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WALDOBORO, Maine — Business owners, allies, and residents in Waldoboro are organizing the first-ever Pride celebration for the small midcoast town, set for Sunday.
The plan is simple but means a great deal to queer residents and allies NEWS CENTER Maine spoke with on Friday.
There will be a dinner at the Broad Bay Congregational United Church and then a movie across the street at the Waldo Theater. The Courier-Gazette reported on Tuesday that someone on Facebook made a since-deleted post about the event.
"Me n the homies finna crash that [expletive] be ready mfs," the Courier quoted the post.
On Friday, Waldoboro officers told NEWS CENTER Maine they investigated a threat, tracked it to a juvenile, and said the threat is unfounded.
Despite the threat, lifelong resident Rachel Genthner, who has been out as a trans woman since 1996, was thrilled to finally have Pride in her town.
"I’m not ashamed, and I think it’s so great that the community is getting together and gonna have a joyous celebration, and show love and compassion that you do mean something," Genthner said. "I never had that when I came out all those years ago."
Eli Van Etten, who runs the downtown business Perch Cafe with their family, said, while likely baseless, the threat would be on their mind come Sunday. Nevertheless, they were happy to support the event.
"I just felt like it was important, and time to bring some of that energy to Waldoboro," Van Etten said.
Waldoboro police would not say if any action would be taken against the juvenile who made the threat, citing privacy concerns due to the person’s age. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/lgbtq/lgbtq-residents-anticipate-first-waldoboro-pride-after-police-investigate-threat-community/97-01a2023c-8afd-44d8-a8f5-726a7c21d0e2 | 2023-06-24T03:07:15 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/lgbtq/lgbtq-residents-anticipate-first-waldoboro-pride-after-police-investigate-threat-community/97-01a2023c-8afd-44d8-a8f5-726a7c21d0e2 |
EVERETT, Wash. — The Everett office of OceanGate will be closed indefinitely after five people aboard its submersible were presumed dead, including the company’s CEO.
The company’s offices, which are located on the Everett waterfront, will be closed “while the staff copes with the tragic loss of their team member,” according to a statement released by the Port of Everett.
“This is an extremely sad time for our dedicated employees who are exhausted and grieving deeply over this loss,” OceanGate said in a statement.
OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush was among five people on the Titan submersible, which lost contact about an hour and 45 minutes after it began its journey to the wreckage of the Titanic on Sunday.
British businessman Hamish Harding, French Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, and Shahzada and Suleman Dawood, a father and son from a prominent Pakistani family, were also on board.
Several agencies launched an extensive search for the submersible, which covered an area twice the size of Connecticut in waters 2 ½ miles deep.
The Coast Guard announced Thursday there was a “catastrophic implosion” of the submersible after debris was found about 1,600 feet from the Titanic. A senior Navy official told the Associated Press that the U.S. Navy analyzed its acoustic data and found an anomaly that was consistent with an implosion or explosion when communication was lost.
This was the third year that OceanGate has operated expeditions to the Titanic, following trips in 2021 and 2022.
The company takes paying customers to see the Titanic’s wreckage at a price tag of $250,000 per person. Its goal is to document flora and fauna living in the wreckage, document the condition of the wreck and capture data and images to be used for scientific study, in addition to adventure tourism.
However, the company faced allegations of safety concerns even before it launched its first Titanic mission. In 2018, a former OceanGate employee sued the company claiming he was wrongfully terminated after he sounded the alarm about the “potential danger to passengers of the Titan as the submersible reached extreme depths."
That case was settled outside court. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/oceangate-everett-offices-closed-indefinitely-submersible-implodes/281-a11aea1f-1542-460c-8c1b-854f984d41a4 | 2023-06-24T03:07:22 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/oceangate-everett-offices-closed-indefinitely-submersible-implodes/281-a11aea1f-1542-460c-8c1b-854f984d41a4 |
PORTLAND, Maine — Portland City Manager Danielle West has selected Mark Dubois as her choice to be Portland’s next police chief, according to a release Friday from the city.
Dubois needs to be confirmed by the city council, which will vote on the appointment during its June 26 meeting, the release stated. If confirmed, he would begin in Portland on July 31 and earn $165,000 annually, according to the city.
Dubois currently serves as chief of police in Braintree, Massachusetts, a position he has held since 2019. Prior to his work in Braintree, he served as chief of police in Maynard, Massachusetts, for seven years, the release stated.
“I’m excited to have Mark join the Portland Police Department and our City leadership team,” West said in Friday's release. “Mark has demonstrated a commitment to instilling trust, spurring collaboration, and communicating and working with diverse communities. He has a deep understanding of the law and a passion for contributing to the advancement of his profession. I’d like to thank the City staff and community leaders who provided me with invaluable feedback during my decision making process.”
The city of Portland said Dubois has also worked for police departments in Sutton, Northborough, and Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. He is a reservist in the military and serves as a judge advocate, according to the release.
He holds a juris doctor degree from the New England Law School as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Westfield State College, the city said. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/portland/portland-maine-police-chief-mark-dubois-braintree-police/97-017e7236-3f3c-41de-9028-8e04e48971c9 | 2023-06-24T03:07:28 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/portland/portland-maine-police-chief-mark-dubois-braintree-police/97-017e7236-3f3c-41de-9028-8e04e48971c9 |
PORTLAND, Maine — Update 9:50 p.m.:
The man involved in a police standoff outside a Burger King in Portland has been taken into custody, authorities say.
He's being evaluated by EMS, according to a tweet from the Portland Police Department.
The Westbrook Police Department sent a crisis negotiator to the scene, the tweet stated.
Information on charges won't be available until Saturday, police said.
This came after a NEWS CENTER Maine crew at the scene reported hearing multiple loud bangs and seeing smoke.
Original story:
Police responded, and a standoff ensued after a Burger King employee was threatened in Portland on Friday evening, a witness says.
The employee who was threatened told NEWS CENTER Maine a man came through the restaurant drive-thru with a gun, flicked it, and said he'd "get her later."
After that, the man parked near Burger King on Forest Avenue. The incident happened around 7 p.m.
A standoff ensued, and the man hasn't gotten out of his vehicle since, according to the witness.
Police from Portland and Westbrook were spotted at the scene.
In a Twitter post, the Portland Police Department said "a potentially armed subject" is in a vehicle, and traffic is being diverted off of Forest Avenue.
Police are advising people to stay clear of the area.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated with more information as it becomes available. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/portland/update-man-taken-into-custody-after-standoff-near-portland-burger-king-police/97-396db3f9-9686-41da-97b0-50e0bba00e22 | 2023-06-24T03:07:34 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/portland/update-man-taken-into-custody-after-standoff-near-portland-burger-king-police/97-396db3f9-9686-41da-97b0-50e0bba00e22 |
LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — A long-standing religious tradition is back at Mohegan Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre Township.
The seats at the arena are packed with people for the convention of the Jehovah's Witnesses. It's the first in-person gathering since 2019
"For the past three years, we've hosted our convention on our website, and although virtual was good to keep our families safe, now is the time to get back together again, so we're excited to be back in Wilkes-Barre," said Joshua Gilmour, Jehovah's Witnesses spokesperson.
"We love the hospitality, we love all of the features of the area, everyone is just so friendly, and we love being here," said Arthur Iannone, New York.
It's estimated to bring in $2 million to the local economy with hotel stays and dining out.
More than 4,000 people will be attending the convention each day through Sunday.
"Most will be coming from the northeast into Binghamton down into the Poconos and as far as Williamsport," said Gilmour.
"It's exciting, we missed being together, so any opportunity we have to reconnect and enjoy each other's company is a blessing," said Iannone.
This year's theme is 'Exercise Patience.' The gathering is open to anyone in the community interested in hearing their message, no matter their beliefs.
"Anyone that can benefit from the quality of patience can benefit from the program this weekend. Patience is something that is lacking in the world today, so by applying that quality, it can help improve relationships with others as well," said Gilmour.
For more information on this weekend's convention of the Jehovah's Witnesses, click here.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/jehovas-witnesses-convention-returns-to-luzerne-county-mohegan-pennsylvania-joshua-gilmore-arthur-iannone/523-6ff6c59e-79cd-48ee-beeb-bfa82264b552 | 2023-06-24T03:12:31 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/jehovas-witnesses-convention-returns-to-luzerne-county-mohegan-pennsylvania-joshua-gilmore-arthur-iannone/523-6ff6c59e-79cd-48ee-beeb-bfa82264b552 |
HONESDALE, Pa. — The smell of charred wood still lingered in the air more than a day after crews were dispatched just before 2 a.m. Thursday for a large amount of smoke along West Park Street in Honesdale.
"Our units arrived and found a house on fire, the rest of the department was dispatched to assist. We had a working fire smoke showing from the rear of the building. We stretched numerous lines and used a fire hydrant," said Deputy Chief Brian Dulay, Honesdale Fire Department.
It took hours of battling the fire before Deputy Chief Brian Dulay could say the scene was under control.
It was then he says that crews entered the home to discover someone was inside.
"The house did have a fair amount of contents in it, so we did a primary search of the structure, and later in the morning, we did locate a victim," said Deputy Chief Dulay.
The Wayne County coroner's office identified the victim as 64-year-old Kathleen Donahue. She died at the scene.
Officials say Donahue lived alone in the home where she had grown up.
Deputy Chief Dulay says Thursday morning's fatal fire posed some issues; the house is along a busy stretch of road and is almost completely camouflaged in thick vegetation.
"Even in the middle of the night, there is a lot of truck traffic that makes its way through town. We had the road shut down for numerous hours while we operated, the home was a little bit overgrown, so we did have to work around that as we extinguished the blaze," explained Deputy Chief Dulay.
Dulay says no firefighters were injured. A state police fire marshall is still investigating a potential cause.
The autopsy to determine the cause of death for Kathleen Donahue is scheduled for Saturday in Wayne County.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/wayne-county/woman-killed-in-honesdale-fire-west-park-street-brian-duley-deputy-chief-fire-department-wayne-county-kathleen-donahue/523-5da45ab2-27c0-416c-a884-1eb1b0f8c443 | 2023-06-24T03:12:37 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/wayne-county/woman-killed-in-honesdale-fire-west-park-street-brian-duley-deputy-chief-fire-department-wayne-county-kathleen-donahue/523-5da45ab2-27c0-416c-a884-1eb1b0f8c443 |
Sewer repairs mean lane closures on Southwest Parkway
Staff Reports
Times Record News
Beginning at 10 p.m. Monday the left and right turn lanes of Southwest Parkway onto Greenbriar will be closed for sewer line repairs.
There will be no through traffic allowed southbound onto Greenbriar, according to a press release from the city.
The main lanes of Southwest Parkway and driveways to nearby business will remain open.
"During this time citizens will need to exercise caution in traveling this area in an effort to protectthemselves and the city workers that will be in the street repairing the infrastructure." the city said.
The press release did not say how long the repairs will take. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/23/sewer-repairs-mean-lane-closures-on-southwest-parkway/70352714007/ | 2023-06-24T03:20:23 | 0 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/23/sewer-repairs-mean-lane-closures-on-southwest-parkway/70352714007/ |
PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — SouthSound 911 has a new asset to help deal with emergency calls in Pierce County.
Now if you’re going through a crisis and dial 911, a trained 988 counselor will be there to provide emotional support and crisis counseling.
It’s part of a pilot program that partners 911 call takers and dispatchers in SouthSound 911 with counselors from Volunteers of America, who’ll be working together under one roof.
Executive Director Deborah Grady says having counselors available in-house can make all the difference when dealing with someone enduring a mental health crisis.
“Our 911 call takers are quickly determining and triaging calls for emergencies, and so seconds literally count in an emergency environment and life safety,” she explained.
The partnership also addresses growing call volumes.
SouthSound 911 currently serves 38 police and fire agencies in Pierce County. Last year, the agency processed a million calls, and last month, 62,000 911 calls were processed.
Courtney Colwell, 988 Operations Manager for Volunteers of America, says this new program helps take on that load, and shifts calls that require different resources away from emergency services.
“It’s really about diverting from the 911 system when appropriate and providing an alternate avenue for individuals in our community to receive support during a behavioral health crisis,” she says. “Everyone knows to call 911, but not everyone knows when to call 988 yet, so our collective vision is that eventually, everyone will know when to call 911, and when to call 988.”
Meanwhile, Grady says although the program was just implemented a week ago, they’re already starting to see a lot of calls being directed to their 988 crisis line.
The call center is now compiling data on exactly how many of their calls require a crisis counselor, and Grady says SouthSound 911 is now even more equipped to serve Pierce County.
“Whether it’s a life safety emergency, or whether it’s someone in crisis that needs help, we’ve worked together to partner to get people help as quickly as possible,” Grady said.
If you or someone you know is suffering a mental or behavioral health crisis, you can call 988 and be immediately referred to emotional support, crisis counseling, and access to essential resources. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/public-safety/call-911-speak-to-trained-counselor-pierce-county/281-b1e7e091-d128-4e74-a45f-82a5a3dfa276 | 2023-06-24T03:23:51 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/public-safety/call-911-speak-to-trained-counselor-pierce-county/281-b1e7e091-d128-4e74-a45f-82a5a3dfa276 |
SHORELINE, Wash. — A Shoreline resident celebrated a very special birthday on Friday.
Colette Laico turned 103! Aegis Living threw her a huge birthday celebration that featured an Italian feast and a live band.
She was surrounded by her friends and family and even got to judge an apple pie bake-off, which is her favorite dessert.
"She's healthy, not on medication and just enjoying life. She has always said the reason she made it to 103 is because she likes to be happy and eating Italian food," Colette's daughter Annette Laico said.
Colette is an artist and her handmade paper has been featured in The New York Times and on the Today Show.
Happy birthday, Colette!
Watch KING 5's top stories playlist: | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/shoreline-resident-celebrates-103rd-birthday/281-3ebf3df7-28c5-4392-9d5b-3264a8b9d40b | 2023-06-24T03:23:57 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/shoreline-resident-celebrates-103rd-birthday/281-3ebf3df7-28c5-4392-9d5b-3264a8b9d40b |
BALDWIN BOROUGH, Pa. — Despite someone smashing the front door and stealing cash from the register early Thursday morning, Sagun Asian Restaurant in Baldwin Borough was back open for business later that day.
“This is like, kind of Indian food plus Nepali food, so we serve kind of all Indian and Nepali, specifically,” said manager Pawan Ghimirey, describing his shop.
Baldwin Police charged Aita Rai, 28, for the theft.
According to the police report, Rai used two rocks to smash the glass door around 2:30 a.m. Thursday before heading for the cash register.
Ghimirey says Rai got away with a couple hundred dollars in cash and caused about $600 in damage to the restaurant.
This comes just about a month after new owners bought the shop on Route 51.
“It’s really difficult for us because we just bought the business a month ago so for somebody to come over and break our door and take some of our cash, it’s kind of a frustration for our new owner,” explained Ghimirey.
The break-in was caught on surveillance video and according to the criminal complaint, officers used Rai’s tattoos to identify him based on previous encounters with police.
Court filings show Rai was charged with theft in Brentwood in 2022, thefts in Baldwin and Pleasant Hills in 2020, and burglary in Brentwood in 2020.
“If he keeps doing this kind of stuff, in our community, in our area, this is not good for all people. It’s not safe to open a business in any areas due to these kind of people,” Ghimirey said.
According to police, Rai is also accused of trying to break into a home about five blocks from Sagun an hour before the restaurant was broken into.
At last check, Rai had not yet been taken into custody.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/baldwin-restaurant-targeted-by-thief-cash-stolen-600-damages-left-behind/TMPADVNU5JEHBEG6F265D6Z7XI/ | 2023-06-24T03:28:49 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/baldwin-restaurant-targeted-by-thief-cash-stolen-600-damages-left-behind/TMPADVNU5JEHBEG6F265D6Z7XI/ |
MIAMI — Carlos Santana singled in the go-ahead run during a three-run rally in the ninth inning as the Pittsburgh Pirates came back to beat the Marlins 3-1 on Friday night and end their season-long 10-game losing streak at loanDepot Park in Miami.
Down 1-0, Josh Palacios led off the ninth with a pinch-hit single. One out later, Andrew McCutchen singled and then pulled off a double steal with Palacios.
Palacios scored the tying run on Connor Joe’s groundout and McCutchen came home with the go-ahead run when Santana lined a single into center field off A.J. Puk (3-2). Pinch-hitter Tucupita Marcano singled in an insurance run to cap the rally for the Pirates (35-40).
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PITTSBURGH — Pitt basketball staff has reached out to a West Virginia transfer in guard Joe Toussaint, according to Adam Zagoria.
The Panthers are one of many programs to contact Toussaint — who entered the transfer portal on Friday, just days after former Mountaineers head coach Bob Huggins announced his resignation from the job.
Toussaint, a 6-foot guard, averaged 9.4 points per game (in just 21.8 minutes per game) last season for the Mountaineers, his first with the program after beginning his collegiate career at Iowa. In the Backyard Brawl matchup at Pitt, he torched the Panthers for 18 points, leading the Mountaineers to a dominant 81-56 victory.
Read the full story from our partners at Sports Now Group Pittsburgh here.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/pitt-reaches-out-west-virginia-transfer-guard-joe-toussaint/2TT7GKL2AZAFHMB5TVNT5G4SDI/ | 2023-06-24T03:29:02 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/pitt-reaches-out-west-virginia-transfer-guard-joe-toussaint/2TT7GKL2AZAFHMB5TVNT5G4SDI/ |
PITTSBURGH — The University of Pittsburgh wants all of its athletic teams to be trained in CPR and AED use.
The most recent lesson was Friday, for the women’s basketball team.
A UPMC doctor taught the team how to do it.
The effort was inspired not only by Pitt alumni and Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, but also by men’s basketball assistant coach Milan Brown.
Brown survived cardiac arrest in May.
“Hearing some of the stories about Coach Brown and obviously Damar Hamlin, it’s all very close to our hearts. So us learning it is a little bit more of a priority for us, I guess I would say,” said Gabby Hutcherson, a rising senior.
“It’s extremely important we’re taking the necessary steps to make sure that we can take care of one another,” said Head Coach Tory Verdi.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/pitt-womens-basketball-completes-aed-training/SVWQPLEDYFEEPKLDEYSP6T2RCI/ | 2023-06-24T03:29:08 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/pitt-womens-basketball-completes-aed-training/SVWQPLEDYFEEPKLDEYSP6T2RCI/ |
New York City officials called on the public to help with a crackdown on unsafe e-bike shops after a spate of deadly fires caused by lithium ion batteries, the latest of which killed four people in Manhattan’s Chinatown on Tuesday.
In the days since, fire officials have issued citations to 10 e-bike shops for unsafe handling of the batteries. The inspections followed tips from members of the public, the media and local politicians, officials said.
Daniel Flynn, the chief fire marshal of the FDNY, encouraged New Yorkers to report “hazardous conditions” inside repair shops, such as batteries being charged in close proximity, damaged-looking devices, or shops using extension cords for charging.
“These fires go from zero to 100 in a second,” Flynn said. “If you feel within yourself that there’s a dangerous situation, give us a call.”
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New York City has seen over 100 fires and 13 deaths this year linked to e-bikes, more than double the total number of fatalities from last year, officials said. The bikes are popular with delivery workers, but can overheat if defective or improperly charged, leading to fast-moving blazes that are difficult to extinguish. The dangers are especially grave in cities like New York where people live in close quarters.
On Tuesday, four people died of smoke inhalation and two others were hospitalized after a fire in the HQ E-Bike Repair spread to upper floor apartments. City officials said they’d previously fined the shop for its e-bike charging practices, though inspectors reportedly did not check to see if the store was selling reconditioned batteries on a recent visit.
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Under new guidelines, fire officials will be directed to respond to complaints about e-bike batteries within 12 hours, rather than the previous policy of three days.
Flynn said the goal was not to criminalize repair shops, but to go after the ones that aren’t properly handling the batteries. “We want to be clear that we support the use of these devices, we just want them to be used safely,” he said.
The city has issued nearly 500 summonses related to e-bikes, which can result in fines between $1,000 and $5,000.
The latest strategy, which will also include educational outreach to repair shops, comes on top of a raft of other proposed reforms that aim to attack the cause of e-bike fires. Later this year, the city will ban the sale of e-bikes and scooters that don’t meet certain safety standards. The fire department has issued public service announcements, while local officials have discussed a “buy-back” program for low-quality batteries.
In March, Mayor Eric Adams said the city would bring new e-bike charging and storage locations to four public housing developments across the city. But on Thursday, following the latest deadly blaze, he acknowledged there were outstanding questions about what it would take to ensure the devices are handled safely.
“All of these good ideas have to be figured out logistically: how do we go about doing it?” he said. “Nothing is off the table in trying to resolve this problem.” | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/10-e-bike-shops-cited-in-stepped-up-battery-enforcement-after-4-killed-in-manhattan-fire/4449417/ | 2023-06-24T03:35:45 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/10-e-bike-shops-cited-in-stepped-up-battery-enforcement-after-4-killed-in-manhattan-fire/4449417/ |
Police in Brooklyn are on the hunt for a sexual predator who they say tried to rape a woman earlier this week in Prospect Park.
The attack happened Monday night near two popular areas of the park: Dog Beach and Fallkill Falls. The woman was walking in the area around 9:15 p.m. when the man came up from behind.
Police say the man lifted up the woman's skirt and tried to pull down her underwear before he shoved her to the ground. She was able to fight him off, sending him running away.
The woman suffered cuts to her knees and feet, police said.
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Sketches of the man have since been printed and posted around the park in hopes of tracking the assailant down. Police say he's between 30 and 40 years old.
There were no arrests in the case as of Friday morning. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/man-wanted-in-attempted-rape-of-woman-walking-in-brooklyn-park/4449027/ | 2023-06-24T03:35:58 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/man-wanted-in-attempted-rape-of-woman-walking-in-brooklyn-park/4449027/ |
The Richmond Police Department announced Thursday it would hold a news conference the next day to update the public about the Huguenot High School graduation shooting, which left two dead and five hospitalized with gunshot wounds in the heart of Richmond’s Monroe Park on June 6.
"To be transparent, RPD will provide updated information based on evidence, understanding that this is still an open and ongoing investigation," Tracy Walker, a spokesperson for the department, said in a statement distributed to the media.
However, an hour before the scheduled 3 p.m. briefing on Friday afternoon, RPD abruptly canceled it.
In lieu of a conference, police sent out a statement and a 3-minute video message from interim Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards. Edwards said they cancelled plans at the request of the Commonwealth's Attorney.
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"Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to provide the types of details that many in the media have been asking for," said Edwards, a decision which came after "careful review of the evidence at this time" and "in consultation with the Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney's office."
Police have arrested one suspect: 19-year-old Amari Ty-Jon Pollard. Pollard was charged with second-degree murder in the killings of Renzo Smith and Shawn Jackson. Smith was Jackson’s stepfather.
The shooting occurred minutes after Jackson received his diploma at Richmond's Altria Theater. The school community was filtering out into Monroe Park, still in their graduation caps and gowns.
Police have repeatedly asked for more video evidence from attendees. On Friday, they also encouraged other victims of the shooting to reach out to the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Edwards said the department’s Major Crimes Unit has hundreds of hours of videos. The investigation is being led by Major Crimes Detective Jeffrey Crewell.
Five others were hospitalized with gunshot wounds. Edwards announced the last of them is expected to recover.
The Times-Dispatch reached out to RPD with questions in the weeks after the shooting - which have gone unanswered - with police citing a discretionary clause in the Virginia public records law that allows for the withholding of information related to investigations.
After shooting, build a memorial in Monroe Park
The Times-Dispatch asked for information about the gun used in the shooting, the three other guns found at the scene of the graduation, and about the claim made by Jackson’s aunt that she believed there was another individual involved in the shooting.
The Times-Dispatch asked for police to clarify how they determined a second suspect at the scene of the graduation was not involved, as well as 911 calls from the event and a narrative report from VCU's police department, which was among the first agencies to respond to the scene of the shooting.
Edwards did address the second shooter in Friday's video message. "We've been able to exclude him based on witness statements and direct video evidence," Edwards said.
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., included a ban on assault rifles - as well as gun safety measures that Virginia already adopted - in a broader new legislative package.
Police also have not clarified why Pollard wasn't immediately charged with more offenses if he was the only shooter. Five others were shot at the graduation, but only two second-degree murder charges have been filed against Pollard, the police's principal suspect.
Edwards also clarified that police think no guns were in the Altria Theater at the actual time of the graduation. Edwards said the department is holding back on details about the guns recovered from the graduation scene.
Commonwealth's Attorney Colette McEachin has so far declined to comment on the case. | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-courts/mceachin-richmond-shooting-rpd/article_7e2bd98e-120a-11ee-a26d-532887fe2c19.html | 2023-06-24T03:39:16 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-courts/mceachin-richmond-shooting-rpd/article_7e2bd98e-120a-11ee-a26d-532887fe2c19.html |
DALLAS — A United States Post Office letter carrier, Eugene Gates Jr., died this week while delivering mail in Dallas. The cause of his death is still unknown, but Gate's sudden passing is drawing attention to the working conditions of letter carriers.
Gates, 66, worked out of the Lakewood station. He joined USPS in November 1987. On Tuesday, in Northeast Dallas while walking door-to-door on his route, Gates collapsed on a neighbor's front yard on Ridgelawn Drive, according to the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 132. The resident attempted CPR and called 911. Gates died at the hospital.
The heat index was 113 degrees on Tuesday afternoon at about 3:00 p.m. when the incident happened.
Kimetra Lewis, President of NALC Branch 132, along with other sources, told WFAA that start times for letter carriers were originally 7:30 a.m. at the Lakewood Post Office, but it was recently changed to 8:30 a.m. due to lack of clerk staffing. Since two new clerks started, many letter carriers were hoping the 7:30 a.m. start would be reinstated.
The day after Gates' death, Lewis said USPS management agreed to resume the 7:30 a.m. start time on Saturday. Sources confirm it was announced on Thursday morning to letter carriers.
"But when I went [Friday], we had a balloon releasing ceremony for Eugene, and as soon as I walked in, [the steward] let me know that an announcement was made that they were not going to be able to start at 7:30 [a.m.], as promised," Lewis said.
Lewis said is disappointed by this.
Other sources confirmed with WFAA that this change was prematurely announced and then rescinded.
In addition to concerns over a late start time, Lewis was told the air conditioner was broken in Gates' USPS vehicle. She said letter carriers are responsible for reporting issues with their vans, so she is looking to see if there was a vehicle repair tag for the air conditioner.
Another concern the NALC has, she said, is the scanners letter carriers use to scan mail are being monitored for "stationary events". This means, when a carrier is idle for ten minutes, they will be asked for the reason. If the answer is not sufficient, Lewis said they will be disciplined. Lewis said she is hoping USPS management will give understanding and compassion to those who need a break on the hot summer days.
Lewis said she believes, if changes were made earlier, it could have changed Gates' fate.
In tears, she said, "He was at the end of his route. Had he started earlier, he would have already been finished."
She said she hopes changes will be made by the company moving forward to protect other letter carriers.
On Wednesday, WFAA reached out to the United States Postal Service. When asked about heat safety, USPS stated, "Our carriers deliver the mail throughout the year during varying temperatures and climatic conditions. This includes during the summer months when the temperatures rise throughout the country. The safety of our employees is a top priority, and the Postal Service has implemented a national Heat Illness Prevention Program (HIPP) for all employees. In connection with the HIPP, the Postal Service provides mandatory heat-related and other safety training and instruction to all employees and assures they have the resources needed to do their jobs safely.”
Other questions to USPS were not answered as of Friday evening. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/usps-letter-carrier-death-concerns-working-conditions/287-d6ad31a0-395f-4748-a64a-67449066eca7 | 2023-06-24T03:40:57 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/usps-letter-carrier-death-concerns-working-conditions/287-d6ad31a0-395f-4748-a64a-67449066eca7 |
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 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.kcentv.com/article/news/local/corsicana-crash-three-killed-including-two-students-dps-says/287-b886efd0-7cbe-4120-b565-aca47e994a9b | 2023-06-24T03:43:52 | 1 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/corsicana-crash-three-killed-including-two-students-dps-says/287-b886efd0-7cbe-4120-b565-aca47e994a9b |
Two years ago, when moving to Texas from California, Neil Foreman found the place he was looking for his family to call home among the back roads of unincorporated Tarrant County.
“It was a really nice area. It was green, a lot of trees, farmland, you know, nice neighbors,” said Foreman.
It was a peaceful space for him and his wife to raise their kids and rescued racehorse, Benji.
“We weren’t in paradise, you know. But we weren’t far off,” he said.
Just across Eden Road, Joe Sterling also saw opportunity.
“We’ve been here about six months,” said Sterling.
On an undeveloped lot just outside of Mansfield, Sterling opened a commercial truck lot.
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Two months ago, he brought in a fireworks stand.
Saturday, he plans to open it as the third location of the Joe Dirt’s Fireworks business he’s run alongside his sons for six years.
"The initial plan was to have a pay-to-pop here, and basically provide the people a safe, secure environment to shoot their fireworks off legally,” he said.
It’s something Sterling said doesn’t exist elsewhere in the county, even with a string of fireworks stands, including one of his locations, just a few short miles away.
He said he believed it would be welcomed in the community that’s a mix of both residential and commercial property.
With a big space, off-duty officers, water trucks, and experts on hand for fireworks novices, Sterling said it’s also a way to safely control an activity he believes will be happening all around them come the Fourth of July.
But for neighbors, the fireworks stand is just the latest grievance in a dispute they say began when Sterling moved into the neighborhood.
“We were all pretty concerned before because he put up a bunch of stadium lights and bulldozed what was a nice area,” said Foreman.
Looking to stop his plan, they turned to local leaders.
"We went to the county and they said, pretty much, there's not a lot they can do to help us,” he said.
Then, they found a loophole in the law.
While homes like Foreman’s may not have protection from fireworks, a house of worship would.
“You can't set fireworks off within 600 feet of a church,” said Foreman.
So with an online ordination and a small sign at the front of his property, Foreman opened the Church of Peace and Quiet.
Last week, a small group of neighbors gathered for a back porch worship service complete with scripture, prayer and discussion about keeping a fireworks business out of the neighborhood.
On the back side of Sterling's property and just a stone’s throw from the area he’d planned to soon clear for the pay-to-pop, another neighbor did the same, placing lawn chairs and a cross on their side of a shared fence.
While neither the state nor the federal government has strict definitions for what a church is, Sterling argues those that popped up to stop his business aren’t a fair challenge.
“I think it's blasphemy. I'm not overly religious, but I’m definitely a Christian and believe in God. I think that it’s not OK” said Sterling.
Meanwhile, Foreman argues it’s their only tool to protect peace and quiet for their families and pets.
"Is it worth it for a few bucks to terrorize the neighborhood?” he said.
With fireworks sales legally allowed to begin Saturday, Sterling said he’s undecided on how to proceed.
A hearing is scheduled next week after a Tarrant County judge granted a temporary restraining order at the request of some of the neighbors, reinforcing that Sterling abides by the 600-foot ban. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/tarrant-county-neighbors-hope-to-halt-fireworks-with-newly-formed-churches/3283715/ | 2023-06-24T03:43:58 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/tarrant-county-neighbors-hope-to-halt-fireworks-with-newly-formed-churches/3283715/ |
Fort Worth Police are investigating after a woman was grazed by a bullet Friday, the department says.
Fort Worth officers were called to an apartment in the 9000 block of Brian Way Circle, where they found a woman who had been grazed by a bullet fired from outside the unit. The victim, who police believe to be 18 or 19 years old, was treated at the scene for a minor injury.
Police say the department’s SWAT team also responded to the apartment complex in the afternoon after shots were reported at a nearby apartment. However, nobody was located and no suspects are in custody.
Josh Kovatch lives in the complex and works at night, he said. Kovatch woke up in the afternoon to find the SWAT team members outside his apartment.
“I heard them radioing for somebody to come out of an apartment, and I open my hallway door and there’s two SWAT members sitting there with M-4s and I saw the robot, grenade launcher. I was like, the hell is going on?” he recalled. “It made me second guess looking for a cheap apartment.”
Tianna Hall lives in the same apartment complex and said she received a text from the apartment complex management stating they had been informed of “recent criminal activity involving an alleged shooting” in the area.
“This was like a shock to me, because I’ve never seen anything like this. Where I used to live, now this was like an everyday thing. Here? It’s so quiet, and it’s so out of the ordinary,” Hall said.
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As SWAT teams were conducting their work at the complex, the Fort Worth organization United My Justice held a press conference outside City Hall to address gun violence in the city. Group founder Donnell Ballard said the gathering Friday was in response to the shooting Monday night outside a Fort Worth strip mall center, which killed a 12-year-old boy.
“What we’re saying today is, no we don’t want to go into the late part of the summer and have all of this killing going on. We’re saying, enough is enough. Let’s get programs started for these kids and get these kids off the streets and get them doing something positive,” Ballard said. “This is a state of emergency. We need real changes in our community.”
Data from the Fort Worth Police Department shows as of June 11, overall violent crime is down 7.4% compared to this point in 2022. Murders are down 18% from the same time frame, and non-fatal shootings are down about 28%.
“I would like to emphasize that every violent crime matters and every life lost to violence is a tragedy. But these downward trends are encouraging,” a department spokesperson wrote in an email.
As for neighbors by Brian Way Circle like Kovatch, they’re remaining cautious of their surroundings.
“I park my car a certain way at night. My roommate is a female, so she works during the day. When she goes out at night, I make an effort when I am home to walk with her. So, you just try to be cautious of it,” he said. “That’s the hope, right? That we’re looking out for each other.” | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/woman-grazed-by-bullet-fired-into-fort-worth-apartment/3283720/ | 2023-06-24T03:44:04 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/woman-grazed-by-bullet-fired-into-fort-worth-apartment/3283720/ |
Tucson shooting leaves man dead, woman injured
A 25-year-old man was shot and killed after a fight in Tucson late Thursday night, according to the Tucson Police Department.
Just before 11 p.m., the Public Safety Communications Department received a call from the police reporting shots fired on East Tucson Marketplace Boulevard and South Park Avenue. Another call was then made regarding reports of an unresponsive man in the street in the area of South Park Avenue and East Ajo Way, according to a news release.
Officers from Operations Division South responded to both locations and found a man and a woman at the intersection of South Park Avenue and East Ajo Way with signs of gunshot trauma.
Officers tried to save the man, later identified as Daniel Lopez, was pronounced dead, according to a release.
The woman was transported to Banner University Medical Center with injuries that were not life-threatening, according to a release.
Detectives from the Homicide Unit continued the investigation and learned that Lopez was involved in an incident on East Tucson Marketplace Boulevard and South Park Avenue. Detectives said that the incident turned physical before shots were fired, according to a release.
Both Lopez and the women left the area in a vehicle after being struck by the gunfire, ending up at the intersection of South Park Avenue and East Ajo Way, according to the news release.
The investigation is ongoing. Detectives are asking anyone with information to call 9-1-1 or 99-CRIME, according to a release. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-breaking/2023/06/23/tucson-shooting-leaves-daniel-lopez-dead-woman-injured/70352997007/ | 2023-06-24T03:45:57 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-breaking/2023/06/23/tucson-shooting-leaves-daniel-lopez-dead-woman-injured/70352997007/ |
SAN DIEGO — H. Lee Sarokin, a federal judge who freed boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter and in a landmark case famously said tobacco companies engaged in a “vast” conspiracy to conceal the dangers of smoking, has died in California, news outlets reported Friday. He was 94.
Sarokin had pulmonary fibrosis and other ailments, his wife, Margie Sarokin, told the paper.
Haddon Lee Sarokin was a New Jersey-born graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School. He was nominated to a federal judgeship by former President Jimmy Carter and served on the district court in New Jersey from 1979 to 1994 and the appeals court from 1994 to 1996.
In 1985, Sarokin threw out the convictions of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter and John Artis, two Black men who were wrongfully convicted of killing three white men. Sarokin ruled that their prosecution was based “upon an appeal to racism rather than reason, concealment rather than disclosure.”
The ruling stood after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal.
Carter’s innocence had been championed by celebrities and was the basis of a 1975 song by Bob Dylan.
Sarokin told the Union-Tribune in 2014 that Carter called him every year on Nov. 7, the anniversary of the ruling.
In 1988, Sarokin also presided over a landmark liability case against tobacco companies. Sarokin’s pre-trial rulings opened the way for corporate records to be submitted as evidence. When lawyers for the company asked Sarokin to dismiss the case in their favor, he refused, saying famously that evidence showed the tobacco industry engaged in a conspiracy “vast in its scope, devious in its purpose and devastating in its results.”
The case resulted in a jury awarding $400,000 to the estate of Rose Cipollone, who had died after decades of smoking.
An appeals court overturned the verdict and removed Sarokin from a second similar case, saying some of Sarokin’s comments suggested bias against the tobacco makers, which he denied. However, documents in the case helped pave the way for a wave of similar lawsuits brought by state attorneys general in 1998.
Sarokin issued some 2,500 rulings over his career, among them deciding that a homeless man couldn’t be barred from a public library because of his smell.
“He was never afraid to say what he thought,” his wife said.
In retirement, Sarokin was a regular contributor to HuffPost and wrote a dozen plays with themes of social justice and civil rights that were staged by the regional North Coast Repertory Theater.
In addition to his wife, Sarokin is survived by five children and 11 grandchildren. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/2023/06/23/h-lee-sarokin-died/4c0be7e8-1235-11ee-8d22-5f65b2e2f6ad_story.html | 2023-06-24T03:47:18 | 1 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/2023/06/23/h-lee-sarokin-died/4c0be7e8-1235-11ee-8d22-5f65b2e2f6ad_story.html |
A man is dead after a shooting in Kensington, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Friday afternoon.
At 6:10 p.m. on the 200 block of E. Ontario Street, a 30-year-old man was suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. The man was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead at 6:37 p.m., according to the police.
There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here.
There have been no arrests in this incident and there is no further information from officials at this time.
Get Philly local news, weather forecasts, sports and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC Philadelphia newsletters.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
Sign up for our Breaking newsletter to get the most urgent news stories in your inbox. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/man-dead-after-shooting-in-kensington/3591826/ | 2023-06-24T03:47:18 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/man-dead-after-shooting-in-kensington/3591826/ |
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PHOENIX — Four street vendors were recently robbed at gunpoint within a six-day span in south Phoenix.
Victor Chavez Nava was arrested seconds before he allegedly attempted to rob a fifth person near 29th Avenue and Van Buren Street, Phoenix police said.
The 37-year-old was taken into custody on June 12, hours after a street vendor near 51st Avenue and Baseline Road reported a man drove up to his food stand and ordered fruit.
Still, while he was preparing it, a customer pulled out a handgun and placed it on the victim's back, court documents said.
The suspect demanded money and drove off after the victim gave him cash, records said.
Officers reviewed nearby surveillance video and identified the suspect was driving a White Jeep Cherokee. A green object obstructed the license plate, documents said.
While responding to another call, patrol officers spotted and followed the vehicle.
“The officers were able to quickly detain that person before he even had contact with this vendor, which easily could have prevented another robbery from taking place,” said Sgt. Brian Bower.
Chavez is believed to have also robbed three other food vendors at gunpoint during the following dates and locations:
- June 11 – 63rd Avenue and Baseline Road
- June 9 – 29th Avenue and Roosevelt Street
- June 7 – 3rd Street and Roeser Road
During a post-Miranda interview with detectives, Chavez identified his vehicle from surveillance photos, arresting documents said. He denied being involved in any robbery.
Court records said a handgun was found in his possession when he was taken into custody.
“This person may be related to multiple crimes that we don’t even know,” Sgt. Bower said.
Phoenix police are now asking anyone who may have been a victim of this crime to come forward.
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Silent Witness:
Arizona's Silent Witness program allows people to send in tips and share information about crimes happening within their local communities.
The program shares unsolved felony case information in multiple ways, including TV, radio and social media.
Anyone who has information on a crime or recognizes a suspect described by the program is asked to call 480-948-6377, go to the program's website online or download the Silent Witness app to provide a tip. The identity of anyone who submits a tip is kept anonymous.
Calls to Silent Witness are answered 24/7 by a live person and submitted tips are accepted at all times. Submitted tips are then sent to the detective(s) in charge of the specific case.
Individuals who submit tips that lead to an arrest or indictment in the case can get a reward of up to $1,000. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/4-street-vendors-robbed-gunpointsouth-phoenix-police-arrest-suspect-victim/75-323c52e2-6573-4db3-aa9d-e1654233a231 | 2023-06-24T03:58:25 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/4-street-vendors-robbed-gunpointsouth-phoenix-police-arrest-suspect-victim/75-323c52e2-6573-4db3-aa9d-e1654233a231 |
HOUSTON — Singer-songwriter and Houston's own Lizzo announced Friday that she has partnered with the University of Houston to create a scholarship that will be awarded to a music student at the university.
“Me and the University of Houston have come together to create the ‘Sasha Be Flooting Music Scholarship,'" she announced on her Instagram page. "It is for any young, Black student from Houston, Texas who has applied to go to the University of Houston to study at the Moore School of Music."
The scholarship amounts to $50,000. The details of it are still being finalized but the school released a statement saying:
“We are excited to be working with Lizzo and her team to establish the Sasha Be Flooting Music Scholarship within the UH Alumni Association Foundation. We are deeply grateful to Lizzo for her generosity and commitment to supporting the next generation of music students. This scholarship will be life-changing for one young artist—it will create opportunities and open doors that will make a lasting impact on the student and their journey towards a music career. The details are still being finalized and we hope to share more about the scholarship soon.”
If you don't know, Lizzo attended the University of Houston on a scholarship. She played the flute for The Spirit of Houston marching band during her tenure there and graduated with a music performance degree in flute.
Her ties to UH have been plentiful since she left the school, including a memorable visit to check in on the marching band during one of their practices.
In honor of Juneteenth, the Grammy-award-winning artist has been handing out $50,000 donations all week as part of a giveaway. Donations have gone to the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, Black Girs Smile Inc. and the Sphinx Organization.
Fans can visit this website to donate and learn more about the singer/songwriter's commitment to further music education. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/lizzo-university-of-houston-scholarship/285-c031e49a-15e7-47f3-ba60-de5c59d6ae39 | 2023-06-24T03:58:31 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/lizzo-university-of-houston-scholarship/285-c031e49a-15e7-47f3-ba60-de5c59d6ae39 |
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St. Mary's Basilica, the first Catholic church in Phoenix
25 PHOTOS | https://www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/news/local/phoenix/2023/06/24/st-marys-basilica-phoenix-photos/12157629002/ | 2023-06-24T03:59:02 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/news/local/phoenix/2023/06/24/st-marys-basilica-phoenix-photos/12157629002/ |
Preston R. Bell, 93, of Kimberly died Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at home. Arrangements are under the care of White-Reynolds Funeral Chapel, Twin Falls.
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Sign up to get the most recent local obituaries delivered to your inbox. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/death-notice/article_6900b8dc-1209-11ee-90f3-8bd4c867ab24.html | 2023-06-24T04:00:41 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/death-notice/article_6900b8dc-1209-11ee-90f3-8bd4c867ab24.html |
ELK GROVE, Calif. — Two cars and a motorcycle were severely damaged in Elk Grove after what officials think could have been a race gone wrong.
Elk Grove Police Department officials say while the investigation is still underway, speed was likely a factor in the crash that happened around 8 p.m. Thursday in the 4600 block of Elk Grove Boulevard.
The two cars and motorcycle were found "extensively damaged and engulfed in flames" when officials got to the scene and those involved only had minor injuries, according to police.
Both vehicles were removed from the scene and impounded for further investigation.
No additional information is available at this time. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/elk-grove/cars-motorcycle-elk-grove-crash/103-945a46b9-1536-44c6-8a84-ab3ef70e897b | 2023-06-24T04:06:18 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/elk-grove/cars-motorcycle-elk-grove-crash/103-945a46b9-1536-44c6-8a84-ab3ef70e897b |
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Some people ride their bikes for exercise; others ride for a good cause.
The Zoe International Race Across America team made its journey in honor of the child victims of human trafficking.
Most of the men in the group are fathers, and they started their race in California and finished in Annapolis on Friday.
Cyclist Craig Whiteford says he joined the cycling team because he wants to make a difference.
"We need to be aware of what is going on. It truly is a pandemic and a scourge," said Whiteford. "We need to be praying about it, doing things, being aware of it, and talking about it, which really brings light into that darkness."
The group raised $500,000 for human trafficking awareness.
We have more information about their efforts; click here. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/cyclists-race-across-america-in-efforts-to-end-child-trafficking-concludes-in-annapolis | 2023-06-24T04:06:22 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/cyclists-race-across-america-in-efforts-to-end-child-trafficking-concludes-in-annapolis |
SAN DIEGO — As Hollywood continues to grapple with the impact of a writers strike and looming actors strike, the standoff is creating new problems for Comic-Con, one of the biggest annual conventions in San Diego.
Several of the entertainment industry's biggest companies have now decided to skip panels in Hall H, which is known as the biggest attraction and longest wait of the convention.
Disney, Marvel, Lucas Films, HBO, Sony, Netflix and Universal have announced they will be pulling out from Hall H presentations, Variety reported on Friday.
Some of the convention's biggest announcements and surprises are traditionally revealed during Hall H panels.
As pass holders react to the news and uncertainty surrounding what the convention will look like, Comic-Con is hoping for a resolution before the convention kicks off on July 20.
In a statement to CBS 8, Comic-Con Spokesperson David Glanzer said,
"With regard to the strike and its possible effects on Comic-Con, we tend to refrain from speculation or forecasting. I will say, our hope is for a speedy resolution that will prove beneficial to all parties and allow everyone to continue the work they love. Until then, we continue to diligently work on our summer event in the hopes of making it as fun, educational, and celebratory as in years past."
The weeks-long WGA writers strike has already upended several television productions. The picket line is expected to grow. Earlier this month, the union representing TV and film actors voted to authorize a strike if a new contract is not reached by the end of June.
More than 11,000 members of the Writers Guild of America have been on strike for weeks, seeking new negotiations for a new contract.
Now, actors could soon walk out too. Over 97% of members of SAG-AFTRA, the actors union, voted in favor of a strike.
Industry insiders believe releases coming over the next few months likely won’t be impacted but movies or shows expected next year could be delayed.
WATCH RELATED: Hollywood actors strike could impact Comic-Con (June 2023). | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/most-major-studios-to-skip-hall-h-panels/509-8ea97b51-5a11-4328-81bb-caf832428a26 | 2023-06-24T04:06:24 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/most-major-studios-to-skip-hall-h-panels/509-8ea97b51-5a11-4328-81bb-caf832428a26 |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-community-seeks-end-to-violence-after-shootings/3283737/ | 2023-06-24T04:08:16 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-community-seeks-end-to-violence-after-shootings/3283737/ |
MERIDIAN — When Tiana Hunter moved to the Elm Grove Mobile Home Park in 2017, there were apartments on either side of the park. She remembers homes being built out back in the past few years. Now, developers are planning to put apartments where these mobile homes are.
On Tuesday, the Meridian City Council approved the developer’s plans, although it will be several years before the apartment phase of their project begins. But for people like Hunter, gentrification is squeezing in on this last patch of affordability in a notoriously expensive city.
“It’s a really peaceful place to live. I really enjoy living here,” said Hunter, sitting in the shade of a large tree next to her RV. “But if they put apartments up here, I wouldn’t be able to afford them.”
It’s the fate of people like Hunter that the Meridian City Council weighed when it approved two housing projects on Tuesday, both with multi-family elements.
The first, Promenade Cottages Subdivision, came to council to rezone some land to a higher density, and ask for a conditional use permit to build a 90-unit multi-family development and single-family homes, the apartments in place of Elm Grove Mobile Home Park.
They also asked the council to allow the existing mobile home park to remain as is for an extended period of time.
Promenade Cottages Subdivision will be located in an area along Fairview Avenue between Meridian and Locust Grove roads and would expand to Elm Grove Mobile Home Park, at 403 E Fairview Ave.
The second, Artisan Victory Market, hoped to annex and zone land and receive a conditional use permit for a 138-unit multi-family development. Both also requested preliminary plats.
Mark Kelly, an applicant for the project, confirmed it would be a minimum of two years and possibly up to four before the mobile home residents would have to leave. He said they couldn’t jeopardize the collateral that brings in the income to service the debt on their loan, which is why the mobile homes would not have to move for at least two years.
“We want to keep the people there as long as we can,” Kelly said.
However, there are 17 mobile homes that were built before 1976, according to a memo. Those homes need to be retrofitted to meet Housing and Urban Development standards before they can be moved.
Hunter has an RV, so that’s not an issue for her. But she said she’s on supplemental security income for mental health issues. Although her boyfriend works, he doesn’t make much, she said.
“I understand why they want to do it, but it’s still leaving a lot of people without homes and a place to go,” Hunter said, while her cat Trixie wandered around her chair. “It’s very nerve racking, I guess, because I’m one of those people. I don’t have anywhere else to go.”
One resident testified on Tuesday that people would be displaced, including veterans.
“I’m a capitalist. I understand it’s his property, but yet this is just a worrying situation for me,” he said.
Meridian City Councilmember Liz Strader said she would be comfortable holding off on approving the multi-family projects to work on a solution for mobile home residents.
Another councilmember, Luke Cavener, said the council held this additional meeting because when the project first came to the council in May, they were not excited about it. However, several councilmembers expressed appreciation to the applicant for being willing to work with the city to find a solution.
“I don’t think there’s anything more emotional for any of us as Americans than talking about our homes,” Cavener said.
Another applicant, Steve Arnold, said that the only way to fix the area’s housing problem is through supply and demand.
“It makes me sad listening to, you know, we’ve got veterans in the house and we spend billions overseas on pointless stuff,” Arnold said. “You get more rental units, you get more units on and prices will stabilize and that’s really city and local government that does that.”
One of the applicants also suggested working with the city to create another RV or mobile home park to house the people in the current park.
Ultimately, the council placed several conditions on the project, including coverage of some amount of moving costs; that residents be notified with registered mail when the final plat is submitted; that the notification includes local housing resources; and that no building permit application is issued prior to one year of final plat applications.
“They’re not going to be able to start doing anything at this site for four years to even apply for it at the earliest,” Strader said. “And then after that time, they will have at least a year that they have to notify everybody before you could be moved out of your home.”
Councilmember Brad Hoaglun said these are difficult decisions and there’s no good answer.
“To do nothing, in my mind, was not an option because that gives residents even less time to move,” Hoaglun said.
For Artisan Victory Market, the applicant removed commercial uses after a previous meeting and made the project all residential.
“I might have been the only councilmember who was not too worried about the traffic from the surrounding areas coming through and was really hoping you come back with more commercial,” Councilmember Jessica Perreault said.
Elizabeth Koeckeritz, on behalf of the applicant, said commercial and residential can live harmoniously. However, in this instance, it would have been a smaller area of commercial, there was an access challenge, and they couldn’t have a business with a drive through. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/meridian-weighs-future-of-mobile-home-park-residents-while-approving-new-project/article_1b24ba32-106f-11ee-8036-2b86c6a78575.html | 2023-06-24T04:37:28 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/meridian-weighs-future-of-mobile-home-park-residents-while-approving-new-project/article_1b24ba32-106f-11ee-8036-2b86c6a78575.html |
DALLAS — A United States Post Office letter carrier, Eugene Gates Jr., died this week while delivering mail in Dallas. The cause of his death is still unknown, but Gate's sudden passing is drawing attention to the working conditions of letter carriers.
Gates, 66, worked out of the Lakewood station. He joined USPS in November 1987. On Tuesday, in Northeast Dallas while walking door-to-door on his route, Gates collapsed on a neighbor's front yard on Ridgelawn Drive, according to the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 132. The resident attempted CPR and called 911. Gates died at the hospital.
The heat index was 113 degrees on Tuesday afternoon at about 3:00 p.m. when the incident happened.
Kimetra Lewis, President of NALC Branch 132, along with other sources, told WFAA that start times for letter carriers were originally 7:30 a.m. at the Lakewood Post Office, but it was recently changed to 8:30 a.m. due to lack of clerk staffing. Since two new clerks started, many letter carriers were hoping the 7:30 a.m. start would be reinstated.
The day after Gates' death, Lewis said USPS management agreed to resume the 7:30 a.m. start time on Saturday. Sources confirm it was announced on Thursday morning to letter carriers.
"But when I went [Friday], we had a balloon releasing ceremony for Eugene, and as soon as I walked in, [the steward] let me know that an announcement was made that they were not going to be able to start at 7:30 [a.m.], as promised," Lewis said.
Lewis said is disappointed by this.
Other sources confirmed with WFAA that this change was prematurely announced and then rescinded.
In addition to concerns over a late start time, Lewis was told the air conditioner was broken in Gates' USPS vehicle. She said letter carriers are responsible for reporting issues with their vans, so she is looking to see if there was a vehicle repair tag for the air conditioner.
Another concern the NALC has, she said, is the scanners letter carriers use to scan mail are being monitored for "stationary events". This means, when a carrier is idle for ten minutes, they will be asked for the reason. If the answer is not sufficient, Lewis said they will be disciplined. Lewis said she is hoping USPS management will give understanding and compassion to those who need a break on the hot summer days.
Lewis said she believes, if changes were made earlier, it could have changed Gates' fate.
In tears, she said, "He was at the end of his route. Had he started earlier, he would have already been finished."
She said she hopes changes will be made by the company moving forward to protect other letter carriers.
On Wednesday, WFAA reached out to the United States Postal Service. When asked about heat safety, USPS stated, "Our carriers deliver the mail throughout the year during varying temperatures and climatic conditions. This includes during the summer months when the temperatures rise throughout the country. The safety of our employees is a top priority, and the Postal Service has implemented a national Heat Illness Prevention Program (HIPP) for all employees. In connection with the HIPP, the Postal Service provides mandatory heat-related and other safety training and instruction to all employees and assures they have the resources needed to do their jobs safely.”
Other questions to USPS were not answered as of Friday evening. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/usps-letter-carrier-death-concerns-working-conditions/287-d6ad31a0-395f-4748-a64a-67449066eca7 | 2023-06-24T04:37:34 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/usps-letter-carrier-death-concerns-working-conditions/287-d6ad31a0-395f-4748-a64a-67449066eca7 |
The chart lists crimes through June 19 investigated by the Fort Wayne Police Department including burglary, robbery and thefts from vehicles. An attempted robbery or burglary is classified as an actual robbery or burglary, respectively. The listed addresses are those where crimes were reported and are not necessarily where the crimes occurred.
Sector 17
6/17/23 9:44 p.m. Robbery 10100 Lima Road
Sector 21
6/16/23 10 p.m. Theft from vehicle 2700 Kensington Blvd.
6/18/23 5 a.m. Robbery 1900 Hillside Ave.
Sector 31
6/19/23 11 a.m. Burglary 800 W. Washington Blvd.
Sector 32
6/13/23 11:46 a.m. Burglary 2100 Fairfield Ave.
6/16/23 Midnight Theft from vehicle 300 W. Taber St.
6/18/23 4:08 p.m. Robbery South Harrison Street
and West Suttenfield Avenue
Sector 34
6/15/23 11:30 p.m. Robbery 4100 Covington Road
Sector 35
6/15/23 Midnight Theft from vehicle 500 Pinegrove Lane
Sector 42
6/13/23 8 p.m. Burglary 2500 S. Hanna St.
6/16/23 6 a.m. Theft from vehicle 2000 Greentree Court
Sector 43
6/13/23 Midnight Theft from vehicle 3200 Rodgers Ave.
6/14/23 9 p.m. Burglary 2900 Euclid Ave.
Sector 44
6/14/23 9:30 a.m. Burglary 400 Wiebke St.
6/14/23 9 p.m. Burglary 2800 Holton Ave.
6/14/23 9 p.m. Burglary 2800 Holton Ave.
6/15/23 10 p.m. Theft from vehicle 2900 S. Hanna St.
6/19/23 Midnight Theft from vehicle 400 E. Leith St.
Sector 45
6/13/23 7 p.m. Theft from vehicle South Lafayette Street
and East Sherwood Terrace
6/16/23 11 p.m. Theft from vehicle 4700 S. Anthony Blvd.
6/19/23 Midnight Theft from vehicle 4100 Bowser Ave.
6/19/23 1 a.m. Burglary 4000 Lillie St.
Sector 46
6/13/23 6 p.m. Burglary 3900 Hessen Cassel Road
Sector 48
6/13/23 5:31 a.m. Burglary 7800 Decatur Road
Sector 65
6/14/23 11:40 a.m. Theft from vehicle 7900 W. Jefferson Blvd. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/crime-reports/article_bf15fa54-109a-11ee-8b56-87987a0730a2.html | 2023-06-24T04:43:07 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/crime-reports/article_bf15fa54-109a-11ee-8b56-87987a0730a2.html |
Changes are coming soon to Indiana’s legal code as many bills passed by the state Legislature will go into effect July 1.
The General Assembly advanced more than 200 bills during this year’s legislative session, ranging from controversial to bipartisan and affecting areas including education and health care.
The bills outlined below don’t include additional new laws that won’t take effect until later, including an acceleration of cuts to the state’s income tax from 3.15% in 2023 to 3.05% next year, eventually reaching 2.9% by 2027.
At school
Several new policies go into effect that will affect students and schools.
One of those, included in this year’s biennial budget, is the elimination of textbook fees for all Hoosier students.
Although the idea was long a priority for Democratic lawmakers, it was Gov. Eric Holcomb who helped make it a reality when he included the plan in his 2023 agenda and the Republican-controlled legislature got it across the finish line in the budget. That means no students or families will need to pay for textbooks and other curricular materials beginning this fall.
Two other policies aimed at helping young Hoosiers afford college also start with the 2023-24 school year.
House Enrolled Act 1449 will automatically enroll all eligible students in the 21st Century Scholars program, which helps low-income recipients pay up to 100% of tuition at public colleges in the state.
Meanwhile, Senate Enrolled Act 167 requires all high school seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA, unless a parent signs a waiver opting their child out.
To help improve financial literacy, Senate Enrolled Act 35 will require all Indiana public and charter school students to complete a personal financial responsibility course before graduation, starting with the 2028 graduating.
Perhaps the most controversial school-related bill to pass this year was House Bill 1608. The newly signed law will ban discussion of “human sexuality” in pre-K through third grade, something critics say would effectively ban discussion of LGBTQ+ people in early elementary grades.
HB 1608 also will require school districts to notify a student’s parent or guardian if that student changes their name or preferred pronoun.
Health care
Another high-profile bill that would affect LGBTQ+ Hoosiers could also take effect July 1, but a legal challenge could push back its implementation.
Senate Bill 480, authored by area state Sen. Tyler Johnson, R-Leo-Cedarville, prohibits physicians from providing gender-affirming care for transgender minors, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy and gender-confirmation surgery. It also forces minors currently using any of those treatments to detransition by the end of this year.
The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the ban in April, however, arguing it violates the U.S. Constitution.
Access to birth control will get easier after House Bill 1568 takes effect. The new law allows pharmacists to prescribe and dispense birth control, although some longer-term prescriptions will still require a doctor’s visit.
More new laws
People called to jury duty later this year will go home with a few more dollars after the legislature passed House Bill 1466.
The jury appearance fee, before the jury is impaneled, will increase from $15 to $30 per day, and the daily pay rate for the first five days of a trial will increase from $40 to $80. Jurors will also now receive $90 per day on trial day six and beyond.
House Bill 1015 established a pilot program for traffic control cameras in road work zones, allowing the state to set up the speed cameras on a maximum of four work sites. People caught driving more than 11 miles per hour over the speed limit in one of those zones could face fines as high as $150 for the third and subsequent offenses.
People who want to have an alcoholic drink while walking around the Landing could be in luck after the passage of Senate Bill 20, which allows cities to designate outdoor refreshment areas where retailers may sell alcoholic beverages.
Rep. Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne, said he’s looking forward to the opportunities the new law could provide, particularly in downtown Fort Wayne.
“Outdoor dining and drinking zones have revitalized the hospitality industry, saving countless bars, restaurants and jobs,” GiaQuinta said in a statement. “I can’t wait to see how Fort Wayne business owners capitalize on this legislation.” | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/indiana/statehouse/new-laws-to-take-effect-july-1/article_f53222a6-f9a8-11ed-931b-d3184c46387d.html | 2023-06-24T04:43:14 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/indiana/statehouse/new-laws-to-take-effect-july-1/article_f53222a6-f9a8-11ed-931b-d3184c46387d.html |
Parker Fields, 10, empties a bucket of water onto his brother Devin Busche Jr., 5, as the two play with friends Owen Soulier, 7, back, and Rylan Soulier, 10, at Riverside Gardens Park in Leo on Friday afternoon.
Charles Gotschall, 9, bends down to grab his board as he and his brother, William, 10, cruise around the pathways at Riverside Gardens Park in Leo on Friday afternoon.
Parker Fields, 10, empties a bucket of water onto his brother Devin Busche Jr., 5, as the two play with friends Owen Soulier, 7, back, and Rylan Soulier, 10, at Riverside Gardens Park in Leo on Friday afternoon.
Stan Sussina | The Journal Gazette
Charles Gotschall, 9, bends down to grab his board as he and his brother, William, 10, cruise around the pathways at Riverside Gardens Park in Leo on Friday afternoon. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/riverside-gardens-park/article_a3d1157a-120d-11ee-ac86-2ba98cdfdd3d.html | 2023-06-24T04:43:20 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/riverside-gardens-park/article_a3d1157a-120d-11ee-ac86-2ba98cdfdd3d.html |
Spider-Man at the Allen County Fair Jun 23, 2023 40 min ago Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Donning Spider-Man makeup, Mack Burge, 2, gets a bird’s-eye view as he rides on his grandfather Alan Rosenbaum’s shoulders at the Allen County Fair on Friday afternoon. The fair runs through Sunday at the county fairgrounds on Carroll Road. Stan Sussina | The Journal Gazette Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Spider-Man at the Allen County Fair Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Most Popular County fair starts Tuesday, a month earlier than usual Komets set to introduce Jesse Kallechy, 33, as next head coach, sources confirm Juneteenth event celebrates freedom, community Man killed in Fort Wayne rollover crash Deaths ruled murder-suicide in Huntertown Stocks Market Data by TradingView | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/spider-man-at-the-allen-county-fair/article_0b956e44-1200-11ee-8d9a-db64442361ca.html | 2023-06-24T04:43:23 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/spider-man-at-the-allen-county-fair/article_0b956e44-1200-11ee-8d9a-db64442361ca.html |
Michelle Connolly was a local glass blower until three years ago. Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Connolly started farming because she said she was tired of being at home.
That’s when Connolly discovered Plowshares Cooperative Food Hub – an organization focused on bringing farmers together to create access to locally grown and produced foods.
Plowshares buys from local farmers and brings food to local food deserts and churches. Food deserts are urban areas where it is difficult to buy affordable and fresh food.
The organization also supports Veggie Rx – a program run through Parkview Health Network that brings fresh, quality food to those who need it most.
“I love giving back, it’s my favorite part,” Connolly said. “I truly believe medicine starts with nutrition, and this program proves that.”
Veggie Rx is a produce prescription program. It started in 2019 by serving 30 people, and now it is expected to help more than 400 Allen County residents this year.
The program is available for adults who face food insecurity or are on Medicaid or uninsured with prediabetes, diabetes, cardiac diseases or an at-risk pregnancy.
Clients receive $50 monthly for six months on electronic redemption cards from Parkview, and they can spend their money at one of Veggie Rx’s partner organizations. Some of the program’s partner organizations include Kroger, Walmart and local farmers markets.
Michelle Bojrab-Wray, project director for Veggie Rx, said any doctor can refer a client to the program regardless of whether they are a Parkview patient.
“The need for this program is growing, especially with inflation and grocery prices,” Bojrab-Wray said. “People need access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and there is a lot of interest in this program.”
Along with access to fresh fruits and vegetables, Bojrab-Wray said Veggie Rx hosts cooking classes to teach clients healthy ways to prepare their food. All clients take four classes – three in-person and one virtual session.
Bojrab-Wray said she often hears positive feedback from the program’s clients.
“People love the classes, and they love learning,” she said. “We often get photos of meals they cook, and it makes us so happy.”
Lauren Knoop, Veggie Rx coordinator for Allen County, said she loves when participants share their stories. She thinks the cooking classes are a great way to get them interested in cooking healthy meals.
Louise Grayson is an ambassador for Veggie Rx who went through the program last year, starting around May or June 2022. As an ambassador, Grayson works with potential program participants and shows them the benefits.
“This program is so special,” Grayson said. “They’re not just telling us to eat healthy, they’re investing time into us, and showing us how to make easy and healthy meals. Now I eat veggies all the time that I wouldn’t eat before.”
The program taught Grayson natural ways to avoid taking medication, which she found appealing. She believes others could also learn the same lesson through Veggie Rx.
Grayson said she remembers Knoop most and appreciated how she treated each client. She said Knoop made her feel comfortable to ask for help, and that’s why she chose to be an ambassador.
“I am happy to help no matter what,” Grayson said.
Grayson has three close friends in the program, and she’s happy to see them utilizing it. They all have told her that they are thankful to get fruits and vegetables cheap.
Operators of local farmers markets, including the Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana accept Veggie Rx cards. T
he YLNI summer market is held on Barr Street from May to September, and the organization has a Wednesday market next to the History Center from June to August.
Ashley Wagner, marketing manager for YLNI, said there are about 10-12 produce vendors at the markets, and she has not heard feedback from any Veggie Rx users so far this year.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for the patients to be prescribed healthy eating,” she said. “It’s not just like, ‘Oh, here’s a credit card, go to the store and get some fruits and vegetables.’ They’re actually working with local produce vendors and supporting our local economy.”
Bojrab-Wray and Knoop both said they are excited for the future of Veggie Rx. Bojrab-Wray wants to expand the program into Lagrange, Kosciusko and Huntington counties, and Knoop thinks ambassadors can help spread the word.
“They’ve already shared it in community groups and are getting the word out that way,” Knoop said. “Word of mouth is important, and that’s going to help us grow.”
Knoop also said she thinks Veggie Rx is changing how people think of nutrition, and they are learning that the educational component is crucial.
“Nutrition education is robust, and we’re stressing the importance of using produce,” she said. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/veggie-rx-helps-allen-county-residents-hopes-to-continue-growing/article_ac8efde8-0b0b-11ee-ad5f-b72ed5985940.html | 2023-06-24T04:43:29 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/veggie-rx-helps-allen-county-residents-hopes-to-continue-growing/article_ac8efde8-0b0b-11ee-ad5f-b72ed5985940.html |
A well-oiled machine is defined as something that runs smoothly and operates efficiently without problems.
By that definition, friends say Judy Bruns’ photo could accompany that dictionary entry.
The 80-year-old retiree has volunteered as an information desk receptionist for a decade on Tuesdays at the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center in downtown.
Officials say Bruns isn’t just a kind greeter who knows she’ll never get a second chance to make a first impression.
“Judy really is a well-oiled machine,” said Josh Ogle, volunteer coordinator at the center. “She’s all over the place, helping with what’s ever needed.”
One day Bruns could be directing visitors to the bingo area, the next she could be keeping score for shuffleboard players or being an official timekeeper for a Senior Games event.
“There are a lot of wonderful people in Fort Wayne who are doing a lot of good things,” said Bruns, a widow and grandmother of five. “I’m just ordinary.”
Maybe, but her volunteerism isn’t, co-workers say.
“She really has a head for numbers and is financial secretary at her church,” said Mary Wagner-Stockman, Community Center manager. “We’re glad we have her.”
Bruns has received the center’s outstanding commitment award three times since 2018. She was recognized for having logged more than 200 hours of service last year.
“Judy works on one of the busiest mornings and just does a fantastic job,” Wagner-Stockman said. “She answers questions, the phone and is there for anyone needing information about the center. She helps out in the kitchen, hands out hot chocolate ... and knows (visitors) names.”
The Fort Wayne native also finds time to volunteer at her place of worship, St. John Lutheran Church.
The Rev. Paul Offhaus said he inherited Bruns when her former congregation merged with St. John. Bruns wanted to volunteer her services as financial secretary, but had to be told the church’s structure didn’t allow that.
“I know the Community Center really brings her a lot of joy,” Offhaus said. “She helps us with things like meals, outreach events and block parties.”
Bruns also has a hand in setting up garage sales for the church and at special events, like peeling and slicing apples for pies during the Johnny Appleseed Festival.
Linda Falater is adult program coordinator at the Community Center. She said even though Bruns usually works just one day a week her presence is felt.
“Everybody knows her and she’s willing to jump in and do whatever we need her to do,” Falater said. “She doesn’t take credit for all of the behind-the-scenes type stuff she does.”
Falater particularly appreciates Bruns being cool under fire.
“Sometimes we have multiple classes and programs going on, but she doesn’t get flustered and takes everything as it comes.”
Bruns worked for 40 years at St. Joseph Hospital before retiring as a nuclear medicine technologist, which had her assisting in procedures that detect and treat diseases.
“I sat around three or four months on retirement and I was like, ‘OK, I can’t do this anymore,’ “ she said. “I like to be around people. I enjoy it.” | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/volunteer-spotlight-judy-bruns-helps-with-whats-ever-needed/article_735358f4-0abf-11ee-8853-07b4fec4b408.html | 2023-06-24T04:43:35 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/volunteer-spotlight-judy-bruns-helps-with-whats-ever-needed/article_735358f4-0abf-11ee-8853-07b4fec4b408.html |
A family favorite is soaring to new heights this summer!
Balloons over Rockbridge returns next weekend.
Hundreds of people are expected to take flight for the festival.
There will be tethered hot air balloon rides, live music and more.
All proceeds and donations support local charities, but they need help to pull it off.
“With an event such as this, volunteer needs are critical to make sure everything is running safely and one of the big need for volunteers is on festival ground itself but also to serve as a balloon crew, there are about 20 balloons that are gonna be there for the event and every balloon has a balloon crew,” community supporter Bobbie Wagner said.
This year will also feature a new balloon of Tiny the fire dog, designed by a Richmond family with a passion for public safety. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/23/balloons-over-rockbridge-in-need-of-volunteers/ | 2023-06-24T04:44:22 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/23/balloons-over-rockbridge-in-need-of-volunteers/ |
A partnership working to end the drug epidemic — that’s what two organizations are doing in Buena Vista with a new structure.
With an over $210,000 grant, the Community Foundation partnered with Rockbridge Recovery to create Hope House — a proposed transitional sober living recovery home for men.
This was just one project among the dozen approved for funding last week.
Hope House will be the first facility of its kind in the Alleghany, Bath, and Rockbridge area.
“We are always looking for the most critical needs in the community to fund projects — and this year the Community Health Foundation assessment told us from Carilion — that the drug epidemic was the biggest concern in this area,” Lori Turner, the executive director for the Community Foundation said.
“We are just amazed by how much the community has come together to support this project,” Bobby Sagle, Director of Rockbridge Recovery said.
The grant allows the organization to operate and sustain the house for the first five years and the demo has already started.
The official opening is scheduled for January of next year but they have a big event happening Saturday, starting at noon at Glen Maury Park.
It’s a free event if you bring a canned food item for a person or a pet. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/23/local-organizations-partner-to-build-sober-living-recovery-home/ | 2023-06-24T04:44:29 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/23/local-organizations-partner-to-build-sober-living-recovery-home/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – Co-founder of Motor Madness Tom Cox says he never expected the event to blow up when he first started it 22 years ago.
“Who’d’ve thought that it would be a Roanoke tradition when we thought it would just be a small car show,” Cox said.
Now, hundreds of people line the sides of Williamson Road for a glimpse of the classic cars cruising down the street.
Cox says it brings an air of nostalgia.
“Williamson Road historically was one of the most well-known cruise strips in the entire country,” he said.
Friday night is cruise night, before Saturday’s Downtown Roanoke car show.
All of the proceeds go to the Museum of Transportation, which Event Manager Cherub Chatfield says helps keep much-needed programs up and running.
“Restoring things and keeping history alive, and keeping the museum alive,” Chatfield said.
But people who attend Motor Madness tell me it’s so much more than a fundraiser.
Holly Moore started attending the show as a way to bond with her son.
“He fell in love with the Firebird that he has now, and the good thing is it means that we get to do these events together,” Moore said.
The forecast had some people worried about their classic cars, but Moore says she’ll be there with her Mustang rain or shine.
“A lot of them just aren’t going to come out in the weather and risk a ‘57 Chevy or something like that,” she said.
Regardless of the weather, Cox says he’s ready for a large turnout.
“People come together and work hard to make it come together and it’s rewarding,” he said. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/23/motor-madness-returns-to-the-star-city/ | 2023-06-24T04:44:35 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/23/motor-madness-returns-to-the-star-city/ |
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Saturday would have marked Kingston Campbell’s 7th birthday. He was shot and killed in his Lynchburg home on May 1.
In his honor, the community has launched the Kingston Reward Fund, asking everyone to donate at least $7 to hopefully encourage someone with information to step forward.
“Kingston was pure. Kingston was pure. He wasn’t afraid to show love. You know, that’s all I taught him: love,” Kingston’s dad, Chris Campbell said.
Six-year-old Kingston was shot and killed while playing video games in his Floyd Street home on May 1.
“I could wake up and pray every day. You know, I could pray when I lay down. It’s going to come a day when I’m [going to] see him again,” Campbell said.
Surveillance video shows the suspects fire at the home, then run away. Police later discovered a firearm in a recycling bin. But still, no arrests.
On Friday, Lynchburg Police Chief Ryan Zuidema released the following statement to 10 News.
“The tragic death of Kingston remains a constant focus of our department as we work to identify the involved individuals and hold them fully accountable under the law. We encourage anyone with information on this case to come forward so we can provide justice for Kingston’s family.”
“We don’t want our community to be known for such tragedy,” Dr. James Camm, the executive director of One Community One Voice said.
He says the organization partnered with Crime Stoppers, Lynchburg Police, and Kingston’s family to launch the Kingston Reward Fund. They’re asking everyone to donate at least $7 dollars to incentive anyone with information to come forward.
“Somebody knows something,” Camm said. “And at this point, to allow such a tragedy to happen and to know it, I feel that you’re a part of it.”
If you have any information about Kingston’s murder, contact Lynchburg Police.
If you’d like to donate to the Kingston Reward Fund, click here. Donations are being accepted at any Bank of the James location. Just reference the One Community One Voice “Kingston” Reward Fund.
Donations may also be mailed to:
Bank of the James
17000 Forest Road, Suite A
Forest, VA 24551 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/23/new-kingston-reward-fund-to-encourage-tips-in-lynchburg-boys-murder/ | 2023-06-24T04:44:41 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/23/new-kingston-reward-fund-to-encourage-tips-in-lynchburg-boys-murder/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – Family and friends in Roanoke are breathing a sigh of relief now that a young girl involved in a freak accident is home.
The community is pitching in to help by raising money for her medical bills.
Six-year-old Aubrey Scaletta had been at Carilion after she lost her feet in a freak accident. Doctors reattached them.
Now the community, including a local group called “Empty Tomb Motorcycle Ministry,” wants to raise thousands for her recovery.
“Shocked at first,” said Chris Carr with Empty Tomb Motorcycle Ministry.
Carr couldn’t believe 6-year-old Aubrey Scaletta had both of her feet amputated in a freak accident.
“Very shocking... the fact that her sister was in her vehicle and the way it happened,” Carr said.
Carr says he and the ministry wanted to help. The group is hosting a ride that will raise money for Aubrey’s medical bills.
He says people from as far away as Georgia are participating in the ride that starts in Roanoke at Exalted Church on Williamson Road and ends at Radford University.
“it’s amazing that all these areas are coming together just to see that happen with the community and everybody bond as one,” Carr said.
Details are limited as to what happened to Aubrey, but 10 News learned through her mother’s co-worker that Aubrey and her sister were in the back seat of a truck playing with a ratchet strap.
Somehow it flew out the window, and one end wrapped around the truck’s axle while the other end wrapped around Aubrey’s feet.
Both feet were ripped off and now members of the community hope their support can offset the costs of Aubrey’s recovery.
“Raising the money where it will help with doctor’s bills, we want to share the love of Jesus and how the community can all come together,” Carr said.
If you would like to ride, check out exaltedministries.com | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/23/roanoke-organization-to-host-motorcycle-ride-fundraiser-for-6-year-old-who-lost-both-feet/ | 2023-06-24T04:44:47 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/23/roanoke-organization-to-host-motorcycle-ride-fundraiser-for-6-year-old-who-lost-both-feet/ |
Saturday marks one year since the landmark abortion case Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court — and the debate over abortion access is still raging on.
Restrictions on abortion have made their way through many states since the overturn.
Here in Virginia, abortion is protected until the end of the second trimester.
But nationwide, conflicts are arising over the legality of abortion pills.
Senator Tim Kaine says a year later, he’s working to keep abortion access for all Americans.
“We need to get a bill that we can get Republicans to support. Because as you know in the Senate, on a piece of non-budgetary legislation you usually have to figure out how you’re going to get to a 60-vote threshold,” Kaine said.
Kaine co-sponsors the Reproductive Freedom for All Act, which protects the right of women to make health care decisions for themselves. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/23/sen-kaine-reflects-on-one-year-anniversary-of-dobbs-decision/ | 2023-06-24T04:44:54 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/23/sen-kaine-reflects-on-one-year-anniversary-of-dobbs-decision/ |
CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. – Grab your popcorn! The Starlite Drive-In Theater in Christiansburg is set to open for its 70th season on June 30.
The theater will kick off the season with a showing of Indiana Jones: A Dial of Destiny.
In a Facebook post, drive-in staff announced a special sneak-peek preview will be available at a soft opening on Thursday, June 29. After that, the drive-in will be open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with gates opening at 7 p.m. and the movie starting at 9 p.m.
The business announced some changes to the drive-in this season, including improved speed of the snack bar, newer movies, the addition of car hops to take and deliver orders on the field, and bringing back the original flee market.
A list of scheduled showings can be found here. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/23/starlite-drive-in-theater-to-open-for-70th-season-on-june-30/ | 2023-06-24T04:45:00 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/23/starlite-drive-in-theater-to-open-for-70th-season-on-june-30/ |
GRAYSON COUNTY, Va. – The Virginia Board of Education is recognizing school districts in Southwest Virginia for excellence.
Independence Elementary and Grayson County High School won the “Exemplar Award.”
To be eligible to win, state leaders say schools or school divisions exceed board requirements like academics.
“It feels great, it was an amazing job by our folks in both schools, independence elementary, and the high school, but if you look at the criteria it’s pretty tough, not only test scores but in your group as well,” said Kelly Wilmore, Grayson County Schools superintendent.
Nearly 50 schools in the state also won the award which includes schools in Roanoke, Bedford, Montgomery and Campbell Counties. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/23/two-grayson-county-schools-win-virginia-board-of-education-exemplar-award/ | 2023-06-24T04:45:06 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/23/two-grayson-county-schools-win-virginia-board-of-education-exemplar-award/ |
A pharmaceutical company responsible for selling opioids has gone bankrupt. People negatively impacted by the drugs may be eligible for compensation, but there are only a couple more weeks to file a claim.
Lauren Davis is a Franklin County personal injury lawyer. She handles cases for people who have been prescribed opioids or encouraged to take them.
“We could spend all day talking about the impact of the opioid epidemic in our region,” Davis said. “It has been substantial. I think probably everyone either knows or knows of someone who’s been impacted.”
But, Davis said now may be your chance to be compensated.
You can file a claim against Endo International or their related companies for yourself or other family members, even lost ones. There are specific medications this case encompasses.
“This particular company had Opana, it also had Percocet,” Davis said. “That could be the brand name, or the generic if you use those, or if someone you know uses those. The second could be a drug called Ranitidine which is used to treat stomach ulcers and to reduce stomach acids, and the third is if you’ve had the use of transvaginal mesh in your body.”
Davis said it’s important to file now because you won’t have a chance later.
“The pharmaceutical companies involved here were allowed to do this behavior and that caused harm to many, many people,” Davis said. “The idea of holding them accountable through the civil justice system is that it will change that behavior.”
She said you don’t need to have a lawyer to file this claim. It’s as simple as visiting this website to fill out a form.
The deadline is July 7. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/23/two-more-weeks-to-file-claims-against-endo-international-in-opioid-settlement/ | 2023-06-24T04:45:13 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/23/two-more-weeks-to-file-claims-against-endo-international-in-opioid-settlement/ |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Little Rock directors are moving forward with developing a downtown master plan.
The plan is expected to bring new ideas on how to make downtown more connected and livable.
Some people we talked to wanted better parking options and more venue space for musical experiences.
"There's crazy talent here," One man said. "But you need a venue to play... you need room to bring the crowd in."
These ideas could be considered as City of Little Rock directors approved a contract this week to bring in a consulting firm to find out how downtown can be improved.
The contract is with Sasaki Associates, Inc., and it will cost $745,000.
It is being paid with federal funds through the American Rescue Plan, which Little Rock received during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"They're going to spend time here walking the streets and then apply what they know as it comes to urban planning and master planning," said Gabe Holstrom, executive director of the Downtown Little Rock Partnership. "Then provide the city with a plan for us to begin implementing in the coming years."
The planning process is expected to take a year. After that, the city will listen to recommendations and then move forward with implementation. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/little-rock-downtown-plan/91-c206b568-616a-49b8-a50a-a3b755d30500 | 2023-06-24T04:54:01 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/little-rock-downtown-plan/91-c206b568-616a-49b8-a50a-a3b755d30500 |
For the first time, Wyoming lawmakers are looking to put in place rules that guide how health insurance companies can approve and deny medical care.
However, the second interim meeting of the Joint Labor, Health and Social Services Committee Thursday in Evanston revealed the gap that exists between insurance companies and health care providers and lawmakers as the legislative panel weighed the first draft of prior authorization regulations proposed by the committee’s working group.
Wyoming is the only state in the country without laws that govern “prior authorization,” the process by which health insurance companies determine which treatments and medications they will cover and pay for under a patient’s plan.
Led by Sen. Dan Dockstader, R-Afton, and Rep. Sarah Penn, R-Lander, the committee’s working group met in May with medical groups and insurance companies to begin to hash out prior authorization rules that would be acceptable to both groups ahead of next year’s legislative session.
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Doctors, other health care providers and medical facilities have complained that prior authorization is an approval system gone astray, increasingly consuming their time and resources while delaying and blocking care for patients. Insurance companies have argued that they are serving as financial stewards for their members while using the process to help control the quality of health care.
During their April meeting in Casper, lawmakers on the committee unanimously voted to draft a bill that would rein in the power of health insurance companies in Wyoming. The resulting 32-page draft bill met resistance from insurance companies during Thursday’s meeting, with the companies pointing to several issues that they said need to be addressed. They urged the panel to allow the companies and medical groups to continue to work together with lawmakers to refine the law.
“We all worked very hard to come to some consensus on things we could come to consensus on and there were some things we couldn’t and frankly we ran out of time,” said Bruce Spencer, an attorney who represents Mountain Health CO-OP, which covers roughly 18,000 Wyomingites.
Among the concerns representatives for Mountain Health CO-OP and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming raised were data reporting requirements that would force insurance companies to share information about when they deny medical services. The draft law would also require companies to consult with doctors if they were considering denying care because it was not a “medical necessity,” an extra step that the representatives said would lengthen treatment approval times.
As the bill is currently written, insurance companies would have five days to approve or deny non-urgent treatment requests and 72 hours for urgent requests.
“It will lead to an increase in holding the line of just denying things because you’ve got to hit those timelines,” said Ken Schaecher, a physician, medical director and administrator who works with the University of Utah and Mountain Health CO-OP.
The companies also objected to a “gold card” system that would allow doctors to skip prior authorization requests if their treatment plans were approved by an insurance company at least 80% of the time.
“We don’t use prior authorizations as mechanisms not to pay for care,” said Heather Roe Day, a lobbyist for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming. She added that prior authorization approvals ensure that insurance companies use limited resources effectively, patients receive evidence-based and necessary treatment, and health care providers are paid.
The insurance companies found some sympathy. Cheyenne Republican Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, the co-chair committee, said the bill wasn’t yet ready for the 2024 legislative session, acknowledging that lawmakers heard the companies’ concerns. But others expressed skepticism, aligning themselves with the medical groups who spoke.
“We still have a situation where we’re not providing enough follow-up care without all the confusion of waiting and delays,” Dockstader said.
“I would hope you’d have an understanding that we also want protect the money – it’s other people’s money and we want to protect that – but we also want to get to a point where people are not waiting for good health care,” he added.
Sheila Bush, the executive director of the Wyoming Medical Society, and Eric Boley, the president of the Wyoming Hospital Association, encouraged lawmakers to avoid the “rabbit holes” of the insurance companies. Both supported the bill as it was written, saying they thought it only needed minor changes.
“It feels like much of the conversation this morning has been the resistance to reform prior authorization because insurance companies have aggressively moved into the role of policing safe medical practice,” Bush said. “That isn’t an appropriate mechanism or utilization of insurance. That’s not their role.”
Boley refuted the claim that prior authorization serves to protect patients and medical providers.
“We’ve heard from the insurance companies that this isn’t done for cost containment,” he said. “That’s an absolute fallacy.”
During the committee’s first April hearing, testimony from doctors, hospitals and medical groups swayed the lawmakers as they spoke of the burden prior authorization. Dr. Kevin Helling, a Casper-based general surgeon, expressed concern about what he said we’re essentially blanket denials from insurance companies that were hurting patients and doctors.
“My expectation is that they’re going to say, ‘No,’” he testified. “I’m not even sure that they read them.”
Lawmakers once again gravitated toward the medical groups Thursday. When asked if they thought insurance companies should be required to have a shorter turnaround time for approvals, the majority voted in favor of updating the bill so that companies have 24-hour deadlines for urgent treatment and 48-hour deadlines for non-urgent care.
Dockstader and Penn will once again lead a working group to find more agreement between the insurance companies and medical groups ahead of the health committee’s next meeting in Saratoga in September. But for now, the lawmakers have the approval of at least one side.
“As far as I’m concerned, we’re ready to roll,” Boley said, a statement to which Sen. Anthony Bouchard, R-Cheyenne, replied:
“I agree with you.” | https://trib.com/news/local/business/health-care/potential-health-insurance-regulations-pit-providers-lawmakers-against-companies/article_63353a02-11fc-11ee-9f1f-c7115396e29b.html | 2023-06-24T05:01:23 | 1 | https://trib.com/news/local/business/health-care/potential-health-insurance-regulations-pit-providers-lawmakers-against-companies/article_63353a02-11fc-11ee-9f1f-c7115396e29b.html |
PITTSBURGH — An Allegheny County contractor is accused of charging thousands of dollars for work that was never done. The state attorney general is now taking action by filing a lawsuit against the landscaping company, Garden Art of Pittsburgh, LLC on the North Shore.
One customer who didn’t want to be identified is part of the 64-page lawsuit.
“I was extremely disappointed, hurt, and I felt like I was taken advantage of,” she said. “He didn’t hold up his end of the bargain. He didn’t do the work.”
The suit alleges the company’s CEO Arthur Ford, Jr never completed landscaping or home improvement work for at least 25 customers, saying he’d get thousands of dollars in deposits from customers but would do little work and then abandon projects.
The woman told Channel 11 Ford took tens of thousands of dollars from her saying it was for materials and equipment but never bought or rented anything. She said he strung her along for about three months last summer.
“Essentially, for the entire summer he delayed the project,” she said. “He would send some people to do minor work as if to start the project and then not follow up for several weeks, and he would come up with excuses.”
Zach Lieb said his Mount Washington neighbor also hired Garden Art of Pittsburgh, only to never have that work done. He told Channel 11 the homeowner ended up hiring someone else to finish the job.
“They started it and we saw people tracking up and down, moving equipment,” Lieb said. “They were going from the front to the back of the house, and, then they just left.”
Shortly after, in August 2022, Ford filed for bankruptcy claiming he owed customers more than $262,000.
Channel 11 news reporter Antoinette DelBel called Arthur Ford but as soon as she said she was media, he hung up.
Customers are hoping the suit sheds light on these types of unfair and illegal business practices.
“It will flag his name so other people will not have to suffer through this,” the woman said who didn’t want to use her name. “There has to be consequences.”
Ford’s bankruptcy case has since been dismissed.
Besides keeping Ford from working as a landscaping, or home improvement contractor in the state, the lawsuit also seeks restitution to those impacted.
To file a complaint against the business, call 800-441-2555, or email scams@attorney.general.gov.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/local-contractor-accused-charging-thousands-dollars-work-not-finishing-it/YS4EAQ7BMFCVBM2KVG2IPHTJOI/ | 2023-06-24T05:02:43 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/local-contractor-accused-charging-thousands-dollars-work-not-finishing-it/YS4EAQ7BMFCVBM2KVG2IPHTJOI/ |
The NYPD is launching a new subway surge in response to the latest rash of violence underground.
Transit officers and community response teams have combined efforts to flood the New York City subway system after six knife attacks in the past week.
"These crimes that happen that are shocking, and rightfully so, and they're shocking to us also, that cause us to reassure the public that we're here for them," NYPD Transit Chief Michael Kemper said.
On Friday, officers were seen speaking with conductors as trains pulled into the 42nd Street-Port Authority subway station.
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"Can you make an announcement that we have police on the platform?" one officer asked. "Is everything OK on the train?"
Uniformed cops were walking through the train cars and riding through the system, up and down Manhattan.
News
"On their way home from work or going out tonight, and really the goal here again to make them feel safe and if we see any breaking of the law, we'll address it if we have to," Chief of Patrol John Chell said.
Some teams of officers kept their eyes on the turnstile, watching for anyone not paying the subway fare. NYPD officials say they gave out several summonses and let the people go on their way.
This year so far, police say they have issued tickets for more than 23,000 fare evasions.
The NYPD says weapon arrests in the transit system are up this year, knife arrests specifically more than 60 percent. Overall transit crime, according to the department, is below pre-pandemic levels.
Commuters say they have definitely noticed the increase police presence recently.
"I think the extra policing makes sense fundamentally as a concept, but I think there needs to be more systemic chance to stop this type of stuff," one straphanger said. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/spike-in-subway-knife-attacks-sends-more-cops-into-nyc-transit-system/4449550/ | 2023-06-24T05:05:43 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/spike-in-subway-knife-attacks-sends-more-cops-into-nyc-transit-system/4449550/ |
Detroit man charged in road rage shooting at off-duty officer
A Detroit man was charged Friday in connection with a road rage shooting at an off-duty Detroit Police officer earlier this week, Michigan State Police announced on Twitter.
Larenz Odell Branham was arraigned through 36th District Court on one count of intentionally discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle, two counts of assault with intent to murder, two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and seven counts of weapons-felony firearm.
The 24-year-old stood mute and a not guilty plea was entered, court records show.
Judge Aliyah Sabree set bond at $100,000.
Branham is next scheduled to appear for a bond redetermination hearing at 9 a.m. Monday, according to court records. A probable cause conference follows on July 5.
He is accused of firing shots around 12:30 p.m. Monday at an off-duty 22-year-old city police officer. The shooting happened on westbound Interstate 94 near Gratiot.
The officer was driving with one passenger in the vehicle when the suspect "began road raging with him by throwing bottles/objects at his vehicle," MSP reported. No one was injured during the incident.
Branham was arrested on Tuesday and police seized roughly $50,000 cash, three firearms and several pounds of illegal marijuana from his home.
hmackay@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/23/detroit-man-charged-in-road-rage-shooting-at-off-duty-police-officer/70353212007/ | 2023-06-24T05:05:59 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/23/detroit-man-charged-in-road-rage-shooting-at-off-duty-police-officer/70353212007/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The motorcyclist who died after a crash with a vehicle in the Hazelwood neighborhood Friday night has been identified, according to Portland police.
Investigators say 26-year-old Adrian Calvillo-Trujillo of Gresham was speeding eastbound on Southeast Stark Street in a black and red 2022 Suzuki GSX-R when he ran into a white 2001 Acura TL stopped on Southeast 135th Avenue.
The Acura had been waiting to turn westbound onto Southeast Stark Street around 5:45 p.m. when Calvillo-Trujillo hit it on the driver’s side, officials say, and he rolled into a white 2010 Ford Escape that was parked and unoccupied.
The adult female driver in the Acura was hospitalized with her injuries, and no arrests were made after the crash. Police say speed is a likely factor.
Anyone with information about this crash is asked to email crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov and reference case number 23-164280.
Stay with KOIN 6 as this story develops. | https://www.koin.com/local/police-id-motorcyclist-in-fatal-hazelwood-crash-say-speed-is-a-likely-factor/ | 2023-06-24T05:08:09 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/police-id-motorcyclist-in-fatal-hazelwood-crash-say-speed-is-a-likely-factor/ |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) – A sold-out stadium of around 8,000 fans showed out Friday for the Savannah Bananas at Regions Field. The crowd was loud and had high energy all game long.
Between on-field performances and friendly fan competitions, there was no shortage of fun at the ballpark.
“We’ve seen so much on social media about the Bananas and heard so much about them, we wanted to come experience it firsthand,” says Jordan Inman, a Bananas fan.
Friday’s crowd had fans from not only Birmingham but Mississippi, Georgia and even as far as Canada.
For the Bananas, the game is about more than just baseball. It’s about making sure every person in the stands has a smile on their face and has a good time.
“They always show up, they’re always ready to party,” says Jackson Olsen, third baseman for the Savannah Bananas. “Everyone is smiling here. Everyone’s smiling 24/7. You can’t really see someone that’s like eh whatever, I’ll just go get food and chill out for 10 minutes. There’s a lot going on every second of the game so that kind of keeps them engulfed and they’re ready to go.”
A lot of first-timers were out Friday excited to experience the Bananas for themselves.
“We’re super excited, this is the first time she’s been here, she saw the guy on the stilts and just wanted to run out and get his autograph,” says Finny Benny, Bananas fan.
“Just so much to take in because it’s, they both played college baseball, this experience is so unique and different that it’s just such a great atmosphere for kids and families and stuff like that,” says Jim Dearman, uncle of Bananas player Christian “Mr. Electric” Dearman. “Just soaking it all in.”
The Bananas will play again Saturday afternoon at Rickwood Field to another sold-out crowd. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/sold-out-crowds-excited-to-experience-savannah-bananas-in-birmingham/ | 2023-06-24T05:11:24 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/sold-out-crowds-excited-to-experience-savannah-bananas-in-birmingham/ |
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — The University of Alabama Police Department is looking to hire new recruits due to a shortage of available officers.
Deputy Police Chief Micah Rodgers says, like many law enforcement agencies, UAPD is short on officers. He says he has 75 officers and needs more.
“It is a profession that relies on actual people who go out here to do this job,” Rodgers said. “Whatever resources we can devote to them is good because we need folks who want to do this job and you have to find the right people, that’s what we are going to do.”
Starting salary for officers is $65,200 for those with no prior experience and $71,240 for officers who are Alabama Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission certified with two years of law enforcement experience.
UAPD also offers lateral transfer pay and a $7,500 recruitment incentive, often referred to as a signing bonus.
“As a University of Alabama police officer you get a chance to contribute, and we pay well and we look out for our officers,” Rodgers said. “We care about our officers and we care dearly about our community, and you have multiple opportunities as an officer at UAPD to go into different areas of work.”
Officers will receive a $4,000 retention incentive and an additional $100 for each year of service, provided every three years, to reward commitment and longevity. Rodgers says he has already made some hires and five new officers will begin their tour of duty on Monday. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/university-of-alabama-police-department-looking-to-hire-new-recruits/ | 2023-06-24T05:11:31 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/university-of-alabama-police-department-looking-to-hire-new-recruits/ |
Kellyn Taylor likes a good challenge.
The veteran NAZ Elite distance runner is building her way back to form after a recent pregnancy. She's doing so with an "optimistically naive" approach, as she deals with a new balancing act of life and professional running.
In fact, Taylor and her husband, Kyle, recently went from having one child in the family to four in a short span.
“It was super chaotic," Taylor said Tuesday, laughing a bit while reflecting on the situation.
Taylor had moved to Flagstaff not long after having her first child, who is now 13. In November of 2021, just after she produced an impressive sixth-place finish at the New York City Marathon with a time of 2:26:10, the family began fostering a boy who was in the process of looking for a family.
They all felt like it was a good fit and the couple eventually adopted the child in May of 2022.
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But before the boy's adoption was official, the family also began fostering his little sister, who was just 7 weeks old at the time, according to Taylor.
In April, the family officially adopted the young girl, not long after welcoming a newborn girl of their own to the family in December.
“So the adjustment to that has been probably what it should be. It’s been a little bit rocky and it’s taking some time and that’s OK," Taylor said. "But I think we’re doing it.”
There is, however, a great sense of calm that came from the chaos in having the family together and no longer within the web of the foster care system -- which Taylor is very familiar with.
“It’s such a relief," Taylor said of having the adopted children become a permanent part of the family.
She added: “It’s kind of a huge stress relief, because we had fostered for so long, and dealing with the system and the process was just such a stressful and, at times, an infuriating thing because it’s just such a flawed system."
During the year Taylor was building up for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, she fostered several children. She said there were many times fostering was taxing on her schedule and her emotions -- and her profession.
“It’s nice to know that someone isn’t going to come and take them, and then you don’t know what’s going to happen to them. They are here, and they are not going anywhere," she said.
Taylor is an original member of another family -- NAZ Elite. She had planned on moving to Flagstaff to join McMillan Elite, a city-based team that ceased operations in 2013, after graduating college from Wichita State. She put the move on pause, however, because of her first pregnancy, and, according to NAZ Elite Executive Director Ben Rosario, told McMillan Elite that she still planned on coming out after having her child.
Rosario said that Greg McMillan, the leader of McMillan Elite, was willing to wait for Taylor to come to Flagstaff.
"In his own words, because I’ve talked to him about this, he said he never thought he’d hear from her again,” Rosario said.
Sure enough, Taylor gave birth to her first child and then made the move shortly after to Flagstaff.
“That’s such a Kellyn story,” Rosario said through a laugh.
When McMillan Elite shut its doors, another opened in the form of NAZ Elite for Taylor.
In fact, according to NAZ Elite records, Taylor was one of the first two NAZ Elite athletes to run a race for the team when she and and former member Amy Van Alsine competed in the Bupa Great Edinburgh cross country 6K race on January 11, 2014.
Now, Taylor's getting back to racing and building for a marathon.
She has put in two races since giving birth in late December, finishing ninth in her return outing at the Portland Track Festival in the 5,000-meter on the track and taking eighth place about a week later at the Mastercard Mini 10K road race on June 10.
She said it felt great to be competing again, despite getting back into racing while out of her comfort zone with a short race on the track.
“I think it’s always good to do things that are a little bit out of your element, because, I think, it helps to sharpen you up for when you are in your element," Taylor said, "And that’s really the big picture here -- being able to run a good marathon and a good 10,000 here at some point.”
She admitted that the first 5000m to get the rust off felt fast, even though "it was not fast." She clocked a 15:39.62, after her teammate, Katie Wasserman, finished third at 15:15.88.
But the training she has been doing isn't geared toward running a fast 5000m on the track.
"It’s not surprising that my body was like, ‘Hey, what are we doing?’ But the 10K definitely felt a lot smoother, and I felt a little bit more in my element," she said.
She also said her fitness feels like it's coming back quickly. She recently went on a run on Lake Mary Road with teammate Lauren Hagans, who at the time was building for her marathon debut. Taylor was going to do 8 miles of the 12 Hagans was set to tackle during the workout. Taylor said after the 8 miles, she felt great and was granted her request to do a couple more.
“I finished and had tons more in me," Taylor said.
She said overall, her efforts to get back to racing have been going well.
“I was actually really fortunate. I didn’t really have any issues throughout my entire pregnancy," Taylor said. "I didn’t have any issues with the birth, I didn’t have any issues post-birth. So I have been pretty fortunate in that regard, but I still think you have to respect what your body did and what it went through, and I’ve been approaching things pretty cautiously.”
Rosario has also been taking note of how Taylor is gaining ground in her fitness, noting that her 10K in New York was an overall strong outing.
“It stands to reason that as she continues to get fitter, it certainly looks like she’s on a path to be her best self soon," Rosario said.
The goal is to have Taylor take her time as she prepares for a marathon, making sure her body is responding well to the training.
“I think it will be a very solid build that will have her prepared to run a good fall marathon as a step toward the Olympic Trials," Rosario said.
And for Rosario and NAZ Elite, it's been a boon to have a seasoned veteran like Taylor back at workouts.
“She provides a level of professionalism and intensity," Rosario said, "and, I think, just her presence is felt when she is here. And that’s for a variety of reasons, but certainly, when you have been around for as long as she has and you accomplish the things she has, there is an inherent level of respect when you are at practice. I think that has been a positive for us over the last couple of months to have her back every day."
Mike Hartman can be reached at 556-2255 or at mhartman@azdailysun.com. Follow him on Twitter @AZDS_Hartman. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/naz-elite-this-week-kellyn-taylor-makes-return-to-racing-after-pregnancy-adoptions/article_a6ea5534-120b-11ee-b5b6-f71fad2405ca.html | 2023-06-24T05:12:29 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/naz-elite-this-week-kellyn-taylor-makes-return-to-racing-after-pregnancy-adoptions/article_a6ea5534-120b-11ee-b5b6-f71fad2405ca.html |
BLUFF CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Bluff City Board of Mayor and Aldermen held a special called meeting Friday to consider ordinances on first reading concerning property taxes and sewer, water, and garbage rates.
If passed, the new ordinances would bring property taxes up to $1.30, garbage rates would go up to $17.50 per month, and water and sewer rates would both increase by 8%.
Mayor Jeff Broyles says these ordinances were regarding the town’s budget.
“The primary ordinances were that we were looking at, the first reading of our budget for 2023-24,” said Broyles.
The board approved the increase in garbage collection fees and water rates but did not approve the property tax or or sewer rate hikes.
“We’re not in dead water here. There’s just probably more discussion that needs to go on,” said Broyles.
Several community members took to the podium to express their concerns.
“That was only 10 months ago, and you want to raise them again?” asked Carolyn Payne.
“It’s not right, you’re killing the people here. We’ve got a wonderful town,” Dave Harmon said.
Despite the concerns, Broyles said that he and the board members are confident in the choices they made.
“The board and I have sat in work sessions twice to review this budget and it was my understanding that we came away with the best and most conservative solution with the lowest increases that we could muster for the town,” Broyles said.
The mayor said budget discussions will continue next week. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/citizens-express-concerns-at-bluff-city-board-meeting/ | 2023-06-24T05:28:37 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/citizens-express-concerns-at-bluff-city-board-meeting/ |
Events
Saturday, June 24
ART IN THE PARK: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; free Outdoor Art Show & Sale; John F. Kennedy Park, 24 Broadway, Somers Point. 609-287-0408 or artintheparksomerspt.weebly.com.
FRIENDS’ BIG BOOK SALE: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; two-day sale that supports Friends of the Island Library; Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch, 217 S. Central Ave., Surf City. 609-494-2480 or theoceancountylibrary.org/events.
BOAT AMERICA (BOAT SAFETY CLASS): 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; “Boat America” is the basic safe boating class; New Jersey law requires all operators of power boats complete an approved boating safety class for obtaining a NJ Boating Safety Certificate; St. Peter's United Methodist Church, 501 E. Eighth St., Ocean City; $60. 609-399-4299 or uscgaux-ocnj.org.
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FANTASY FAIRE: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 24, 25; family-friendly festival of medieval folklore and fun; rain or shine; WheatonArts, 1000 Village Drive, Millville; $12 adults, $11 senior adults (62+), $7 students, free ages 5 and younger. 856-825-6800 or wheatonarts.org.
GARDENS SUMMER YARD SALE: 8 a.m. to noon; "It's Finally Summer Yard Sale" hosted by the Ocean City Gardens Civic Association; proceeds benefit the Association; Cardiff Triangle at north end near near Longport Bridge, Ocean City.
MAKER'S SPACE SEWING: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; for teens and adults; discover how to sew both by hand and with machines; Hammonton Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 451 S. Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton; registration required. 609-561-2264 or atlanticlibrary.org.
SATURDAY MOVIE TIME: 1 to 3 p.m. June 24, July 8, 22, Aug. 5, 19; Pleasantville Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 33 Martin Luther King Junior Ave., Pleasantville. 609-641-1778 or atlanticlibrary.org.
SOUTH JERSEY PLAYERS PRESENTS 'SHAKESPEARE IN THE POCKET PARK': 7 p.m. June 24, 5 p.m. June 25; South Jersey Players will present a 60-minute comedy of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night including a cocktail hour – $20 with soft drinks, $25 with ‘ale’; Ventnor Memory Park, 5000 Ventnor Ave., Ventnor. 347-920-6399 or southjerseyplayers.org.
YARD SALE: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; proceeds benefit the Atlantic County Historical Society Museum; 8 Virginia Ave., Northfield. 609-576-4101.
Monday, June 26
'BARGAINTOWN BOY' POWERPOINT SHOW: 7 to 8:30 p.m.; hosted by EHT Historical Society; John Hiers will give a PowerPoint presentation on his book "Bargaintown Boy"; 5045 English Creek Ave., Egg Harbor Township. 609-335-3313.
BEACHCOMBING THE CREST: 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays through August 28; wander the shore in search of tideline treasures; Cape May County Library/Wildwood Crest Branch, 6300 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood Crest. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
ESL CAREER READINESS LAB: 9:30 a.m. to noon Mondays through July 31; learn how to use the Engen Language Upskilling platform, which provides ESL classes and tutorials with a focus on job interview skills, and the food and beverage industry and hospitality industry; Public Library, 1 N. Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City. 609-345-2269 or acfpl.org.
EVENING OF TEA AND COLORING FOR ADULTS: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; relaxing evening of tea and coloring; Public Library, 1058 E. Landis Ave., Vineland. 856-794-4244 or vinelandlibrary.org.
LINE DANCING - WITH SUSAN PENNYPACKER: noon to 12:45 p.m. Mondays; no meetings Sept. 4, Oct. 9; Wildwood Crest Branch, 6300 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood Crest. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
MEDITATIVE DRUM CIRCLE: 5 to 6 p.m. Mondays; bring your own instrument or borrow one; no meetings Aug. 28, Sept. 4, Oct. 9, Nov. 6, Dec. 25; Cape May Court House Branch, 30 Mechanic St., Middle Township. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
RECOMMENDED READS WITH CAROL FITZGERALD: 6 to 7:30 p.m.; Carol Fitzgerald from The Book Report Network is back to share must-read 2023 releases; Public Library, 235 32nd St., Avalon. 609-967-7155 or avalonfreelibrary.org.
For kids
Saturday, June 24
DROP-IN LEGO PLAYTIME: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturdays through August; Egg Harbor Township/Atlantic County Library System, 1 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township. 609-927-8664 or atlanticlibrary.org.
LET'S GO LEGO: 11 a.m. to noon every other Saturday through Aug. 19; Mays Landing Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 40 Farragut Ave., Hamilton. 609-625-2776 or atlanticlibrary.org.
SATURDAY FAMILY STORYTIME: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays through August; Egg Harbor Township/Atlantic County Library System, 1 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township. 609-927-8664 or atlanticlibrary.org.
SPRINGTIME STORYTIME: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; for ages 3 1/2 to 5, siblings welcome; few quick stories, songs, an easy craft, plus a treat; Somers Point Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 801 Shore Road, Somers Point; registration required. 609-927-7113 or atlanticlibrary.org.
TEEN BOARD GAME AND SNACK AFTERNOONS: 2 to 4 p.m. Saturdays, June 24, July 8, 22, Aug. 5, 29; for kids and teens, ages 10 and older; Egg Harbor Township/Atlantic County Library System, 1 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township; registration required. 609-927-8664 or atlanticlibrary.org.
Monday, June 26
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME - ABSECON: 10 to 11 a.m. Mondays; Absecon branch/Atlantic County Library System, 305 New Jersey Ave., Absecon. 609-646-2228 or atlanticlibrary.org.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME - EGG HARBOR CITY: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays through Aug. 28; Egg Harbor City Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 134 Philadelphia Ave., Egg Harbor City. 609-804-1063 or atlanticlibrary.org.
Groups
Saturday, June 24
AARP — THE PLEASANTVILLE CHAPTER MEETING: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; opportunity for all people 50 plus to gather information and become active in the community; speakers on topics of interest to seniors; potluck, bring a dish if you like; Pleasantville Recreation Center, 400 Brighton Ave., Pleasantville.
Monday, June 26
AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS: 11 a.m. Mondays; for those troubled by someone else's drinking; Egg Harbor City Senior Center, 351 Cincinnati Ave., Egg Harbor City. AL-ANON.org.
LONGPORT NEEDLERS: 10 a.m. to noon Mondays; bring your needle/crochet craft project and join us for a time of crafting and socializing; Longport Public Library, 2305 Atlantic Ave., Longport. 609-487-7403 or LongportPublicLibrary.org.
MYSTERY AT THE LIBRARY BOOK CLUB: 6:30 to 8 p.m. fourth Mondays through December; virtual mystery and thriller book club for ages 18 and older; each month a new murder mystery book is picked and a book discussion will be held; presented by the Cape May County Library 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
Health, fitness
Sunday, July 25
MEDITATION - ONLINE GROUP: 7:15 to 8 p.m. Sundays; offered by The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County; staff offer a guided calming meditation or breathing exercise; to receive a link by email and join the group online, email btrendler@mhanj.org. 609-652-3800 or MHAAC.info.
Monday, June 26
CHAIR YOGA - WITH LYNNE CATARRO: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays; no class 9/4, 10/9, 12/25; Cape May County Library/Wildwood Crest Branch, 6300 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood Crest. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
'GOT STRESS?' ONLINE GROUP: 4 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays; online group meets to discuss daily wellness, coping strategies and tools to relieve stress and reduce anxiety; offered by The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County; free. 609-652-3800 or MHAAC.info.
YOGA WITH SUZANNE KUBIK: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays through Sept. 14; no class July 6, Sept. 4; Cape May County Library/Stone Harbor Branch, 9516 Second Ave., Stone Harbor. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
Music
Saturday, June 24
DAN & FAITH DREAM-INSPIRED FOLK: 2 to 3:30 p.m.; Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 Route 9, Middle Township. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
POPA CHUBBY: 7:30 to 10 p.m.; The Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main St., Tuckerton; $40. 908-310-2941 or lizzierosemusic.com.
Sunday, June 25
ABSECON CONCERTS IN THE PARK: 7 to 9 p.m. June 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Aug. 6, 13, 20, 4 p.m. Aug. 27; bring your own chair or blanket; Heritage Park, 699 Blenheim Ave., Absecon. 609-641-0663.
BAY ATLANTIC SYMPHONY AT SURFSIDE: 7 to 8 p.m. fourth Sundays through Aug. 27; the Bay Atlantic Symphony presents a new Symphony by the Sea series at Surfside Park; Avalon Surfside Park, 2901 Avalon Ave., Avalon. 609-967-7155 or avalonfreelibrary.org. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/community-calendar/article_ee6dbc9a-105b-11ee-a1c0-5b9443d030d8.html | 2023-06-24T05:34:08 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/community-calendar/article_ee6dbc9a-105b-11ee-a1c0-5b9443d030d8.html |
SOMERS POINT — Locals and visitors to the shore can enjoy live music on the beach Fridays during the city's 30th annual Beach Concert Series.
The series will take place 7 p.m. Fridays through Sept. 8 at the bandstand at William Morrow Beach, located on Bay Avenue between Higbee and New Jersey avenues. A "bonus show" will also be offered July 4.
The event lineup includes international recording artists and Grammy Award winners, members of the Rock and Roll and International Blues halls of fame, as well as regional acts performing in genres such as country, classic rock, jazz and more.
Admission is free. Attendees are encouraged to bring a beach chair or blanket. Limited snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. For more information, email somerspointbeachconcerts@yahoo.com. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/somers-point-beach-concert-series-takes-place-weekly-this-summer/article_1296e1fc-113b-11ee-ad5b-5f892d4667d3.html | 2023-06-24T05:34:15 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/somers-point-beach-concert-series-takes-place-weekly-this-summer/article_1296e1fc-113b-11ee-ad5b-5f892d4667d3.html |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/traffic-returns-on-i-95-after-12-days-of-non-stop-work/3591839/ | 2023-06-24T05:36:19 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/traffic-returns-on-i-95-after-12-days-of-non-stop-work/3591839/ |
SEATTLE — While calling it one of the more fun events Seattle police officers provide security for, Chief Adrian Diaz also said he's disappointed officers can't march in the annual Pride Parade while wearing their uniforms.
Diaz said there are many people in the department who identify as LGBTQ+.
"And it's disappointing for them to not be able to be who they are and also be in the profession that they are. They're trying to make a difference," Diaz said in an interview with KING 5.
Diaz went on to say the Seattle Police Department is one of few "that probably has the most transgender officers in the entire country. And it's something to be proud of.
"And I think that you want to make sure that officers feel valued and respected, and when they don't feel valued and respected by their own community, that is really tough."
This is the second year officers will not be allowed to march in the Seattle Pride Parade in uniform. The decision by, according to a statement from Executive Director of Seattle Pride Noah Wagoner, was made "based on feedback from a community survey, as well as the result of the queer community’s long history of distrust of law enforcement, criminalization of LGBTQIA+ people, and police violence against marginalized groups – which was the genesis of the Pride movement, and is why Pride Parades around the country are held on the last Sunday in June in remembrance of the Stonewall rebellion.”
Diaz said he understands why the decision would be made, but would also like the progress that has been made to be recognized, including the creation of the LGBTQ Advisory Council, which works with the police department to improve safety for the LGBTQ community.
Though they can't march in uniform, Seattle officers will be visible along the parade route to provide security.
Seattle Pride Parade
The 49th annual Pride Parade will be held Sunday, June 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
It begins at Westlake Park. The route will go through downtown Seattle along Fourth Avenue, between Pike Street and Denny Way.
Watch: Seattle police discuss safety plan ahead of Pride weekend | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/seattle-police-chief-officer-policy-pride-parade/281-4af726cf-3ac3-4c25-b216-e1b84d4d00cb | 2023-06-24T05:42:56 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/seattle-police-chief-officer-policy-pride-parade/281-4af726cf-3ac3-4c25-b216-e1b84d4d00cb |
NORTH BEND, Wash. — Students dug fire lines and learned to burn out extra fuels to contain fires at the Washington State Department of Natural Resources' Fire Academy training Friday.
It was just a fraction of what they'll learn in the 10-day session, with 295 students rotating through the camp this spring.
It is the first year the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is holding this training at the North Bend location, and the first time holding a full in-person training of this kind since 2019 due, in part, to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fire Academy Incident Commander Sean Kibbe said.
"It's a way to put them through multiple repetitions of different types of fire, scenarios, under really controlled environments," Kibbe said.
The training is setup like a fire camp, with students spending the night in tents and DNR's kitchen and supply trucks on site for meals and other needs. Along with live fire exercises, students learn about techniques like education and analyze firefighting strategies.
"We basically build our own town, city here with the different kinds of functions," Kibbe said.
Some of the students are in their first training session. Others have been firefighting for a few years. Though experience ranges, all receive comprehensive education meant to prepare them for diverse firefighting needs across the state.
DNR says it is staffed up for this wildfire season. Forecasters say it could be a busy one, based on the below-average precipitation and impact of springs warm temperatures on snowpack levels.
Download the KING 5 app to check the interactive radar near you, as well as the latest forecast, cameras and current conditions. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/wildfire/behind-the-scenes-at-washington-states-dnr-fire-academy/281-9a3cf8d2-76c4-4e0a-989c-cfb541002a73 | 2023-06-24T05:43:02 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/wildfire/behind-the-scenes-at-washington-states-dnr-fire-academy/281-9a3cf8d2-76c4-4e0a-989c-cfb541002a73 |
A free concert celebrating First-Plymouth Church’s carillon will take place at 6:15 p.m. today, June 24, at 20th and D streets. The 30-minute concert is free and open to the public.
First-Plymouth’s carillonneur Kathie Johnson will feature carillon arrangements from past and present.
First-Plymouth’s carillon was the first true carillon in Nebraska. It was dedicated on May 30, 1931. A major renovation was completed in 1990. First-Plymouth’s carillon includes 57 bells – the largest weighs 5,000 pounds, and the smallest bell weighs 30 pounds.
The best place to hear the concert is in the church courtyard. Bring your lawn chair or blanket.
For more information about First-Plymouth Church, visit www.firstplymouth.org. | https://journalstar.com/life-entertainment/local/faith-values/first-plymouth-church-carillon-concert/article_5a63229e-0faf-11ee-a543-e7313cc079b5.html | 2023-06-24T05:44:11 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/life-entertainment/local/faith-values/first-plymouth-church-carillon-concert/article_5a63229e-0faf-11ee-a543-e7313cc079b5.html |
There have been plenty of films about the opioid crisis, but few have been as perceptive, personal and sobering as writer-director Jamie Sisley’s autobiographical “Stay Awake,” which looks at the destruction created by drug addiction from the perspective not of the addict, but her sons.
The sons are brothers Ethan (Wyatt Oleff), a high schooler who’s applied to colleges and is itching to get out of the small town of Langford, Virginia, and Derek (Fin Argus), an aspiring actor who’s out of high school and works in the town’s bowling alley.
Together, they try to take care of their mother, Michelle (Chrissy Metz), who gets her pills from the local doctor who is seemingly unaware of her addiction, takes them and wanders away from the family home.
That forces the boys to track her down, get her into the car and sing movie soundtrack songs, like “Everybody’s Talking," to keep her awake until they get to the emergency room, where the staff knows them by name.
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After spending the night in chairs in her hospital room, the boys go back to school and work and Michelle returns home, restarting the cycle — until an accident results in another trip for Michelle to rehab.
That sketchy outline, however, doesn’t do justice to Sisley’s story, which is filled with conflicts and disappointment and knowing portrayals of the three primary characters, none of whom are demonized.
Derek, for example, can’t bring himself to leave his mother, essentially trapping him in Langford and costing him a shot at his career, while Ethan’s desire to get out of town leads to him breaking up with his girlfriend and eventually clashing with his brother over the hopelessness of their futures, and their mother.
The performances by Oleff, who is soulfully reserved; the charismatic and engaging Argus; and Metz, who was Emmy nominated for her work in “This is Us”; are superb, fully embodying characters that ring with autobiographical truth.
That gritty reality also is conveyed by the film’s locations, its portrayals of Michelle’s time in rehab and, particularly, the film’s ending that’s neither doomed nor uplifting. Rather, like all of “Stay Awake,” it is a sobering take on the impact of opioid addiction on the family that will never fully end.
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Whether you want inspiration you can bring into your own kitchen or you just love watching mouthwatering footage of the best food from around …
These shows are a great way to get inspiration for projects around your house, from overhauling your organization system to trying out a bold …
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you might find yourself in the mood for a romantic comedy movie night. Here are 10 of the best. | https://journalstar.com/life-entertainment/local/movies-tv/review-sobering-stay-awake-looks-at-the-impact-of-opioid-addiction-on-the-addicts-sons/article_92b1c520-0f90-11ee-aa15-efec7d868d72.html | 2023-06-24T05:44:17 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/life-entertainment/local/movies-tv/review-sobering-stay-awake-looks-at-the-impact-of-opioid-addiction-on-the-addicts-sons/article_92b1c520-0f90-11ee-aa15-efec7d868d72.html |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A strike by the Machinists Union over contract disputes with Spirit AeroSystems began at midnight on Saturday.
Spirit put up mesh fencing around its southeast Wichita campus near the intersection of MacArthur and Oliver in preparation on Friday. The Machinists Union set up its strike headquarters not far from the campus, near the intersection of K-15 and MacArthur.
The strike comes after a Wednesday vote on a new contract between the Machinists Union and Spirit at Hartman Arena. The previous contract expired at 11:59 p.m. on Friday night.
According to Union Leader Cornell Beard, 79% of union employees voted “no” to the proposed contract, and 85% voted to strike.
Beard said a federal mediator will be meeting with Spirit AeroSystems and Contract Negotiation Committee at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
After the vote Wednesday, Spirit sent out two statements in response to the votes.
We are disappointed that our employees represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in Wichita have rejected our four-year contract offer and have voted to strike. We believe that our fair and competitive offer recognizes the contributions of our employees and ensures we can successfully meet increasing demand for aircraft from our customers.
We know that no one wins in a work stoppage; however, we respect the rights of our represented employees. Despite this setback, we are not distracted from the task at hand. We look forward to continued meetings with IAM leadership.”
Spirit AeroSystems
Following the vote, Spirit sent out a statement saying it will suspend factory production prior to the expiration of the contract. Spirit said it will pay workers for their scheduled hours through Thursday and Friday.
Contract negotiations between the Local Lodge 839 of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM) and Spirit AeroSystems began on May 1.
To find more information from Local Lodge 839, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.
To read the Spirit contract negotiations, click here. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/machinists-union-begins-spirit-strike-in-southwest-wichita/ | 2023-06-24T05:51:49 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/machinists-union-begins-spirit-strike-in-southwest-wichita/ |
Darlene Gertrude Bridges, 87, died Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at her home. Arrangements: Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake.
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Darlene Gertrude Bridges, 87, died Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at her home. Arrangements: Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake.
Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/obituaries/death-notices/globe-death-notices/article_442d757f-60c9-5504-a07e-085a90eb6f27.html | 2023-06-24T06:01:22 | 0 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/obituaries/death-notices/globe-death-notices/article_442d757f-60c9-5504-a07e-085a90eb6f27.html |
July 13, 1941-June 21, 2023
Thomas Stufflebeam, Sr., 81, of Rockford, died Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at his home in Rockford.
A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 26, 2023 at the First United Methodist Church, 21 3rd Street Northwest, Rockford, Iowa. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.
Visitation and viewing will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Those in attendance are encouraged to wear their favorite John Deere attire in memory of Thomas.
Thomas Everet Stufflebeam was born July 13, 1941 in Waverly to parents Darwin and Ruth Stufflebeam. His first years were spent in Waverly before the family moved to Rockford, which would become Thomas’ lifelong home from there. He graduated from Rockford High School in 1959.
On November 18, 1962 Thomas was married to the love of his life, Marian Gruver at the First United Methodist Church in Rockford. Together they were blessed with two children and nearly 60 years of marriage.
For many years Thomas worked as a machinist and worked for Rockford Brick and Tile. He then accepted a position with Floyd County, first building bridges, and then operating a maintainer and driving a snowplow. Thomas loved his years with Floyd County and retired from there after 20 years of service.
Friends and family will remember his love of John Deere tractors and his coin collection. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed watching and feeding the deer, especially his buddy, Cecil.
Those grateful in sharing in his life include his children, Thomas “Tom” (Angie) Stufflebeam, Jr. of Rockford and Lisa (Mike) Cifranik of Cleveland, OH; grandchildren, Christina (Zack) Vaudt, Robert “Adam” (Jessica) Stufflebeam and Lizzie Stufflebeam (Abe Overmann); great grandchildren, Logan, Ryan, Abbi, Dylan, Thomas, Corwynn and Cami; a bonus son, Jeff (Anne) Eilertson and his children, Miya, Sophia, Finn and Elise; sister in law, Marlys Andrews; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Thomas is preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Marian; his parents; and brothers, Robert and Jerry.
Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St NE, Mason City. (641)423-2372. ColonialChapels.com | https://globegazette.com/news/local/obituaries/thomas-stufflebeam-sr/article_439e08f1-f083-587a-baf1-a6e30163a870.html | 2023-06-24T06:01:28 | 1 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/obituaries/thomas-stufflebeam-sr/article_439e08f1-f083-587a-baf1-a6e30163a870.html |
Due to production issues, home delivery newspapers may arrive late Saturday morning, June 24.
To read Saturday's e-edition of the paper, visit Tucson.com/eedition.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Due to production issues, home delivery newspapers may arrive late Saturday morning, June 24.
To read Saturday's e-edition of the paper, visit Tucson.com/eedition.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. | https://tucson.com/news/local/to-our-readers-saturday-arizona-daily-star-home-deliveries-may-be-delayed/article_e5d7ce68-1227-11ee-881c-5f3180db84ef.html | 2023-06-24T06:02:03 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/to-our-readers-saturday-arizona-daily-star-home-deliveries-may-be-delayed/article_e5d7ce68-1227-11ee-881c-5f3180db84ef.html |
WENDELL — Bob Muffley, 76, passed away March 13, 2023. A day of remembrance will start at The Cove of Twin Falls, 496 Addison Ave W., on Wednesday, June 282023 from 9:00-11:00 am. Family and friends are welcome to enjoy a buffet breakfast, and share Bob stories. Military honors will be presented near 11:00, after which the family and close friends will go fishing in Bob's honor.
Bob James Muffley
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accounts, the history behind an article. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/funeral-notices/bob-james-muffley/article_b5bfdb2c-e0a9-5284-a8d1-e95cbaeedb90.html | 2023-06-24T06:03:36 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/funeral-notices/bob-james-muffley/article_b5bfdb2c-e0a9-5284-a8d1-e95cbaeedb90.html |
MESA, Ariz. — Right now – someone – somewhere is ready to escape their domestic abuse situation.
“It’s often a critical, life-threatening situation,” said Laura Pahules. “They’re in panic mode. They don’t know where to go next. Where they’re going to wind up. How are they going to get to safety.”
Laura Pahules says every case is unique with its own barriers, making it tough for victims to leave their abuser.
Such as:
Physical abuse – the victim may have an injury that prevents them from escaping.
Financial abuse – the abuser controls all the finances. The victim may not have money to get a bus ticket, put gas in the car or even pay for rent if they leave.
Emotional abuse – the victim lacks the confidence or self-esteem to leave.
When a victim decides to escape, they often leave their abusers with just the clothes on their backs, according to, Pahules.
She founded the non-profit “Control Alt Delete” to help victims make that escape easier.
“We collect hygiene items and essentials for our victims. We also collect tennis shoes and give these to victims as they’re escaping,” said Pahules.
Help may include getting the victims to a shelter – changing the locks on their doors—anything to get them to safety.
“Maybe a bus ticket to get them to a family member or friend,” said Pahules.
Pahules is a survivor herself.
“I can relate and understand what every escape is dealing with and going through,” said Pahules.
“Like she knows what your soul needs to hear during those times,” said Kashmir Gainey.
Kashmir Gainey is getting the help and care she needs from a fellow survivor.
“She thought of me when no one else did,” said Gainey. “Laura is my go-to. She’s like family. The mom I didn’t have.”
Pahules’ mission with “Control Alt Delete” is to empower the survivors so they never go back to their abusers.
She started with the nonprofit in 2019, and they’ve helped 14,000 people.
“There is life after abuse, and it is beautiful,” said Pahules.
Control Alt Delete is holding a Stride for Survivor walk on June 24 at 6 a.m. in Queen Creek at Desert Donkey Experiences, where they’ll accept donations.
For more information, you can visit their website.
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Domestic violence resources
If you or anyone you know is in a domestic violence situation help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233 (SAFE).
The Arizona Sexual and Domestic Violence Hotline is 602-279-2980 or text 520-720-3383.
For help at New Life Domestic Violence in Arizona, call 623-932-4404
Go here for more local resources and shelters. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/control-alt-delete-helps-victims-escape-domestic-abusers/75-52d7dc1f-75df-4a8f-8897-39746d2959b8 | 2023-06-24T06:04:42 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/control-alt-delete-helps-victims-escape-domestic-abusers/75-52d7dc1f-75df-4a8f-8897-39746d2959b8 |
State auditor elected
North Dakota State Auditor Joshua Gallion has been elected to serve on the executive committee by the National State Auditors Association.
The executive committee’s responsibilities include developing and reviewing all training for the association as well as establishing policies and procedures.
Monthly awards
North Dakota Farmers Union Insurance, based in Jamestown, announced professionals who exceeded in their positions for the month of April.
David Beck, Bismarck, was a top producer of supplemental insurance and health insurance sales.
Dave Berger, Mandan, was a top producer of FUIC commercial insurance and auto insurance sales.
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Philip Halvorson, Mandan, was a top producer of health insurance sales.
Beck Hruby, Bismarck, was a top producer of life insurance sales.
Robert Johnson, Mandan, was a top producer of health insurance sales.
Courtney Schauer, Mandan, was a top producer of annuity sales.
Lewis Schock, Mandan, was a top producer of health insurance sales.
Dylan Schmit, Mandan, was a top producer of supplemental insurance sales.
Ryan Schnell, Bismarck, was a top producer of annuity sales and FUIC personal line sales.
Jason Smith, Mandan, was a top producer of annuity sales. | https://bismarcktribune.com/business/local/businesspeople---june-24-2023/article_a6d47f70-0bb2-11ee-8002-57d9d8d1433c.html | 2023-06-24T06:46:12 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/business/local/businesspeople---june-24-2023/article_a6d47f70-0bb2-11ee-8002-57d9d8d1433c.html |
Library recognized
The Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library was recognized during Dakota OutRight’s 2023 Capital Pride event as the recipient of this year's Champion Business Award. The award recognizes outstanding work throughout North Dakota in partnership with LGBTQ+ communities.
Dakota OutRight serves central and western North Dakota through connection, visibility and advocacy. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/business/business-digest---june-24-2023/article_55ed61b4-0f93-11ee-b738-5bb4b187d600.html | 2023-06-24T06:46:37 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/business/business-digest---june-24-2023/article_55ed61b4-0f93-11ee-b738-5bb4b187d600.html |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Two people died in a single-vehicle crash Friday morning near the intersection of Kuebler Boulevard and 27th Avenue SE in Salem, officials say.
Salem police say the pickup truck had carried five people and three fled the area on foot, leaving two passengers behind. Those two passengers – a 15-year-old girl and 18-year-old Ian Natanael Ramirez-Carlos – had been in the back of the truck and died at the scene.
Investigators say the truck had been traveling eastbound on Kuebler Boulevard when it left the roadway onto uneven ground and struck a light post, causing the vehicle to roll over and land on its top.
According to Salem police, a K9 unit found the remaining three passengers, – 20-year-old Mariana Servin, a 16-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy – near the area. The three were brought to Salem Health for their injuries.
The investigation is ongoing, and there has yet to be notice of any arrests.
Stay with KOIN 6 as we receive more information. | https://www.koin.com/local/marion-county/single-vehicle-rollover-crash-kills-2-teens-in-back-of-pickup-truck/ | 2023-06-24T07:00:56 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/marion-county/single-vehicle-rollover-crash-kills-2-teens-in-back-of-pickup-truck/ |
Rome's accidental gangster became an intentional author and will soon be portrayed in a Hollywood film, based on his book, "The Accidental Gangster; From Insurance Salesman to Hollywood Fixer."
"I cannot disclose the actor's name, but there are two big actors who are interested in it and they will be the first ones to read the script and because of these actors and their stature, that will make it a studio film. More than likely it will be a Warner Brothers movie," says Ori Spado. "George Gallo is writing and directing it. George Gallo did Midnight Run, Bad Boys..."
It's not yet clear if any of Spado's film will be shot in Rome. But the film will open in Rome, and chronicle his life on West Liberty Street....Saturday morning reading at Jervis Library, Barringer School, and, church at St. John's on Dominick Street. From there, the Army, then Hollywood, where he was close with Colombo Crime Family Underboss, Sonny Franzese, and his pursuits became less pure.
"Had to put people in their places, people who messed up, things of that nature," said Spado. "Protected a lot of young actors and actresses. Kept them off the casting couch."
The film chronicles Spado's life and exploits, occasionally taking poetic license, like in this planned scene, in a Rome toy store, that takes place when Spado is 12 years old.
"The poor little girl is crying because she really wanted that doll. So Ori Spado does the right thing. He steals the doll and gives it to the girl. Fast forward and that girl becomes the FBI agent who dogs me for the rest of my life," says Spado.
Spado will have a cameo in the film, as the judge who sentences him to federal prison. He was a trusted and entrenched mob associate, but not a 'made guy'. But he was immersed in 'the life'. Now, he connects with young people on social media, persuading them to take a different path.
"I teach them to stay out of the life of crime. Why they shouldn't go into it. I teach them how to find something they love doing," says Spado.
The writers strike is slowing everything down, but Spado hopes for a late 2024 release for his film, with an opening at the Rome Capitol Theatre, now Cinema Capitol, in Rome. | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/rome-natives-mob-book-being-made-into-a-movie/article_bb88c578-1208-11ee-9cb8-d7868d91b32d.html | 2023-06-24T07:02:59 | 0 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/rome-natives-mob-book-being-made-into-a-movie/article_bb88c578-1208-11ee-9cb8-d7868d91b32d.html |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Police Department has announced the results of a major, months-long operation investigating mail theft.
“[Officers] were able to make a large arrest in a very large scale operation associated with mail theft in that area,” said Cody Tapley, Sacramento Police Department officer.
Neighbors say they started noticing mailbox thefts near Clay Creek in North Sacramento at the beginning of this year. They were concerned someone stole a master key, because they keep getting targeted.
“From the looks of it during the investigation we found that they were utilizing homemade tools to essentially take pieces of metal and create copies of these keys and actually testing them out on locks to figure out which ones worked and which ones didn't so they could open up mailboxes,” said Tapley.
Police say eight people were arrested on felony mail theft charges, hundreds of pieces of mail were recovered along with fake mail keys and even parts of a United States Postal Service uniform.
While residents were frustrated about the ongoing problem, they are thankful for this first step to solving it.
“Props to them for making that arrest,” said neighbor Chris Levy. “The next step is the boxes are going to have to get replaced.”
Anyone with any information regarding mail thefts is encouraged by police to give them a call so they can investigate further. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/mail-theft-sacramento-arrests/103-b2a456a5-bbae-4a6e-90ac-e249914e1e4f | 2023-06-24T07:10:48 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/mail-theft-sacramento-arrests/103-b2a456a5-bbae-4a6e-90ac-e249914e1e4f |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Cal Fire is suspending burn permits in several Foothill counties beginning Monday. This comes as firefighters are warning folks of the do’s and don’t before fire season.
Fire crews across the region are seeing fire activity slowly picking up. Dry grass is one of the concerns that could fuel a wildfire.
Fire crews have been putting out small fires, but they only know it is only a matter of time before the “big one” breaks out, leading to warnings for the public to be smart when doing activities outside, specifically around the house.
"People get this false sense of security that things are green and lush and there is a small likelihood that we are going to set something on fire. What they are finding, we know and what happens with us throughout the year, that is not the case. This stuff that looks green will burn, especially if there is a good wind behind it. Have people be mindful of that,” said Jason Snyder Fire Captain/Paramedic with the El Dorado Fire Protection District.
Some more tips for those planning on using equipment outside:
- Assure that the equipment is in good working order to include maintaining all fluids.
- Assure that mufflers including spark arrestors are in place.
- Let equipment cool down before refueling.
- Use string trimmers over mowers in dry grasses. (If you’re using a weed whacker, use nylon cords instead of steel.)
- Complete work in dry areas of vegetation before 10 a.m.
WILDFIRE PREPS
According to Cal Fire, the 2022 fire season was quieter than previous years, but there were still several significant fires. January 2022 saw just one major incident with the Colorado Fire in Monterey County burning 687 acres. Fires picked up in May when the Lost Lake Fire burned through 5,856 acres. The largest fire in 2022, the Mosquito Fire, started in early September. It burned through more than 76,000 acres in El Dorado and Placer counties.
Overall, 331,360 acres burned in 2022 from 7,477 wildfires — well below the five-year average of 2.3 million acres. Over 870 structures were affected and nine people were killed, all civilians.
If you live in a wildfire-prone zone, Cal Fire suggests creating a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is an area around a building in which vegetation and other debris are completely cleared. At least 100 feet is recommended.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests assembling an emergency kit that has important documents, N95 respirator masks, and supplies to grab with you if you’re forced to leave at a moment’s notice. The agency also suggests signing up for local warning system notifications and knowing your community’s evacuation plans best to prepare yourself and your family in cases of wildfires.
Some counties use Nixle alerts to update residents on severe weather, wildfires, and other news. To sign up, visit www.nixle.com or text your zip code to 888777 to start receiving alerts.
PG&E customers can also subscribe to alerts via text, email, or phone call. If you're a PG&E customer, visit the Profile & Alerts section of your account to register. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/wildfire/firefighter-tips-keep-homes-safe/103-2419c0e2-8a20-4858-b865-8758e2bf5d00 | 2023-06-24T07:10:54 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/wildfire/firefighter-tips-keep-homes-safe/103-2419c0e2-8a20-4858-b865-8758e2bf5d00 |
Going solo means a pair of USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships in Knoxville
Many of the nation's top cyclists are in Knoxville to end a seven-year run for the USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships.
Some things never change.
The Elite Criterium Championship on Friday night saw a familiar face, Luke Lamperti, win the men's event for the third consecutive time. Meanwhile, Coryn Labecki became the new women's champion, although she's won before.
However, there is one glaring detail about both winners. They are both solo riders without a teammate in sight.
This is Lamperti's third year in a row doing it on his own, but that doesn't mean it makes it any easier for the cyclist.
"From the outside. It's easy to see cycling is quite an individual sport. As you get more into the sport, you realize how massive of a team sport it really is," said Lamperti, a 20-year-old from Sebastopol, California. "My team is based in Europe, so they're over there the whole year with no other Americans on the team. I come back to Nationals always solo and yeah, it's definitely tricky.
"For me the last three years, you approach races a lot differently only thinking for yourself rather than having other guys take the wind. It is for you. So it's definitely a lot different approach."
Labecki, 30, from Garden Grove, California, earned her 73rd title and was more than excited about what was a much-needed win for her.
But she too flew solo on this ride with a different game plan in mind to finish on top this time around.
"I think I just had a different tactic going into this race. I've learned it's really a race to the third to last quarter so I just said why not just go super early and if they come around me they come around me. I'm gonna make them try to get me from behind," Labecki said. "I just jumped super early in the last lap and the final sprint so no one can come around."
Both crossed the finish line with arms high in the air and with just another thing in common − their families awaiting them just feet away in open arms to celebrate each rider.
For Labecki, seeing them was her favorite memory to come out of the win.
"Just having seen everyone, all my family after the finish line after a good win like that and put my hands up in there ... It's been a little while since I've had a win so that feeling never gets old and to hear the roar of the crowd coming out of the last quarter is really awesome," Labecki said.
WOMEN'S CYCLING:How USA cyclist Shayna Powless uses her platform to give back to her Indigenous community
Along with Lamperti, being back in the U.S. after competing in Europe is a little more special with family close by.
"It's really nice to be back in the States and have my family here. Both my parents, my brother's girlfriend and my girlfriend, my godfather, one of my cousin's brothers. I have a lot of quite a bit of family here and it's really nice that they're all able to come out and be here in Knoxville and race with it so close to home," Lamperti said. | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/local/2023/06/23/luke-lamperti-coryn-labecki-usa-cycling-pro-road-championships-knoxville/70339780007/ | 2023-06-24T07:14:56 | 0 | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/local/2023/06/23/luke-lamperti-coryn-labecki-usa-cycling-pro-road-championships-knoxville/70339780007/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. — Police said that one person is dead after a shooting in Northeast Portland's Lloyd District on Friday night.
Officers from the Portland Police Bureau responded just after 9:45 p.m. to a report of someone shot at Northeast 6th Avenue and Northeast Holladay Street.
Police arrived to find an injured man at the scene. PPB said that officers applied trauma first aid and called for emergency medical services, but the victim died before they arrived.
RELATED: Multnomah County ambulances were unavailable to respond to 6,300 emergency calls since January
Whoever shot the victim was gone by the time police arrived and no arrests have been made.
PPB's homicide unit responded to the scene to investigate. During the investigation, police shut down Northeast Holladay between Northeast MLK Jr. Boulevard and Northeast 7th. Northeast 6th was closed between Northeast Hassalo Street and Northeast Pacific Street.
TriMet also said that the MAX Blue, Green and Red lines were disrupted near the Oregon Convention Center, just southwest of the shooting scene, due to the police activity. The agency said that shuttle buses would instead serve stations between the convention center and Hollywood transit center. Delays were expected for the duration.
Road closures and MAX disruptions were still in place as of 11 p.m. Saturday night.
According to PPB statistics currently gathered through the end of May, Portland has seen at least 443 shootings this year. This death is believed to be 39th homicide that the agency has responded to thus far.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Meghan Burkeen via e-mail at Meghan.Burkeen@police.portlandoregon.gov or call 503-823-2092, or Detective Brian Sims at Brian.Sims@police.portlandoregon.gov or by phone 503-823-2079. Reference case number 23-165334.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more details as they emerge. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/lloyd-district-shooting-man-dead/283-ffc9726e-7bac-479e-85a4-83513dd81a9e | 2023-06-24T07:18:34 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/lloyd-district-shooting-man-dead/283-ffc9726e-7bac-479e-85a4-83513dd81a9e |
On June 22, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., the Coos County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call of a woman wearing no clothes and ripping up machinery inside Pacific Seafood in the Charleston Boat Basin.
Sgt. Slater and Deputy Francis responded to the area, and Deputy Francis located the woman, Pricilla L. Koester (50), on I – Dock, who was now wearing only a coat. Deputy Francis investigated, learning that Pricilla had trespassed on a vessel on I – Dock and destroyed an electrical docking post owned by the Port of Coos Bay valued at $1,600. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/nude-woman-arrested-in-the-charleston-boat-basin-after-damaging-electrical-equipment/article_cd0fde70-123b-11ee-aed7-db014a317cd8.html | 2023-06-24T07:19:54 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/nude-woman-arrested-in-the-charleston-boat-basin-after-damaging-electrical-equipment/article_cd0fde70-123b-11ee-aed7-db014a317cd8.html |
Jenny McCarthy’s simple decision to bring home a new dog eventually led to the creation of her dog treat business, Bark Bakers.
Every Saturday at the Idaho Falls Farmers Market, McCarthy sells homemade dog treats at her booth.
McCarthy became familiar with making her own dog treats after a vet said her new English cream golden retriever puppy was prone to certain medical conditions, she said.
“So, I decided to make my dog his own treats so they wouldn’t have any chemicals or preservatives or anything that might make him sick,” McCarthy said.
Keeping in line with her original desire to create healthy treats for her own dog, McCarthy said that Bark Bakers only uses natural ingredients.
“The peanut butter is just the natural peanut butter, and we use the fresh Tillamook cheese,” McCarthy said. “Everything is super fresh and healthy, and it’s all people ingredients.”
All of the ingredients are from Costco or the grocery store, and all of the treats “only have a few ingredients,” according to McCarthy.
Although she was first inspired by her own dog, Bark Bakers really got started when McCarthy wanted a fun summer activity to do with her grandkids.
“I decided that it might be fun to do a dog bakery and make the same treats that I do for my dog for other people’s dogs,” McCarthy said.
The process of getting the business going was more complicated than she originally thought because dog treats are highly regulated by the Department of Agriculture.
At first, she was unsure about going through with her idea.
“I thought, ‘Well, I already told the kids, the grandkids, that we’ll do it,” McCarthy said. “So, I just decided to face the challenges, and we jumped through all the hoops.”
Now in its second year, Bark Bakers sells a variety of treats at the farmers market, such as peanut butter cookies, pretzels and s’mores that are safe for dogs. The s’mores use carob, which is a safe “doggy chocolate,” McCarthy said.
Out of all the flavors, peanut butter is the most popular among McCarthy’s furry customers.
She figures out what flavors will be most appealing to dogs by testing them. Testing consists of letting dogs taste a treat.
When McCarthy creates a new treat, she passes it out to around 10 families.
“And (the families) test them on their dogs,” McCarthy said. “Sometimes I get a great hit, and then every once in a while I’ll get a miss.”
McCarthy’s treats are a hit with many dog customers at the farmers market.
There are dogs that have tasted the treats before who “will run as fast as they can to get to our booth. … They smell the smell. They’re familiar with the booth,” McCarthy said.
Return doggy customers will sometimes choose their own treat out of the free cookie jar at the booth.
McCarthy also creates custom orders, such as dog birthday cakes.
“Sometimes people have a birthday party for their dogs,” McCarthy said. “I’ll make them whatever they would like if they want matching bones, (like) little dog bones … or I make little cupcakes to go with their cake.”
Customers can order custom products through McCarthy’s website at https://www.barkbakers.com.
McCarthy be found every Saturday at the Idaho Falls Farmers Market.
The farmers market will run until Oct. 28 this year, and it is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The farmers market runs along Memorial Drive.
For a map of vendor locations at the market, go to idahofallsfarmersmarket.org. | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/woman-makes-tails-wag-with-homemade-dog-treat-business/article_d846df30-1206-11ee-b7eb-676f72b59f31.html | 2023-06-24T07:54:07 | 0 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/woman-makes-tails-wag-with-homemade-dog-treat-business/article_d846df30-1206-11ee-b7eb-676f72b59f31.html |
Mote releases 1,800 redfish in Sarasota Bay near Phillippi Creek
Mote and Salt Strong are releasing 20,000 farm-raised redfish through June
Mote Marine Laboratory released about 1,800 redfish into Phillippi Creek on Sarasota Bay Thursday, as part of an ongoing effort to replenish the species in area waters.
Mote’s Aquaculture and Fisheries Ecology & Enhancement Programs successfully raised 20,000 redfish, also known as red drum at Mote’s Aquaculture Research Park, on 200 acres off of Fruitville Road, east of Interstate 75.
That's the largest number of fish produced in the program's 25-year history.
In partnership with the fishing club Salt Strong, Mote has been releasing all 20,000 fish during June in waters along Sarasota and Charlotte counties.
The fish released by Mote are all between 6 and 10 inches in length.
Before release, the redfish are fitted with passive integrated transponder tags, which allow Mote scientists to monitor the fish to learn from their efforts.
"We may only ever see a very small percent of released fish again if relying on physical recapture alone," said Dr. Ryan Schloesser, Mote's fisheries ecology & enhancement program manager. "We know we regularly get data from 80% of the PIT tagged snook we release, and we can't wait to see how much PIT tags can show us about red drum stock enhancement."
Already a popular game fish, redfish populations have been reduced by cold weather and red tide.
There are a variety of ongoing efforts to restock redfish. This month, the Coastal Conservation Association Florida partnered with the Duke Energy Mariculture Center and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation commission to release 250 hatchery-reared adult redfish off of Pinellas County.
Also earlier this month, Ocean Era made public its plan to raise redfish instead of Almaco jack at its proposed offshore aquaculture demonstration project that would be in federal waters south of Venice and north of Englewood.
Redfish and snook are the main test species for restocking efforts statewide.
Mote has promoted responsible fisheries enhancement of snook in partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for more than 25 years. | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2023/06/24/mote-and-salt-strong-partner-to-raise-and-release-20000-redfish/70342295007/ | 2023-06-24T08:53:17 | 1 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2023/06/24/mote-and-salt-strong-partner-to-raise-and-release-20000-redfish/70342295007/ |
A roundabout way to the beach: Sarasota County builds small traffic circle on Siesta Key
Drivers navigating the intersection of Higel Avenue and Ocean Boulevard on Siesta Key will notice something new there – a mini roundabout.
Last week, Sarasota County workers installed red, white and yellow boards at the intersection, as well as street markings, to designate the roundabout pattern. The boards are made of recycled plastic – specifically, milk jugs.
Kennia Alonso, a county project manager, said the local government didn’t have the right-of-way needed to create a traditional roundabout at this location. So they decided to make a mini roundabout, which Alsonso said provides more flexibility to larger vehicles. Cars towing a trailer, for example, can drive over the plastic boards when making a wider turn.
This roundabout is the first of its kind in Sarasota County. It replaces the stop sign on Ocean Boulevard. (Higel, meanwhile, didn't have a stop sign in either direction.)
The county’s public works department came up with the idea a year and a half ago. Officials then started to consider how big it should be, where to set it up in the intersection and what material it should be made of, Alonso said.
County workers started installing the roundabout on Monday, June 12, and finished it three days later. They configured the boards and drilled holes in the asphalt to anchor them.
“It’s the first,” Alonso said, “and we’re very excited about it, and very proud of our internal teams that were able to build it in such a short time.”
She said the equipment installed can last up to 50 years. But the county is going to see how the roundabout works out, and can re-design the intersection if need be.
She said the county hasn’t heard of any incidents at the roundabout. They have received some feedback and concerns from citizens, and assisted those citizens, she said.
Tips for navigating the roundabout
Alonso advised drivers to yield when they’re at any of the approaches to the roundabout. They must yield to the motorists already in the circle. She also said that the traffic pattern has an advisory speed of 15 mph.
Other news:Looking for a cheap way to get from SRQ to downtown Sarasota? A trolley is coming soon.
In Venice:Miami developer plans to develop 348 apartments on Knights Trail Road in Venice | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2023/06/24/siesta-key-intersection-now-home-to-a-mini-roundabout/70343915007/ | 2023-06-24T08:53:23 | 1 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2023/06/24/siesta-key-intersection-now-home-to-a-mini-roundabout/70343915007/ |
A look at how local minor league players are performing (stats through Thursday):
Triple A
2B Buddy Kennedy (Millville), 24, is playing for the Reno Aces (Arizona Diamondbacks). Through 57 games, he was hitting .339 (76 for 224) with 15 doubles, six triples, four home runs, 54 runs and 30 RBIs. He had walked 47 times and struck out 45 times, and his OPS was .979.
Kennedy made his major league debut June 17, 2022. In 30 games, he batted .217 with a homer and 12 RBIs. ... Through 458 minor league games, Kennedy was hitting .287 with 84 doubles, 24 triples, 44 homers and 231 RBIs. He was chosen in the fifth round of the 2017 draft.
LHP Jay Groome (Barnegat), 24, is pitching for the El Paso Chihuahuas (San Diego Padres). Through 15 starts, he was 1-6 with a 9.73 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 65 2/3 innings.
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Through 85 career minor league games (83 starts), he was 16-30 with a 5.21 ERA and 423 strikeouts in 373 innings. He was drafted with the 12th overall pick by the Boston Red Sox in 2016.
Double-A
RHP Sean Mooney (Ocean City), 25, was assigned to the Wichita Wind Surge (Minnesota Twins) and placed on the seven-day injured list to start the season (right shoulder fatigue). He was later moved to the 60-day IL.
Through 31 career games (24 starts), he is 2-5 with a 3.09 ERA and 153 strikeouts in 102 innings. He was selected in the 12th round of the 2019 draft.
High-A
RHP Chase Petty (Mainland Regional), 20, is pitching for the Dayton Dragons (Cincinnati Reds). Through seven starts this season, he is 0-1 with a 1.29 ERA, a 0.93 WHIP and 31 strikeouts in 28 innings. On Wednesday, he pitched four shutout inning, allowed four hits and struck out five in a no-decision.
The No. 8 prospect in the organization, according to MLB.com, Petty started the season on the injured list with an elbow issue. In 34 career games (28 starts), Petty was 1-7 with a 3.08 ERA and 133 strikeouts in 131¹/³ innings. Petty was selected 26th overall in the 2021 draft by the Minnesota Twins.
Single-A
LHP Noah Dean (Pinelands Regional), 22, is pitching for the Salem Red Sox (Boston Red Sox). Through 11 starts in his first pro season, he was 1-4 with an 8.51 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 30 2/3 innings.
Dean was chosen in the fifth round of last year’s draft by Boston.
SS Josh Hood (St. Augustine Prep), 22, playing for the Modesto Nuts (Seattle Mariners), has been on the seven-day injured list since June 13. Through 51 games, he was hitting .261 (54 for 207) with 14 doubles, two triples, four homers, 37 runs, 30 RBIs and 13 stolen bases in 14 tries.
In 58 career games, he was hitting .251 with 14 doubles, two triples, four homers, 32 RBIs and 15 stolen bases. Hood, from Vineland, was selected in the sixth round of last year’s draft.
RHP Joe Joe Rodriguez (Vineland), 23, pitching for the St. Lucie Mets (New York Mets), was 1-1 with an 11.09 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings (13 appearances).
In 17 career games, Rodriguez was 3-1 with an 8.54 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 26 1/3 innings. The Mets signed him out of the MLB Draft League last summer. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/chase-petty-lowers-era-to-1-29-after-seventh-start-local-minor-league-update/article_6e2a93e2-11f4-11ee-8c63-8b6d1a3ed46b.html | 2023-06-24T09:20:24 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/chase-petty-lowers-era-to-1-29-after-seventh-start-local-minor-league-update/article_6e2a93e2-11f4-11ee-8c63-8b6d1a3ed46b.html |
Virus that causes Eastern equine encephalitis nips at Brevard County's border
Chickens, chemicals, drones and minnows are among the arsenal Brevard County deploys in its perennial war against the mosquito.
This war of attrition is intensifying as summer rains ramp up mosquito breeding in an ever-warmer world that's growing more hospitable for these pests and the pestilence they spread.
Here's the current mosquito risk in Florida, what's being done about it, and what you can do to protect yourself and your family:
Meet Culex lactator:There's a new mosquito on the Florida scene, and scientists are worried
Are there any health advisories or alerts?
Yes, but not in Brevard County. Orange and Polk counties are currently under a mosquito-borne illness "advisory," according to the Florida Department of Health. Manatee, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota counties are under a more-serious mosquito-borne illness "alert."
In Orange County, half the chickens used as sentinels for mosquito-borne diseases tested positive for the antibodies to the virus that causes Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and several horses have shown to be infected in Polk County
On May 26, Florida health officials announced the first confirmed local case of malaria in the Manatee-Sarasota County area, putting the region under and advisory. The person was treated and has recovered. A second case was confirmed this month in Sarasota County and the patient is being treated.
What is Eastern equine encephalitis?
It's a rare but severe disease in horses and humans, transmitted by songbirds and mosquitoes.
The virus attacks the brain and spinal cord, causing profound depression, blindness, staggering and even seizures. Most infected horses die within several days. All horses are at risk although young adults (six months to two years) are especially vulnerable.
Are their any human cases of EEE yet?
No, nor were there any infected horses reported the week of June 11-17, the most recent FDOH report available. But eight sentinel chickens tested positive for antibodies to the EEE virus in Orange, Nassau and Walton counties. Positive samples from 38 sentinel chickens and five horses have been reported from 13 counties so far this year.
Can an infected horse spread the disease?
No. According to the University of Florida, EEE is only spread via mosquitoes that previously fed on infected birds. Horses do not carry enough virus to infect mosquitoes themselves, even when in the throes of the diseases. The virus also is not spread by direct contact between horses.
How has Brevard prepared to fend off EEE?
According to Joseph Faella, department director for Brevard County Mosquito Control: In 2018, after a significant pressure statewide from EEE, Brevard formed an “EEE Task Force.” Since then, the county updated its personnel structure and increased its mosquito surveillance. The county also built a geographical database that includes potential EEE breeding areas and built mosquitofish hatcheries.
What about dengue?
At least 88 travel-associated dengue cases have been reported in Florida this year, including one in Brevard.
Most cases, 57, were contracted while traveling in Cuba, followed by Brazil with 10 cases.
Two cases of locally acquired dengue cases have been reported this year in Miami-Dade County.
Florida counties reporting dengue cases were: Brevard, Broward (6), Collier (2), Duval, Escambia, Hendry, Hillsborough (7), Lee, Miami-Dade (56), Monroe, Nassau, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach (2), Pasco, Sarasota, St. Lucie (2), and Volusia (2).
Who's at greatest risk for severe illness from dengue?
Those with previous dengue infection, pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and those with comorbidities are most at risk. But severe illness also can happen in those without any of these risk factors.
What about chikungunya and zika?
No cases of chikungunya or zika have been reported in Florida this year.
What can you do to protect yourself?
According to Brevard County Mosquito Control, these are the best ways to protect yourself and your family:
- Stay inside during peak biting times (dawn, dusk, and early evening). If you must go out, wear long-sleeved shirts long pants and loose, light-colored clothing.
- Use insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. An effective repellent will contain 35% DEET. There's no additional benefit in higher concentrations
What you can do to help
According to Brevard County Mosquito Control, you can do the following:
- Throw out old tires (you can put out at least two per week with the trash), tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles or any water holding containers.
- Cover trash cans to keep out rainwater, and drill holes in bottom of trash containers so any water can drain out.
- Fill in or drain any low places (puddles, ruts) in yard. Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week or store in a position that water will drain. Keep drains, ditches, and culverts clean of weeds and trash, so water will drain properly.
- Fix leaky pipes and outdoor faucets.
- Make sure your backyard pool is maintained properly.
- Fill in tree rot holes and hollow stumps that hold water with sand or concrete.
- Change water in bird baths and plant pots or drip trays at least once a week.
- Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house, so adult mosquitoes will not hide there.
- Keep gutters clean and free of debris and leaves.
Where can I learn more?
Brevard County Mosquito Control: https://www.brevardfl.gov/MosquitoControl/Home
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/entity/topic/mosquito-borne_diseases | https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/environment/2023/06/24/eastern-equine-encephalitis-is-edging-close-to-brevard-county/70337266007/ | 2023-06-24T09:21:55 | 1 | https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/environment/2023/06/24/eastern-equine-encephalitis-is-edging-close-to-brevard-county/70337266007/ |
GREENSBORO — In a move expected to free up police officers for more serious crimes, Gov. Roy Cooper signed a bill into law that allows civilians to investigate minor traffic accidents.
Municipalities could employ civilians to investigate accidents involving only property damage and to only issue citations. They would not be authorized to arrest people, nor would they be issued a weapon of any type, the new law says.
Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan praised the law, which was part of the city’s legislative agenda.
“Obviously I’m thrilled,” Vaughan said. “The fact that it’s statewide shows how impactful it’s been.”
Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines also was excited. “We plan on implementing this as soon as we can the program set up,” Joines said. “We haven’t set up those specifics yet.”
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The new law specifies that funding for the civilian investigators cannot supplant that allocated for sworn law enforcement officers already employed by the city.
Agencies throughout the state have struggled to fill vacant law enforcement positions, leaving many severely short-staffed.
When a similar measure was introduced during last year’s legislative session, it died in the Senate amid fears that it was a move to “defund the police,” Vaughan and Rep. Jon Hardister, R-Whitsett, said.
Hardister co-sponsored the latest bill with Reps. John Faircloth, R-Greensboro; Donny Lambeth, R-Winston-Salem; and Stephen M. Ross, R-Burlington.
Faircloth recently told Lee Newspapers that the law allows sheriff offices to utilize the investigators as well.
Though some in law enforcement were skeptical about the proposal, Hardister said, the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police was in favor of it.
“This is good news for law enforcement,” Hardister said. Sworn officers can concentrate on more serious crimes like assault and robberies, he said.
Civilian traffic investigators were allowed under previous legislation, but limited them specifically to the cities of Fayetteville and Wilmington.
In its recently passed budget, Greensboro included money to accommodate hiring civilian investigators, Vaughan said. Greensboro police spokeswoman Josie Cambarari said the department may start with five such investigators, though that number is not yet final.
Before civilian investigators can be deployed, Joines said a state certification training program must be developed by the N.C. Justice Academy.
After this training, civilian investigators must spend four weeks in the field training with a law enforcement officer experienced in traffic crash investigations, the law states.
Under the law, Civilian investigators will not be issued badges, but will be required to produce agency-authorized credentials upon request. Vehicles issued to them will not have law enforcement symbols and cannot use blue lights, though amber and red lights are permissible.
They are authorized to have vehicles removed that are obstructing a street or highway.
Vaughan praised Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson for bringing up the idea when she did a ride-along with him when he was deputy chief.
Thompson could not be reached for comment late Friday. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/law-civilians-investigate-minor-traffic-accident-civilians/article_b5283bbe-1208-11ee-b3bd-8356716c6c73.html | 2023-06-24T09:32:13 | 1 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/law-civilians-investigate-minor-traffic-accident-civilians/article_b5283bbe-1208-11ee-b3bd-8356716c6c73.html |
Because of an IT outage, production of your Greensboro News & Record newspaper was affected last night and your print delivery will likely be delayed today. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for reading the News & Record. In the meantime, please visit us at greensboro.com for all of the latest news from Greensboro and the Triad.
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Don't have an account? Sign Up Today | https://greensboro.com/news/local/production-issues-likely-to-delay-delivery-of-your-newspaper-this-morning/article_542bb80e-1249-11ee-9373-d79ceb806af2.html | 2023-06-24T09:32:19 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/production-issues-likely-to-delay-delivery-of-your-newspaper-this-morning/article_542bb80e-1249-11ee-9373-d79ceb806af2.html |
GREENSBORO — A National Parks Service committee is expected to accept — or reject — downtown Greensboro’s F.W. Woolworth building as a National Historic Landmark next spring.
The International Civil Rights Center & Museum, which occupies the building, is working with Georgia State University to pursue the national landmark designation.
It’s a necessary step on the road to their ultimate goal: to have the Woolworth and 12 other U.S. civil-rights history locations jointly declared as a World Heritage site by the United Nations.
The museum hosted representatives from Georgia State’s World Heritage Initiative for an update presentation to local leaders Friday morning.
John Swaine, the museum’s chief executive officer, said the project to get World Heritage site recognition spans 10 states.
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“It would be a very big deal,” he said. “We don’t want to get any hopes up. But we want to stay focused and move this project forward, because this is a place that changed the world.”
The “A&T Four” — Jibreel Khazan (formerly Ezell Blair Jr.), Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil and David Richmond — launched the 1960 sit-in movement when the A&T students sat down at the segregated F.W. Woolworth’s lunch counter in downtown Greensboro.
Will Harris, the principal scholar at the museum and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, said in an interview that the Greensboro Woolworth’s site and museum tell a distinct part of civil rights story compared with some of the other civil rights sites to be included in the proposal for the World Heritage site.
It’s a story, he said, of direct action. Long before Woolworth leaders agreed to their demands to officially allow Black people to sit beside white people, the Black sit-in protesters desegregated the counter with their own bodies, in spite of being told they couldn’t and shouldn’t.
Among the 13 sites GSU is proposing for World Heritage, only the Woolworth building and the Lorraine Motel in Memphis have not yet been designated as National Historic Landmarks. The Lorraine is the site of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
GSU professor Glenn Eskew, who is leading the university’s effort to nominate the sites, said they are also working on National Historic Landmark status for the Lorraine Motel, but are not as far along in the process, and so do not expect a decision on the Lorraine by spring.
The national historic landmark designation, or a similar equivalent in other countries, is one of the many necessary conditions that must be in place to qualify for national landmark recognition.
One of the other aspects that is considered is the preservation of the site — including preservation of the immediate surroundings.
With partial financial assistance from local governments, the museum has purchased adjacent properties. The purchase was needed to help the museum qualify as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark, Harris told the News & Record in 2022. Being able to control the surrounding property to maintain the character and feel of the historic site is important for the UNESCO designation, he said. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/woolworth-civil-rights-international-civil-rights-center-and-museum-eskew-swaine/article_1fb243e0-11ef-11ee-bb98-db29c46e5ee5.html | 2023-06-24T09:32:25 | 1 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/woolworth-civil-rights-international-civil-rights-center-and-museum-eskew-swaine/article_1fb243e0-11ef-11ee-bb98-db29c46e5ee5.html |
ATLANTIC CITY — The opening of Ocean Casino Resort and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City five years ago Tuesday changed the lives of Francesco Fata and Lee Johnson along with thousands of other employees.
Fata and Johnson left casino jobs they already had in the resort and took a chance to work at the casinos that were opening their doors for the first time.
“The experience of opening a casino hotel, I was never a part of that experience before,” said Fata, the current director of hotel operations at Ocean.
Fata, of Mays Landing, had served as the front services manager for eight years at Tropicana Atlantic City when he left to work at Ocean at age 39.
Fata has spent most of his adult working life employed in the resort’s casinos. He worked at the now defunct Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort and Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa before Tropicana.
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“A contact (from Ocean) reached out to me for a front office manager position. I was hired in March 2018, before the building opened. I was the 161st employee of Ocean,” Fata said.
After four years at Ocean, Fata was promoted from front office manager to his current position as director of hotel operations.
“We were at the bottom of the market when we opened. ... Now, we are at the top of the market,” Fata said. “I have seen the property become successful and become a leader in the market.”
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Johnson, 49, of Galloway Township, has also spent most of her adult working life employed by the resort’s casinos. She started in 1995 at Resorts Casino Hotel, followed by almost 20 years at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, where she was before working at Hard Rock.
Before Hard Rock opened, its executives said they wanted to be more than just another resort destination in the city — they wanted to foster a long-term relationship with residents and businesses.
Johnson, who is a Hard Rock table games manager, has taken advantage of its philosophy by involving herself more in the community through her job. Johnson is one of the members of Women in Leadership at Hard Rock and has participated in beach cleanups, the Pinktober campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Heart of Surfing for families with autism.
“The Hard Rock is very good to its employees. I love the culture. I’m excited about the brand,” Johnson said.
When four resort casinos closed in 2014, it sent the Atlantic County unemployment rate above 11%. The opening of Hard Rock and Ocean in 2018 has helped bring down both the county’s and the city’s unemployment rates.
The county and the city unemployment rates in April were 4.1% and 5.7%, respectively, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
One of the people who was happiest to see Hard Rock open and celebrate its fifth anniversary is Bob McDevitt, the former president of casino-worker union Unite Here Local 54.
McDevitt was one of the men who shouldered the blame when the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort closed Oct. 10, 2016, because his union went on strike over employee benefits and compensation for 102 days, leading owner Carl Icahn to close the casino-hotel.
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Hard Rock purchased and renovated the Taj Mahal property, while Ocean replaced the former Revel Casino Hotel, which closed in 2014 after being open a little more than two years.
Even better, Ocean was unionized while Revel, was not, McDevitt said.
“Hard Rock did the community a service,” McDevitt said, explaining that more than 500 Taj union members were hired by the new casino. “A huge amount of people went back to work.”
In May, the Atlantic City metropolitan area led the nation in foreclosures again, but a bad situation would have been even worse if Hard Rock and Ocean had never opened, McDevitt said.
Mike Sampson, general manager of Hard Rock and a day one team member, said his casino was on a quick construction timeline as Hard Rock International announced its purchase of the Taj on March 1, 2017, and officially reopened June 27 of the following year.
By the second half of 2019, the casino started to find its footing, but then, COVID-19 hit. All of Atlantic City’s casinos were required to close for more than three months in 2020 under state restrictions that limited social gatherings. Many of the city’s casinos are still struggling to return to pre-pandemic levels of profitability.
Hard Rock weathered the downturn better than most.
“We are at where we want to be. There was pent-up demand after the pandemic. We elevated our business after the restrictions were lifted,” Sampson said.
Gladys Knight, 8 p.m. Friday, The Event Center, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.
Hard Rock is the No. 2 casino in Atlantic City with $38.7 million in terms of money won from in-person gamblers in May. Borgata is No. 1.
With slightly more than 3,600 employees, 23% of Hard Rock employees are Atlantic City residents, while 89% live in Atlantic County, Sampson said.
Sampson said he was not surprised by the percentage of city residents who work at his casinos.
“We have an obligation to the residents of Atlantic City,” Sampson said.
When Ocean reopened after closing at the start of the pandemic, it was a reset for the building, and both Bill Callahan, the general manager, and Kelly Burke, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, began working there at that time.
Callahan and Burke both came from Borgata, and they were interested in working at a casino with a single owner with a single focus on making the property successful.
“This building was an underdog,” Callahan said.
After dedicating more than $100 million in new property development last year, Ocean continues to invest, committing more than $15 million to refreshing over 300 rooms, including two state-of-the-art, multi-floor residences along with a helipad to service high rollers.
ATLANTIC CITY — As the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority approved more cannabis busi…
With $29.7 million in terms of money won from in-person gamblers in May, Ocean is the third-highest ranking casino in the resort. Reinvestment in the $2.5 billion casino will continue, and it wants to be a contender for No. 1 or No. 2 in the market, Callahan said.
“Nobody knew what Ocean was,” Burke said. “A terrific job has been done of rebranding the people and getting people to visit.” | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/casinos/ocean-casino-resort-hard-rock-hotel--casino-atlantic-city-celebrate-anniversary/article_1e93b9be-1053-11ee-a461-ab2abf2e85e5.html | 2023-06-24T09:50:52 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/casinos/ocean-casino-resort-hard-rock-hotel--casino-atlantic-city-celebrate-anniversary/article_1e93b9be-1053-11ee-a461-ab2abf2e85e5.html |
CJ LaFragola would run down to Osborn Island in Little Egg Harbor Township while training in high school.
He could look across Great Bay and see the Atlantic City skyline in the distance.
He would envision competing in the state individual wrestling tournament at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.
Though he’s since traded in his wrestling singlet for combat gloves, the mission remains the same about a decade later. LaFragola, 26, made his professional mixed martial arts debut last week in Atlantic City for Cage Fury Fighting Championships at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
And as he did so many times throughout his high school and college careers, he won.
ATLANTIC CITY — CJ LaFragola won his professional mixed martial arts debut Friday night for …
“You come out of the cage (after the win) — and even the walk out (to the cage) — that was amazing,” LaFragola said Sunday, two days after beating Aaron Walker, of Orlando, Florida, in a 30-27 unanimous decision at CFFC 120. “I got people chanting my name. Always wanted to do that with sports in general and have an army behind me who support me and to be able to uplift people with whatever my sport ended up being.”
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MMA is the next stop in his journey into sports. A three-sport athlete at St. Joseph High School — and then at the NCAA Division I level — LaFragola was the 2014-15 Press Male Athlete of the Year.
He had a huge support system in Atlantic City, from middle school friends to family to the wrestlers he coaches as an assistant at Drexel University. His three biggest supporters were also there — parents Karen and Chris and older brother Domenic.
Ahead of the fight, everyone was nervous, especially Karen. She said she was asked in the days leading up to the fight how she could watch her son compete in a sport like MMA.
“I watch him because I watch him differently than the regular person,” Karen said Friday after her son’s win. “I know his progression, so I know when he’s in trouble or whatever.”
It’s that mother’s intuition, she added.
Why not baseball?
LaFragola’s sports career dates to all those trips to Cal Ripken Jr. youth baseball tournaments growing up.
Chris LaFragola says he always thought his son would be a professional baseball player. That dream might’ve happened, too.
After LaFragola wrapped up a stellar wrestling career at Brown University, where he got a bachelor’s degree in business and entrepreneurship, he spent a year at Sacred Heart University, earning a master’s degree in sports media.
LaFragola achieved the rare feat of being a three-sport athlete at the D-I level, playing for the Pioneers’ football team in fall 2019 and the baseball team in spring 2020. But the baseball dream ended abruptly with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“He didn’t really get the look I thought he’d get,” the elder LaFragola said Friday. “But he immediately — that’s typical of CJ — he changed his direction and said, ‘You know what? I know what I’m capable of doing, and I can win a title.’”
CJ said team sports, as rewarding as they were for several reasons, didn’t leave him fully satisfied. Though his teams did a lot of winning throughout his life, especially at St. Joseph, he never liked giving 100% of his effort and not being in control of the outcome.
With wrestling, and now combat sports, he found satisfaction. MMA made sense.
He made a trip to Nick Catone Fitness in Brick Township. Catone, 41, is a former MMA fighter who also won more than 100 matches as a Rider University wrestler. LaFragola, whose MMA style is wrestling-based, saw Catone as the perfect person with whom to train. The coaches in his corner Friday were Sean Santella, Jess Pew and Dante Rivera.
After about eight months of training, LaFragola made his amateur debut May 28, 2021, for CFFC. He went 5-0, his last amateur bout with CFFC this past March 31. He signed a four-fight contract with CFFC and gets paid per bout plus incentives. He anticipates his next contest will be later this year.
“I think with this, I found something I can be passionate about,” LaFragola said. “It’s why I think being a multi-sport athlete complements MMA. It’s mixed martial arts, so there is more than one skill to hone in on. ... It has the individual aspect but also a plethora of layers.
“I think I really found a home with MMA, not that I don’t love to throw on some cleats for a (South Jersey South Shore Baseball League) game now and then.”
Many sources of motivation
There’s a reason LaFragola wore white shorts with a red stripe Friday. A reason he wore a black T-shirt with the likeness of a friend and entered the arena to her walkout music. And a reason he’s carried the same movie in his backpack since he was a freshman in high school.
Motivation.
LaFragola is a “Rocky” fan. Living in Philadelphia, he runs the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art frequently. His shorts Friday resembled what Rocky Balboa wore in the first movie.
He’s also drawn inspiration from the 2011 movie “Warrior,” about two brothers trying to win an MMA tournament for different reasons that culminated in a championship fight at Boardwalk Hall. He gets emotional when he watches that movie, drawing parallels to how much he wanted to wrestle at Boardwalk Hall while in high school.
His biggest motivator Friday, however, was fighting for his late friend Sherry Schmidt, who died June 5 in a car accident. Schmidt, 29, was also a fighter, and one of the gyms she trained at was Catone’s. The two became close friends, often helping each other navigate their amateur careers.
CJ LaFragola makes his entrance to Linkin Park. Nice choice @CJLaFragola pic.twitter.com/EotFh4zLQ6
— John Russo (@ACPress_Russo) June 17, 2023
LaFragola walked out to “Faint” by Linkin Park before the fight. After the referee raised his arm in victory, he pointed to the sky.
“I’m a man of faith. I went to Catholic school. I may not go to church every Sunday, but I believe God put people here to support each other, and I believed she was watching me,” he said. “I wore her shirt and played her last walkout song from her last fight. She meant a lot to me. She was a special person.” | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/cj-lafragolas-sports-life-circles-back-to-atlantic-city-with-pro-mma-win/article_73816fa4-0e2b-11ee-8161-6bcb30bd46f0.html | 2023-06-24T09:50:58 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/cj-lafragolas-sports-life-circles-back-to-atlantic-city-with-pro-mma-win/article_73816fa4-0e2b-11ee-8161-6bcb30bd46f0.html |
TUPELO - Smoke rises from the rooftop of a building in downtown Tupelo, filling the air with the warm scent of fire, tobacco and spices. The din of conversation, boisterous and joyful, rises with it.
During the next half-hour or so, more and more members of Tupelo Smokes Cigar Club join in to celebrate the club’s 10th anniversary. Each is greeted with light fanfare as they step onto the rooftop, grab a drink at the small bar set up there, and light up a fresh cigar.
Amy Whatley of Tupelo is one of the early arrivals. A member for nine of the club’s 10 years, Whatley was Tupelo Smokes’ first female member.
When asked what brought her to the club — and cigar smoking in general — Whatley grins and shrugs.
“You pick your vices,” she says.
From nearby, Kayla Simpson — one of Whatley’s best friends both inside and outside of the club — lowers a cigar from her lips and lets loose a wry laugh.
“It’s not as bad as meth,” she says. “I’m going to smoke a cigar; I’m going to eat a doughnut and drink booze. Don’t judge me.”
Besides the love of a good cigar, there is often little connective tissue running among the 35 or so members of Tupelo Smokes. They come from different backgrounds, may share disparate political points of view or spiritual beliefs.
In fact, that seems to be the point.
“Cigars sort of level the playing field,” Whatley says. “No matter what walk of life you’re from, you can enjoy (a cigar). Whether you’re a forklift driver or a CEO, you can sit in a room and have a conversation, and nobody cares where you’re from or what you do.
“This …,” she says, holding out the smoldering cigar between her fingers, “... just bonds us in a way that other things don’t.”
Simpson nods.
“What sold me on becoming a member and really getting into this world is going into a room and knowing someone who was in the custodial business and a doctor are just sitting there and having a conversation,” she says. “They’re just people.”
What a cigar lover does for a living, how much money they have, doesn’t matter. The club’s membership includes a mix of entrepreneurs, business leaders and blue-collar workers.
“It’s just a unique environment,” Simpson says. “You’re no longer a title; you’re no longer a dollar amount; you’re just a person. Cigars are a great equalizer in society.”
Tim Jeter of New Albany joined the club roughly seven years ago. Like Whately and Simpson, he is eager to talk less about what he smokes than about with whom he smokes.
He is quick to claim he is not addicted to smoking cigars.
“I’m addicted to the environment it creates,” he says. “It brings a lot of people together who never would have been together otherwise. We’ve made a lot of beautiful relationships because of that.”
Part of that is built into the hobby itself. Cigars are meant to be enjoyed. Savored. The very act of lighting up a cigar is a clarion call to slow down. Take time. Enjoy the moment.
“You can take a cigarette break, but you can’t take a cigar break,” Jeter says. “A decent-sized cigar … it’s going to take you an hour, hour-and-a-half to smoke. Smoking a cigar is a planned event.”
It’s why he doesn’t care to smoke cigars on his own. He says doing so feels off, as if something crucial is missing from the process.
For him, Tupelo Smokes and its members have become integral to his de-stressing process. Being around people with different mindsets, personalities and viewpoints has changed his view of the world.
“We can have some of the most intense conversations about things that normally people would fight about — religion, sex, politics,” he says. “I tell people I need to intox to detox. It makes me a more level person.”
It’s difficult to say if this type of bonding is what Fred Pitts of Tupelo had in mind when he and his friend Jim Goodwin created the club a decade ago, although he knew the bonding power something as small and simple as a cigar — just paper, tobacco and fire — could have.
It was just the two of them during that first meeting. Smoking. Talking. Laughing. Although the group is now much larger — expanding, Pitts said, largely because of word-of-mouth — the overall flow of the monthly meetings has changed little over the years.
As he puffs a few times on his cigar — something medium … neither too light nor too rich — Pitts says he’s proud to see the club’s membership grow beyond those early days.
“It’s been good,” he says. “It’s a good group of (people) who basically have one thing in common: cigars.”
Now in his late 70s, Pitts has been smoking cigars off and on for over 40 years. Once a member of the Tupelo City Council, Pitts frequently traveled during his time in office, and as he did, he made it a point to stop in at a local cigar shop whenever visiting a town or city.
Inside the smoky haze of the cigar shop, Pitts says he always found people who were gracious with both time and conversation.
“No matter where you went, you thought you were from there in just a few moments,” Pitts says.
As more people drift up to the rooftop and join their friends in small talk, Pitts points to a basket sitting atop a small table. Unopened cigars fill the thing to the top.
Everybody brings an extra cigar to each meeting and tosses it into the basket, Pitts says.
“Sometime during the night, everyone will draw a cigar out of the basket,” he says. “The idea there is to get one that maybe you haven’t tried before.”
As a metaphor for the club, the practice is à propos. No matter who you are — blue collar, white collar, rich or poor — if you show up at a club meeting, you toss a cigar in the basket. It may be something expensive; it might be something cheap. It doesn’t really matter. All are welcome.
Just a stone’s throw away, huddled together around a table, Whatley, Simpson and Jeter share a joke. They sip their drinks and puff on their cigars, enjoying themselves and each other's company.
Jeter wears a big grin on his face.
“It’s a melting pot,” Jeter says of the club. “I’ve got some people who are such good friends, and I would have never known them … if we didn’t have cigars in common.”
Plumes of cigar smoke rise from the tight circle, swirling together into a singular cloud rising above the rooftops of downtown Tupelo.
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Error! There was an error processing your request. | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/smoke-talk-tupelo-smokes-cigar-club-celebrates-10-years-of-tobacco-and-conversation/article_f71b09b6-11db-11ee-af9a-df10d11d5242.html | 2023-06-24T10:01:18 | 0 | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/smoke-talk-tupelo-smokes-cigar-club-celebrates-10-years-of-tobacco-and-conversation/article_f71b09b6-11db-11ee-af9a-df10d11d5242.html |
TUPELO — Tupelo officials have approved the purchase of multiple “blighted” properties as part of its revitalization efforts.
Following a lengthy executive session earlier this week, present members of the Tupelo City Council voted unanimously to purchase three properties.
Ward 6 Councilwoman Janet Gaston was absent.
The properties include:
1507 Forrest Street, purchased from Ralph Pound for $50,000.
124 Highland Drive, purchased from Ralph Pound and Vanessa Pound for $50,000
120 South Highland Drive, purchased from Charlotte West for $40,000.
City Attorney Ben Logan said the purchases were part of the city’s continued effort to revitalize neighborhoods, noting there were three or four neighborhoods in the city that officials are eyeing, including the two neighborhoods between Rankin Elementary and Ida Street.
As part of the purchase, the council approved a budget amendment that moved $165,000 from the neighborhood revitalization fund to the purchase of property fund within the capital budget. Chief Financial Officer Kim Hanna said the amendment did not change the overall budget, noting it only shifted funds from one place to another as a cushion for property purchases.
NDC chair Duke Loden, a broker at Century Commercial Real Estate, attended the meeting and executive session to update the council on their plans following revitalization efforts along West Jackson Street.
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Error! There was an error processing your request. | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/tupelo-buys-blighted-properties-as-part-of-neighborhood-revitalization-efforts/article_64c62520-113e-11ee-b063-b30a52e9b703.html | 2023-06-24T10:01:25 | 0 | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/tupelo-buys-blighted-properties-as-part-of-neighborhood-revitalization-efforts/article_64c62520-113e-11ee-b063-b30a52e9b703.html |
Author Ruth Anne Schneck to present book talk
LAPORTE CITY – Iowa author Ruth Anne Schneck will present a book talk and signing at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Hawkins Memorial Library in La Porte City. She will discuss her latest book, “Geoffrey’s Christmas Wish.” The program is for open for children and adults. Coloring book pages from the book will be offered at 5:30 p.m.
Schneck has written and illustrated several books about her “personified” teddy bear, including” Geoffrey Takes A Hike,” “Geoffrey’s Backyard” and “Geoffrey Goes West.” Through Geoffrey’s adventures, the retired Union School teacher teaches vocabulary words and geography, how to identify the footprints of various critters, identify birds and fish and more. Some books in the series have coloring pages, recipes, puzzles, mazes and games to play.
Psychologist describes likely experience on missing Titanic sub, and more of today's top videos
A former Navy psychologist offered chilling insight into the possible state-of-minds of the people aboard the missing Titanic sub, how France is compensating victims of pollution, and more of today's top videos.
A former Navy psychologist offered chilling insight into the possible state-of-minds of the five people aboard the missing Titanic sub.
Time is running out as the sub's passengers deplete their oxygen supply. Rescuers face myriad challenges in finding the craft over an area big…
It is a legal verdict with no former precedent that could pave the way for future cases: in a first for France, the Paris Administrative Cour…
The longest day of the year, otherwise known as the summer solstice, has fallen on June 21, marking the astronomical start to the season.
In Ghana, dozens of full sea containers with discarded clothing arrive every week. But a local designer is trying to tackle the mountains of u…
Scientists have made significant progress in identifying the cause of severe morning sickness in pregnant women. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/author-ruth-anne-schneck-to-present-book-talk/article_cd29366e-1122-11ee-b882-c7abe10f19e2.html | 2023-06-24T10:34:43 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/author-ruth-anne-schneck-to-present-book-talk/article_cd29366e-1122-11ee-b882-c7abe10f19e2.html |
CEDAR FALLS — No magic beans were planted to grow Prairie Parkway Garden.
This garden has been cultivated with plain, old-fashioned hard work, dedicated volunteers, community support and a mission to teach people how to eat healthier.
The goal, said Master Gardener Rich Congdon, is to improve quality of life, particularly for people with diabetes, heart disease and other health issues.
“There’s really nothing better than being outdoors, working in the garden and growing and harvesting your own produce. We want to teach people how to do that for themselves,” said Congdon, who is diabetic.
In 2019, Prairie Parkway Garden took root in what was originally a prairie planted when UnityPoint Health-Prairie Parkway medical facility opened. Located on the northeast corner, it became a weed patch. A partnership between UnityPoint and the Cedar Falls Lions Club reclaimed the land for a garden. The Lions Club manages the garden, which fits its mission to provide resources for diabetes awareness and encourage healthy living.
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Congdon designed the garden. He refers to it as a hands-on “learning center” because classes, programs and demonstrations are offered throughout the growing season.
“We offer a series of free classes for small groups of five to 10 people. They get their hands in the dirt and learn some skills, then we show them how to prepare a meal from what’s in season,” he explained.
Jenny Bruss of Cedar Falls can be found working here most days, weeding, watering and harvesting produce. She deeply believes in the joy that comes from putting homegrown produce on the table.
“It’s therapeutic and good exercise to getting your hands in the soil and working in a garden. This garden offers a great opportunity to learn how to plant and care for a garden, how to grow your own food,” said Bruss, who has been garden manager for three years.
A diabetes camp for youth is offered each June. In addition, there are experiences for people with dementia and their caregivers that include an organized activity, snack and social experience.
The garden expands with each new season. Now it boasts numerous raised planters built on-site by Lions Club members for growing vegetables from A to Z. Raised beds are more accessible for older gardeners or others who have issues with balance, bending over, kneeling or getting up from the ground.
“And you can control the soil. That makes them easier to weed and water and reduces disease. They also drain better and are easier to harvest,” Congdon said.
Various methods and techniques for growing backyard produce are demonstrated, such as vertical planting. A new demonstration area is being established. There is a potato field; a berry patch with strawberries, raspberries and blueberries; plenty of space to grow watermelon, muskmelon and pumpkins; and a pollinator garden.
“We’ve added a new tomato field this year,” Congdon explained. “Everyone likes growing tomatoes, and we grow a lot of them – red, yellow and orange ones, so people can see what those look and taste like.
“We have some ‘Super Sweet 100,’ which is popular, ‘Honey Delight,’ a yellow cherry tomato, and ‘Porterhouse,’ a beefsteak variety. We’re also growing heirloom tomatoes like ‘Abe Lincoln’ and ‘Kellogg’s Breakfast Tomato.’”
An orchard is filled with 55 fruit trees including MacIntosh, Honeycrisp and Fuji apples as well as pears, plums, cherries and peaches. UnityPoint physician and garden sponsor Dr. Dan Glascock had the idea to plant an orchard, recalling his own childhood memories of his dad’s orchard.
There’s also a hoop house, shed, compost bins, electricity and irrigation. A new greenhouse allows produce such as carrots and radishes to grow throughout winter months. Paths and seating areas are places visitors can stroll, sit and linger.
Some produce goes home with volunteers, while additional vegetables and fruits harvested are placed in bins where patients and staff at UnityPoint Prairie Parkway can help themselves. Additionally, produce is used in cooking demonstrations.
“You can learn to grow produce but what do you do with it? How does it taste? I want people to appreciate where their food comes from and get back to cooking. That’s healthy. It’s a better quality of life. This learning center is a place where people can come and learn something, share stories about their families, where kids can learn about vegetables and have fun,” Congdon said.
For more information or to volunteer, go online to parkwaygarden.org.
Prairie Parkway Garden classes
“Peas Porridge Hot Garden Class,” 10 a.m. to noon, June 27
“Herbs and More,” 5 to 7 p.m., July 11
“Carrots & Cucumbers,” 10 a.m. to noon, July 20
“All Colors of Beans and Potatoes,” 5 to 7 p.m., July 25
“All Colors of Tasty Toms,” 5 to 8 p.m., Aug. 10
“Peppers & Stuff,” 10 a.m. to noon, Aug. 15
Salsa Contest, 5 to 7 p.m., Aug. 24
“Zucchini & Potatoes,” 5 to 7 p.m., Sept. 14
Harvest and Cider Festival, 5 to 7 p.m., Oct. 10
Classes are free and children may attend with an adult. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/prairie-parkway-garden-still-growing-strong/article_1ebf2554-1116-11ee-88ff-f3da098b6e6f.html | 2023-06-24T10:34:49 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/prairie-parkway-garden-still-growing-strong/article_1ebf2554-1116-11ee-88ff-f3da098b6e6f.html |
EVANSDALE – The Elizabeth Collins Foundation will host the 11th annual Ride and Drive Memorial Event on Saturday, July 15 in memory of Elizabeth Collins and Lyric Cook.
Registration for the event will begin at 8 a.m. at Lofty’s Lounge, located at 3480 Lafayette Road in Evansdale. The ride and drive begins at 11 a.m. There will also be raffles and a silent auction. People can also become a sponsor for the event.
People can preregister for the event for $20, which includes a T-shirt.
Funds raised from the event will benefit Angels Park, Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers and the Elizabeth Collins Foundation Community Mission.
The foundation, a nonprofit organization, was created after the girls were abducted on July 13, 2012, at Meyers Lake in Evansdale. In December of that year, their bodies were found in a park in Bremer County. Eleven years later, there have been no arrests.
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The organization is dedicated to helping families of missing individuals and education the community on the prevention of abduction, sexual abuse and trafficking. It will also continue to partner with Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers to bring awareness to cold cases in hopes of gaining new information and tips that lead to answers for families of the missing.
For more details on the foundation and to preregister, visit elizabethcollinsfoundation.org.
This morning's top headlines: Thursday, June 22
Evan Gershkovich detention; Titanic sub update; NBA Draft preview; and more morning headlines.
A Moscow court on Thursday upheld an earlier ruling to keep Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gerhskovich in jail on espionage charges until late August, rejecting the American journalist’s appeal. The 31-year-old U.S. citizen was arrested in late March while on a reporting trip. A Moscow court agreed last month to keep him in custody until Aug. 30. Defense lawyers challenged the decision, but the Moscow City Court rejected the appeal on Thursday. Gershkovich and his employer have denied he spied in Russia. The U.S. government has declared him to be wrongfully detained and demanded his immediate release.
The search for the missing submersible on an expedition to view the wreckage of the Titanic neared the critical 96-hour mark Thursday when breathable air is expected to run out.
India's Modi is getting a state visit with Biden, but the glitz is shadowed by human rights concerns
President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are marking the state visit of the Indian leader by announcing several major deals between the two countries. Biden and Modi on Thursday are launching new partnerships in defense, semiconductor manufacturing and other sectors. The leaders of the world’s two biggest democracies are looking to strengthen the crucial but complicated relationship between their countries. But as Biden celebrates Modi, human rights advocates and some U.S. lawmakers are questioning the decision to offer the high honor to a leader whose nine-year tenure has been marked by a backslide in political, religious and press freedoms.
A line of severe storms produced a rare combination of multiple tornadoes, hurricane-force winds and softball-sized hail in west Texas. At least four people were killed and nine injured in the significant damage around the small town of Matador. National Weather Service meteorologist Matt Ziebell says the supercell that developed Wednesday night produced 109 mph winds and hail at least 4 inches wide. More than 100,000 people lost power in the Houston area. Gov. Greg Abbott has added six counties to a state disaster declaration. Cooling centers are open in Matador and the Houston area for those without power in the warm weather.
China's president has ordered a national safety campaign after a massive cooking gas explosion at a barbecue restaurant in the northwest killed 31 people and injured seven others on the eve of a long holiday weekend. State media say the blast tore through the restaurant Wednesday evening in the capital of the traditionally Muslim Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. President Xi Jinping demanded urgent treatment for the injured and a safety overhaul after the explosion. It happened on the eve of the Dragon Boat Festival, a national holiday devoted to eating rice dumplings and racing boats propelled by teams of paddlers. Industrial accidents occur regularly in China, usually because of poor oversight, corruption and lax safety practices.
The House has voted to censure California Rep. Adam Schiff for comments made several years ago about investigations into Donald Trump’s ties to Russia. The House on Wednesday rebuked the Democrat in a vote that fell along along party lines. The censure resolution says Schiff held positions of power during Trump’s presidency and “abused this trust by saying there was evidence of collusion between Trump’s campaign and Russia.” Schiff was one of the most outspoken critics of the former president as both the Justice Department and the Republican-led House launched investigations into Trump’s ties to Russia in 2017. Schiff becomes the 25th House lawmaker to be censured.
Hard-right House Republicans pressing to impeach President Joe Biden forced a vote Thursday that sends an impeachment measure to House committees. But they're under no obligation to act on the resolution from Rep. Lauren Boebert. Her effort is a clear demonstration of the challenge that Speaker Kevin McCarthy faces in controlling the majority party. Boebert's resolution charges Biden with “high crimes and misdemeanors” over his handling of the U.S. border with Mexico. Many of her colleagues view the matter as a political distraction from other priorities. Democrats said the case against Biden made a mockery of the seriousness of impeachment and was merely an attempt to distract from the twice-impeached Donald Trump.
The Justice Department says it has begun turning over evidence to former President Donald Trump as his lawyers prepare a defense to charges that he illegally retained classified documents. The evidence includes transcripts of grand jury testimony taken in both Washington and Florida, copies of closed-circuit television footage obtained by the government and copies of interviews of Trump “conducted by non-government entities, which were recorded with his consent." The interviews include an audio-recorded 2021 meeting with a writer and publisher in which Trump, according to the indictment, showed and described a Pentagon “plan of attack” that he said was prepared for him by the Defense Department.
A judge has blocked Wyoming’s first-in-the-nation ban on abortion pills before it was set to be implemented July 1. While several states have banned abortion outright or restricted access to abortion pills, Wyoming in March became the first state with an explicit ban on abortion pills. Teton County Judge Melissa Owens issued the ruling after hearing arguments Thursday for and against allowing the ban to take effect pending the outcome of a lawsuit challenging the new law. The ban would limit services at two Wyoming clinics including one that opened in Casper in April. Owens has now blocked three abortion bans signed into law by the Republican governor who appointed her.
A federal judge has struck down Florida rules championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis restricting Medicaid coverage for transgender treatments. Judge Robert Hinkle wrote Wednesday that a health code rule and a new state law violate federal law. Hinkle said "gender identity is real" and treatments are backed by major medical associations. He accused the state of attacking funding of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for biased political reasons. The ruling involved a lawsuit filed last year on behalf of two adults and two minors but advocacy groups say it could affect thousands. Florida is one of more than a dozen states that have newly restricted gender-affirming treatments — mainly for minors — even though they've been available in the United States for more than a decade.
Federal regulators on Thursday launched a legal attack on Microsoft’s proposed $69 billion takeover of video game maker Activision Blizzard by depicting it as an anticompetitive weapon while Microsoft hailed the deal as a way to make popular games such as Call of Duty more widely available at cheaper prices. The contrasting pictures drawn by lawyers arguing before a federal judge on the first of five days of scheduled hearings in San Francisco. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is seeking a court order to block the 17-month-old from closing while Microsoft is trying to complete the purchase before a July 18 deadline that would trigger a $3 billion breakup fee.
Victor Wembanyama’s towering shadow has hung over this NBA draft for months, blocking much of what is usually part of the process. There has been no debate about who the San Antonio Spurs should take with the No. 1 pick on Thursday night. When a player like Wembanyama comes along — and maybe none ever has — there’s no real reason to drum up any drama. The Spurs are not going to pass up someone who is listed at 7-foot-4 but has the skills of a player much smaller. The 19-year-old from France has been called the best prospect since LeBron James came out of high school in 2003. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/ride-and-drive-to-be-held-in-memory-of-elizabeth-collins-lyric-cook/article_e629da98-1130-11ee-a60b-ab404b1ee343.html | 2023-06-24T10:34:56 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/ride-and-drive-to-be-held-in-memory-of-elizabeth-collins-lyric-cook/article_e629da98-1130-11ee-a60b-ab404b1ee343.html |
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