard from local leaders and neighborhood leaders that this area is typically underserved by area banks, so we’re excited that First National Bank has joined us as one of the partners in the project,” Combs said.
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IRWIN, Pa. — Crews were called to a major fire at a home in Irwin on Wednesday night.
According to Westmoreland County 911, the fire started at a house on Carroll Drive just after 9:45 p.m.
Dispatchers said it appears the home was unoccupied.
At last check, no injuries have been reported.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/flames-rip-through-irwin-home/XE4K4ARI7VA63MV5ETUYWJ7JVU/ | 2023-06-22T04:08:56 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/flames-rip-through-irwin-home/XE4K4ARI7VA63MV5ETUYWJ7JVU/ |
BALTIMORE — Neighbors in Canton went to Facebook on Wednesday to discuss the lingering damage from a car that ran into the fence of the Enoch Pratt Free Library.
The front fence and garden area of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Canton are still mangled six months after a car hit them.
The library was closed at the time of the crash, so no one we spoke with actually saw it happen, but every day they see a reminder of it.
“So we have noticed it, and we see it just kinda hanging out there forever, kind of looks like a mess; it's not a good look for the library system, which is otherwise so awesome," said Julia, who lives in Canton.
Officials with the library say they filed a police report in January for the crash. They also say they are using insurance and private funding to repair the damage.
“Yeah, it's unfortunate, especially since this library is a hub for this community and for families, that that’s something that we see when we going by. Obviously, kids have questions about it," said Blakely Duetsch.
The library previously hired a contractor, but the company couldn't finish the job.
Recently, the library hired another contractor and said the repairs would start in the coming weeks.
Both mothers WMAR spoke with say it's about more than the damaged fence, they worry about the safety of the intersection there.
“The intersection is especially tricky, especially with crossing with my two daughters, you get like a red light or a green light, but there is still cars coming; it's really kind of unclear when you have the right-of-way," said Duetsch.
They say the Department of Transportation needs to make some changes.
“I mean, the fence makes sense for where it is now; unfortunately, the traffic pattern seems to be what the main issue is," said Duetsch.
The library said it expects the fence to be fixed by late summer or early fall. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/canton-neighbors-tired-of-seeing-damaged-fence-at-enoch-pratt-free-library | 2023-06-22T04:15:13 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/canton-neighbors-tired-of-seeing-damaged-fence-at-enoch-pratt-free-library |
ODESSA, Texas —
June is Elder Abuse Awareness month, and Texas Adult Protective Services partnered up with several local groups to help get the word out.
They held a senior celebration to show appreciation for local seniors and educate West Texans about the signs of elder abuse.
Other local groups who came out included Angel Care Hospice, Legal Aid of Northwest Texas and Visiting Angels.
“Everybody talks about child abuse, which is a huge problem, but they don't think about the other end of things, our elders, who are abused as well,” said Marci Leffler with Adult Protective Services. “APS will investigate all forms of abuse, including neglect and financial exploitation.”
If you think that someone you know may be experiencing elder abuse, you can call the Texas Abuse Hotline at 800-252-5400. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/adult-protective-services-celebrates-seniors/513-97e6fc43-0b48-4934-8e93-db57bec21cea | 2023-06-22T04:17:50 | 0 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/adult-protective-services-celebrates-seniors/513-97e6fc43-0b48-4934-8e93-db57bec21cea |
AUSTIN, Texas — Multiple hotel properties purchased by the City of Austin have been sitting unused, waiting to serve as supportive housing for the unhoused.
Come neighbors say there's been little to no movement and it's attracting crime.
Rupal Chaudhari owns two businesses near the Pecan Gardens project, which used to be a "Candlewood Suites" hotel. That property is still waiting to be turned into a shelter.
She said she found out from the newspaper this was happening and said it's still creating problems for neighbors.
"We were seeing people throwing bikes off the fence, and they damaged our fence. There was so much going on. It took four days for the City to respond," said Chaudhari.
City leaders already had to approve a $500,000 contract for extra repairs at Pecan Gardens, and now, there are concerns that same situation is happening at another property.
The Texas Bungalows property was formerly a hotel, but for the past two years has sat vacant as the City plans to turn it into permanent supportive housing for the unhoused.
Boards cover the windows and chains and locks line the fences.
Residents and business owners near these vacant properties say they're a target for vandalism and other crimes.
This month, former Austin mayoral candidate Jennifer Virden tweeted photos of the property sitting vacant.
A spokesperson for the City's Housing and Planning Department told KVUE they haven't seen significant vandalism there, but localized flooding in April caused water damage on the first floor.
The City approved buying the Bungalows property for $6.7 million in January 2021 to turn it into a 60-unit supportive housing development, and in 2022, leaders approved using $1.3 million to renovate it.
So what's the holdup now? The Housing Department said crews need to complete foundation repairs before they can actually start the interior renovations. Those repairs are set to start this month.
But Chaudhari worries these properties will continue to sit vacant. She has concerns as to what will it mean for the neighborhood.
"They don't talk about anything like, who are the people? Will there be any background checks? They don't talk about any of those and they don't involve the community in this conversation," said Chaudhari.
She's hoping the City will take these concerns into consideration, to help the neighbors around them and to help the unhoused population get any help they need.
Full Q&A with City of Austin
- When did the city buy the property? The City of Austin completed the purchase of the building in August of 2021.
- What was it purchased for? The property will be converted to Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), a type of rental housing serving people exiting homelessness. PSH combines deeply affordable units and comprehensive social services that help keep people stably housed.
- Why has it been sitting? As the tenants will be supported with a housing voucher provided by HACA, the federal requirements include a subsidy layering review to be approved by HUD prior to any rehabilitation work beginning. HUD provided this approval in September 2022. However, foundation repair must be completed before other significant renovation work can commence. The foundation work is slated for June through August 2023.
- Plans for the area? - This will be a 60-unit Permanent Supportive Housing development managed by Integral Care. Tenants will be people living with a disability who are exiting long-term homelessness. Integral Care will provide robust on-site social services, tailored to people who may benefit from behavioral health services. Permanent Supportive Housing has long been shown to be the most effective method for providing housing stability for the chronically homeless population, especially those living with mental health or substance use disorders.
- Response efforts to the vandalism? No significant vandalism has occurred. Localized flash flooding that occurred on April 20, 2023 resulted in water damage to the first floor, which will be addressed along with other renovations.
- Cost to repair? - The contract with Integral Care for the renovation of the property to convert it to PSH is $1,364,210. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/homeless/texas-bungalows-property-city-supportive-housing/269-f362f03f-3cec-488c-a004-ec85e5e66383 | 2023-06-22T04:18:17 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/homeless/texas-bungalows-property-city-supportive-housing/269-f362f03f-3cec-488c-a004-ec85e5e66383 |
Mason City's LGBTQ+ Pride Festival will be held Saturday, July 15, in Central Park and will celebrate LGBTQ+ citizens and allies who live and work in Mason City and the surrounding area.
North Iowa Mutual Aid is selling T-shirts to support the Pride Festival. The deadline to buy a T-shirt and have $10 from each T-shirt sold directly support the festival is June 22, the link can be found at northiowamutualaid.org.
According to the Facebook Group Mason City, IA LGBTQ+ Pride Festival, activities are set to begin at 9 a.m. and include the Second annual Rainbow Fun Run 5K, Pet Pride Parade, Youth Talent Show, Renewal of Vows for LGBTQ+ couples, name/pronoun blessings, free mom/dad hugs, family-friendly drag show, vendor booths, activities, info booths, and open mic.
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"North Iowa Mutual Aid wants to show our support for our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors," said North Iowa Mutual Aid founder and director Natasha Marquis. "We look forward to celebrating Pride in Mason City on Saturday, July 15 in Central Park."
Vendors and those wishing to volunteer are encouraged to sign up through the Facebook group Mason City, IA LGBTQ+ Pride Festival 2023.
Alexander Schmidt is an Education/General Assignment Reporter for the Globe Gazette. You can reach him at alexander.schmidt@globegazette.com or at 641-421-0527. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/mason-city-pride-2023/article_744d0c36-0f07-11ee-9f80-b7bbb5588b74.html | 2023-06-22T04:20:18 | 1 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/mason-city-pride-2023/article_744d0c36-0f07-11ee-9f80-b7bbb5588b74.html |
Doctors in New York who prescribe abortion pills to patients in states where the procedure is illegal would be provided with legal protection under a bill approved by state lawmakers.
The measure, which will be considered by Gov. Kathy Hochul, is among a wave of state-level abortion bills taken up nationwide in the year since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the nationwide right to abortion. Advocates say the New York bill, if approved, would allow women in states around the country to get abortion pills more safely and quickly.
"It will make it much less difficult for people to get abortions with pills in a timely way,” said Dr. Linda Prine, co-founder of the Abortion Coalition for Telemedicine Access. Prine said she would be involved in the effort.
A year after the Dobbs ruling, 14 states have bans on abortion throughout pregnancy — with some exceptions — while other states have adopted deep restrictions.
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The bill, given final legislative approval Tuesday, would protect medical professionals who provide legal reproductive services via telemedicine to out-of-state patients. Under the measure, New York officials would be barred from cooperating with certain legal actions initiated in states where abortion is banned, such as arrests or extraditions.
“I think that these other states are becoming bolder in how they come after abortion providers and people who seek abortion services or reproductive health services,” sponsoring Assemblymember Karines Reyes said Wednesday. “So we just want to make sure that in New York we’re protecting them.”
More than half of abortions in the United States are now carried out with medication, according to the New York Assembly.
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The measure also would protect those providers from professional discipline and malpractice insurance rate hikes. However, the bill would not bar other states from pressing charges, and it would not remove the threat of people being extradited if they travel beyond New York.
“New York here is doing what it can to take itself out of the equation as an obstacle to providing care,” said Jenna Lauter, a legal fellow at the New York Civil Liberties Union.
The New York bill would extend protections approved last year to protect reproductive health care providers from out-of-state litigation. New York is among 14 states that have enacted laws that protect people from out-of-state legal actions since 2022, according to the National Institute for Reproductive Health.
Several of those states include protections for telehealth services, including Colorado, Connecticut and Illinois.
“These states that are stepping up right now, like New York has, are being really clear that they will not be complicit in any way in attempts by other states to engage in criminal prosecutions, professional sanction or civil action,” National Institute for Reproductive Health President Andrea Miller said.
Hochul, who has supported abortion rights, has not said whether she would sign the bill. A spokeswoman said in an email that "we are reviewing the legislation.”
One prominent opponent is the New York State Catholic Conference, which accused New York of seeking to become “the abortion capital of the United States.”
“This legislation is nothing more than political pandering – eroding standards through which doctors can be held accountable in order to appear progressive on the issue of abortion,” Kristen Curran, the conference’s director of government relations, said in a prepared statement. "New York should respect the laws of other states, just as other states should respect New York’s." | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/new-york-bill-would-protect-doctors-who-send-abortion-pills-across-state-lines/4442146/ | 2023-06-22T04:25:14 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/new-york-bill-would-protect-doctors-who-send-abortion-pills-across-state-lines/4442146/ |
ROCHESTER, Minn.-- A woman is on a mission to keep the legacy of a man she learned from, alive. For many, in Rochester the name "Danny Solis" rings a bell. The Poet and Arts champion died a few months ago.
21-year-old, Edna Ahmed who says the first poet she's ever seen perform was Danny Solis when she was 13.
Solis performed a poem about family, which Ahmed says touched her deeply and was what caused her to start writing poetry--and by 15, performing spoken word at a number of venues in Rochester.
Over the weekend Ahmed performed for the first time in five years during Rochester's Juneteenth Festival where she says she was extremely nervous.
However, Ahmed says she determined to carry on the poetic culture of the city.
“It's nice to know other there's other poets out here. So keeping that legacy going on.” she says. “He's not going to be the first or last, there's like another generation under him. Hopefully when I get older too , I can have a younger person kind of look up to me and then I can tell them my journey and say' Danny Solis is always going to be a part of my journey."
Ahmed says she is working to compile her work into a book and hopes to have a launch party at the Rochester art center once it's completed. | https://www.kimt.com/news/local/carrying-on-a-local-poets-legacy/article_bfcab3de-10b0-11ee-8ff5-3f7c07eb532a.html | 2023-06-22T04:26:06 | 1 | https://www.kimt.com/news/local/carrying-on-a-local-poets-legacy/article_bfcab3de-10b0-11ee-8ff5-3f7c07eb532a.html |
ROCHESTER, Minn.-- A volunteer driving program with Olmsted county wants people to know that they offer services to clients beyond medical trips, but also work to support the livelihood of its clients.
They started the program back in 1987 as a part of public health services after social and case workers found themselves having to spend less time with clients due to needing to cover transportation for others.
In order to maintain quality service, the program currently has 16 drivers enlisted who support all transporation needs for clients and even go as far as the Twin Cities for trips.
The program coordinators say with the cost of living going up, it's even more important now to get extra hands.
Eve Simon, Olmted County Volunteer Driver Program Coordinator, says, “One client messaged me and said this is the only time they get out, is when we provide transportation."
The Volunteer Services Coordinator, Diane Tradup adds, "We've definitely seen the improvement of the individuals who have stable transportation needs --definetly seen their health improve and overall quality of life."
The program also profits from selected health plans to offset transportation costs.
Volunteer drivers must use their own vehicle but are reimbursed through the program based on mileage. | https://www.kimt.com/news/local/volunteer-driving-program-helping-people/article_9f823f20-10b0-11ee-858b-6b84016beaf6.html | 2023-06-22T04:26:12 | 1 | https://www.kimt.com/news/local/volunteer-driving-program-helping-people/article_9f823f20-10b0-11ee-858b-6b84016beaf6.html |
ARLINGTON, Texas — The ongoing feud between Fort Worth Diocese Bishop Michael Olson and a group of Carmelite nuns has people taking sides.
It's been more than two months since Olson took a visit to the Carmelite Monastery in Arlington to address allegations the head mother of the monastery allegedly broke her vow of chastity.
Since then, it's been a whirlwind as a number of accusations have flown in both directions.
"It's quite stunning that this could even be happening," said Sheila Johnson of Tarrant County.
Johnson admitted she is normally quiet but not on this topic and likely because of her connection to it.
She is the oldest daughter of Ruth Carter Johnson Stevenson and her grandfather is Amon Carter. Their family has been a fixture in Fort Worth and Tarrant County.
"[My mother] bought the property in Arlington with her own money and gave it to the nuns," said Johnson, referring to the 70-acre wooded property in Arlington where the monastery currently sits.
Johnson said she remembers being 6 years old going to midnight mass when they were held off Summit Avenue in Fort Worth. It wasn't until the 1970s that the sisters moved the monastery moved to Arlington.
The Arlington Carmel has received much scrutiny lately. The bishop alleges Mother Superior Agnes Gerlach admitted five times to breaking the vow of chastity with a priest from another diocese.
The bishop subsequently dismissed her from her position as the Mother Superior. From the time of the dismissal the Mother Superior has 30 days to appeal the bishop's decision.
It is unclear at this time if Mother Gerlach has entered an appeal.
The diocese also accuses the Mother Superior of using drugs -- and shared photos they claim show pill bottles and cannabis products. These are allegations Mathew Bobo denies. Bobo is the Mother Superior's civil attorney.
"They are all utterly ridiculous and contrived," Johnson said.
Johnson is a layperson who still talks daily and meets weekly with the nuns. She has helped the Carmel in numerous ways like buying groceries for the nuns. Lately, she's helped organize fundraisers for their legal expenses, one donor is the Amon Carter Foundation.
"It has hurt me deeply because I love the sisters and the Arlington Carmel very much," Olson said in an online video Sunday on the diocesan website.
Olson went on record addressing allegations and fighting off accusations. One specific accusation the bishop addressed is that this is a ploy to take control of the monastery.
"The donor list, the property, and all of the asset of the monastery, belong to the monastery and are there for the Carmelite community of nuns," said the bishop.
"It's become obvious over the last two months that property figures into what he thinks he can have," said Johnson.
Johnson told WFAA she has no direct proof the bishop is angling for the property but said the latest behavior has given her a hunch. Johnson believes the highest Catholic authority in the region has over-stepped.
Property records show the monastery belongs to a non-profit with the Sisters on the Board.
"This is not social. This is very serious and dangerous...and very personal," said Johnson. " I'm going to fight until the bitter end," she said.
A civil trial is on the horizon with possible criminal and canonical investigations in tow. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/family-connected-monastery-land-takes-side-feud-fort-worth-bishop-nuns/287-e85932ca-9f68-4ba4-b3a4-1354b9895cb0 | 2023-06-22T04:26:35 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/family-connected-monastery-land-takes-side-feud-fort-worth-bishop-nuns/287-e85932ca-9f68-4ba4-b3a4-1354b9895cb0 |
POWELL, Texas — A train derailed in Navarro County on Wednesday during a round of severe storms in the North Texas area.
The Navarro County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) said the derailment happened in the town of Powell, about nine miles east of Corsicana, on Wednesday evening. The location is at Highway 31 and SE County Road 0080.
Union Pacific said the incident involved one of its trains and that about 26 rail cars derailed at the scene.
While officials are still determining the cause of the derailment, the incident was called in during severe storms that the OEM reported as having up to 80 mph winds.
The train involved was a freight train with double-stack containers. It's unclear if the containers were empty at the time.
There were no injuries reported from the incident, and the OEM said there is no environmental hazard.
Areas of Navarro and Ellis counties saw damage from Wednesday's storms. Damage includes fallen and broken trees and downed power lines. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/train-derails-navarro-county-texas-severe-storm-weather/287-749b9e71-402e-48f9-b83b-ff3c701345cc | 2023-06-22T04:26:41 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/train-derails-navarro-county-texas-severe-storm-weather/287-749b9e71-402e-48f9-b83b-ff3c701345cc |
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Dozens of recommendations to help cut crime in Orange County are now on their way to commissioners.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The new suggestions come from the Citizens Safety Task Force, which re-assembled following a deadly mass shooting in Pine Hills that left 9-year-old Tyonna Major, Nathacha Augustin and local news reporter Dylan Lyons dead.
READ: Man, 87, pays $500 a month to carry on feeding 2 dozen feral cats after wife’s death
Safety suggestions include funding prevention programs, adding street lights and prosecuting gun crimes more severely.
None of the suggestions appear to break major new ground, but they could face hurdles we’ve seen before, including money.
READ: Safety task force members send dozens of proposals to Orange County commissioners
“It’s going to be a difficult road for them to narrow down who is going to get these funds for the recommendations,” Sheriff John Mina said.
County commissioners are expected to discuss the recommendations sometime in July or August.
READ: 30-foot hole opens up in front of Ocala home, residents evacuated
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/orange-county-task-force-looks-ways-curb-crime-money-remains-hurdle/Z43DWSA34ZEB3KDJGBMZCQDJIQ/ | 2023-06-22T04:35:12 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/orange-county-task-force-looks-ways-curb-crime-money-remains-hurdle/Z43DWSA34ZEB3KDJGBMZCQDJIQ/ |
DES MOINES, Iowa — Editor's Note: The above video was originally published in January 2023.
RAGBRAI begins in less than a month, with people from all 50 states and 20 countries expected to compete.
And until the ride begins, people behind the scenes are trying to keep cyclists safe; a task made a little more challenging this year because of the record number of expected bikers.
RAGBRAI Director Matt Phippen told Local 5 that he expects there to be a new record number of cyclists riding along the Ames to Des Moines route – right alongside the Capitol.
“It definitely is a bigger number than any year," he said. "Obviously with RAGBRAI 50. There’s a lot of people who want to come because they have either ridden in the past, and they want to celebrate the 50th, or like I said, they want to just show up and ride their bike that day.”
Phippen didn’t provide a set number of registered riders, because some people don’t show up, but he admitted there will be more cyclists than any previous year.
Bikers officially begin the RAGBRAI ride on July 23 in Sioux City, and then a week later, they finish on the east side of Iowa in Davenport.
But with a new record number of people anticipated to ride, riders will pack the streets, leading to a potential safety concern for them.
“When you have that many people coming to a certain area, there’s going to be crashes," Phippen said. "It’s just how it is. There are just too many people around.”
Sgt. Paul Parizek of the Des Moines Police Department agrees with Phippen.
“Anyone who has been on RAGBRAI has probably seen it happen," Parizek explained. "One person will wreck, and then you’ll have ten people that also wreck, because they don’t have the time to react."
Parizek also mentioned they will have an increased police presence along the Ames to Des Moines route and will have several hundred officers on the streets alone to help assist if anything goes wrong.
To avoid crashing along the ride, Phippen recommends that bikers just "get to know their own bike," to avoid becoming overwhelmed with the record number of riders. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/outreach/ragbrai/ragbrai-to-have-record-number-of-cyclists-this-year-safety-concerns-ames-des-moines/524-6324f40c-67e8-442c-b3a4-cf0d68371e81 | 2023-06-22T04:39:00 | 1 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/outreach/ragbrai/ragbrai-to-have-record-number-of-cyclists-this-year-safety-concerns-ames-des-moines/524-6324f40c-67e8-442c-b3a4-cf0d68371e81 |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/racist-and-antisemitic-fliers-found-in-ridley-township/3590204/ | 2023-06-22T04:44:39 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/racist-and-antisemitic-fliers-found-in-ridley-township/3590204/ |
Home prices walk, but not sprint, toward summer peak in May
Brevard's home sale prices are continuing their climb to another summer hot streak.
According to the Space Coast Association of Realtors, the median single-family home price in Brevard for May was $371,450. While that's a less than 1% drop from the price from May 2022, it represents an $11,000 jump from April's median price of $360,000.
The median sales prices is the point at which half the homes sold for more and half sold for less. The hot market summer months are spurred by families choosing to move when school is out of session. It's normal to see a summer bump in median home prices.
It's also normal to see the median sales price ebb and flow in patterns similar to what we've seen across the Space Coast in the past year. And the townhome and condo sector of the market has ebbed a bit.
The median sales price for townhomes and condos dropped slightly year over year by 1.2%. The price for May was $295,000, down from $300,000 in 2022. It's also down the same amount month over month as April's median townhome/condo price was also $300,000.
While there is not really one factor to say "this caused the dip" nor as those in Real Estate like to say, there is no crystal ball, the drop in price could coincide with the increase in townhome and condo inventory Brevard saw month over month. For instance, the higher inventory could mean a shift to better values for this type of housing as sellers accept slightly lower offers on units.
April numbers:Brevard's April home sale prices may hint at another summer surge
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Closed sales up
Closed sales are up by a little more than half a percent year over year. May saw 1,060 homes closed while the same month a year earlier saw six less homes closed. It is also an improvement over April's closings of 978.
Townhomes and condos also saw an uptick in closings by 1.8 percent. 276 units closed in May compared to 271 a year earlier. Again, this sector of closings saw a month over month increase with just 256 units closed in April.
Cash sales drop
May also saw a drop in cash sales for single-family homes ― down 7.5%, year over year and lower than the 27.5% drop seen in April. But townhome and condo sales saw a bit of an increase in cash at 2.7% year over year. In April, there was a 30 percent drop.
Realtors across the Space Coast have seen buyers wanting to hold onto their cash and bringing financing offers to the table. Additionally, national corporations that buy properties with cash to turn into rental properties have slowed their 2022 buying spree.
Pending sales drop for single-family homes
May saw a downturn in pending sales for single-family homes in Brevard, with an 11.7% decrease, year over year. Pending townhome and condo sales also dropped 8.7%, year over year. Basically, there were fewer houses lingering "under contract" at the end of May than there were a year earlier.
That could coincide with the slight increases in closed sales. If more sales close by the end of the month, there are fewer houses "under contract" or pending closure.
Other statistics
- New listings: New single family home listings were down 14.2% year over year. New townhome and condo listings were up by 3% over last May.
- Months' supply of inventory: The monthly supply of single family homes is up 90.9% year over year growing to a 2.1 month supply. The supply of townhomes and condos surged 181.8% year over year surging to 3.1 months supply.
- Traditional sales: Single family and townhomes/condos both saw modest increases in traditional sales with .6% and 1.5% respectively.
- Foreclosure/REO Sales: Single Family homes saw a 33.3% increase year over year. While that may seem like a lot, it isn't. There were only four foreclosure sales total last month. Data for Townhomes and Condos was not available.
- Short Sale closings: Neither sector saw short sale closings in May.
Rob Landers is a veteran multimedia journalist for the USA Today Network of Florida. Contact Landers at 321-242-3627 or rlanders@gannett.com. Instagram: @ByRobLanders Youtube: @florida_today | https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/brevard-median-sales-prices-drops-year-over-year-in-may/70343848007/ | 2023-06-22T04:53:15 | 1 | https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/brevard-median-sales-prices-drops-year-over-year-in-may/70343848007/ |
ARLINGTON, Texas — The ongoing feud between Fort Worth Diocese Bishop Michael Olson and a group of Carmelite nuns has people taking sides.
It's been more than two months since Olson took a visit to the Carmelite Monastery in Arlington to address allegations the head mother of the monastery allegedly broke her vow of chastity.
Since then, it's been a whirlwind as a number of accusations have flown in both directions.
"It's quite stunning that this could even be happening," said Sheila Johnson of Tarrant County.
Johnson admitted she is normally quiet but not on this topic and likely because of her connection to it.
She is the oldest daughter of Ruth Carter Johnson Stevenson and her grandfather is Amon Carter. Their family has been a fixture in Fort Worth and Tarrant County.
"[My mother] bought the property in Arlington with her own money and gave it to the nuns," said Johnson, referring to the 70-acre wooded property in Arlington where the monastery currently sits.
Johnson said she remembers being 6 years old going to midnight mass when they were held off Summit Avenue in Fort Worth. It wasn't until the 1970s that the sisters moved the monastery moved to Arlington.
The Arlington Carmel has received much scrutiny lately. The bishop alleges Mother Superior Agnes Gerlach admitted five times to breaking the vow of chastity with a priest from another diocese.
The bishop subsequently dismissed her from her position as the Mother Superior. From the time of the dismissal the Mother Superior has 30 days to appeal the bishop's decision.
It is unclear at this time if Mother Gerlach has entered an appeal.
The diocese also accuses the Mother Superior of using drugs -- and shared photos they claim show pill bottles and cannabis products. These are allegations Mathew Bobo denies. Bobo is the Mother Superior's civil attorney.
"They are all utterly ridiculous and contrived," Johnson said.
Johnson is a layperson who still talks daily and meets weekly with the nuns. She has helped the Carmel in numerous ways like buying groceries for the nuns. Lately, she's helped organize fundraisers for their legal expenses, one donor is the Amon Carter Foundation.
"It has hurt me deeply because I love the sisters and the Arlington Carmel very much," Olson said in an online video Sunday on the diocesan website.
Olson went on record addressing allegations and fighting off accusations. One specific accusation the bishop addressed is that this is a ploy to take control of the monastery.
"The donor list, the property, and all of the asset of the monastery, belong to the monastery and are there for the Carmelite community of nuns," said the bishop.
"It's become obvious over the last two months that property figures into what he thinks he can have," said Johnson.
Johnson told WFAA she has no direct proof the bishop is angling for the property but said the latest behavior has given her a hunch. Johnson believes the highest Catholic authority in the region has over-stepped.
Property records show the monastery belongs to a non-profit with the Sisters on the Board.
"This is not social. This is very serious and dangerous...and very personal," said Johnson. " I'm going to fight until the bitter end," she said.
A civil trial is on the horizon with possible criminal and canonical investigations in tow. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/family-connected-monastery-land-takes-side-feud-fort-worth-bishop-nuns/287-e85932ca-9f68-4ba4-b3a4-1354b9895cb0 | 2023-06-22T04:54:03 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/family-connected-monastery-land-takes-side-feud-fort-worth-bishop-nuns/287-e85932ca-9f68-4ba4-b3a4-1354b9895cb0 |
POWELL, Texas — A train derailed in Navarro County on Wednesday during a round of severe storms in the North Texas area.
The Navarro County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) said the derailment happened in the town of Powell, about nine miles east of Corsicana, on Wednesday evening. The location is at Highway 31 and SE County Road 0080.
Union Pacific said the incident involved one of its trains and that about 26 rail cars derailed at the scene.
While officials are still determining the cause of the derailment, the incident was called in during severe storms that the OEM reported as having up to 80 mph winds.
The train involved was a freight train with double-stack containers. It's unclear if the containers were empty at the time.
There were no injuries reported from the incident, and the OEM said there is no environmental hazard.
Areas of Navarro and Ellis counties saw damage from Wednesday's storms. Damage includes fallen and broken trees and downed power lines. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/train-derails-navarro-county-texas-severe-storm-weather/287-749b9e71-402e-48f9-b83b-ff3c701345cc | 2023-06-22T04:54:04 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/train-derails-navarro-county-texas-severe-storm-weather/287-749b9e71-402e-48f9-b83b-ff3c701345cc |
Wichita County Law Enforcement Center Dedicates New Memorial to Honor the Fallen
Families and friends of fallen deputies and fire fighters, turnout for memorial dedication at Wichita County Law Enforcement Center on June 21, 2023.
On the morning of June 21, family and friends of fallen deputies and firefighters gathered around the front parking lot of the Wichita County Law Enforcement Center for a dedication ceremony of the new "Fallen Deputies and Volunteer Firefighters of Wichita County" memorial.
"When we started the citizen alumni association, they asked me what kind of equipment that I want for them to buy for the sheriff's office. ... Well, we've got budget money and we didn't really need any more equipment as far as guns and things like this. But I knew we needed to have a memorial for the county law enforcement, which included all the cities outside of Wichita Falls because Wichita Falls has their memorial. And also for county firefighters outside the city limits of Wichita Falls," said David Duke, Wichita County Sheriff.
The Wichita County Law Enforcement Center raised over $450,000 through donations for the memorial. None of the money was county funds or taxpayer money.
Chief Deputy Will Rutledge and Fire Chief Will Norris read tributes to fallen deputies and firefighters. Families of the fallen placed wreaths on the memorial site, which was then proceeded by a 21-gun salute.
"There's no doubt that the residents of this county are behind their law enforcement and first responders, no doubt about it. We live in a great state of Texas in a great part of America, we're not really shielded from all the things we see in these bigger cities, we don't have as much of the violence. We do have our own share of violence here but everybody working together, between fire services and law enforcement, is imperative - and the EMS, we can't forget about them," Duke said.
According to Iowa Park Assistant Fire Chief Dwayne Birkenfeld and Duke, firefighters, law enforcement and EMS have all shown their appreciation for the memorial.
According to Iowa Park Assistant Fire Chief Dwayne Birkenfeld and Wichita County Sheriff David Duke, fire fighters, law enforcement and EMS have shown their appreciation for the memorial.
"I just want to thank everybody that came out today to support the memorial. We really appreciate it from the fire side, Sheriff Duke and all his people that got together and come forward and put together a very good memorial for the firefighters and the law enforcement of Wichita County; and anybody traveling down 287 can stop in and pay their respects," Dwayne Birkenfeld, Iowa Park Assistant Fire Chief added. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/memorial-dedication-ceremony-held/70343318007/ | 2023-06-22T05:01:31 | 0 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/memorial-dedication-ceremony-held/70343318007/ |
Wreck near Vernon kills one driver
Lynn Walker
Wichita Falls Times Record News
One person was killed and another injured in a collision near Vernon Tuesday morning.
The Texas Department of Public Safety reported the driver of a Chevy Trailblazer traveling east on FM 91 about 6:20 a.m. disregarded a stop sign at U.S. 283 and was struck by a pickup.
The driver of the Trailblazer, Carlos Jose Ayala, 52, of Chillicothe was taken to Wilbarger General Hospital in Vernon where he was pronounced dead.
The driver of the pickup, Cherokee Lynne Chambers, 53, of Vernon, was injured but was reported to be in stable condition. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/wreck-near-vernon-kills-one-driver/70344222007/ | 2023-06-22T05:01:37 | 1 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/wreck-near-vernon-kills-one-driver/70344222007/ |
Ex-Macomb Co. Prosecutor offered plea deal in embezzlement case
Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith was offered a plea deal that includes a year in the county jail during a pretrial hearing Wednesday in front of Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Nanci Grant, according to the state Attorney General's Office.
The former county official has been accused of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars in drug and drunken driving forfeiture funds, conspiracy to commit forgery, tampering with evidence and conducting criminal enterprises.
Under the deal offered by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office, Smith would plead guilty to official misconduct in office, a 5-year common law felony; tampering with evidence, a 4-year felony; and conspiracy to commit forgery, a 14-year felony. Seven counts would be dropped.
He'd also have to pay $25,000 in restitution when sentenced to a year in jail, according to the document laying out the agreement.
A Michigan State Police investigation found that Smith re-allocated over $600,000 of funds from drunk driving and drug cases designated for law enforcement and used it for parties, gifts and a home security system. He faces state charges including embezzlement, conspiracy to commit forgery, evidence tampering, conspiracy of a criminal enterprise and misconduct in office.
A trial date had been set for Oct. 19.
Three former associates, including Smith's ex-chief assistant prosecutor Derek Miller, his chief operating officer Benjamin Liston and William Weber, the owner of a Macomb electronics business, pleaded guilty to related offenses and are cooperating in Smith's prosecution.
Smith resigned from his position as Macomb County Prosecutor, which he had held for 15 years, in 2020.
He pleaded guilty in 2021 to federal charges of obstructing justice and was sentenced to 21 months in prison. He served seven months and was released to community confinement in January.
An FBI investigation found that Smith used $75,000 from his political campaign fund for personal use and then pressured a friend and two assistant county prosecutors to lie on his behalf to federal authorities.
Grant is serving as the judge because Macomb Circuit Court judges recused themselves.
hmackay@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/macomb-county/2023/06/21/ex-macomb-co-prosecutor-offered-plea-deal-in-embezzlement-case/70343103007/ | 2023-06-22T05:11:06 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/macomb-county/2023/06/21/ex-macomb-co-prosecutor-offered-plea-deal-in-embezzlement-case/70343103007/ |
SOMERS POINT — The Colony Club of Ocean City held its annual Fashion Show fundraiser for student scholarships June 6 at Greate Bay Country Club.
Models from the club showed off fashions from two Ocean City boutiques — She’z the Boss and White Lotus.
The event sold 130 tickets and included raffles, door prizes and a silent art auction. Proceeds went toward funds for three scholarships to be awarded next year to young women graduating from Ocean City High School.
The Colony Club is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. For more information, visit colonyclubocnj.com. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/colony-club-of-ocean-city-holds-annual-fashion-show/article_5f125fc0-0f97-11ee-aa46-2f0ed9c9cd0b.html | 2023-06-22T05:18:52 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/colony-club-of-ocean-city-holds-annual-fashion-show/article_5f125fc0-0f97-11ee-aa46-2f0ed9c9cd0b.html |
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — A federal civil lawsuit filed Wednesday claims Johnson City police knew a downtown business owner drugged and raped multiple women and that they “let him get away with it.”
The lawsuit with nine “Jane Doe” plaintiffs seeks damages against Johnson City, former Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) chief Karl Turner, two other named officers and six yet unnamed officers.
It lays out timelines and details in each of the nine alleged victims’ cases, including the case of one woman who died after crashing her car while allegedly still incapacitated by drugs and distraught over something that had occurred at Williams’s downtown apartment.
The suit claims a JCPD pattern of failure to investigate Williams’s alleged crimes against women starting at least as early as 2018 up to mid-2021. On May 5, 2021, Williams went on the lam following an attempt by JCPD officers to arrest him on a federal warrant for being a felon in possession of ammunition.
The lawsuit claims violations of the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution as well as violations of the alleged victims’ rights to due process. It also claims the city violated Title IX, and that the JCPD’s handling of numerous allegations was done “with deliberate indifference to the constitutional rights of plaintiffs with a purpose to harm that was unrelated to any legitimate law enforcement objective.”
“JCPD’s actions evidence a sex-based bias against female crime victims,” the suit reads. “These actions, known and authorized by Johnson City, Tennessee, were knowing, reckless, negligent, and deprived Plaintiffs of their constitutional rights to equal protection and due process, as well as their rights under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, and the common law.”
The six-count suit also includes a claim that JCPD violated Tennessee’s Governmental Tort Liability Act through negligence in its response to women’s allegations, and claims that the JCPD was negligent in failing to both train and supervise its officers. The result, the suit claims, was that when made aware of complaints JCPD officers and employees “failed to investigate those complaints, and failed to protect female citizens of Johnson City from further criminal activity from Williams.”
The lawsuit seeks a jury trial, attorney’s fees, and unspecified compensatory damages.
Connection to earlier lawsuit
The suit says most alleged victims learned their experiences were not unique after Kateri Dahl, a former federal prosecutor who had worked with the JCPD through an agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s office, filed her own federal suit related to Williams in June 2022.
That suit also mentioned Williams’s alleged sex crimes and the JCPD’s alleged failure to pursue them adequately.
Eight of those women ended up contacting Vanessa Baehr-Jones, the primary plaintiffs’ attorney in this case. The ninth is deceased and represented by family members.
Based on interviews with the plaintiffs, attorneys allege that Williams, with the aid of a male friend and at least one woman, recruited women and brought them to a downtown garage he owned and his downtown apartment, “where he would drug and sexually assault them.”
While accounts differ in some ways — some women reported to the police, others didn’t, some had rape tests done — there are common themes.
They include a pattern of Williams’s “conspirators” bringing women up to parties at his apartment; women being handed drinks from separate bottles or given cocaine on different trays than those used by Williams and male guests; and women losing consciousness and/or control of their bodies to some degree.
There are also several allegations of Williams holding women at his apartment against their will or telling them they were too incapacitated to leave, either before or after he had allegedly assaulted them.
The accounts include numerous references to JCPD officers not following through on requests for investigations after reports of assaults by Williams.
Jane Doe 2 allegedly was administered a rape kit at an urgent care in November 2021 and provided a statement to two JCPD officers at that time.
“Jane Doe 2 did not hear anything more from JCPD for a year and a half,” the suit alleges.
Detective Toma Sparks then allegedly called Jane Doe 2 in May 2021 and told her she had benzodiazepine in her system the night of the alleged assault. The rape kit also showed another person’s DNA present in the sample collected, the suit says.
“After relaying this information, Detective Sparks discouraged Jane Doe 2 from pursuing charges against Williams,” the suit says. “He told Jane Doe 2 that even if he was able to get a warrant to collect and test Williams’ DNA, Williams would have to willingly submit to the testing, and he would never do that.
“In fact, this statement was false as a warrant would require Williams to submit to testing. Detective Sparks described Williams as ‘untouchable.'”
The suit says Jane Doe 2 still told Sparks she wanted to proceed with pressing charges and that she never received a response.
News Channel 11 emailed City of Johnson City representatives Wednesday afternoon following the lawsuit filing. Spokeswoman Keisha Shoun said the city needed to review the suit and would provide what comment it could after that. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/johnson-city-sued-over-handling-of-alleged-rapes/ | 2023-06-22T05:27:40 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/johnson-city-sued-over-handling-of-alleged-rapes/ |
DECATUR, Ga. — The City of Decatur unveiled proposed safety improvements Wednesday for one of the most dangerous intersections in DeKalb County.
Decatur Police report almost three dozen crashes have happened in the past 10 years at North Decatur Road and North Superior Avenue. It's not just that intersection that could see improvement but about a mile-long stretch of North Decatur Road from Clairmont Road to Scott Boulevard.
“There’s literally a skull and crossbones painted on the intersection of North Decatur Road and Superior," traffic engineer Dwayne Tedder said.
It may look like Halloween decorations at the intersection neighbors nicknamed 'Killer Corners,' but Monica Morgan said what keeps on happening here is more than spooky.
“There are big vehicles. It’s tight. There’s just no room for error," Morgan said.
Morgan is an avid bicyclist but doesn't feel safe riding along North Decatur Road.
“I’ve been in a car here more than once and started to go at the green light, and a car flies past me," Morgan said. "I think I’m really glad I’m not on my bike right now. It’s just really dangerous.”
Morgan and several dozen other residents listened to potential solutions for the traffic and crashes at a public meeting.
“The potential improvements are a road diet, which is a reduction in lanes, turn lane modifications at nearby intersections, and potentially a roundabout intersection at Superior Avenue," Tedder said.
“I would love to see the option where there’s a wider multi-path lane for residents and bicyclists to use," Morgan said.
Another part of the proposed project includes reducing flooding and ponding.
“The stormwater project’s main components are additional inlets for water to go down, curb and gutter, those kinds of things that funnel water off to the side of the road," Tedder said.
DeKalb County and Decatur hope to hold another public meeting in a few months with the number one choice for North Decatur Road. You can still give your thoughts on the ideas even if you didn't make it to the meeting by clicking here. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/residents-hear-proposed-improvements-f-dangerous-dekalb-intersection-killer-corners/85-74617dc0-d39c-4197-bd52-fe5eb0ea2562 | 2023-06-22T05:35:45 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/residents-hear-proposed-improvements-f-dangerous-dekalb-intersection-killer-corners/85-74617dc0-d39c-4197-bd52-fe5eb0ea2562 |
SAGINAW. Mich. (WJRT) - Now that the applause has subsided after Tuesday's meeting, what's next for Saginaw County after its board of commissioners voted to fire the county's chief executive.
Robert Belleman's tenure as the county's controller came to an abrupt end Tuesday night.
It was an interesting night, with people speaking in support of Belleman while others saying he created a toxic work environment. There was a second vote, which some believe was a little unusual.
Saginaw County Board of Commissioners Chairman Chris Boyd talked about what's next for the county and why it took people so long to speak out about Belleman's management style.
"I was hoping to avoid having it so crowded and such a wild meeting, but ultimately we got the correct result," Boyd said.
About 100 people in attendance spoke in support of Belleman while others, including elected officials, berated his management style that they believe has created a toxic work environment.
Why did it take so long for this to come out in the open?
"They stated last night that they were in fear of retaliation," Boyd said.
The first vote to dismiss Belleman was 7-4, which was one short of the supermajority required to fire Belleman. But commissioner Lisa Coney told Boyd she reconsidered and wanted to change her no vote to yes.
Coney did not want to comment Wednesday on why she changed her mind.
"I think she considered all the evidence that was presented last night, and after thinking about it in a non-pressure situation and decided the appropriate thing to do was to do was vote yes," Boyd said.
Belleman will get one-year of severance pay. Online records indicate the controller's pay is around $143,000 per year.
Boyd said meetings are being conducted on how the controller's office will function in the short-term without Belleman.
For the first time in more than 10 years, the county is looking for someone new to manage its daily operations.
"We are going to go through the normal search process. We are going to make it as wide as possible and try to attract some talent," Boyd said.
Belleman also declined to comment Wednesday, saying he wants to engage legal counsel first. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/saginaw-county-board-chair-reflects-on-wild-meeting-firing-belleman/article_9e4a78b8-1077-11ee-b5e2-c777ff5b9154.html | 2023-06-22T05:45:57 | 0 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/saginaw-county-board-chair-reflects-on-wild-meeting-firing-belleman/article_9e4a78b8-1077-11ee-b5e2-c777ff5b9154.html |
66-year-old Dallas woman dies after Highway 223 and Rickreall Road crash, police say
Charles Gearing
Salem Statesman Journal
A 66-year-old Dallas woman died June 15 in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Highway 223 and Rickreall Road, according to Oregon State Police.
Lorine Wooldridge was driving a yellow Volkswagen Beetle when she exited Highway 223 onto Rickreall Road, made a U-Turn and then headed the wrong way toward the freeway, OSP said in a statement.
As Wooldridge attempted to merge back onto the highway, her vehicle was struck on the driver's side door by a Ford F-150.
Wooldridge was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the pickup truck and a passenger were not injured.
Reporter Charles Gearing can be reached at cgearing@gannett.com. | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/oregon-state-police-releases-information-id-dallas-woman-fatal-june-15-crash/70344450007/ | 2023-06-22T05:53:12 | 0 | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/oregon-state-police-releases-information-id-dallas-woman-fatal-june-15-crash/70344450007/ |
Chalk art at the library Jun 22, 2023 1 hr ago Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Murphy Malone, 1, looks up to his mother, Lauren, for approval as he finishes chalk drawing during the Art for All event at the Allen County Public Library on Wednesday afternoon. Stan Sussina | The Journal Gazette Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Chalk art at the library Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Most Popular County fair starts Tuesday, a month earlier than usual Juneteenth event celebrates freedom, community Komets set to introduce Jesse Kallechy, 33, as next head coach, sources confirm Man killed in Fort Wayne rollover crash Fort Wayne City Council seeks to limit its appointments to two terms Stocks Market Data by TradingView | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/chalk-art-at-the-library/article_689be380-1083-11ee-b477-e7c92269e314.html | 2023-06-22T05:53:25 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/chalk-art-at-the-library/article_689be380-1083-11ee-b477-e7c92269e314.html |
A Fort Wayne man is expected to spend the rest of his life in prison after he was sentenced on drug charges Wednesday.
Steven Hecke, 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Holly Brady after he was previously found guilty during a five-day trial about a year ago.
The jury found Hecke guilty on all counts, which included distributing methamphetamine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute, possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession firearms as a convicted felon, according to a news release.
Hecke was sentenced to life plus 25 years. The sentence was enhanced because he was previously convicted of a serious drug felony and armed drug trafficking in a 2007 federal case.
U.S. Attorney Clifford Johnson said the evidence showed that Hecke was a cartel-connected drug trafficker who sold massive amounts of illegal drugs in northern Indiana and elsewhere.
“This prosecution shows that my office will spare no effort to bring drug dealers to justice,” Johnson said in a statement. “Let Mr. Hecke’s life sentence plus 25 years warn those engaged in illegal drug trafficking that when justice is served, the consequences are rightfully harsh.”
Hecke was distributing “massive” quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl in both powder and pill form, along with other drugs, according to court documents. Agents and officers pursued charges after several controlled purchases of methamphetamine from the defendant.
Hecke was arrested when he returned to his Fort Wayne home with a drug shipment from Chicago in January 2020. The shipment contained about 19 pounds of crystal methamphetamine.
At Hecke’s home and at a separate stash house, officers recovered more methamphetamine, fentanyl powder and pills, other drugs, ammunition and high-capacity magazines, body armor and nine firearms. The investigation showed that Hecke had received multiple prior drug shipments and was working closely with the Sinaloa cartel by supplying them with vehicles, ATVs, generators, firearms and other merchandise.
“Hecke demonstrated a significant potential for violence and danger to the community in several ways: by protecting his drug houses with multiple firearms, making threats of violence against others to collect drug debts and to protect his drug operation, and invoking cartel members as intimidation and as a means of enforcing his threats,” the news release said.
Alfred Cooke, assistant special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Merrillville office, said Hecke’s case is the type that the agency is focused on disrupting and dismantling because of dangerous drug cartel connections.
“Through his violent, drug related crimes, Mr. Hecke caused great harm and damage to northern Indiana, but thanks to a collaborative law enforcement effort, he is no longer a threat to Hoosiers,” Cooke said in a statement. “DEA will continue to strive for a safer and healthier northern Indiana and America.” | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/courts/fort-wayne-man-sentenced-to-life-plus-25-years-for-drug-charges/article_c066d8d0-1084-11ee-b857-03332e376af8.html | 2023-06-22T05:53:31 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/courts/fort-wayne-man-sentenced-to-life-plus-25-years-for-drug-charges/article_c066d8d0-1084-11ee-b857-03332e376af8.html |
A man wanted in Fort Wayne for a capital murder charge in Alabama has been apprehended, the U.S. Marshals Service said Wednesday in a news release.
Joshua Smiley, 26, is a suspect in a 2021 shooting death in Mobile, Alabama. Police said Smiley was also wanted on a federal drug charge based in Fort Wayne.
Smiley was arrested about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in Avon near Indianapolis and was later booked into to the Huntington County Jail, where he remained in custody Wednesday.
Investigators obtained information over the weekend that led to Smiley’s location. Smiley exited the home peacefully and was taken into custody, the news release said.
The federal agency first said in April it was searching for Smiley. About a week ago, the U.S. Marshals Service moved Smiley to its list of the 15 most-wanted fugitives and increased the reward for information up to $25,000.
Smiley has been wanted in Allen County since Sept. 8, 2021, when Allen Superior Court Magistrate Samuel Keirns issued a no-bond warrant, which stemmed from a petition to revoke Smiley’s probation on a charge for assisting a criminal.
Smiley was charged with murder in connection to the 2018 shooting death of Javon Burnett and was allowed through a plea agreement to plead guilty to a lesser charge.
Smiley was sentenced to five years in prison with two years suspended. Because of time served and good time credit, Smiley was out by September 2021.
Smiley was also a suspect in the 2015 shooting death of 17-year-old Alonna Allison.
Allison was struck by a stray bullet Aug. 29, 2015, when rival gang members opened fire on each other. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-fire/man-wanted-in-fort-wayne-for-capital-murder-charge-in-alabama-apprehended/article_46ca465c-1065-11ee-9fbd-73fef659a40f.html | 2023-06-22T05:53:37 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-fire/man-wanted-in-fort-wayne-for-capital-murder-charge-in-alabama-apprehended/article_46ca465c-1065-11ee-9fbd-73fef659a40f.html |
April 30, 1931 - June 17, 2023
HAGERMAN — The family of Bill Snapp is sad to announce that he passed away quietly in his sleep surrounded by loved ones, on Saturday, June 17, 2023, in Hagerman, Idaho, at the age of 92.
Bill was the youngest of five children of Emmet and Belle Siddoway Snapp, and was born in Rupert, Idaho, on April 30, 1931.
Bill attended schools in Rupert, Idaho; Compton, California; then Burley and Twin Falls, Idaho, where he graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1949. Bill graduated with his Bachelors' degree and Teacher Certifications in 1957.
After college, Bill spent 34 years teaching in Hagerman, from 1957 to 1991. His teaching assignments varied from social studies, to math, to health, to 5th Grade (his favorite). He always said the best part of teaching was “the Kids!”
In 1963, Bill's life was enriched by meeting Joyce Mesler, which led to marriage on August 19, 1964, in Logan, Utah. Their first home together, however, was a little cabin by the river back in Hagerman.
They were disappointed that they were never able to have children. They did have dogs and cats, and watched over all their pets with care and delight. They had fifty-eight years enjoying one another before Joyce died less than two months ago.
Bill found many joys in life: Certainly Joyce, but also teaching, family, a good book with a little history in it, a conversation with friends, the Snake River Grill for breakfast, a good boat, and the thrill of having a fish hit the lure!
Bill is survived by his sister-in-law - Ardena Snapp (Rupert); nieces - Sheryl Riding (West Jordan, Utah); Susan Hunsaker (Rigby); nephews - Jay Snapp (Springville, Utah); Gary Craner (Boise); Calvin Craner (Idaho Falls); Steven Snapp (Bellevue), and Larry Snapp (Denver, Colorado).
Besides his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife – Joyce; his sisters - Nan Craner and Ina Anderson; and his brothers - Robert Snapp and Gene Snapp.
Special appreciation is extended to all those who loved and cared for Bill, especially Craig Laughlin, Rosario and Roman Martinez, Jennifer Cortez, Robin and Pat Windes, Suzanne Perron, Kathy Laughlin, and the entire staff of Snake River Grill.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 26, 2023 at the Community Church on 3rd and Orchard in Hagerman, Idaho. A viewing will be held from 10:00 am until 10:45 am at the Church. Burial will follow in the Hagerman Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel.
Condolences, memories and photos can be shared with the family by following the obituary link at www.demarayfuneralservice.com and where a complete obituary is available. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/bill-snapp/article_197adfd7-9374-5b84-936f-2aa7ff61722e.html | 2023-06-22T05:58:07 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/bill-snapp/article_197adfd7-9374-5b84-936f-2aa7ff61722e.html |
Aug. 21, 1945 - June 20, 2023
GOODING — Mona Marie Baucum, 77, died June 20, 2023, at home in Gooding, Idaho, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Marie was born August 21, 1945, in Blackfoot, Idaho. The daughter of Ollie Wilbur Sova and Nellie Hahn Sova, she was the middle child out of five siblings.
She lived in Rockford, ID before moving to Salmon, ID in 1954. She lived there until she left for college in Pasadena, CA. Marie later ended up living in Salt Lake City where she met her husband, Walter Baucum. They married July 2, 1976, and lived briefly in Rock Springs and Worland, Wyoming, before moving to Gooding, Idaho.
Marie became a 4-H volunteer when her two daughters were old enough to become 4-H members. She enjoyed teaching her daughters and their friends how to cook, sew, knit, crochet and many other projects.
She worked as a substitute teacher in the Gooding School District for several years where her services were in high demand with the teachers. Later, Marie worked in the Gooding County Extension Office with the 4-H Program. She worked there for 23 years before retiring in 2011. Working with the 4-H program was so much more than just a job for Marie. It was an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many adults and youth in Gooding County. She took her job seriously and tried to make their program the best it could be.
After retiring, Marie returned to volunteering. She could be found reading with first grade students, helping with spring break sewing classes and projects, donating her skills and services to Hagerman Greenhouse, as well as judging at fair time.
Marie enjoyed living in Idaho. One of her favorite things to do was camp and hike in the Sawtooth Mountains. She loved cooking, sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting, and working on her genealogy.
She earned her Master Gardener Certification through the University of Idaho Extension's Idaho Master Gardener Program. She helped serve the community with her knowledge and skills. She loved spending time in her yard and garden.
Marie was an avid reader and was always happy to share with anyone who asked what book she was currently reading. In recent years she was an active member of a local book club and participated in various reading programs through the library.
Marie was a scrapbooker and card maker. She enjoyed participating in local scrapbooking groups and retreats with her friends.
Marie is survived by her loving daughters - Christine (James) DiLella of Telford, PA and Catherine Amundson of Santa Maria, California; a sister - Lavada (Bob) Roufs of Cohassat, Minnesota; a brother - Craig (Sandy) Sova of Potlatch, Idaho; her cherished grandchildren - grandson, Kevin Amundson; and granddaughters - Jenna Amundson, Milan DiLella and Paloma DiLella; and many extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her husband - Walter Baucum; her parents; and brothers - Donald Sova and Bruce Sova.
Marie touched the lives of many people. She was a very caring person who spread joy and happiness wherever she went. Her greatest joy in life became spending time with her grandchildren. They were very near and dear to her heart.
The family would like to thank everyone for the cards, flowers and kindness during the last few weeks. Your support at this difficult time was very much appreciated and of great comfort to all of us. The family also wishes to thank the staff, caregivers, who took such great care of her. Lastly, all of her dear friends in the Gooding, Idaho area whose kindness is most truly appreciated and will long be remembered.
At Marie's request, no funeral or memorial service will be held. She was blessed with the opportunity to say goodbye to many friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, please plant a flower, bush, or tree in her memory.
Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel.
Condolences, memories and photos can be shared with the family by following the obituary link at www.demarayfuneralservice.com. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/mona-marie-baucum/article_eeed9c11-6e37-5fb6-b0b8-63d31ee78475.html | 2023-06-22T05:58:13 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/mona-marie-baucum/article_eeed9c11-6e37-5fb6-b0b8-63d31ee78475.html |
SPICEWOOD, Texas — The Pedernales Fire Department responded to the scene of a house fire at a home on Lakehurst Road in Spicewood on Wednesday night.
Neighbors told KVUE lightning started the fire and it spread quickly as storms moved through with high winds.
Firefighters didn't report any injuries.
No other information is available at this time. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/spicewood-house-fire-lakehurst-road/269-a18d4a8f-100a-4132-b000-b475bf355bb7 | 2023-06-22T05:59:04 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/spicewood-house-fire-lakehurst-road/269-a18d4a8f-100a-4132-b000-b475bf355bb7 |
World Refugee Day shines light on plight of those who fled to Lane County
Afghan refugees who have resettled in Lane County gathered for World Refugee Day this week to share food and culture with the people who have helped them along their journey.
The event was sponsored by Catholic Community Services and held at the First United Methodist Church in Eugene.
CCS’s Refugee and Immigrant Services Program has helped 30 Afghans resettle in Lane County since 2021.
Several Afghans who joined the gathering fled their country after the Taliban takeover of Kabul in 2021.
One of the highlights of the evening was a screening of a documentary film created by Nasrat Ibrahimi, who left the country with his family during the takeover.
The film features local refugees as they navigate the challenges of settling in a new community far from the life they knew. His wife, Suraya Ibrahimi, greeted the nearly hundred guests at Tuesday's event in a brightly colored traditional Afghan gown as their two children played nearby.
"We hope that celebrating World Refugee Day will shine a light on the plight of refugees everywhere, but more specifically here in Lane County,” Lorri Perreault, executive director of Catholic Community Services of Lane County, said.
To support RISP’s efforts with a donation, visit Catholic Community Services online at ccslc.org/donate
Contact photographer Chris Pietsch at chris.pietsch@registerguard.com, or follow him on Twitter @ChrisPietsch and Instagram @chrispietsch. | https://www.registerguard.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/eugene-world-refugee-day-shines-light-on-plight-of-lane-county-refugees-afghanistan/70342951007/ | 2023-06-22T06:24:08 | 1 | https://www.registerguard.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/eugene-world-refugee-day-shines-light-on-plight-of-lane-county-refugees-afghanistan/70342951007/ |
Laura Truesdell
December 28, 1938-June 17, 2023
CLEAR LAKE-Laura Truesdell, 84 of Clear Lake passed away June 17, 2023 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center.
A service to honor her life will be held at a future date.
Laura Marie was born December 28, 1938 in Eagle Grove,Iowa on a farm owned by Former Iowa Gov. Robert Blue to Samuel and Harriet(Jorgensen) Gearhart. From a young age Laura embodied the meaning of hard work and love of family. She attended grade school, high school in Eagle Grove and earned her teaching certificate at Eagle Grove Junior College where she met her future husband William G. Truesdell. Laura continued her education at Buena Vista College through 1957. The couple was married June 14, 1959 at the Eagle Grove United Methodist Church and blessed with four children: Randy, Stefanie, Paula and Peggy. Following the birth of their first child, Laura gave up her teaching career to raise her family. They finally settled down, making their home in Clear Lake in 1962.
Laura's life was a testament to her unwavering dedication to her family. Sports became an integral part of their lives: her husband and all of their children participated in baseball, softball, basketball, and track. Laura, the ultimate cheerleader, could be found in the stands or by the dugout, exuding endless enthusiasm, critiques and encouragement. Together, they embarked on countless journeys across the United States, eagerly following baseball and softball tournaments and national track meets, creating memories that would forever bind them together.
During the winters, Laura and Bill made their home in Arizona for a remarkable 25 years. Immersed in their community, they forged countless friendships. They cherished weeks when their family reunited during spring breaks in Arizona, making countless memories. Laura and Bill took charge of running the scoreboard and concessions at the local softball field, even spearheading the Polka Fest for numerous years. She herself was no stranger to victory, having clinched multiple shuffleboard championships. Laura spoke her heart, embodied a strength that few possessed and held a sharp judgment of character in many. Over the last 20 years, she battled and overcame cancer and chemotherapy as well as double bypass and other heart related issues. Through thick and thin, she prioritized her family above all else. Her family and friends found solace knowing they had someone who would be there through joy and sorrow. Her legacy will be defined by her unyielding presence, a beacon of love and unwavering dedication to her family.
Those surviving are her husband of 64 years, Bill; children, Randy(Kathy) Truesdell of Clear Lake, Stefanie(Mark) Camenisch of Boone, Paula(Brad) Epperly and Peggy Adams both of West DesMoines; grandchildren, Tanner, Parker, Bailey, Macie, Paige(Steve) Muller, Spencer Lindsley and Aubri; siblings, Mary Jenkins, Roger(Beth) Gearhart and Ronald Gearhart; as well as nieces, nephews and numerous extended family.
Preceding her in death are her parents Samuel and Harriet;sister, Nancy(Bob) Sampson;and Bill's parents, Frank and Bernice Truesdell.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel. ColonialChapels.com. 641-357-2193. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/obituaries/laura-truesdell/article_5e6ace0f-b36b-5190-ab78-2b2ad3d71f93.html | 2023-06-22T06:25:10 | 1 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/obituaries/laura-truesdell/article_5e6ace0f-b36b-5190-ab78-2b2ad3d71f93.html |
Susan Jane (Thoen) Dieterich
October 6, 1944-June 15, 2023
Susan Jane Dieterich, 78, St. Ansgar, died June 15, 2023. Her funeral will be held Saturday, July 1, 2023 at First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 30 at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home in St. Ansgar.
Susan Dieterich was born Oct. 6, 1944, minutes before her twin sister, to Glenn and Olga (Olson) Thoen in Northwood, IA. She was baptized, confirmed and married in First Lutheran Church, Northwood. Susan graduated from Northwood-Kensett High School in 1963 and has been active in class reunions and classmate get-togethers ever since.
Following high school Susan began her professional career at the Douglas Insurance Agency in Mason City. In 1965 she joined the staff of Northwestern States Portland Cement Company. While her sister was stationed in Washington, D.C., Susan joined her. While there from February through December 1967 Susan worked for Kelly Services, first at AAA headquarters near the White House and last at the University of Maryland, College Park campus. From January 1968 through December 1973 Susan worked at the Mason City High School as discipline and attendance secretary. She made life-long friends everywhere she worked.
On Jan. 6, 1973 Susan married Keith Dieterich. She and Keith established a home in St. Ansgar and became members of First Lutheran Church. Susan enjoyed her new community and was active in church, city and neighborhood activities. In 1974 Susan resigned her position at Mason City High School and became a full-time homemaker and, eventually, mother when their sons were born.
Even as a child, cooking has been a passion of Susan's, from watching and helping her mother, sometimes exchanging hints and advice, to cooking three meals daily for her own family. She enjoyed reading cookbooks like people enjoy reading novels. Susan was an excellent and generous cook and baker and anyone who shared her food will agree.
In 1990 Susan returned to school, graduating with honors from Hamilton Business College. She accepted a position at the Women's Health Center in Mason City and worked there until it became well-established and moved from its downtown location.
Susan was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2005. A few months later, still recovering from a radical mastectomy and follow-up treatment, she had to deal with the death of her mother. Two months later, in January 2006, joy returned to her life with the birth of her first grandchild. Her grandchildren have been her pride and joy ever since.
Family has always been Susan's priority, not just her sons and husband, but her parents, her siblings and their children, and extended family members. For example, after her parents moved from the large family home to an apartment Susan hosted the Thoen family Christmases for twenty years. She always made herself and her home available to her family and friends. She was happiest being a wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
Susan is survived by her husband, Keith; her sons, Darren (Kate) Dieterich and children, Morgan, Will and Adie, Cedar Falls, and Derek (Katie) Dieterich and children, Matthew and Haley, St. Ansgar; twin-sister, Sandra Thoen, Mason City; sister, Donna Stoltenberg, Northwood; brothers, Bob (Terri) Thoen, Burke, VA, David (Helen) Thoen, Manly, and John (Drenda) Thoen, Windsor, CO; sisters-in-law, Judy Everds, Owatonna, MN, and Jean (George) Currier, Red Wing, MN; brothers-in-law, Darcy Erion, Hughesville, MD, and Jerry (Barb) Dieterich, Morristown, IN; dozens of nieces and nephews; many great and great-great nieces and nephews; several cousins and a lifetime of friends.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Olga Thoen; parents-in-law, Bill and Agnes Dieterich; sisters Marj Wescott and Ruth Erion; brothers-in-law, Chris Stoltenberg, George Wescott and Dave Everds; sister-in-law Eunice Dieterich; one niece, three nephews, one great-niece and one great-nephew. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/obituaries/susan-jane-thoen-dieterich/article_03491ce0-c490-57b0-9460-a728f3c9fe30.html | 2023-06-22T06:25:16 | 0 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/obituaries/susan-jane-thoen-dieterich/article_03491ce0-c490-57b0-9460-a728f3c9fe30.html |
SEATTLE, Wash — California is no longer the state with the highest average gas prices in the nation, even though they have held the undesirable title for much of the last few years. Washington now takes the top spot, according to AAA.
The cost of gas in Washington has shot up by 32 cents over the past month. And with prices this high, desperate Washingtonians are going to new lengths to steal it.
Tuesday morning, Beverly Read walked out of her Seattle condo on Greenwood Avenue North and North 120th Street to find an empty plastic milk jug near her 2011 Kia Sorrento, and a strong odor.
“I’m smelling the gas, and I drive away and the gas gets stronger, so I thought, ‘Okay there must be a leak,’” said Read.
She then drove to her dealership on Aurora Avenue.
“I said, ‘You know, my gas is leaking.’ He says, ‘Yeah! It’s dripping right there… there’s a hole drilled in the gas tank… how stupid is that?”
Now, the bill to replace her gas tank is more than $1,300 with tax.
“I would be happy to buy somebody a gallon of gas, just don’t drill my gas tank,” said Read.
In fact, Read says she has paid it forward at the pump before.
“I was at a service station, and there was a guy there, and he asked me, ‘Will you fill my tank?’ and I did!”
That’s just the kind of person Read is.
“We are in hard times, we’re in inflationary times,” she said.
Read is now trying to help out her neighbors.
“I posted on Nextdoor,” she said. “We need to be vigilant… I’m a senior citizen. There are many more senior citizens out there.”
Just two weeks ago a driver in Everett said the same thing happened to him.
Read is now calling for more community policing and for smarter crime policies from Washington leaders.
“I really want to work to take our neighborhoods back,” said Read.
One reason the gas prices are so high is because Washington has historically had high gas taxes, relative to the nation. That tax goes towards maintaining Washington roads. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/prices-washington-rise-cases-of-gas-theft/281-0de5cdfd-be23-48c1-9ae3-e97a48baa06a | 2023-06-22T06:41:42 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/prices-washington-rise-cases-of-gas-theft/281-0de5cdfd-be23-48c1-9ae3-e97a48baa06a |
SEATTLE — It's been a week since Eina Kwon and her baby were shot and killed in a seemingly random shooting.
Last Tuesday is a day that keeps Randy Norberg up at night.
"It's something that will probably stick with me forever," Norberg said.
Norberg is a security supervisor for Iron and Oak, a private security firm hired by the Downtown Seattle Association. He was just feet away when Eina and her husband were shot in their car at the intersection of 4th Avenue and Lenora Street.
"Probably about 60 to 70 feet from the intersection and heard a bunch of shots ring out," Norberg said. "I immediately radioed into dispatch and told them shots were fired."
Norberg took cover for a moment then immediately ran to help. He was the first person to respond to the unthinkable scene.
"It was really heartbreaking. The first thing I noticed is that she was pregnant. He kept saying that over and over. She's pregnant, She's hurt," Norberg said.
Eina was eight months pregnant and shot multiple times. Norberg immediately started doing everything he could to save Eina and her baby's life.
"I grabbed her head and bandaged it with a hemostatic dressing," Norberg said. "I was worried about moving her and right then I heard sirens coming so I held her head and held pressure on her wound until police arrived."
King County Prosecutor's said Cordell Goosby ran towards the Kwons' car and fired every bullet in his gun, then ran off. Eina and her baby later died at the hospital.
"My heart really broke. I really wanted to be able to save her," Norberg said. "For him, for her, and for the baby's sake."
Norberg said he and his team helped to secure the scene and gather witnesses who helped lead police to the accused shooter.
"I just wish I would have been there sooner to possibly prevent this from happening," said Norberg.
Norberg said after this he's working to train more people how to do CPR to make sure everyone knows what to do if an emergency happens.
Norberg said this takes a toll, but he and his team are working every day to save lives.
"I think it's important that people know we're out here to help and that we're trained and trying to do the best we can to make Seattle a safer place," Norberg said.
Eina Kwon's funeral service will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at Acacia Memorial Park and Funeral Home. Her family is inviting the public to come pay their respects and say goodbye to Eina and her baby. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/security-guard-belltown-shooting-victim-eina-kwon/281-dc81a3cc-d791-44cc-9591-3ed5eff6d9e6 | 2023-06-22T06:41:48 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/security-guard-belltown-shooting-victim-eina-kwon/281-dc81a3cc-d791-44cc-9591-3ed5eff6d9e6 |
Putting out a small fire with a portable fire extinguisher or containing it until help arrives can save lives and property, but portable fire extinguishers have limitations. Since fire spreads so rapidly, it is essential that residents get out safely as soon as possible.
BLOOMINGTON — Nina Tillery and her handy fire extinguisher kept a bad kitchen fire from being something much worse, Bloomington firefighters said Wednesday night.
Tillery said a potholder caught fire on the electric stove in her apartment at 1921 Tracy Drive and flames raced up the wall, she said.
When she noticed the smoke, she grabbed a wall-mounted fire extinguisher, "pulled the pin and I went spraying like this and I was holding my breath," she said, waving around the soot-covered metal bottle she still carried while watching firefighters in the parking lot.
She went to let her dogs, Rocky and Angel, out of their cages and returned to the kitchen with the extinguisher. "And I was spraying again to make sure the fire was out and then I just came out the building," she said.
"I'm glad everybody was OK," she said.
Bloomington firefighters were called at 9:46 p.m. and arrived to find smoke coming from the 12-unit building on Bloomington's south edge, said Frank Friend, public information officer for the Bloomington Fire Department. The fire, which was contained to the Tillerys' apartment, was out by 10:19 p.m., he said.
The fire remained under investigation and no damage estimate was available late Wednesday, he said.
Tillery, her husband Tyrone, father-in-law Leonard and two dogs got out, but she was still looking for her cat after the fire.
One resident was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation but was not transported to the hospital, Friend said.
Friend praised Tillery for her quick response.
"A fire extinguisher is a big factor in keeping a fire small," he said. "Big fires start small. This could have involved the whole building."
The Tillerys were not able to stay in the apartment after the fire, but Friend said the Red Cross was called to offer them assistance.
Friend suggested tenants have renter's insurance because a building owner's coverage generally doesn't include a resident's possessions.
"Renter's insurance is super cheap and so important," he said. "You can add it to your car insurance," he said.
28 steps to take for fire safety
28 steps to take for fire safety
#1. Make an emergency plan
#2. Put together an emergency kit
#3. Install smoke alarms
#4. Test your smoke alarms monthly
#5. Install carbon monoxide alarms
#6. Make sure every member of your family knows what the alarms sound like
#7. Teach every family member how to escape from any room
#8. Practice escaping from your home twice a year
#9. Ensure that every family member knows how to call 911
#10. Sign up for a first aid class
#11. Learn to stop, drop, and roll
#12. Check your home's electrical wiring
#13. Replace frayed electrical cords immediately
#14. Don’t overload your outlets
#15. Make sure your heat sources are in good working order
#16. Store combustible materials in a safe place
#17. Never leave open flames unattended
#18. Clear debris and flammable materials away from the exterior of your home
#19. Check your insurance policy
#20. Take an inventory of your belongings
#21. If you have time, close all doors and windows
#22. Turn lights on in every room
#23. Disconnect automatic garage door openers
#24. Move furniture into the center of the room
#25. Shut off your gas supply
#26. Fill up sinks, bathtubs, and other containers with water
#28. Download the American Red Cross App
#27. Consider purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio
28 steps to take for fire safety
#1. Make an emergency plan
#2. Put together an emergency kit
#3. Install smoke alarms
#4. Test your smoke alarms monthly
#5. Install carbon monoxide alarms
#6. Make sure every member of your family knows what the alarms sound like
#7. Teach every family member how to escape from any room
#8. Practice escaping from your home twice a year
#9. Ensure that every family member knows how to call 911
#10. Sign up for a first aid class
#12. Check your home's electrical wiring
#13. Replace frayed electrical cords immediately
#14. Don’t overload your outlets
#15. Make sure your heat sources are in good working order
#16. Store combustible materials in a safe place
#17. Never leave open flames unattended
#19. Check your insurance policy
#20. Take an inventory of your belongings
#22. Turn lights on in every room
#24. Move furniture into the center of the room
#25. Shut off your gas supply
#26. Fill up sinks, bathtubs, and other containers with water
#28. Download the American Red Cross App
Contact Roger Miller at (309) 820-3233. Follow him on Twitter: @pg_rmiller | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/bloomington-fire-kitchen-apartment-tracy-drive/article_8ccd1184-10ab-11ee-8d6b-3fb138b2c4ec.html | 2023-06-22T06:45:49 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/bloomington-fire-kitchen-apartment-tracy-drive/article_8ccd1184-10ab-11ee-8d6b-3fb138b2c4ec.html |
BOISE — For those who want to travel but don’t want to blow an entire paycheck on airfare, Boise has a solution: international markets.
Shoppers can step into one of the city’s numerous international grocers and find alluring foods that pop with color and ingredients spilling off shelves. A rainbow of spices like baharat and zaatar, cinnamon and cardamom greet customers, while nuts and dried fruits can be found by the bucketload.
The Idaho Press visited 12 of Boise’s international markets to give readers a peek into the city’s vibrant choices. Keep in mind, there are nearly 30 within city limits to explore, with eight Middle Eastern and Asian markets along Overland Road alone. On Fairview Avenue, shoppers can find several African, Asian, Indian, Mexican and European markets.
ASIANThana’s Little World Market — 4109 W Overland Rd.
Despite a large red sign, Thana’s Little World Market can be easy to miss while driving along Overland Road. Despite this, Thana’s is a must for those interested in exploring Boise’s Asian markets. The store packs in food from across the continent and features a large selection of dry goods, snacks and drinks along with some meat and vegetables.
Dry goods include almond jelly, plum sauce, salted duck eggs and tapioca pearls, while the drinks section includes cans of Thai tea, brown sugar milk tea and grass jelly.
Idaho Capital Asian Market — 3107 N Cole Rd.
Located in the Idaho Asian Plaza, the Idaho Capital Asian Market is by far the largest in town. It offers an endless variety of goods from nearly every country in Asia including seasoning and spices, oils and sauces, candy and snacks. They also have an impressive amount of kitchenware, utensils and dishes including ramen bowls, sake and tea sets.
The market offers fish including cuttlefish, arrow squid and live Dungeness crab and meats including whole duck and Kobe beef slices.
In the produce section, customers can pick up harder-to-find vegetables including Korean melon, lotus seeds, Chinese okra and fuzzy melon.
India Foods — 6020 W Fairview Ave.
For the biggest selection of South Asian food in town, look no further than India Foods. The store supplies a wide variety of ingredients and goods from India and Nepal. They have a room for rice including the aromatic jeera samba rice, ponni rice and masoori rice and another room for bags of snacks such as Kerala spicy muruku, masala banana chips and corn chevda.
They also offer bags of dry whole chilies, cooking powders, spices, Nepalese rock candy, oils, a refrigerated goods section and a small section for vegetables.
MIDDLE EASTERNFood Land Market — 710 N Orchard St.
No list of Middle Eastern markets in Boise would be complete without Food Land Market. The store includes packaged and dry goods, frozen foods, kitchenware, a cafe and a restaurant.
The store makes its Turkish coffee using the traditional method with hot sand, while the restaurant menu includes falafel, samosas and shawarmas packed with spices, french fries and sauce. Customers can order food before browsing the aisles and find things from across the Middle East.
Some of the grocery offerings include hummus with whole chickpeas, dried apricot paste, barnu dates with sesame, Persian nougat and Turkish delight.
Al Ahmed Market — 4324 W Overland Rd.
On the smaller side, Al Ahmed still manages to fit a lot into its store. From zaatar and tea to clothes and goods, customers can find an assortment of Middle Eastern supplies and food. But, the real star of the show is the store’s dishware aisle.
Silver kettles, teacups stamped with Arabic script, gold-leaf-encrusted containers, porcelain platters and sets of glasses fill one aisle and glitter under the lights. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better-looking dishware section in Boise.
Ishtar Market & Restaurant — 4516 W Overland Rd.
A short walk away from Al Ahmed, in the Country Club Plaza, Ishtar Market & Restaurant has similar offerings but includes more bulk goods including large cans of eggplant, buckets of nuts to scoop, bags of rice, numerous spices and large tins of oil.
Similarly, the market also has a selection of international candy, frozen vegetables, meat and canned goods including Moroccan sardines. Ishtar also has a small restaurant and bakery attached serving traditional Middle Eastern fare.
HISPANIC/SOUTH AMERICANVideo Mexico — 5212 Fairview Ave.
In Boise since 1997, Video Mexico has seen multiple lives. After VHS and DVDs died off, Video Mexico kept the name but reinvented itself as a hub for finding just about anything Mexican.
Food, candy, clothes, religious paintings and statuettes, toys, music CDs, giant Tecate mugs, ponchos and piñatas fill the small store.
According to Gerardo Madrigal, owner of Video Mexico, they also do payroll cashing and wire transfers to Mexico, Central and South America.
“It’s a little bit of everything,” Madrigal said.
Viva Brazil — 3075 N Cole Rd.
Located in the Idaho Asian Plaza, Viva Brazil is Boise’s first and only Brazilian market. While the store runs on the smaller side, customers can still find a range of unique and delicious products including packages of pacoquita (peanut butter bars), Guarana soda and yerba maté. They also sell ingredients including cassava flour and a small selection of meats.
AFRICANShankaron Market and Restaurant — 4870 W Emerald St.
A popular spot for those in search of African goods, Shankaron has a far-reaching selection of food, ingredients, clothes and items on sale. Some groceries include Ethiopian spices, Akabanga chili oil, sorghum and haleem wheat. In the restaurant, hungry shoppers and diners can find generous portions of goat, lamb kabab and whole grilled tilapia.
Loba African Market — 5214 Fairview Ave.
Located next to Video Mexico, Loba African Market offers a number of African ingredients along with a smattering of items from Asia and Latin America. Black bags of Tanzanian Mbeya rice sit next to basmati and jasmine rice, while large bags of ingredients fill pallets in the carpeted store. Ola-Ola African ghost pepper spices, jollof rice seasoning and Ghanian moko shito — a spicy sauce with shrimp and herring — are just some of the items on sale.
The store also sells some jewelry and beauty supplies including fragrances, shampoos and more.
EUROPEAN
Europe Delicious — 9958 W Fairview Ave.
Tucked away behind a golf cart dealer, Europe Delicious is a small international market offering goods mostly from central and eastern Europe. According to Mirela Gracanin, whose parents started the store some 20 years ago after moving from Bosnia, they try to have a little bit from everywhere.
Their collection includes a meat-and-cheese counter, packaged dry goods, baking supplies and ingredients including patés and grains. They have frozen food and candy such as the popular German Milka bars. Many of their customers are Europeans who moved to Boise or those who served abroad.
“There are a lot of people that are coming in and looking for their own little piece of home,” Gracanin said.
a’Tavola Marketplace — 1515 W Grove St.
A fixture of Boise since 2012, a’Tavola Marketplace includes a large shopping area, patio, bakery and cafe where shoppers can find breakfast and lunch options including sandwiches, salads and soups. The bakery serves coffee and homemade pastries, desserts and more.
The store also offers copious imported European goods including wines, jams and spreads, meats and gifts in their shopping section. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/exploring-boise-s-international-markets/article_08660952-104f-11ee-a59b-e33f892ab5c9.html | 2023-06-22T06:56:10 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/exploring-boise-s-international-markets/article_08660952-104f-11ee-a59b-e33f892ab5c9.html |
LOCAL
East Division Street bridge in Fond du Lac to close for about a month
The project is expected to be finished by July 21.
Brandon Reid
Fond du Lac Reporter
FOND DU LAC – East Division Street bridge over DeNeveu Creek is scheduled to close June 23.
The closure will be from west of Reid Terrace to east of SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital intersection. It will also impact one sidewalk across the bridge.
The closure will be in place so city crews can replace the deteriorated Division Street bridge deck overlay, bridge approaches and sidewalk repairs.
Crews will be replacing deteriorated concrete pavement east of the bridge in conjunction with the bridge work, the city said
The project is expected to be finished by July 21.
Contact Brandon Reid at 920-686-2984 or breid@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @breidHTRNews. | https://www.fdlreporter.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/fond-du-lac-bridge-east-division-street-closed-repairs/70341826007/ | 2023-06-22T07:37:54 | 0 | https://www.fdlreporter.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/fond-du-lac-bridge-east-division-street-closed-repairs/70341826007/ |
STOCKTON, Calif. — Teachers, parents and students at Stockton Unified School District met their new superintendent on Wednesday.
After years of investigation and fraud allegations at the district, new superintendent Dr. Michelle Rodriguez has her work cut out for her.
"I believe that we have to be an advocate for children and for the most disinvested. And so if I can’t do it, who will?" Rodriguez told ABC10 at a meet & greet at the district headquarters in Stockton.
A state audit report in February found a laundry list of alleged illegal activities, coming roughly eight months after a San Joaquin County Grand Jury investigation revealed "poor business practices" and predicted a $30 million shortfall by the 2024-25 fiscal year.
In a presentation, the new superintendent laying out her vision to pull the district through.
"I’m pretty unique in that my skillset is curriculum and instruction, but I also have a large skillset in budget," Rodriguez said, adding that was something she worked as superintendent at Pajaro Valley Unified School District. She worked there for seven years.
"I believe in the community. I believe in staying put, so that we can actually have a sustained impact on children," Rodriguez said.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/stockton-unified-school-districts-new-superintendent/103-95262333-85c2-40f3-9c6b-c6b89e98b9b8 | 2023-06-22T07:58:23 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/stockton-unified-school-districts-new-superintendent/103-95262333-85c2-40f3-9c6b-c6b89e98b9b8 |
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — Alzheimer’s is a disease that impacts a person’s memory and overall physical health. Not much is known about how the disease starts, but warning signs can emerge as a person ages, often manifesting in poor memory.
Despite continued research, there is no cure for the disease.
June 21 marks the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year; but for families affected by Alzheimer’s, every day can feel like the longest.
By utilizing the longest day of summer, the Alzheimer’s Association started ‘The Longest Day,’ to raise awareness and donations.
One Lancaster County businessman, Reed Gooding, discovered the Alzheimer’s Association during his mother’s battle with the disease. Mary Gooding lost her fight with the illness in 2015.
Despite the death of his mother, Gooding remains involved with the Alzheimer’s Association. He even holds a seat as one of the association’s board members. For Gooding, ‘The Longest Day’ holds special significance.
“In the Alzheimer’s world, the way I like to think of ‘the longest day’ is when you’re dealing with somebody that has Alzheimer’s. When my dad was dealing with my mom, every single day was his longest day,” explained Gooding, CEO of GSM Roofing.
Not wanting other families to experience the same loss, Gooding uses his company to raise awareness of the disease that's estimated to impact more than 6 million Americans, not including spouses or caregivers.
“We just had a brainstorming session one time about how could we do a little bit more,” Gooding recalled.
Gooding’s most recent attempt to raise awareness can be found on the streets of Lancaster. His company recently wrapped their fleet of work vehicles, showcasing the partnership between GSM Roofing and the Alzheimer’s Association.
“We were getting ready to wrap a vehicle, a new vehicle, so we decided ‘let’s start thinking about how we could turn it purple and show our support for the association’,” Gooding stated.
Anyone who spots the vehicles on the road can scan the QR code on the side to get connected with information on the disease, as well as ways to donate.
Gooding also asked his employees, and other Lancaster County workers, to donate an hour of their pay to the association as part of ‘An Hour 4 ALZ’.
The Alzheimer’s Association also holds events throughout central Pa. during ‘The Longest Day’ by partnering with other businesses and community groups.
The association’s largest fundraising event, ‘A Walk to End Alzheimer’s’ is scheduled for September 2023. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/alzheimer-dementia-illness-donation-awareness-local-family-community/521-afc79544-8095-4be1-9c95-50c6e775f0fd | 2023-06-22T08:19:00 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/alzheimer-dementia-illness-donation-awareness-local-family-community/521-afc79544-8095-4be1-9c95-50c6e775f0fd |
MIDDLESEX, Pa. — Middlesex Township police are still searching for Kimberley Faye Gsell, now 40, who hasn't been seen or heard from since 2019.
Gsell was reported missing on September 29, 2019, by her friends and family after she checked into a Carlisle motel.
Police stated that Gsell is "dearly missed by her children and family members", and that all contact ceased once she went missing.
Cumberland County Crimestoppers is offering up to a $2,000 reward for information that could lead to the location of Gsell and/or arrests of anyone responsible for her disappearance.
Anyone with information that could aid the investigation is asked to call the Middlesex Township Police Department at 717-243-4121, or anonymously contact the Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-4PA-TIPS. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/cumberland-county/cumberland-county-woman-has-been-missing-since-2019-fox43/521-dd423116-5a9b-4c10-a613-b1b4b0c73bba | 2023-06-22T08:19:06 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/cumberland-county/cumberland-county-woman-has-been-missing-since-2019-fox43/521-dd423116-5a9b-4c10-a613-b1b4b0c73bba |
LANCASTER, Pa. — A Lancaster man convicted earlier this year for deliberately setting his family's home on fire and killing his wife in 2010 was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison plus 20 years, the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office announced.
Carlos Montalvo-Rivera, 53, was convicted in April of first-degree murder in connection to the death of his wife, Olga Sanchez-Reyes, who died in the fire in her Dauphin Street home on December 6, 2010.
Montalvo-Rivera was also found guilty of arson, risking catastrophe, and three counts of attempted homicide after the three-week trial.
Lancaster County Judge Dennis Reinaker ordered the mandatory life imprisonment for first-degree homicide plus 20 to 40 years, prosecutors said.
Montalvo-Rivera also owes $116,975.28 in restitution.
Investigators charged Montalvo-Rivera with Sanchez-Reyes' murder in 2019 after a nine-year investigation.
“The lame story you concocted and continued to hold on to simply didn’t hold any water,” Reinaker said to Montalvo-Rivera before ordering sentence. “The jury didn’t believe you and I think that’s how it should be.”
Montalvo-Rivera claimed that intruders broke into his home, killed Sanchez-Reyes, and set fire to it out of retaliation for her brother, who had cooperated with the DEA in an unrelated case.
Some of the other inconsistencies and inaccuracies presented by the prosecution at trial included:
- Montalvo-Rivera stated he and his wife had a happy marriage, but a family member testified to hearing him say he’d “kill his wife like a dog” following an argument. Ponessa stated the defendant, who was having a family night with the victim and their three children, ran into someone he believed was having an affair with his wife on two occasions on the same night of the murder and fire.
- Montalvo-Rivera he was knocked unconscious by intruders for nearly an hour although no brain or head injuries were found in a CT scan or observed by responding medical personnel. Montalvo-Rivera also showed no signs of being in the home during the night of the fire due to his carbon monoxide levels.
- Montalvo-Rivera stated he jumped out of a second-floor window to escape the fire. Evidence showed the window he claimed to have jumped out of was closed and further testimony revealed Montalvo-Rivera was observed attempting to get up to the window to open it during the fire.
- Montalvo-Rivera told police he had his hands tied by the intruders, yet the prosecution showed he could have easily done it himself. Ponessa, wearing four-inch heels during her closing argument, tied both her wrists and ankles with a similar binding and in a similar way that the defendant claimed to have been tied the night of the homicide.
The defense argued that the prosecution hesitated and refrained, a key aspect of reasonable doubt, from acting from 2011 to 2019 until charges were filed and that a thorough investigation was not done.
The jury did not agree with defense arguments.
Reinaker also commended the work Assistant District Attorneys Christine Wilson and Jennifer Ponessa, and former Lancaster City Bureau of Police Detective Nathan Nickel did on the case.
The nearly nine-year investigation resulted in charges being filed by Nickel in 2019, according to prosecutors.
“This was an absolutely brutal and heinous crime that involved multiple victims,” Wilson said during the sentencing proceeding. “It was a cold-blooded murder. Even though the defendant refuses to admit accountability for his actions, he’s been found guilty by a jury of his peers.”
The jury agreed with the prosecution that Montalvo-Rivera first killed the victim, poured gasoline up the steps and into the victim’s bedroom, set the house on fire while his children were on the third floor, snuck out a door on the first floor, tied himself up, and attempted to create a story to cover his tracks and prove his innocence.
“Justice has been delayed, but the victim’s family has finally received it,” Wilson said. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county/carlos-montalvo-rivera-sentencing-murder-olga-sanchez-reyes-lancaster/521-04c17651-6e00-46af-ba59-257683e2ac1d | 2023-06-22T08:19:12 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county/carlos-montalvo-rivera-sentencing-murder-olga-sanchez-reyes-lancaster/521-04c17651-6e00-46af-ba59-257683e2ac1d |
LANCASTER, Pa. — After the forecasted severe weather forced the initial date for Celebrate Lancaster to be canceled, the city announced the rescheduled date on Wednesday.
Celebrations are now set to be held on August 18, 2023, in Lancaster City.
Celebrate Lancaster is the yearly festival that honors the culture and residents of the City.
The event will host live musical performances, food vendors and support from local organizations. City officials confirmed that Crispus Attacks Community Center will continue to be a programming partner for the festival's rescheduled date.
Information details will be posted to the City's website as they become available. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county/celebrate-lancaster-rescheduled-date-announced-fox43/521-ef05852e-0caf-4a69-bc50-3aaf11baf407 | 2023-06-22T08:19:18 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county/celebrate-lancaster-rescheduled-date-announced-fox43/521-ef05852e-0caf-4a69-bc50-3aaf11baf407 |
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Frustrated by partisan polarization, two Democratic state senators are now affiliated with the Forward Party, founded by 2020 presidential candidate Andrew Yang.
State Sens. Anthony Wiliams (D-Philadelphia/Delaware) and Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh/Northampton) said they felt pressured by their caucus to always vote with the party, regardless of what they believed.
“I refuse to be bullied or intimidated by an ideology that frankly doesn’t represent the interests of my people. I don’t care if you’re a Democrat or not,” Williams said.
The Forward Party is billed as a centrist alternative to the Democratic and Republican political parties.
More than half of Americans think the existing political parties “do such a poor job that a third major party is needed,” according to a Gallup poll.
“The Forward Party is here to provide those resources to legislators that want to take a stand for a better form of politics and get away from the ideological warfare that is unfortunately defining too much of our news today instead of solving the problems where we work and live,” Yang said.
The Forward Party is not legally recognized as a political party in Pennsylvania, though it is making efforts to get ballot access in the state.
For that reason, two state senators affiliating with the Forward Party will remain officially Democrats. The Forward Party in Pennsylvania will for now act more as an intra-party caucus, similar to the U.S. House Problem Solvers Caucus.
Forward Party organizers said their ultimate goal is to put forward party candidates on ballots across the country running officially with the party.
For now, though, they are dealing with the structural elements of America’s democracy that make it almost impossible for third parties to win elections. Historically third parties have failed throughout the history of U.S. elections.
U.S. democracy is based on a winner-takes-all system in which each political district gets one representative, and the representative with the most votes wins, even if they did not receive a majority of votes. Also called plurality voting, it disincentives smaller party candidates because they’re unlikely to win a plurality over the two major parties. In addition, voters may be wary of choosing the smaller party because each vote not made for one of the major parties gives a relative advantage to the other major party.
“Any time a third party is on the ballot there is concern from one of the two major parties closest to that third party that they’re just going to skim votes away from them and act as a spoiler,” said Stephen Medvic, professor of government at F&M College.
The U.S.’s majoritarian system of representation thus tends to favor a two-party system.
The Forward Party is calling for structural reforms that would make third party candidates more viable in U.S. elections, such as ranked choice voting and proportional representation. Both are widely used in other democracies around the world.
“We need to be able to examine those kinds of reforms,” Yang said.
Pennsylvania lawmakers have also introduced legislation for open primaries that would allow unaffiliated voters to have a say in party primary elections.
Yang said he was not running for president again in 2024, but that the Forward Party is sorely needed ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
“You’re looking at a potential Biden/Trump rematch that two thirds of Americans don’t want,” he said. “So that’s a sign of just how out of touch our politics have become.”
The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus could not be reached for comment on the lawmakers' affiliation announcement. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lawmakers-new-political-party-partisan-polarization-forward-party/521-8adfbb9b-59db-47e6-bdd2-af68ede5dc97 | 2023-06-22T08:19:24 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lawmakers-new-political-party-partisan-polarization-forward-party/521-8adfbb9b-59db-47e6-bdd2-af68ede5dc97 |
LEBANON, Pa. — A Lebanon meat factory has succeeded in its bid to make the Guinness Book of World Records on Wednesday by creating the world's longest piece of turkey bacon.
Godshall's Quality Meats celebrated both the longest day of the year and National Turkey Lovers Month by creating a 17-foot and three-quarter inch long, 23-inch wide slice of turkey bacon at its Weavertown Road facility in Lebanon.
An official surveyor and adjudicator from Guinness World Records was onsite during the attempt to ensure all criteria was met.
The piece took the cooperation of more than two dozen Godshall's team members to create and is over 1,000 times larger than a regular slice of turkey bacon, the company said.
It was wood smoked for over six hours in an enormous oven that is over 25 feet long and 10 feet wide.
"It was only right to attempt a world record of this size on the longest day of the year during National Turkey Lovers month to kick off summer," said Ron Godshall, President of Godshall's Quality Meats. "We've been preparing for several weeks making sure our team members and facility had everything needed to produce the world record setting slice of Turkey Bacon and we're thrilled to now be the official title holders!"
Afterward determining the record had been broken, the enormous slice was cut up and served at a BLT luncheon for hundreds of Godshall's employees and local dignitaries to enjoy. The remainder was packaged up for employees and a local food bank to receive, the company said. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lebanon-county/godshalls-quality-meats-world-record-turkey-bacon-slice/521-4948c5c2-99b7-41d7-a44b-ec34e4be9d86 | 2023-06-22T08:19:30 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lebanon-county/godshalls-quality-meats-world-record-turkey-bacon-slice/521-4948c5c2-99b7-41d7-a44b-ec34e4be9d86 |
PENNSYLVANIA, USA — 63-year-old Timothy Senior was installed as the 12th bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg in a traditional mass Wednesday afternoon at St. Patrick's Cathedral in the capital city.
Senior comes to Central PA from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia where he served as auxiliary bishop.
Bishop Senior was welcomed by the man he was replacing; retiring Bishop Ronald Gainer.
"We thank God, who unceasingly keeps his enduring promise to provide shepherds for the church shepherds after his own heart," said Most Rev. Ronald Gainer.
In his first homily to his new diocese, Bishop Senior thanked the priests and deacons for their service to the church. Telling those in the congregation that he has much to learn from them.
And he certainly did not shy away from the controversies that have enveloped the catholic church in recent years.
"And though these have been difficult years for those who serve in the church, and in some ways for all Catholics, it is imperative that we also call to mind the painful experience of those who are survivors of sexual abuse. I stand ready to do my part," said Senior.
Here in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania, the Harrisburg Diocese serves Roman Catholics in Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Union, and Snyder Counties. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/new-bishop-installed-in-harrisburg/523-040f065c-c38f-4b3c-bbe0-24f271608e00 | 2023-06-22T08:19:36 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/new-bishop-installed-in-harrisburg/523-040f065c-c38f-4b3c-bbe0-24f271608e00 |
HARRISBURG, Pa. — More Pennsylvanians could have better access to relief after the Pa. Senate’s Law and Justice committee approved a bill that would loosen the Commonwealth’s Medical Marijuana Act; the proposed bill was approved by a 10-1 vote.
Republican Committee Chairman Senator Mike Regan sponsored the bill, which would allow patients to get medical marijuana regardless of illness.
Right now, the drug only covers 24 medical conditions. The legislation would also seek to remove medical marijuana card expiration dates.
The Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition said the bill will ease the burden on individuals seeking treatment.
“We want to ensure that patients, who may receive a benefit, are able to try this medicine," stated Meredith Buettner, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition.
Meanwhile, groups like the Pennsylvania Family Institute have come out against the bill. They assert that the legislation goes beyond serving medical needs, and will increase recreational use among children and young adults.
“It seems to me like we’re getting really close to commercializing the sale of what science and medical evidence shows is a very dangerous and harmful drug," expressed Dan Bartkowiak, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Family Institute.
Supporters see the legislation as a way for people to have more options when it comes to their personal medical care.
“I view the elimination of the conditions list as allowing patients and their doctors to make decisions that are right for those patients," said Buettner.
The bill will now advance to the floor of the Pa. Senate for a final vote. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/pa-senate-committee-advances-bill-expanding-access-to-medical-marijuana-harrisburg-dauphin-county/521-6e65ac48-c7ad-4ce1-805c-c406ed8c559b | 2023-06-22T08:19:42 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/pa-senate-committee-advances-bill-expanding-access-to-medical-marijuana-harrisburg-dauphin-county/521-6e65ac48-c7ad-4ce1-805c-c406ed8c559b |
YORK COUNTY, Pa. — Update, 3:30 p.m.: State Police confirmed that both teenagers were located and are being returned home.
Previous: Pennsylvania State Police, Troop J, and Southern Regional Police Department are searching for two missing York County teenagers.
Akyra Cooke, 14, of Seven Valleys left her house on Church St. around 4:30 a.m. on June 21 and is presumed to be traveling with Charlie Kitts, 14, of New Freedom.
According to police, there is reason to believe both teens are traveling together in the Seven Valleys and New Freedom areas by utilizing the Rail Trail.
Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts is asked to contact State Police York Station at 717-428-1011 or Southern Regional Police Department at 717-235-3944. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/york-county/state-police-on-the-search-for-2-missing-teens-fox43/521-3a2b61fe-01b7-4a45-9a2a-679e93497a42 | 2023-06-22T08:19:48 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/york-county/state-police-on-the-search-for-2-missing-teens-fox43/521-3a2b61fe-01b7-4a45-9a2a-679e93497a42 |
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — United Launch Alliance is set to launch a Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral.
>>> CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE LIVE ROCKET LAUNCH <<<
The company is sending a classified spy satellite into orbit for the National Reconnaissance Office and the U.S. Space Force.
Liftoff is scheduled for 5:18 a.m.
READ: 30-foot hole opens up in front of Ocala home, residents evacuated
It was supposed to launch at 3:25 a.m., but ULA said weather conditions pushed it back.
READ: Missing Titanic tourist sub: Underwater noises detected again as search continues
Fuel-loading is wrapping up for #DeltaIVHeavy to produce a 1.6-million-pound rocket for #NROL68 launch at 5:18amEDT (0918 UTC) from Cape Canaveral. https://t.co/jIsovi7Jnv pic.twitter.com/1oSMLbkE9Z
— ULA (@ulalaunch) June 22, 2023
If the rocket goes up, you can watch it live here and on Channel 9.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
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/watch-live-ula-launch-delta-iv-rocket-space-coast/VLNHFOLTYVBQXN57IRUKCF6JQA/ | 2023-06-22T09:09:23 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/watch-live-ula-launch-delta-iv-rocket-space-coast/VLNHFOLTYVBQXN57IRUKCF6JQA/ |
He grew up seeing RI welcome refugees. Now he's a top diplomat working on migrant crisis
- Moses Brown alumnus Brian Nichols grew up watching Rhode Island welcome Hmong refugees and immigrants from the Azores in the 1970s.
- Now, as assistant U.S. secretary of state in charge of the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Nichols is steering diplomacy in the Americas amid an unprecedented migrant crisis.
- Nichols has served both Democratic and Republican presidents, and has had his diplomatic skills tested in an era of rising political polarization.
The U.S. State Department has six regional bureaus carrying out diplomacy and managing embassy operations around the world.
Five of those bureaus handle that business mostly in the heavily populated Eastern Hemisphere. This leaves the sixth bureau responsible for about a third of the planet, including North and South America and islands in the eastern Pacific Ocean and the western Atlantic Ocean.
The breadth of that sweep has obvious implications for the Providence-schooled diplomat who has helmed the Western Hemisphere bureau over the last 20 months.
Assistant U.S. Secretary of State Brian A. Nichols has planes to catch and tweets to post.
He has overtures to receive and information to offer as governments throughout the hemisphere – including the U.S. government – grapple with an unparalleled migrant crisis.
"There are millions of people on the move in the Western Hemisphere, and as many as 100 million people on the move globally," Nichols says. "It's the highest level of migration ever recorded, including during the World War II era."
Before President Joe Biden tapped him to lead the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, a report in Foreign Policy magazine suggested that the new job would make Nichols the nation's "top envoy to Latin America."
The report also identified Nichols as a potential point person for U.S. diplomacy with Mexico and certain other countries whose relations with the United States had been strained under former President Donald Trump.
Since he took the job, Nichols has been in the room as Biden and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken have talked over the migrant crisis with foreign leaders. He has also engaged in such talks on his own.
Blinken announced early last month that the president had nominated both Nichols and a colleague for the rank of career ambassador – an honor bestowed on only 62 career Foreign Service officers since 1955.
"They have served as diplomats in some of the most challenging and complex environments around the world," Blinken said, lauding the two diplomats' "professionalism" and their "unyielding commitment."
Working 'literally day and night' on border crisis
Not long after that, Nichols returned to Providence twice, once for a reunion at his alma mater, the Moses Brown School, and again for another event at the John Carter Brown Library.
During that second visit, on May 18, he and his staff were making preparations for a week-long trip to Brazil.
As he talked with The Providence Journal, his iPad crackled with alerts notifying him of emails concerning various aspects of the migrant crisis.
An office within the Western Hemisphere bureau works specifically on that issue, in close coordination with a collection of other U.S. government entities, according to Nichols.
"It's something we've been working on literally day and night intensively for the entirety of the time that I have been in this job," Nichols said. Working with other countries to find options for migrants is a major thrust, he added.
"Obviously," he said, "people don't decide to uproot their lives and take a perilous journey to the U.S. southern border if they feel they have other options."
RI's history of welcoming migrants in the 1970s
Nichols' father, the late Charles H. Nichols, was a Fulbright scholar and an English professor at Brown University.
His mother, Mildred Nichols, was, as one article put it, a "policy wonk" who won election to the Democratic National Committee in 1972. She later took local postings on panels such as the Rhode Island Board of Governors For Higher Education and the Economic Development Corporation.
As a teenager, Nichols was quite interested in foreign countries and cultures.
Then, over in the Eastern Hemisphere, a threatening regime in Laos pushed Hmong refugees into Thailand.
By the late '70s, thousands of those refugees had found their way to New England.
"Rhode Island was a leader in receiving the Hmong communities of Southeast Asia and helping to resettle them," Nichols recalls, adding that the state had also welcomed immigrants from the Azores before that.
"I saw how generous the people of Rhode Island were at that time in dealing with migrants."
The story behind the email:Scout speaks out on Philly scandal, says RI officials acted 'bizarre' even before trip
Diplomacy, polarization and Trump
Nichols studied at Tufts University. He launched his Foreign Service career in 1989 in Peru, where he would one day serve as U.S. ambassador.
In that era, Americans on both sides of the political aisle, including many conservatives, were less suspicious about political influences on the professional practice of arts such as teaching, journalism and diplomacy.
It was also a time when Americans across the political spectrum regarded their own election system as a model for others. American diplomats encouraged foreign governments to hold orderly democratic elections guided by the rule of law, evidence and reason.
Their efforts were bolstered by another powerful example: a long history of peaceful transfers of power between U.S. politicians following elections.
But flash forward a few decades, into the early 2020s. Polarization is here. And it has tested Nichols.
In June 2020, U.S. National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien named Zimbabwe among "foreign adversaries" that were taking advantage of protests ignited by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, according to the Associated Press.
Nichols, like O'Brien, was also working under Trump at the time – but as U.S. ambassador to Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe's foreign minister summoned him.
Afterward, Nichols issued a statement, saying he had again asked Zimbabwe to end state-sponsored violence against activists, the AP reported.
In the statement, Nichols also drew attention to Floyd's brutal killing at the hands of police and to certain pandemic inequities.
"Americans will continue to speak out for justice, whether at home or abroad," he said.
Rising above the pressures of politics
Three years later, Nichols clearly believes diplomacy can still serve all Americans.
Referring to the Foreign Service, he said last month in advance of his trip to Brazil, "We are an apolitical career service that respects the decisions of the voters. I have worked for Republicans and Democrats throughout my career."
A discussion with The Journal about certain aspects of the U.S. relationship with Brazil shows the relevance that deepening political conflict within the United States has for U.S. foreign relations.
Focusing initially on Brazil's stance toward the war in Ukraine, Nichols mentions that Brazil "needs to recognize that Russia exclusively bears the blame for the conflict" in Ukraine.
But Nichols emphasizes a range of issues, from climate change to greater stability in Haiti, that bring the United States and Brazil together. Another one of those issues is, in his words, the "defense of democracy."
He points out that Jan. 6, 2021, brought a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol, and Jan. 8, 2023, brought a similar attack on Brazil's institutions. (Supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro stormed government buildings in Brasilia after his narrow loss to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.)
"One of the things that the two presidents discussed when they met was their shared commitment to defend democracy and the rule of law," Nichols said, referring to Biden and Lula.
A global strategy to relieve pressure on U.S. southern border
Nichols' mission to help foreigners find ways to avoid "illegal," "irregular" and dangerous travel to the U.S. border seems like a diplomatic task that would have support from Republicans.
Helping other countries absorb and control the flow of migrants across those countries' borders is one of the prongs in the State Department's effort to help relieve pressure on U.S. borders.
The U.S. government, Nichols said, can provide foreign governments with technical assistance, with information that helps them respond more effectively to movements of large groups of people; and with intelligence that helps them break up smuggling networks and arrest those who perpetrate crimes on migrants.
It can also identify a solution that's working in one country and pass it along to others, said Nichols, who is constantly discussing strategies with foreign officials.
"I would say that one of the things that they share," he said, "is that the politics of immigration in their countries are very similar to the politics of immigration in the United States. I wouldn't say it's a criticism of our policy, but they want us to recognize that these issues are difficult for them as well."
Nichols offered another observation:
"The countries that send the most migrants," he said, "have the worst governments, the least democracy, the most autocracy in our hemisphere."
Hope High grad:From Guatemala to Providence at age 11 — now she's a diplomat representing our country
Cooperation with South American leaders of all stripes
In March 2022 at the White House, Biden put Nichols on a U.S. delegation that would travel to Chile for the inauguration of leftist Chilean President Gabriel Boric. The tattooed former protest leader, now 37, was the youngest elected president ever to wear the Andean country's presidential sash.
The migrant crisis, said Nichols, came up in conversation during contact with Chilean leaders and officials on three trips last year.
Farther north, Colombia has about 2 million migrants who are mostly from Venezuela, Nichols said.
In October 2022, said Nichols, the mayor of Colombia's capital city, Bogota, took him and Blinken to visit a local center that helps migrants properly document their presence in Colombia and find jobs, housing and child care.
The center treats the people not as Venezuelan migrants but as "Bogotanos" – Bogota residents – the city's mayor, Claudia Nayibe López Hernández, was quoted as saying in a state department transcript.
"It has been a challenge, yes, but it is a blessing, too," she said. "And the next step is not only legal inclusion, but labor inclusion and social inclusion."
Nichols said more than a million Venezuelan migrants have also gone to Peru, where he and Blinken met in October with then Peruvian President Pedro Castillo. Castillo, who was ousted in December, Boric and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a former guerilla, are all leftists.
Nichols acknowledged a moment of "ignorance" on his part during a conversation with Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou in Montevideo, Uruguay, last November.
"I said, 'Well, at least Uruguay isn't dealing with a wave of irregular migration that the rest of the hemisphere is facing,'" Nichols recalled, adding, "He jumped out of his chair."
The conversation, Nichols said, quickly shifted to a familiar track: types of cooperation that might help address the presence of hundreds of thousands of migrants in Uruguay. | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/06/22/brian-nichols-top-diplomat-with-rhode-island-ties-is-steering-western-diplomacy-amid-migrant-crisis/70294488007/ | 2023-06-22T09:24:07 | 0 | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/06/22/brian-nichols-top-diplomat-with-rhode-island-ties-is-steering-western-diplomacy-amid-migrant-crisis/70294488007/ |
Providence's housing market is 'cutthroat.' Even city councilors are caught in the middle.
One City Council member's housing search left him "exhausted and on the verge of giving up," he said.
- Several City Council members are renting while others have had experience in a competitive home buying market.
- Although council members are tasked with evaluating the city's housing crisis, they're experiencing it, too.
- Last year's residential property revaluations have hit some council members hard.
PROVIDENCE – City Councilman Justin Roias knows what it’s like to hit hard times.
For years, he lived in a small studio apartment on Ledge Street with his wife, where they coped with a busted heating system and a leaky roof, both getting into the habit of putting out buckets to catch the drips.
It was an affordable spot, despite the chronic issues and landlords’ slapdash fixes, but with a baby on the way, Roias and his wife opted to move in search of more space. On social-worker salaries, though, finding anything affordable was nearly impossible.
"We became well-acquainted with the cutthroat competition among hundreds of other prospective renters," Roias recalled. "To stand out, I dressed in my Sunday’s best and articulated my thoughts carefully, treating these interactions with property managers as if they were job interviews. Unfortunately, many property managers exploited the housing crisis and high demand. They informed hopeful attendees that those ready to submit rental applications and pay non-refundable fees on the spot had a higher chance of securing the apartment."
Roias is one of several council members who are renters and have found themselves navigating the same frenzied market as their constituents, giving this year's council new insight into the housing crisis gained from personal hardship.
Month-to-month lease was their only option
Roias said he and his wife "scoured Zillow relentlessly, monitoring it daily with a hawk's eye" and encountered "snaking" lines when they went to showings. They were "exhausted and on the verge of giving up," Roias said. Neither could afford homeownership with skyrocketing property values, and the couple felt locked out of the market, not only in buying but renting as well.
They passed up a chance to apply for an apartment after they said one property manager refused to cover the cost of lead testing for their child's safety. Finally, Roias stumbled on the third-floor Langdon Street apartment where they have to carry their newborn, and groceries, up several flights of stairs, and where they currently rent month-to-month – a precarious situation for tenants.
Council president among city's longtime renters
Roias' troubles are not unique. Council President Rachel Miller counts herself among council members renting, and she worries about where she would go if she ever needed to leave her Willow Street apartment.
"I am lucky to have found a stable situation," Miller said. "I’ve rented from the same landlord for over 10 years, seven or eight of those years at the same property. I have often thought that, if for some reason he decided to sell the house, I would be priced out of Ward 13. It would be extremely difficult to find a place to live in the neighborhood that would be affordable for me."
Real estate:What does $250,000 buy in this market?
Having also faced affordability issues, Councilman Miguel Sanchez is somewhere between renting and owning. He and his partner had been renting a home for two years until last summer, when the landlord suddenly decided to move into the house.
"We were kind of in a bind figuring out our living situation ... we started looking at apartments and couldn’t find any," Sanchez said, adding: "Even some of the places we did go look at, they were in subpar condition."
In July 2022, Sanchez's partner bought a home on Rushmore Avenue that had been on the market a few weeks at $300,000 before dropping down to $285,000 – the amount of his partner's bid. Sanchez said the condition of the home may have been a factor in the price drop. He described "stains of dog feces throughout the house" from the past owner's three pets. Essentially, the couple found themselves a fixer upper, having to rip out the carpeting immediately and let the house air out.
Sanchez now makes payments to his partner toward the mortgage.
Some council members 'cannot afford to buy a house in the city'
Though a majority of the council owns their home, rather than rents, both sides share similar frustrations over competitive markets and grinding searches. Councilwoman Helen Anthony has owned a home on Angell Street since 2014, but even back then, finding property was nearly impossible.
Anthony said she walked the whole East Side as she and her husband looked for a home, but most listings were snatched up fast. When they finally found the one they bought, they refused to leave.
"We basically walked in without our Realtor that day – because we went to every open house, it seemed – and I didn’t leave until my Realtor walked in and we put in an offer on the spot," Anthony said in an interview with The Journal in early June.
Political Scene:In the RI General Assembly, landlords far outnumber renters. These lawmakers own multiple properties.
Yet that wasn't the last of the councilwoman's headaches. Last year's property revaluation hit Anthony worse than any other council member, causing her home value to rise by a staggering $246,300, resulting in a total assessed value of $927,000.
Anthony said she had appealed the initial revaluation – which first boosted her home value by roughly $150,000 – but the tax assessor's office responded by raising it another $100,000. Most council members who own homes saw their values increase by about $100,000, making Anthony's increase relatively large.
But Anthony recognizes that she is among the lucky ones.
"We have new council people who are trying to get homes ... We’ve got council people that work very hard to make a living who cannot afford to buy a house in the city," she said. "So I feel very privileged to be able to live where I live."
'It's only gotten worse,' says Councilwoman Sue Anderbois
Councilwoman Sue Anderbois, who with her husband bought a roughly 1,200-square-foot home on Fifth Street in 2015 – the year after Anthony bought – described a similarly wolfish market.
"We found it to be very competitive in 2015," Anderbois said. "I think it’s only gotten worse, talking with friends. Most things were gone within a day."
Affordable housing is scarce in RI:What income do you need to live in these towns?
Anderbois spent time searching on nights and weekends, at one point losing a bid when a competitor offered to pay cash at $100,000 over the asking price. Eventually, Anderbois and her husband bought their home for around $340,000 but needed a mortgage to afford it.
'Policy of underproduction' has created and fed the ongoing crisis
According to data from Zillow, as of June the average one-bedroom apartment in Providence goes for $1,850 a month – a $250 increase over last year. The median rent for all properties is $2,167, nearly $70 more than the national average. A renter would need to make upwards of $85,000 to afford that rent without being considered rent-burdened, meaning they would not be spending more than 30% of gross income on housing.
According to Realtor.com, in May, the average home price in Providence was nearly $350,000, an increase of more than 6% over last year.
Housing market:RI home prices near all-time high in April but sales are down. Here's how the numbers compare.
Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan, who is among the homeowners who make up the majority of the council, said Rhode Island's persistent lack of construction has fueled the crisis.
"As a city and state, whether by callousness or design, we have been systemically engaged in a policy of underproduction, which has brought us to this crisis we face today," she said. "We simply need to work together and build more homes, at all price points, to bring relief."
Anderbois has seen both sides of the crisis. Initially, she was a renter in the San Francisco Bay area and thought she would never own a home because of the cost. Now, her old apartment is going for a couple hundred dollars more per month than her mortgage.
She had one word to describe the status quo: "bonkers." | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/06/22/renting-in-providence-puts-city-councilors-in-precarious-situations-apartment-rental/70317133007/ | 2023-06-22T09:24:13 | 1 | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/06/22/renting-in-providence-puts-city-councilors-in-precarious-situations-apartment-rental/70317133007/ |
WILDWOOD — Spectators leaned over the Boardwalk railing and families set up camp on the Wildwood Avenue beach Tuesday morning, their attention drawn to pairs of children shooting marbles across 10 rings set up in the sand.
Parents decked out in team shirts cheered them on from the sidelines while others awaited their turn to play, bouncing out of their chairs as they were assigned ring numbers for their next games.
Generations of families from across the country traveled to Wildwood this week for the 100th annual National Marbles Tournament. Over the course of four days, 45 children ages 7 to 15 will play a total of 1,100 games, according to tournament President Dan LaGamba. The players, referred to as "mibsters," came from as far as Tennessee, Pennsylvania and Maryland to compete in the longest-running children's tournament in the country, according to its website.
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The tournament has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships to winners since its founding in 1922, officials have said.
LaGamba, who has been working with the tournament for 30 years, recognized the significance of the 100th anniversary.
"People have been here forever, and they have continued the tradition," said LaGamba. "It's the atmosphere. It's like being at a family reunion every year," he said.
Coaches and parents watching their children compete reflected on the lasting legacy of the game and its ability to bring people of all ages together.
"It's kind of a lost art that we try to keep alive," said Shannon Georgevich, coach of the St. Mary's County, Maryland, marbles team.
Georgevich, originally from Pittsburgh, won the National Marbles Tournament in 1988. She started a local program in St. Mary's County to "bring the joy of marbles" to kids in her area and now coaches 25 children, including her 12-year-old son Matthew Stockwell, who was vying for the national championship.
Marie Thomas, a coach and grandparent from Philadelphia, said the game "connects the generations." Thomas said all four of her children got "hooked on marbles" after joining a local club in Philadelphia. Two of her daughters now coach their own marbles teams, and one of them was the national champion in 1997, said Thomas. Her 13-year-old grandson Isaiah Garcia is competing with the Philadelphia team.
Children also cheered on the competitors from the sidelines, including the 2022 national girls champion, 16-year-old Jessica Johnson.
Johnson said she moved to Wildwood from Florida in 2017 and learned the game of marbles through an after-school program. She ended up practicing five days a week for three years, she said.
"It was unbelievable. I still haven't processed it," Johnson said about winning the championship last year.
Johnson's coach, Betty Harsaw, said their goal is to "keep it going." Harsaw, who coaches both the Cape May County and Wildwood teams, played in the tournament in 1968 and has been coaching for 11 years.
"The kids are getting such a good experience out of this," Harsaw said. "They just really like to play marbles, and it's kind of an art. There's technique that has to develop," she said.
Harsaw rotated between rings to watch each of her eight players compete, including 12-year-old Rasheem Jones.
"My favorite part is meeting new people and playing against people from across the states," Jones said.
Board member Matt Corley, who has been involved in the marbles tournament since he started as a coach in 1985, helps organize and host the event each year.
"My favorite part is the kids. That's why I still do it," Corley said.
The tournament has been held in Wildwood since 1960, according to Ben Rose, public relations director for the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority. Rose said the tournament brings more than 100 people into the beach town each year to stay in its hotels, eat in its restaurants and visit its attractions during the week.
"There is an added benefit in that the tournament is also an image event and a real slice of Americana that fits so well with the Wildwoods' nostalgic theme and image," Rose said.
The remaining preliminary games were canceled Wednesday due to weather and will be played Thursday, followed by the semifinals and finals. The top eight boys and top eight girls will move on to the semifinals following preliminary play, and the two champions will be crowned Thursday afternoon. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/national-marbles-tournament-winners-to-be-crowned-thursday-in-wildwood/article_10ed9e18-0f92-11ee-9021-eb0448a5e6a1.html | 2023-06-22T09:53:23 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/national-marbles-tournament-winners-to-be-crowned-thursday-in-wildwood/article_10ed9e18-0f92-11ee-9021-eb0448a5e6a1.html |
A woman who was hit by a vehicle in McKeesport overnight has died, and Allegheny County Police are looking for the person responsible.
It happened around 1:15 a.m. County 911 dispatchers got a call that a car hit a woman in the 2600 block of Jenny Lind Street.
Allegheny County Police say first responders arrived and found a 39-year-old woman in critical condition.
She was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Police said the driver fled. They are looking for a black sedan with damage to the rear window.
Channel 11′s Lauren Talotta has updates on this developing story through 7 a.m. on Channel 11 Morning News.
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TUPELO — City of Tupelo officials took the first step in procuring up to $20 million in bond issues for several capital projects over the next four years while asserting there will be no tax increases associated with the bonds.
The Tupelo City Council voted unanimously among present members to publish a resolution of intent to seek up to $20 million in general obligation bonds, which are municipal bonds with the Mississippi Development Bank solely backed by the city’s credit and taxing power and no further capital.
Ward 6 Councilwoman Janet Gaston was absent during the vote.
Chief Financial Officer Kim Hanna called Tuesday night’s vote the beginning steps of a long process.
“We are not issuing bonds,” she said. “We may issue $10 million; we may issue $20 million. We are not obligated to issue any (bonds) by approving this intent.”
Once the city advertises its intent, Hanna noted, it will be on a 24-month clock to decide whether to and how much it needs in bond money.
Tupelo leaders are eyeballing $28 million in projects in the capital plan. Most, if not all, are eligible for bond money. Hanna said Wednesday that the city has 36 months after procurement to spend the money and that the administration and council will weigh over the next two years on which projects will get bond money. The city’s estimated revenue as of fiscal year 2023 is $41.6 million, with balanced expenditures. The also city reported $698,838 in debt services in its fiscal year 2023 budget.
The 24 projects in the capital plan scheduled for the next two years encompass infrastructure upgrades, municipal-owned building renovations and upgrades, drainage projects, parks and recreation upgrades and equipment purchases for city departments.
Specific projects include improvements to Ballard Park, upgrades to Mitchell Road, railroad improvements and the construction of a new cemetery.
Both Hanna and Mayor Todd Jordan emphasized if the city goes through with issuing bond debts, the burden will not raise the city’s tax rates.
As part of the procurement process, the council also voted unanimously among present members to hire Ridgeland-based law firm Butler Snow as council and Government Council Inc as a municipal advisor.
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Error! There was an error processing your request. | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/tupelo-council-seeking-up-to-20m-in-bonds-for-capital-projects/article_d2c7cdf4-1061-11ee-9ed0-83a488e52ba6.html | 2023-06-22T10:24:18 | 0 | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/tupelo-council-seeking-up-to-20m-in-bonds-for-capital-projects/article_d2c7cdf4-1061-11ee-9ed0-83a488e52ba6.html |
(WJHL) – Many volunteer fire departments in the region have started their annual fireworks sale that helps raise funds for equipment. However, in some parts of the Tri-Cities, it’s illegal to shoot, have or sell fireworks.
“Here inside the city of Kingsport, it is illegal to possess and shoot off fireworks,” said Barry Brickey, Public Education and Information Officer at Kingsport Fire Department. “And the Kingsport Fire Department would love for everybody to just maybe go to some of the professional fireworks display that’ll be going on only for the 4th of July, but also throughout the summer.”
Firefighters at the Hampton Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Department and the Gray Volunteer Fire Department said their annual fireworks sale is how they raise the most money to buy new equipment.
Chris Isaacs, chief of Hampton Valley Forge Fire Department, said the first fire department to have a fireworks fundraiser in our region was in Carter County.
“About 20 years ago, Hampton Volunteer Fire Department and Stoney Creek Fire Department here in Carter County started the fireworks sales,” said Isaacs. “And since then it’s spread out throughout all of East Tennessee with volunteer fire departments all over utilizing this as the fundraiser of the year to support the departments.”
Isaacs said they raise the most funds when the Fourth of July is on a weekend.
“About 30% lower when it’s on a weekday,” said Isaacs. “So we’re in the weekday 4th of July this year. So, we expect it to be down. But the fire departments throughout East Tennessee can make anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 for this one fundraiser, which will make up as much as a third of their budget for the year.”
“We’ve actually ordered a new truck to better help us serve the community and most of this money will go towards the new truck,” said Connor Morgan, Gray Volunteer Fire Department Firefighter.
Both Isaacs and Morgan said their fire department doesn’t usually experience many issues with fireworks on Independence Day. Isaacs said he’s heard of people’s concerns with fire hazards.
“We hear that all the time that it’s people from out of the area come here and just can’t believe that a fire department sells fireworks, but in our region we don’t have the forest fire dangers and such that they do in other areas,” said Isaacs.
Isaacs also said they hand out fire prevention pamphlets with every purchase as well.
“And then every firework has warnings on it and we encourage everybody to follow the warnings; it’s published on the firework itself,” said Isaacs.
Morgan said fireworks hazards have not been much of a problem in the county compared to in the city. He said in the county there are more places to shoot off fireworks.
“It just depends on the weather,” said Morgan. “If it’s drier out, hasn’t rained in a couple of days, it can be busier for us with brushfires. Fireworks can catch.”
Although fireworks are illegal in Kingsport, Brickey does give advice to those who still can legally use them.
“Never let a child handle fireworks,” said Brickey. “Even a sparkler can burn at over 1200 degrees and that can quickly catch their clothing on fire or cause serious burns on their hands, fingers, even their face.”
Brickey adds that people should make sure they have a large area to shoot off fireworks.
“You should think about maybe at least 100 feet for every inch of like a Roman candle or something like that in diameter,” said Brickey. “And that way you can be a little bit safer. But we still say that there are no safe consumer fireworks.”
Brickey said the most dangerous day for outdoor fires is July Fourth and for people to keep a close watch on their bonfires as well.
The fine for violating Kingsport’s fireworks ordinance, which is copied below, is $123.75.
“(a) For the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the citizens and residents of the city, it is unlawful for any person to manufacture, use, discharge, possess with the intent to discharge, or offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail or keep with intent to sell at retail, fireworks in the city.”
The Kingsport Fire Department asks that people not call 911 to report fireworks disturbances, unless it is an actual emergency, like fire or injury. Instead, they ask people to call the Kingsport Central Dispatch number 423-246-9111. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/area-volunteer-fire-departments-raise-funds-with-annual-fireworks-sales/ | 2023-06-22T10:30:43 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/area-volunteer-fire-departments-raise-funds-with-annual-fireworks-sales/ |
Appleton: I'm taking paternity leave, and so should you
Beginning in July, I am going away for a little while. You won't see any columns, reviews or articles from me for about three months.
But I have a good reason — a cuddly, drooly dough ball of a reason.
His name is Oliver Appleton. He is about 4 months old, and his first instinct is always to smile or laugh — something my generally neurotic family has already benefited from.
I am taking paternity leave. As much of it as I can get. I'd take more, if I could. And you should, too.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, just 30% of fathers took more than 10 days off for the birth of their children as of 2012. Access and usage of paid leave has increased since, but the U.S. remains miles, years, eons away from other developed countries in this regard.
Last week's column:Appleton: On fatherhood, "Bluey" and saying yes
A Pew Research Center report citing Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development data noted only 1 country out of 41 surveyed did not mandate employers offer paid parental leave. Guess which one it was?
Ten countries surveyed offered a year or more of paid leave, topped by Estonia (a beautiful country if you've never been) at a whopping 82 weeks. The U.S. was 41st out of 41 with zero. No other nation offered less than eight weeks.
A 2021 attempt by Democratic leaders to federally mandate four weeks of paid family leave died in the Senate, and Indiana is not one of the 16 states that offers or will soon offer family leave.
I get six weeks off with pay, plus another six unpaid. In this country, I'm lucky to get any, and doubly lucky to be privileged enough to survive six weeks without pay.
My wife just had about four months off, which is substantial by American standards. With that said, the country she was born in and fled from due to war and human rights issues that persist even today, Serbia, would have offered her a year of paid leave.
We staggered our leaves to ensure Oliver gets the maximum amount of time with one of us at home.
The truth is I could keep citing study after study in support of taking as much parental leave as possible and telling our government to step up. The benefits are nearly endless — from better outcomes for children to improved mental health for parents.
But my personal reasoning boils down to two main points: bonding and fairness.
The first is obvious. I want to spend time with my little guy. Watch him master rolling over, then shimmying, then a crawl. Taking time off work allows me to be fully present and appreciate both the small and big moments.
Plus, late nights with a kid are great opportunities to catch up on legacy dad content. I finished season one of "The Wire" this week.
I took the same amount of leave when my first son was born five years ago, and most of my older male colleagues at my first newspaper could not fathom it. I think the puzzlement was rooted in this idea of men providing for their families and the importance of one's career. I'll miss out on three months' worth of stories, what if they find someone better to do the job? Stuff like that.
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But one editor, who remains both a good friend and career adviser, encouraged my leave with gusto. He told me something to the effect of "you won't ever regret time spent with your children, and you won't ever be able to get that time back if you don't take it."
I found that to be the case my first time around, and I'm thinking about it daily as I churn out these last few stories. The career damage is not necessarily a myth, but the benefits far outweigh the potential negatives.
That brings me to the second point.
Women bear the overwhelming brunt of this collateral damage. There are again reams of studies and information on pay inequities, denied promotions and other snatched opportunities. Even now, in these apparently modern times, it's not unusual for motherhood to be seen as a career killer for mothers.
I am almost certain my spouse has been punished in past for having a family that could possibly grow, resulting in parental leave and the use, God forbid, of sick time to care for our kids. Is it fair for her to assume that risk, but not me?
And is it fair for my youngest to be shoved into child care when he could still be rolling around in his own crib at his own home?
It's an easy choice. See everyone in three months.
Looking for things to do? Our newsletter has the best concerts, art, shows and more — and the stories behind them
Rory Appleton is the pop culture reporter and columnist at IndyStar. Contact him at 317-552-9044 and rappleton@indystar.com, or follow him on Twitter at @RoryDoesPhonics. | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/2023/06/22/appleton-im-taking-paternity-leave-and-so-should-you/70341814007/ | 2023-06-22T10:31:52 | 0 | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/2023/06/22/appleton-im-taking-paternity-leave-and-so-should-you/70341814007/ |
Fostering community through sport: Burmese American’s play sepak takraw on Indy’s southside
Clouds of dust fill the air and the quick shuffle of shoes on a dirt court creates a meditative aura as a ball shoots back and forth over a short net. Multiple dialects of Burmese are heard as a group of Burmese Americans play their national sport, sepak takraw, at a Southport apartment complex nearly every day after work.
A fast-paced game played with a hard, small plastic ball, sepak takraw provides an outlet for Indianapolis Burmese Americans to build community through sport. Played following the same rules as volleyball, sepak takraw comes with a twist. You can only use your head and feet. A game that requires high levels of focus, flexibility and athleticism, it is also a great way for the community to get exercise while connecting with their roots in Burma.
Director of the Burmese American Community Institute Elaisa Vahnie expressed the importance of building and supporting community in Indianapolis while maintaining a strong connection to the country many used to call their home.
“We need to also remember our roots," Vahnie said. "The reason why we fled Burma. And why we come here. Engaging in that thinking and understanding, it’s much easier for us to not take things for granted.”
With Indiana having the highest population of Burmese Americans in the nation, Vahnie said he plans to expand the Burmese American Community Institute to better fulfill the needs of a growing population. Outlining his goal to build a new community center in Southport in the coming years, he emphasized the importance of creating spaces for the community to play soccer, volleyball and maybe even sepak takraw as all are favorites of the Burmese American communities.
Creating support systems and programs to help the community succeed has been the goal of Vahnie, but he also sees the need to support people in all aspects of their lives. Whether it be with providing mental health support, educational support or advocating for healthy living habits, Vahnie strives to uplift the Burmese American communities in Indiana.
“It’s good for you (to be) healthy,” Labang Mai said. “You’re getting sweaty. It’s pretty good when you get home take a shower, you’re sleeping really good.”
The desire to live healthy and active lives is echoed by sepak takraw players. Working up a sizable sweat in just five minutes of playing, most continue for hours until the setting sun has no light left to give, letting the dust settle until the next day. | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/2023/06/22/burmese-americans-play-sepak-takraw-on-indys-southside/70248219007/ | 2023-06-22T10:31:58 | 0 | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/2023/06/22/burmese-americans-play-sepak-takraw-on-indys-southside/70248219007/ |
What you need to know about Conner Prairie's expansion
After months of hearing concerns from residents about its proposal to expand west of the White River into Carmel, leaders at Conner Prairie and the city are working to tweak the project more to the community's liking.
In August, the Smithsonian affiliate filed to rezone 260 acres of land it owns south of 146th Street between the White River and River Road.
Conner Prairie, which has been working on the project for about five years, views the build as a transformative ode to local history and a leap into the future of museums, according to its project narrative.
Features include an “eco-lodge,” which is being marketed as more environmentally friendly than a standard hotel. The concept also features a modern farm, a farm-to-table restaurant, a White River Education Center and an innovation center with office spaces. Conner Prairie also aims to educate visitors about the life and history of Eli Lilly, who worked on that very land to develop animal vaccines and experimental farming techniques.
The project, though, has slowed at the plan commission. A special committee is working with the developers to refine the proposal, including reducing the amount of land they'll build on from 35% of the total acreage to 15%, and halving the number of rooms in the eco-lodge to 70. It seems likely more changes will be proposed over the coming months.
Neighbors had been concerned with a number of items in the plan. Some parents dislike the location of the eco-lodge. As of May, the lodge was proposed to be only 200 yards away from Prairie Trace Elementary School, raising eyebrows in regards to students' safety. Others are worried that the attraction will swell local traffic on what's largely a quiet north-south road.
Still, some commission members are apprehensive about axing major parts of the project, noting that — if done correctly — it could become a legacy for Carmel.
Carmel Councilor Sue Finkam, the city's Republican mayoral candidate, represents the district that would house the proposed expansion. She's been fielding concerns from her constituents since the project was announced.
"I'm interested in making sure we thread the needle between what Conner Prairie optimally wants, what the residents have concerns about and what benefits the area," she said.
It'll likely take another few months to sort out. Carmel spokesman Dan McFeely said he thinks the special committee will consider residents' concerns for "maybe two or three months," before it then goes back to the full plan commission for a recommendation to the city council.
"We look forward to working with them and getting it right," McFeely said.
The committee will meet again at 6 p.m. on June 29.
Contact IndyStar reporter Tory Basile at vbasile@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @torybasilee. | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/2023/06/22/conner-prairies-expansion-west-white-river-eco-lodge-education-center-hotel-solar-field-museum/70322420007/ | 2023-06-22T10:32:04 | 1 | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/2023/06/22/conner-prairies-expansion-west-white-river-eco-lodge-education-center-hotel-solar-field-museum/70322420007/ |
A gardener's find and a chance encounter: WWII dog tag lost in France back home in Indiana
An honor guard in their military best lines up and faces Sgt. Jackson E. McGill's family. They aim three rifles to the sunny sky above Maplewood Cemetery and take three coordinated shots. A bugler sends out the familiar notes of "Taps."
But this graveside ceremony wasn't somber.
On what would've been Jackson McGill's 100th birthday, family and friends gathered at the Anderson cemetery to celebrate a missing piece of history, finally recovered.
Lt. Col. Valerie Prehoda was the keeper of this missing piece.
She was given Jackson McGill's tarnished dog tag while on an expedition with American Legion volunteers as the legion's Department of France commander. They were searching a field in Northern France for the remains of a lost pilot who crashed his plane into a farm in 1944.
While at a barbecue one night, a gardener approached Prehoda. He was holding the small, brown piece of metal, which he found in the field about 30 years ago. He kept it in his billfold until he came across an American to hand it off to. Prehoda was that American.
“The minute that he gave me that dog tag, I just started shaking,” said Prehoda, who is now retired from the Marine Corps. “I knew how important that would be to a family somewhere in America.”
She called a friend, who is a historian, to help track down Jackson McGill’s family and bring the dog tags home to Indiana.
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Matt McGill, one of Jackson McGill’s grandchildren, will take ownership of the tag because he’d been researching Jackson McGill’s time in the military, which the family didn’t know much about.
His research revealed that his grandfather was involved in three airplane crashes while he served in the Army.
Twice he was the sole survivor, the weight of which his grandson acknowledged during a graveside speech.
"It's no wonder why this man was so secretive," Matt McGill said.
Who was Sgt. Jackson McGill
Jackson McGill was born in Ohio in 1923. He and his family moved a lot, from Ohio to Pennsylvania to New York to Detroit, where he met his wife, Catherine. He joined the Army in 1942 and, a few years later, moved to Indiana and the couple started a family. He survived World War II and died in 2002.
When he served in the Army, he was known as the “radio man.” He would monitor for changes in flight plans, enable pilot-to-pilot communication and tend to wounded crew members.
Karen McGill Young, Jackson McGill’s eldest daughter, said of all Americans who might have met the gardener and come across the tag, she’s glad it was Prehoda. And she’s grateful to the gardener for keeping it for so long.
“To think that they knew it was special to somebody and wanted to make sure a family member got it means a lot to us,” she said.
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Contact Pulliam Fellow Morgan Womack at mwomack@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @womackmo. | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/2023/06/22/jackson-mcgill-dogtags-ww2-france-garden-valerie-prehoda-american-legion-anderson-indiana/70329903007/ | 2023-06-22T10:32:10 | 1 | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/2023/06/22/jackson-mcgill-dogtags-ww2-france-garden-valerie-prehoda-american-legion-anderson-indiana/70329903007/ |
'Invisible': How the city plans to address Indianapolis' dangerous trail crossings
Avid cyclist Rex Knepp, 73, came within a hair’s breadth of disaster when he was biking across a green-lit crosswalk with his wife along Fall Creek Trail last fall. Four inches. That’s how close a driver came to hitting him when she made a right turn into his path in broad daylight, he said.
“It was as if she did not even see me, like we were invisible to her,” he said, adding that he was wearing blaze orange clothing and had handlebar-mounted strobe lights. He said she stopped her car, terrified she had hit him, and he’d screamed at her.
His experience is mirrored by many cyclists and pedestrians across Marion County who’ve had near-misses with vehicles at greenway crossings when they have the right of way — spots where Indianapolis’ famed trails meet often high-speed, high-traffic streets.
In an effort to make such crossings safer, the City-County Council introduced a proposal on June 5 that would create greenway crossing zones. They would be similar to school zones. The Department of Public Works could implement lower speed limits at specific crossings where a traffic investigation supports it. It passed out of the Public Works Committee on June 15 and heads to full Council for a vote.
"Reckless driving has been a huge issue for my constituents," proposal co-sponsor Councilor John Barth of District 7 on the northside said. "That’s concurrent with people being more active with walking and cycling and those two don’t go together."
Cyclists and pedestrians told IndyStar many greenway crossings are dangerous, just one part of a deadly and growing crisis of pedestrian and cyclist safety which saw a record 40 people killed last year.
The data illustrating the problem is incomplete as it only tracks when a police crash report is made, not minor crashes or near-misses. But data shows there were 23 crashes recorded involving pedestrians or cyclists within 50 feet of an Indianapolis greenway between January 2019 and June 2022, according to an analysis of Indiana State Police crash data conducted by the non-profit Health by Design. Four of those crashes were fatal.
While the proposed change is welcome for many cyclists, pedestrians, and traffic safety advocates, they also told IndyStar that lower speed limits are far from enough to deal with dangerous trail crossings.
“It’s certainly insufficient to think that speed limit signage alone will result in the level of changed behavior we need in order to have improved safety at these intersections,” Kim Irwin, executive director of Health By Design, told IndyStar.
Pedestrian and cyclist safety by design
Poor lines of sight, fast driving speeds, high traffic volume, and designs that don't adequately discourage reckless driving are some of the problems at trail crossings, cyclists and pedestrians said.
Cyclist commuter Xander Geragotelis, 23, experienced firsthand how cars take priority in this city, he said, when biking across 16th Street on the Monon Trail last month. Traffic had stopped in both directions to let him pass. Then a driver sped into the right lane around other cars and through the crosswalk.
“I slammed on my brakes but if I hadn’t it would have run me over,” he said.
Safety is especially a concern on decades-old trails like the Monon and Fall Creek Trail that were designed without safe crossings top of mind, which advocates said is part of the problem of Indianapolis roads historically being designed for cars and speed rather than pedestrians, cyclists and safety.
“Some older trails were put in before we had the idea of prioritizing safe mobility,” City-County Council Vice President Zach Adamson said. Along with Barth, he is behind the greenway crossing zones proposal.
Think the Monon Trail and 86th Street, where a major road crosses a major trail and where advocacy director of Bicycle Garage Indy Connie Szabo Schmucker said she thinks should have had a tunnel or a bridge from the beginning. It was at that intersection where her colleague and a beloved figure in the Indianapolis cycling community, Frank Radaker, Jr., 69, was struck dead by a vehicle.
Meanwhile, up north in Hamilton County, tunnels and bridges allow trail users to avoid several major thoroughfares altogether.
“Design determines behavior” is a common refrain in the traffic safety advocacy community. It’s the idea that it’s not enough to tell people to drive safely or slower, but the roads must be designed in a way that makes it impossible for them to drive faster, Schmucker said.
Irwin said lower speed limits need to be accompanied by other measures including traffic calming elements, broader public education, and changes to physical infrastructure that would help slow speeds and give cues to a driver that they need to watch out for people walking and biking, she said.
Knepp wrote in a blog post detailing the six most dangerous trail crossings in Indianapolis that he wants to see a “no-turn-on-red” sign at the College Avenue and Fall Creek intersection where he almost was hit. He ranked that crossing as the third worst in the city. The problem, he said, is that sometimes pedestrians have the go-ahead at crosswalks, but careless drivers turning right on red don't check.
Some believe the city has not adequately prioritized making Indianapolis’ physical infrastructure safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
“The city wants to talk about being bicycle-friendly but actually they want to be tourist friendly,” Knepp told IndyStar, saying that the well-kept Cultural Trail has a lot of money put into it, which he knows comes from its own endowment, while other trails funded by the city budget are poorly maintained.
The Department of Public Works director Brandon Herget said he understands the concern but highlighted extensive investments by the city into expanding trails in neighborhoods beyond downtown, including Grassy Creek Trail and Nickel Plate Trail on the northside.
Eric Holt, a traffic safety advocate behind the crash database Indy Ped Crisis, said he thinks the city lacks both safety by design and adequate traffic enforcement.
“Up to this point, it’s been a lot of nothing, unfortunately,” Holt said.
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Indianapolis’ road funding shortage challenge road safety efforts
As Indianapolis undergoes significant investment in greenway growth with more than 20 miles of new trails this construction season, Herget acknowledged the need to mitigate the increased potential for clashes between drivers and trail users.
Looming over the city’s efforts to make trails and roads safer is the funding shortfall brought on, in part, by Indiana’s outdated road funding formula that disproportionately shorts Indianapolis of cash. It allocates funding based on miles of road without consideration of how many lanes those roads have.
As a result, Herget said, Indianapolis only gets funding for about 3,300 of its 8,400 lane miles of roads. That represents a shortfall of $635 million, he said.
Herget said the city continues to navigate the challenges of cost, which play out in difficult decisions about trade-offs.
Safety measures can range from the low-cost, such as a couple thousand dollars for speed bumps or just a $100 for a speed limit sign, DPW Traffic and Planning Administrator Nathan Sheets said, to the highly expensive, such as a multi-million-dollar bridge or tunnel to completely separate trail users from road traffic or a traffic signal for $1 million.
“The challenge is do you spend $10 million in one location or $1 million in ten locations?” Sheets said.
Some recent efforts include the Monon Trail widening project that saw a particularly hazardous crossing at 16th Street gain extended crosswalk markings so that drivers could better see the trail crossing.
At 86th Street, where Radaker was killed, Schmucker and other advocates are undertaking a city-backed tactical urbanism project that would test out safety improvements, like lane markings, with the aim of making them permanent.
The city also hired its first full-time safety engineer with this year’s budget, who started work this June hitting the ground running to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, Herget said.
And Spring is “brush cut season”, Herget said, which means a new six-person trail maintenance crew will be out for the first time keeping trails trimmed and signage unobscured, which can be critical in warning drivers approaching trail crossings.
Contact the reporter at 317-903-7071 or kcheang@indystar.com | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2023/06/22/indianapolis-trails-greenways-safety-greenway-crossing-zones/70307533007/ | 2023-06-22T10:32:16 | 0 | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2023/06/22/indianapolis-trails-greenways-safety-greenway-crossing-zones/70307533007/ |
CHANDLER, Ariz. — From the moment Cairo Koomson took the stage at his elementary school’s talent show, he captivated the audience.
Dressed in a bright yellow Bowser costume, the 7-year-old sat next to a piano and belted the lyrics to the "Peaches" song, from the movie hit "Super Mario Bros."
What began as a solo show, ended in a full-room singalong with loud applause at Carlson Elementary School in Chandler on May 19. The video of the spectacle has been seen by 6.8 million people on TikTok.
The first-grader's performance made Cairo’s 6-year-old brother, Eli, who has autism, emotionally happy.
“He was crying during the performance,” said Cairo’s mother, Tracy. “I can count on one hand how many times he’s appropriately shown emotion.”
And that was a big deal for the Koomson family, who also saw a breakthrough in Eli’s ability to express himself a day before Cairo hit the stage.
“The night before my performance, he sang the whole entire song,” Cairo told 12News about his little brother. “When he was done, me and my little sister ran to him and hugged him, and Mama was just tearing out and crying.”
Cairo had been practicing at home as he got ready for his first-ever live performance, never thinking his brother Eli, who typically used three-to-four-word sentences, was tuning in.
“We didn’t know what to do,” Tracy recalls about that emotional moment. “We’re looking like, is this really happening right now? My kids were so excited. We didn’t know he knew the song and he knew every single word and sang it so clearly. You would never know he had any type of speech delay.”
But because of the excitement, no one thought about filming the moment. When they asked Eli to sing it again and do it in front of their grandparents, “he just stood there,” said Cairo.
“It was just a special treat for us three that we’ll always remember,” Tracy said.
Despite being a confident boy, Cairo admitted he was nervous about his talent show debut. His brother’s impressive impromptu private serenade motivated him to fight the fear.
“He was saying mom, ‘I’m gonna do it,’” Tracy recalls Cairo said. “'Because Eli keeps trying, look at him singing.’ And he’s like, ‘So, I have to keep trying. I have to be brave. I have to be Eli’s voice.'”
The “Super Mario Bros” movie also illustrates the love between her sons, Tracy said. When the family saw the movie for the first time, the mother recalls Cairo telling her he was Mario and Eli was Luigi.
“He’s like, ‘Mom, Mario reminds me of me. Eli is Luigi because I’m always protecting him,'” Tracy said, affirming with her older son.
Cairo said he was surprised when he saw his classmate’s reaction to his performance, saying he felt like he wasn’t the only one singing. It was that singalong that Tracy said, “gave him the will to keep going.”
The viral video of the 7-year-old’s performance reached the main character of the movie, Chris Pratt, who voiced Mario. He shared the TikTok video on his Instagram story and tagged Jack Black, who sang the “Peaches” song in the movie.
“Watch out [Jack Black] this kid might take your job. Epic performance dude,” Pratt wrote in the post screengrabbed by Chandler Unified School District.
The first-graders first rise to fame happened when he was just two years old. The family lived in their native hometown of Huntington Beach, California, and both Cairo and Eli were with a modeling agency, Tracy said.
“The commercial had a casting call, and the requirement was for the baby to cry”, Cairo’s mother said. “My husband and I looked at each other and said, ‘We got this!’ He used to hate to see me, and my husband give each other a hug. Instantly right away with angrily cry, until we stop hugging.”
That’s all she said they had to do to get the part in Intel’s 2017 famous Lebron James crying baby commercial.
Cairo wants to be a travel YouTuber and show the world through the eyes of a kid. He’s now considering doing home schooling. Tracy said she is in touch with producers who might help them make that dream into a reality.
While she’s received several direct messages about Cairo’s performance, “we’re still waiting on you Jack Black,” Tracy told 12News.
Even though Cairo was not playing the piano in the now-viral video, Tracy said she is enrolling him in lessons.
“I just want to travel around the world and sing the song ‘Peaches,’” Cairo said.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/valley-first-graders-talent-show-performance-of-peaches-wins-the-hearts-of-millions-heres-the-emotional-story-behind-the-viral-video/75-27204921-4ca8-4a90-8396-a91cefded051 | 2023-06-22T10:37:07 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/valley-first-graders-talent-show-performance-of-peaches-wins-the-hearts-of-millions-heres-the-emotional-story-behind-the-viral-video/75-27204921-4ca8-4a90-8396-a91cefded051 |
It's officially summer at the Delaware beaches. Your weekend guide.
Summer has officially begun at the Delaware beaches.
Now come the days you can watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean and spend the entire day on the beach, reapplying sunscreen and eating packed lunches or venturing up to a snack bar, leaving only to watch the sunset over the inland bays. There's no sleep like the sleep you get after that kind of day, sandy, sunkissed and smiling.
But there are rainy days, even weeks, like this one is turning out to be. They call for card games, novels, shopping at Tanger Outlets, going to The Movies at Midway or Shell We Bounce. Chances are, when you come out, the rain will have passed.
Delaware Online/The News Journal publishes this weekend guide to the Delaware beaches all summer. Check back on Thursdays to find out everything you need to know, whether you're a local or a tourist.
Weather
The National Weather Service predicts a chance of showers or thunderstorms Thursday through Tuesday at the Delaware beaches.
However, storms can come and go quickly in the summer. Saturday is predicted to be partly sunny and Sunday mostly sunny, both with the chance of rain at 40%.
More:As Tropical Storm Bret becomes hurricane, Delaware will see rain — but not from this storm
If precipitation falls, enjoy it. The temperature will still be near 80 and the sun will be out again soon enough. Of course, if there's thunder and lightning, get indoors until it passes.
Things to do
Juneteenth celebrations are continuing this weekend. The Lewes African-American Heritage Commission will host Juneteenth Freedom Day at George H.P. Smith Park from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday (rain date: Sunday), with food, vendors, dancers and live music. There's no cost to enter.
More:Fun at Delaware beaches: 19 can't-miss events downstate this summer
There are some great local entertainment venues at the Delaware beaches. Here are a few of their offerings to check out this weekend.
- Freeman Arts Pavilion in Selbyville. Saturday night's Grand Funk Railroad is sold out, but there are still some tickets available to see 1980's rock greats Cheap Trick Sunday. There's also magician Ran’D Shine at 10 a.m. Saturday.
- Milton Theatre in Milton. Dueling pianists Flying Ivories will play Friday night. There are two showings of "Beginnings: A Celebration of the Music of Chicago" on Saturday and "Music Men and Broadway Broads," described as "the ultimate celebrity impersonator comedy show," is at 7:30 p.m. Sunday.
- Dickens Parlor Theatre in Ocean View. Magician Mystique will perform Friday and Saturday night.
- Clearspace Theatre Company in Rehoboth Beach. Their summer season doesn't begin until June 27, but check out this year's lineup: "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Kinky Boots," "Spongebob: The Musical" and more.
As always, all the beach towns offer some sort of free entertaiment - live music, moves, bonfires - every week. Check their websites for details.
Beach replenishment
Beach replenishment is ongoing at the Delaware beaches this year. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is dredging sand offshore, piping it to the beaches and spreading it out to prevent beach erosion and allow for recreation.
Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and Fenwick Island have been completed and now have much wider beaches. Work continues at Bethany Beach and South Bethany, where portions of the beach will be closed at times.
Unfortunately, Bethany Beach decided to cancel their July 4 fireworks this year due to beach replenishment. Already making your own fireworks plans? We've got all the details here.
Surf-fishing changes
We make this public service announcement weekly: If you're planning to drive onto the Delaware beaches to surf-fish this summer, there have been some major changes you need to be aware of.
Walk-on surf-fishing requires only a fishing license. Drive-on surf-fishing requires a permit, available at most state park offices. On weekends and holidays, it also requires a reservation.
More:Have you seen it? Leatherback sea turtle in danger of drowning off coast of Fenwick Island
For $4 per vehicle per day, reservations can be made at www.destateparks.com/surftagsales. The online system opens Tuesdays for Saturday reservations, Wednesdays for Sunday reservations and Thursdays for holidays. The system is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on weekends and holidays.
The website shows the number of spaces left at each drive-on beach, so if your first choice is booked, there's likely another beach with space still available.
Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on Sussex County and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/22/delaware-beaches-weekend-guide-summer-officially-begins/70340712007/ | 2023-06-22T10:49:45 | 0 | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/22/delaware-beaches-weekend-guide-summer-officially-begins/70340712007/ |
Dewey Beach cites safety for prohibiting marijuana dispensaries and growing weed
Delaware's most popular party beach town wants no part of the state's newly approved sale of weed.
The Dewey Beach Town Council unanimously voted on Friday to prohibit the production and sale of marijuana and other marijuana-related business activities.
With the ban, commercial marijuana dispensaries and farms will not be allowed to set up shop in Dewey Beach without the town's consent. The sale of marijuana paraphernalia remains legal.
The Council’s decision comes after Delaware legalized recreational marijuana for those 21 and older in April. While the state allows private consumption of recreational marijuana, municipalities like Dewey can enact ordinances that prohibit the sale of it.
Delaware legalizes marijuana:Marijuana is legal in Delaware. What does it mean for you?
Public safety concern
The Council made the decision because of public safety concerns.
Dewey Beach, approximately one mile long and two blocks wide, has 15 establishments that already serve alcohol, according to town manager Bill Zolper.
During the Council’s meeting, Dewey Chief of Police Constance Speake advocated for the ban, citing problems the town faces currently faces.
“I do not want this in our town. I think it’s one more thing that we have to deal with,” Speake said. “We deal with a lot of alcohol-related issues with this town with people drinking too much, so we have to spend a lot of focus on that. We don’t want to have to spend more time on this other issue.”
Dewey Mayor Williams Stevens agreed.
“Safety comes first over individual rights, so you cannot infringe upon another’s next to you,” Stevens said.
The ordinance does not prevent the public from traveling to dispensaries outside city limits and purchasing from those establishments. However, it will take time for recreational dispensaries to be available, as it will be over a year before Delaware distributes the first 30 retail licenses to bidders who wish to open a store.
Marijuana dispensaries will take time:Former Delaware law enforcement official to oversee recreational marijuana transition
Dewey follows Ocean City's lead
Dewey is not the first beach town on the eastern shore to react to state marijuana legalizations.
In Maryland, adults 21 years and older can grow, possess and use recreational cannabis starting July 1. Aware of the impending change, Ocean City's council, like Dewey's, unanimously voted to ban the sale and consumption of marijuana in public.
Ocean City paved the way:Ocean City cracks down on marijuana consumption, bucking Maryland trend
Dewey and Ocean City pride themselves on being family-friendly, so their decision to prohibit the sale of marijuana may be the start of a trend.
New Jersey beach town taking different approach
Unlike Dewey Beach or Ocean City, Atlantic City, New Jersey, is pushing toward becoming a cannabis hub for the East Coast. The town has approved sites for multiple dispensaries in a condensed area along the shore. Grow sites, farms and even a cannabis museum are also set to be built.
Weed capital of New Jersey:From weed hotels to weed museums, Atlantic City plans to become Amsterdam of East Coast | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/community-news/2023/06/22/dewey-bans-marijuana-growth-and-sale-after-delaware-legalizes-drug/70342439007/ | 2023-06-22T10:49:51 | 1 | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/community-news/2023/06/22/dewey-bans-marijuana-growth-and-sale-after-delaware-legalizes-drug/70342439007/ |
Former Wilmington councilperson sues city alleging age discrimination over council post
A former Wilmington City Council person and employee who was passed over for the council’s chief of staff position last year has sued the city alleging he was discriminated against because of his age.
Michael Brown, a 67-year-old Wilmington resident who is running for New Castle County Council against incumbent Councilperson George Smiley for the 7th District, filed the discrimination suit in May against the city after he was denied the council’s chief of staff position twice amid council’s internal struggles to agree on a candidate.
Brown was one of two finalists for the City Council’s chief of staff position last year but was initially passed over for the other candidate, Matthew Dougherty.
Then, less than an hour before the full council was set to vote on Dougherty’s appointment July 7 – for which his employment had secured an 11-2 vote by the council committee of the whole – his recommendation was pulled and City Council went back to the drawing board. The abrupt shift was prompted, according to council members, by some on the legislative body wanting a person of color in the position.
BACKGROUND:Why Wilmington council still hasn't hired a chief of staff
When the job was reposted, Brown applied again, reaching out to each councilperson to share his qualifications, background and take any questions they may have about his assuming the role of chief of staff. A response he got from Councilperson Shane Darby has become the center of his discrimination suit filed in the U.S. District Court in Delaware.
COUNCIL HIRES:Why Wilmington council is, once again, hiring former Mayor Jim Baker
“Morning!” Darby responded to Brown’s outreach via text, according to the complaint. “I don’t question your qualifications at all. But I am honestly more in supportive (sic) of bringing in new and younger people. But it doesn’t look like we have that option for this role.”
READ THE DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT AT THE END OF THIS STORY
Discrimination based on age
In the federal suit, Brown says Darby was a “decision-maker” in the chief-of-staff hiring process, and her comments “clearly demonstrate age discrimination.”
When Brown was on City Council, the council president had sole discretion for hiring legislative staff and would lobby fellow councilmembers behind their chosen candidate for employment. Now, the decision is made collectively by the full council through its Committee of the Whole, requiring a council majority vote (at least seven) for recommendation and later hiring.
PREVIOUS HIRING PROCESS:Wilmington City Council quietly hires former Mayor Jim Baker
The former councilperson also alleges his due process rights were violated because he was not given an interview when he applied a second time.
“Because of the whole process of how it went down in terms of the interview, the filing and all that, I was done wrong,” Brown told Delaware Online/The News Journal. “I just couldn’t wrap my head around what was the purpose of them trying to block me from filling that position when I did three terms as council at-large, and sat on all the committees as a Republican at that time.”
It’s unclear when Brown received the text from Darby, but the complaint notes that on Sept. 16, 2022, Brown received a letter from City Council stating “he did not meet the qualifications for the chief of staff position.”
The complaint charges that “this representation was categorically false” since he was already a finalist in an earlier application process, and concludes that because of Darby’s comments “along with the entire record” it’s clear Brown was discriminated against over his age “despite impeccable qualifications.”
Darby, reached Tuesday by Delaware Online, stressed that she desired a chief-of-staff who could bring fresh eyes and new energy to City Council, would utilize new technology, like email and other digital means, to connect with councilmembers and the community, and doesn’t have deep connections to past political regimes.
“I do not feel like he would be a good fit. He was involved in too much drama back in the day, he was too close to certain council members that I am not a fan of, and he can’t use technology,” Darby said. “I wanted someone new and younger to bring some energy and newness to the council. I don’t care about skin color.”
What happened with the chief of staff post?
The council's previous chief of staff, Daniel Walker, left the post in February 2022.
Walker had recommended Dougherty, who returned to Wilmington last year after spending several years working for federal lawmakers and city government in Boston, apply for the position. But when Dougherty’s recommendation was derailed at the last minute, he withdrew his application.
“I'm withdrawing my consideration due to the continual bad faith efforts by Council President Congo and some other City Council members during this hiring process," Dougherty told Delaware Online at the time.
Publicly, City Council members said the last minute withdrawal of Dougherty’s recommendation was because the council wanted to make sure they attracted the most qualified candidates.
On Oct. 14, Brown’s attorney Ronald Poliquin sent a letter to Wilmington warning city officials of the pending discrimination lawsuit. To resolve the complaint, Brown sought $200,000 representing his “annual salary” for two years if “he wasn’t discriminated against;” $15,000 for attorney fees; and a written apology from City Council.
Less than a week later on Oct. 20, the full council approved hiring Mona Parikh as chief-of-staff.
Got a tip? Contact Amanda Fries at afries@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter at @mandy_fries. | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/22/former-wilmington-politician-alleges-age-discrimination-in-hiring-process/70338874007/ | 2023-06-22T10:50:09 | 0 | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/22/former-wilmington-politician-alleges-age-discrimination-in-hiring-process/70338874007/ |
TREMONT — The Tazewell County Republicans announced they have formed an Election Integrity Task Force.
The task force is a group of citizen volunteers who will defend the integrity of the voting process, according to a news release. It is just one of many that now exist in Illinois and throughout the country.
Tazewell County Republican Chairman Jim Rule selected precinct committeeperson Laurie Whitaker to chair the task force. She will lead the team in development and execution of its goals and objectives.
The task force will focus on local county elections and voters.
Contact tazewellgoppc@gmail.com for more information.
The Willis Snowmobile Museum, 204 NW Main St., in Hopedale, is home to a over 160 different antique snowmobiles and other related memorabilia, unique creations and various sleds.
Photos: DeSantis speaks at Lincoln Day Dinner in Peoria
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis waves to the crowd after the Lincoln Day Dinner on Friday at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom. The event was sponsored by Tazewell County and Peoria County Republicans.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis shakes hands with guests before the Lincoln Day Dinner on Friday at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom. The event was sponsored by Tazewell County and Peoria County Republicans.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis waves to the crowd after the Lincoln Day Dinner on Friday at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom. The event was sponsored by Tazewell County and Peoria County Republicans.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, introduces Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday during the Lincoln Day Dinner at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom. The event was sponsored by Tazewell County and Peoria County Republicans.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Former State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, talks with guest before the Lincoln Day Dinner on Friday at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke at the event sponsored by Tazewell County and Peoria County Republicans.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White speaks during the Lincoln Day Dinner on Friday at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke at the event sponsored by Tazewell County and Peoria County Republicans.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Tazewell County Republican Chairmn Jim Rule speaks before the Lincoln Day Dinner on Friday at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke at the event sponsored by Tazewell County and Peoria County Republicans.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during the Lincoln Day Dinner on Friday at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom. The event was sponsored by Tazewell County and Peoria County Republicans.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White speaks during the Lincoln Day Dinner at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke at the event sponsored by Tazewell County and Peoria County Republicans.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Tazewell County Republican Chairmn Jim Rule speaks before the Lincoln Day Dinner on Friday at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke at the event sponsored by Tazewell County and Peoria County Republicans.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White shakes hands with U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Dunlap, Friday at the Lincoln Day Dinner at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, introduces Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday during the Lincoln Day Dinner at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom. The event was sponsored by Tazewell County and Peoria County Republicans.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
The audience watches U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Dunlap, speak at the Lincoln Day Dinner on Friday at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, right, shakes hands with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday during the Lincoln Day Dinner at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, right, embraces Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday during the Lincoln Day Dinner at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Lincoln Day Dinner with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Friday at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis waves to the crowd on Friday during the Lincoln Day Dinner at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
The audience listens to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday during the Lincoln Day Dinner at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks on Friday during the Lincoln Day Dinner at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Contact Olivia Jacobs at 309-820-3352. Follow Olivia on Twitter: @olivia___jacobs
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Get local news delivered to your inbox! | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/government-politics/tazewell-county-republicans-announce-election-task-force/article_1bf0b71e-105f-11ee-8527-8792f33e1e51.html | 2023-06-22T10:54:00 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/government-politics/tazewell-county-republicans-announce-election-task-force/article_1bf0b71e-105f-11ee-8527-8792f33e1e51.html |
Gladys Knight, 8 p.m. Friday, The Event Center, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.
A seven-time Grammy Award winner, Knight, 79, has a 75-year music career. Her 37 years as the lead singer of her family group, Gladys Knight & the Pips, preceded her solo career, which started in 1989. She last released a full-length studio album in 2014.
She will sing a mixture of her hits with the Pips, including “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)” and “If I Were Your Woman.”
Tickets are $65, $77.19, $77.66 and $127.66 and are available at ticketmaster.com.
Tears for Fears, 8 p.m. Friday, Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena.
The English pop-rock band has been a staple of the music industry for more than three decades. Last year in Germany, Tears for Fears played their hits “Shout” and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” live in concert, setlist.fm said.
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Tickets are $69, $79, $99 and $129 and are available at ticketmaster.com.
38 Special, 8 p.m. Friday, Sound Waves, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
Known for their Southern rock hits, 38 Special has been entertaining audiences for more than four decades. Founding member, lead vocalist and guitarist Don Barnes, who has been there since 1974, is still in the band.
38 Special were still playing their top-40 hits such as “Hold On Loosely” and “Caught Up in You” live in concert earlier this month in Kentucky.
Tickets are $79, $89 and $99 and are available at ticketmaster.com.
The 5th Dimension, 9 p.m. Friday, Superstar Theater, Resorts Casino Hotel.
The quintet, who formed in 1966, are one of the most prolific R&B and soul groups in music history. The group earned 14 gold records, six platinum records and six Grammy Awards. Original member Florence LaRue, 81, still performs with the group.
Live in concert, the 5th Dimension still sing hits such as “Up Up and Away,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “One Less Bell to Answer,” “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” and “(Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep At All.”
Tickets are $40, $50 and $60 and are available at ticketmaster.com.
Tiesto, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, HQ2 Beach Club, Ocean Casino Resort.
Dutch DJ and music producer Tiesto, 54, is celebrating his 30th year in the music business. Tiesto’s seventh studio album, “Drive,” was released in April through Atlantic Records.
Tiesto performed in February in Montreal and played his singles “Jackie Chan,” “The Business” and “Split (Only U)” (with The Chainsmokers), among other songs.
There are no tickets available for this show at ticketweb.com currently.
Diana Ross, 8 p.m. Saturday, Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena.
From Ross’ early days as the lead singer of the Supremes to her solo career, Ross, 79, has captured the hearts of millions with her voice, stage presence and hits.
Ross, whose career started in 1959, was still performing such No. 1 1960s Supremes hits live in concert as “Baby Love,” “You Can’t Hurry Love” and “Stop! in the Name of Love” earlier this month in California.
Tickets are $80, $90, $100, $188.75, $195 and $237.50 and are available at ticketmaster.com.
Lettuce & Steel Pulse Summer Tour with Makua Rothman, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sound Waves, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
Steel Pulse, a roots reggae band from Birmingham, England, formed in 1975. Fans will be transported to the beaches of Jamaica when the group entertains with such classic tracks as “Steppin’ Out” and “Roller Skates,” which it was still playing live in concert last year in Florida.
Lettuce, a funk band, is known for its high-energy performances and infectious grooves since it formed in 1992. The group played “Phyllis” and “Do It Like You Do” live in concert in March in Birmingham, Alabama.
Tickets are available for $55 unreserved general admission and $95 VIP standing room only at ticketmaster.com.
The Jersey Tenors, 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Showroom, Tropicana Atlantic City.
The Jersey Tenors perform music from the late Frank Sinatra to Frankie Valli to Figaro. The four guys, complete with Broadway and operatic credits, are New Jersey born and bred. They will be backed by a six-piece band.
They also perform some of opera and pop’s greatest hits by Josh Groban, ABBA, Elton John, Queen, Kool & the Gang and the best from this state, from Sinatra to Valli to Bruce Springsteen to Whitney Houston.
Audiences will hear original arrangements of songs such as “Walk Like a Man,” “Still Rock ‘n Roll to Me,” “You Raise Me Up” and “Bohemian Rhapsody/Killer Queen,” among others.
Tickets are sold out, but some may become available on the day of the concert.
Motor City Fever — A Musical Celebration of Motown, 3:30 p.m. Monday, Showroom, Tropicana Atlantic City.
Motor City Fever, the national touring musical revue, is a Motown celebration. The cast is backed by a live band.
The concert features dozens of legendary Motown hits and more performed by a cast who have shared the stage with some of the legends themselves.
Motor City Fever features great Motown hits made famous by artists such as Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, the Supremes, The Temptations and more.
Tickets are $42 and are available at ticketmaster.com. Tickets are general admission and do not have assigned seating.
Euphoria Variety Show, 4 p.m. Sunday, Sound Waves, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
Featuring a dynamic cast of talented performers, Euphoria takes patrons on a journey through comedy, dance and music.
Tickets are $29 and are available at ticketmaster.com.
Magical Mystery Doors, 4 p.m. Sunday, Ovation Hall, Ocean Casino Resort.
This tribute act blends the music of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and the Doors to create something new and unique.
Tickets are $29 and are available at ticketmaster.com. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/casinos/atlantic-city-casino-headliners-for-the-weekend-of-june-23-2023/article_efb16f6a-0f49-11ee-b270-b3de401831c0.html | 2023-06-22T10:58:40 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/casinos/atlantic-city-casino-headliners-for-the-weekend-of-june-23-2023/article_efb16f6a-0f49-11ee-b270-b3de401831c0.html |
"It is so tragic that things unfolded the way that they did and that Mr. Jones is no longer alive. But not for one moment was it foreseeable to Ms. Jelinek that this would be the outcome of what happened," Deputy Lancaster County Public Defender Amanda Baskin said, arguing for probation.
Deputy County Attorney Jessica Murphy said it may be true that Jelinek didn't foresee Jones' death, "but that doesn't change the fact that her actions led to the death of a man."
She said Jelinek had been at Jones' home earlier and returned with reinforcements, armed with a yard stake.
"Mr. Jones was then brought out of his own home, and he was assaulted. She (Jelinek) then hit him over the head with that yard stake, yelling 'I hope you die,' and then left, notably without going into the house to get the belongings that she reportedly went to get," Murphy said.
Police allege Jelinek's co-defendant, Derrick Pearson, repeatedly struck Jones in the head as they fought on the front lawn, then into the street, where Pearson tackled him and Jelinek struck Jones once on the head before they left.
Jones got home and told his wife to call 911 before he fell unconscious. He died at a Lincoln hospital a short time later.
Baskin said in the days before the assault Jelinek had narrowly escaped a threatening and abusive situation at Jones’ house where he had tried to pander her.
Baskin also said methamphetamine had a huge role in what happened, and Jelinek takes full responsibility for being in the position that she was.
"It's never OK to assault somebody regardless of the circumstances," she said.
Jelinek told Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong she knows she can't take back what she did, "no matter how much I wish I could."
She said she's done a lot of soul searching since, has turned to the Bible and is taking steps to have a more stable life.
In the end, Strong said she reviewed video of the assault several times and was struck by the violence of it.
"Defendant's crime did involve violence resulting in the death of a man in his home," she said.
And she sentenced Jelinek to 10 to 15 years in prison. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/lincoln-woman-gets-prison-time-for-f-street-homicide-in-may-2022/article_9724f7ca-106d-11ee-9f6e-971716ecde7b.html | 2023-06-22T11:03:18 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/lincoln-woman-gets-prison-time-for-f-street-homicide-in-may-2022/article_9724f7ca-106d-11ee-9f6e-971716ecde7b.html |
The smash hit Broadway musical classic "Godspell" will be presented by students of Mason City High School's drama department this weekend at the North Iowa Community Auditorium on the NIACC Campus in Mason City.
The production will stage two performances of the show: 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 23, and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 24. Tickets are available in advance from Hy-Vee East and West customer service desk, as well as at the performance. Tickets purchased in advance are available at the lower rate of $8 for general admission, $6 for senior citizens and children. Ticket prices at the door cost $10 for adults and $8 for children/senior citizens. Seating in the air-conditioned auditorium is limited, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.
Adapted mainly from the gospel of Matthew, the musical sees the characters portray the teachings of Christ and his disciples through biblical parables such as the Good Samaritan, Lazarus, and the parable of the Prodigal Son.
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"Godspell" opened Off-Broadway in 1971 and ran for 2,651 performances over five years before it was adapted into a successful Hollywood film in 1973, whose soundtrack was a Top 20 hit and won a Grammy Award. In 1976, the musical moved to Broadway where it played for an additional year. Since then, it has returned many times in national tours and off-Broadway productions, as well as a Broadway revival from 2011-2012. It has been widely produced in public schools over the past 50 years. "Godspell" was performed at the White House, the Vatican and has been staged in numerous languages worldwide. In 2021, collegiate students and locals from Cedar Summerstock Theater staged an outdoor version in a quarry outside of St. Ansgar. "Godspell" was the first musical for composer Stephen Schwartz, who went on to write hits such as "Pippin," "Wicked" and several Disney films.
“Godspell is a must-see, and it promises to be one of our best productions!” said Joel Everist, director of choral activities for Mason City High School in a pre-show press release. “This show offers an amazing combination of talent that should not to be missed. The energy and excitement of this stunning musical should engage audiences of all generations. I hope members of the community can join us for a memorable evening which should entertain you by touching your hearts and stirring your soul!”
Alexander Schmidt is an Education/General Assignment Reporter for the Globe Gazette. You can reach him at alexander.schmidt@globegazette.com or at 641-421-0527. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/education/prepare-ye-the-way-mchs-presents-godspell/article_664bcfce-1055-11ee-a107-3b08900e78a9.html | 2023-06-22T11:16:01 | 0 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/education/prepare-ye-the-way-mchs-presents-godspell/article_664bcfce-1055-11ee-a107-3b08900e78a9.html |
Summer fun demands a constant companion, and a dog is man's (and woman's) best friend.
If you've been considering adopting a dog, the Humane Society of North Iowa and the folks at Cabin Coffee have the pups, proficiency and passion to help you find the right pet for you and your lifestyle.
The "Perk up with Pups" event will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 24, on the green space at Cabin Coffee, 1304 Fourth St. S.E. Dezerae Fish, performance training analyst at Cabin Coffee, sees it as an ideal way to bring some family fun to a space that has nothing but potential.
"We'll have the Humane Society volunteers and the dogs here for people to meet. It's a good opportunity for families or people who like dogs. We're thinking of branching out and having more community agencies or nonprofits use the space," Fish said.
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Humane Society of North Iowa Executive Director Sybil Soukup is on board.
"We see a lot more dog adoptions in the summer. In the winter, it's cold and people want a kitty snuggle-buddy. Now that it's warm they're thinking about adventure," Soukup says.
Dogs make excellent companions, but Soukup reminds pet owners that while you may be up for anything, dogs can be sensitive about certain situations.
"The dogs love walks, some love the water, they love to just play. They should never be left in a hot car, though. Not even for a short time. It can be fatal."
Soukup also cautions pooch parents to be wary of hot pavement.
"A good rule of thumb is that if its too hot for you to lay your palm on the pavement for 10 seconds, it is too hot for their paw pads," Soukup said.
Summer festivals are going on in towns all across North Iowa. Check with event organizers or city staff before bringing your dog to an event. Not all events are pet friendly.
"It really has a lot to do with a dog's personality and training if they do well in public. Know your dog and be aware of what she's comfortable with. No matter what you think, your dog isn't going to have a good time at the fireworks, so just leave them at home for those," says Soukup.
Saturday's event is an excellent opportunity to meet a new dog, but Soukup says its best not to bring your pup from home to interact. While dogs available for adoption have lots of love to give, not all are ready for unexpected meetings.
"Adoption is about finding the right animal for you. Each pet has some criteria for a new home. When you decide you'd like to adopt, you should make a list of things you like in a dog, and we can help you choose the personality that suits you," she said.
"Some people come in and they match up immediately with a pup. Others need to meet a few and find what they like and what fits in their lifestyle. As long as we make a good match, we're happy," Soukup said.
Fish is happy to welcome community members. "If you bring in a donation of supplies needed by the Humane Society this Saturday, we'll give you a 25% off drink coupon," she said. "We're hoping to get some other groups here on future weekends. It's a good space we can put to good use."
The Humane Society of North Iowa accepts donations. Check its website hsni.com to see the animals available for adoption, make a donation or volunteer.
HSNI is open from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Volunteers are needed for dog walking and cat socializing. Volunteer requirements are posted on the HSNI website. You must be 18 or over to volunteer alone, 16 or older with a guardian's permission or volunteer with an adult if you're younger. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/perk-up-with-pups-to-meet-your-new-best-friend/article_5cf0ffe8-0f93-11ee-b8a9-4f20dc1995c2.html | 2023-06-22T11:16:07 | 0 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/perk-up-with-pups-to-meet-your-new-best-friend/article_5cf0ffe8-0f93-11ee-b8a9-4f20dc1995c2.html |
As Michael High looked to the circle of cameras and faces around him and his family on Wednesday, he remembered brothers and sisters in far-off lands.
In the early 2000s, he experienced some of the most intense battles of the Iraq War, fighting as an Army infantryman in Fallujah and Sadr City against Al Qaeda, and winning the Bronze Star for valor after leading his squad of two dozen under heavy mortar fire. He returned to the U.S. as a drill sergeant, working 18-hour shifts. Then he was deployed for a third tour, this time to Afghanistan.
But when a roadside bomb struck High's vehicle and dealt him injuries so severe that he medically retired from the Army in 2016, a new journey was about to begin.
And his fellow veterans were there to help him.
The "Driven to Serve" program, an initiative designed by veterans to help veterans in need, honored High, a U.S. Army staff sergeant and Purple Heart recipient, with the donation of a payment-free 2020 red quartz tincoat Buick Enclave Wednesday morning at the Foreign Cars Italia of Greensboro dealership.
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After High's retirement from the military, he needed ongoing medical appointments and assistance in finding a job. The Driven to Serve car will give him the freedom to pursue new work opportunities and will relieve a financial burden upon him and his wife, Karen.
Before the red veil was removed from the car, High addressed the audience as he stood with his wife and his service dog, Lilibet.
"Veterans are afraid of being forgotten," High said. "Our fear is that people forget what it costs when the decisions makers in Washington pull the trigger and decide to send people to war. Everybody standing here remembers. You're doing God's work."
For the Highs, who recently moved from Alaska's Fort Wainwright to Greensboro, the car will not only help with his wife's full-time schedule serving other veterans, but it will also give him the ability to chase his ambition to become a business owner.
"I'd like to start a woodworking business," High said. "It was my father's dream and I've considered pursuing it since he's passed away."
The dealership was full of representatives from Freedom Alliance and U.S. Bank, the two national organizations that partnered in the Driven to Serve initiative. Tom Kilgannon, president of Freedom Alliance, unveiled the car.
"This is also a way for us together to honor (the veteran's) service and to let them know that what happened to veterans in previous generations is never going to happen again. That's why Freedom Alliance and U.S. Bank have come together," Kilgannon said.
"Since he got out of the Army, (Michael) has also performed another kind of heroism," Kilgannon said. "When you come home, you have to realize that you're carrying emotional scars that combat inflicts. To be able to overcome them and be such a man and leader of your family requires a different kind of courage. And Michael has displayed that kind as well."
Wednesday's vehicle donation marked the 57th gift of the Driven To Serve initiative and the 37th vehicle presented by the Freedom Alliance, a national military support organization dedicated to helping veterans overcoming challenges in daily life. The organization has also awarded over $23 million since 9/11 to children with parents who are ill or permanently disabled service veterans. U.S. Bank has partnered with other organizations to serve 56 veterans in everything from home refurbishment to donation of payment-free vehicles.
After U.S. Bank helped to bring the car to the dealership, Foreign Cars Italia provided detailing on the vehicle and a service contract.
And after the presentation of the Buick, the Highs were taken on a ride — in a Ferrari — to finish out the day. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/wounded-combat-veteran-honored-with-a-free-buick----and-a-ride-in/article_3f8131d8-1049-11ee-8466-bf9aec1ec2fe.html | 2023-06-22T11:20:28 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/wounded-combat-veteran-honored-with-a-free-buick----and-a-ride-in/article_3f8131d8-1049-11ee-8466-bf9aec1ec2fe.html |
A line of severe storms produced multiple tornadoes Wednesday evening on the Rolling Plains in Texas, killing at least three people and causing significant damage around the northern town of Matador.
The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reported that the storms also produced softball-size hail and wind gusts topping 100 mph in other communities including Jayton, which also was under a tornado warning as the line moved southeast Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service in Lubbock.
Matador Mayor Pat Smith said at least three people had been killed, that others may be injured and that there was “a whole lot of damage,” The New York Times reported.
There were widespread power outages across the Rolling Plains, including more than 700 customers without power in the Jayton area, according to South Plains Electric Cooperative.
The worst damage appeared to be in Matador — a town of about 570 people 70 miles northeast of Lubbock in Motley County.
Wednesday’s tornado outbreak came six days after a tornado left three people dead and more than 100 injured in Perryton in the northern Texas Panhandle.
The National Weather Service in Lubbock reported just after 8 p.m. Wednesday that law enforcement confirmed a tornado located just north of Matador.
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Shortly after 9:30 p.m., William Iwasko, a senior forecaster with the National Weather Service in Lubbock, said there had been three confirmed tornadoes in the line of storms, but it appeared the one in Matador was the only that caused significant damage.
Reports from storm chasers and meteorologists on social media showed considerable damage around Matador, with damaged homes, utility lines, trees and infrastructure.
Lubbock Fire Rescue confirmed to the Avalanche-Journal that it was sending a crew to assist with the damage and recovery.
“I gave the order for Heavy Rescue 1 to respond to the town of Matador to assist in freeing trapped residents from collapsed structures,” LFR Chief Shaun Fogerson said.
University Medical Center in Lubbock confirmed it was sending its AMBUS mobile medical unit to Matador.
A new tornado warning was issued for Dickens and King counties through 10 p.m. as the line of storms continued traveling southeast, according to statement from the weather service on Twitter. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/tornadoes-tear-through-northern-texas-town-killing-3-people-and-causing-widespread-damage/3282291/ | 2023-06-22T11:24:43 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/tornadoes-tear-through-northern-texas-town-killing-3-people-and-causing-widespread-damage/3282291/ |
As the weather gets warmer, more people are looking for different ways to have some fun in the sun. Here are five parks in South Jersey where you can kick back and relax in the great outdoors with a picnic, hike or even a hunt.
O’Donnell Memorial Park, Atlantic City
Located at Providence and Atlantic avenues in the city’s Chelsea neighborhood, O’Donnell Park regularly hosts community events with live music, food and fun activities.
But on a regular day, parkgoers can set up their picnics on one of the many patches of green grass or under a tree. People can also take a seat at one of the park’s benches or relax in one of the colorful Adirondack chairs painted by local artists through the Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s 48 Blocks program.
Winding paths lead parkgoers to several memorials honoring those who have served in the military.
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For more information on the park, visit the Atlantic City Free Public Library’s website at acfpl.org.
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F. Kennedy Park, Somers Point
The bayfront park at 24 Broadway was acquired by the city in 1938.
The park has picnic areas with benches, gazebos, trees for shade, public restrooms and a playground. It also offers views of the Great Egg Harbor Bay and the Route 52 causeway to Ocean City.
Other amenities include a volleyball area, swings and bird watching.
There’s also a beach area thanks to the park’s coastal bluff. People can fish off the pier or launch their boats into the water, although there’s no swimming allowed.
The park also doesn’t allow dogs or smoking.
Kennedy Park is open from sunrise to sunset every day. For more information, visit visitsomerspoint.com/venue/john-f-kennedy-park.
Beach, Lower Township
The beach on Sunset Boulevard offers views of the Delaware Bay and Cape May Lighthouse, making it an attractive spot for those looking to catch views of the sunrise or sunset.
Climbing the World War II Concrete Tower that was refurbished in 2009, or seeing the wrecked Concrete Ship, also known as the SS Atlantus, that was used right after World War I ended, allows visitors to experience local history.
There’s also fishing, mini golf, a chance to find sea glass or crystals while strolling along the beach, businesses to shop at and a daily flag raising ceremony.
For more information, visit Sunset Beach’s Facebook page.
Grove Park, Northfield
The 271-acre park at 1675 Burton Ave. offers a great space for nature lovers due to its hiking/walking trails in the woods or around the pond, fishing and wildlife like ducks and geese. People also can grill in the picnic area.
There’s a gazebo with benches where movie showings, concerts and other events happen outdoors; two main playgrounds with updated equipment; and a pavilion with picnic tables and bathrooms.
Birch Grove Park is open seven days a week from dusk to dawn. For more information, visit the city’s website at cityofnorthfield.org.
County Park, Estell Manor
The park at 109 Route 50 offers a plethora of activities for parkgoers, such as bird watching, boating, hiking, skiing, camping, fishing and even hunting.
The 1,677-acre site that borders the Great Egg Harbor River has 27 miles of trails where people can explore the old Glassworks ruins, the Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery and other local landmarks.
Besides picnicking, people can interact with the area’s wildlife through the natural landscapes or butterfly gardens, learn more about the area’s indigenous animals at the Warren E. Fox Nature Center, sightsee off the floating dock and more.
For more information, visit the county’s website at atlantic-county.org. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/south-jersey-outdoor-parks-nature/article_87436984-0f89-11ee-9f81-73a986140ddb.html | 2023-06-22T11:24:47 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/south-jersey-outdoor-parks-nature/article_87436984-0f89-11ee-9f81-73a986140ddb.html |
CEDAR FALLS — A former place of worship near Second Street will be given new life in the coming months following the city Board of Adjustment’s approval Tuesday.
Business owner McKenna Pryor and Chad Welsh, owner of 209 Walnut St. property, appeared before the board with a conditional use request. Since last November, the two have been working together to move Pryor’s salon, Dolled Up Studios, onto Welsh’s property, the former Faith Wesleyan Church on the corner of Walnut and Second streets.
The building was most recently the Jordan Crossing Church until 2022. Welsh purchased the property in October. The location had been a church site for more than a century, with the current structure built in 1958.
The duo received approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission as well as the City Council earlier this year, including the passing of an amendment to the zoning code that now allows for “personal service uses” including salons in vacant institutional buildings such as churches and schools.
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When presented to the board, the project received little to no pushback.
“When we look at it, it’s not something that’s going to disrupt the neighborhood, it’s moving into a property that may not be used for its original use,” board member Mark G. Miller said.
“It’s exciting to be able to see an old church getting utilized for something good,” board member Sue Beach added.
Concern was raised about the level and speed of traffic on Second Street and the potential safety concerns for street-parking patrons. Pryor stated that she plans to encourage customers to park in the property’s parking lot, which currently has 12 standard spots and two Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant spots.
The salon only books by appointment and will see about 20 customers per day. The board agreed that the proposed business would meet the conditions of the code to not disrupt or devalue the neighborhood.
The salon plans to abide by a handful of other conditions in order to be housed in a residential part of town. It will not have any illuminated signage outside of the building and will only operate daytime hours, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.
The property was also approved for the installation of a streetlight-style light to illuminate the parking lot for safety purposes.
The meeting was the final step in getting city approval for Pryor to move her business. Afterward, she was feeling, “relieved, excited, really really good.”
Following the meeting, she and Welsh must wait 30 days before obtaining permits to finish renovations. The renovations are expected to take another month and a half, and Pryor hopes to open at the new location mid-September or the beginning of October.
“I thought it was a really unique space that has a lot of potential and a lot of room,” she said. The new location would expand her salon from 1,000 square feet to over 6,000 square feet and would contain six salon stations.
Another advantage to the old church is the annex building also on the property, which Pryor plans to convert to childcare space to serve her clients.
“I am doing this for the moms out there,” she said. “I have two children of my own, and it’s really hard to find time for yourself and to pamper yourself, so I’m doing this for all of the moms out there that need a break.”
Pryor was waiting until approval from the board before discussing any changes to her business’s ability to serve alcohol with the city. At Dolled Up Studio’s current location on State Street, she is able to serve clients two complementary beverages without a liquor license.
She hopes to obtain a liquor license from the city so she can sell more drinks, but is unsure at this point whether there may be more restrictions in a residential area. If not approved, she plans to continue serving the two complementary drinks.
As the renovating of the church continues, Welsh offered assurances that there are no plans for structural changes to the exterior of the building. He plans to replace the siding on the top section of the building’s exterior to remove the cross symbols.
The former Faith Wesleyan Church is one of a handful of old city churches being repurposed. The former First Church of Christ Scientist building at 701 W. Sixth St. was purchased in February. The owner has received about a half dozen inquiries with proposals including a home, office, preschool or place of worship.
The former Cedar Falls Mennonite Church at 215 W. Ninth St. was demolished last October to build a pocket residential neighborhood.
Tuesday was the first time the Cedar Falls Board of Adjustment had met since December 2021. Other business included the approval of a variance request at 422 Iowa St. and selecting new board officers. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/government-and-politics/cedar-falls-salon-moves-into-former-church/article_7b66c4d6-0fdd-11ee-9fe0-bb35933c0baa.html | 2023-06-22T11:38:06 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/government-and-politics/cedar-falls-salon-moves-into-former-church/article_7b66c4d6-0fdd-11ee-9fe0-bb35933c0baa.html |
CEDAR FALLS — Jay Stoddard predicts Raja Chari will receive a hero’s welcome at the Sturgis Falls Celebration on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Activities and events will take place in and around Overman Park and Gateway Park.
Chari, Cedar Falls’ own NASA astronaut and a colonel in the U.S. Air Force, will serve as celebrity grand marshal for the Sturgis Falls Celebration parade, beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday.
“I’m expecting a record crowd to line the parade route for Chari. I think, without question, kids are going to love seeing him in the parade, and the city is welcoming him with open arms,” said Stoddard, Sturgis Falls Celebration board president and event organizer.
Chari spent 177 days in orbit as commander of the NASA SpaceX Crew (3) mission to the International Space Station from Nov. 10, 2021, to May 6, 2022. He also made a nearly seven-hour spacewalk.
“We feel very fortunate to have him, and it’s one of those ‘can’t miss’ opportunities,” Stoddard said.
Chari will participate in several other events. On Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. he will share his path to becoming an astronaut in a presentation at the Cedar Falls Community Center. On Friday, Chari will speak from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Overman Park and receive the key to Cedar Falls. As the celebrity grand marshal, he’ll welcome the crowd at opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. Friday.
The parade of dignitaries, including Chari, begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. The parade begins at Eighth and Clay streets and ends at Fifth and Franklin streets.
Chari grew up in Cedar Falls and graduated from Columbus High School in Waterloo, the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1999 and earned a master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He graduated from NASA astronaut candidate school in 2020.
“The Crown Jewel” is the theme for the celebration, based on AARP’s choice of Cedar Falls as the “best place to retire in the U.S.,” said Stoddard. Rather than use a graphic designer for a logo, the board decided to “return to the old days. It’s a huge deal for Sturgis Falls, going back to the elementary schools and asking them for artwork illustrating our theme. Now we’ve put the family fun back into it, and we’ve gotten so many nice comments.”
Artwork by 10-year-old Emerson Ladage from Hansen Elementary Schools was selected. T-shirts with the logo will be available to purchase.
The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band from Cherry Point, N.C., returns for the 23rd year. The Marine Aircraft Wind Band Ensemble will perform at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Overman Park, followed by the entire band at 7 p.m.
Stoddard is equally excited about other aspects of the 47th annual celebration.
“Crowds will be phenomenal. There’ll be great weather and plenty to do, including new Kidsway activities and the carnival that is always a favorite with families. It’s always jam-packed with kids after the parade.”
Gateway Park entertainment is at the top of his list, particularly the return of Sixteen Candles Band at 10 p.m. Saturday.
“These guys are the best cover band in the Midwest, bar none. They put on a great show, the crowd loves (them), and we’re glad they’re back after a four-year absence,” Stoddard said.
On Friday, Arch Allies’ new female lead singer will perform a Tina Turner tribute as part of their performance at 9:30 p.m. The weekend’s Gateway line-up also features Bad Habits, Ace Jones, the Schmidt Brothers, the Fabulous Truetones, Never The Less, the Snozzberries, Stackhouse, Heath Alan, Solid Ground, Sideshow Bob and Bob Dorr & Friends featuring Jeff Petersen.
Technological improvements promise to enhance the Gateway Park experience, Stoddard said. Unable to borrow equipment and personnel from the University of Northern Iowa, as in previous years, the board now has an IT expert who has installed a 25-foot wide new video wall that can be viewed in bright sunshine. There’s also a 30,000 lumen projector for the jumbotron.
“We love being able to do this because we can show all the sponsors and logos on the video wall much earlier in the day – it won’t have to be dark to see it – and the projector is so much brighter than what we had in previous years,” he explained.
The Iowa Army National Guard is providing volunteer members at Gateway Park entrances, acting as uniformed security.
“Some people don’t realize we have an armory here, and they wanted to step forward and have a presence. They’ll bring some artillery equipment and Humvees to display at the Gateway Market, too,” he said.
Additional security will be provided by volunteers from the Police Science Academy at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo.
Stoddard added that he plans to retire as board president in 2026. “It will be our 50th, and that’s the year I’m going to step down. I’m going to be 77 this year, and getting up there in years, it’s time to let younger people take over.”
From left, workers Orville Jones, Garrin Gray and Christopher Paulson work to unfold a tent section to assemble as preparations are made for the Sturgis Falls Celebration in Cedar Falls. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/sturgis-falls-celebration-cedar-falls/article_7f440e12-0c5c-11ee-a46c-8f085b28a916.html | 2023-06-22T11:38:12 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/sturgis-falls-celebration-cedar-falls/article_7f440e12-0c5c-11ee-a46c-8f085b28a916.html |
WATERLOO — The Ivy Trellis, 200 E. Fourth St., occupies what is probably the best retail corner in downtown Waterloo. Two large windows – one facing East Fourth, the second looking onto Sycamore – offer attractive, seasonal merchandise vignettes.
Stepping inside the card and gift shop, customers are welcomed like old friends. They can browse displays to their heart’s content, thumb through reams of Hallmark cards and make their purchases. (You might be breaking a law if you leave without buying a handful of sea salt caramels.)
“Small business is part of the vitality of downtown Waterloo,” said Mary Heller, 73, Ivy Trellis owner. “Downtown Waterloo is crying for more retail. When people shop here, they usually visit all the other stores, too, stop and eat at one of the restaurants, or grab a cup of coffee at the coffee shop.
“More retail means people will spend more time downtown. We all feed off each other. If we have a break in that chain, it hurts all of us.”
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Born and raised in Waterloo, Heller spent her Saturdays people-watching from the Black’s Department Store mezzanine while her mom worked downtown.
“Downtown Waterloo was in its heyday. It’s hard to imagine all the retail stores lining both sides of the street. It was mind-boggling,” she recalled.
A graduate of West High School, Heller built a wealth of retail experience from an early age, including stints at JC Penney, Walker Shoe Store and Homestead House. “I fell in love with retail. It’s what I wanted to do.”
At 50, Heller decided to open her own shop, The Ivy Trellis, in Mitchell Plaza at Ninth Street and Mitchell Avenue. “I got a late start,” she said, smiling. Her husband, David, is retired from John Deere and has been supportive of her business. They have two sons, Jason and Jeremy, and two grandsons through Jeremy’s recent marriage.
After nearly a decade, Heller moved her shop to a location on Main Street in Cedar Falls and, later, at Washington and Fifth streets. Health issues forced her to close the doors in Cedar Falls about nine years later.
“I didn’t want to quit but wondered about the difficulties of continuing in business. I also had a five-year contract with the landlord. It was time to sign again, there was my health and the rent was expensive. I just couldn’t commit to another five years,” Heller said.
After recovering from her second back surgery, Heller suddenly realized she wasn’t ready to retire.
“I decided to look at locations in downtown Waterloo, and talked with Dave Deeds at JSA Development. Waterloo looked so much nicer than it had in years. I saw bars and restaurants, but not a lot of retail. I saw this place on the corner and thought it was a great location.”
When the space became available in September 2018, she signed on the dotted line. The Ivy Trellis opened at its new location that year, just in time for the Christmas holiday season. Heller will celebrate her fifth anniversary on East Fourth Street in October.
“I saw the potential in downtown. At my age, I’m never going to move again,” Heller explained.
“I like small business. It’s the personal connection with customers. You know them, recognize them in when they come into the shop. You have a more enjoyable relationship with your customers. That’s what I enjoy.”
COVID dealt a serious economic blow to retail businesses in 2020, including The Ivy Trellis. Heller is blunt about the struggles.
“When you have a card shop with gifts, you don’t always have the highest sales. You can’t count on cards alone to make your bottom line. You need more, and you have to watch your outgoing expenses – rent, utilities, merchandise, payroll, taxes.
“Small business is a struggle and we struggled even in Cedar Falls. You don’t always see it because there’s always someone in the wings, entrepreneurs who want to take that space and open a business. But if you can’t afford the overhead, if you can’t afford the rent, you won’t be in business long,” Heller said.
“As far as retail right now, I feel like we’re not pulling in enough business, even though we have customers coming in and shopping. But, all-in-all, Iowa is a great place to live. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”
Although Heller keeps an eye on state, regional and national issues, her particular focus is on her own backyard.
“At the state and national levels, people get elected to office and get complacent. They lose contact with the average, everyday person. They need a reality check,” she said.
Watching as blocks of downtown Waterloo continue to be renovated for urban living and commercial businesses has been exciting, Heller said, but more needs to be done. She strongly encourages city leaders to work harder to attract new retailers and do more to develop the riverfront closer to downtown Waterloo.
“I want our city to be successful, but sometimes I feel like I’m talking to a brick wall. It can get a little frustrating,” Heller explained. “It seems there’s no structured approach to supporting small businesses.
“That’s the biggest challenge, is getting the city to realize they have to do something different if they want retail business to open downtown.”
For example, Heller is in favor of jettisoning parking meters for two-hour free parking, similar to other downtown communities like Cedar Falls. She would also like to see a parking ramp fee reduction for people who work downtown.
“I’ve had customers get $10 tickets for overtime parking and they tell me they won’t be back. Small businesses are losing dollars. City government needs to come up with a parking solution if they want the downtown to attract visitors and be successful,” Heller said.
At the state level, Heller admits she’s not a big fan of Gov. Kim Reynolds, but she was pleased with the new property tax law, House File 718, approved by the Iowa Legislature with near-unanimous support. She calls it “an important and good thing because seniors who want to stay in their homes need help.”
The bill limits the amount of new property tax revenue growth that local governments can use in their budgets. It also provides new property tax exemptions for Iowans age 65 and older and for military veterans.
Heller considers herself an independent who is “middle-of-the-road” politically. “I try to look at both sides of an issue and vote for the person I think will do the best job.”
That said, she voiced concerns about the federal government overstepping its boundaries “when it comes to personal rights and freedoms and free speech. That’s why we live in this country, to have freedoms and to be able to put forth our opinions without someone telling us we can’t speak our minds.” | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/what-iowans-want-mary-heller/article_a1ff362e-0ebf-11ee-a696-274ddefbef5b.html | 2023-06-22T11:38:18 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/what-iowans-want-mary-heller/article_a1ff362e-0ebf-11ee-a696-274ddefbef5b.html |
Want to support LGBTQ+ people on the rise in and from Cumberland County? Here are a few.
As Pride Month reaches its halfway mark, the local LGBTQ+ community has another reason to celebrate with the June 11 Tony award win of J. Harrison Ghee, a nonbinary actor and Fayetteville native — but Ghee isn’t the only LGBTQ+ great who has called Cumberland County home.
From elected officials to skilled musicians, Cumberland County has been home to many LGBTQ+ talents. Here’s your guide to some LGBTQ+ people working in or raised in Cumberland County to keep an eye on.
Kia Anthony, mayor of Spring Lake
Anthony, 41, became the first openly gay mayor of Spring Lake (and is believed to be the first openly queer elected official in Cumberland County) in December 2021. In an interview with The Fayetteville Observer before her swearing-in ceremony on Dec. 13, 2021, Anthony said she was excited to provide representation for the community in her new position.
“One thing that I have always thought about as a lesbian and something I talked about with my kid is representation is important,” she said. “We talked about it more from a personal standpoint in just having guidance on how to navigate relationships or how to have pride in yourself and not to be afraid of being who you are.”
Anthony has lived in Spring Lake since 2004 and also runs Circa 1865, a nonprofit that helped to establish Fayetteville’s annual Juneteenth Jubilee. Her term is set to expire in December. Anthony has not said if she will run for reelection.
Brian Adam Kline, educator and creative talent
Brian Adam Kline, a recipient of The Fayetteville Observer’s “40 Under 40” award in 2020, teaches theater and filmmaking at Capital Encore Academy, an arts-focused charter school in downtown Fayetteville. Kline recently published “Sandy Kay Stars in a Play,” a children’s book about a third-grader who participates in a play.
According to Fayetteville PRIDE, a nonprofit supporting Cumberland County’s LGBTQ+ community, Kline has served as the group’s historian since 2021 and has directed a number of plays at the Gilbert Theater and the Cape Fear Regional Theatre.
J. Harrison Ghee, nonbinary actor
Ghee, a graduate of E.E. Smith High School, was one of the first two nonbinary people to be nominated for a Tony award. Ghee was recognized for their performance in the Broadway musical “Some Like It Hot.” That nomination turned into a win June 11, with Ghee snagging the prize for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical.
In accepting the award, Ghee thanked their mother for her support and gave a shoutout to the community.
“For every trans, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming human who ever was told you couldn’t be, you couldn’t be seen, this is for you,” Ghee said.
Katrinna Marsden, president of Fayetteville PRIDE
Katrinna Marsden, a founding member of Fayetteville PRIDE, currently serves as the nonprofit’s president. According to Fayetteville PRIDE, Marsden moved to Fayetteville in 2014 and specializes in creating accessible programming for Deaf LGBTQ+ community members and allies. She was a recipient of The Observer’s “40 Under 40” award in 2018 and works as an American Sign Language interpreter and deaf advocate.
Marsden said in a May interview that through her work with Fayetteville PRIDE, she hopes to open an LGBTQ+ center to provide resources to the community and expand the group’s offerings of programming and events.
“We’re more than a party-planning committee,” she said.
Brandon McLean/Kyng Bea, musician and activist
Brandon McLean, also known as Kyng Bea, is a Raeford R&B artist who appeared on season two of the “American Idol” reboot as a contestant and formerly served as vice president of Fayetteville PRIDE. According to his website, McLean has played piano since age 3 and focuses on incorporating “an electronic pop twist” into his music.
McLean is also an activist, participating in Fayetteville’s march for police reform in May 2020 and advocating for issues impacting the Lumbee in Hoke and Robeson counties from 2014 to 2017, according to his website. His debut music video, “Beautiful Conflict,” was released on YouTube earlier this month.
Alan Domingo, Carolina Drag Brunch founder
Alan Domingo, who performs as drag queen Alora Parque, founded Carolina Drag Brunch, a business scheduling drag queen performances all over North and South Carolina, in 2018. Though Domingo lives in Raleigh, he partnered with Gaston Brewing Company to bring regular Carolina Drag Brunch performances to Fayetteville and told the Observer in February that he is working to create a gay entertainment venue and nightclub in Fayetteville.
According to Carolina Drag Brunch, Domingo also works as a DJ, often doing so at discounted rates to perform for nonprofits.
“Drag is art, and all art is beautiful,” Domingo writes on his website. “Remember without Drag Queens the LGBTQIA Community wouldn’t have the rights we have today!”
Public safety reporter Lexi Solomon can be reached at ABSolomon@gannett.com. | https://www.fayobserver.com/story/news/local/2023/06/22/cumberland-county-lgbtq-talents-on-the-rise/70282956007/ | 2023-06-22T11:38:28 | 1 | https://www.fayobserver.com/story/news/local/2023/06/22/cumberland-county-lgbtq-talents-on-the-rise/70282956007/ |
Pittsburgh Pirates (34-39) have lost nine straight games against the N.L. Central, and the window for contending in 2023 is closing at a rapid rate.
Thursday night, the Pirates travel to Florida to face the Miami Marlins (42-33) for a four-game set before traveling back to Pittsburgh.
The Pirates’ offense has hit an extreme rut, with just nine runs scored in their last two series combined.
First pitch at loanDepot Park is scheduled for 6:40 p.m.
Read more from our partners at Sports Now Group Pittsburgh.
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One person is dead and three others are injured after a shooting in Fort Worth on Wednesday night.
According to Fort Worth Police Department, officers responded to a shooting near 2100 Handley Drive shortly before 11:30 p.m.
Police said when officers arrived, they located four adult victims, one of whom was dead.
Two of the victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment, and a third was treated at the scene, police said.
Check back and refresh this page for the latest update. As developments unfold, elements of this story may change. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/3-injured-1-killed-in-overnight-fort-worth-shooting/3282318/ | 2023-06-22T11:50:53 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/3-injured-1-killed-in-overnight-fort-worth-shooting/3282318/ |
JEROME — Idaho Gov. Brad Little participated in a ceremonial groundbreaking of a project to widen Interstate 84 to three lanes between Twin Falls and Jerome. Construction on the project began in April.
“This project in particular does both things that we want to do: Make this road more safe, and then alleviate congestion,” Little told the guests in a speech during the groundbreaking ceremony.
Little gave some background on the steps that led to this project kicking off. In 2010, a workgroup identified that the Idaho Transportation Department would need about $250 million in funding per year to make necessary repairs and maintenance, and $250 million for infrastructure improvements and expansion to respond to growth.
The governor’s office and legislature came up with what Little described as an innovative funding source to catch Idaho up on its backlog of projects, by putting sales tax revenue from online purchases into the Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation, or TECM fund.
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“Now we are on a trajectory to meet those needs,” Little said.
ITD director Scott Stokes used the opportunity to thank Little for his leadership in the state’s efforts to find a funding solution that would allow ITD to accelerate projects like this one.
“I’d like to recognize today Gov. Brad Little who has taken the leadership to help us to make these investments in transportation to save lives and help our economy to grow,” Stokes said.
The project consists of widening I-84 to three lanes in each direction between the Twin Falls and Jerome interchanges. It will also feature an improved surface, with a concrete overlay on existing pavement. The 400 South bridge will be reconstructed, and the project will coordinate with planned improvements to the South Jerome interchange. Work is expected to be completed in 2025. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/gov-brad-little-attends-groundbreaking-for-i-84-widening-project/article_fea9c89c-105b-11ee-b6cc-abaeb7675be8.html | 2023-06-22T11:59:21 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/gov-brad-little-attends-groundbreaking-for-i-84-widening-project/article_fea9c89c-105b-11ee-b6cc-abaeb7675be8.html |
Editor’s note: This feature ran July 6, 2017, in the Times-News and at Magicvalley.com.
The Salmon River in southern Idaho is a bit of a misnomer.
It’s not the river — also known as the River of No Return — that runs through central Idaho and the Frank Church Wilderness to the Snake River at Riggins; it’s the creek that runs from northern Nevada to the Snake River at Hagerman.
Its proper name is Salmon Falls Creek, but from its reservoir today flows Salmon River Canal Co. water to irrigate the Salmon Tract.
Both the Salmon River and Salmon Falls Creek were named for the red fish that travel from the ocean to spawn upstream, but why did the creek become a river?
It was all a marketing ploy. The name of the canal system needed to reflect an abundance of water during the Magic Valley’s early years.
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Indeed, “Salmon River” sounded more impressive than “Salmon Falls Creek,” says an Idaho State Historical Society report.
In 1908, the Twin Falls Salmon River Land and Water Co. entered into an agreement with the state of Idaho to build the $2.5 million Salmon Falls Dam to store enough water to irrigate 180,000 acres in an ensuing reservoir. The same year, the Salmon River Canal Co. was incorporated, naming the source of the irrigation water as the Salmon River.
To add to the confusion, what is now called the Salmon Reservoir was first named Horne Lake, after construction superintendent F.C. Horne.
Later, developers’ expectations were crushed when the irrigation system failed to produce a decent amount of water. Supporters from Twin Falls soon dropped out of the land and water company, leaving only the “Salmon River” supporters to carry on.
Mychel Matthews is the senior reporter for the Times-News. The Hidden History feature runs every Thursday in the Times-News and at Magicvalley.com. If you have a question about something that may have historical significance, email Matthews at mmatthews@magicvalley.com or call her at 208-735-3233. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/salmon-river-not-the-river-but-the-creek/article_d0d25b89-5cf5-5cea-889c-b8c25061fa5e.html | 2023-06-22T11:59:28 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/salmon-river-not-the-river-but-the-creek/article_d0d25b89-5cf5-5cea-889c-b8c25061fa5e.html |
TWIN FALLS — On Wednesday, one county official announced his upcoming retirement and two others announced their candidacy for the May 14 Republican primary at an event on the south steps of the Twin Falls County Courthouse.
Sheriff Tom Carter announced he will not seek reelection in 2024 and endorsed Commissioner Jack Johnson as his replacement.
“I’ve had the honor of being sheriff here in Twin Falls County for the past 15 years. And to be honest with you, I’m tired,” Carter said in a speech to the gathered supporters. “I have had the best job known to mankind.”
Carter said that if Johnson had not been interested in the job, he wouldn’t have retired.
“I’m not going to leave this place with somebody that I don’t absolutely trust with everything that we’ve worked for 15 years to accomplish,” Carter said. “He would be the perfect person to replace me as sheriff, I honestly believe that.”
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Grant Loebs announced his candidacy for another term as Twin Falls County Prosecuting Attorney at the event, which was designed to show unity between the sheriff and prosecutors office.
Johnson followed Carter’s speech by declaring his intention to seek the Republican nomination for sheriff.
“I want to keep an eye toward emerging technology, professionalism in our department, working with our law enforcement partners,” Johnson said, “and to fight crime and find solutions where we can find them, and have a close relationship with Grant Loebs, our county prosecutor.”
Johnson said the sheriff’s office is one of the most diverse law enforcement agencies in the country, with multiple divisions and multiple sub departments. He said his experience both in law enforcement and on the county commission gave him a solid grasp of the nature of the sheriff’s work.
Johnson has served as Twin Falls County Commissioner since 2016. He has 31 years of law enforcement experience, beginning in 1985, and last served as Chief Deputy at Jerome County Sheriff’s Office prior to being elected to the county commission.
Loebs declared his candidacy next, and said that he and Johnson decided to do a joint announcement because the safety of the community needed both strong law enforcement and tough effective prosecution.
“Jack Johnson and I will make a strong Republican team for justice and law in Twin Falls County,” Loebs said.
Loebs was appointed prosecuting attorney for Twin Falls County in 1997, and has won seven elections since. If reelected in 2024, it would be his seventh four-year term, and Loebs thanked the voters for keeping him in office.
“I want (citizens of Twin Falls) to know that I do not take their trust or this job or its extremely high responsibilities lightly,” Loebs said. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/sheriff-carter-announces-retirement-endorses-johnson-as-successor/article_16aab58c-105c-11ee-b7bf-cfdb4ae17290.html | 2023-06-22T11:59:34 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/sheriff-carter-announces-retirement-endorses-johnson-as-successor/article_16aab58c-105c-11ee-b7bf-cfdb4ae17290.html |
SANFORD, Fla. — A man escaped his burning home in Sanford early Thursday.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The fire broke out shortly before 2:30 a.m., causing heavy damage to the house along Aldean Drive.
Fire officials said the man was able to get out safely after a smoke alarm inside the home alerted him to the fire.
READ: 30-foot hole opens up in front of Ocala home, residents evacuated
Eight pets, including dogs and some other animals, did not survive the fire, according to Sanford Fire Department.
The state fire marshal arrived at the scene shortly before 6 a.m. to begin an investigation into what caused the fire.
WATCH: ULA successfully launches Delta IV Heavy rocket from Florida’s Space Coast
Channel 9 has been there all morning and will continue to bring you updates here on WFTV.com and on Eyewitness News.
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/fire-rips-through-home-kills-several-pets-sanford/KEH2DXD2TBEQLM4YW3OSE7DUNI/ | 2023-06-22T12:12:42 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/fire-rips-through-home-kills-several-pets-sanford/KEH2DXD2TBEQLM4YW3OSE7DUNI/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida will continue to see an active storm pattern on Thursday.
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After a dry start to the morning, rain and storms will move in Thursday morning.
Our area will have a 70% chance of seeing rain and storms today.
The high temperature in Orlando should reach around 91 degrees Thursday afternoon.
Watch: 30-foot hole opens up in front of Ocala home, residents evacuated
After several days of rain, isolated areas of flooding will be possible.
A few storms could be strong with lightning, gusty winds and heavy rain.
Watch: Boy, 13, bit by alligator in Seminole County calls 911: ‘It just stings a little bit’
Scattered showers will be possible tonight with a low temperature around 74 degrees.
The afternoon storm pattern continues through the end of the week.
Read: Red tide guide: How to check Florida beach conditions
Follow our Severe Weather team on Twitter for live updates:
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/summer-storm-pattern-continues-thursday-central-florida/6Y5FIKXP6ZHMFIVHIV7X57CN2I/ | 2023-06-22T12:12:49 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/summer-storm-pattern-continues-thursday-central-florida/6Y5FIKXP6ZHMFIVHIV7X57CN2I/ |
SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW) — Wheat harvest is underway, and months of very little rain have taken a toll on the crop. Now that it’s falling, it’s causing even more headaches.
The fields were dry up until a few weeks ago when the rain started to fall. The wheat fields are ready for harvest, but the rain is putting a dent in plans, just one of many barriers farmers are facing.
“This year’s harvest has been anything but easy,” said Sedgwick County farmer Kent Winter.
Winter said his bushels per acre are low this year.
“I’m guessing my yields are going to be in the teens and twenties where normally they are in the fifties on most of my dry land,” said Winter.
The drought made some of his crop struggles.
“There are a couple of fields that we aren’t even going to cut because the insurance put them between one and two bushels an acre,” said Winter.
He said with the cost of machinery and diesel, and fuel, it doesn’t pay to harvest that wheat.
He’s grateful for the recent rain, but it stops wheat harvest due to wet fields.
When Winter can harvest his wheat, he is gathering more than his crop.
“We are not used to fighting the weeds at harvest time,” said Winter.
These obstacles are hitting all lines of agriculture.
Farmers Coop in Cheney is seeing about 10-25 bushels per acre normally, farmers get about 40-45.
“It is definitely going to have a huge impact on the Coop financially and our producers financially,” said Rusty Morehead, Farmers Coop general manager.
Morehead said they have farmers bring their crops within a 60-mile radius of Cheney.
“Most of this year, I’m guessing, will stay local and hit the local mills,” said Morehead.
Morehead said with the lower yields, they expect mills to search elsewhere to make up for less grain this year.
The weeds are also impacting Farmers Coop.
“It is going to take quite a bit more management from the elevator standpoint as far as moving grain, trying to keep things in condition, watching your bin temperatures and things like that to make sure the quality stays good,” said Morehead.
Farmers said it is good to have this rain for the autumn crops, but they hope things dry out to save what is left of this year’s wheat.
Winter said his autumn crops are off to a good start, but the drought isn’t over yet, and we’ve barely made a dent.
He said they are hopeful this rain sticks around for the summer to grow a healthy Fall crop. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/rain-weeds-and-drought-impact-wheat-harvest/ | 2023-06-22T12:12:49 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/rain-weeds-and-drought-impact-wheat-harvest/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Indoor summer school activities at Arkansas City High School have been adjusted for Thursday, June 22.
A Facebook post by USD 470 says around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, fire alarms sounded at Arkansas City High School, and smoke was detected. Staff and patrons who were in the building were safely evacuated.
The Arkansas City Fire Department conducted a search, and the cause was determined to be a fire sensor panel.
As a result, high school athletic weight and conditioning groups will meet at the Bulldog Stadium. Middle school conditioning is canceled, and the high school pool will be closed as well. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/summer-activities-at-arkansas-city-high-school-adjusted-after-fire-alarms-go-off/ | 2023-06-22T12:12:53 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/summer-activities-at-arkansas-city-high-school-adjusted-after-fire-alarms-go-off/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — Tropical Storm Bret will enter the Caribbean as a strong tropical storm or hurricane.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Bret is then forecast to weaken when it is south of Puerto Rico.
The storm system is moving west at 15 mph.
Watch: Tropical Storm Bret slowly strengthens, expected to weaken to depression by weekend
Bret currently has winds around 70 mph.
There are a few more tropical systems in the Atlantic that are being monitored by Channel 9 meteorologists.
Read: Hurricane season: Are you ready? Survey says many Floridians are not
Tropical Depression 4 formed Thursday morning and could strengthen into a named storm over the next few days.
If it becomes named, it will be called Cindy.
Read: NOAA forecasters release predictions for 2023 Atlantic hurricane season
Thankfully, none of the storm systems are currently forecast to impact Florida.
Read: Red tide guide: How to check Florida beach conditions
Follow our Severe Weather team on Twitter for live updates:
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/ts-bret-moves-into-caribbean-tropical-depression-4-forms-atlantic/BY46GCE7DVC73E7YH5NZ7EWGHU/ | 2023-06-22T12:12:55 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/ts-bret-moves-into-caribbean-tropical-depression-4-forms-atlantic/BY46GCE7DVC73E7YH5NZ7EWGHU/ |
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