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Sterling Heights woman charged with torture, abuse of boyfriend's elderly mother
A Sterling Heights woman has been charged with the torture and abuse of her boyfriend's elderly mother, according to Macomb County prosecutors.
Laura Tisdelle, 40, allegedly was the sole caregiver of her boyfriend's 80-year-old mother while her boyfriend went on a five day trip, according to a press release from the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.
Her boyfriend returned home Wednesday to find his mother restrained to the bed with her hands tied together, severely beaten and lying in her own urine and feces, according to prosecutors. The woman is in critical condition in the hospital.
"The torture and abuse allegedly inflicted upon a defenseless, elderly woman is a grim testament to the darkest corners of our society. It is my solemn duty to prosecute these heinous acts. We will ensure that the victim's voice is heard, her pain acknowledged, and her perpetrator held accountable," Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido said in a statement.
Tisdelle was charged with torture, first-degree vulnerable adult abuse, unlawful imprisonment and third-offense domestic violence.
She was arraigned Friday in 41A District Court in Sterling Heights. She received a $200,000 cash/surety bond and must wear a GPS and alcohol tether if she is released.
kberg@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/macomb-county/2023/06/23/sterling-heights-woman-charged-with-torture-abuse-of-elderly-woman/70351920007/ | 2023-06-23T21:14:54 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/macomb-county/2023/06/23/sterling-heights-woman-charged-with-torture-abuse-of-elderly-woman/70351920007/ |
1 dead and 1 injured after a small plane crashes into northern Lake Michigan
Beaver Island – A small plane crashed into northern Lake Michigan near Beaver Island on Friday, killing one person and injuring another, the Coast Guard and a news report said.
A Coast Guard helicopter was in the area for training and responded quickly to the crash site, where it rescued one person who was in the water, Lt. Phillip Gurtler said in a telephone interview.
The rescued person said a second person was trapped in the submerged wreckage, and Charlevoix County Sheriff’s Office divers found the second person “unresponsive,” Gurtler said.
The second person died, WWTV/WWUP-TV reported. The person who was rescued was transported to a hospital, the report said.
The Charlevoix County Sheriff’s Office said it was preparing a statement on the incident but could not release any information immediately over the phone. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/23/1-dead-and-1-injured-after-a-small-plane-crashes-into-northern-lake-michigan/70352543007/ | 2023-06-23T21:14:55 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/23/1-dead-and-1-injured-after-a-small-plane-crashes-into-northern-lake-michigan/70352543007/ |
12 Michigan municipalities receive state grant for public safety improvements
Some of Michigan's most financially distressed municipalities will receive a $2.7 million state grant this year to make infrastructure and public safety improvements, the Department of Treasury announced Friday.
The money comes from the Financially Distressed Cities, Villages and Townships grant program and will be spread out across 12 communities experiencing budgetary pressure. The Michigan Legislature allocated $2.5 million to the grant program in the 2023 budget and $176,000 carried over from the previous fiscal year, officials said in a statement.
“Upgrading infrastructure and improving public safety helps build vibrant communities,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said in the release. “These grants help communities facing budget pressures finance important projects. Treasury is always proud to partner with local governments as they seek to improve their communities.”
Cities, towns and villages must be experiencing at least one condition of probable financial distress to participate in the program, state officials said. Eligible municipalities must submit applications to fund specific projects, services or strategies, such as replacing fire and police equipment or installing security cameras in public spaces.
Some municipalities received funding for more than one project, but each is capped at $2 million in total funding through the grant program, according to the release.
These are the municipalities and projects that received funding this year:
- Benton HarborProject: Water system enhancement through replacement of fire hydrantsAmount: $198,720
- Ecorse Project: Public safety enhancement through replacement of one fire engineAmount: $250,000
- FlintProject: Public safety enhancement through installation of surveillance camerasAmount: $129,720
- GaastraProject: Water system enhancement through lift station repairAmount: $273,000
- LansingProject: Public safety enhancement through replacement of one police vehicleAmount: $30,000
- Lansing TownshipProject: Public safety enhancement through replacement of police equipmentAmount: $91,644
- LauriumProject: Public service enhancement through replacement of roof at the Department of Public Works’ buildingAmount: $149,500
- LauriumProject: Public service enhancement through infrastructure replacement at the village hall buildingAmount: $341,075
- LauriumProject: Public safety enhancement through replacement of firefighting equipmentAmount: $20,300
- Melvindale Project: Public safety enhancement through replacement of police equipmentAmount: $210,309
- Mt. Morris TownshipProject: Public safety enhancement through renovation of evidence storage buildingAmount: $130,000
- Mt. Morris TownshipProject: Public safety enhancement through replacement of police equipmentAmount: $35,000
- Muskegon HeightsProject: Public service enhancement through property reappraisalAmount: $217,139
- Ontonagon Project: Public service enhancement through replacement of one vacuum extractor truckAmount: $250,000
- River RougeProject: Public service enhancement through replacement of the municipal building HVAC systemAmount: $350,000 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/23/12-michigan-municipalities-receive-state-grant-for-public-safety-improvements/70352014007/ | 2023-06-23T21:14:56 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/23/12-michigan-municipalities-receive-state-grant-for-public-safety-improvements/70352014007/ |
Former Detroit judge suspended for 6 years for repeated misconduct on bench
The Michigan Supreme Court has suspended a former 36th District Court judge for six years after finding she engaged in a pattern of misconduct on the bench that "besmirched the judiciary's reputation and prejudiced the administration of justice."
Former judge Kahlilia Davis was suspended by the Michigan Supreme Court in June 2020 and has not been on the bench since.
The court determined Davis' misconduct was "pervasive" and included the continued abuse of contempt powers in two different cases; the multiple summary dismissals of cases where a particular process server Davis did not trust was used' the intentional disconnection of recording equipment in her courtroom; and the recording of proceedings in her courtroom on her personal cell phone.
"Misconduct is not viewed in a vacuum," the judges wrote in the order. "The nature and pervasiveness of respondent's misconduct requires the highest condemnation and harshest sanction. Given respondent is no longer on the bench, we hold that a six-year conditional suspension without pay is an appropriate sanction, with the suspension barring respondent from serving in a judicial office during that period."
Much of her misconduct was done while she was on the bench or in her capacity as a judge, the Supreme Court found. It also impacted and prejudiced the administration of justice and undermined the ability of the justice system to find the truth or reach the most just result in a case. She dismissed claims that potentially had merit, and people were not able to properly appeal decisions because there was no transcript of hearings or recording from which a transcript could have been generated.
"This type of conduct is certainly beyond the pale for a member of our judiciary," the justices wrote.
The Judicial Tenure Commission, which investigates misconduct by judges in Michigan, found in September that Davis was unfit to be a judge.
Her term as judge in Detroit's 36th District Court expired in January 2023, but she did not run for reelection because the Michigan Secretary of State determined she lied on her affidavit of identity and therefore was not eligible
The Supreme Court found that Davis:
- Abused her contempt powers in at least two cases, failed to conduct proper contempt hearings, forced people to pay illegal punitive sanctions in civil cases and unlawfully put a process server in jail based on a civil contempt finding.
- Dismissed or adjourned multiple cases because an involved party used a process server that she did not trust. When the chief judge told her to stop, she continued to do it and said, "I don't care what the chief judge or anybody else at this court says. This is my courtroom. And if you have a problem, anybody can take it to the (Judicial Tenure Commission)."
- Obstructed court administration by failing to comply with the performance-improvement plan the chief judge issued and by failing to follow the chief judge's orders. She also sent ominous Bible verses to the chief judge, the court administrator and the regional court administrator that were "insulting, discourteous, disrespectful, and threatening."
- Intentionally disconnected the video recording equipment in her courtroom and failed to maintain a record of hearings in her courtroom for weeks.
- Created unauthorized recordings of hearings in her courtroom on her personal cell phone
- Parked in a handicap loading zone at a gym and put a placard on the window to convey she was there on authority of Detroit police and Mayor Mike Duggan when she did not have the authority to do so, nor was she there on official business. When someone's car was blocked in and they called police, Davis tried to use her status as a judge to avoid a citation.
- Lied about disconnecting the video equipment in her courtroom during interviews with the Judicial Tenure Commission.
This was the second time Davis has been accused of misconduct by the JTC. She was cited in March 2020 for holding court proceedings without hearings being on the record. The new filing was an amendment of the 2020 case, so there was no determination on it.
Davis has been under fire since just after her term began in January 2017. She did not work for the first few months of her term and told WJBK she had an infection after surgery and did not want to put the courthouse at risk, the Associated Press reported in March 2017. Former Chief Judge Nancy Blount removed Davis from her docket in October 2017 because of her "demonstrated inability" to do her job.
Blount also ordered Davis in February 2019 to not bring any weapons to work, required her to go through a security screening before entering the courthouse and banned her from using the judge's door. A month later, Blount banned Davis from hearing cases because she was not using video recording equipment during hearings.
kberg@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/06/23/former-detroit-judge-suspended-for-6-years-for-repeated-misconduct/70351516007/ | 2023-06-23T21:14:57 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/06/23/former-detroit-judge-suspended-for-6-years-for-repeated-misconduct/70351516007/ |
BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) — Bristol police are asking drivers to avoid a section of State Route 394 due to a “serious” crash.
The crash happened Friday afternoon near the intersection of SR 394 and Earhart Drive, according to the Bristol, Tennessee Police Department.
Traffic is being detoured to Old Thomas Bridge Road and Exide Drive, police said.
No other details were shared. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/bristol-police-warn-of-serious-crash-on-sr-394/ | 2023-06-23T21:16:47 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/bristol-police-warn-of-serious-crash-on-sr-394/ |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)- If you’d like to help out the community over the weekend, the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of East Tennessee Highlands are hosting the Bob Owens Community Impact Day.
Five different volunteer projects will be happening in Johnson City from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 24.
Chamber of Commerce CEO Bob Cantler stopped by the First at Four Friday to talk about the volunteer opportunity.
The day is named after former Chamber board chair and community advocate Bob Owens. The event wraps up United Way’s Week of Caring.
Volunteers are still needed for this weekend’s projects. You can sign up on the United Way’s website. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/first-at-four/johnson-city-chamber-united-way-team-up-for-bob-owens-community-impact-day/ | 2023-06-23T21:16:53 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/first-at-four/johnson-city-chamber-united-way-team-up-for-bob-owens-community-impact-day/ |
JOHNSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – With a global reputation among motorcyclists for its twists and turns through the mountains of Johnson County, “The Snake” is a Tri-Cities attraction.
The bending stretch of U.S. Highway 421 features 489 curves over the course of 33 miles.
News Channel 11’s Kyle Thompson recorded his ride along The Snake, which draws motorcyclists from around the world every year.
You can watch a sped-up version of the ride from behind the throttle of a Suzuki Intruder 1400 in the video above.
To learn more about The Snake and its history and namesake, click here. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/video-news-channel-11-takes-a-motorcycle-ride-on-the-snake/ | 2023-06-23T21:16:59 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/video-news-channel-11-takes-a-motorcycle-ride-on-the-snake/ |
Looking for a way to celebrate Independence Day? Here's a list of what's happening this Fourth of July in Bloomington-Normal and surrounding areas:
Bloomington
Celebrate America Concert, 7 p.m. July 1-2 at the Miller Park Bandstand; free.
4th of July Pancake Pedal; 6:45 a.m. July 4, Rollingbrook Park, 1002 S. Hershey Road; ride to Downs Community Fire District Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser.
BCC 4th of July; 11 a.m. July 4, Bloomington Country Club, 605 Towanda Ave.; members only.
Classic Car Cruise Celebration; 1-5 p.m. July 4, Miller Park, 1020 S. Morris Ave.
Fireworks; 9:15 p.m. (dusk), July 4, Miller Park, 1020 S. Morris Ave.
Normal
Born in the USA Promo Night; 4-10 p.m. July 1, The Corn Crib, 1000 W. Raab Road; Bobcats v. Bluecaps, Merchants v. Ground Sloths; presented by Illinois Corn Farmers.
Concerts on the Quad: Twin City Brass Quintet; 7-8:30 p.m. July 3, Cook Hall, South University Street; local favorite performs music for the Fourth of July.
Park 2 Park; 5 Mile Run 7 a.m.-noon July 4, Fairview Park, North Main Street.
4th of July Early Bird Swim; 9-10:30 a.m. July 4, Fairview Family Aquatic Center, 801 N. Main St.
4th of July Sky Concert; 5-10 p.m. July 4, Fairview Park, North Main Street.
Atlanta
4th of July Cruise-in on Route 66; 10 a.m.-2 p.m., July 2, Arch Street between Race and Vine Street.
4th of July Fireworks; 9 p.m., July 2, Atlanta Ball Diamond.
Chenoa
Vendor Fair & Food Trucks; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. July 3, City Park.
House Decorating Contest; judging begins 1 p.m. July 3, entry forms available at City Hall.
Ice Cream Social; 5-8 p.m. July 3, downtown Chenoa.
Porkchop/Hot Dog Meal; 5-9 p.m. July 3, downtown Chenoa.
Street Dance; 5 p.m.-midnight July 3, downtown Chenoa.
Vendor Fair & Food Trucks; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. July 4, City Park.
Methodist Church Food Stand; 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. July 4, City Park.
Parade; 2 p.m. July 4, corner of Division and Mill.
Fireworks; dusk July 4, South Division Street by Prairie Central Primary West.
Clinton
4th of July on the Square; 7 a.m.-2 p.m. July 4, Clinton Square; sponsored by the American Legion Post 103.
Fireworks; dusk, July 5, area of Route 51 and Kleeman Drive.
Downs
Celebration in the Park; all day July 4, Dooley Park; food trucks and more.
Volleyball Tournament; 9 a.m. July 4, Dooley Park.
Vendor Market, SnoBiz Snow Cones at the Park; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 4, Dooley Park.
Beer garden on the courts, DJ and jam session hosted by The Station; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 4, Dooley Park.
Parade; noon July 4, Dooley Park.
Next Thing Smokin performance; 4:30 p.m.-beginning of fireworks show July 4, Dooley Park.
Fireworks; dusk July 4, Dooley Park.
Dwight
Fireworks; 9-10 p.m. July 4, Garrett Park.
Eureka
4th of July Independence Day Celebration; 7 a.m.-dusk July 4, Eureka Lake Park; food, music, games, inflatables and fireworks.
Eureka Business Association Fourth of July Parade; 10 a.m. July 4, begins at Eureka Apostolic Christian Church, 700 W. Cruger.
Skazz Band at the 4th of July; 5-7 p.m. July 4, Eureka Lake.
Jeep Rally; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 4; door prizes, 50/50 drawing, children's games and activities, concessions.
Lincoln
4th of July Celebration at the Aquatic Center; noon-5:45 p.m. July 3-4, Lincoln Park District.
Independence Day Celebration; 6 p.m. July 3, 3:30 p.m. July 4, Lincoln Park District; food trucks, children’s parade, pool games, fireworks.
Pilates Sculpt on the 4th; 5:15 a.m. July 4, Lincoln Park District.
Red, White and R.I.P.P.E.D.; 8-9 a.m. July 4, Lincoln Park District.
4th of July Water Fitness; 9:15-10 a.m. July 4, Lincoln Park District.
McLean
Independence Day Celebration; 4 p.m., June 25, Mt. Hope Funks Grove Park District, 107 N. West St.; face painting, inflatables, water slides, sensory trailer, foam party and games; dinner served at 4:30 p.m.
Fireworks; dusk, June 25, Mt. Hope Funks Grove Park District.
Minonk
Ashley Victoria Band; 7-10 p.m. June 30.
Kiddie parade and community parade; 10 a.m. July 1.
Lunch sold at Minonk Chocolate Co.; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. July 1.
Sidewalk chalk; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. July 1, Knight Fitness.
Fifth Street Market Vendor Fair; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 1.
Inflatables; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. July 1, noon-5 p.m. July 2.
Axe throwing; 1-2:30 p.m. July 1, 3-7 p.m. July 2, 5th Street and Chestnut Street.
Bags tourney; noon July 1, Minonk Lanes.
Lyn Skynyrd tribute band; 6:30-9:30 p.m. July 1.
Fireworks; dusk July 1.
Local Smoke-off BBQ Contest; 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. July 2, Chestnut Street parking lot.
3 on 3 basketball tourney; 8 a.m. July 2, Westside Park.
Cruise In; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 2.
Dunk tank; 2 p.m. July 2, 5th Street and Chestnut Street.
Wild Card Band; 7-11 p.m. July 2.
Brushville Band; 8-11 p.m. July 3.
Mount Pulaski
Lemonade for Mighty Mikah; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 4.
Kids Patriotic Parade; July 4.
American Legion Chicken Fry; July 4.
Fireworks; Frazier Park.
Peoria
Peoria Jaycees Firecracker 5000; 7:30 a.m. July 4, downtown Peoria.
Tartan Inn's 4th Of July Party; 9 a.m. July 4, Tartan Inn.
West Peoria 4th of July Parade; 10 a.m. July 4, The Landing at Liberty Park; performers Joe Stamm Band with Nick Sizemore or Tom Petty, appearing at CEFCU Center Stage.
Boys & Girls Club Fourth of July Family Fun Fest; 5 p.m. July 4, Kelleher's Irish Pub & Eatery parking lot and Water Street from State Street to Walnut Street; music, children’s games and events, all-you-can-eat food court.
Chris Janson, Eddie Montgomery, Drew Baldridge Concert; 5 p.m. July 4; Dozer Park.
City of Peoria All-American Festival; 5-10 p.m. July 4, Peoria Sports Complex; dozen inflatable waterslides, local food and beverage vendors, live music and fireworks.
Fourth of July Backyard BBQ; 6-10 p.m. July 4, Peoria Riverfront Museum.
Fourth of July at Flanagan House; 6-10 p.m. July 4; John C. Flanagan House Museum.
Red, White and Boom fireworks; 9:30 p.m. July 4.
Pontiac
Independence Day Celebration; 4-9 p.m. July 1, The Oaks at River’s Edge; live music, concessions, balloon art, face paintings, inflatables, lawn games, educational displays from Pontiac Fire Department, fireworks show.
Streator
Run for Glory 5K; 8 a.m. July 1, Streator City Park.
Liberty Fest; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. July 1-2, Streator City Park; cookout, vendors, children’s activities, ice cream social.
Parade; 1 p.m. July 2, downtown Streator.
Streator Fest (formerly Streator’s 4th of July celebration) Aug. 3-6, Northpoint Plaza; carnival, live music, food vendors.
Towanda
Dinner at the Community Building; 4:30-6:30 p.m., July 3.
Dance Under the Stars; 6-9 p.m., July 3, Kick’s Bar & Grill.
Games, concessions, fireworks; 6:30 p.m.-dusk, July 3, by the fire department, with concessions at the school.
Flea market; 9 a.m. July 4, village parks.
Parade, food vendors; 10 a.m. July 4; vendors at parks and community building; parade lineup at grade school.
If you would like to share information about any additional events that should be added to the list, contact Olivia Jacobs at olivia.jacobs@lee.net or Charlotte Calmes at charlotte.calmes@lee.net.
Satisfy your sweet tooth: 7 red, white and blue desserts for the Fourth of July
Angela and Thomas Wirsing, Doug Braun and Christie Vellella perform "Let Freedom Ring" last with Ronnie Jones during The Pantagraph’s "Celebrate America!" free concert July 2, 2022, at Miller Park in Bloomington. This hour-long Fourth of July tradition is produced by Holiday Spectacular as a gift to the community. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/where-to-celebrate-the-fourth-of-july-in-bloomington-normal-and-beyond/article_ea03276c-11e1-11ee-ac2f-67ad40df48c1.html | 2023-06-23T21:24:31 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/where-to-celebrate-the-fourth-of-july-in-bloomington-normal-and-beyond/article_ea03276c-11e1-11ee-ac2f-67ad40df48c1.html |
UNIONTOWN, Pa. — Investigations continue after a scary situation Thursday afternoon at the Fayette County courthouse in Uniontown.
Officials say someone fired a gun outside the building around 3 p.m., sending a bullet through an upper-floor window in the back of the courthouse.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Fayette County courthouse hit by bullet; 1 juvenile in custody
11 News learned Friday that the bullet nearly struck a judge as it hit the chair she was sitting in.
“Could have been a lot worse,” said Lt. Tom Kolencik of the Uniontown Police Department.
Kolencik said police found shell casings on Lincoln Street. That’s roughly three city blocks away from the courthouse.
He said the courthouse was not the intended target.
“[Were] they shooting at a home? [Were] they shooting at a car? Shooting at someone in a car? Shooting at an animal? We don’t know,” Kolencik said.
Regardless, he said this shooting was reckless.
“Firing a gun in a city, there’s too much going on around here with cars and houses and people,” Kolencik added.
Theresa Bradley agreed.
“God help! It could have hit anybody going this distance,” Bradley told Channel 11′s Andrew Havranek.
She’s lived in Uniontown for six years. She said the string of recent gun violence -- especially with teenagers -- is uncalled for.
“I’m not scared to walk around or anything, but this has to stop,” Bradley said.
Police took a juvenile into custody Thursday as a person of interest. No charges have been filed. Police say another interview and forensics testing has to be done before that can happen.
Kolencik said it’s a tough case to investigate.
“This is the type of crime that can’t be solved without the public’s help, but in our city, the public always comes through and helps us,” Kolencik said. “We are 100% confident that will happen.”
Police are urging anyone with information on Thursday’s shooting, whether they saw something, heard something, or maybe have doorbell video, to give them a call. Reports can remain anonymous.
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MITCHELL — A rodeo show will go on this summer.
While it won’t be a four-day rodeo in mid-July, Mitchell will host a two-day bronco and bull riding event in August at Horsemen’s Sports Arena — the rodeo grounds at the center of a tangled legal battle.
Brandon Neugebauer, president of Horsemen’s Sports Inc. — the organization that owns the arena along Highway 37 near Lake Mitchell — confirmed the event will take place Friday, Aug. 11 and Saturday, Aug. 12. And the community support for the event dubbed Shootout at the Lake has been “beyond overwhelming,” Neugebauer said.
“The community has really stepped up immensely for this,” Neugebauer said.
As HSI leaders are gearing up to welcome rodeo fans to their arena once again, the rodeo grounds are listed for sale at a price tag of $1.5 million. The arena is listed under real estate agent Brian Eliason, of Mitchell.
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“We’re doing some behind-the-scenes marketing right now. But it is listed and will be advertised more soon,” Eliason said of the potential sale arena.
The Mitchell Republic spoke with Neugebauer on Thursday about this August's rodeo event. The newspaper learned of the property's sale on Friday when it was contacted by tips and also saw listing signs placed alongside Highway 37 near the rodeo grounds.
The Mitchell Republic was unable to reach Neugebauer for a follow-up comment on the sale of the property, which is 20.5 acres.
The August event is being put on by Sheldon Tobin, a Plankinton rodeo promoter who has hosted the Corn Palace Challenge rough stock event at the Corn Palace. Tobin said the Shootout at the Lake will feature rough stock events, along with mutton bustin’ and a free Friday night concert at the arena.
When Tobin was approached to bring an event to the arena, he jumped at the chance. After seeing the two-year legal dispute between the Corn Palace Stampede organization — the group that put on the rodeo and leased the arena — and Horsemen’s Sports Inc. that resulted in a April jury trial and the cancellation of the annual mid-July Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo, Tobin said he wanted to help. Hosting his own event for Mitchell area rodeo fans to take in became Tobin’s avenue to help the “show go on.”
“Let’s get back to having fun. I hope it takes stress off of everybody, and let’s just have a good time,” said Tobin, who has worked with both organizations in the past.
While Horsemen’s Sports leaders were mulling over hosting a July replacement rodeo following a judge’s decision to award Horsemen’s Sports a one-month window to host a replacement rodeo, Neugebauer said the short time window after the latest legal battles with CPS wasn’t feasible. But an August event was, he said.
“After the trial and other hearings, we decided that it wasn’t going to be possible to put on a good event by July. That’s just too short of a window to get things all set up,” Neugebauer said.
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Since the trial concluded, attempts by the organizations to form an agreement to host a rodeo at the arena were unsuccessful.
“The community was the party that lost in this whole ordeal. It’s sad, but we are ready to bring some much needed rodeo action out there,” Neugebauer said.
Considering CPS has the ability to remove its bleachers from the arena before the Aug. 11-12 event, Neugebauer said plans are to use the bleachers owned by Corn Palace Stampede if they haven’t been removed by then. He noted there are backup bleachers ready in the event the Corn Palace Stampede organization removes them before the Shootout at the Lake.
During a June 9 hearing, Judge David Knoff said that if the bleachers remain on site during HSI's rodeo window, HSI can use them for their event, even though the April trial jury granted their ownership to CPS.
Tobin will be bringing his bucking chutes and setting up VIP tables scattered around the arena. According to Tobin, a stock contractor based in Montana will be supplying the broncos and bulls for the Shootout at the Lake event.
Although the bronco and bull riding event isn’t sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), Tobin said the local and area sponsorship support has shown they are just as excited for it despite it not being a PRCA rodeo.
“I’ve never seen that many sponsors come to me and want to get in on this. It’s been overwhelming, like a tidal wave,” Tobin said.
As for future plans, Neugebauer said HSI leaders are interested in hosting larger-scale rodeos at the arena. It also has its monthly team roping jackpot event on Sunday, June 25 and has plans for its large team roping event over Labor Day weekend.
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Meanwhile, a new rodeo group made up primarily of former Corn Palace Stampede members has entered a 20-year lease agreement with the city of Mitchell to build a new rodeo arena near the airport. If the new rodeo arena plans materialize, it could mean HSI and the Mitchell Rodeo Foundation organization would host competing summer rodeos on the north side of Mitchell. | https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/local/horsemens-sports-sets-august-date-for-mitchell-rodeo-lists-property-for-sale-at-1-5m | 2023-06-23T21:26:15 | 0 | https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/local/horsemens-sports-sets-august-date-for-mitchell-rodeo-lists-property-for-sale-at-1-5m |
HILLSBORO, Ore. — Students at Glencoe High School in Hillsboro are using their construction skills to help homeless people.
About 12 seniors and other younger classmates collectively built two storage sheds for the Project Homeless Connect Day Center in downtown Hillsboro. The Day Center helps connect people experiencing homelessness with different resources.
“It’s awesome just to help out the community that you’re in,” said one of the 12 seniors.
The project is in collaboration with Todd Paterson, the Construction teacher at Glencoe, and Home Building Foundation of Greater Portland (HBF.) Students were given the creative freedom of designing, framing, roofing and adding final touches to the two sheds that will keep supplies for the Day Center.
“They took their time, they put their own design, flair on it, so we truly appreciate Glencoe high in this case,” said Chris McDowell, a project manager with HBF. “They’ve done good. It’s all high quality [work they did.]"
HBF helps build and remodel shelters for nonprofits working to end homelessness in the greater Portland metro area. They have introduced a new school program for students interested in construction to help them on community projects that they’re working on.
“I think what’s most important is that students are able to use and learn skills while they are benefiting something of need in the community,” said Todd Patterson, the Glencoe High construction teacher. “When you can combine those two things, I think it’s a win-win for all. A lot of our students are going to go into the trades which we really need right now.”
Construction began in late February/early March. All materials were donated or funded by grants. The two sheds were completed about three months later. They were delivered to the day center on June 20.
“It’s awesome how far it’s come from the beginning,” said one of the 12 students. “I remember seeing the kids framing it all and then a few weeks later.”
The Day Center said they will no longer need to turn away essential donations from the community because of the lack of storage space.
But it doesn’t stop here for the seniors. Some students said they are already thinking of more ways to give back after graduation.
“Next year I’m going to try and build a shed of my own to donate to either one of our programs for the homeless facility,” said one of the seniors. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/homeless-sheds-hillsboro-students-glencoe-high-school/283-c706bd42-21ff-45f7-b990-78997e60d846 | 2023-06-23T21:26:46 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/homeless-sheds-hillsboro-students-glencoe-high-school/283-c706bd42-21ff-45f7-b990-78997e60d846 |
WATERLOO — The Waterloo Public Library will welcome Debra Marquart, Iowa’s poet laureate, at 6 p.m. on June 29. The event will have music, storytelling and poetry.
Marquart has written seven books, including “The Horizontal World: Growing Up Wild in the Middle of Nowhere” and “Small Buried Things: Poems.”
She’s been featured on National Public Radio and the British Broadcasting Company and has received more than 50 grants and awards including a National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowships, a PEN USA Award, a New York Times Editors’ Choice commendation and Elle Magazine’s Lettres Awards.
In 2021, she was awarded a Poets Laureate Fellowship from the Academy of American Poets.
Her visit is supported by a grant from Humanities Iowa.
Waterloo and Cedar Falls home listings for people who need a lot of living space
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5 Bedroom Home in Waterloo - $799,900
This incredible custom-built two-story features contemporary influences both inside and out. This high-quality Klunder-built home boasts five expansive bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, high-end amenities from top to bottom, and a custom architect-influenced design. Stepping inside you’re greeted by a beautiful front sitting room and an adjacent great room that is impressive with a fireplace and expansive windows allowing tons of natural light to pour in. The great room opens up to the kitchen and stunning dining area that is ideal for entertaining. The show-stopping kitchen offers custom cabinetry, high-end stainless steel appliances, an expansive kitchen island ideal for functionality, a walk-in pantry with tons of storage, as well as access to an amazing screened-in porch. The screened porch is like a private oasis that feels like a treehouse as it is nestled in mature trees. The main floor is completed with a convenient dropzone with a half bathroom. On the second level, you will find three generously sized bedrooms including the master suite, two full bathrooms, and a convenient laundry room. The master suite features an amazing ensuite with heated tile floors, dual vanities, a whirlpool tub, and a tiled shower along with a great walk-in closet with custom-designed cabinetry. The show doesn't stop there, the amazing walkout lower level includes additional living space with concrete floors, a kitchenette, two bedrooms, a full bathroom, a secondary laundry room, and heated floors throughout. Exterior amenities include an attached oversized heated garage with in-floor heat and floor drains that could fit four cars. The exterior spaces continue with an amazing patio with limestone accents, mature landscaping, and an irrigation system. This home oozes warmth and style with great textures including cork flooring, carpet, and tile, and the amenities don’t stop there. This incredible home also provides geothermal heat, a Control 4 sound system, central vac, and much more. Don’t let this rare offering pass you by! Schedule your private showing today. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/poet-laureate-waterloo-library-marquart/article_8ea18884-1054-11ee-875c-53989ae39717.html | 2023-06-23T21:26:50 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/poet-laureate-waterloo-library-marquart/article_8ea18884-1054-11ee-875c-53989ae39717.html |
WATERLOO — The Waterloo Rotary Club will celebrate, honor and recognize World Refugee Day at its monthly lunch series. The conversation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday at the Waterloo Convention Center.
Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart said in a news release that the Cedar Valley welcomed nearly 500 refugee families in the last year.
Both Mayor Hart and Edgar Ramirez, the workforce liaison with the Iowa Bureau of Refugee Services, along with World Grace Project Executive Director Karen Everling with present at the meeting.
The meeting is open to the public and the cost to attend is $15, which includes a full buffet lunch. To RSVP go online WaterlooRotary.org.
This morning's top headlines: Wednesday, June 21
A Canadian military surveillance aircraft detected underwater noises as a massive operation searched early Wednesday in a remote part of the North Atlantic for a submersible that vanished while taking five people down to the wreck of the Titanic.
There will be plenty of time to discuss global tensions during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the U.S. this week. But he’s starting his day Wednesday by highlighting a pursuit of inner tranquility. His public schedule for the day opens with a group yoga session on the United Nations’ north lawn. The event honors the International Day of Yoga. Modi persuaded the U.N. to designate the day in 2014 as an annual observance. The yoga-themed U.N. visit is a savvy and symbolic choice for a premier who has made the ancient discipline both a personal practice and a diplomatic tool.
A federal judge has struck down Arkansas’ ban on gender-affirming care for minors. U.S. District Judge Jay Moody ruled Tuesday that the nation’s first ban on such care for children violates the U.S. Constitution. Moody in 2021 had temporarily blocked the state from enforcing its ban while he considered the challenge to the measure. The law prohibited doctors from providing gender-affirming hormone treatment, puberty blockers or surgery to anyone under 18. It also prohibited doctors from referring patients elsewhere from such care. The ban had been widely criticized by medical groups.
President Joe Biden had just six words to offer after his 53-year-old son Hunter pleaded guilty to federal tax offenses in a deal that is also likely to spare him time behind bars on a weapons charge. He said simply: “I’m very proud of my son.” That pride has been accompanied by pain, and for the president’s family, both have been on public display. Republicans have worked to use Hunter Biden’s actions — and his acknowledged struggle with addiction — as an anchor to try to drag down his father.
Democrats downplay Hunter Biden's plea deal, while Republicans see opportunity to deflect from Trump
Anxious Democrats are seeking to downplay — or ignore altogether — the impact of new criminal charges against President Joe Biden's son, Hunter. And as Democrats dodge, former President Donald Trump and his Republican allies seized on the legal development to tighten his grip on the GOP and deflect from his own legal shortcomings. But in a nation deeply divided by partisanship, there were few signs immediately after Hunter Biden’s plea deal was announced on Tuesday that the unprecedented prosecution of a president’s son had shifted the 2024 election in any significant way. Democratic officials privately described the federal case against his son as a minor distraction at most that could linger deep into next year.
China has called comments by President Joe Biden referring to Chinese leader Xi Jinping as a dictator “extremely absurd and irresponsible.” The new clash of words comes just over a day after Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded a visit to Beijing that sought to break the ice in a relationship that has hit a historical low. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Wednesday said Biden's comments at a fundraiser in California ‘go totally against facts and seriously violate diplomatic protocol, and severely infringe on China’s political dignity. It is a blatant political provocation. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and opposition.’
President Joe Biden has convened a group of technology leaders in San Francisco to debate the risks and promises of artificial intelligence. The Biden administration is seeking to figure out how to regulate the emergent field of AI, looking for ways to nurture its potential for economic growth and national security and protect against its potential dangers. Biden says, “We’ll see more technological change in the next 10 years that we saw in the last 50 years,” adding that “AI is already driving that change.” His meeting Tuesday included eight technology experts from academia and advocacy groups.
Russian authorities say two drones have crashed outside Moscow as they were approaching the warehouses of a local military unit. Russian media reported Wednesday that the wreckage of a third drone was found about 12 miles away. Russia’s Defense Ministry says the drones were brought down using radio-electronic means. No damage or casualties are being reported. The drones could be the latest attempt by Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia as their war approaches its 17th month. Ukrainian officials have made no comment. Russian media are also reporting that rail lines have been blown up on the Crimean Peninsula in apparent sabotage operations.
The Bible will return to the shelves in a northern Utah school district that provoked an outcry after it banned it from middle and elementary schools last month. The Davis School District said in a statement on Tuesday that its board had determined the sacred text was age-appropriate for all school libraries. The committee’s reversal is the latest development in the debate over what materials should be available in public schools. The Bible challenge was submitted to a committee formed after the passage of a new state law expanding residents' ability to challenge books. The Bible was among a list of books facing scrutiny.
Tropical Storm Bret is chugging toward the eastern Caribbean as the region rushed to prepare itself for an unusually early storm and the torrential rains that are forecast. Bret has maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and is moving across the Atlantic Ocean at 18 mph on Tuesday. The National Hurricane Center in Miami says the storm is expected to pummel some eastern Caribbean islands on Thursday at near hurricane strength. A tropical storm watch was issued for Barbados.
Social media personality Andrew Tate has appeared in court in Romania's capital on charges of rape, human trafficking and forming a criminal gang to exploit women. The former professional kickboxer known for expressing misogynistic views arrived at the court in Bucharest on Wednesday flanked by six bodyguards and his brother, who also faces charges. Romania's anti-organized crime agency alleges the brothers and two Romanian women formed a criminal group in 2021 to engage in human trafficking in Romania, the United States and Britain. The agency alleged that seven female victims were sexually exploited and subjected to physical violence. Tate denies wrongdoing and said outside court he is being unfairly attacked. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/waterloo-rotary-refugee-services-presentation/article_16a90c14-1066-11ee-b60c-e7d41aaba34f.html | 2023-06-23T21:26:57 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/waterloo-rotary-refugee-services-presentation/article_16a90c14-1066-11ee-b60c-e7d41aaba34f.html |
ROSEVILLE, Calif. — The city of Roseville will be installing more flashing yellow traffic signals to improve efficiency at two intersections.
One will be activated next week at PFE Road and Hilltop Circle. Another flashing yellow traffic signal will be added at northbound Fiddyment Road and Hayden Parkway in July.
When the yellow arrow flashes, drivers yield to oncoming vehicles and bicyclists and make a left turn. Oncoming traffic still has a green light.
These signals will help move traffic through the intersection and reduce vehicle idling.
Roseville started installing flashing yellow arrows in 2016 and now has flashing arrows in 10 locations.
Watch more on ABC10: Roseville police release video of Mahany Park hostage situation, shootout | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/roseville-flashing-yellow-traffic-signals/103-b2fa807f-3dab-45f0-aeb8-2fcc40c3ec53 | 2023-06-23T21:34:35 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/roseville-flashing-yellow-traffic-signals/103-b2fa807f-3dab-45f0-aeb8-2fcc40c3ec53 |
A Lincoln restaurant remains open for business despite an ongoing investigation stemming from a fire Monday.
Lincoln Fire and Rescue responded to an early Monday morning fire at El Cielito Lindo Mexican Restaurant at 100 N. First St. Thick black smoke was seen coming out of the restaurant, but no further details have been given. Fire Investigator Chris Crocker said the investigation has been turned over to the Lincoln Police Department to determine if criminal activity was involved.
LFR spokeswoman MJ Lierman said Friday morning the investigation was “declared suspicious in nature” because the front door seemed to be broken out upon LFR’s arrival. It is unknown if the broken door was from the fire’s heat.
The fire occurred on the east side of the building, which was used for storage. The restaurant’s owner confirmed that it is up and running with normal business hours on the west end of the strip mall.
“We would like to thank all our customers for your support and hope to see you soon,” the restaurant said in a Tuesday Facebook post.
Top Journal Star photos for June 2023
A'rielle Harvell (bottom), 5, slides down an inflatable water slide next to her sisters, Yahkira Harvell (top), 4, and Samirah Graham, 13, on Monday in central Lincoln. The temperature in Lincoln reached 96 on Monday and was in the 90s again on Tuesday. The National Weather Service is forecasting highs in the 90s and mostly sunny conditions for at least the next week.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
David Campbell, a recent graduate from Union college's international rescue and relief program, climbs and repels from a tree alongside Mike Mikler (not pictured) on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at Holmes Lake Park in Lincoln.
The duo, who had earlier created a giant swing, said they were climbing the trees for fun and practice. The program for International rescue and relief is a bachelor of science degree designed for students who want to serve and help others in disaster and humanitarian relief.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Southeast Community College Professor Michael Mellon teaches anatomy of the human brain to his class Tuesday in Lincoln. A change to community college funding in Nebraska will result in higher property taxes to support SCC next year, but officials say a tax credit will offset those increases.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
Crane removal equipment sits on Q St. between North 9th and 10th St. temporarily closing the section of Q until June 23rd, Monday, June 19, 2023, in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY Journal Star
Malone Ribbon Dancers, including Maisey Ratliff, 8, dance during Lincoln's Juneteenth celebration Saturday at Trago Park.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Scott Copeland (Left) and Donnette Thayer (right) play Irish folk music with friends during the Hub Farmers Market at Union Plaza park on Wednesday. The markets are Wednesdays, from 5-7 p.m., through Sept. 20.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
Open Harvest employees shovel gravel at the Open Harvest ground breaking in the Telegraph District, Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY Journal Star
Dynasty Volleyball players Abigail Mullen (bottom left), Reese Messer (left), Claire Cisneros (top right), and Skyler Pierce (right) share snacks and stories with one another as they rest on the catwalk overlooking the volleyball courts ahead of their next match during the Midwest PreNationals tournament on Friday, June 9, 2023, at the Sports Pavilion Lawrence in Lawrence.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Fisherman Salem Alsareni, catches a 24 inch carp, weighing in at six and a half pounds at Holmes Lake, Monday, June 12, 2023, in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY Journal Star
Angela Gebhardt walks next to Star City Chorus during the Star City Pride Parade Saturday at the Nebraska state Capitol.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Foster Care Closet employee Brooke Horton lifts boxes of diapers onto the bus before departing for Norfolk on Friday.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
University of Nebraska-Lincoln chancellor candidate Rodney Bennett answers questions from students and staff who are part of the College of Law on Thursday at the Office of the President.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Terrance McIntyre gets his hair cut by Treveon Phinney at 402 Fades Barber Shop on Thursday at Gateway Mall.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Eliana Athena Vargas Smith, 2, plays in the fountain at Union Plaza park on Wednesday, when temperatures reached 88 degrees in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
Children extend their arms outward as they reach for bubbles to pop during a family fun night ice cream party on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at the Charles H. Gere Branch Library in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Harper Trumble (top right) dances with her cousin Keegan VanDeWater (right) while Alexis Arai y Su Grupo perform as part of the Jazz in June concert series on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at in the Sheldon Sculpture Garden at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Lincoln. The first performers for Jazz in June drew a sizable crowd on Tuesday. The free concert series, held each Tuesday in June, will feature two sets of music from 7-7:45 p.m. and 8-8:45 p.m. Beyond the performances, the series will include education outreach coordinated by community centers and artists. A market offered food and drinks to hungry patrons. And a bike Valet will provided free, secure parking for bicycles from 5 p.m. until the end of the performance in the market.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
The Rev. T. Michael Williams signs the petition to repeal LB753 during Support our Schools Nebraska petition drive kickoff at the state Capitol on Tuesday.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
Mia Masch, 5, has her hair adjusted by her father Ian while his pet parrot Mango rests atop his shoulder during an animal blessing ceremony at First-Plymouth Church.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Shriner clowns cover their hearts for the invocation before the Nebraska Shrine Bowl on Saturday at Cope Stadium in Kearney.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
A rainbow is seen near Ralston High School stadium during the Nebraska High School Soccer Senior Showcase on Friday.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Grace Jacobson of Lincoln holds a rainbow umbrella over a coffin prop in front of the Governor's Mansion on Thursday, the final day of the legislative session.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nikita (black) jumps into the dog pool as Pearl chases after her at Off Leash Dog Bar on Wednesday.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
Lincoln East’s Carter Mick (10) poses for portrait , Monday, May 29, 2023, in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY Journal Star
Rebecca Rager greets her grandfather Alfred Zieg (from left) during a celebration before his birthday on Wednesday, in the Gramercy dining room on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at The Residence at Gramercy in Lincoln. 'It has been a life for sure," Alfred Zieg said during the celebration. "And on Wednesday I get to start all over again, right?"
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Muggs, a 6 year-old chocolate lab fetches his toy from the water following his dive on Saturday at Paws 4 Fun in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Fire fighters clear out hot debris pulled off of 411 Mulder Dr home after alert two back yard fire, Friday, May 26, 2023, in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY Journal Star
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A water district that covers much of southeastern Lancaster County has instituted mandatory water restrictions amid an ongoing drought.
Lancaster Rural Water District No. 1 said Thursday on its website that it is implementing a mandatory reduction in sprinkler use among its customers, which include residents of Bennet, Hickman, Sprague and Panama.
"We are asking customers that run sprinkler systems to cut run times by 50% due to water levels in our elevated towers," the district said in a notice on its website. "If the district does not see a reduced amount of water being demanded due to the mandatory reduction, we will have no choice but to ban sprinkler use for the rest of the year.”
District Manager Jordon Bang said in an interview that the reduction was implemented because the district can't keep enough water in its water towers to meet the sprinkler demand.
The district gets all of its water from groundwater wells, and Bang said there is no problem with water levels right now, so it decided to try to encourage water conservation rather than shutting people off.
But cutting down on watering, residents "are helping us out and we don't have to go to a total shutdown," he said.
The district last banned lawn watering in the summer of 2021, Bang said.
The mandatory reduction comes as Lancaster County is in the grip of its worst drought in at least a decade.
Lincoln had received just under 7 inches of rain since the start of the year as of Friday morning, less than half of the normal amount. That makes it the driest first six months in at least the last 30 years.
In fact, the last 12 months, if they had fallen in a calendar year, would have been the driest on record.
According to the most recent Drought Monitor from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which was released Thursday, 99% of Lancaster County is in extreme drought, including 52% that's in exceptional drought, the most severe category.
Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Director Liz Elliott said at the time that the aquifer that supplies Lincoln's wellfield was at only 65% of capacity and that Platte River flows were at their lowest levels since 1956.
Erika Hill, an LTU spokeswoman, said Friday that the city continues to experience drought conditions but has no plans at this point to institute any mandatory restrictions on water.
"Lincoln Water System reviews river flow, rainfall amounts and Lincoln water usage data daily," she said in an email. "We will reach out to media with any changes to our water conservation efforts."
The good news is that the forecast calls for a significant chance of rain in the Lincoln area Saturday morning. According to the National Weather Service, there's a 60% chance of rain, mainly after midnight and into Saturday morning, that could be heavy at times and produce an inch or more of accumulation. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/weather/mandatory-water-restrictions-southeastern-lancaster-county/article_eb602ac2-11cf-11ee-a3f0-33885cfa8c7c.html | 2023-06-23T21:35:39 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/weather/mandatory-water-restrictions-southeastern-lancaster-county/article_eb602ac2-11cf-11ee-a3f0-33885cfa8c7c.html |
TUPELO – The cities of both Tupelo and Saltillo will soon search for new chiefs to lead their fire departments.
Tupelo officials announced Friday that Tupelo Fire Chief Kelly Elliott, who took over as leader of the city’s fire department just over a year ago, is resigning to take a position as executive director of the Mississippi State Fire Academy.
In Saltillo, Fire Chief Mark Nowell will also tender his resignation Friday night. He’ll join the Tupelo Fire Department as deputy chief of administration. Officials say the timing of the two resignations is coincidental.
Elliott’s resignation is effective July 1. He took over as Tupelo Fire Chief in March 2022 after an extensive search.
“I am sincerely grateful for the unwavering support from the mayor, council, and exceptional fire department members throughout my time here,” Elliott said in a written statement. “It has been an absolute honor serving alongside TFD members, who are some of the most dedicated individuals, prioritizing the safety and well-being of our community day in and day out. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to be part of this remarkable team.”
Before becoming chief, Elliott served as a firefighter at the department from 1996 to 1998. He also serves as a Mississippi Air National Guard member with the 172nd Airlift Wing as command chief and joined the United States Air Force in 1991.
Mayor Todd Jordan called the announcement “bittersweet.”
“Chief Elliott has shown tremendous leadership and vision for our fire department for the past 16 months,” Jordan said. “He has started and finished programs that will continue to elevate our department. We wish Chief Elliott much success in his new position.”
Chief Operations Officer Don Lewis said the administration plans to announce an interim fire chief late next week, adding that most of the council and the mayor will be out of town for a conference until next Thursday. He noted that the mayor can appoint an interim chief without council approval.
Nowell, who was a finalist for Tupelo fire chief during the search that led to Elliot’s hiring, will join the Tupelo Fire Department to replace the retiring deputy chief Bill Wardlaw.
Lewis said the city hoped to fill that position in anticipation of Elliot’s departure, but the timing of Nowell’s resignation and Elliot’s were coincidental.
Since being hired at the Saltillo Fire Chief in the summer of 2008, Nowell has overseen some significant changes. He was instrumental in several water main improvement projects. One project installed a new line and fire hydrants from the industrial park to the downtown area. A separate project replaced a 4-inch line with a 12-inch line to service subdivisions on the west side of the city. Those infrastructure improvements allowed the Mississippi State Rating Bureau lower the rating two notches to its current Class 6 rating.
In the summer of 2022, the city took possession of a brand new 2022 Pierce Sabre Custom Pumper. The $560,000 fire engine is painted Saltillo blue. In order to maintain its existing fire rating, the city is required to have two certified engines, and the previous engine struggled to meet the re-certification minimums.
Earlier this year, Nowell introduced plans for a new $2 million standalone fire station. The county donated land on the north end of the Turner Industrial Park. The state legislature awarded $1 million to the project.
Since the summer of 2001, the Saltillo Fire Department has been housed in a 58,000-square-foot former furniture factory, along with city administration and courts, as well as the water, police and public works departments. That building is 50 years old and no longer suits the needs of the fire department.
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BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A Brevard County man who has maintained his innocence after being convicted of murder has been tentatively granted parole decades from now.
Crosley Green was convicted of murder more than three decades ago, but has never stopped proclaiming his innocence.
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The Florida Commission on Offender Review has denied a request for immediate parole, instead, this week they gave Green a tentative parole release date in 2054. By then, if he’s alive, he’d be 97 years old.
“It was really devastating for Crosley and his family and all of his supporters,” said Jeane Thomas, a partner at Crowell & Moring.
Read: Crosley Green returns to prison for 1990 murder conviction
Green’s two paths to freedom remain parole or clemency.
On Sept. 5, 1990, Green was convicted and sentenced to death for the 1989 first-degree murder of Charles “Chip” Flynn, who was shot to death in Mims. Green’s attorneys say there’s no direct evidence tying him to the murder, and that prosecution witnesses have recanted testimony since Green’s conviction.
Read: ‘Justice will prevail’: Attorneys work to keep convicted killer Crosley Green out of prison
In 2009, Green was resentenced to life in prison.
In 2018, Green’s conviction was overturned, but then an appeals court overturned that ruling. The U.S Supreme Court declined to hear Green’s case.
“Even though the parole commission ruled on Wednesday that they would not be looking at this case again until March of 2026, we are pursuing any number of options,” Thomas said.
As of yet, Green’s defense team has not presented a case for clemency to the governor.
“We think there are compelling grounds based not only on the overwhelming evidence that he’s innocent of this crime but also that he’s been an absolute model prisoner over 32 years, just a spotless record,” Thomas said.
Green was under conditional release from April 2021 to April 2023 until attorneys exhausted all their legal options in court, and Green was forced to report back to prison to continue his sentence.
Read: ‘A free man’: Man who spent 30 years in prison released 2 years after conviction overturned
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ORLANDO, Fla. — Several families are opting to pack up and leave Florida before a new immigration law takes effect on July 1.
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It requires certain businesses to use a federal system to check the immigration status of their workers. The law also toughens criminal penalties for people who bring undocumented immigrants into the state.
READ: A local district looks to ban students using cellphones entirely during school hours
Gov. Ron DeSantis has called it the strongest anti-illegal immigration legislation in the country.
READ: Titanic tourist sub: What is a ‘catastrophic implosion?’
A woman who wants to remain anonymous but share her story said the impacts are coming in just a matter of days due to Senate Bill 1718.
See her story in the video above.
READ: Tropical Storm Bret moves across eastern Caribbean; Tropical Storm Cindy slightly strengthens
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/families-leaving-florida-amid-new-immigration-laws-florida/4YXME7NACJC77OPFSKVJ3WM2OM/ | 2023-06-23T21:45:59 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/families-leaving-florida-amid-new-immigration-laws-florida/4YXME7NACJC77OPFSKVJ3WM2OM/ |
Say the words 'summer school' and fun does not always come to mind, but like so many things these days summer school looks a lot different. Coppell High School's 9th-grade campus is teaching arithmetic in an art room.
"Do you know what origami means?" asked teacher May Voltz, of her students. "It's the art of folding paper"
With each fold, each design and crease, there's a real-world, real-life representation of math.
"Once you fold it, that's where the fractions come in, because you have one half, and then fold it again and you have one-fourth," explained Arlayah Bradford and Breigh Holguin, of their summer course in fractions.
The young ladies couldn't stop folding paper and perfecting their designs, right down to the millimeter.
"You're learning how to do origami and math at the same time you do fractions," said Bradford.
"If they missed a step they can unfold a little bit, look back at what they have, and refold it," said Voltz. "So much in math is doing and undoing and finding your way."
Carter In The Classroom
Focusing on unique things school districts are doing to help children succeed.
Art isn't easy, and it's not for everyone.
"I like solving problems, I mostly like multiplication problems," said student Kwabena Okyere-Boaten.
"Yes, it's a struggle but as they keep going and going, they get better at it," said Voltz. "They don't realize it but this has a far greater reward at the end." | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/carter-in-the-classroom/teacher-uses-origami-to-help-students-master-math/3283501/ | 2023-06-23T21:46:00 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/carter-in-the-classroom/teacher-uses-origami-to-help-students-master-math/3283501/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools is looking to ban students from taking out their cellphones during the school.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The measure, which leaders discussed this week, goes beyond a ban that the state passed this year that forbids TikTok on all school and internet devices. The board is proposing banning cell phones from the time the morning bell rings for class until the time students go home, including during lunch and recess.
“Our number-one concern is to make sure our kids are safe,” OCPS superintendent Maria Vazquez said. “And what’s happening with social media with bullying, with the fights, almost all of them tie back to the cell phones.”
WATCH: SpaceX launches Starlink satellites with Falcon 9 rocket from Florida’s Space Coast
High school student Diamond Williams said it’s a “good idea.”
“Some kids nowadays don’t like to pay attention and they stay on their phones 24/7,” she said. “In school, it’s not really a need.”
The proposal comes on the heels of House Bill 379, which goes into effect July 1. It requires each school district in the state to prevent students from accessing TikTok and other social media through the school’s internet.
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However, some board members think it’s a step too far.
“I just feel like it’s up to the parent to parent, and by us saying you can’t use it on lunchtime because we’re forcing socialization, we’re parenting by forcing socialization,” vice chair Angie Gallo said.
READ: Flagler County School Board decides against proposal to arm teachers, staff on campus
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/local-district-looks-ban-students-using-cellphones-entirely-during-school-hours/NSJZTKW7HBDCNNTLEGHGTQHD5U/ | 2023-06-23T21:46:05 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/local-district-looks-ban-students-using-cellphones-entirely-during-school-hours/NSJZTKW7HBDCNNTLEGHGTQHD5U/ |
CALEDONIA, Miss. (WTVA) — A man is accused of murdering his girlfriend in Lowndes County.
Phillip House has been charged with murder in the death of Summer Tennyson.
Her body was found Tuesday inside her home on Grant Road near Caledonia. She had died from a single gunshot wound. Investigators estimate she died at approximately 3 a.m.
House was arrested that evening on unrelated charges. However, evidence and witness statements led to his arrest in Tennyson’s death, according to a news release from the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/man-arrested-for-girlfriends-murder-near-caledonia/article_95a6a8e6-1205-11ee-a6aa-9774b8141827.html | 2023-06-23T21:47:46 | 1 | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/man-arrested-for-girlfriends-murder-near-caledonia/article_95a6a8e6-1205-11ee-a6aa-9774b8141827.html |
STARKVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) — More arrests have been made in connection to a June 15 shooting in Starkville.
Starkville Police arrested Ma’Dayviun Lofton, 21, of Maben, on Wednesday, June 21 and charged him with aggravated assault.
Officers arrested a 17-year-old boy on Thursday, June 22. Police did not identify the suspect because he’s a juvenile.
Police arrested the first suspect, Camron Roby, 21, of Shuqualak, on the same day as the shooting. He’s also been charged with aggravated assault.
The shooting happened early that morning at the intersection of Highway 12 and Louisville Street. No one was injured.
An argument at the Westside Market is believed to have led to the shooting. The store and intersection are approximately a mile apart. | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/more-arrests-made-after-june-15-shooting-in-starkville/article_2bd2cdc0-120d-11ee-9976-5b0705accd80.html | 2023-06-23T21:47:52 | 0 | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/more-arrests-made-after-june-15-shooting-in-starkville/article_2bd2cdc0-120d-11ee-9976-5b0705accd80.html |
ABERDEEN, Miss. (WTVA) — The Mississippi Main Street Association recognized two people from Aberdeen during its June 15 awards luncheon.
The organization selected Dwight Stevens as its 2023 Main Street Hero. He owns Stevens Auction Company.
"To be nominated for this is truly an honor and I'm humble by that," he said.
The award is for people who have done a lot for their community. Stevens started a bed and breakfast for visitors.
"The citizens have got to want their town to be the best and those people we have them here,” he explained. “I received the award there but there are a lot of other people in Aberdeen that deserve just as much."
Flora Outlaw is the second award winner. She owns Flora's Collections, a women’s clothing store. She was named the 2023 Merchant of the Year.
"Wonderful…it's not, it doesn't even feel real,” she said. “I had to keep pinching myself because I couldn't believe I won. I have triplet granddaughters and it meant the world to me to share that with them so they can know that their grandmama accomplished that."
She is grateful for her 32 years in the business.
"I just want to give all praises for the ones to God first of all and to the ones who voted for me to be in this position."
This is part of WTVA’s new special “Main Street Mississippi.”
Reporter Avery Hilliard will highlight 10 communities recognized by the Mississippi Main Street Association during its annual awards luncheon on June 15. | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/pair-from-aberdeen-receive-mississippi-main-street-awards/article_191fb408-11fa-11ee-a938-f3ca92f6f446.html | 2023-06-23T21:47:58 | 1 | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/pair-from-aberdeen-receive-mississippi-main-street-awards/article_191fb408-11fa-11ee-a938-f3ca92f6f446.html |
Tully is WTVA’s Pet of the Week for June 23, brought to you by Cloverhaven Animal Hospital in Tupelo.
Do you want to adopt him? The adoption fee is $100.
Call the Tupelo-Lee Humane Society at 662-205-4221 or visit TupeloLeeHumane.org.
Tully is WTVA’s Pet of the Week for June 23, brought to you by Cloverhaven Animal Hospital in Tupelo.
Do you want to adopt him? The adoption fee is $100.
Call the Tupelo-Lee Humane Society at 662-205-4221 or visit TupeloLeeHumane.org. | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/pet-of-the-week---tully/article_b83802b6-11f5-11ee-85fc-7b867f1c6ab5.html | 2023-06-23T21:48:04 | 0 | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/pet-of-the-week---tully/article_b83802b6-11f5-11ee-85fc-7b867f1c6ab5.html |
BALTIMORE — Officers in marked police cars are a visible presence along North Avenue on one of the mean streets of West Baltimore, but it’s here in the shadows along a side street, North Carey Street, where it’s alleged ‘the Carey Boyz’ were dealing drugs and death.
“The joint effort in collaboration with the regional law enforcement agents resulted in criminal charges on eight members ranging from the ages of 19 to 59,” said Acting Baltimore Police Chief Rich Worley, “Seven of those members have previous arrests including narcotics, armed robbery violations as well as assault.”
In January, BPD’s Group Violence Unit launched an investigation into the group following extensive diversion efforts in Sandtown-Winchester to send traffickers down a different path.
“There is no joy in sending Black men to prison, and this group self-selected for focused enforcement attention, because of their continued involvement in violence,” said MONSE Executive Director Shantay Jackson.
During the five-month-long investigation, detectives seized two firearms, more than 1,100 vials of cocaine and 1,500 gel capsules tainted with fentanyl, but it didn’t stop there.
They obtained 11 search warrants for vehicles and homes in Cockeysville, Windsor Mill, Elkridge as well as Baltimore and hit pay dirt.
“Seven firearms, approximately a half kilo of suspected cocaine, approximately 890 grams of suspected cocaine, approximately 3,712 grams of suspected marijuana and over $200,000 in various denominations,” said Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates.
Statistics show three out of four murders in West Baltimore are tied to group violence, and police say this is one less group that could now contribute to that deadly equation. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/eight-members-of-west-baltimore-gang-carey-boyz-indicted | 2023-06-23T21:49:42 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/eight-members-of-west-baltimore-gang-carey-boyz-indicted |
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — A surgeon with LifeBridge Health is retiring after more than 40 years of service.
That surgeon is Dr. Alan Davis.
Dr. Davis is a well-respected surgeon. He worked hard over the last 42 years to provide quality care to all of his patients.
On Friday, friends and colleagues gathered in his office in Owings Mills for a retirement reception.
Dr. Davis went into private practice in 1982. He was instrumental in starting the Breast Care Center at Northwest Hospital.
He also helped to teach laparoscopic surgery. During his career, Dr. Davis had to make many sacrifices. This meant there were times he had to miss some family dinners and even stay late at the hospital.
Dr. Davis says he is grateful for his supportive family. He says even though he had to miss some family functions, he always made an effort to make it to his kids PTA meetings and their sporting events.
He prides himself in how he treated his patients.
"How many times people have come in here and say you saved my life. I hear that a lot. You've taken good care of me. You've done this for me and that for me. And we're indebted to you. You were always available. You were always kind. You sat and listened to us. That's what I'm going to remember the most, that I sat and listened to them. I heard what they said to me," said Dr. Davis.
Dr. Davis is going to retire from surgery, but he will work in the wound center a couple days a week.
He said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family. He may do some golfing. He admits he is not the best golfer, but enjoys playing for fun. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/lifebridge-health-surgeon-retires-after-more-than-40-years-of-service | 2023-06-23T21:49:48 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/lifebridge-health-surgeon-retires-after-more-than-40-years-of-service |
BALTIMORE — Just a few blocks away from the home of the fourth best team in baseball – the momentum of a winning season is growing.
“You can see just the swarms of people coming down and not just the ones that come from the neighborhoods but people coming in from out of town as well," said Mark Green with Pratt Street Ale House.
Pratt Street Ale House – and other businesses are seeing a revival from the days of COVID spurred by the Orioles and CFG Bank Arena.
The newly renovated venue is booking more acts, bringing more people to downtown and the Inner Harbor.
TJ and Cindy came from out-of-town for the sixth straight year to see the O’s play.
“We just love the area, we love Camden Yards and we always make a point to stop here when we come down," said Cindy Shepardson.
More fans of the Inner Harbor than the Orioles, they’ve never paid too much attention to the standings, until this year when TJ noticed they were one of the best teams in baseball.
“That was exciting for us cause now the atmosphere, we always love the atmosphere of Camden Yards so we’re hoping it will be exciting this time around as well," said TJ Shepardson.
The Orioles are home for the next nine days — the start of a great week for the businesses benefiting from their success. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/orioles-success-spurring-business-in-downtown-baltimore | 2023-06-23T21:49:54 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/orioles-success-spurring-business-in-downtown-baltimore |
BALTIMORE — Baltimore Police are investigating after a person's body was found inside a burning vehicle in North Baltimore.
Around 12:09 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of East Coldspring Lane to investigate a call for a vehicle fire.
After arriving, officers saw a vehicle engulfed in flames. After the Fire Department responded and extinguished the flames, a person was found inside the vehicle.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact CRASH Team investigators at 410-396-2606 or dial 911. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/police-person-found-dead-inside-burning-car-in-north-baltimore | 2023-06-23T21:50:00 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/police-person-found-dead-inside-burning-car-in-north-baltimore |
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Families are cleaning the Chesapeake Bay, one oyster ball at a time.
Today's rain couldn't stop this group at the library in Annapolis from helping the environment.
Kids and parents mixed concrete to make reef ball molds.
Tomorrow, they'll be put on to trailer and sent to a warehouse, where they'll cure for a year.
Then, they're covered with baby oysters and sent off to the bay to help filter pollutants.
Organizers say aside from the environmental importance it's also a good tool to educate the kids helping out.
"Being able to have the opportunity to build something that's going to you know, last years and years and years and be able to help rebuild our environment especially one that we're going to all know and love is probably incredibly beneficial I would hope," said Gabby Norton, librarian at Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library.
You can help load the reef balls at the library tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/volunteers-make-artificial-oyster-reef-balls-to-help-clean-up-the-chesapeake-bay | 2023-06-23T21:50:06 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/volunteers-make-artificial-oyster-reef-balls-to-help-clean-up-the-chesapeake-bay |
DALLAS (KDAF) — A Dallas food truck is getting a lot of singing praises from Dallasites.
Hip Hop Hibachi Food truck has many customers moving to their own beat after trying some of the amazing hibachi dishes they offer.
They are currently open Friday through Saturday 4 pm to 8 pm and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. But these times are posted weekly and may change! Check their Instagram for the next upcoming times and locations available.
From steak bowls to Seafood there are so many options! Are you down to experience some Hip Hop Hibachi? | https://cw33.com/news/local/dallas-gets-served-by-black-owned-hip-hop-hibachi-food-truck-get-hip-to-it/ | 2023-06-23T21:50:55 | 0 | https://cw33.com/news/local/dallas-gets-served-by-black-owned-hip-hop-hibachi-food-truck-get-hip-to-it/ |
DALLAS (KDAF) — June is National Adopt-A-Cat Month, which promotes cat adoption during the height of “kitten season.”
Landon Wexler got the chance to talk to the Founder and CEO of Tuft and Paw’s Really Great Cat Litter, Jackson Cunningham. The brand has gone viral for its flushable cat litter, and they are now partnering up with Crumbs & Whiskers Kitten & Cat Café in LA for National Adopt-A-Cat Month.
“I’m the founder of Tuft and Paw and we are a cat-first brand. We really designed modern products for cat people and cats. And we’re working with Crumbs & Whiskers here in Melrose and they bring in cats, help people come and visit them and then eventually hopefully adopt those cats,” said Cunningham.
Tuft and Paw’s eco-friendly cat litter dissolves in water and is created from byproducts of soybeans, minimizing waste and providing a cleaner solution. To learn more about the brand and its partnership for National Adopt-A-Cat Month, watch their interview above. | https://cw33.com/news/local/viral-tiktok-cat-brands-charitable-campaign-w-adorable-cats-and-more/ | 2023-06-23T21:51:01 | 0 | https://cw33.com/news/local/viral-tiktok-cat-brands-charitable-campaign-w-adorable-cats-and-more/ |
MATADOR, Texas — A 23-year-old San Angelo man has been identified as one of the four people killed in a tornado that hit the town of Matador Wednesday evening.
Fifteen people were injured in the storm that claimed the life of Troy Hernandez of San Angelo and three other people.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said Friday that the search and recovery of victims has been completed.
Everyone in Matador has been accounted for and no additional deaths have been reported.
DPS identified the four people killed as:
- Jo Etta Bumgardner, 85, of Matador
- Randell (Randy) Rolin, 59, of Purcell, Oklahoma
- Victor Valenzuela Jr., 43, of Austin
- Troy Hernandez, 23, of San Angelo
The damage of property reported was 29 structures destroyed, 11 with significant damage and 23 with damage with 61 properties affected by the storm.
As of 9:30 p.m. Thursday, power had been restored to 80 percent of the town.
DPS said city and county officials are sending thanks to people from surrounding cities and counties for their overwhelming support and outpouring of food, water and supplies.
Matador does not have any unmet needs at this time and ask that people stop sending water, food and supplies as they cannot store any more supplies. Donated clothing is not currently needed in Matador, DPS said, because officials are not equipped to store or categorize those types of donations.
An account has been set up through Happy State Bank under the name of the Matador Relief Fund. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/san-angelo-man-identified-as-matador-tornado-victim/504-c5aebbe8-7a91-4562-8062-d4ce7d2822d0 | 2023-06-23T21:58:18 | 0 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/san-angelo-man-identified-as-matador-tornado-victim/504-c5aebbe8-7a91-4562-8062-d4ce7d2822d0 |
UTICA, N.Y. -- Remember when you graduated high school? Did you decorate your cap with sequins, stickers and other 'bling'?
A bunch of Proctor seniors did just that. Together, today, at the Midtown Utica Community Center.
It's a fairly new trend.
"When I was in high school, we didn't have a space that does that. Most of these kids are already our volunteers and interns. So, it's important for them because this is their community, and they like to decorate and stuff,” Nurallah Alawasha, program coordinator at the center, said.
They were expecting around 15 graduates to join the cap decorating this year and hope to grow this new tradition in the years ahead. | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/midtown-utica-community-center-program-for-decorating-graduation-caps/article_156756d0-11e7-11ee-a336-bf984eca361c.html | 2023-06-23T21:59:08 | 0 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/midtown-utica-community-center-program-for-decorating-graduation-caps/article_156756d0-11e7-11ee-a336-bf984eca361c.html |
STATE OF NEW YORK -- New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (NYSEG) customers will have a change to their utility bills; it’s about to decrease.
The reason?
After a review of the state's major utilities by the New York State Public Service Commission, which looked at “major utilities in terms of their performance in a number of key areas in 2022, including electric reliability service, electric safety, gas safety, and customer service,” utility revenues collected from customers will be reduced by nearly $30 million for six utility companies, one of which is NYSEG.
“The Commission’s rate design provides carrots and sticks based on utility performance,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “In 2022, almost a quarter of those utilities fell short of their legal requirements in certain areas. The Commission will aggressively work to ensure lagging utilities improve performance. Maintaining reliability and ensuring good customer service is required for utilities, and the Commission holds them accountable when they fail to meet our standards.”
According to officials, “The financial penalties will be applied in the next rate case of each of the respective utilities. The penalties will be applied to the pending NYSEG/RG&E rate case. This means that when the utility submits for a rate increase, the rate increase will be reduced by that amount during the review process. This will result in lower costs to consumers.”
Because of this, you can soon expect to see lower utility bills. | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/nyseg-customers-could-soon-see-lower-utility-bills/article_ceaf436e-11ec-11ee-82e4-0bdbc5bc91d2.html | 2023-06-23T21:59:14 | 1 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/nyseg-customers-could-soon-see-lower-utility-bills/article_ceaf436e-11ec-11ee-82e4-0bdbc5bc91d2.html |
A verdict is expected today in a trial for a 2022 murder.
Jurors are charged with determining whether 30-year-old Issac Martin is guilty of killing Dequavius Tyler, 27, on Fort Wayne's southeast side a year ago this month.
Tyler was gunned down in the 5000 block of Oliver Street on June 12, 2022. Martin was charged with murder in October.
During opening statements Wednesday, Tesa Helge, chief counsel for the Allen County Prosecutor's Office, said what started as a "silly" fist fight between the victim and defendant ended in a fatal shooting. Helge and her co-counsel, Deputy Prosecutor Tasha Lee, said during the trial that the crime scene would tell the story of what happened that night.
But the case is not that simple, according to Tyree Barfield and Jamie Egolf, Martin's defense attorneys. Egolf told jurors that night was an "absolute nightmare," but not one caused by her client.
She said the evidence did not point to Martin as the aggressor, but it did point to someone.
"Evidence will show you Dequavius Tyler brought a gun to a fist fight," Egolf said. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/courts/jury-deliberating-on-trial-for-2022-murder/article_5fa87d1c-11e9-11ee-89a0-db21c8746a9b.html | 2023-06-23T22:01:01 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/courts/jury-deliberating-on-trial-for-2022-murder/article_5fa87d1c-11e9-11ee-89a0-db21c8746a9b.html |
Warsaw is included in an area forecast for high ozone levels on Saturday, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management said today.
The department issued an Air Quality Action Day for much of the state, but not other parts of northeast Indiana.
Saturday will be sunny with temperatures in the upper 80s and lower 90s, with light and variable winds throughout the day, IDEM said in a statement. It said there would still be an influence from the Canadian wildfires across the state.
Anyone sensitive to changes in air quality may be affected when ozone levels are high, the department said. It said children, senior citizens and anyone with heart or lung conditions should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/warsaw-included-in-air-quality-action-day-on-saturday/article_cf7a7b3a-11fe-11ee-90db-e7d294194891.html | 2023-06-23T22:01:07 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/warsaw-included-in-air-quality-action-day-on-saturday/article_cf7a7b3a-11fe-11ee-90db-e7d294194891.html |
HAMMOND — A federal judge Friday ordered former GOP Portage Mayor James Snyder to surrender himself Oct. 16 to begin serving a 21-month prison term for his bribery and tax violation convictions.
Federal prosecutors sought to have 45-year-old Snyder turn himself in by Tuesday, but that request was denied by U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly.
During the Friday morning telephonic hearing, Kennelly referred to defense hopes of a successful appeal, specifically on the bribery charge, but said it remains a longshot.
"This is a really old case," he said.
In arguing for a delay in Snyder's surrender, defense attorney Andréa E. Gambino said, "We're not finished with the appeals process."
Snyder intends to seek another appellate hearing, as well as potentially seek to have the case heard by the Supreme Court, she said in a filing before the court.
"Mr. Snyder has received offers from several large firms with Supreme Court practices, to assist him in preparing a petition for a writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court," according to the defense. "These offers express the view that the Supreme Court is likely to grant certiorari on the issue."
The action in the case comes just more than a week after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit rejected all of Snyder's claims of error in his case, which upheld his convictions.
"Now that the judgment has been affirmed, it is appropriate to revoke the defendant’s bond and have the defendant surrender to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons," Amarjeet Bhachu, special attorney for the United States, had written in his request for a more immediate surrender.
The motion references federal code "permitting bond pending appeal only when appeal presents a 'substantial question of law' likely to result in reversal or new trial."
"In view of the fact that this matter has been pending for a considerable period, the government respectfully requests that the defendant be ordered to surrender within seven days, on or before June 27, 2023," the motion reads.
The accused was taken into custody and a search of the home led to the recovery of evidence that was consistent with narcotics trafficking, according to police.
The sentence, passed down Kennelly in October 2021, was well below the recommended sentencing guideline of 46 to 57 months on Snyder's federal bribery and tax violation convictions.
Kennelly then in December 2021 granted Snyder's request to remain out on bond while appealing his convictions, one of which had been affirmed during two different trials.
Snyder was found guilty of soliciting and accepting a $13,000 bribe in 2014 in return for steering a $1.125 million contract for the purchase of garbage trucks for the city of Portage to the local Great Lakes Peterbilt company. Additionally, federal prosecutors said he obstructed the Internal Revenue Service's efforts to collect unpaid taxes on a private mortgage company he ran.
He was tried and found guilty in February 2019. When Snyder’s attorneys moved for a judgment of acquittal or a new trial, the district court denied the motion for acquittal but granted Snyder a new trial on the bribery charge. He was convicted for a second time in March 2021.
In an appeal argued before the court in January, Snyder’s defense team said his rights were violated when the government seized email communications between him and his attorney as part of the discovery of evidence in the case.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Derek Hartz during this difficult time," Porter County police said.
The government maintained the integrity of its investigation through a filtering process in which federal agents determine which emails are considered “privileged” communications that should not be disclosed to the prosecution.
"The emails had been seized and the filter process completed before Snyder was indicted in November 2016, and only at that time did his Sixth Amendment right to counsel attach," the appellate court wrote. The court also concluded that seizure of Snyder’s emails under the warrant did not violate the particularity requirement of the Fourth Amendment.
Snyder's team further argued that his conviction was not supported by sufficient evidence, which the judges did not find to be legitimate.
"The evidence here was sufficient to support the jury’s verdict," the judges said. "Evidence at trial established that Snyder owed personal and payroll taxes and that the IRS had taken ‘specific, targeted’ steps to collect by levying Snyder’s personal and business bank accounts."
Snyder’s legal team took additional action in March, suing the city of Portage, Democratic Mayor Sue Lynch and city attorney Dan Whitten, accusing the two of instructing city employees, including case witness Randall Reeder Jr., to not meet with Snyder and his legal team as they prepared for his second trial.
Attorneys for the city, Lynch and Whitten filed a motion in May to dismiss. Snyder’s legal team has five days to respond to the motion, according to federal court records.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into the Porter County Jail
A federal judge Friday ordered former GOP Portage Mayor James Snyder to surrender himself Oct. 16 to begin serving a 21-month prison term for his bribery and tax violation convictions. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/portage-gop-snyder-bribery-federal/article_48be176c-11c4-11ee-bd18-13397e4c3ab5.html | 2023-06-23T22:01:22 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/portage-gop-snyder-bribery-federal/article_48be176c-11c4-11ee-bd18-13397e4c3ab5.html |
Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute marked the opening of its latest location in Crown Point.
The orthopedic health care provider had an open house to celebrate the second anniversary of its Crown Point clinic at 500 E. 109th Ave. in Crown Point. It never had a grand opening because of coronavirus restrictions.
Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute started in Gary 50 years ago and now has locations in Munster, Schererville, Portage, Chesterton, Valparaiso and Michigan City. It opened a clinic at the northeast corner of 109th Avenue and Delaware Street just off the Interstate 65 exit. Eleven specialists operate there, providing patients with bone, joint, muscle and nerve-related care.
“At Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute, we are dedicated to providing the same exceptional level of care our patients have come to trust, and we look forward to remaining a part of the Crown Point community for years to come,” Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute CEO Dale Ingram said. “We are proud to serve our neighbors and friends throughout the region, and we are excited that our brand-new, state-of-the-art facility tailored to the unique orthopedic needs of our patients will allow us to better do so.”
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Partner and spine surgeon Dwight Tyndall said the investment in the “new building demonstrates a significant commitment to Crown Point.”
Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute seeks to recruit world-class specialists and “continue to grow and deliver the “best orthopedic care in the country," president and hand surgeon Aaron Anderson said.
Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute employs 150 people across its network and serves as the team doctor for Valparaiso University, Indiana Elite FC, Boone Grove High School, Chesterton High School, Crown Point High School, Kankakee Valley High School, LaPorte High School, Portage High School, Valparaiso High School and Wheeler High School.
“We are blessed and fortunate that Lakeshore Bone and Joint chose Crown Point for their new facility delivering first-class healthcare to our community," Crown Point Mayor Pete Land said.
For more information, visit lbji.com or call 219-921-1444.
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Maple + Bacon, deli and Divalicious Desserts Bakery & Cafe opening
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NWI Business Ins and Outs: Pierogi stand, Brown Skin Coffee and Alpha Family Resale opening; Ixxa and Dan's Pierogies updating | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lakeshore-bone-joint-institute-marks-anniversary-in-crown-point/article_8b09663e-111b-11ee-b1b9-3bce9ef9696f.html | 2023-06-23T22:01:28 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lakeshore-bone-joint-institute-marks-anniversary-in-crown-point/article_8b09663e-111b-11ee-b1b9-3bce9ef9696f.html |
CLEBURNE COUNTY, Ark. — One juvenile is dead after a fall at Damsite Park.
The Cleburne County Sheriff's Office responded to the call around 11 a.m. on Tuesday and found a boy had fallen 40 feet off a bluff.
A family member was performing CPR when the sheriffs arrived. Survival Flight transported him to a nearby hospital, where he died shortly after.
According to the Cleburne County Sheriff's Office, no additional updates or information will be released at this time. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/1-dead-damsite-park/91-25c8e040-871d-450f-aa5a-e9ed9789cbb3 | 2023-06-23T22:01:55 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/1-dead-damsite-park/91-25c8e040-871d-450f-aa5a-e9ed9789cbb3 |
CORSICANA, Texas — The Corsicana Independent School District is in mourning after a crash killed three people, including two students.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the crash occurred at 8:40 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, in the area of FM 709 – about a mile south of Retreat, Texas.
According to the preliminary report, a Ford Mustang driven by 35-year-old Jeremy Dylan Price was traveling north on FM 709 when it drifted off the east side of the road into a ditch, striking a culvert and vaulting into the air.
DPS said the vehicle rolled several times, ejecting Price and both rear-seat passengers. Price was pronounced dead at the scene, along with 16-year-old Madison Nicole Acker, of Corsicana.
DPS said the other ejected passenger, identified as 14-year-old Cory Campbell, of Powell, was transported to Navarro Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
A third passenger in the vehicle, a 15-year-old boy from Rice, Texas, was also transported to the Children's Medical Center in Dallas – his condition is unknown at this time.
DPS said all three ejected passengers were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Corsicana ISD released the following statement to its social media pages following the news, “Corsicana ISD mourns the passing of several students in a tragic accident last night. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.”
DPS said the investigation into the crash is ongoing. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/corsicana-crash-three-killed-including-two-students-dps-says/287-b886efd0-7cbe-4120-b565-aca47e994a9b | 2023-06-23T22:06:08 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/corsicana-crash-three-killed-including-two-students-dps-says/287-b886efd0-7cbe-4120-b565-aca47e994a9b |
FORT WORTH, Texas — Overcrowding at North Texas animal shelters is an issue every summer, but this summer is even worse.
Officials at Dallas Animal Services say their main shelter is at 130% capacity for dogs. In Fort Worth, the combined capacity of the city’s shelters is 99%, numbers that are only expected to grow throughout the summer.
“We don’t like to use terminology such as desperate, but I would say at our current situation it would be an accurate representation of where we are,” said Amanda Atwell, public information officer for Dallas Animal Services.
The city has seen an increase for many reasons, most notably pets that aren’t spayed or neutered. It’s actually illegal in both Dallas and Fort Worth to not spay or neuter pets. It’s also illegal to breed pets without a permit.
The resulting overpopulation means shelters receive more surrenders and more strays and without relief, some will eventually be euthanized.
Both cities encourage residents to help by adopting or fostering. More importantly, they want to provide resources for anyone considering surrendering a pet.
“If it’s something simple like food, the shelter offers food,” said Anastasia Ramsey, acting superintendent at Silcox Animal Shelter in Fort Worth. “These are all things that we will provide for you.”
For information on adoption and fostering in Fort Worth, visit https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/code-compliance/animals/adoptable.
For information on adoption and fostering in Dallas, visit https://bedallas90.org/. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dfw-animal-shelters-over-capacity-need-donations-adoptions-fosters/287-858b9728-1a9e-498a-9fe0-773a290fbcd5 | 2023-06-23T22:06:14 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dfw-animal-shelters-over-capacity-need-donations-adoptions-fosters/287-858b9728-1a9e-498a-9fe0-773a290fbcd5 |
TEXAS, USA — The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) issued a weather watch from June 25-30 because of forecasted higher temperatures and higher electrical demand.
Grid conditions are expected to be normal during the watch. ERCOT said it continues to monitor conditions closely and will deploy all available tools to manage the grid and continue its reliability-first approach to operations.
ERCOT set a new June peak demand record of 79,304 MWs June 19. ERCOT’s 6-day Supply and Demand dashboard is showing the possibility of a new all-time peak demand record next week. The dashboards will update in real-time as the week progresses.
A release from the agency said there is currently enough capacity to meet forecasted demand.
Last year, ERCOT set 11 new peak demand records, surpassing 80 GWs for the first time ever. The current record of 80,148 MWs was set on July 20, 2022.
ERCOT encourages Texans to sign up for grid condition notifications through the Texas Advisory and Notification System at ercot.com/txans. Texans can also monitor real-time and extended grid conditions at ercot.com. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/ercot-issues-weather-watch-for-june-25-30/504-5c04aaed-d029-4c02-ab47-501a60f0396c | 2023-06-23T22:06:21 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/ercot-issues-weather-watch-for-june-25-30/504-5c04aaed-d029-4c02-ab47-501a60f0396c |
SHEFFIELD — A man shot and killed by a Franklin County Sheriff’s deputy in Sheffield on Tuesday was wielding what turned out to be a pellet gun.
According to a release from the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation, 30-year-old Matt Davis of Hampton was shot and killed by deputies responding to a report of a domestic disturbance. The release states Davis was arguing with family members who had locked themselves inside the home. When deputies ordered Davis to drop the gun he allegedly refused and walked toward deputies and pointed the gun at the deputies and passing vehicles.
Davis was shot once by a Franklin County deputy. It is unclear where on his person he was hit. The weapon Davis pointed at deputies was later determined to be a pellet gun. The incident was captured on deputies’ body cameras. No deputies were injured during the incident.
Deputies were originally called to the residence at 1124 Gilman St. at 9:42 p.m. It is unclear what time the shooting took place.
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Franklin County Sheriff Aaron Dodd said MercyOne North Iowa’s Air Med helicopter landed in a nearby football field to transport Davis, but he died before he could be airlifted.
Dodd said the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Iowa State Patrol are investigating the shooting and the unidentified deputy is on leave pending the completion of the investigation.
He added that whenever there is a shooting involving his department the DCI is called in to investigate.
Other agencies that assisted on the scene were Sheffield EMS, Franklin General Hospital Ambulance, the Sheffield Fire Department and the Hampton Police Department. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/crime-courts/shot-sheriff-deputy-gun-pellet/article_b01ed7c4-11d4-11ee-a759-4f812e7f9d7d.html | 2023-06-23T22:07:33 | 1 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/crime-courts/shot-sheriff-deputy-gun-pellet/article_b01ed7c4-11d4-11ee-a759-4f812e7f9d7d.html |
CONVERSE, Texas — A Converse family is still mourning the loss of a son, brother, uncle, and a man who was willing to lend a helping hand.
Nathan Malosh was identified as one of the five victims who died in a fatal crash on Highway 87 north of Comfort on Monday. Preliminary information from Texas DPS shows that Nathan was in a black vehicle driving southbound when a white sedan with four men disregarded a no-passing zone and hit Malosh’s car.
Family described Malosh as a self-starter. He had an HVAC certification and would help in several jobs around the house.
“Nathan was the one you always called when you needed to get something done, when it needed to be handled, you called Nathan because he was there,” Jenniffer Crider, Nathan’s mother told KENS 5. She says her son was working on his girlfriend’s vehicle in Fredericksburg over the weekend and was heading home when he was involved in the wreck.
“All I can say is God must be putting together an army because he’s got some of my boys up there,” Crider says she lost her other son two years ago. She says her son borrowed his sister’s car for the trip, and now she’s left without transportation for work and her children.
“One day you’re mad, the next day you’re sad, then the times were sitting talking about the good memories, but we shouldn’t be burying our kids,” Crider adds.
The family has a GoFundMe page which they say will raise money for funeral expenses and to hopefully replace Kim Malosh’s vehicle.
MORE LOCAL NEWS | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/32-year-old-man-was-driving-home-from-fredericksburg-when-troopers-say-he-was-hit-in-fatal-crash-comfort-texas/273-70d4405f-def0-4415-b09e-1fc241766630 | 2023-06-23T22:09:55 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/32-year-old-man-was-driving-home-from-fredericksburg-when-troopers-say-he-was-hit-in-fatal-crash-comfort-texas/273-70d4405f-def0-4415-b09e-1fc241766630 |
SAN ANTONIO — A jury has found that Hunt Military Communities, which manages military housing properties across 21 states, failed to make a diligent effort to repair conditions in the home of a U.S. Army family living on JBSA-Randolph and failed to ensure all facilities were in safe condition within the home.
Friday's decision serves as the climax of a trial that began on June 5, centered on mold, water damage and health hazards in military homes that attorneys argued were "exacerbated by substandard service."
The charges brought against Hunt were specifically related to a breach of contract, but didn't discuss any of the health issues that families say they’ve experienced.
The Vinales family is expected to be awarded damages, around more than $91,000; the jury was asked to consider an amount of more than $96,000.
"I feel absolutely vindicated. While I’m at work, it’s something hard to watch your family go through that, especially my wife submitting the work orders," Lt. Col. Shane Vinales told KENS 5 after the verdict.
Speaking about his family's experience after moving in in 2017, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Shane Vinales testified this month that he noticed a musky smell at his JBSA-Randolph home since day 1, but claimed a property management worker dismissed it. Vinales said the smell was mold, which was reported on their move-in form.
“Rusted blinds, dry rot on the door, rust on the appliances, black water coming out of the faucet,” Vinales said, citing some of the issues they noticed when they first moved in.
He also testified that his wife, who was a stay-at-home mom, submitted close to 100 work orders during the time they lived there. Vinales says his refrigerator lost power during a family gathering, and the maintenance team’s response was to run an extension cord from outside to turn the fridge back on.
"I feel justice is starting to be made not just for us but...for the families that didn't feel like they had a voice,"
“A lot of it appeared to be Band-Aid fixes,” Vinales said, testifying about the work orders that were completed. In early 2019 is when the issues came to a head. Vinales also recalled sitting on his living room couch watching TV when he saw a “significant crack” come through a joint between the wall and floor.
June's court proceedings are expected to be the first of many such trials involving Hunt and families complaining of issues within the company's homes.
In part of a statement, Hunt Military Communities said the following: "We respect the judicial process and will be reviewing our legal options, including the possibility of appeal, to seek what we believe is a just and fair resolution. We firmly believe the outcome does not reflect the facts or evidence of the case."
This is a developing story. Check back with KENS5.com for updates.
>TRENDING ON KENS 5 YOUTUBE: | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/military-housing-communities-hunt-trial-randolph-court-san-antonio-texas-jury-verdict-san-antonio-texas/273-ca1dbe0d-76de-471b-99ac-8a68e9a1ca80 | 2023-06-23T22:10:01 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/military-housing-communities-hunt-trial-randolph-court-san-antonio-texas-jury-verdict-san-antonio-texas/273-ca1dbe0d-76de-471b-99ac-8a68e9a1ca80 |
DALLAS — Filmmaker Jean Luc Godard had a famous quote, "When you photograph a face, you photograph the soul behind it."
That's the mission of the Heart Gallery of North Texas presented by Gladney Center for Adoption.
This special project uses professional portraits displayed in the community to connect families to foster children in the custody of Child Protective Services.
Right now, you can find Heart Gallery displays all across North Texas, including at Stonebriar in Frisco, The Parks at Arlington, Town East Mall in Dallas and Hulen Mall in Fort Worth. The hope is that you can see the soul of these children and be moved to either adopt them or help to support this project financially.
Heart Gallery of North Texas says, "Each photo in the gallery captures a child's spirit, bringing to life their wonderful personalities in ways that words cannot. They say, 'See me. I deserve a loving and caring family.'"
Many of displays are of children who have been featured in WFAA's Wednesday’s Child reports. Teens like 16-year-old Jaydan, who has been in foster care for 10 years.
WFAA met up with Jaydan for the second time this past March, and he spoke about what he would tell his forever family when they find one another.
"If I get this family, then one day I get to go back and say these people gave me something a lot of people weren't going to give me and tell them I can't thank them enough for it,” he said.
Also, a special recognition to the Governor's Commission for Women. They support the Heart Gallery in cities across Texas to ensure that communities are doing everything possible to help these children find their forever families.
If you have any questions about this cause, please visit HeartGalleryNorthTexas.org.
If you would like to read more Wednesday's Child stories and find out more about adoption, click here. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/outreach/heart-gallery-north-texas-gladney-center-adoption-child-protective-services/287-4c0aea81-240c-4252-a3f4-0be474cd4791 | 2023-06-23T22:10:07 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/outreach/heart-gallery-north-texas-gladney-center-adoption-child-protective-services/287-4c0aea81-240c-4252-a3f4-0be474cd4791 |
The Supreme Court of Texas narrowly decided Friday that sovereign immunity, which largely shields government agencies from civil lawsuits, also protects the operator of the Texas electric grid.
The 5-4 opinion will likely free the nonprofit corporation from lawsuits filed by thousands of Texans for deaths, injuries and damages following the deadly 2021 winter storm, unless lawyers find another way forward.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the power supply for most of Texas, qualifies for immunity because it “provides an essential governmental service,” Chief Justice Nathan Hecht wrote in the majority opinion. State law intended for ERCOT to have the power of an “arm of the State government,” Hecht wrote. If anyone is going to hold ERCOT accountable for its actions, Hecht wrote, it should be state regulators or the Legislature, not the courts.
Freezing temperatures gripped the state during the 2021 winter storm, straining the power supply so much that ERCOT called for cutting power to millions of homes and businesses to prevent the grid’s collapse. More than 200 people died. Experts estimated afterward that financial losses totaled between $80 billion and $130 billion, including physical damage and missed economic opportunity.
Thousands of residents accused ERCOT, power companies and distribution companies of failing to prepare for the freezing weather.
Lawyers expect the high court’s decision will allow ERCOT to be dismissed from the litigation, although it does not shield other defendants.
Attorney Mia Lorick, who represents some of those plaintiffs, said she sees only a slim possibility that lawyers could keep claims against ERCOT alive by arguing that their cases have differences that somehow skirt the sovereign immunity finding.
Majed Nachawati, whose firm is representing other plaintiffs in the related cases said, “The Texas Supreme Court’s decision is disappointing to say the least. People lost their lives and the only recourse to the citizens of Texas is to be able to go through the judicial process, and the judicial system, to try to remedy or right the wrong that occurred in this case. And if you can’t count on our judiciary to protect its citizens, I think we’re in a lot of trouble.”
Justices Jeff Boyd and John Devine, along with two others, disagreed that ERCOT has sovereign immunity. Purely private entities are clearly not sovereign, and making them so undermines the public trust, they wrote. The justices argued that “no statute designates ERCOT as a part of the government” and that courts should not be barred from hearing claims against it.
The ruling sprang from two cases filed against ERCOT. San Antonio’s municipally owned utility, CPS Energy, alleged that ERCOT mishandled the soaring price of power during the 2021 winter storm. And private equity investors at Panda Power Funds alleged that 10 years earlier ERCOT issued reports that misled them about how much power the grid needed.
ERCOT spokespersons issued a statement saying that the organization was pleased with the decision. CPS Energy said in a statement that it was disappointed but thankful that four justices agreed with the utility as it sought relief for customers. The utility said the litigation still led to “critical discussions at the highest levels that are necessary to improve our power grid and energy market.”
The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
>TRENDING ON KENS 5 YOUTUBE: | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/ercot-texas-supreme-court-ruling-2021-winter-storm-uri-electric-grid-power/273-830508fb-b92a-466d-ba66-c42e73f507d2 | 2023-06-23T22:10:13 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/ercot-texas-supreme-court-ruling-2021-winter-storm-uri-electric-grid-power/273-830508fb-b92a-466d-ba66-c42e73f507d2 |
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s office sent the wrong Issue 1 ballot language to county boards of election this month, but local elections officials say after minor adjustments, they’re on schedule for the Aug. 8 vote.
An email Tuesday from Chris Burnett, LaRose’s director of elections, apologizes to county-level officials for what Burnett called a “transcription error.”
“The corrected Sample Ballot that is attached contains the revised language for Issue 1 that was certified by the Ohio Ballot Board on June 13, 2023, specifically in the third bullet-point,” Burnett’s email says. “Boards must immediately revise their ballots, update the election management system, update the remote ballot marking system, and perform logic and accuracy testing.”
The issue was first reported by Cleveland.com.
Ohio voters will decide Aug. 8 whether to amend the Ohio Constitution, making citizen-led initiatives to change that Constitution much more difficult. While supporters argue the Constitution should be harder to amend, opponents say everyday citizens should retain that power as a check on a scandal-ridden, gerrymandered state legislature.
On June 12, the Ohio Supreme Court ordered a rewrite of the Issue 1 ballot language, saying parts were inaccurate and potentially misleading. The next day, the Ohio Ballot Board did the rewrite, and LaRose’s office sent updated (but incorrect) language to Ohio’s 88 county boards of election.
The specific error in the Secretary of State’s June 13 email was in the section about signature-gathering requirements for citizen-led initiatives.
Alisha Lampert, director of the Greene County Board of Elections, said her office had already printed a ballot “test deck” with the incorrect language and had programmed voting machines and begun testing them. But she said the correction was only a matter of “a couple hundred” dollars and a few hours of work.
Miami County Elections Director Laura Bruns said they were about two-thirds finished with their “logic and accuracy” testing, and starting over cost them about a day’s work.
Friday, June 23 was the deadline for election boards to send out the first set of absentee ballots, for uniformed military and overseas voters (UOCAVA).
Bruns said the Miami County Board of Elections was able to print those ballots in-house with the new, corrected language, meaning they had no problems meeting the UOCAVA deadline.
Montgomery County Elections Director Jeff Rezabek said they would also meet the Friday deadline.
Ohio Republicans had previously criticized August elections as undemocratic and moved to eliminate them. But they added this August vote on late notice, after it became clear that Democratic-aligned groups would try to change Ohio’s Constitution to enshrine protections for abortion.
This week, the Secretary of State’s office apologized for the added work their error created and said they would cover any costs required to make the change.
“We recognize the burden this election has already placed on our boards, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this causes,” Burnett said. “Steps have been taken internally to address the breakdown in protocol that led to this error.”
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/ohio-secretary-of-state-sent-wrong-issue-1-ballot-language-to-election-offices/MJYSEVMIZZE7LNFTEJFTG4CXNY/ | 2023-06-23T22:12:20 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/ohio-secretary-of-state-sent-wrong-issue-1-ballot-language-to-election-offices/MJYSEVMIZZE7LNFTEJFTG4CXNY/ |
CROWN POINT — A Merrillville man was sentenced to a year and a half in prison and a year of probation on Friday on charges that he molested a 14-year-old.
Joseph R. Eyer, 52, was charged in 2020 with three counts of child molestation, a single count of sexual misconduct and a single count of sexual battery, according to court records.
Charging documents detailed how Eyer, a former deacon, purportedly molested the teen for several years in Gary. Eyer allegedly watched the boy in the shower many times and touched his genitals, according to the probable cause affidavit.
Eyer entered a plea deal in February, which required that he’d plead guilty to sexual battery and register as a sex offender, according to the stipulated plea agreement. The child molestation and misconduct charges were dismissed after Eyer was sentenced, as set forth by the plea agreement.
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Eyer’s wife testified ahead of his sentencing and asked Judge Salvador Vasquez to give him a modified sentence because her husband helps her run her business.
“He is a good man doing the best he can,” she told the courtroom.
Prosecutor Tara Villarreal asked the woman if she was aware about what happened (in reference to the purported molestation) and the woman said she was, but she felt that it was exaggerated.
A man from Eyer’s church, who said he works in church security, also testified in support of him ahead of his sentencing. He described Eyer as a good man who always has a smile on his face and said he is not concerned about Eyer being around children at the church.
Eyer’s brother described him as a master manipulator, and said Eyer has a pattern of behaving inappropriately with children.
The man detailed how when they were younger, their parents begged Eyer to stay away from children. He asked Judge Vasquez to give Eyer the maximum sentence because he feels that is the only way his brother will truly understand the consequences of his actions.
“He needs a wake-up call or else he’ll continue living that way,” Eyer’s brother said.
Eyer’s sister reiterated her brother’s testimony that something must be done or his behavior will continue.
“Doesn’t somebody have to stand up and say it’s wrong?” she said.
Michael Campbell, Eyer’s attorney, said his client should receive a modified sentence because he has limited criminal history and is unlikely to reoffend.
Villarreal disagreed with Campbell’s characterization of Eyer. She said Eyer has shown a clear pattern of conduct, and noted that the most disturbing aspect is how he always wants to be around children.
Villarreal said Eyer has not taken full responsibility, and pointed out how in his pre-sentence report Eyer said he doesn’t have a relationship with his brother because “he’s the one who started all this.”
“That’s the defendant’s true character – blaming everyone else,” she said.
She also said the church and Eyer’s wife manipulated the victim in an attempt to get him to recant the allegations.
Before he was sentenced, Eyer apologized for his actions and said he is taking full responsibility for what he’s done. “I don’t make light of it and I don’t try to excuse it,” he told the courtroom.
Eyer’s brother said that he is satisfied with his brother’s sentence, and added that he feels that his brother will finally start to see the repercussions for his actions. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/crown-point/merrillville-eyer-molestation-deacon/article_45754836-120b-11ee-ba48-57e988dd358c.html | 2023-06-23T22:14:02 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/crown-point/merrillville-eyer-molestation-deacon/article_45754836-120b-11ee-ba48-57e988dd358c.html |
WILDWOOD — Lifelike sculptures have returned to Holly Beach Park, Pacific & Glenwood Pocket Park, Scotty's Park, and SOLCOW Park in Wildwood.
The Seward Johnson sculptures are an art installation part of the city's Arts in the Park program, which began two years ago.
The sculptures are so realistic that they prompted several calls to the Wildwood police last year, officials say.
“This is really a dream come true for me. I have seen our parks go from ignored to adored in just a few short years. The #ArtsintheParks program is exactly what it should be – a way to bring our community together. We welcome visitors to join our programming all summer long," said Deputy Mayor Krista Fitzsimons, who oversees Wildwood Special Events.
There is also a bike tour map on the City of Wildwood website to go along with the sculptures, which will be on display until November.
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Visit www.wildwoodnj.org for more information. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/new-jersey-sculptor-work-back-in-wildwood/article_f901293e-1200-11ee-b146-8f037c0d7330.html | 2023-06-23T22:23:15 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/new-jersey-sculptor-work-back-in-wildwood/article_f901293e-1200-11ee-b146-8f037c0d7330.html |
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Dozens of craft and food vendors are set up in Williamsport's Brandon Park this weekend.
It is all a part of the city's annual craft festival known as Homemade Days.
"It is my first time coming here, but I think it is cool to see all the different vendors, and it is nice that people came out on a cloudy day," said Mason Lauchle of Montoursville.
"With the variety of all the different vendors coming together, it makes the whole show better," said Paul Kadash of Williamsport.
Kadash says the festival is a chance for folks to show off their craftsmen skills. His stand is selling wind chimes and lamps using wine glasses and bottles.
"Mostly solar-operated lights that you can hang on your patio or porch. Things to just brighten up the day for you," he added.
Sharon Shutt's stand was popular on day one of the show. She has been selling her crafts at Homemade Days for more than 20 years.
"I will go to yard sales, flea markets, estate sales and just look and say that doesn't cost much, and I think I can make something out of that," she said.
Items such as clothes, trinkets, jewelry, handbags, and other knick-knacks are all up for sale. With rain in the forecast, vendors are hoping people come out and shop.
"It was slow at first, but it is starting to pick up now," stated Kadash.
"It is awesome when it is not raining. I have been doing it a long time, and hopefully, it builds up again," said Shutt.
The event will also run on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lycoming-county/homemade-days-returns-to-billtown-williamsport-paul-kadash-brandon-park-sharon-shutt-lycoming-county/523-50051448-52a0-4784-9e12-05cd83002514 | 2023-06-23T22:24:39 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lycoming-county/homemade-days-returns-to-billtown-williamsport-paul-kadash-brandon-park-sharon-shutt-lycoming-county/523-50051448-52a0-4784-9e12-05cd83002514 |
SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY, Pa. — Shooters took aim at clay birds Breaking Clays for Kids.
The tournament held at Rock Mountain Sporting Clays near Montrose raises money for the Children's Advocacy Center of Susquehanna & Wyoming Counties.
"It's different, it's not a golf event, it's not other typical types of fundraisers, and it's really embraced by the community," said Sean Gerow, Family Service Association of NEPA CEO.
Teams of four took to the course. More than 60 people participated in the event for a good cause.
"Most of us are outdoors people anyway, and our organization, we try to do as much as we can to help out the local communities," said Richard Hettis, tournament participant.
"Most of these events start small, and they might have had a couple dozen people, and it just grew from there," said Mike Koneski, Rock Mountain Sporting Clays owner.
This is the 8th year for the tournament. All the money raised goes to the Children's Advocacy Center, which offers free services for children and their families as they go through some type of traumatic event.
Janine Fortney is the organization's director in Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties and says hosting an event for a tough subject can be hard, and that's why they had to get creative.
"I know child abuse is not something people are keen on hearing about or talking about. This is a way for people to show their support without having to get so engaged in those details," said Janine Fortney, Children's Advocacy Center of Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties director.
It may be a fundraiser, but it's still a competition.
Awards for top shooters and top teams will be handed out, but most participants said the real winners are the kids the CAC helps.
"There's a little friendly competition here, I think, but I'll be honest with you. We probably won't go and check the scores afterward. I'll be honest," added Hettis.
The event also featured raffles and lunch in Susquehanna County.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/susquehanna-county/breaking-clays-for-kids-in-susquehanna-county-springville-township-sean-gerow-richard-hettis-mike-koneski-janine-fortney/523-c5e2cfed-525f-4d08-aa76-743b9e97bcc9 | 2023-06-23T22:24:45 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/susquehanna-county/breaking-clays-for-kids-in-susquehanna-county-springville-township-sean-gerow-richard-hettis-mike-koneski-janine-fortney/523-c5e2cfed-525f-4d08-aa76-743b9e97bcc9 |
BLOOMINGTON — A 22-year-old man was taken into federal custody Wednesday in connection to the murder of a Bloomington man, the McLean County Sheriff’s Office said Friday afternoon.
Desmond S. Sterling was arrested in Chicago by U.S. Marshals and Chicago police on a McLean County warrant, charged with murder in the shooting death of 20-year-old Kiejoun Watts.
Watts was found Feb. 20 with a gunshot wound on the property of Victory Church in Bloomington . Preliminary autopsy results indicated he died of a gunshot wound.
The sheriff’s office had sought information about a vehicle believed to have a connection to his death.
In a statement Friday, MCSO said the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force “developed information related to the location of Desmond Sterling.”
He was arrested without incident and detained at the Cook County Jail before being transported to McLean County.
The bond on his warrant is set at $2 million, 10% to apply.
No further information was immediately available. A book photo was also not immediately available Friday.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact Det. Hanner at the sheriff’s office, 309-888-5063.
The recent Nashville school shooting is a harrowing reminder of just how bad gun violence has become in the US, getting worse pretty much every year. But a report by the CDC reveals that deaths related to guns are now the leading cause of death amongst teens, more than literally anything else. Veuer’s Tony Spitz has the details.
Updated mug shots from The Pantagraph
Bryant Lewis
Bryant Lewis, 28, of Bloomington, is charged with home invasion causing injury, a Class X felony. His next appearance is Dec. 30.
Connor Wood
Derek Roesch
Derek Roesch of Saybrook was charged Thursday, Nov. 10 in McLean County Law and Justice Center with several counts, including:
-Two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, Class 2 felonies
-One count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon while on parole, Class 2 felony
-Two counts of unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a felon, class 2 felonies
-One count of unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a felon while on parole, class 2 felony
-Unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver (greater than 2000 grams but less than 5000 grams), a class 1 felony
-Unlawful possession of cannabis (greater than 2000 grams but less than 5000 grams), a class 2 felony
-Unlawful possession of a controlled substance, psylocibin less than 15 grams, a class 4 felony
-Unlawful possession of methamphetamine, less than five grams, a class 3 felony.
-Unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, a class A misdemeanor
Justin M. Mata
Justin M. Mata, 28, no address given, is charged with possession of less than five grams of meth with intent to deliver, a Class 2 felony, and possession of less than five grams of meth, a Class 3 felony. He was released on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond and his next appearance is Dec. 30.
Connor Wood
Marcus D. Wesley
Marcus D. Wesley, 36, is charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon in a vehicle (Class 4 felony), unlawful possession of cannabis (Class 3 felony) and unlawful possession of cannabis with the intent to deliver (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Phillip Tinch
Phillip Tinch of Normal was charged Thursday, Nov. 10 at the McLean County Law and Justice Center with several felonies including:
- Five counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, more than one but less than 15 grams of a substance containing cocaine, a Class 1 felony.
-One count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, less than one gram of a substance containing cocaine, a Class 2 felony.
Trisha L. Hanke
Trisha L. Hanke, 36, is charged with theft of over $10,000 (Class 2 felony). Court documents indicate she knowingly took $14,000 belonging to a Love's Travel Stop, in LeRoy, where she was employed.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
William B. Givens
William B. Givens, 49, no address given, is charged with unlawful possession of five to 15 grams of meth with intent to deliver, a Class 1 felony, possession of less than five grams of meth with intent to deliver, a Class 2 felony, possession of five to 15 grams of meth, a Class 2 felony, and possession of less than five grams of meth, a Class 3 felony. His next appearance is Dec. 30.
Connor Wood
David L. Oliver
David L. Oliver, 51, of Bloomington, is charged with predatory criminal sexual assault.
Kenneth E. Funk
Kenneth E. Funk, 27, is charged with residential burglary (Class 1 felony) involving an apartment in Lexington on Dec. 31, 2022.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jordan R. King
Charges have been filed against Jordan R. King, 34, for violation of the Illinois Violent Offender Against Youth Act.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Holly M. Isaacson
Isaacson
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kenneth L. Minton
Kenneth L. Minton, 51, is charged with aggravated home repair fraud (Class 2 felony) and theft (Class 3 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tony L. Jackson
Tony L. Jackson, 50, is charged for violation of the Illinois Violent Offender Against Youth Act (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Britley L. Hilger
Britley L. Hilger, 32, is charged with aggravated battery (Class 2 felony) after she supposedly punched a McLean County Detention Facility officer in the chest.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jasmine L. Smith
Jasmine L. Smith, 31, is charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol (Class 2 felony) and five counts of endangering the life or health of a child (Class A misdemeanors).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jackie S. Claypool
Jackie S. Claypool, 46, appeared for a Friday bond court hearing for two new cases which charged her for one count of burglary (Class 2 felony), four counts of forgery (Class 3) and one count of deceptive practices (Class 4 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Noah R. Demuth
Noah R. Demuth, 22, of Evanston, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer, a Class 2 felony, aggravated battery in a public way, a Class 3 felony, mob action, a Class 4 felony, and obstructing a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor. His next court date is Feb. 17.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Brandon L. Parsano
Brandon L. Parsano, 39, is charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, a Class 2 felony. His next appearance is Feb. 17 for an arraignment.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Alexander N. Williams
Alexander N. Williams, 24, was charged Feb. 2 with the following:
3 counts of unlawful delivery of cannabis between 30 and 500 grams - Class 3 felonies. 2 counts of armed violence - Class X felonies. 1 count of unlawful possession of cannabis between 2,000 and 5,000 grams with the intent to sell - a Class 1 felony. 1 count of unlawful possession of cannabis between 500 and 2,000 grams with the intent to sell - a Class 2 felony. 3 counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon - Class 3 felonies. 1 count of unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a felon - a Class 3 felony 3 counts of violating the Illinois FOID act - Class 3 felonies.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Carlos Sanchez-Solozarzano
Carlos H. Sanchez-Solozarzano, 22, was charged with 1 count of criminal sexual assault, a Class 1 felony.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jaylin S. Bones
Jaylin S. Bones was charged with four counts of first-degree murder stemming from a homicide in Bloomington last year. A McLean County grand jury also returned a bill of indictment charging him with attempted first degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm (Class X felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jordan R. King
Jordan R. King, 34, was charged with violating the Illinois Violent Offender Against Youth Act (Class 2 felony) a second time in under a month.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Dominique M. Banks
Dominique M. Banks, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery involving strangulation (Class 2 felony). The incident happened in October 2022 and involved one victim.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Austin T. Daugherty
Austin T. Daugherty, 29, was charged with burglary (Class 2 felony) after he entered an Avis Car Rental, 3201 Cira Drive, in Bloomington, without permission and with the intent to commit theft.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Sandra M. Lewis
Sandra M. Lewis, 77, is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance containing MDMB-4E-PINACA, a synthetic cannabinoid, with the intent to deliver (Class X felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Samantha E. Morris
Samantha E. Morris, 40, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer (Class 2 felony) after supposedly spitting on a Colfax police officer.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Nolan C. Love
Nolan C. Love, 46, appeared in court Friday for a bond review hearing after being charged with aggravated domestic battery involving strangulation (Class 2 felony) on Feb. 26.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Nikkita L. Sandefur
Nikkita L. Sandefur, 36, is charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance (Class 2 felony) containing cocaine.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Katlin M.B. Wilson
Katlin M.B. Wilson, 32, is charged with aggravated identity theft (Class 2 felony) after being accused of fraudulently obtaining money exceeding $300 but not exceeding $10,000 from a 60 year old man.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Eli C. Garozzo
Eli C. Garozzo, 20, is charged with two counts of home invasion, a Class X felony, two counts of attempted armed robbery, a Class 1 felony, and two counts of residential burglary, a Class 1 felony. His bond was set at $200,000 as a 10% bond, meaning he must pay $20,000 plus fees to be released. His next appearance is an arraignment on April 13.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tysean T. Townsend
Tysean T. Townsend, 35, is charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle (Class 2 felony), three counts of child abduction, aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer and obstructing justice (Class 4 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Curtis J. Byrd
Curtis J. Byrd, 31, is charged with two counts of burglary (Class 2 felony), two counts of fraud and two counts of financial institution fraud (Class 3 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Noral K. Nelson
Noral K. Nelson, 31, was charged with reckless discharge of a firearm (Class 4 felony) after he was arrested in connection to a shooting along the 1500 block of S. Main Street.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Charles J. Tankson
Charles J. Tankson, 23, was charged with burglary (Class 2 felony), theft and two counts of unlawful use of a debit card (Class 3 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Davis, Micah S
Davis was charged with 3 counts of arson, Class 2 felonies, and 3 counts of criminal damage to property, Class 4 felonies.
His next court date is May 5 at 9 a.m.
PROVIDED BY THE MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Livingston, Joshua D.
Livingston was charged with 2 counts of possessing stolen vehicles, Class 2 felonies, possession of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony, and criminal damage to government property, a Class 4 felony.
His next court date is May 5 at 9 a.m.
PROVIDED BY THE MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kevin L. Ewen
Kevin L. Ewen, 42, appeared in a Thursday bond court hearing and was charged with aggravated battery (Class 2 felony), obstructing a peace officer (Class 4 felony) and two counts of resisting a peace officer (Class A misdemeanor).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Emmanuel K. Mpay
Emmanuel K. Mpay, 23, appeared in a Thursday bond court hearing following a grand jury indictment for two counts of criminal sexual assault (Class 1 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Ahmad S. Manns
Ahmad S. Manns, 19, appeared in a Friday bond court hearing and was charged with cannabis trafficking (Class X felony), unlawful possession of cannabis with the intent to deliver (Class 1 felony) and unlawful possession of cannabis (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Dylan R Mann
Dylan R Mann, 31, appeared Friday in bond court following four grand jury indictments for two separate cases relating to aggravated assault and battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tony L. Jackson
Tony L. Jackson, 50, was charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle (Class 2 felony), domestic battery, violation of an order of protection and driving while license revoked or suspended (Class 4 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
William R. Linden
William R. Linden, 79, was released Tuesday on felony burglary charges for trying to pass a forged check at Busey Bank.
Zadek U. Moen
Zadek U. Moen, 20, is facing six felony drug charges after being arrested by the Illinois State Police on Thursday.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Zachary T. Willis
Zachary T. Willis, 27, is charged with aggravated domestic battery by strangulation (Class 2 felony) and domestic battery subsequent offense (Class 4 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Cecily M. Sexton
Cecily M. Sexton, 39, was charged with two counts of burglary, a Class 2 felony; one count of forgery, a Class 3 felony; financial institution fraud, a Class 3 felony, and possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tonisha A. Jackson
Tonisha A. Jackson, 27, was charged with aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, a Class 3 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
James A. McConnaughay
James A. McConnaughay, 53, appeared in a Friday bond court hearing before Judge Amy McFarland. McConnaughay is charged with unlawful possession of 5-15 grams of methamphetamine (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jessica M. Longberry
Jessica M. Longberry, 38, appeared in a Friday bond court hearing before Judge Amy McFarland. Longberry is charged with burglary (Class 2 felony) and forgery (Class 3 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Barry D. Guyton
Barry D. Guyton, 26, was charged with two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon (Class 2 felonies) two counts of unlawful possession of 15-100 of cocaine with the intent to deliver with one being a Class X felony and the other being a Class 1 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Keon E. Spiller
Keon E. Spiller, 22, appeared in a Friday bond court hearing before Judge Amy McFarland and was charged with attempted escape after his jury trial reached a verdict.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Melina Aguilar
Melina Aguilar, 32, was charged with harassment of witnesses (Class 2 felonies) after asking a witness to lie on the record.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Carlos D. Cregan
Carlos D. Cregan, 35, was charged with harassment of witnesses (Class 2 felonies) after asking a witness to lie on the record.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Andrea M. Sheets
Andrea M. Sheets appeared was charged Friday with possession of a stolen motor vehicle (Class 2 felony), aggravated fleeing a police officer (Class 4 felony) and obstructing a peace officer (Class A misdemeanor).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Wayne M. Damron
Wayne M. Damron, 52, is charged with one count of violation of the Illinois Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Terrance L. Ford
Terrance L. Ford, 25, is charged with two counts of burglary (Class 2 felony) and two counts of retail theft (Class 3 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Stanley M. Miller
Stanley M. Miller, 61, was charged Friday with aggravated driving while under the influence of alcohol (Class X felony) and driving while driver's license revoked (Class 4 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Darryl R. Vinson
Darryl R. Vinson, 60, is charged with violation of the sex offender registration act (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Contact Kelsey Watznauer at (309) 820-3254. Follow her on Twitter: @kwatznauer.
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Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-arrested-on-bloomington-murder-charges/article_a3113428-120b-11ee-a1ce-37e1025377a5.html | 2023-06-23T22:25:22 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-arrested-on-bloomington-murder-charges/article_a3113428-120b-11ee-a1ce-37e1025377a5.html |
NORMAL — A proposal has been submitted for a new apartment complex near Raab Road and Linden Street in north Normal.
According to town documents, Ethos Design and Build has proposed to build the Archer Apartments complex on about 10 acres of land adjacent to Constitution Trail just north of Raab Road.
The preliminary development plans indicate that the complex will consist of six buildings — one two-story and five three-story — and a clubhouse. There are a total of 136 apartment units planned, which includes 102 three-bedroom units and 34 two-bedroom units.
The plans also include additional amenities like a fenced garden area, natural playground, fishing pier, large picnic patio and electric vehicle charging, according to town documents.
The apartment buildings will be made with a mix of horizontal and vertical siding with cedar fascia trim, black powder coated metal balconies and black windows and doors with trim that matches the adjacent siding, according to town documents.
Steve Lehman, founder of Ethos, said design is similar to their complex in Morton, and the exterior will be made to have a more modern look to draw interest from individuals, families and possibly Illinois State University students looking for off-campus options.
Ethos also has other multi-family housing projects in Champaign and Mahomet, according to the company website.
"There's a shortage of approximately 4,000 residences in the Bloomington-Normal area," Lehman told The Pantagraph. "It certainly would help alleviate some of that pressure and meet some of the demand, so we see an opportunity here."
Lehman said he and his family used to live in Normal and he understands the need in the short-term, but he does think this project will be viable in the long-term scope.
Lehman said he found the property after driving to visit some family members who live nearby the area and thought it was good location that was underutilized.
"It's a really discrete location and I think we will have a real healthy blend of different demographics," he said.
As part of the development, Lehman said they will also be tasked with improving and widening Raab Road near the complex and taking on the expenses to do so.
"I think it's really good for the neighbors and everyone passing by to have an extra lane in there for turning," he added.
Moving forward, he said they hope to start construction on the complex in August or September and finish the first two-story apartment building adjacent to Raab Road in May or June 2024, with the remaining buildings being constructed over the next year.
Prices for rent will start at $1,600 for a two-bedroom unit and $1,900 for a three-bedroom unit.
The Normal Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at 5 p.m. July 6 in the council chambers for an annexation request to rezone the property to a medium density multi-family residential district (R-3A).
Ethos will also host a social open house with photos and plans, 5-6:30 p.m. June 28 at the Destihl Brewery & Beer Hall, 1200 Greenbriar Dr. in Normal. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/new-apartment-complex-planned-for-north-normal/article_b35966f6-11f3-11ee-85fe-b33d264ccfbc.html | 2023-06-23T22:25:28 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/new-apartment-complex-planned-for-north-normal/article_b35966f6-11f3-11ee-85fe-b33d264ccfbc.html |
The fatal shooting that occurred in the parking lot of an Uptown church last week was likely sparked by a drug deal gone wrong.
Three men were charged Friday in Kenosha County Circuit Court for their alleged roles in the June 13 incident, including one man accused of accidentally shooting his brother in the head with friendly fire.
Twenty-one-year-old Kevin B. Alvarez, of Zion, Ill., is charged with first-degree reckless homicide, possession with intent to deliver psilocybin and possession with intent to deliver THC.
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Kenosha men Anthony T. Santana and Tayvion M. Taylor, both 20, are charged with felony murder while attempting to commit robbery while armed.
Alvarez and Taylor made their initial appearances at Intake Court Friday afternoon where Court Commissioner William Michel imposed a $500,000 cash bond on Alvarez and a $250,000 cash bond on Taylor. Their preliminary hearings are set for next week.
A $500,000 arrest warrant was issued for Santana.
Kenosha Police spent days investigating the incident that occurred the night of June 13 after three people turned up at separate local hospitals with gunshot wounds.
One of the three, 19-year-old Mauricio Alvarez, who was shot in the right parietal scalp, died of cardiac arrest before he could be flown to Milwaukee for treatment.
According to prosecutors, the Alvarez brothers drove to Kenosha from Zion to sell drugs to Santana and Taylor in the parking lot of Grace Lutheran Church, 2006 60th St., around 10 p.m. that night.
Upon arrival, Santana and Taylor allegedly attempted to rob the brothers using fake currency. When Mauricio Alvarez saw that the money was fake he confronted Santana, according to the criminal complaint. According to reports, firearms were pulled out by both parties and shots fired. While attempting to fire at Santana and Taylor, Kevin Alvarez allegedly accidently shot his brother in the head.
In the moments following the exchange, Kevin Alvarez allegedly attempted to hide evidence at the scene before driving to Aurora Medical Center for treatment.
Kevin Alvarez suffered a gunshot wound to his chest, what appeared to be a through and through wound to his left thigh, and a wound to his right upper thigh area. His injuries were not life-threatening. Mauricio Alvarez was pronounced dead shortly before 11 p.m. at the hospital.
Taylor suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his back left arm or upper shoulder area and was taken by family to Froedtert Kenosha Center, an urgent care clinic, in Downtown before being driven to Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital.
In the days following the shooting many in the community expressed fear and anger about the gun violence at the start of summer.
Grace Lutheran is surrounded by houses and apartments, and a city bus stop sits in front of the church. A vigil was held a few days later.
On Friday, members of the Alvarez and Taylor families sat in the Intake Court gallery while their loved ones appeared before the court commissioner.
Alfonso Alvarez, father of both Mauricio and Kevin Alvarez, spoke before the court with an interpreter and asked for a low-cash bond for Kevin Alvarez so he could grieve with the rest of family.
Kevin Alvarez’s defense attorney Carl Johnson said it appears that the violence “in this incident is instigated by the other people who are involved who initiate this robbery, who appear to be the ones who first draw guns and begin shooting.”
Johnson said Kevin Alvarez “shot his brother while defending each other.”
District Attorney Michael Graveley, however, said high cash bonds were warranted for those facing charges stemming from the incident based on the seriousness of the alleged crimes and potential for lengthy prison sentences.
Graveley said Kevin Alvarez cannot use a self-defense claim in court because “in our research at the D.A.’s office before entering this charge of first-degree reckless homicide you are not able to claim self-defense in a situation where a third party is the victim of that case. So that will not be available to Mr. Alvarez at any time.”
Michel agreed with prosecutors.
“This is clearly a tragedy, what is alleged in this criminal complaint. But this should have never happened,” Michel said about Kevin Alvarez. “It’s very concerning.”
Michel said “someone was killed due to the events that took place and it put this community at substantial risk.”
Michel said Taylor’s alleged actions also put the community at risk. When initially questioned by police all those involved were reportedly uncooperative.
“Clearly, this is very concerning,” Michel said. “On 60th Street there’s a lot of people and to put this community at risk with this type of behavior—and I understand this is allegations, but we have a decedent, we have a person who was killed in this situation. It’s very concerning. The court does believe that a substantial cash bond is warranted.” | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/crime-courts/three-charged-in-fatal-shooting-incident-in-kenosha-church-parking-lot/article_8d7fa44a-11df-11ee-ad9a-bb4e59e0c26b.html | 2023-06-23T22:29:12 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/crime-courts/three-charged-in-fatal-shooting-incident-in-kenosha-church-parking-lot/article_8d7fa44a-11df-11ee-ad9a-bb4e59e0c26b.html |
Greater Sarasota Chamber recognizes local businesses at annual awards luncheon
SARASOTA — Nine local businesses were honored and recognized by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and 600 supporters at Friday's Frank G. Berlin Small Business Awards at the Hyatt Regency.
Ranging from mental health start-ups to long-standing companies with thousands of local employees, the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce hosted finalists with a variety of services in the area.
Chamber President and CEO Heather Kasten thanked all of the finalists for the event while sharing information about the chamber's growing impact and reach in the region over the 33 years since the inaugural award ceremony.
Awards were given in nine qualifying categories for this year's event — small, medium, and large business; community impact business; minority-led business; woman-owned business; rising star; workforce development and innovation; and nonprofit organization. Here's who took home the 2023 Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce awards this year:
- Small Business: One Stop Housing
- Medium Business: Florida Elevator
- Large Business: First Watch Restaurants
- Community Impact: Rise & Nye's
- Minority-owned business: Herrera Psychology
- Woman-owned business: Stage Door Studios
- Rising Star: Town Square
- Workforce Development and Innovation: PGT Innovations
- Nonprofit: Education Foundation of Sarasota County
The finalists were judged by a 30-member committee that selected winners based on several criteria, including innovation of products or services, business growth and contributions to the community.
“Our Chamber is all about celebrating small businesses,” Kasten said. “This awards ceremony gathers more than 500 community members to honor and recognize the people and the local businesses behind our region's rapid growth – after all, small businesses are the heart and soul of our community.”
The 2023 Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards sponsors included the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, Boat Guys, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP, Kerkering Barberio, Bank of America, Hyatt Regency Sarasota, HH Staffing, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Gulfside Bank, The Bank of Tampa, Palm Printing, Tommy’s Express Car Wash, Storm Smart, Wealth Strategies Partners, Florida Light & Power. | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2023/06/23/frank-g-berlin-small-business-award-event-honors-sarasota-area-firms/70349925007/ | 2023-06-23T22:31:10 | 1 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2023/06/23/frank-g-berlin-small-business-award-event-honors-sarasota-area-firms/70349925007/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – A California man was convicted after molesting a teenage girl on a flight to Orlando, according to the Department of Justice on Friday.
In a release, federal prosecutors said that Brian Durning, 52, faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison for the first offense and up to two years in prison on the second offense. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Sept. 26.
Durning had boarded a flight from Los Angeles to Orlando in June 2022 and was seated next to a 13-year-old girl.
The rest of the teen’s family was seated two rows away from her, and after the cabin lights dimmed and most of the passengers fell asleep, Durning began touching her, the release shows.
According to the DOJ, a nearby passenger awoke during the assault and saw one of Durning’s hands between the girl’s legs, prompting the passenger to intervene.
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Durning was indicted in July 2022 and ultimately found guilty of assaulting a minor on an aircraft and two counts of simple assault.
According to the release, the case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the DOJ to push back against “the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.”
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, click here.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/23/california-man-convicted-for-assaulting-teen-girl-on-orlando-flight/ | 2023-06-23T22:31:10 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/23/california-man-convicted-for-assaulting-teen-girl-on-orlando-flight/ |
MELBOURNE, Fla. – Months after a picture of a firefighter wearing a mustache and performing a Nazi salute surfaced in April, prompting an investigation, he has returned to work after the city determined the photo had no antisemitic intent.
The city of Melbourne said the photograph of Melbourne battalion chief Jody Kahler under scrutiny was taken 16 years ago.
The Jewish firefighter, Aaron Starkey, who initially filed the complaint against Kahler said it didn’t matter when the picture was taken because the battalion chief is still working for the city.
The city said Kahler was put on leave upon receipt of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint, but now that a portion of the investigation has been completed, he has returned to duty.
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Starkey’s attorney Daniel Perez shared the offensive picture of his client’s supervisor in April.
The city of Melbourne said it found the old picture was inappropriate, showing extremely poor judgement and a lack of sensitivity, but those who were involved back in 2007, “were not intentionally acting with any kind of racist or antisemitic intent or bias.”
A new statement from the city goes on to read that Kahler has never been involved in discriminatory or harassing conduct. Additionally, the city said his picture was not found to be widely shared within the fire department, as Starkey’s attorney argued.
“It had been circulating among the upper echelons of the department as a joke or as a poor gesture in my estimation,” Perez said in April.
Perez issued a new statement after it was determined that Kahler could return to work.
“It used to be that public employers swiftly condemned Nazism, anti-semitism, and discrimination in any of its forms. How times have changed. Given the opportunity to put its house in order, MFD has decided to not hold anyone accountable for this behavior: Not the subject in the photo, the person(s) who took the photo, or the person(s) that disseminated it. The date that the photo was taken is irrelevant because the person in the photo is employed as a Battalion Chief. That person has not take accountability for his actions and the MFD has not taken corrective action. In fact, this Battalion Chief dissuaded Aaron Starkey from reporting the photo to the Union presumably to keep his actions covered up. In short, it appears that it is MFD’s policy to placate bad actors rather than censure them. This is a sad day for the MFD, city leadership, and the residents of City of Melbourne. We look forward to the U.S. EEOC’s investigation of this matter including the City’s response today.”
Attorney Daniel Perez
The city did not provide News 6 a timeline on when the full investigation might be complete.
The city’s full statement on the investigation can be read below.
A portion of the independent external investigation into religious discrimination and retaliation claims has been completed. This is part of the greater EEOC investigation, which is still ongoing. Below is some additional information that we can provide at this stage:
“The City of Melbourne launched an internal review immediately after receiving notice of an EEOC charge in April 2023, asserting claims of religious discrimination and retaliation involving the Melbourne Fire Department. Part of that review examined the circumstances surrounding a photograph of a Melbourne Fire Department employee caricaturizing Adolf Hitler and making a Nazi salute.
Preliminary results from the review undertaken at the City’s request have found that the inappropriate photograph was apparently taken approximately 15 or 16 years ago (it appears in the Summer of 2007), and that those involved were not intentionally acting with any kind of racist or Anti-Semitic intent or bias, but that the photograph was instead intended to be a parody or caricature of a German soldier from World War II, which nevertheless showed extremely poor judgment and insensitivity in how it could be viewed or perceived, particularly given that the individual appearing in the photograph was in a work shirt and setting.
From the review that was conducted, no evidence was found to conclude the photograph was something widely known or shared within the Melbourne Fire Department (at the time or thereafter), or that the individual in the photograph has ever been involved in discriminatory or harassing conduct (based on religion, race or otherwise), or that he has ever engaged in inappropriate or unlawful retaliatory conduct.
The City of Melbourne takes any claims of this nature very seriously and recognizes that people may have been offended by the views and history that could be associated with this image, regardless of its intent or how long ago it was taken. We have implemented and strengthened a variety of training and policies since the photograph was taken and will continue to evaluate and look for ways to further improve and strengthen polices, practices and training for all employees.
While the City waits for the results of the EEOC investigation, which is still pending, the City will refrain from making further comments about this matter.”
City of Melbourne
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/23/melbourne-firefighter-investigated-for-nazi-salute-photo-returns-to-work/ | 2023-06-23T22:31:16 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/23/melbourne-firefighter-investigated-for-nazi-salute-photo-returns-to-work/ |
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – New Smyrna Beach police announced on Friday that they are getting ready for an unpermitted, unsanctioned pop-up event dubbed “JDM Beach Day” this weekend.
Police said the Volusia Sheriff’s Office designated a special-event zone for the area along the A1A starting at Hiles Boulevard.
Starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday, fines in this area will be doubled, and any violating vehicles will be impounded, a release by the department stated.
In addition, police said those promoting the event on social media have been identified, contacted and advised of the ramifications of the event. A designation by the sheriff’s office states that promoters will be held liable for costs and fees associated with enforcing the special-event zone.
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According to the release, the event risks straining public safety resources, interfering with traffic and jeopardizing the public welfare.
The designation said the special-event zone will stay in effect “as long as is reasonably necessary to ensure public health, safety and welfare,” though it will end once the event “dissipates.”
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/23/new-smyrna-beach-police-brace-for-unsanctioned-jdm-beach-day-over-weekend/ | 2023-06-23T22:31:22 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/23/new-smyrna-beach-police-brace-for-unsanctioned-jdm-beach-day-over-weekend/ |
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The owner of a tobacco and vape store in Orlando has been arrested amid an investigation into whether the store was selling controlled substances to minors, according to the police department.
Darvin Thomas, 38, was arrested on June 8.
Court records show the investigation into Thomas’ shop, One Love Smoke Shop, began on May 3 after a Crimeline tip claimed that the store. 3219 Curry Ford Road, was selling marijuana to high school students.
During the investigation, police said they learned that another tip had been submitted in January 2022 claiming that the store was selling vapes and cannabis vapes to minors, as well.
In the 2022 case, it was ultimately discovered that the store had been selling tobacco and vape cartridges to underage customers, police said. A search warrant was conducted at Thomas’ home, which yielded drug paraphernalia and about 2 pounds of cannabis, court records state.
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Back in May 2023, investigators said they found that Thomas was still the manager behind One Love Smoke Shop, which was located nearby TDR Learning Academy, a high school.
Investigators set up a “controlled buy” at the store, during which Thomas sold an undercover detective a small package of cannabis, according to an affidavit.
Thomas faces charges of cannabis possession and selling cannabis within 1,000 feet of a school.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/23/orlando-tobacco-shop-accused-of-selling-marijuana-to-high-schoolers/ | 2023-06-23T22:31:28 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/23/orlando-tobacco-shop-accused-of-selling-marijuana-to-high-schoolers/ |
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - Students from Santa Clara University in California traveled all the way to Flint to volunteer this week.
Today they helped clean up trash along I-475 and installed smoke detectors in local homes. The hope is to find unique solutions at local organizations that they can implement back home.
"Our goal is to go into communities that have faced hardships in different places and have made some really innovative solutions to solving the problems that face their community," said Santa Clara student Natalie Plaia.
The students have been in Flint all week long, volunteering everywhere from homeless shelters to Crossroad Ministry. It's part of a program that teaches them the kind of skills you can't get inside a classroom.
"Our school focuses a lot on educating the whole person," said Gabby Ruiz. "So it's really important for us to go outside of our comfort zones and be able to identify issues in other comfort zones and be able to learn."
But it's not all work. Students also got the chance to expose themselves to the fun side of Flint.
"They've definitely immersed themselves in Flint, said SIPI Vice President Jordan Brown. "Tonight we'll go to a Bucks game. We've gone to all of our favorite restaurants, discussed different theories, and fun things that are going on in Flint."
Beyond just solutions, they'll be taking home a little bit of Flint's spirit as well.
"This town has grit, somebody said it to us," said Plaia. "The grit in this town is what makes it what it is and we have absolutely loved experiencing that"
Flint Councilmember Ladel Lewis was also out helping the cleanup effort today. She said that it's "special" to see people from all over willing to help and "keep Flint in their hearts". | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/california-college-students-volunteer-with-flint-community-organizations/article_8ffa6ba6-1211-11ee-91c0-9749a749cd5e.html | 2023-06-23T22:41:09 | 0 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/california-college-students-volunteer-with-flint-community-organizations/article_8ffa6ba6-1211-11ee-91c0-9749a749cd5e.html |
BAY CITY (WJRT) - Bay City's Wenonah Park is receiving $900,000 in grant money to make repairs.
The money is coming from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
The grant will fund an unfinished portion of a three-phase enhancement project for the bandshell at Wenonah Park and a two-phase site enhancement project for Wenonah Park overall.
Bay Future Inc., The State Theatre, Bay City DDA and the City of Bay City all worked to help secure the grant funding.
The State Theatre is responsible for managing the project including these four components:
- Component A is the addition of a sprinkler irrigation system in Wenonah Park, to help keep the grass greener and healthier throughout the summer months, during the festival season. This system will be sustainable and ecologically friendly, recycling water from the nearby Saginaw River and using that water to retain the lush landscape and contribute to the beautification of the grounds.
- Component B is the addition of icicle lights hanging from the trees in the north and south plaza areas at the east end of Wenonah Park. These will be a welcoming an aesthetic addition to the park that has seen updates in sitting areas and chess tables, since the onset of the pandemic. These additions are part of an ongoing effort to encourage residents to use the park to enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Icicle lights will add to the beauty of the park offering dazzling changing colors to the area of the park as enhancing the safety of the park.
- Component C is the addition of sound and lights to the newly renovated Wenonah Park, World Friendship Shell Stage. Renting sound and lighting equipment can be very costly and the addition of sound and lights would alleviate this financial expenditure when putting on summer festivals and concerts. These shows boast world-class entertainment including a recent performance by Nelly as well as educational entertainment and a free children’s concert series.
- Component D is the replacement of the square box lights from the 1970s in Wenonah Park with updated LED Arlington lights that are brighter and more effective for safety and energy efficiency.
In the first phase of the enhancement project, 18 new benches, four concrete picnic tables, eight chess tables and 16 new trash cans were added to the park.
“Wenonah Park is the most utilized park in Bay City," said Dana Muscott, City of Bay City Manager. "Events at the park can be enjoyed in many ways by all groups of people and these enhancements will enable the State Theatre, the City of Bay City and our partners to continue providing these amenities while contributing to the mental, physical, and emotional health of the city’s residents and other visitors to Wenonah Park.” | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/wenonah-park-in-bay-city-receives-900k-in-grant-money/article_8d58ba16-1210-11ee-94d0-f383372fd200.html | 2023-06-23T22:41:16 | 0 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/wenonah-park-in-bay-city-receives-900k-in-grant-money/article_8d58ba16-1210-11ee-94d0-f383372fd200.html |
'Stay tuned': Detroit Zoo's water tower awaits makeover
Royal Oak — If you've ever driven up Interstate 696 near Woodward Avenue, you've probably seen it.
The hard-to-miss 150-foot water tower that flanks the Detroit Zoo is getting a surprise makeover in celebration of the zoo's 95th anniversary this summer, according to Jeff Sell, director of communications for the Detroit Zoological Society. Right now, the water tower is undergoing routine maintenance and receiving a fresh coat of paint prior to its temporary anniversary wrapping. That will happen in late July or early August, he said.
Next spring, however, Sell said the zoo plans to unveil a totally new design for the water structure. But those details are ... under wraps.
"Its a 'stay tuned' kind of thing. ... We are keeping the temporary design a surprise, and we couldn't be more excited to share it with the public once it is on the water tower," Sell told The Detroit News in a statement.
Sell provided no further details.
The tower is obsolete and hasn’t held water since the 1980s, Sell said.
The zoo, which sits on 125 acres of land, first opened to the public on Aug. 1, 1928 and is home to 2,000 animals of more than 200 species, according to its website. More information can be found here.
jaimery@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @wordsbyjakkar | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2023/06/23/stay-tuned-detroit-zoos-water-tower-awaits-makeover/70350826007/ | 2023-06-23T22:46:48 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2023/06/23/stay-tuned-detroit-zoos-water-tower-awaits-makeover/70350826007/ |
Teen wounded in shooting on Detroit's west side
Hannah Mackay
The Detroit News
Detroit — Detroit police are investigating a shooting Friday afternoon on the city's west side that left a teen injured.
The incident was reported around 1:50 p.m.
Police say a 17-year-old girl was shot by an unknown suspect from outside a home in the 15700 block of Wabash.
Other details were not released Friday. The circumstances, including whether the victim was shot intentionally or accidentally, were not yet known, said Cpl. Dan Donakowski, a spokesman for the Detroit Police Department.
Medics transported the youth to a local hospital, where she is listed in temporary serious condition. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/23/a-teen-girl-was-shot-and-injured-in-a-home-on-the-citys-west-side-friday-afternoon-according-to-detr/70352633007/ | 2023-06-23T22:50:49 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/23/a-teen-girl-was-shot-and-injured-in-a-home-on-the-citys-west-side-friday-afternoon-according-to-detr/70352633007/ |
AUSTIN, Texas — Nate Paul, the businessman and prominent associate of suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, entered a not guilty plea to charges that he made false statements to banks that loaned him more than $170 million.
Paul also waived his right to a scheduled arraignment before a judge, which was scheduled to happen on Monday.
Paul was linked to Paxton on numerous occasions throughout the 20 articles of impeachment filed against Paxton last month. The articles allege that Paxton abused his power as Attorney General to help Paul, who donated $25,000 to Paxton's re-election campaign in 2018.
There was no mention of Paxton in the charges filed against Paul on June 13. However, one of the banks later received a subpoena, issued in person, by an attorney Paxton hired to pursue complaints Paul made after the FBI raided his offices. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/nate-paul-pleads-not-guilty/269-fcce6b49-ca44-42e2-88a0-72afcf761ddf | 2023-06-23T22:51:10 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/nate-paul-pleads-not-guilty/269-fcce6b49-ca44-42e2-88a0-72afcf761ddf |
Carter In The ClassroomFocusing on unique things school districts are doing to help children succeed. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/carter-in-the-classroom/using-art-to-teach-math-in-coppell-isd/3283583/ | 2023-06-23T22:51:10 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/carter-in-the-classroom/using-art-to-teach-math-in-coppell-isd/3283583/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/nature-becomes-the-classroom-for-dallas-isd-summer-stem-program/3283616/ | 2023-06-23T22:51:17 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/nature-becomes-the-classroom-for-dallas-isd-summer-stem-program/3283616/ |
About half an hour south of Dallas, Dallas ISD students put on hip waders to start their class. Dallas ISD's Summer Science Enrichment Program teaches students STEM concepts in a nature preserve environment.
"Let's go see what we can collect," science teacher Harry Monroe said instructing students how to use a fish net. "Let it touch the bottom."
Monroe has been leading science lessons at DISD's STEM Environmental Education Center for 25 years.
"I love my job," Monroe said. "Because when the students come to see us, we can use nature to excite them and create an interest."
The Summer Science Enrichment Program is for fourth-grade students moving to the fifth grade next year. They have to be nominated by their schools to attend.
"I thought this was going to be in the classroom learning stuff," Alexandra Mason said. "But mainly we're just doing stuff outside, and I was surprised by that."
"I'll always ask them after the first week, well is this camp like you thought it was going to be," Monroe said. "And they say no, it's a lot better!"
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"I wanted to grow up to learn about space," Jeremiah Petion said. "But now I that learn about nature, I sort of like nature more than space."
The goal is to get students thinking scientifically and also about the future of the environment.
"Because can you take care of something if you don't know anything about it," Monroe asked. "It's very important to learn about the world we live in because eventually, you'll have to make decisions that may affect the world that you live in, and it's almost like you're responsible for taking care of it."
The Summer Science Enrichment Program is free to 4th graders. Friday was the last day of camp. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/summer-camp-teaches-students-about-the-environment/3283561/ | 2023-06-23T22:51:23 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/summer-camp-teaches-students-about-the-environment/3283561/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/victims-identified-from-deadly-tornado-that-ripped-through-northern-texas-town/3283617/ | 2023-06-23T22:51:29 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/victims-identified-from-deadly-tornado-that-ripped-through-northern-texas-town/3283617/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/cabrini-university-to-close-in-may-2024/3591718/ | 2023-06-23T22:55:11 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/cabrini-university-to-close-in-may-2024/3591718/ |
Villanova and Cabrini Universities announced in a joint statement that the boards of each university reached an agreement for Villanova to purchase Cabrini citing financial losses as the reason.
“Facing significant financial challenges, decreasing enrollment and an increasingly competitive higher ed environment, Cabrini’s leadership and Board of Trustees…have determined that the university will be unable to continue operating and will graduate its final class in May 2024.”
In a statement from Villanova's president, it said Cabrini reached out to them and that they have been helping Cabrini transition to a close.
What does this mean for students, faculty and staff?
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Students who are not graduating in May 2024 will be assisted in transferring to other higher ed institutions to complete their degrees during the current school year, the statement said.
Any students who wish to transfer to Villanova will be able to do so without fees.
Villanova will also be assisting in finding faculty and staff potential new employment opportunities, including any at Villanova that are open.
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At this time no further information was given since the universities have not reached a set agreement and “confidential discussions are still underway.” | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/cabrini-university-to-close-may-2024-villanova-purchasing-eastern-pa-school/3591555/ | 2023-06-23T22:55:11 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/cabrini-university-to-close-may-2024-villanova-purchasing-eastern-pa-school/3591555/ |
Imagine living in a 350-square-foot pad just minutes away from downtown Dallas.
“Yeah, people get a little bit of sticker shock when they hear 350 square feet,” Alex Lowe said. Lowe works with the Dallas-based real estate company, Madison Partners.
Madison Partners recently purchased a 1.3-acre lot on the corner of Carroll Ave and Willow Street that will be home to the micro-unit community, The Bloc House.
"We have lots of wonderful partners that we're working with on the design to make sure that the space is well designed, that people can get as efficient as possible with how they're utilizing the space.”
The 70-plus unit property will offer two-bedroom options and some of the micro-studio units will be fully furnished with a wall bed.
“One of the key components of that design is our partnership with Ori Living, which is a modular furniture company out of New York," Lowe said. "Because of that, at first it sounds like 350 square feet, but more effectively, it's around 440 square feet with how to spot the spaces multifaceted."
Lowe and Jon Hetzel are thinking small to meet the demand following the wave of growth the City of Dallas has seen in the last few years.
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“We're focused on what's called the missing middle, which is the space between single-family homes and large multifamily building,” Lowe said.
They received the green light from the City Plan Commission with a unanimous zoning approval in January.
"Dallas has seen, you know, near record-breaking rental rate growth due to all of the demographic changes, people moving to the market, increased jobs, increased salaries," Hetzel said. "Most of all new construction is targeted towards the class A, high-income end of the spectrum."
According to Rent.com, the average rent for apartments in Dallas is between $1,349 to $1,984. The new construction aims to be at or below average rent.
“It's really, really hard for somebody just starting their career to find an apartment in Dallas proper that is well done up to code, nicely furnished at a rate that they can afford,” Hetzels said. “There's not a lot of people focusing on the middle segment of what the renters are looking for, particularly younger renters that are moving to the market for jobs.”
While the concept is not for everyone, the developers said there is a market for small spaces that don’t compromise amenities including walking trails, restaurants, and proximity to downtown Dallas.
"We want them to be close to their job, close to their favorite coffee shop, close to the place where they work. And the way to do that is providing them with a place where they can afford to live," Lowe said.
The property is located directly across the Santa Fe Trail.
"The trail itself is the primary amenity," Hetzel said. "And so, we're exploring a variety of things like apartment bikes that are loaners so people can use the trail, pool, some ability for coworking and fitness and community gathering."
Construction is set to begin in 2024.
According to Madison Partners, this is just the start of the micro-unit concept as they're already in negotiation for other sites throughout North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/as-rental-prices-soar-some-north-texas-developers-are-thinking-small-really-small/3281982/ | 2023-06-23T22:55:26 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/as-rental-prices-soar-some-north-texas-developers-are-thinking-small-really-small/3281982/ |
PITTSBURGH — Community members in Glen Hazel held a vigil for Jamel Austin, a six-year-old boy who died after being struck by a car while riding his bike.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Boy, 6, dies after he was hit by car while riding bike in Glen Hazel
The community is calling for more safety measures to be put in place so similar tragedies never happen again.
It’s unclear if speed played a role in Austin’s death, but neighbors say they’ve been asking for speed bumps along Johnston Avenue for years. They say now is the time to point a spotlight at what needs to happen next to increase safety along this road.
The family has started an online fundraiser to help with funeral costs.
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WASHINGTON — A new report highlights growing anti-LGBTQ+ extremism nationwide.
The Anti-Defamation League and GLAAD tracked more than 350 incidents from June 2022 to April 2023. This includes harassment, vandalism, and assault.
This comes as more anti-LGBTQ+ proposals are popping up across state legislatures and now Congress is taking a closer look.
“Despite being called a demon, a monster, or other despicable things, I love my life. I love my family. I love my friends and I’m happy,” said Harleigh Walker before Senate Judiciary Committee this week.
Walker is a transgender teenage girl from Alabama. She said the journey wasn’t easy and initially, she faced intense bullying at her middle school.
“So much so that my parents decided I needed to go to online school, not because I wanted to, but the bullying got so bad it was getting close to violence and the school was doing nothing about it,” said Walker. “We worked with the school, and I eventually got to go back but kids shouldn’t feel helpless at school against being bullied and discriminated against just because they are different.”
She shared her experience with federal lawmakers and she’s urging them to support rights for the transgender community.
“I’m asking you to help us stop certain people from using the transgender community as a political pawn,” said Walker. “These are human rights hanging in the balance, help us communicate they are impacting people’s lives and our pursuit of happiness.”
But some believe transgender athletes may be negatively impacting women’s sports.
“The number of female athletes who have been denied opportunities, traumatized, or hurt by policies that claim to promote “inclusion” is growing at an alarming rate,” said Riley Gaines, former NCAA athlete.
Riley Gaines is a former 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer and now she’s an advisor for Independent Women’s Voice, a conservative-leaning nonprofit organization that focuses on policy issues affecting women.
She argues women athletes are now facing a new disadvantage.
“This is unacceptable, and the integrity of women’s sports is lost. It is unfair, it is discriminatory, and it must stop,” said Gaines. “Believing in biology is not bigoted and following the science that there are two sexes and that there are very real and important differences between the two sexes is not hateful, it’s fact.”
Turning to Congress, lawmakers are split on the issue.
“Right now, extremist politicians across America are targeting our LGBTQ+ youth along with the medical professionals who care for them and the parents who love them,” said Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.)
Democrats believe these laws are harmful, while some GOP leaders argue states have the right to act.
“Is it ok for states to ban the transitions of a minor? I think it is,” said Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) “I think the state has every interest in protecting minor children regarding a medical procedure that is life-altering.”
Recent FBI data also shows an 11% increase in hate crimes from 2020 to 2021. This includes incidents related to gender identity and sexual orientation bias.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/resurgence-anti-lgbtq-bills-state-level-has-congress-weighing-debate/JDQN73Y43ZA2XJABDMAUHO2BHQ/ | 2023-06-23T22:58:30 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/resurgence-anti-lgbtq-bills-state-level-has-congress-weighing-debate/JDQN73Y43ZA2XJABDMAUHO2BHQ/ |
WASHINGTON — Cybercrime costs the country billions of dollars and threatens public safety, and the federal government faces challenges in how it keeps track of these crimes, according to a new government watchdog report.
The Government Accountability Office spent more than a year studying the issue for this report.
“With the society’s reliance on the internet for personal business, financial business and government business, it is becoming increasingly easy to commit these cybercrimes,” explained Marisol Cruz Cain, who studies government-wide cybercrime issues, privacy issues, information management issues for the Government Accountability Office. “There’s a lot at stake here with these cybercrimes.”
The GAO included an example from the U.S. Marshals Service. In February, it reported the agency was the victim of a ransomware attack. The computer system hacked did not include personal details about people in witness protection, but the report says the attackers did get away with sensitive files, which included information about investigative targets.
Now, the GAO has determined the country lacks a standard definition of cybercrime and comprehensive monitoring. The concerns mean the data isn’t consistently tracked and likely underreported.
“People can define it differently, collect it differently, report on it differently and it makes it really difficult to measure the aspects of the cybercrimes,” Cruz Cain said.
Watchdogs believe that leaves us less prepared to combat these offenses.
“If you have data that you can’t compare to each other, there’s no real way to look into trends or to understand the impact, or even to create new initiatives to combat the crime,” Cruz Cain added.
The multiple agencies that deal with cybercrime told the GAO because of their different missions, it is going to be very difficult to come up with a shared definition. Unlike most reports, this one does not include recommendations or solutions.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/watchdog-us-faces-challenges-tracking-cybercrime/GZOMRSDGO5DSHPESVV6JMBFG2U/ | 2023-06-23T22:58:37 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/watchdog-us-faces-challenges-tracking-cybercrime/GZOMRSDGO5DSHPESVV6JMBFG2U/ |
PITTSBURGH — The woman accused of hitting and killing a 6-year-old boy in a Pittsburgh neighborhood in 2022 will go to trial for vehicular homicide.
Channel 11 News was there Rhonda Wood, 63, left the courtroom after finding out that she will go to trial for several charges after allegedly hitting and killing Jamel Austin, 6, last summer.
Community members remember boy who was killed while riding his bike, calling for safety changes
“A 6-year-old was taken. My grandson was taken I will never have that back, said Dashieba Wilder, Austin’s grandmother.
On July 26, while riding on his bike just after 8 p.m. on Johnston Avenue in the Glen Hazel area, Austin was struck and killed by an SUV.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Boy, 6, dies after he was hit by car while riding bike in Glen Hazel
On Friday, in court her attorney argued she wasn’t at fault, explaining that Austin was hit 47 feet after the stop sign and that he darted into the street.
Her attorney said she didn’t see him and accidentally hit the child but says she waited and even cradled him until responders arrived
Prosecutors paint a different picture.
Prosecutors said Wood never stopped at the stop sign. A witness testified she yielded but did not completely stop. They also said she was on a call and distracted.
Further complicating the case, is that Wood’s car didn’t record her speed, so it’s unclear just how fast she was going. The posted speed limit is 25 mph.
Investigators can’t tell if she was using a hands-free car system.
Despite unanswered questions, a judge decided to hold all charges against Wood. A relief for Austin’s family, who says they want justice.
“I know it was a horrible accident, but you can’t get off as saying it was okay because it wasn’t. You were malice, you don’t kill someone at 25 miles per hour,” Wilder said.
Wood left the courtroom surrounded by family and her attorney had no comment. But in court, he said, “Not every accident is criminal.”
The case will now go to trial.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/woman-accused-hitting-killing-boy-6-glen-hazel-will-face-trial-vehicular-homicide/MEAIHGMPANDVJC5BVYXXOD3UJU/ | 2023-06-23T22:58:43 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/woman-accused-hitting-killing-boy-6-glen-hazel-will-face-trial-vehicular-homicide/MEAIHGMPANDVJC5BVYXXOD3UJU/ |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The city of Birmingham has been awarded a multi-million-dollar grant from the United States Department of Transportation.
Over $21 million will go toward the development of the Birmingham Urban Trail and Multimodal Corridor. The 2.5-mile trail will revitalize and connect people to the Smithfield neighborhood, the west side of Birmingham and the civil rights district.
“It really helps with the full plan and focus we have to help transform the west side of Birmingham and make it more connective to with the downtown areas,” Birmingham City Council President Wardine Alexander said.
Alexander says this trail will also educate residents on the history of Birmingham.
“This will help to improve the perception of what Birmingham is and what Birmingham isn’t and give us an opportunity to get out start walking live a little bit get healthier but learn some of our history as well,” Alexander said.
U.S. Representative Terri Sewell says this will also help attract more businesses to the Magic City.
“I think that so many industries are looking for downtown areas that are walkable, livable and bikeable as an access to recruitment,” Sewell said.
Congress has dedicated nearly $12 billion to fund projects that have a significant or regional impact. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/birmingham-awarded-21-million-grant-to-support-urban-trail-project/ | 2023-06-23T23:02:01 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/birmingham-awarded-21-million-grant-to-support-urban-trail-project/ |
The following is a release sent out by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — A group reviewing the response to a long-running fire at a dump site near Moody in St. Clair County is recommending Alabama take steps to clarify authority and responsibilities that hindered the response, as well as determine the feasibility of having available vetted contractors who have experience putting out large, underground fires.
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management formed the group in March to examine the state and local government response to the fire; identify shortcomings or gaps in authority that hampered the response; assess whether changes in laws, regulations and resources are needed; and make recommendations to the Legislature and governor to ensure state and local governments are better prepared for similar emergencies in the future.
The group, made up of of legislators, government agency leaders and association heads, said the fire was “unprecedented” in its nature and scope, and that local and state governments lacked the equipment and expertise to extinguish the fire in a timely manner. Ultimately, the group’s report said, the only available entity with the timely ability to extinguish the fire was a private contractor pre-vetted and retained by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The working group included state Sen. Lance Bell, R-Pell City, state Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, and leaders of several government agencies and associations. Bell’s and Garrett’s districts include the Moody area.
“We have never seen this type of emergency – a large, underground fire emitting smoke affecting possibly thousands of residents and businesses – in this state before, and we simply were not equipped to deal with it,” Sen. Bell said.
The report stated that response to the fire was held back by “the lack of experience in responding to events outside of the usual extreme weather events and natural disasters typically managed under the EOP [Emergency Operations Plan], the lack of government equipment and trained personnel to extinguish a fire of this type and magnitude, the lack of available vetted response contractors on retainer,” as well as legal concerns about the authority to take action on private property.
“We need to make sure everyone who should have a responsibility during an emergency, from the local government to state agencies, knows what his or her role should be,” Rep. Garrett said. “It also needs to be clear to everyone involved what the criteria are for activating the emergency plan.”
ADEM “had no responsibility to act in response to fires under the state EOP, and no firefighting ability,” the report said.
Among other recommendations by the working group:
- The state EMA should establish a Unified Command to monitor the fire, which continues to smolder at the site.
- The state EMA should provide training to local EMA officials to ensure they are knowledgeable of their role and responsibilities under the EOP.
- Residents affected by the fire near Moody should be advised to file claims with their insurance providers and to contact the Alabama Department of Insurance if they have questions about their insurance.
Other members of the working group were:
- Lance LeFleur, director of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management
- Jeff Smitherman, director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency
- Rick Oates, state forester with the Alabama Forestry Commission
- Rick Pate, commissioner of Agriculture and Industries
- Sonny Brasfield, executive director of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama
- Greg Cochran, executive director of the Alabama League of Municipalities
Click here to read the working group’s full report and recommendations. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/group-alabama-was-not-equipped-for-long-running-unprecedented-dump-fire/ | 2023-06-23T23:02:07 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/group-alabama-was-not-equipped-for-long-running-unprecedented-dump-fire/ |
James Smith, the current FBI director in Houston, is expected to be named the next director of the New York FBI office, News 4 has learned.
In his nearly 20 years with the FBI, Smith has worked counter-terrorism and national security investigations, as well as helping to oversee cyber and surveillance programs. Before running the Houston FBI office, the nation’s 4th largest FBI office, Smith served in DC at FBI headquarters. He has also experience in the Los Angeles FBI field office.
In 2018, Smith helped oversee the investigation into serial bombings in Austin where hundreds of agents searched for the man behind the attacks that killed two and injured five. The suspect later killed himself when confronted by law enforcement.
Smith also has past experience in the FBI’s budget, human resources, administration, and infrastructure divisions.
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A Massachusetts native, Smith joined the FBI in 2004 and later spent several years investigating violent MS-13 gang members and other criminal groups. He will be the first Black man to head the New York FBI office.
Smith will take over as an FBI Assistant Director, replacing Mike Driscoll who is set to leave the NY FBI at the end of June to enter the private sector. Driscoll for years investigated Al Qaeda and other terror groups.
Driscoll was part of the team that investigated the 9/11 attacks as well as the terrorists responsible for the 1998 bombings of U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. Driscoll helped in leading criminal and intelligence divisions in New York, and served overseas in London before taking over the New York FBI.
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A formal announcement of Smith’s appointment to head the New York FBI office could be made early next week. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/fbi-expected-to-name-first-black-director-of-new-york-office/4448813/ | 2023-06-23T23:05:16 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/fbi-expected-to-name-first-black-director-of-new-york-office/4448813/ |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Josh Smith started at WJHL back in 1999. Throughout the years, he has covered countless stories with integrity and compassion, including his special presentation on the anniversary of the John Sevier Fire.
Josh has always had a passion for news and the ability to take viewers with him to experience what he sees. His coverage of the 2016 Gatlinburg wildfires showed not just the fire itself, but the hundreds of volunteers who traveled to East Tennessee to support firefighters’ efforts.
Josh excelled at the fun stories, as well. He never hid his love and admiration for Dolly Parton and got to interview her several times over the years.
Josh’s tenure at WJHL took him out of the region as well. He took viewers to New York City to follow Big Tom of Survivor fame.
Then in 2010, Josh flew across the country and took Tri-Cities viewers under the waves in the U.S.S. Greeneville, a nuclear attack submarine that bears the name of the Tri-Cities town. It offered viewers a first-ever look inside the submarine and how it was named.
And who could forget then-President Donald Trump’s campaign visit to the Tri-Cities? Josh was there and had a one-on-one interview with the president.
Besides covering big events, Josh’s focus has been on the people of the Tri-Cities, accurately telling their stories, and seeing life from their perspective has always been a priority. There is no better example than the Santa Train. Josh spent time gathering perspectives from both the organizers who gave away all of the gifts to people in Appalachia, but also the folks who received the gifts.
Josh vision of educating viewers and opening their eyes to different walks of life is one of the many things that endeared himself to viewers. His weekly Veterans Voices stories were a great reminder of the heroes that live among us, and Tri-Cities Original took viewers on a tour of the unique places and people who make the Tri-Cities an incredible place.
He has done so much in his 24 years and we thank him from the bottom of our hearts for taking us on his journey. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/a-look-back-josh-smiths-24-years-at-wjhl/ | 2023-06-23T23:08:27 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/a-look-back-josh-smiths-24-years-at-wjhl/ |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The main office for the U.S. Postal Service in Johnson City has called the property on E Main St. home since the early 1970s. Now, the city of Johnson City is considering the property for a new city hall location.
The lease agreement between the city and the postal service for the property is set to expire Aug. 31.
The post office is located across the street from the current city hall.
Assistant City Manager Randy Trivette said the city notified the Postal Service in 2021 of the upcoming expiration of the lease and that the city did not intend to renew the lease.
Trivette said the city does not have a clear idea of what they want to use the property for yet but that they have an architect assessing the current city hall’s administrative side.
He said this is the first step in the planning process as they consider the property for a new city hall.
“So, accessibility is very difficult here for people getting into commission chambers, to access services,” said Trivette. “We have handicap accessibility. It meets code, but it’s just not convenient.”
Trivette said the Postal Service intends to stay in the area and move to different locations, separating services like their retail and distribution into two different buildings, unlike the current situation in which they’re all in one. The city is working on an extended lease agreement of six months to allow them more time to find a location within the area.
“They’re working very closely with us,” said Trivette. “They understand the urgency, but we also understand how long it takes to accomplish current things right now too.”
City attorneys are drafting the extended lease agreement. With that agreement, the Postal Service will have until March 1, 2024 to find a new location in the 37601 zip code.
A representative with the U.S. Postal Service told News Channel 11 that they are continuing to actively explore viable options for another location and that customers will be notified as the process evolves. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/johnson-city-considers-post-office-building-for-new-city-hall/ | 2023-06-23T23:08:33 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/johnson-city-considers-post-office-building-for-new-city-hall/ |
The Tohono O'odham tribal member shot by Border Patrol agents near his home May 18 was intoxicated, on methamphetamine and alcohol, when struck 10 times by bullets, the autopsy report shows.
Raymond Mattia, 58, lived in Menagers Dam, a remote village near the U.S.-Mexico border in the southwestern part of the Tohono O'odham Nation. The village is about 140 miles southwest of Tucson.
Tohono O'odham police sought assistance from the Border Patrol the night of May 18 after receiving a report gunfire in the area.
The Border Patrol released a video report detailing the deadly encounter that includes body cam footage from three agents who shot and killed Mattia during a confrontation outside his home.
In it, agents and tribal officers search through his desert property using flashlights when an officer says he thinks he saw someone running in the darkness.
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A few moments later, the video shows Mattia throwing an object at one of the officers that lands near his feet. They learn later that it was a machete that was still in its sheath.
Soon agents are yelling at Mattia who is standing in front of a house and is fully illuminated by flashlights.
Agents yell at Mattia to put his hands in the air, and at one point Mattia appears to reach into his jacket. A volley of gunfire immediately follows.
Three agents fire their guns, the video shows.
Agents eventually approach the mortally wounded Mattia, who fell face-down on the ground after the gunfire, and begin CPR, the video shows. He is declared dead after several minutes of life-saving efforts.
Agents' bullets struck Mattia's torso five times and his extremities another five times., the autopsy report says.
The toxicology report that accompanied the autopsy by the Pima County Medical Examiner's Office says Mattia had a blood-alcohol level of 0.185 %, more than twice the legal limit for driving, which is 0.08 %.
He also had a significant enough level of methamphetamine to cause intoxication.
In earlier years, Mattia campaigned publicly against the negative influence of drug smugglers who passed through his community.
He also worked to connect Native American people in substance-abuse treatment with their heritage. The shooting prompted Mattia's family and other supporters to protest against his killing, saying it shows the damage that militarization of the border region has done to the tribe. | https://tucson.com/news/local/border/deadly-border-patrol-shooting-arizona/article_b8336ef6-11f8-11ee-9ad2-ffbb09491a3d.html | 2023-06-23T23:11:43 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/border/deadly-border-patrol-shooting-arizona/article_b8336ef6-11f8-11ee-9ad2-ffbb09491a3d.html |
A Honduran woman who federal investigators say led an intricate people-smuggling ring through Arizona has been extradited to face criminal charges, officials said Friday.
In the first time Honduran officials have helped to extradite a citizen in a U.S. smuggling case, Maria Mendoza Mendoza, known as “Guera," faces smuggling charges for an operation that dates back to at least 2018, said Gary M. Restaino, U.S. Attorney for the district of Arizona, at a news conference Friday in Tucson.
Mendoza was arrested in February and arrived on U.S. soil late last night.
She is one of 27 defendants in an 18-count indictment and is facing charges of conspiracy to transport and harbor people for profit, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and illegal transportation of people for profit.
Restaino, United States Attorney for the District of Arizona, held a press conference Friday afternoon detailing the 18-count indictment with 27 defendants, more than 20 of whom have already pleaded guilty.
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The investigation was developed in tandem by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol, and the United States Marshal’s Service.
In June 2021 Joint Task Force Alpha was created by Attorney General Merrick Garland in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security. JTFA is a collaboration of U.S. attorneys and law enforcement from border districts like southern Arizona. JTFA’s work has already resulted in 191 domestic and international arrests to-date with 86 convictions.
“Its mission is to strengthen the department’s overall efforts to target leaders, organizers and facilitators of human smuggling networks operating in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico,” Restaino said. “We’re targeting leaders of organizations to disrupt their command-and-control networks.”
“The methods and tactics of smuggling organizations are increasingly becoming a public safety concern, not only for communities along the border, but for everyone, everywhere,” said John Modin, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Tucson sector. “Today’s announcement of the arrest and extradition of a convicted human smuggler is a testament of our commitment and longstanding partnerships to combat human smuggling.”
Investigations uncovered a Facebook post containing a picture of Mendoza next to a car with a California license plate that was associated with human smuggling. Investigators were also able to retrieve a ledger of payments to Mendoza and others, tying the money to the operation.
Mendoza is in federal detention and was scheduled to appear in court Friday afternoon. | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/honduran-woman-extradited-charged-with-leading-smuggling-network/article_00f009ec-11f9-11ee-8ab7-3bff46fed96a.html | 2023-06-23T23:11:50 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/honduran-woman-extradited-charged-with-leading-smuggling-network/article_00f009ec-11f9-11ee-8ab7-3bff46fed96a.html |
VASSALBORO -- Each year the Maine State Police honor their own and others who put their lives on the line to help keep Mainers safe.
The awards that are given out, are not just for the ones who wear a badge.
At the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, people gathered together to recognize the courage of men and women who took it upon themselves to help someone else.
Trooper Adam Fillebrown was picked out of a field of 13 candidates and named Trooper of the Year, one of the ceremony's highest honors.
"Very humbling proud moment, with me and my dad doing it for almost 53 years," said Fillebrown. "It's definitely a great thing making him proud and hopefully he's watching down on me right now."
The ceremony was filled with powerful moments that honored bravery and good will. From Colonel awards to scholarships. To a trooper whose actions helped save the life of a women on the Penobscot Narrows Bridge.
911 dispatchers were also singled out for their contributions to public safety. Including Natasha Bishop, a State Police Dispatcher who guided a nine year old girl that was giving CPR to her father, and saved his life.
According to Bishop, "Well first it was like, unsure tears, and then they turned into happy tears when we figured out that she did save her dad. It was exhilarating and scary all at once, and she was absolutely amazing. She was a rockstar and really, it was all her."
Although it's nearly impossible to formally recognize each and every individual who put the well-being of others before their own, the work that they do will always be important.
According to Bishop, "If you feel yourself in a situation where you call 911 just stay calm, listen to us, we're there to help you, we're in it together. For my 911 people, just keep doing what you're doing." | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/annual-maine-state-police-awards-ceremony-recognize-both-sworn-members-and-civilians/article_9de99ed2-120f-11ee-bc69-6f8fbe291767.html | 2023-06-23T23:13:45 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/annual-maine-state-police-awards-ceremony-recognize-both-sworn-members-and-civilians/article_9de99ed2-120f-11ee-bc69-6f8fbe291767.html |
BELFAST -- The Belfast Police Department is cracking down on speeding this summer.
The department received federal funding from the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, which will translate to 2,000 working hours for officers to patrol busy roadways.
Belfast Police Department Sergeant Jennifer Weaver hopes the increased presence will change driver behavior.
"Any time that we do any sort of speed enforcement or directed patrol or stop a car, we're affecting everybody that drives past that vehicle. When somebody drives past an officer that's stopped a car, it makes them a little more mindful, cautious, and careful," said Weaver. "We just want to make sure we keep speed down and keep the community as safe as we can."
Police are targeting downtown intersections, on and off ramps, and various other locations throughout the city where they say drivers tend to speed.
In addition, officers say they hope to educate drivers during what is typically a busy time of the year for the city's roadways.
As summer tourism season kicks into high gear and more drivers hit the roads, police say it's important to remember the true dangers of speeding.
"Summer traffic gets very intense here, because it's a popular tourist destination spot," said officer Andrew Chapman. "When a vehicle has a collision at five miles an hour versus a vehicle collision at higher speeds, the injuries are greater. Incidents of death and serious bodily injury are greater when there's speed."
Officers say that road safety is a shared responsibility, and want to remind members of the community that they can always bring their concerns to the department.
"If you have a particular speed-related issue or a vehicle that is a common offender in your area, we would love to hear about it," said Chapman. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/belfast-police-department-cracking-down-on-speeding-this-summer/article_11c00568-120f-11ee-9329-2fb4f8f33649.html | 2023-06-23T23:13:51 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/belfast-police-department-cracking-down-on-speeding-this-summer/article_11c00568-120f-11ee-9329-2fb4f8f33649.html |
AUGUSTA -- "I felt the committee did great work and I was pleased that the House voted out the report," said Democratic Senator Anne Carney of Cape Elizabeth.
"If this law goes through, somebody decides that they don't want them [a baby] for whatever reason, they can just kill them. And that's what it is... It's killing babies," said Republican Representative Jack Ducharme III of Madison.
24 hours after the house voted in favor of L.D.1619, legislators expressed their feelings surrounding the chaotic night.
"I know that the house has been working really hard. I respect all the hard work that's going on and we're ready to do the work that comes in the Senate," said Senator Carney.
"To see that they didn't have the vote, they tabled the bill for five hours after they said it was going to be a 30-minute break in order to twist arms and threaten people and bully people in order to get the votes to pass this in the wee hours of the evening. Some legislators had to leave and they couldn't be present for the vote. I mean that's not how the process works," said Republican Senator Eric Brakey of Auburn.
In spite of a divided legislature, Mainer Abbie Strout-Bentes is pleased with the outcome.
"This bill is really important for Mainers to get the healthcare they need around pregnancy in our state without having to travel to Colorado or other states to access the care they need," said Strout-Bentes.
Speaking to lawmakers, they say L.D. 1619 has a chance to be voted on by the Senate as early as this evening. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/lawmakers-express-thoughts-on-l-d-1619-passage/article_0f848964-120e-11ee-b973-47be497423aa.html | 2023-06-23T23:13:57 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/lawmakers-express-thoughts-on-l-d-1619-passage/article_0f848964-120e-11ee-b973-47be497423aa.html |
AUGUSTA -- Maine House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross is currently under fire after remarks she made at a Juneteenth event this past Monday.
In a video posted by the Maine Wire, Talbot Ross called out Maine's educational system for being part of a, "oppressive, suppressive, supremacist system and ideology" and that "we should be storming the Capitol."
We tried to get in contact with the House Speaker's office regarding the remarks, but they declined to comment.
A spokesperson from the Maine Department of Education issued the following statement: "We are saddened by the speaker's comments because we believe they do not reflect the work of the Maine Department of Education or educators across Maine to implement the law... The revision of the Maine learning results began this year, and as statute outlines, includes the incorporation of African American studies, Maine African American studies, and the history of genocide, including the Holocaust. Educators will be working over the summer to revise and update these Maine learning results." | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/speaker-ross-under-fire-for-remarks/article_d0f45cea-120f-11ee-9760-1b14c5d26988.html | 2023-06-23T23:14:04 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/speaker-ross-under-fire-for-remarks/article_d0f45cea-120f-11ee-9760-1b14c5d26988.html |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A brush fire four miles north of Woodburn and a minor crash delayed northbound traffic on Interstate 5 Friday afternoon, according to the Aurora Fire Department.
Fire crews have cleared, but the crash may continue to cause traffic. Those passing I-5’s northbound Exit 276 may see delays of about 20 minutes and should prepare to slow down, officials say.
Stay with KOIN 6 as we receive more information. | https://www.koin.com/local/marion-county/vegetation-fire-minor-crash-delays-i-5-traffic-near-woodburn/ | 2023-06-23T23:15:30 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/marion-county/vegetation-fire-minor-crash-delays-i-5-traffic-near-woodburn/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — Need something to do this weekend, now that summer is officially here?
Check out our top 9 events happening in Central Florida below:
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
RuPaul’s Drag Race
RuPaul’s Drag Race “Werq the World” comes to the Dr. Phillips Center Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $39.50 for the world’s largest drag production. The event is 18+. Click here for tickets and details.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will celebrate its 30th anniversary tour Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Dr. Phillips Center. Tickets start at $35. Click here to purchase.
READ: Picture perfect: Winter Park hosting nature photography contest
Orlando Oddities and Curiosities Market
The Orlando Oddities and Curiosities Market begins at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Central Florida Fairgrounds on West Colonial Drive. Click here for details.
Orlando Brunchfest
Brunch out at the Orlando Brunchfest Saturday at Orlando Festival Park. Things begin Saturday at 11 a.m. Click here for details.
Pineapple Festival
Embrace the flavors of summer with Lake Nona’s annual Pineapple Festival Saturday.. Inspired by Festival De La Piña Paradisíaca, this Puerto Rican-themed street festival will feature Latin music and performances, cultural food, photo ops, artisanal vendors, and a kid’s zone in the heart of the Lake Nona Town Center. Entertainment begins at 1 p.m.
READ: This Orlando museum is offering a special deal on Father’s Day
Ashley Gavin
Comedienne Ashley Gavin takes over the Orlando Improv Friday and Saturday. Click here for details.
“Florida Festival of New Musicals”
Florida Festival of New Musicals runs through Sunday. Winter Park Playhouse will present six brand-new musicals from around the nation. Tickets are $10 per show, Click here for details.
READ: Central Florida Special Olympics athletes headed to Germany for World Games in Berlin
Goat Yoga
Goat Yoga returns to Alaska Farms in Orlando, 9650 Berry Dease Road all weekend. Click here for tickets and times.
CEO Fighting Game Championships
Show off your skills at weekend at Daytona Beach Ocean Center. Competitors will be playing in more than 20 fighting games including Nintendo’s “Super Smash Brothers,” “Mortal Kombat 11″ and the tournament debut of the newest “Street Fighter” game. More than 2,700 people from all over the world will be competing in this weekend’s event. Click here for more details.
READ: Thousands expected at video game tournament in Daytona Beach this weekend
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/9-things-do-this-weekend-central-florida/MQN3BCDNF5E7LHZEI4UGW7246A/ | 2023-06-23T23:17:07 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/9-things-do-this-weekend-central-florida/MQN3BCDNF5E7LHZEI4UGW7246A/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — A federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked a new Florida law targeting drag shows that was championed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
U.S. District Judge Gregory Presnell granted a preliminary injunction stopping the law from being enforced until a trial is held to determine its constitutionality, and he denied a Florida licensing and regulatory agency’s request to dismiss it.
The complaint was brought by the owner of a Hamburger Mary’s restaurant and bar in Orlando, which regularly hosts drag shows, including family-friendly performances on Sundays where children were invited to attend. The restaurant owner said it violated First Amendment rights by chilling speech, was written vaguely and was overbroad.
Read: Federal judge hears both sides in Hamburger Mary’s lawsuit against state
An email seeking comment was sent to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which is the remaining defendant after the judge dismissed DeSantis and the state as defendants. Proponents of the legislation have said the law is meant to keep children from viewing sexually explicit performances and is constitutional.
The new law punished venues for allowing children into “adult live performances.” Though it did not mention drag shows specifically, the sponsor of the legislation said it was aimed at those performances.
Read: Hamburger Mary’s owner speaks out on lawsuit filed against DeSantis
Because of such statements “plaintiff’s fear of prosecution based on the Act’s alleged vague construction is not unfounded,” the judge wrote.
Venues that violated the new law faced fines and the prospect of their liquor licenses being suspended or revoked. Individuals could be charged with a misdemeanor crime. The Florida agency moved to revoke the liquor licenses of a Miami hotel and a performing arts center owned by the Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation after they hosted drag shows where investigators claim minors were present.
Read: Hamburger Mary’s suing DeSantis over recent legislation targeting drag shows
The judge also noted that the law didn’t define “live performance,” which could include anything from a burlesque show to “a skit at a backyard family barbecue,” and it didn’t include an exception for parents who were fine with their children seeing a drag show.
Ahead of announcing a run for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination this spring, DeSantis made anti-LGBTQ+ legislation a large part of his agenda as governor. Other bills he signed would ban gender-affirming care for minors, and restrict discussion of personal pronouns in schools.
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/floridas-law-targeting-drag-shows-is-hold-under-federal-judges-order/E4Q6QI2DYZDCDBTRJW4CPFMHFE/ | 2023-06-23T23:17:08 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/floridas-law-targeting-drag-shows-is-hold-under-federal-judges-order/E4Q6QI2DYZDCDBTRJW4CPFMHFE/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — The theatrical requirements for movies vying for the Oscars top prize are getting a little tougher.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Starting with the 97th Academy Awards in 2025, best picture hopefuls will have to spend more time in theaters to qualify for film’s top prize. The changes, announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences this week, come after three years of adjusted release standards due to the pandemic.
On top of the current one week “qualifying run” in one of six U.S cities — New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco or Miami — best picture contenders would now must also now play for an additional seven days in 10 of the top 50 U.S. markets. Additionally, there’s several other new rules about when the movies must play in theaters.
“It is our hope that this expanded theatrical footprint will increase the visibility of films worldwide and encourage audiences to experience our art form in a theatrical setting,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said in a statement.
It’s part gesture to theaters still struggling from the pandemic, partly for audiences in markets outside of New York and Los Angeles who don’t always get theatrical access to best picture contenders, and partly a statement to deep pocketed streaming services that theaters remain paramount for Hollywood’s top prize.
The film academy’s leaders also say the decision was born out of many conversations with industry partners and that they feel that this “evolution benefits film artists and movie lovers alike.”
But some in the industry questioned what it really changes, who it benefits and who it might hurt.
Read: 9 things to do this weekend in Central Florida
Michael O’Leary, the President and CEO of the National Association of Theater Owners, applauded the “important initiative.” In a statement, O’Leary said it “affirms that theatrical exhibition is the keystone of the industry.”
For traditional studios, from the big ones like Warner Bros., Universal and Disney, to the smaller players, like A24 and Neon, behind recent best picture winners " Everything Everywhere All At Once " and “Parasite,” it likely affects very little.
For streaming services, it could be a case-by-case adjustment depending on the company but not a hurdle. Amazon is already planning to release 12 to 15 movies theatrically every year, as they’ve already done with Ben Affleck’s “Air.” Apple is also set to spend $1 billion a year on movies that will land in cinemas before streaming, including Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon.”
Netflix has had a bigger theatrical footprint lately too. Not only do they control two U.S. theaters — New York’s Paris Theater and Los Angeles’ American Cinematheque — but they’ve also historically given theatrical runs to their awards hopefuls. All of Netflix’s nominees since “Roma” have met the requirement. Its most recent best picture nominee, “All Quiet on the Western Front,” played in hundreds of theaters.
The new rule may weed out the possibility of a grassroots campaign on behalf of a very small film, however. Independent theaters and those willing to play independent films have become rarer and the competition is fierce for those screens in the major markets. Some of the bigger indie stalwarts are even scheduling major studio films, leaving fewer times and screens available for true independents.
Much like the diversity requirements that went into effect this year, few could think of recent best picture players that wouldn’t have met this threshold. Apple’s best picture winner “CODA” played in about 40 theaters. Even non-traditional Oscar “underdogs” like " Drive My Car " and " RRR " had substantial theatrical runs.
Read: SeaWorld announces Summer Spectacular concert lineup
“It’s important to consider that qualifying is merely a first step in a long process that involves robust and costly campaigning,” said Dan Berger, the president of the independent film company Oscilloscope. “I think it’s fair to say that nearly any film that doesn’t meet these parameters never stood a chance in a best picture race anyway.”
Berger added: “Hopefully the result of this isn’t more robust and more costly campaigning that only serves to further divide merit based results from campaign based results.”
There are a lot of unknowns about the specifics of the expansion, including whether there will be minimum of showtimes and screens. Could companies simply rent out eight screens that will play to minimal or no crowds in densely populated areas that are relatively cheap and that are also not historically great for indie films? It’ll check the box, but will it help theaters, the films or audiences? And will it lead to an even greater year-end bottleneck of releases?
Questions also remain about how it will affect the eligibility of animated films and documentaries, which wouldn’t have to meet these requirements to qualify in their individual categories but now might have to adopt a different strategy to be in contention for best picture.
Others are more hopeful and know that the academy’s board of governors meet often to reassess rules as the landscape continues to change.
“It’s about time that the academy made a move to recommit to theatrical. The Oscars were inching closer and closer to becoming the Emmys,” said one top awards strategist and academy member who requested anonymity to speak candidly about the changes. “Could they have gone further? Of course. But it’s a good faith step in the right direction.”
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/heres-how-oscars-best-picture-rule-changes-will-affect-nominees-movie-theaters/7CKQDNZGIFAT5MI7DSVIYPPIFM/ | 2023-06-23T23:17:11 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/heres-how-oscars-best-picture-rule-changes-will-affect-nominees-movie-theaters/7CKQDNZGIFAT5MI7DSVIYPPIFM/ |
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A Seminole County dispatcher who walked a couple through delivering their baby at home got to meet the newborn in person this week.
The baby was not going to wait for paramedics to arrive, so Seminole County Dispatcher Caroline Walker got a crash course in labor and delivery talking Brian and Aisha Webb step-by-step over the phone on how to deliver their newborn baby girl.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
“My wife is in labor the baby is coming out right now,” Brian is heard saying on the call.
Caroline walked Brian through the whole process, including helping him unwrap the umbilical cord from around the baby’s neck.
Read: Florida deputy helps deliver baby along roadside
On Friday, four months after baby Katherine Rose was born, the couple and dispatcher thought they’d be meeting for the first time. But when they got face to face, they realized they’d actully known each other through church for years.
“That is nothing short of a miracle,” Aisha said. “It had to come from God that she was the one who answered the phone of all people.”
Read: Florida deputy reunited with baby he helped deliver on side of highway
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/nothing-short-miracle-dispatcher-walks-couple-through-delivering-baby-home/FN7DPMAUFBE7DP2Z7YEXTUYEEE/ | 2023-06-23T23:17:17 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/nothing-short-miracle-dispatcher-walks-couple-through-delivering-baby-home/FN7DPMAUFBE7DP2Z7YEXTUYEEE/ |
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — An Ocoee man was just sentenced to death for a second time for burning his ex-girlfriend to death.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Dane Abdool, 36, was convicted of murdering his 17-year-old girlfriend in 2006 in Winter Garden and was sentenced to death. But in 2017, Florida’s Supreme Court threw out that sentence because the jury was not unanimous.
READ: Crosley Green not eligible for parole until 2054, Florida review board says
Whether Abdool dies or lives has been a yo-yo in the court since 2008. On Friday, after a jury sentenced him to death for the second time, a judge decided if he will follow the jury’s recommendation.
The judge ultimately sentenced Abdool to death. Abdool’s public defender said in court that they will appeal.
READ: Orlando smoke shop owner arrested after selling cannabis to minors near school, police say
The state pushed for Abdool’s resentencing before the death penalty law changed this year. The law now allows an 8-4 vote to recommend the death sentence.
READ: Orange County commissioner proposes crackdown on illegal short-term rental properties
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/ocoee-man-sentenced-death-2nd-time-burning-ex-girlfriend-death/45EECO3AARHMVESKAAKLR4ELYI/ | 2023-06-23T23:17:26 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/ocoee-man-sentenced-death-2nd-time-burning-ex-girlfriend-death/45EECO3AARHMVESKAAKLR4ELYI/ |
WASHINGTON D.C. — A new report highlights growing anti-LGBTQ+ extremism nationwide.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The Anti-Defamation League and GLAAD tracked more than 350 incidents from June 2022 to April 2023. This includes harassment, vandalism, and assault.
This comes as more anti-LGBTQ+ proposals are popping up across state legislatures and now Congress is taking a closer look.
“Despite being called a demon, a monster, or other despicable things, I love my life. I love my family. I love my friends and I’m happy,” said Harleigh Walker before Senate Judiciary Committee this week.
Walker is a transgender teenage girl from Alabama. She said the journey wasn’t easy and initially, she faced intense bullying at her middle school.
Read: LGBTQ+ people flock to Florida for Gay Days festival
“So much so that my parents decided I needed to go to online school, not because I wanted to, but the bullying got so bad it was getting close to violence and the school was doing nothing about it,” said Walker. “We worked with the school, and I eventually got to go back but kids shouldn’t feel helpless at school against being bullied and discriminated against just because they are different.”
She shared her experience with federal lawmakers and she’s urging them to support rights for the transgender community.
“I’m asking you to help us stop certain people from using the transgender community as a political pawn,” said Walker. “These are human rights hanging in the balance, help us communicate they are impacting people’s lives and our pursuit of happiness.”
But some believe transgender athletes may be negatively impacting women’s sports.
Read: Judge rules against Florida’s ban on transgender Medicaid coverage
“The number of female athletes who have been denied opportunities, traumatized, or hurt by policies that claim to promote “inclusion” is growing at an alarming rate,” said Riley Gaines, former NCAA athlete.
Riley Gaines is a former 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer and now she’s an advisor for Independent Women’s Voice, conservative-leaning nonprofit organization which focuses on policy issues affecting women.
She argues women athletes are now facing a new disadvantage.
“This is unacceptable, and the integrity of women’s sports is lost. It is unfair, it is discriminatory, and it must stop,” said Gaines. “Believing in biology is not bigoted and following the science that there are two sexes and that there are very real and important differences between the two sexes is not hateful, it’s fact.”
Read: Thousands raised to support those seeking transgender care following new legislation
Turning to Congress, lawmakers are split on the issue.
“Right now, extremist politicians across America are targeting our LGBTQ+ youth along with the medical professionals who care for them and the parents who love them,” said Senator Dick Durbin, D – Illinois.
Democrats believe these laws are harmful, while some GOP leaders argue state have the right to act.
“Is it ok for states to ban the transitions of a minor? I think it is,” said Senator Lindsey Graham, R – South Carolina. “I think the state has every interest in protecting minor children regarding a medical procedure that is life altering.”
Recent FBI data also shows an 11% increase in hate crimes from 2020 to 2021. This includes incidents related to gender identity and sexual orientation bias.
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/resurgence-anti-lgbtq-bills-state-level-has-congress-weighing-debate/DUB3ULMCQ5C5LAZ2FFG4CQHJV4/ | 2023-06-23T23:17:26 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/resurgence-anti-lgbtq-bills-state-level-has-congress-weighing-debate/DUB3ULMCQ5C5LAZ2FFG4CQHJV4/ |
WASHINGTON D.C — Cybercrime costs the country billions of dollars and threatens public safety, and the federal government faces challenges in how it keeps track of these crimes, according to a new government watchdog report.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The Government Accountability Office spent more than a year studying the issue for this report.
“With the society’s reliance on the internet for personal business, financial business and government business, it is becoming increasingly easy to commit these cybercrimes,” explained Marisol Cruz Cain, who studies government-wide cybercrime issues, privacy issues, information management issues for the Government Accountability Office. “There’s a lot at stake here with these cybercrimes.”
Read: SIM Swapping: Criminals use common security feature to access bank accounts
The GAO included an example from the U.S. Marshals Service. In February, it reported the agency was the victim of a ransomware attack. The computer system hacked did not include personal details about people in witness protection, but the report says the attackers did get away with sensitive files, which included information about investigative targets.
Now, the GAO has determined the country lacks a standard definition of cybercrime and comprehensive monitoring. The concerns mean the data isn’t consistently tracked and likely underreported.
Read: A local district looks to ban students using cellphones entirely during school hours
“People can define it differently, collect it differently, report on it differently and it makes it really difficult to measure the aspects of the cybercrimes,” Cruz Cain said.
Watchdogs believe that leaves us less prepared to combat these offenses.
Read: Crosley Green not eligible for parole until 2054, Florida review board says
“If you have data that you can’t compare to each other, there’s no real way to look into trends or to understand the impact, or even to create new initiatives to combat the crime,” Cruz Cain added.
The multiple agencies that deal with cybercrime told the GAO because of their different missions, it is going to be very difficult to come up with a shared definition. Unlike most reports, this one does not include recommendations or solutions.
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/watchdog-us-faces-challenges-tracking-cybercrime/HULZRMYYBRGLLDJRRITUOZUTTM/ | 2023-06-23T23:17:46 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/watchdog-us-faces-challenges-tracking-cybercrime/HULZRMYYBRGLLDJRRITUOZUTTM/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-police-recruit-and-two-firefighters-struck-by-lightning/3283657/ | 2023-06-23T23:25:53 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-police-recruit-and-two-firefighters-struck-by-lightning/3283657/ |
Arizona gas prices fall by 16 cents; national average in neutral
Gas prices across the country have remained stagnant since last week, keeping the national average for a gallon of black gold at $3.58, according to AAA.
New data from the Energy Information Administration, as cited by GasBuddy, showed an increase in gasoline demand since the week prior, from 9.19 million barrels per day to 9.38 million.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said that so far this year, implied gas demand is around 1.4% higher than in 2022, per the EIA's report.
Inventories also went up, amassing a half-million barrel increase, vaulting the total to about 221.4 million barrels of crude oil.
The current stock is about 1.1% higher than the year before, but is 7% lower than the typical five-year average this time of year, De Haan said.
Taking a glance at refinery output, utilization fell by 0.6% as opposed to last week, coming in at 93.1%. Gasoline production took a tumble as well, bringing the total from 10.2 million barrels per day to 9.8 million barrels. Distillate fuel production, however, inched forward, from 5 million barrels per day to 5.1 million.
Thursday's close to the formal trading session saw West Texas Intermediate (WTI) end the day at $69.51.
Arizona continues its gas price descent
Since the beginning of June, Arizona has stayed the course, shedding about 13 cents each week off its state average for a gallon of gas. As of Friday, that drop remains intact.
According to AAA, the average pump price across the Copper State has settled in this week at $4.05, about a 16-cent decline since June 15.
Possible solution:Gas prices need a fix, and changing Arizona's fuel blend is an option, lawmakers say
Arizona's ranking as one of the most expensive markets in the country also has taken a plunge, now seated behind Washington ($4.96), California ($4.85), Hawaii ($4.72), Oregon ($4.61), Nevada ($4.26) and Alaska ($4.21).
The $4.05 Arizona average is still well above its national counterpart ― by 47 cents ― and as the days drone on toward the Fourth of July weekend, these prices will likely meet somewhere in the middle.
County by county rankings
A notable shift in regard to pump prices is that only three Arizona counties are now paying $4 or more on average to fill up. Last week, that number was doubled.
Greenlee County, though, was the lone entry to have an increase in price since last Thursday, adding 6 cents to its total.
Maricopa and Graham once again held their titles as the most and least expensive counties to top off in, respectively.
The list, however, has seen quite the reshuffle:
- Maricopa: $4.22 (-0.24)
- Coconino: $4.01 (-0.04)
- Santa Cruz: $4.01 (-0.06)
- Yavapai: $3.99 (-0.08)
- Pinal: $3.94 (-0.15)
- Mohave: $3.93 (-0.01)
- Navajo: $3.90 (-0.02)
- La Paz: $3.88 (-0.03)
- Pima: $3.87 (-0.13)
- Yuma: $3.85 (-0.05)
- Apache: $3.76 (-0.07)
- Gila: $3.65 (-0.10)
- Cochise: $3.58 (-0.04)
- Greenlee: $3.38 (+0.06)
- Graham: $3.27 (-0.04) | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/06/23/arizona-gas-prices-register-fall-national-price-stalls/70351751007/ | 2023-06-23T23:32:28 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/06/23/arizona-gas-prices-register-fall-national-price-stalls/70351751007/ |
Murder trial in death of Gilbert Purple Heart veteran ends with life sentence
A man convicted of murdering a 73-year-old Vietnam veteran in Gilbert was sentenced to life in prison Friday.
Jacob Samia of Chandler was found guilty in the death of Frank Bernal after a 12-day trial in May.
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Margaret LaBianca sentenced Samia, 35, to life in prison with a possible release in 25 years.
Bernal, who had been awarded a Purple Heart after being injured in Vietnam, was sleeping at home when he was attacked on the night of Oct. 11, 2020, court records showed.
According to court records, Samia strangled, beat and bit Bernal after breaking into his home.
Police found Bernal struggling to stay alive in the home after following a blood trail that Samia had left after attempting to break into a shop down the road.
Police picked up Samia at a home down the road. Residents said a man covered in blood was banging on their door asking them to call 911.
Bernal died nine days later.
Andy Bernal, Bernal’s brother, told the court that it was hard seeing his brother beaten and dying.
”Frank survived the attacks in the jungles of Vietnam, but he did not survive the brutal attack in the sanctity of his own home,” he said.
Another of Bernal’s brothers, Conrad Bernal, wrote in a statement to the court, “Our brother was a role model for our entire family. He was always there for all of us.”
In court, prosecutors said Samia broke in to rob Bernal's home.
They presented evidence, police camera footage and interviewed Samia on the witness stand.
Samia testified he was drunk and looking for a place to sleep when he strangled and bit Bernal.
A jury found Samia guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree burglary, kidnapping, third-degree burglary and criminal damages. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/gilbert-breaking/2023/06/23/jacob-samia-sentenced-to-life-in-murder-of-purple-heart-veteran-frank-bernal/70351929007/ | 2023-06-23T23:32:34 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/gilbert-breaking/2023/06/23/jacob-samia-sentenced-to-life-in-murder-of-purple-heart-veteran-frank-bernal/70351929007/ |
Flagstaff City Council approved a contract for recycling services this week, to begin later this summer.
At the moment, the city is still having recycled materials brought to the City of Phoenix’s Northgate Materials Recovery Facility, after the Flagstaff recycling facility closed suddenly this spring.
The new contract with Friedman Recycling Company will still have recyclables going down to the valley, but those materials will be brought to a facility owned and operated by Friedman rather than City of Phoenix.
City solid waste director Evan Tyrell told the council that the new contract will be significantly less expensive than the emergency contract that the city signed with Phoenix earlier this year.
The company Joe Dirt Excavating, Inc. will continue hauling recyclables to Phoenix until the Freidman is ready to take those operations over, Tyrell said.
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Tyrell said Freidman will be able to haul materials from Flagstaff to their own Phoenix facility in a far more efficient way.
“Right now were hauling multiple trucks down to the valley. This new contract kind of optimizes that where instead of hauling eight to 10 tons per haul, were hauling 10 to 20 tons per haul, so were basically cutting our transportation needs in half,” Tyrell said.
The contract with Friedman is currently set to last 6-months with two potential three month extensions.
City officials say they still plan to develop a longer term recycling contract, be it with Freidman or another recycling processer.
With an estimated total of 550 tons of commingled recyclables per month, city officials say the contract is expected to cost the city $65,000 per month, or $118 per ton, post-collection.
The contract does include substantial fees for dealing with contamination within Flagstaff’s recycling, putting new emphasis on the city reducing the amount of trash that ends up in the recycling.
Flagstaff has long had problems with trash ending up mixed with the recycling, increasing costs or sorting through the materials.
City manager Greg Clifton reassured council that the city would be taking renewed steps to educate the public and commercial business on what materials can be recycled.
“We will be embarking on a significant education program, re-education program. [Contamination form non-recyclables] is an issue and its one that’s going to start being more costly for this community if we don’t start getting on top of it,” Clifton said. “It will be a collaborative effort. Sustainability and solid waste will be helping to lead that charge. […] Were excited to lower our contamination rate, increase our solid waste diversion rate.”
There is no change to the types of recycling materials that the City currently accepts.
Residents and businesses should recycle only acceptable materials and those materials should be empty, clean, dry and loose (not contained in plastic bags).
For more information, visit flagstaff.az.gov/2322/Residential-Trash-Recycle-Services. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/city-contracts-with-friedman-recycling-company-for-services/article_509c231e-1202-11ee-9ca6-374cd9a6609c.html | 2023-06-23T23:36:57 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/city-contracts-with-friedman-recycling-company-for-services/article_509c231e-1202-11ee-9ca6-374cd9a6609c.html |
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