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Longtime Nebraska prosecutor Steven Russell has announced he will retire as U.S. Attorney at the end of the month.
Russell was named the acting U.S. Attorney a year ago, following the retirement of interim U.S. Attorney Jan Sharp.
United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska Steven Russell
Courtesy photo
A 1982 graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Law, Russell has been with the U.S. Attorney’s Office since 1985.
In the role, he has handled a wide variety of cases, both civil and criminal, and prior to that had served at various times as branch manager for the Lincoln U.S Attorney’s Office, Senior Litigation Counsel, Appellate Coordinator and First Assistant United States Attorney.
On June 1, 2022, Russell was appointed as Acting U.S. Attorney and later appointed by the U.S. District Court to serve as Interim U.S. Attorney, a position he has held since.
The United States District Court will appoint Russell’s successor to take over as Interim U.S. Attorney following the end of his service until a presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorney is named.
Russell called it an honor to have served the residents of Nebraska in the U.S. Attorney's Office for nearly 38 years. He said it was a privilege to work with many talented law enforcement agents; humbling to have worked with so many excellent attorneys and support staff; and incredibly fortunate to have practiced before the finest judges in the country.
"There can be no greater source of professional pride than saying to the court or a jury that 'my name is Steve Russell, and I am an attorney representing the United States of America.' It has been a joy and pleasure to have worked in the United States Attorney’s Office," he said.
Top Journal Star photos for June 2023
A'rielle Harvell (bottom), 5, slides down an inflatable water slide next to her sisters, Yahkira Harvell (top), 4, and Samirah Graham, 13, on Monday in central Lincoln. The temperature in Lincoln reached 96 on Monday and was in the 90s again on Tuesday. The National Weather Service is forecasting highs in the 90s and mostly sunny conditions for at least the next week.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
David Campbell, a recent graduate from Union college's international rescue and relief program, climbs and rappels from a tree alongside Mike Mikler (not pictured) on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at Holmes Lake Park in Lincoln.
The duo, who had earlier created a giant swing, said they were climbing the trees for fun and practice. The program for International rescue and relief is a bachelor of science degree designed for students who want to serve and help others in disaster and humanitarian relief.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Southeast Community College Professor Michael Mellon teaches anatomy of the human brain to his class Tuesday in Lincoln. A change to community college funding in Nebraska will result in higher property taxes to support SCC next year, but officials say a tax credit will offset those increases.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
Crane removal equipment sits on Q St. between North 9th and 10th St. temporarily closing the section of Q until June 23rd, Monday, June 19, 2023, in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY Journal Star
Malone Ribbon Dancers, including Maisey Ratliff, 8, dance during Lincoln's Juneteenth celebration Saturday at Trago Park.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Scott Copeland (Left) and Donnette Thayer (right) play Irish folk music with friends during the Hub Farmers Market at Union Plaza park on Wednesday. The markets are Wednesdays, from 5-7 p.m., through Sept. 20.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
Open Harvest employees shovel gravel at the Open Harvest ground breaking in the Telegraph District, Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY Journal Star
Dynasty Volleyball players Abigail Mullen (bottom left), Reese Messer (left), Claire Cisneros (top right), and Skyler Pierce (right) share snacks and stories with one another as they rest on the catwalk overlooking the volleyball courts ahead of their next match during the Midwest PreNationals tournament on Friday, June 9, 2023, at the Sports Pavilion Lawrence in Lawrence.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Fisherman Salem Alsareni, catches a 24 inch carp, weighing in at six and a half pounds at Holmes Lake, Monday, June 12, 2023, in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY Journal Star
Angela Gebhardt walks next to Star City Chorus during the Star City Pride Parade Saturday at the Nebraska state Capitol.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Foster Care Closet employee Brooke Horton lifts boxes of diapers onto the bus before departing for Norfolk on Friday.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
University of Nebraska-Lincoln chancellor candidate Rodney Bennett answers questions from students and staff who are part of the College of Law on Thursday at the Office of the President.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Terrance McIntyre gets his hair cut by Treveon Phinney at 402 Fades Barber Shop on Thursday at Gateway Mall.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Eliana Athena Vargas Smith, 2, plays in the fountain at Union Plaza park on Wednesday, when temperatures reached 88 degrees in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
Children extend their arms outward as they reach for bubbles to pop during a family fun night ice cream party on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at the Charles H. Gere Branch Library in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Harper Trumble (top right) dances with her cousin Keegan VanDeWater (right) while Alexis Arai y Su Grupo perform as part of the Jazz in June concert series on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at in the Sheldon Sculpture Garden at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Lincoln. The first performers for Jazz in June drew a sizable crowd on Tuesday. The free concert series, held each Tuesday in June, will feature two sets of music from 7-7:45 p.m. and 8-8:45 p.m. Beyond the performances, the series will include education outreach coordinated by community centers and artists. A market offered food and drinks to hungry patrons. And a bike Valet will provided free, secure parking for bicycles from 5 p.m. until the end of the performance in the market.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
The Rev. T. Michael Williams signs the petition to repeal LB753 during Support our Schools Nebraska petition drive kickoff at the state Capitol on Tuesday.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
Mia Masch, 5, has her hair adjusted by her father Ian while his pet parrot Mango rests atop his shoulder during an animal blessing ceremony at First-Plymouth Church.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Shriner clowns cover their hearts for the invocation before the Nebraska Shrine Bowl on Saturday at Cope Stadium in Kearney.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
A rainbow is seen near Ralston High School stadium during the Nebraska High School Soccer Senior Showcase on Friday.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Grace Jacobson of Lincoln holds a rainbow umbrella over a coffin prop in front of the Governor's Mansion on Thursday, the final day of the legislative session.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nikita (black) jumps into the dog pool as Pearl chases after her at Off Leash Dog Bar on Wednesday.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
Lincoln East’s Carter Mick (10) poses for portrait , Monday, May 29, 2023, in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY Journal Star
Rebecca Rager greets her grandfather Alfred Zieg (from left) during a celebration before his birthday on Wednesday, in the Gramercy dining room on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at The Residence at Gramercy in Lincoln. 'It has been a life for sure," Alfred Zieg said during the celebration. "And on Wednesday I get to start all over again, right?"
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Muggs, a 6 year-old chocolate lab fetches his toy from the water following his dive on Saturday at Paws 4 Fun in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Fire fighters clear out hot debris pulled off of 411 Mulder Dr home after alert two back yard fire, Friday, May 26, 2023, in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY Journal Star
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Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/nebraska-us-attorney-to-retire-after-nearly-38-years/article_9be65aa2-145e-11ee-9d49-5f065043f862.html | 2023-06-27T00:52:43 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/nebraska-us-attorney-to-retire-after-nearly-38-years/article_9be65aa2-145e-11ee-9d49-5f065043f862.html |
Milwaukee's air quality is among the worst in the world. Here's where it ranks.
Wisconsin's air quality is some of the worst in the United States and the world Monday.
Earlier Monday, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued an air quality alert through Thursday, signaling populations will likely need to take precautions over a prolonged stretch as wildfire smoke from Canada continues to wreak havoc this spring and summer.
Much of Wisconsin has an Air Quality Index in the unhealthy levels. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's AQI assigns a number on a 0-500 scale in six colored categories that are based on ozone and the pollutant concentrations.
What does Wisconsin's air quality index mean?
A large portion of Wisconsin, including Milwaukee, Madison and Green Bay, has an AQI in the "red" or the 151-200 range. The higher the number the worse the air quality gets.
Sensitive groups should especially be aware and avoid prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, and everyone else should reduce those activities when its in this range.
The "red" AQI is hovering over Wisconsin, northern Illinois and western Michigan. No other part of the country has as bad air quality as this region on Monday.
How does Milwaukee's air quality rank compared to other cities in the United States and world?
- Wilmette, Illinois - 180 (AQI level)
- Zeeland, Michigan - 180
- Iverness, Illinois - 174
- Brookfield, Wisconsin - 172
- Hudsonville, Michigan - 172
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin - 171
- Ludington, Michigan - 165
- Rhinelander, Wisconsin - 164
- Green Bay, Wisconsin - 163
- Grand Portage, Minnesota - 162
By comparison, these are the large cities in the world with the worst air qualities as tracked by IQAir.com, which analyzes air quality levels.
- Johannesburg, South Africa - 178 (AQI level)
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates - 170
- Chicago, Illinois (United States) - 157
- Jakarta, Indonesia - 155
- Accra, Ghana - 152
What should I do when the air quality is this bad?
People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens should take any of these steps to reduce exposure, according to AirNow.gov:
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
- Keep outdoor activities short.
- Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
Everyone else should takeany of these steps to reduce exposure:
- Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard.
- Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
- Be active outdoors when air quality is better.
More:Do I need to be worried about Wisconsin's air quality alert? It depends.
How does this compare to New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., when they saw extreme air quality alerts?
While Milwaukee is in the unhealthy category for everyone on Monday it hasn't reached the levels cities in the northeast saw a couple weeks ago when some of their AQI levels were in the 400s, which is the hazardous level.
Skies were orange as the smoke from the Canadian wildfires made its way south. People were advised to stay indoors and outdoor events were canceled.
How can I monitor the air quality? What are air quality maps?
You can type in your ZIP code or city on the AirNow.gov website. That will give you an up to date AQI level.
Follow these maps for updates on AQI.
Wildfire map across the United States and Canada
Smoke from wildfires are causing the poor air quality. Monitor these maps for the latest wildfires. | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2023/06/26/milwaukee-other-wisconsin-cities-green-bay-among-worst-air-qualities-in-world/70348919007/ | 2023-06-27T00:58:16 | 0 | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2023/06/26/milwaukee-other-wisconsin-cities-green-bay-among-worst-air-qualities-in-world/70348919007/ |
Tucson is now the home to the ugliest of world champs.
And there's no way — or reason — to put a pretty face on it.
"I am overjoyed and incredibly proud that Scooter has been crowned the winner of the World's Ugliest Dog contest," Scooter's human, Linda Elmquist said in a news release. "Despite the challenges he has faced with his deformed hind legs, Scooter has defied all odds and shown us the true meaning of resilience and determination."
Scooter enjoyed choice cuts of filet mignon before appearing (much like a heavyweight champion of the world) on Monday's NBC's Today show, Elmquist posted on her Facebook page.
The prestigious World's Ugliest Dog competition, held annually at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, showcased canines that have defied adversity. Scooter's journey was no different.
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"We are thrilled to have hosted another successful World's Ugliest Dog contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair. This unique event allows us to celebrate the extraordinary resilience and beauty found within these special dogs," said Tawny Tesconi, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Fair. "Scooter's win is a testament to his remarkable journey and the indomitable spirit that resides within him. He has truly become an inspiration to people around the world."
Scooter's story began when a breeder brought him, with two deformed hind legs, to an animal control facility in Tucson. The breeder intended to have the pup euthanized, but fate intervened.
A compassionate volunteer from Saving Animals from Euthanasia saw potential in Scooter and brought him to their rescue group, determined to find him a loving home.
Today, Scooter is not only surviving but thriving, unaware of any differences with other dogs. His handicap hasn't hindered him fearlessly navigating obstacles.
Years of having to deal with his impediment have allowed Scooter to learn to walk on his two front legs, although in his advanced age, he is known to take more rest stops, propping himself up on his butt like a tri-pod, according to a SAFE news release.
Luckily, Scooter has received therapy and a brand-new cart (or scooter) for his hind legs with funds raised from rescue groups and friends.
The yearly Worlds' Ugliest Dog contest is held as a reminder that it's the inner strength and resilience that truly define a dog's beauty. It also serves as a reminder of how important rescues and shelters are to helping preserve the lives of some of man's best friends.
"While the World's Ugliest Dog contest is a celebration of the imperfections that make our dogs lovable, a good many of them are rescues from shelters and puppy mills, so we use the fun and notoriety of this competition to raise awareness for dog adoption," Tesconi says in a news release.
"Dogs are like family and deserve loving homes no matter their physical distraction."
Eddie Celaya is a breaking news reporter and host of the "Here Weed Go!" podcast. He graduated from Pima Community College and the University of Arizona and has been with the Arizona Daily Star since May 2019. | https://tucson.com/news/local/tucson-worlds-ugliest-dog/article_d4a101d2-146b-11ee-98ae-7f568a868536.html | 2023-06-27T01:03:10 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/tucson-worlds-ugliest-dog/article_d4a101d2-146b-11ee-98ae-7f568a868536.html |
A Celebration of Life will be held for Christopher "Chris" J. Common, 76, of North Bend, on Sunday, July 9, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the Coos History Museum, 1210 N. Front Street in Coos Bay. Arrangements are under the care of North Bend Chapel, 541-756-0440. www.coosbayareafunerals.com
To plant a tree in memory of Christopher Service as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/christopher-chris-j-common-service-notice/article_705e660c-146f-11ee-ac86-f34386355a46.html | 2023-06-27T01:03:43 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/christopher-chris-j-common-service-notice/article_705e660c-146f-11ee-ac86-f34386355a46.html |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Three months after a tornado swept through Little Rock, one local gym is back open after being closed since it was damaged by the storm.
CrossFit class is back in action at Wellness Revolution on Chenal Parkway.
"You appreciate the relationships, the people you haven't seen in three months," Wellness Revolution owner, John Vincent said.
He said he couldn't be happier to welcome back his gym community, and he's still hoping to see even more people come back to fill up classes again.
"We've kind of consolidated down a short time, for a couple of reasons. One, just kind of waiting for everybody to kind of filter back in and kind of seeing how that flow is gonna happen two because we just want to bring everybody together," Vincent described.
Togetherness is what Wellness Revolution member, Jennifer Greer missed the most about the gym.
"It's really nice to see everybody," Greer said.
When Wellness Revolution was closed, Greer and her friends went to another nearby gym to work out, but she said she was happy to be back in her old routine again.
"I missed a lot of them. When we were at the other gym we had to go to like different schedules. So that kind of separated us," she explained.
She first started going to CrossFit in January and almost went on March 31.
"I decided not to because they told us tornadoes were coming. And then it happened. Like two hours later, we found out and I was in shock," she said.
Greer then immediately stepped up to help in the recovery process.
"When the tornado hit, we had to take down all of the equipment, and put it in storage," she said.
Now, new equipment fills the gym under a brand new roof.
"We had a big week work party yesterday where we put all this equipment together," Vincent said.
Even though it is back open, there's still more work to be done— but getting the new roof was the first step.
"We can kind of take our time and do it methodically and make sure we're doing it right," he said.
Replacing windows, doors, and flooring is next on Vincent's to-do list, but he's just waiting to receive money from insurance before starting that process.
Fortunately, Vincent said most of the repairs will be covered under insurance. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/little-rock-gym-reopens-tornado/91-4fe92af2-5689-4fb1-82cf-e5d03f0838ef | 2023-06-27T01:03:52 | 1 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/little-rock-gym-reopens-tornado/91-4fe92af2-5689-4fb1-82cf-e5d03f0838ef |
ARKANSAS, USA — Thousands of Arkansans are still without power after the Sunday evening storms. Utility crews have been working around the clock to get power back on for their customers as fast as they can, especially with the summer heat in full effect.
“We've dealt with a lot of storms and power outages the last several months,” said Heather Kendrick with Entergy.
Kendrick explained that the storm was the 16th one this year that has caused a large amount of power outages across Central Arkansas.
“We had storms last week that impacted the Russellville area, we had the tornado on March 31,” she added.
For the past 24 hours, their crews have been working nonstop trying to get wherever they can and doing so as quickly as possible.
“We have extensive tree damage and downed power lines, really throughout the state,” she said.
Kendrick said the hardest hit areas have been Stuttgart, Russellville, Conway, and Jacksonville.
“We've got more people without power now after this event than we did during the March 31 tornado,” said Jacksonville Mayor Jeff Elmore.
Mayor Elmore is one of the many people across the city without power.
“The storm came through roughly 5:30-6:00 p.m. yesterday and the power went out instantly and we've been without since then,” he described.
He said everyone has been working to get trees off homes and clean up the debris left behind.
“Making sure our people are fine you know that they've got a place to go it is an inconvenience not having power, especially when it is hot like this,” Elmore added.
The heat led the First United Methodist Church to open as a cooling center for those still without power.
With the temperatures expected to go up within the next few days, Entergy has already called in extra crews.
“From all our surrounding states, from Mississippi from Texas from Louisiana,” said Kendrick. “There is never an optimal time for a power outage, but on the hottest week of the year this is definitely not optimal for our customers.”
Entergy explained that restoring power is going to take multiple days. Though they know this isn't good news but they want people to be aware of how long this could take. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/thousands-without-power-central-arkansas-storms/91-ff9fb5d2-d58c-4dd8-aaf1-763256d57b23 | 2023-06-27T01:03:59 | 1 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/thousands-without-power-central-arkansas-storms/91-ff9fb5d2-d58c-4dd8-aaf1-763256d57b23 |
INDIANAPOLIS — Hendricks Commercial Properties won the Indiana Landmarks’ 2023 Cook Cup for Outstanding Restoration for its transformation of the former Coca-Cola Bottling Plant into the centerpiece of the Bottleworks District, a $300 million, 12-acre culinary, arts and entertainment hub in downtown Indianapolis.
Jim and Lee Yuncker opened Indianapolis’s Coca-Cola Bottling Plant in 1931 on a site where they had been bottling ginger ale and other soft drinks since the early 1900s.
When the Yunckers began bottling Coca-Cola, they hired Indianapolis architectural firm Rubush & Hunter to design their new plant. The result was an Art Deco showpiece, with a white terra cotta façade, bronze storefronts, terrazzo flooring, colorful tile walls and the brand’s iconic script logo in gold-leaf lettering.
Additions in the 1940s and ’50s further expanded the production facility before bottling operations moved out in the ’60s.
Indianapolis Public Schools bought the property in 1968 and used it as a support building for buses and storage.
In 2016, Hendricks Commercial Properties’ proposal to redevelop the site as a multi-use complex won approval by the City of Indianapolis.
“Everyone working on it had a sense of pride in what they were doing and understood these buildings’ importance to the community,” said Gavin Thomas, Hendricks’ vice president of development. “We were very much interested in doing the right thing and setting the bar high, which was a big driver of the results.”
Despite opening during a pandemic, the Bottleworks Hotel and district has thrived, attracting visitors from around the world.
Development continues on the remainder of the site, with plans for additional parking, retail, offices and housing to hopefully reconnect the site to the surrounding vibrant historic neighborhoods.
“Hendricks’ adaptation of the former Coca-Cola Bottling Plant is a transformative project that exemplifies superior preservation practice and economic revitalization,” said Marsh Davis, president of Indiana Landmarks.
Project architect RATIO worked to respect the building's historic character while developing the 139-room boutique hotel.
“It was about really trying to understand the building and working with it instead of against it,” said David Kroll, RATIO’s principal and director of preservation.
Each year, Indiana Landmarks awards the Cook Cup to the property owner who follows the highest standards of restoration in transforming a significant historic building, with positive impact on the neighborhood or community. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/bottleworks-wins-indianas-top-restoration-prize-mass-avenue-indy/531-e32efb59-b719-4739-bf03-168256df7ed9 | 2023-06-27T01:04:09 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/bottleworks-wins-indianas-top-restoration-prize-mass-avenue-indy/531-e32efb59-b719-4739-bf03-168256df7ed9 |
GREENWOOD, Ind. — John Keith's house, warped and twisted by a tornado, may not survive the night.
But he and his girlfriend survived Sunday's storm by taking action in a matter of seconds.
"Something told me - get out of that chair and get to cover," Keith said. "The power went out and I told Ann, I says, 'We gotta go.' Just as we did, the house came apart."
They'd been watching the news, heard the sirens and heard a warning from a meteorologist.
Their Stones Village neighborhood was about to get hit.
"The one guy on the news, I mean, he said, 'Take cover now.' And that's what we did," Keith said. "I got to watch my porch furniture go, 'Wheeewww!' and then I heard the whole house explode. Didn't realize until we walked out of that bedroom closet what had happened."
As a navy veteran, Keith is used to taking orders. But that one on TV likely saved his life.
"That man says, ‘Take cover now,'" he said. "This window right here is we were sitting. We wouldn't have made it if I'd have stayed."
You can see why from the inside.
Debris, glass and drywall rained down on his chair. A large shard of glass pierced the recliner.
"I was sitting right here, Ann was sitting right there in the loveseat," Keith said. "It was basically ten seconds, if not less."
"I'm just glad they're OK," said Keith's daughter. "So scary."
Central Indiana storm damage | June 25, 2023
Storm danger isn't new to this family.
Keith has been through five tornadoes in multiple states - including one with deadly consequences.
"In 1974, I lost two good friends so ... luckily we didn't get hit by the funnel. They did," Keith said.
Surviving a tornado at his home on Sunday, Keith credits instinct and that warning that he made sure to heed.
"You always think it's not gonna be you. Well guess what? This time was," he said. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/greenwood-indiana-man-survives-his-fifth-tornado-home-destroyed/531-a67a264a-d29c-48b7-ba13-74fcf9097d54 | 2023-06-27T01:04:15 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/greenwood-indiana-man-survives-his-fifth-tornado-home-destroyed/531-a67a264a-d29c-48b7-ba13-74fcf9097d54 |
INDIANAPOLIS — You may see more officers patrolling the streets around Fourth of July.
Indiana State Police and other agencies across Indiana will be participating in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement operation to teach drivers about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving.
Officers will be increasing patrols from June 30 to July 8 to prevent tragedies previously seen around the holiday.
The enforcement is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).
"With the development of ride sharing, there is no excuse for someone to get behind the wheel of a vehicle impaired," said ISP Lt. Michael O'Rourke. "The motoring public's safety is the Indiana State Police's main priority. Our troopers will be out there actively and aggressively looking for impaired drivers and removing them from Indiana roadways."
About 37 people die in the U.S. in drunk driving crashes every day. According to NHTSA, that's approximately one person every 39 minutes and more than 13,384 annually.
Of the 949 traffic fatalities in Indiana last year, 110 of those - or 12 percent - were alcohol-related. During the weekend around Independence Day alone, there were 11 fatal collisions, with two involving a driver over the legal limit.
"Impaired driving is a serious problem that claims the lives of thousands of people each year in our state and nation. While increased enforcement efforts can help to reduce impaired driving, we cannot simply arrest our way out of this problem," said Devon McDonald, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. "We need to work together to raise awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and encourage people to make smart choices when they drink. If you are going to drink, please designate a sober driver or call a taxi. It is not worth risking your life or the lives of others."
In Indiana, driving with a BAC of .08 or higher is illegal. In addition, drivers under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher are subject to fines and a license suspension for up to one year.
Impaired driving includes more than just alcohol. Drugs and some over-the-counter medications can also cause impairment and can slow coordination, judgment, and reaction times on the road.
Officers will be on the lookout for all forms of impairment, and the consequences can include thousands of dollars in legal fees, increased insurance rates, loss of license, a criminal record, and possible jail time.
Plan a safe and sober ride home before going out to avoid those. Even if only one drink is consumed, designate a sober driver or plan to use a rideshare service, public transportation, or a taxi.
Motorists encountering drunk drivers on the road are encouraged to call 911. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana-state-police-increase-patrol-around-fourth-of-july-indianapolis-holiday-independence/531-6bcd0e90-8341-4815-80b8-ec533d385d3e | 2023-06-27T01:04:21 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana-state-police-increase-patrol-around-fourth-of-july-indianapolis-holiday-independence/531-6bcd0e90-8341-4815-80b8-ec533d385d3e |
JOHNSON COUNTY, Ind. — Joel McCall has a gaping hole in his home in the Waters Edge neighborhood, just southeast of Center Grove High School.
“Obviously, mine got the worst out of this neighborhood,” McCall said.
His roof was torn off by an EF1 tornado and launched into a neighbor's garage down the street.
When the storm hit, McCall had been taking a Sunday afternoon nap.
The ceiling by his bed? It’s now peppered with wood planks that pierced right through.
“I was right there, yeah,” he pointed out. "Two-by-fours and two-by-sixes stuck through the ceiling. They're like swords stabbing through the ceiling in there, so it's really scary stuff.”
His son's screams sent them both to the basement, just in time.
"There's windows in the basement and we saw just chairs, debris, the guy's dock. There's a lake back there. The guy's dock flew out and ended up in our driveway. I mean, huge piece of dock. I mean the strength of the storm is amazing,” McCall said.
The Waters Edge neighborhood is prized for its peaceful lakefront backyards. But now, the sound of chainsaws pierce the air.
The lake is right where the twister carved a destructive path, taking down dozens of trees and damaging homes.
"So it came across the lake and once it hit the lake, it like, 'whooo,' sped up,” McCall explained.
“It literally, just out of nowhere, the storm came through and took out our entire backyard, our deck,” said McCall’s next door neighbor, Kelli Hinds.
Her family just put in a deck and a pool. Now, it has an unwanted swimmer: the entire roof of their pavilion.
"It used to be over there in the corner,” she said. “Now it’s in our pool.”
But she's thankful they got their four girls inside to safety before that tornado roared through.
McCall is also thankful that, even with major damage to his house, no one got hurt. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/johnson-county-tornado-rips-off-roofs-travels-through-lake-tears-apart-yards-in-waters-edge-neighborhood/531-97c817ed-7240-48e6-8fb9-2f89f37e6f44 | 2023-06-27T01:04:28 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/johnson-county-tornado-rips-off-roofs-travels-through-lake-tears-apart-yards-in-waters-edge-neighborhood/531-97c817ed-7240-48e6-8fb9-2f89f37e6f44 |
INDIANAPOLIS — A Kokomo man suffered life-threatening injuries in a motorcycle crash late Sunday.
Just after 11 p.m. on June 25, Kokomo Police Department officers responded to the crash on Park Road just south of Markland Avenue.
A preliminary investigation indicated that a 28-year-old Kokomo man was driving a Harley Davidson motorcycle northbound on Park Road approaching Markland Avenue when, for an unknown reason, he lost control, hit a curb and was ejected.
The man was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, police said.
He was taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to an Indianapolis hospital.
Kokomo Police Department crash investigators are looking into the cause of the crash. Anyone with additional information on the incident is asked to contact the Kokomo Police Department at 765-456-7017. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/kokomo-man-seriously-injured-motorcycle-crash/531-9316f684-3301-4796-9ce5-f81d1c1317c7 | 2023-06-27T01:04:38 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/kokomo-man-seriously-injured-motorcycle-crash/531-9316f684-3301-4796-9ce5-f81d1c1317c7 |
INDIANAPOLIS — Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears has announced the date for his third annual youth basketball clinics. The event, focused on teaching children the fundamentals of basketball, will be held July 17.
Children ages 8-9 or entering grades 3 or 4 will be able to attend the first clinic between the hours of 10 a.m. and noon. The second clinic will take place between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and be open to children ages 10-12 or those entering grades 5 and 6.
The event itself is free to the public, but the office says that space is limited and registration is required to be able to attend. The clinics will be held at the Friendship Westside Center for Excellence at 3131 West 16th Street.
“Strengthening bonds between those in public safety and Indianapolis’ youth is essential for a better future for our community,” Mears said. “These basketball clinics provide a safe, fun environment and create positive experiences that lay the foundation for stronger community bonds going forward.”
The prosecutor's office intends to use these clinics to help prevent crime amongst youth in Indianapolis. They hope children's first experience with the office will be positive and encouraging rather than negative.
Parents and guardians wishing to sign their children up for the camps can do so here. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/marion-county-prosecutor-ryan-mears-set-to-host-free-annual-youth-basketball-clinics/531-61f35f3e-7e35-44bb-be87-9bead0adb484 | 2023-06-27T01:04:44 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/marion-county-prosecutor-ryan-mears-set-to-host-free-annual-youth-basketball-clinics/531-61f35f3e-7e35-44bb-be87-9bead0adb484 |
INDIANAPOLIS — The Marion County Public Health Department has teamed up with Walgreen's and the "Greater Than AIDS" organization to provide free and confidential HIV testing for Hoosiers in the Indianapolis area.
On Tuesday, June 27, two local Walgreen's pharmacies will provide the free testing while also providing counselors on site to help answer any questions individuals have regarding HIV prevention and treatment options.
Testing will be done at the Walgreen's stores located at 1530 N. Meridian St. and 3003 Kessler Boulevard North Dr. during the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m..
The MCPHD emphasizes that everyone should know their HIV status and that the only way to know for sure is by having a test done. They also note that with modern medical advancements, there are more options than ever before to help prevent HIV transmission.
Click here for more information regarding the "Greater Than AIDS" partnership with Walgreen's. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/marion-county-public-health-department-walgreens-partners-to-help-provide-free-hiv-testing/531-18125de1-87e7-4ad7-a1f6-300f31aaa74c | 2023-06-27T01:04:51 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/marion-county-public-health-department-walgreens-partners-to-help-provide-free-hiv-testing/531-18125de1-87e7-4ad7-a1f6-300f31aaa74c |
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force announced June 26 that their new website is now available for public use.
Founded in 2005, the ICAC Task Force helps to investigate and prosecute individuals who utilize the internet to sexually exploit children. This new website is intended to help provide the public with resources and options to help report potential internet crimes against children.
The website also includes statistics and other links to help protect children online.
With the launch of the new website, the ICAC hopes to encourage more Hoosiers to report online exploitation, enticement, or solicitation of children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
In 2022, the ICAC Task Force reported that they received over 14,000 tips from the NCMEC regarding the use of the internet for child sex abuse crimes.
Even as the new website rolls out to the public, the ICAC still encourages Hoosiers to report active internet crimes involving children to their local law enforcement agency.
Click here to view the brand new ICAC Task Force website. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/new-indiana-internet-crimes-against-children-icac-website-launches/531-e2291304-f9b5-4edb-86e9-a0bc61a7a27a | 2023-06-27T01:04:57 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/new-indiana-internet-crimes-against-children-icac-website-launches/531-e2291304-f9b5-4edb-86e9-a0bc61a7a27a |
INDIANAPOLIS — IMPD is investigating after a pedestrian was seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash on Indianapolis' north side late Sunday.
Around 11:30 p.m. on June 25, IMPD officers responded to the crash at the intersection of West 38th and North Illinois streets.
There they located a man with "injuries consistent with trauma" who was taken to an Indianapolis hospital in critical condition.
IMPD crash investigators responded to the scene to begin an investigation, and preliminary information indicates the man was hit by a car while crossing West 38th Street.
The car that hit the man left the scene after the crash and there is not currently any suspect or vehicle information, police said.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/pedestrian-seriously-injured-hit-and-run-crash-indianapolis-north-side/531-11866703-e765-4ea5-abe5-7cc02ee2ad71 | 2023-06-27T01:05:03 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/pedestrian-seriously-injured-hit-and-run-crash-indianapolis-north-side/531-11866703-e765-4ea5-abe5-7cc02ee2ad71 |
WEST BADEN SPRINGS, Ind. — A historic hotel in southern Indiana was extensively damaged during strong storms Sunday afternoon.
A viewer shared photos in a social media post from the West Baden Springs Hotel near French Lick.
Tim Slusher said glass in hotel's famous dome was damaged as a storm cell moved through that area. There was a tornado warning in effect at the time.
There were no injuries reported there.
It was part of a day of severe weather across parts of Indiana.
13News received this statement from hotel management late Sunday:
"Due to today’s hail storm, West Baden Springs Hotel sustained extensive hail damage. The hotel remains open to guests. However, the atrium is closed indefinitely. We are monitoring the situation closely and will keep you updated as we learn more." | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/storms-leave-damage-in-historic-west-baden-springs-tim-slusher-social/531-31cb75ac-bb34-4212-b9c3-77afe9bf54e1 | 2023-06-27T01:05:09 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/storms-leave-damage-in-historic-west-baden-springs-tim-slusher-social/531-31cb75ac-bb34-4212-b9c3-77afe9bf54e1 |
JOHNSON COUNTY, Ind. — “I was gone literally 10 minutes and that happened,” said Mandy King.
She's referring to the moment a storm struck, leaving three trees atop her Tracey Road home, just north of Bargersville.
It's damage King and her family are now trying to clean up. She said she had just left the house a few minutes earlier Sunday afternoon when she spotted a funnel cloud.
“I could see it was headed this way, that was my concern,” said King.
Concerned, too, because her 15-year-old son, Carson, was home alone and wasn’t answering the phone.
King wasn’t the only one worried.
Her 11-year-old son, Thomas, was coming home from a baseball game in Kentucky and was monitoring the weather on his phone.
“I told my dad the tornado was coming, and my dad called Carson and said, ‘Take cover! The tornadoes coming!’” Carson recalled.
That’s just what the 15-year-old did, taking cover in the bathroom with the family’s dog.
“It does sound like a train,” Carson said, describing the sounds he heard when the tornado came through.
After about 15 seconds though, there was quiet. Carson came out to see at least three trees on top of the house, with even more large branches.
“It was a disaster,” said Carson.
“We’re just praising the Lord that it wasn’t any worse. No lives lost,” said Carson’s grandmother, Cathy Johnson.
What’s ahead now is a lot of work and weeks of clean up.
“It’s going to take a while to clean up, but we’re here for every second of it,” said Thomas, showing off the hockey gloves he was wearing during the clean up efforts.
In Greenwood, residents are also focused on rebuilding.
"It was like a train. It was like a loud machine over the top of us," said Kim Olsen.
Olsen said she still can't believe what she witnessed outside her apartment on Sunday.
"I was on the front porch. I was like 'is that a tornado?' I got out in the yard and there was debris flying, birds flying everywhere. I watched it all the way through," she said.
She said things escalated quickly.
"I ran in and slammed the door at the last minute. Locked it. Ran in and jumped over my little boy in the bathtub and sat there until it was over. My ears were popping. It was the worst sound ever," said Olsen.
After seeing the tornado damage, she said she feels lucky to be alive.
"It took the roof off from the one across from me. It's gone. All I have is a busted-out window and a dent in my car from a tree," she said.
Earnest Archie is the maintenance supervisor for a nearby apartment complex. He said his phone had been ringing nonstop since the storm passed. He said he's never handled a job as big as this one, but he's not worried about it getting done.
"This is a tight-knit community, so I'm glad there were no deaths or anything like that," said Archie.
It's good news even in all the destruction. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/take-cover-johnson-county-family-recounts-moment-tornado-struck/531-5084dd1b-5c0b-4532-b83f-6b37da53fed3 | 2023-06-27T01:05:15 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/take-cover-johnson-county-family-recounts-moment-tornado-struck/531-5084dd1b-5c0b-4532-b83f-6b37da53fed3 |
SPEEDWAY, Ind. — There's no busier time in the Town of Speedway than the month of May, when hundreds of thousands of people come to see the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.
With all those people needing to stay somewhere, renting a house near the track for the weekend is definitely an option.
"We're completely fine with short-term rentals in our community," said Grant Kleinhenz, Town of Speedway town manager.
Going forward, though, town officials want to regulate short-term rentals.
A proposed ordinance would require property owners to get a one-time permit for $150 per property that they would need to renew every year at no cost.
"One of the big purposes of the permit is contact information, phone numbers, emails, addresses, mailing addresses so if there is an issue we know who to get in contact with," Kleinhenz said.
Right now, town officials estimate they have between 100 and 150 short-term rentals in Speedway. Requiring permits would give them an exact number.
Under the ordinance, property owners would be required to give short-term renters a list of rules.
"They need to follow the same rules that all of our residents follow regarding parking, noise, maintenance of the property, and upkeep of landscaping and grass, all of those things need to be done by those owners as well," Kleinhenz said.
Speedway's town council is also considering a maximum occupancy ordinance that would go hand-in-hand with the permitting one. Right now, Speedway doesn't have the kind of ordinance that regulates how many people can sleep overnight in a home depending on its size.
"So you can't sleep 35 people in a three-bedroom house," Kleinhenz said.
The ordinance has a "three strikes you're out" rule for a property with repeated violations when it comes to noise, parking, garbage and not keeping the property maintained.
If you lose your permit, you'd have to wait a year before applying again.
"I'm thankful the town is going to put some regulations on it and require permits," said longtime Speedway resident Amy Atteberry, who has used short-time rentals before and doesn't mind them in her hometown.
Her neighbor Sally Weiss, also a Speedway native, feels differently.
"People that come in and go out. We don't know who they are. We don't know if they're going to take care of the properties and parties," Weiss said.
"We've all lived next to a property that doesn't follow the rules and that can make life very very difficult," Kleinhenz said.
That's the exact scenario town officials say they're trying to prevent by requiring permits. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/town-of-speedway-indiana-considers-permit-for-short-term-rentals/531-d867df9f-16c5-4b51-8c11-c212b12dda9c | 2023-06-27T01:05:22 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/town-of-speedway-indiana-considers-permit-for-short-term-rentals/531-d867df9f-16c5-4b51-8c11-c212b12dda9c |
INDIANAPOLIS — Four people were shot and three killed during chaotic moments in the heart of Broad Ripple early Sunday morning.
Police say they've noticed trends in recent shootings there.
"A lot of times, people aren't going into any establishment, that they're openly walking around with rifles and handguns in the open through the streets and sidewalks of Broad Ripple. Drinking, which none of those things are illegal," said IMPD Assistant Chief Chris Bailey.
The Broad Ripple Village Association (BRVA) has requested a permit from the city to make the neighborhood a gun-free zone every Friday and Saturday through August.
"It's kind of our mindset right now. Whatever it takes, we're going to try to do it," said Jordan Dillon, executive director with the BRVA.
Matt Giffin, the corporation counsel with the City of Indianapolis, said there may be some difficulties proclaiming a whole area as "gun-free."
"There's a carve out in state law that says when private organizations are hosting or promoting events on public property, leased-out public property, then they can make and enforce their own rules," Giffin said. "We can't just unilaterally say that Broad Ripple is gun-free, but somebody who is hosting an event there, if they're leasing it out and if they have the proper permit, they can create a rule that can help them enforce."
The BRVA says they would love to have these streets gun free by Friday but aren't sure if things are going to be ready in time. Also, they're not sure what the boundaries of this gun-free zone will look like yet.
"Is it in one part? Is it an entire area? How many entry points are we going to have? Who's going to be manning those entry points? Are all questions we still need answers on," Dillon said.
The city will also offer up resources like extra police and technology that can identify a weapon. The city's gun-free zone permit has only been put into practice once before at the WonderRoad festival earlier this month.
"Will it 100% work here? I don't know that yet. We're talking with the city, this is a very new program," Dillon said. "I mean, obviously, there is only one event so far that has done this. It was a ticketed, single-entry concert and the village is much different than that." | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/village-broad-ripple-working-through-details-gun-free-zone-indianapolis-neighborhood/531-2e048778-7201-48c2-8f03-c2c3fbc25b30 | 2023-06-27T01:05:28 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/village-broad-ripple-working-through-details-gun-free-zone-indianapolis-neighborhood/531-2e048778-7201-48c2-8f03-c2c3fbc25b30 |
ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – A man was arrested on Monday after three young girls caught him in a lewd act along Ormond Beach, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
In a release, deputies said that 26-year-old Nolan Hernandez was arrested near the Granada approach on Monday afternoon.
IN CUSTODY: Nolan Hernandez, 26, was arrested near the Granada approach this afternoon after several people, including 3 girls 14 and under, witnessed him masturbating on the beach. He’s headed to jail. Don’t do what Nolan did or you could be featured here too. pic.twitter.com/dkFBeTvOKo
— Volusia Sheriff (@VolusiaSheriff) June 27, 2023
The release shows that several people — including three young girls ages 14 and under — saw Hernandez masturbating on the beach.
“He’s headed to jail,” the release states. “Don’t do what Nolan did or you could be featured here too.”
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/27/man-caught-in-lewd-act-by-3-girls-at-ormond-beach-deputies-say/ | 2023-06-27T01:08:06 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/27/man-caught-in-lewd-act-by-3-girls-at-ormond-beach-deputies-say/ |
AUBURN, Wash. — An Auburn woman suffered serious injuries to her left leg when she was hit while riding a motorcycle on Highway 18 Saturday afternoon.
Washington State Patrol (WSP) investigators are looking for a beige sedan or SUV believed to be responsible for the crash.
Monica Hawley said she had just wrapped up a 100-plus-mile ride along Hood Canal with friends and her husband Jim Hawley when the crash happened around 4:30 p.m. She was headed home to let the dogs out before meeting up with family for dinner.
Monica Hawley was hit on the eastbound Highway 18 off-ramp to C Street when another driver crossed the center line on the on-ramp and hit her head-on. That driver left the scene of the crash, said Hawley.
Hawley’s husband, Jim Hawley, said doctors told him it was “50-50” they’d be able to save her leg.
“I hurt just knowing how much pain she’s in and how much she has to fight to get through this,” said Jim Hawley.
Hawley said another driver stopped and attempted to stop the leg from bleeding until paramedics arrived.
“I don’t remember your name, but thank you for saving her life,” said Jim Hawley.
Jim Hawley said Monica's spirits are good, and she's determined to get better and ride again.
Detectives are asking anyone with information about the Saturday afternoon crash to contact WSP Detective Russ Haake at Russ.Haake@wsp.wa.gov.
For a daily roundup of everything you need to know for across western Washington, sign up for our 5 Things to Know email newsletter. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/auburn-motorcycle-hit-and-run/281-7d7a8923-3665-470c-8bb0-752a2c251e8d | 2023-06-27T01:10:00 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/auburn-motorcycle-hit-and-run/281-7d7a8923-3665-470c-8bb0-752a2c251e8d |
GREENSBORO — After his court appearance Monday, Brandon Bentley offered an apology to anyone at N.C. A&T who may have been frightened after his March 26 arrest there on weapons charges.
"I would never hurt anybody," Bentley, 28, said outside the courthouse. "I've followed the law my entire life."
Bentley, who attended his court hearing alone, has been free on a $100,000 secured bond since the day after his arrest. On Monday, he told Superior Court Judge Patrick Nadolski that he plans to hire his own attorney before his next court date, scheduled Aug. 28.
During the hearing, Bentley also asked the judge to drop all charges against him and wanted to explain why. The judge told Bentley that it wasn't the appropriate time to make that legal request and advised Bentley that anything he said in court could be used against him.
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As Bentley exited the courtroom into the fourth floor hallway, he appeared visibly shaken.
"It's been very emotional," he said.
While leaving the courthouse, Bentley said he had no intention of going to the A&T campus that night in March. He said he was going through a divorce and was trying to transfer some of his belongings — including his firearms — from one place to another.
According to court records, Bentley “ran right up to officers asking for help” early in the morning of March 26 because he was “terrified” of being kidnapped by a religious cult he found through social media. He explained to officers that he had the weapons because he was in fear for his life.
On Monday, Bentley told reporters that he believes his phone is tapped and that he has been investigated by the federal government for the past several years. He spoke briefly about his concerns for his safety.
Among some of the weapons seized from his vehicle in March were two handguns, two shotguns, a rifle and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, according to the Greensboro Police Department.
No weapons were used that night, and no one was injured. Bentley’s previous court history includes only some traffic charges.
Bentley was charged in March with two felonies: possession of a gun on educational property and possession of an explosive device on educational property. He also was charged with four misdemeanors: possession of a weapon on educational property (not a gun), carrying a concealed gun, driving with revoked license and reckless driving, according to court records.
After Monday's hearing, Bentley said that the "explosive" device was fireworks or a smoke bomb — not something intended to hurt anyone.
In addition to the guns and ammunition in Bentley’s 2004 Ford Mustang, officers also seized a crossbow, machete, stun gun, hatchet, knives, choking devices, pepper spray, blow dart gun, brass knuckles, sword and other assorted weaponry. The inventory of items also included one chicken foot, “holy water,” a radio receiver, a lighter, a window breaker and more.
As a condition of his release on bond, Bentley was ordered to stay away from any educational property, not just N.C. A&T.
"It's very unnerving," A&T parent Domita White of Cary said weeks after Bentley's arrest. Her daughter, she said, was among the students who were coping with anxiety and concerns about their safety.
White questioned why Bentley was on campus property with weapons.
"I understand how it looks," Bentley said on Monday.
Bentley, who described himself as spiritual and intuitive, said he hopes his apology to the A&T community is accepted.
When asked to respond to prosecutors' request in March that he have a mental health evaluation (which was denied by a judge), Bentley said Monday that he would gladly have such an evaluation if it would help his case.
"I plan to speak my truth," he said. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/crime-courts/brandon-bentley-north-carolina-agricultural-and-techological-weapons-arrest-apology-ncat/article_b2ace1ac-1459-11ee-8906-9fb3cdb2c37e.html | 2023-06-27T01:15:52 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/crime-courts/brandon-bentley-north-carolina-agricultural-and-techological-weapons-arrest-apology-ncat/article_b2ace1ac-1459-11ee-8906-9fb3cdb2c37e.html |
Judge rules in favor of Detroit to extend police, fire pension payments over 30 years
Detroit — A federal bankruptcy judge on Monday ruled in favor of the Duggan administration's plan to extend the city’s pension payment obligation for the Police Fire Retirement System over 30 years rather than 20 years, disappointing city police and fire retirees who want their pension fund to be made whole sooner.
Judge Thomas Tucker ruled in the city's favor, stating that a 30-year amortization period is "indeed part of the (bankruptcy) Plan of Adjustment and that the Police Fire Retirement System cannot change it."
"The (Plan of Adjustment) in this case provides for the very type of injunction that the city seeks here," Tucker wrote. "As the court has now ruled, the PFRS’s efforts to impose a 20-year amortization is contrary to the (plan)."
The city of Detroit would have paid $12 million more a year under the police and fire retirees' preferred 20-year amortization period, an amount the administration of Mayor Mike Duggan said was too expensive. The administration's plan to stretch out its payments results in a smaller hit to the city's coffers initially and allows it to pay off pension debts "sustainably over 30 years," according to the Duggan administration's court filing.
The payment plan is part of a city bankruptcy settlement dating from 2014 that allowed Detroit to delay retiree pension fund payments until this year. The city is set to resume contributions to its two pension funds on Saturday.
Tucker argued in his ruling that a 30-year amortization term in the Plan of Adjustment "did not and should not come as a surprise to anyone, and certainly not the PFRS." The judge said the amortization was "clear in the 40-year projections" in the city's filings from "at least as early as" May 5, 2014.
"These projections were used as a fundamental basis on which the feasibility of the city’s plan was demonstrated at trial, and on which the court found that the plan was feasible," he wrote.
The city filed the lawsuit in August to force city pension funds to stick to a 30-year payment schedule instead of a 20-year payment plan that the police and fire pension fund officials wanted. At the 30-year determined rate, the city will complete its debt obligations in 2054.
Detroit's Chief Financial Officer Jay Rising said Monday that he was pleased with Tucker's decision, adding 30 years is a "normal amortization period."
"During the bankruptcy, everyone took a share of the cuts, especially retirees. The idea was the city had a 10-year hiatus from its pension obligations that it would have to pay off in a normal period of time, which is 30 years," Rising told The Detroit News late Monday.
In the 187-page August filing, the city stated it learned shortly after its Plan of Adjustment was confirmed by the Pensioners Investment Committee that mistakes were made in calculating how much money it needed to repay. The city says its accrued pension liabilities were "understated by some $500 million" for its two legacy pension plans — the Police & Fire Retirement System and the General Retirement System.
The Police and Fire Retirement System of Detroit opposed the motion and disputed that such a 30-year amortization is part of the Plan of Adjustment. Rather, the PFRS contended that no particular amortization is part of the plan.
The PFRS Board of Trustees and the Investment Committee both voted to approve a 20-year amortization as fiduciaries to the Pension System, which would have significantly accelerated the city's payments to $12 million more per year in each of the next 20 years.
"There is disappointment that a Judge would rule to reduce future payments to the system after this 10-year hiatus in payments," said Bruce Babiarz, spokesman for the PFRS. "The difference is $70 million per year on a 30-year amortization vs. $82 million on a 20-year amortization, and that just means less money into the pension system."
The city of Detroit has about 27,000 retirees, more than city employees who are actively working. In April, some retired first responders told The News they were living paycheck to paycheck and even returning to work post-retirement to make ends meet.
The next scheduled board meeting for the PFRS is July 20. The board could vote to file a request for reconsideration, an appeal or let the ruling stand.
Balancing revenues, payments
The city legal department previously said it was obligated to argue for the 30-year amortization of payments to best prepare for what Duggan called the “pension cliff” when the city is required to resume pension payments on July 1 for its fiscal 2024 budget. Then, the city is set to make annual pension contributions totaling between $140 million and $200 million for its two retiree funds — about 12% of its general or main fund.
Over the last nine years, despite the challenges of a pandemic, Detroit has increased its revenues and reserves, building up a $473.4 million Retiree Protection Fund in preparation for restarting legacy pension payments.
The city will make payments of $135 million annually for the next 10 years before the amount increases to $154 million a year as pension reserves are exhausted and the so-called bankruptcy Grand Bargain settlement expires.
Under the bankruptcy plan of adjustment, general workers endured a 4.5% base cut in pensions and the elimination of an annual cost-of-living increase. The pensions of police and firefighters were left alone, but an annual 2.25% cost-of-living adjustment was reduced to about 1%.
Before bankruptcy, first responder retirees received about 82% of their final compensation after 35 years and 62.5% after 25 years. But now, they pay up to an average of 7% of active pay for a smaller multiplier, with the potential of working 30 years and making 60%. At 25 years, they can receive 50%.
Police and fire pensioners are also asking state lawmakers to put another $97 million in their voluntary employees' beneficiary association (VEBA) in a bid to increase the $120 monthly health care stipend.
While the Duggan administration argued for stretching out pension payments 10 extra years, officials have been painting a bright future. In his March budget presentation to the city council, Duggan touted there would be no financial doomsday at a time when everyone expected there would be a decade ago.
Rising said the city has been contributing more than $50 million each year to the budget reserve to "level out the curve of increase."
"We have to remember that, (U.S. Bankruptcy) Judge (Stephen) Rhodes and consultants were very skeptical that the city was ever going to be able to survive the Grand Bargain and become financially stable," Rising said. "A lot of people were very worried about the future of pension plans, and we've not only kept our side of the bargain, we've put away hundreds of millions of dollars to make sure that we didn't have a cliff that we're facing but turn it into a ramp."
The city's General Retirement System Board said through a spokesperson's statement: "The Board Chair expects that the city of Detroit will pay its pension obligations as per the bankruptcy, and the status of Detroit pensioners this year will remain unchanged."
Rising said he gives the retirement board credit to make sure it's maximizing in return.
"We've appreciated that and in saving $400 million over the last 10 years. It's all in the effort of making sure that retirees are paid on time, and I think this helps us do that," Rising said.
srahal@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @SarahRahal_ | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/26/bankruptcy-judge-rules-in-favor-of-detroit-to-extend-police-fire-pension-payments-over-30-years/70359062007/ | 2023-06-27T01:21:23 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/26/bankruptcy-judge-rules-in-favor-of-detroit-to-extend-police-fire-pension-payments-over-30-years/70359062007/ |
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Just eight weeks away from a special session on public safety, two Washington County, Tennessee lawmakers are trying to bring something to the table.
Gov. Bill Lee called for the special session back in May after the Covenant School shooting in Nashville.
Lee proposed an order of protection law that would enforce temporary, court-ordered forfeitures of guns from people deemed to be a threat to themselves or others.
Several Republican lawmakers have dubbed the proposal a “red flag law” and voiced their concerns for it, some even calling on Lee to cancel the special session.
But Washington County Reps. Rebecca Alexander and Tim Hicks, who are both Republicans, say there is a middle ground between protecting Second Amendment rights and keeping the public safe.
Both say they are against taking guns away from people, but said lawmakers need to do something about public safety at the session.
“I think we need to wrestle with it,” Alexander said. “Washington County did not elect me to go down there and say let’s gavel out and not do anything.”
Alexander and Hicks have been discussing the session with local stakeholders like law enforcement, judges, mental health professionals, criminal justice professors, and county commissioners.
“We just want to be educated because this affects all Tennesseans,” Alexander said. “We wanted to educate ourselves as much as we could from people that have a very important interest in what occurs down there.”
“We care about what our folks think here in East Tennessee, the professionals that work with folks,” Hicks said. “We need their input all that we can. It’s going to be a lot to cover in a short amount of time. This is an important issue and we want to be prepared for what our constituents think.”
Alexander crossed the aisle to speak with one of those stakeholders. She spoke with Washington County Commissioner Jodi Jones, a Democrat, ahead of the session.
“I think it shows that they have picked up on the ground swell of cross-party desire to see something done in our state to make us safer,” Jones said.
Alexander also spoke with Dr. Bradley Edwards, a criminal justice professor at ETSU.
Edwards said crafting policy on guns starts with these conversations with local stakeholders.
“That is really important in terms of having that cohesion and that’s often talking to a lot of different people from a lot of different areas,” Edwards said. “I’m glad that Rep. Alexander is going down that route.”
As for the order of protection proposal, Hicks said he doesn’t see it lasting long during the special session.
“I don’t see that going very far in the legislature,” Hicks said. “I don’t think it would be something that I could vote for.”
While Hicks does not agree with Lee’s proposal, Alexander said there are modifications to the order of protection that can still maintain second amendment rights.
“We can do some things like voluntarily give up your guns if you are a threat to someone,” Alexander said.
Jones recommended to Alexander to separate mental health from dangerousness on the order of protection proposal.
“Some people who have mental health problems become dangerous, but dangerousness is not part of mental health,” Jones said.
Despite his opposition to the proposal, Hicks has ideas for the session. He proposed restricting those turning 18 years old, but were convicted of a crime, from possessing guns.
“We can set up systems to really look at adolescents and students and juveniles in the justice system and set up ways to where those folks, it would be illegal for them to purchase or have a gun,” Hicks said.
Hicks said he has not drafted any legislation for the session.
He said that proposal would provide a pathway back to gun ownership if the person maintains a clean record through age 24.
The special session starts on Aug. 21. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/washington-county-lawmakers-asking-questions-ahead-of-special-session/ | 2023-06-27T01:24:35 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/washington-county-lawmakers-asking-questions-ahead-of-special-session/ |
Competitors at the Allen County 4-H Livestock Auction on Monday included, from left: Drew Dafforn and his Grand Champion Barrow pig; Megan Mosler, a 10-year 4-H member, and her Grand Champion Scan Carcass Gilt; and Kreigh Emenhiser and his Reserve Grand Champion Scan Barrow pig. The crowd that turned out in the Show Barn at the Allen County Fairgrounds on Carroil Road witnessed record sales for, below left, Dakota Hitzemann and his dairy beef feeder calf, and right, Brenna Lake and her Grand Champion Meat Wether goat.
The Allen County 4-H Livestock Auction was the last hurrah for many 10-year members, including Brenna Lake, 18, who started the auction with a bang.
Lake’s goat, the grand champion meat wether, brought in a record bid of $7,650 plus a $222.75 guaranteed market price. The bid beat the previous record of $6,175 set in 2016.
For Lake, breaking the record was a perfect way to end her time showing animals at the county fair before she goes to college in the fall. She plans to study animal science and equine business at the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio.
“We weren’t going to run the goat through the auction,” the Woodburn resident said. “We were going to run a pig. ... After (the goat) won grand champion, the guy I got it from asked me, ‘Are we going to break the record on Monday?’ ”
Lake was not the only 10-year member to break a record at Monday’s auction. Dakota Hitzemann, 18, brought in $3,850 plus a $993.30 market price for his feeder calf.
The bid is the price that those at the auction pay to purchase the animal. The market price is a value that a butcher shop gives for the animal, which also goes to the youth who raised it.
Hitzemann said he has been involved with 4-H since the summer after his third-grade year.
“Every summer I raise cattle and hogs,” the Fort Wayne resident said. “It’s what I like to do.”
Hitzemann called his last auction with 4-H bittersweet because it’s been a large part of his childhood.
“It’s been extremely influential, and I’ll be sad to leave,” he said.
Gwen Brubaker, 18, is another 10-year member who had an animal at this year’s livestock auction. Brubaker had a meat goat that received a bid of $1,100 with a guaranteed $242 market price.
Brubaker said the auction isn’t her favorite part of 4-H because she doesn’t like selling animals, but she was sad because it was her last year to participate. The Huntertown resident has a younger brother, Evan, and Brubaker said she’s excited to help him with 4-H in the future.
“It’s a part of me,” Brubaker said. “This has been 10 years of memories and hanging out with my friends. It’s something I won’t ever be able to replace.” | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/10-year-4-h-members-reflect-on-final-livestock-auction/article_5a7417dc-1461-11ee-b3d1-f3139a9468a7.html | 2023-06-27T01:25:34 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/10-year-4-h-members-reflect-on-final-livestock-auction/article_5a7417dc-1461-11ee-b3d1-f3139a9468a7.html |
Arts United on Monday announced more than $138,000 in awards from the Regional Arts Council Capacity Grants.
The council is a collaborative entity created by Arts United to serve members by connecting, developing and advocating for arts and culture organizations in northeast Indiana, a news release said.
The capacity grant program provides funding to members of the council that want to improve artist or educational equality; develop, grow or reach new audiences; build or expand a fundraising program or donor base; engage, train or retain staff or volunteers; or take action steps toward inclusion, diversity, equity and access.
The following recipients received $10,000: ARCH, Artlink, Believe in a Dream, FAME, Fire & Light Productions, Fort Wayne Ballet, Fort Wayne Civic Theatre, Fort Wayne Dance Collective, Fort Wayne Philharmonic and Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts.
Other recipients include Downtown Fort Wayne, $9,000; Fort Wayne Trails, $7,693; Fort Wayne Youtheatre, $5,000; the History Center, $8,340; and Three Rivers Music Theatre, $8,000.
For more information about the Regional Arts Council or capacity grants, go online to www.artsunited.org. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/arts-united-announces-regional-arts-council-capacity-grants-recipients/article_50e178a6-145f-11ee-be60-ebb957d3d824.html | 2023-06-27T01:25:40 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/arts-united-announces-regional-arts-council-capacity-grants-recipients/article_50e178a6-145f-11ee-be60-ebb957d3d824.html |
Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control Adoption Center will now open its doors the first Saturday of each month for the rest of the year, the city department announced Monday.
The shelter is typically closed on weekends but is adding hours from 9 a.m. to noon on the first Saturday of each month in hopes of finding homes for shelter pets, the news release said.
Adoption fees range from $15 to $125. Adoptions are handled on a first come, first serve basis, the news release said.
“FWACC staff and volunteers do everything possible to ensure the shelter pets are well cared for and meet their needs,” the news release said. “However, nothing beats the security of a loving home.”
The adoption center requires potential adopters to bring children ages 5 and below to meet the adoption animal. It also requires that people bring their dogs to meet potential adoption dogs.
People interested in adoptions can go online to fwacc.org to view available animals and to fill out adoption applications. The shelter is located at 3020 Hillegas Road. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/fort-wayne-animal-care-control-to-open-for-first-saturday-of-each-month/article_759c8ffa-1464-11ee-9bc1-e30bf99f3a38.html | 2023-06-27T01:25:47 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/fort-wayne-animal-care-control-to-open-for-first-saturday-of-each-month/article_759c8ffa-1464-11ee-9bc1-e30bf99f3a38.html |
TAMPA, Fla. — Law enforcement arrested a 21-year-old accused of hitting a man with his Jeep and charged him with homicide after the victim died at the hospital, according to Tampa police.
Jordan Aronson was arrested Friday, June 23, in Fort Lauderdale.
The Tampa Police Department says its officers on the morning of Tuesday, June 13, responded to the South Tampa area of Harbor View and MacDill avenues where Aronson had called and said he hit a man.
Aronson claimed the man, said to be in his late 50s, tried to attack him and he needed medical attention. Tampa Fire Rescue found the man and took him to an area hospital, where he underwent treatment for injuries sustained to his skull and brain. He, too, was placed on a ventilator.
Surveillance video supported Aronson's statements to police, however, something didn't line up, police said.
The video showed Aronson backing his Jeep into the road at the time the man picks up a binder, runs toward the SUV and throws it at the vehicle, police said. Aronson then "quickly" drives forward into a driveway and hits the man, they added.
"As the victim began to fall to the driver's side of the vehicle, Aronson turned the vehicle towards that same side, appearing to track the falling victim," police continued in a statement.
Aronson's Jeep stopped as it appeared to hit a tree, with the man on the ground next to the tree and the SUV's tire, police said.
The man died Wednesday, June 21, at the hospital, which was when investigators say they were able to reclassify the case as a homicide. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/man-charged-homicide-deadly-crash-tampa/67-ec09a6c3-eec3-47ac-9afb-16ac8ae38abf | 2023-06-27T01:26:36 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/man-charged-homicide-deadly-crash-tampa/67-ec09a6c3-eec3-47ac-9afb-16ac8ae38abf |
ANNA MARIA, Fla. — Officials in Manatee County say they are launching the first phase of repairing the water main break that's been impacting water use on Anna Maria Island.
Phase one of the emergency repairs will include replacing and installing a new pipe in the area, officials say.
The completion of the first step to get things back on track is expected by Friday, June 30. However, officials say people living in the area, vacationers and businesses are being asked to conserve water as much as possible for the time being.
A catastrophic water main break back on June 19 caused a temporary loss of water pressure to Anna Maria Island. Some customers lost water service altogether for some time.
The water main line located on Anna Maria Island Bridge that leads into Anna Maria Island blew out and luckily no one was hurt at the time.
North River Fire Rescue donated a 2,000-plus gallon tanker to serve as a backup water supply in the case of a fire emergency. A water boat also stood by to use salt water to put out a fire if needed.
There was a temporary loss of water pressure in Holmes Beach, another city on Anna Maria Island, and in the city of Anna Maria. However, that was restored quickly, officials said. Utility crews responded quickly and capped the water main off and pressure was restored to the island.
Phase two of repairs is expected to begin after the Independence Day weekend, but crews say it could still take several weeks before everything is fixed and completed.
10 Tampa Bay's Adaure Achumba contributed to this report. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/manateecounty/repairs-anna-maria-island-water-main-break/67-ae7bda07-9f3a-4946-8176-8f59f5b56d0d | 2023-06-27T01:26:43 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/manateecounty/repairs-anna-maria-island-water-main-break/67-ae7bda07-9f3a-4946-8176-8f59f5b56d0d |
DUNEDIN, Fla. — Sheriff Bob Gualtieri called the shooting on the night of June 15 at a home in Dunedin Cove a "lawful but awful" misunderstanding — a "clear example" of Florida's "stand your ground" law.
Gualtieri said the shooting happened just after 9 p.m. at the home on Concord Drive. Bradley Hocevar, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, and his wife, Jana, were watching a movie. His wife went out to the kitchen and heard a noise outside on the pool deck in their screened-in lanai.
Jana Hocevar reportedly peeked out the sliding doors behind the closed blinds and saw a man she didn't recognize. She told her husband and then called 911.
Bradley Hocevar reportedly shouted from inside repeatedly for the person to leave. But Jana Hocevar kept hearing a noise outside. Eventually, her husband grabbed an assault rifle and hid behind his couch and waited.
What the Hocevars didn't know was the man outside was Karl Polek, a pool cleaner with Bay Area Pool Techs, a local pool company, Gualtieri said. He had been cleaning the Hocevars' pool for more than six months. He would later tell deputies he had been in the neighborhood cleaning pools but was running behind.
Polek admitted he probably should have let the family know he was there since the pool company usually would clean in the afternoon and never after dark, the sheriff's office said.
After continuing to hear noises outside and seeing a flashlight move toward the door, Bradley Hocevar racked his rifle, aimed and fired two shots at the sliding doors that were still obscured by the closed blinds.
Security camera footage in the lanai shows Polek startled by the shots and then running away. Gualtieri said he wasn't shot but was instead hit by shrapnel from the broken glass doors.
Less than a minute later, Bradley Hocevar would fire again, unleashing 28 more rounds.
Gualtieri said this shooting was a "clear" example of Florida's "castle doctrine," also known as the "stand your ground" law. The state expanded upon the "castle doctrine" premise in 2005: Florida's "stand your ground" law extends a person's "castle" with no duty to retreat to anywhere you're legally allowed to be.
It comes with the presumption you had a reasonable fear to use deadly force.
After the shooting, deputies arrived. It was then they saw the pool tech's van outside the Hocevars' home
Polek reportedly told deputies he had arrived at the home via the screened-in lanai with his equipment but couldn't find the lights. He did not knock on the home's door or call them to let the Hocevars he was there, the sheriff's office said.
Gualtieri said that Polek likely didn't hear Bradley Hocevar shouting from the home to go away because he was searching for the pool deck lights at the time.
A few minutes after he arrived, Polek left the pool deck to grab a flashlight from his truck, the sheriff said. It was that flashlight Bradley Hocevar saw, leading him to shoot.
"The only thing that lined up right here is that Polek didn't get shot," Gualtieri said.
The sheriff said while Polek was hurt by shrapnel, he was treated at the hospital and released the same night. No charges will be filed. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/florida-stand-your-ground-shooting-pool-tech-dunedin/67-48a2721b-a94b-4387-a398-73672aff0ec7 | 2023-06-27T01:26:49 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/florida-stand-your-ground-shooting-pool-tech-dunedin/67-48a2721b-a94b-4387-a398-73672aff0ec7 |
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A search is ongoing for a man who flipped his truck and ran from the vehicle following a chase that started on Interstate 275, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers say they tried to stop the truck Monday morning on I-275 and 54th Street. When the driver didn't stop, a chase began.
Following a 2-mile pursuit north on the highway, the truck crashed and overturned at Gandy Boulevard and I-275. Its driver then ran off.
Florida troopers and local law enforcement continue to search for the man, FHP said in a statement. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/gandy-i275-rollover-crash-search-florida-highway-patrol/67-58d84b67-7f24-4745-8701-e45daf31db2f | 2023-06-27T01:26:55 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/gandy-i275-rollover-crash-search-florida-highway-patrol/67-58d84b67-7f24-4745-8701-e45daf31db2f |
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — A family-run drug operation that spans at least three generations was uncovered this week during an investigation in Winter Haven, the Polk County Sheriff's Office reports.
Sheriff Grady Judd detailed the multi-agency operation during a news conference on Monday.
"It’s a family affair. It’s a generational event," he said. "These folks have created death and destruction for many many families for a very long time."
Deputies conducted three search warrants on June 22, two in the area of 37th Avenue and one on Avenue M in the Inwood area of Winter Haven. They led to the seizure of $139,149 worth of drugs and 12 arrests.
Deputies say they seized:
- 1,365.97 grams of methamphetamine
- 980.13 grams of cocaine
- 900.88 grams of MDMA
- 224.06 grams of fentanyl
- 157.78 grams of marijuana
- 8.88 grams of Oxycodone
- 202 prescription pills
- One pill press
- One 9mm handgun
The 12 arrests included several members of the Rogers family, who have been "trafficking drugs and committing other crimes" in the same neighborhood since the 1980s, the sheriff's office said.
“These folks aren't new to us. The Rogers family has been around for decades," Judd said.
One of the men arrested was 69-year-old Odia Rogers, who Judd described as the "patriarch of the family." He began his crime career 30 years ago and remains in prison, according to the sheriff.
His girlfriend, 59-year-old Theresa Prince, was also arrested in connection to drug distribution but has bonded out of jail.
One of Odia's sons, 38-year-old Kenneth Rogers, was arrested as well. Judd described him as the current head of the drug trafficking organization. Kenneth has had multiple prior arrests, including a major drug trafficking charge in 2020 that he hasn't been to trial for yet.
The other Rogers siblings arrested in this operation include 39-year-old Rafel Rogers, 31-year-old Tameka Rogers and 28-year-old Dominique Rogers.
According to the sheriff, Dominique is currently wanted in Manatee County on two counts of second-degree murder. Judd said he is also under investigation for providing fentanyl that led to the death of a 19-year-old girl.
Rafel's son, 21-year-old Jordan Rogers, was also arrested. The sheriff's office said he was caught with a pill press and a "litany of drugs."
"He’s following the same pattern. He’s living what he’s learned at home his entire life, and that’s sad," Judd said.
Multiple juveniles arrested in the operation were not blood relatives of the Rogers family but were living in the same environment, according to the sheriff's office.
"Members of the Rogers family are very well known to law enforcement and have been arrested many times over the years. They have been a cancer in the Inwood community for a long time, exposing families there to unwanted drug activity, gangs, violence and more. We want these families to know that we're doing everything in our power to put a stop to it," Judd said.
You can watch Sheriff Judd's full news conference below. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/polkcounty/sheriff-grady-judd-family-drug-bust-arrests-winter-haven/67-5d794671-7370-4c84-b141-332b28e4824f | 2023-06-27T01:27:01 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/polkcounty/sheriff-grady-judd-family-drug-bust-arrests-winter-haven/67-5d794671-7370-4c84-b141-332b28e4824f |
NORTH PORT, Fla. — North Port residents say they don't want high-density development near Warm Mineral Springs Park, according to the findings of a recent city survey. This comes after an uproar from neighbors about potential development plans.
Hurricane Ian destroyed what was an already dilapidated facility and forced the City of North Port to shut it down and only keep access to the lake open to the public. The main buildings in the park are fenced off for repairs.
Many tourists from around the world come to the springs because they believe in its healing elements. Some of them, like many locals, are hoping the current renovation plans don't lead to over-development of the area. Some said that even though the lake is always filled up with people, it is beginning to lose its allure because of negative impacts on the environment.
"Sponge limestone is very sensitive," Ludiwika Glowacki, 84, who lives in North Port said.
Glowacki said her first visit was in 1981 with some friends from college. She would frequent the springs with her family and said she lost her wedding ring inside the lake which has led to a family joke that she was engaged to the springs.
"This lake is not like it was before," she said.
Many residents had expressed dissatisfaction with an $18 million public-private partnership proposal to develop a hotel on about 60 acres nearby. The proposal also presented a plan that would commercialize the park and put the control of managing the park in the hands of the developers.
But in the survey, around 92% of 1,600 participants, 959 of whom were residents, were in support of low-intensity development.
They were also open to minimal commercial activity like wellness services, a spa, or a restaurant. Many said they don't want over-development because they're worried about the ecosystem.
"I think there should be a buffer around this place and the waterways that it goes to and that may runoff to connect into it, so that they are protected," Annie Botticelli, a North Port woman, said. "Those types of things need to be evaluated and if people are making money off of it they should pay for that."
"If we create something awesome here that is the model for sustainability of how people can utilize a beautiful resource like this while keeping it intact and protecting it, then that can become the new norm," she added.
Some also want to see nature trails, investments in restoration, and that the spring remains City-owned.
"The people have spoken to say that low intensity should be the vision," North Port City Manager Jerome Fletcher said. "We will meet that vision but first let us sort of flesh that out and find out what that really means and what it looks like."
With more than 80,000 residents, North Port is among the fastest-growing cities in the county and is in need of supporting development
City leaders say they're taking in all the feedback and are committed to environmental sustenance, eliminating blight and uplifting the area to better appeal to visitors and residents alike.
"What I will get for Warm Mineral Springs is a facility that has been improved well enough so that we can all, within the city, can put our name on it to be proud of what is there," Fletcher said.
"My goal has always been to improve it to the point of the pride of this community deserves, and that's what will happen, one way or the other, and I believe that the other things that are mentioned as to the desirables there, of low intensity will be kept intact as well."
The City of North Port commissioners will discuss the findings of the survey in detail at the July 10th workshop. They will also hear various recommendations that citizens can share their views on. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/sarasotacounty/north-port-warm-mineral-springs/67-8fd8507f-8554-43db-add1-7190c47d4c18 | 2023-06-27T01:27:07 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/sarasotacounty/north-port-warm-mineral-springs/67-8fd8507f-8554-43db-add1-7190c47d4c18 |
SCHERERVILLE — A Merrillville man faces charges after allegedly fleeing from police and driving directly at officers multiple times.
Police filed 11 charges on Damaree Garner, 20, on Friday. Charges include battery, criminal recklessness, resisting law enforcement and reckless driving.
On Thursday, police said in reports that they noticed a gray Acura with an obstructed license plate swerving between all lanes of traffic. When the officers' siren and emergency lights were used at West Lincoln Hwy and Taft St. in Schererville, they witnessed Garner dodge vehicles, veer off-road and head southbound on Merrillville Rd.
Garner drove over 80 mph in a 30 mph zone while speeding past pedestrians, stop signs and red traffic lights. Vehicles blocked Garner at the Merrillville Rd. and 93rd Ave. intersection, and an officer and his canine partner exited their vehicle.
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As the officer removed his sidearm, Garner's vehicle reportedly headed straight at the two. This supposedly happened a second time when Garner's vehicle rolled to a stop at Merrillville Rd. and 95th Ave.
An apparent vehicle malfunction caused Garner to eventually stop, and the probable cause affidavit said he was taken to the ground by canine Dado.
Police said Garner was operating a vehicle after never receiving a license and there was approximately seven grams of cannabis in his car's center console.
Garner's next court date is scheduled for July 5 in Judge Samuel Cappas's courtroom.
What you missed this week in notable Northwest Indiana crimes and court cases
This week's local crime and court updates from The Times.
Marcus Ross, 29, was originally charged with murder and criminal recklessness, according to court records. A jury found Ross guilty of a lower charge — voluntary manslaughter — on May 11.
Brandon Pintler, 35, was charged on Tuesday with three counts of operating while intoxicated. The first count was charged as a felony and the other two counts were charged as misdemeanors.
Davion Dean, 27, was charged on Thursday with two counts of murder, and three counts of attempted robbery, court records stated.
The Indiana Court of Appeals has determined that an Ogden Dunes couple is allowed to challenge the building of a home that would block their view of Lake Michigan.
At least 23 people were shot, one fatally, early Sunday during a gathering in a parking lot that drew hundreds of people in suburban Chicago, authorities said.
A jury found Kevin Varner, 51 guilty of murder, unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and firearm enhancement.
Roger Mashburn, 29, was charged in August 2020 with rape and battery, according to court records. Jurors deliberated for about two hours before returning with the not guilty verdict.
Tyler McHenry, 26, was charged with stalking, criminal confinement and invasion of privacy, which are Level 6 felonies; and a misdemeanor count of invasion of privacy.
Joseph R. Eyer, 52, was charged in 2020 with three counts of child molestation, a single count of sexual misconduct and a single count of sexual battery, according to court records. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/police-say-merrillville-mans-car-almost-struck-officers-in-vehicle-chase/article_bb0124a4-1453-11ee-bef4-8f25a4da0f9e.html | 2023-06-27T01:43:11 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/police-say-merrillville-mans-car-almost-struck-officers-in-vehicle-chase/article_bb0124a4-1453-11ee-bef4-8f25a4da0f9e.html |
TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating a hit-and-run crash that killed a 26-year-old man and his 3-year-old daughter in western Travis County on Friday.
DPS said the incident happened around 10:24 p.m. at 5508 Delta Post Dr.
A preliminary investigation shows a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling south on Delta Post Drive when it “failed to give one half of the roadway” and struck a Kawasaki Brute Force 300 Utility ATV head-on.
The man and his daughter were riding the ATV, and both died at the scene. The driver of the Chevrolet left the scene of the crash, according to DPS.
An investigation into the crash is currently ongoing. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas-dps-hit-and-run-crash-father-3-year-old-daughter/269-f3a77b8f-9678-4f48-9fc4-e57881435a86 | 2023-06-27T01:45:40 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas-dps-hit-and-run-crash-father-3-year-old-daughter/269-f3a77b8f-9678-4f48-9fc4-e57881435a86 |
WACO, Texas — The Cameron Park Zoo announced that a 6-foot-7-inch female Masai giraffe was born at the zoo on Friday, June 23.
According to the zoo, at around 5:10 a.m. Friday morning, the 156-pound baby came into this world.
The unnamed giraffe is the daughter of Penelope, who came from the San Diego Zoo, and Dane, who came from the Santa Barbara Zoo.
The zoo says that this birth is important due to the Masai giraffes being endangered. This is the second calf that Penelope and Dane have had.
In order to figure out the proper name for this new-born giraffe, the Cameron Park Zoological & Botanical Society is hosting a naming contest from Tuesday, June 26 through Sunday, July 9.
Participants will be able to pay five dollars to cast their vote for any of the following names:
- Adelaide
- Kalani
- Kira
- Zuri
The zoo says all of the funds raised in the naming contest will be donated to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.
If you are interested in voting, visit here.
Also on KCENTV.com: | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/cameron-park-zoo-announces-the-birth-of-female-masai-giraffe-name-yet-to-be-decided/500-fbe1b9fb-df20-4138-a813-9aec899999b4 | 2023-06-27T01:50:18 | 0 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/cameron-park-zoo-announces-the-birth-of-female-masai-giraffe-name-yet-to-be-decided/500-fbe1b9fb-df20-4138-a813-9aec899999b4 |
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — In November, Beverly McCall will challenge fellow Ocean City resident E. Marie Hayes for the job of Cape May County surrogate, after a successful write-in campaign.
Going in to the primary election, county Democrats had no candidate for either surrogate, or to challenge Republican incumbent Robert Nolan, who is seeking an additional term as sheriff.
On June 12, members of the Cape May County Democratic Committee voted to endorse McCall for surrogate after she received more than the 100 votes needed to be placed on the ballot as a party candidate.
McCall is an attorney practicing family law, and has experience in corporate, civil and criminal law, according to background provided by Cape Democrats. She has worked on matters involving bankruptcy, real estate and probate law.
She also is a commissioner on the Ocean City Housing Authority and the Cape May County trustee for the Ocean Wind Pro-NJ Grantor Trust, which administers funds to minority-owned and women-owned businesses, small businesses and municipalities.
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She is the widow of Frank McCall, a former member of the Ocean City Council and mayor of Wildwood Crest who had served as Cape May County’s emergency management coordinator.
“Cape May County Democratic Committee is proud to endorse Beverly McCall, Esq., as a Democrat for (Cape May County) Surrogate,” said county Democratic leader Marie Blistan in a recent prepared statement. “Her expertise with all legal matters related to this important office is crucial to ensure our Cape May residents have the best services available. Her years of legal success and breadth of services working for families and people in need as well as her compassion for people in crisis will be an excellent resource for our county. I can think of no better candidate for this office and we are thrilled to support her election.”
Hayes is a current member of the county governing body who has decided to run for surrogate. She ran unopposed for the Republican nomination. Dean Marcolongo, the former surrogate, was named Superior Court judge this year. Each county has a surrogate who handles wills, matters related to guardianship and adoption and other matters.
McCall received 144 write-in votes in the primary, according to the tally posted on capemaycountyvotes.com, the election website maintained through the county clerk’s office.
That was out of 179 write-in votes cast for the Democratic nomination for surrogate. Three of those were blank, while others went to local attorneys, a realtor and other individuals, including one for Donald Duck.
There were write-in votes in every county race, from Democrats and Republicans. While there are occasionally successful write-in campaigns, more often those writing in candidates do not expect any result. There were also votes for Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse and one Democrat supported Barney Fife for sheriff, the name of Don Knott’s character from “The Andy Griffith Show.” One voter wrote in “Stop Wind Turbines” instead of a name for the Democratic Assembly nominee.
Some Republicans also used their right to write-in a candidate to support Batman for sheriff, the late Tina Turner for county commission, and multiple other names. In each race, there were primary votes that wrote in simply “protest vote.” | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/write-in-campaign-earns-beverly-mccall-democratic-nomination-for-cape-may-county-surrogate/article_0f5608fa-1461-11ee-8e47-43aeb0bba569.html | 2023-06-27T01:52:47 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/write-in-campaign-earns-beverly-mccall-democratic-nomination-for-cape-may-county-surrogate/article_0f5608fa-1461-11ee-8e47-43aeb0bba569.html |
The ties between the Millville High School and Syracuse University football teams got a little deeper Monday night.
Thunderbolts defensive back/wide receiver Ta’Ron Haile announced via Twitter that he has committed to attend Syracuse on an NCAA Division I scholarship.
Haile, who will be a senior in the fall, helped Millville win the state Group IV title last season. He made 43 tackles and intercepted two passes. Haile also caught 48 passes for 677 yards and was named a first-team Press All-Star.
I will be committing to Syracuse University🍊🍊!!! @CoachBabersCuse @CoachDT_Cuse @WRCoachmj @CuseFootball pic.twitter.com/1oD1i0BKQi
— Ta’Ron Haile || 3⭐️ (@taronh80) June 26, 2023
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Haile will join a former teammate, LeQuint Allen, and a former coach, Dennis Thomas, at Syracuse.
Allen, the 2021 Press Player of the Year, rushed for 274 yards as a freshman running back for Syracuse last fall.
Thomas was Millville’s head coach from 2015-21. He finished with a 52-24 record. After spending last fall an an assistant at Rutgers University, he joined the Syracuse staff as the school’s director of high school relations this past winter.
Millville is again expected to be one of the state’s top teams during the upcoming season. Millville will open the season Aug. 25 against defending state Group V champion Toms River North in a Battle at the Beach showcase game in Ocean City. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/millville-football-standout-commits-to-syracuse/article_5888f310-1485-11ee-a7e0-27bfd1215d09.html | 2023-06-27T01:52:53 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/millville-football-standout-commits-to-syracuse/article_5888f310-1485-11ee-a7e0-27bfd1215d09.html |
Below is a rolling list of storm updates across metro Richmond this Monday evening. Download The Times-Dispatch app for weather updates while you're on the go.
8 p.m.
Strongest storms moving across the West End and continuing into Hanover County — including Ashland — with wind gusts to 60 mph, through about 8:45 p.m. Expect a scattering of tree damage and potential power outages.
Final wave of thunderstorms will cross the central and west side of the metro area between 9 and 10 p.m., then the threat of storms will subside for the night. Isolated damage is still possible before those storms clear by 10 p.m.
6:10 pm.
— Sean Sublette (@SeanSublette) June 26, 2023
Cirrus canopy of the current Fork Union and Louisa storms, as seen from Midlothian. #vawx pic.twitter.com/b4MyR2VF06
6:30 p.m.
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Intense cluster of thunderstorms continues from Fork Union to Louisa on a slow movement east toward Hanover and Goochland Counties. These storms have produced hail the size of ping pong balls (1.5" diameter), and have brought down trees near Zion Crossroads in Fluvanna County. Power outages are increasing in Fluvanna County.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Richmond VA, Tuckahoe VA and Mechanicsville VA until 8:30 PM EDT. This storm will contain wind gusts to 70 MPH! pic.twitter.com/ALLbnUcHyi
— NWS Wakefield (@NWSWakefieldVA) June 27, 2023
A second area of storms near Farmville and Brookneal is strengthening and moving northeast toward Prince Edward and Amelia County, on a bearing to arrive in Chesterfield County after 8 p.m.
**
5:30 p.m.
Strongest storms now within 50 miles of western Henrico County. Hail and wind gusts to 60 mph within these storms. This cluster is moving eastward at 20 mph, so they would not likely arrive in Short Pump, Wyndham, and Glen Allen until after 7 p.m.
**
5:14 p.m.
Severe weather warning for Richmond 3-11 PM. Risk rating 3/5, wind gusts 60-75 mph. Charge devices, avoid flooded roads, bring outdoor items indoors. Stay updated. Call Homeward for homeless assistance. 5 libraries open until 8 PM. City Hall open for refuge at 4 PM. Stay safe. pic.twitter.com/wFLyKVpQmK
— City of Richmond, VA (@CityRichmondVA) June 26, 2023
The Chesterfield Fire and EMS investigating a drowning have called off recovery efforts on the Swift Creek Reservoir. Police were called Sunday evening to help rescue personnel in the Swift Creek Reservoir in the 5700 block of Promontory Pointe Road. Fire department officials said they will be back on site Tuesday.
**
5 p.m.
Nearest storms remain 60 miles west of Richmond and continue moving eastward. No threat to Richmond through at least 6 p.m. But those storms will cross into Buckingham and Fluvanna Counties in the next hour with heavy rain and vivid lightning.
**
4:30 p.m.
Strongest storms remain along the U.S. 29 corridor between Charlottesville and Amherst. These storms are moving east and will largely miss the core of metro Richmond this evening, impacting areas from Ashland to Fredericksburg. However, more storms are expected to develop upstream from Richmond in the coming hours.
**
4:12 p.m.
Henrico County Public Schools has announced that due to inclement weather expected later this evening, and out of an abundance of caution, all after-school and extracurricular programs and activities are canceled after 4:30 p.m. today, June 26. All HCPS schools and offices will also be closing at 4:30 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
Thunderstorms remain several dozen miles west of metropolitan Richmond, with the first area of rain likely arriving after 6 p.m.
**
3:30 p.m.
New Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been added southward from the one in northern Virginia, now includes all of metro Richmond and areas southwestward to the Roanoke Valley and southward to the North Carolina state line.
The Watch in metro Richmond continues until 10 p.m.
The primary threats are for scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 miles per hour and isolated large hail upwards of 1.5 inches in diameter — roughly the size of a ping pong ball.
Thunderstorm development will accelerate in the coming few hours, with the greatest threats being large hail and damaging winds.
**
3 p.m.
Clouds are beginning to fill in west and southwest of Richmond, with new storms starting to generate westward near Smith Mountain Lake and across Franklin County. This is the area upstream from Richmond to be monitored for additional development in the coming few hours.
But no imminent threat to metro Richmond for at least 1-2 hours.
**
2:30 p.m.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch for northern Virginia, where storm development has started earliest.
A Watch means conditions are rapidly becoming favorable for damaging thunderstorms with high winds and hail. The Watch does not include any of metro Richmond, but more thunderstorm development is expected upstream from Richmond as afternoon evolves into evening.
***
2 p.m.
A Flood Watch continues until 2 a.m. Tuesday morning for metro Richmond and areas eastward, as thunderstorms may produce enough rain for flooding of small streams and creeks and in urban areas with poor drainage.
***
1:45 p.m.
Risk of thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts remains for late this afternoon and early this evening across metro Richmond.
No imminent threat of thunderstorms, but clouds are beginning to blossom along the Blue Ridge and areas to the west, which is the expected genesis area of the storms this afternoon. | https://richmond.com/news/local/weather/updates-severe-thunderstorm-watch-in-richmond-region-until-10-p-m/article_287ec20c-1445-11ee-87f0-6b58c1984ae6.html | 2023-06-27T01:52:59 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/weather/updates-severe-thunderstorm-watch-in-richmond-region-until-10-p-m/article_287ec20c-1445-11ee-87f0-6b58c1984ae6.html |
Meteorologist Sean Sublette follows the approach of intense thunderstorms toward the metro Richmond area.
Meteorologist Sean Sublette follows the approach of intense thunderstorms toward the metro Richmond area.
Tropical Storm Bret is one of only a handful of June tropical cyclones to form in the open tropical Atlantic Ocean. While it's unusual, Meteor…
Tropical Storm Bert is a strong tropical storm as of 11 a.m. Thursday. It is poised to hit the Lesser Antilles Friday. In its wake is Tropical…
Friday Cheers, the Friday night concert series typically held on Brown’s Island, is moving indoors this week to The National due to forecasted…
Due to the threat of inclement weather, Wednesday’s Music at Maymont featuring Lettuce, Steel Pulse and Makua Rothman is being moved to Richmo…
Higher humidity and more breaks of sun mean it will feel more like summer again
Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. | https://richmond.com/news/local/weather/watch-at-7-p-m---storm-coverage-livestream/article_11887714-1472-11ee-a5e6-43962d014157.html | 2023-06-27T01:53:05 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/weather/watch-at-7-p-m---storm-coverage-livestream/article_11887714-1472-11ee-a5e6-43962d014157.html |
ALBANY, N.Y. — Former Albany Empire players and coaches plan to former a class-action lawsuit against team owner Antonio Brown for non-payment of their final game checks, coach Moe Leggett told the Albany Times-Union.
Players that were signed up for direct deposit were paid after the team’s 68-24 loss to the Orlando Predators at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida on June 9.
But after the National Arena League kicked the Empire out for Brown failing to make required dues payments on June 15, those payments were reversed and deducted from players’ bank accounts. Players that were not signed up for direct deposit say they have not been paid.
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/albany-players-plan-class-action-suit-against-antonio-brown/RGTOX4FLNZH4TIWFGHQJOWTYBA/ | 2023-06-27T01:54:39 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/albany-players-plan-class-action-suit-against-antonio-brown/RGTOX4FLNZH4TIWFGHQJOWTYBA/ |
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — A couple from Virginia has been sentenced to prison time for bank robberies that spanned three states, including Pennsylvania.
According to a news release, William Birdsall, 51, was sentenced to 20 years after pleading guilty to bank robbery and Jaqueline Havens, 56, was sentenced to 36 months for hiding stolen money.
Birdsall, who previously served 15 years for robberies, hit a series of banks across Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia over eight months.
More than $162,000 was stolen between the robberies.
After the robberies, Havens assisted with hiding the money and spending it on vehicles, her mortgage and a down payment on land.
The news release said Birdsall must pay $162,475 in restitution and Havens is jointly responsible for $129,300 of that amount.
Birdsall and Havens were ordered to forfeit the purchased vehicles, a firearm and cash.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/couple-sentenced-prison-time-bank-robberies-spanning-3-states-including-pennsylvania/LIX37SKGE5HN7MHRQTKRVPGYLU/ | 2023-06-27T01:54:45 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/couple-sentenced-prison-time-bank-robberies-spanning-3-states-including-pennsylvania/LIX37SKGE5HN7MHRQTKRVPGYLU/ |
PITTSBURGH — Gas prices have dipped in western Pennsylvania ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
According to AAA, the average price in the region is $3.642, which is down more than $1 from this time last year.
Last week, the average price was $3.655. On June 27, 2022, the average price was $4.979.
AAA compiled a list of average prices in nearby areas:
$3.731 Beaver
$3.669 Butler
$3.667 Greensburg
$3.695 Indiana
$3.636 Jeannette
$3.696 Kittanning
$3.676 Latrobe
$3.709 Mercer
$3.491 New Castle
$3.685 New Kensington
$3.696 Oil City
$3.695 Pittsburgh
$3.566 Uniontown
$3.699 Warren
$3.609 Washington
For a look at prices near you, click here.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/gas-prices-dip-western-pennsylvania-ahead-holiday-weekend/5TJHQ73NH5AQBHMIWSSEEI2UBI/ | 2023-06-27T01:54:51 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/gas-prices-dip-western-pennsylvania-ahead-holiday-weekend/5TJHQ73NH5AQBHMIWSSEEI2UBI/ |
LIGONIER, Pa. — Idlewild & SoakZone will be closed Tuesday, due to inclement weather in the forecast.
The park made the announcement Monday evening.
All tickets dated for Tuesday, June 27, will be valid any other date in 2023.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/idlewild-soakzone-be-closed-tuesday-inclement-weather/SJM3FA5NLVE23JMBPI4XJ4EZQE/ | 2023-06-27T01:54:57 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/idlewild-soakzone-be-closed-tuesday-inclement-weather/SJM3FA5NLVE23JMBPI4XJ4EZQE/ |
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang was honored by the hockey community Monday at the NHL Awards in Nashville. After returning to play just a couple of weeks after a stroke and pushing through the sudden loss of his father at mid-season, Letang still posted a stellar season.
Letang, 35, was awarded the Masteron Trophy as voted by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. The trophy, awarded since 1967, goes “to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.”
Letang suffered a stroke in late November, as it was announced on Nov. 30. He missed only 10 before returning to practice.
Read more from our partners at Sports Now Group Pittsburgh.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/letang-wins-masterton-overcomes-strokes-family-loss/D543L6W3MBHRFOTMGNN2NJ6TYU/ | 2023-06-27T01:55:03 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/letang-wins-masterton-overcomes-strokes-family-loss/D543L6W3MBHRFOTMGNN2NJ6TYU/ |
Calling all patriots: 55+ community has special requirement
A retirement community to be built in Gastonia will have an unusual focus: American patriotism.
The 55+ community, 1776 Gastonia, "blends the elements of American patriotism, the American Dream of home ownership, and the founding ideals of America: Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," according to the development's website.
The idea for 1776 Gastonia came about around 18 months ago, said Brock Fankhauser, the founder and CEO of the builder, NewStyle Communities.
"I would say it came from a desire to bring people together in housing, a way to unite people in something I would say bigger than themselves," Fankhauser said.
He said the concept is rooted in the U.S.'s traditional motto, E pluribus unum, or "out of many, one."
"I just had a calling to do something bigger than just houses and communities. It's a unification project, I'd say," Fankhauser said.
The community would unify, he said, "Anyone wants to celebrate America."
"We happen to be a niche builder, serving the 55 and older community. That's our target market," he added. "That's our demographic, but within that we're looking to draw people who want to celebrate America and do so within the confines of a residential development."
The community will be governed by a homeowners association through a set of standards that will go beyond those that dictate the appearance of a home or lawn.
As part of those standards, homeowners will pledge allegiance to the flag, accept that the Constitution is the U.S.'s founding legal document, "cherish" the nation's motto, recognize "the founding ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," and pledge to preserve "the founding ideals of 1776 at Gastonia and to honor our great nation, The United States of America."
Homeowners will also fly American flags installed by the builder as part of the construction process.
"It's properly illuminated and it's designed to be a fixture of the home that is permanent. At times when the flags need to be replaced because of wear and tear, the homeowners association will take care of that," Fankhauser said.
He said that the community will honor American traditions.
"It's the importance of coming together as one from many different types. And I just don't think it gets any more simplified than that. It is an appreciation of where we've come from, and a serious mindset of where we need to go to make our nation better," he said. "And we, from the beginning, recognized that we needed to be a more perfect union. No one as part of our founding proclaimed for the nation to be perfect. It wasn't. It isn't. And it never will be but we can strive to make it more perfect."
"And so in our little neighborhoods, that's our overarching goal is how can we help enable a more perfect community and a more perfect nation?" He added.
He said that the community isn't intended to side with one particular political party.
"It's very important to me that we avoid any political slogans, any political movements. This movement is far greater than any type of political statement, political person. Patriotism predates the founding of our country," he said. "It is far more important of these ideals than it is any policy, any person, past, present or future. So we make it very clear to people that political affiliations, political movements are not welcome in our neighborhood."
Each home will range in price from $450,000 to $700,000. The company partnered with Building Homes for Heroes, a nonprofit organization, to donate a home to a veteran, Army Sgt. Peter Clark.
"Now there's no home yet, but the beauty of it is we're going to build this home from scratch to meet the particular needs of this person and his wife," Fankhauser said.
Construction of the houses will begin in about two months, and the first residents are expected to move into the neighborhood in early 2024. | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/06/26/calling-all-patriots-55-community-has-special-requirement/70345776007/ | 2023-06-27T01:56:11 | 1 | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/06/26/calling-all-patriots-55-community-has-special-requirement/70345776007/ |
We first introduced you to Michael Morris in February when he was facing a felony charge for eluding police after he said he was rushing his daughter to the emergency room. After our story aired, a 10 News viewer sent in a new exclusive video that shows the aftermath of the chase.
The video shows Morris being held at gunpoint by state trooper T.R. Derosha, leaving onlookers in shock. This is just moments after Morris pulled into the Lewis Gale parking lot after he says he was trying to get his 10-year-old daughter Marta to the ER.
“I had my window down and I was trying to get his attention, like ‘Look my daughter is in bad shape, we’re going to the emergency room. That’s the point at which, he pulled his gun out and pointed it right at me and basically pulled me out of the truck at gunpoint,” said Morris when we first spoke to him in February.
Morris and his wife were within two miles of the hospital for Marta’s doctor visit when her pneumonia symptoms took a turn for the worse. That’s when Morris says he rushed her to the emergency room.
[READ MORE: Franklin County father faces felony charge after rushing his daughter to the ER]
“I looked back and my wife was crying and my wife was having to hold her head up, she was going limp,” he recalled. “I turned my four-ways on, I pulled up to red lights, stopped and or slowed, looked both ways, went through.”
He explained the situation to dispatch, but the message was not immediately relayed to the trooper. Morris described the following moments after he pulled over, this new video giving us a glimpse of the tense moments.
“At one point I told the officer, I said ‘Look, you’re killing my baby,’ and his exact words were, ‘I’m going to kill you if you move again,” Morris said.
Morris was initially charged with eluding police, a Class 6 felony. In court, Trooper Derosha testified about his interaction with Morris that day.
“My traffic stop was with Mr. Morris. He’s worried about their well-being, I’m not a doctor, I see what I can see. I’m not going to hold them if they are sick,” Derosha told the judge.
During that video, which lasts about a minute and a half, Marta and her mom are still in the backseat. Derosha eventually allowed them to go inside the ER.
Marta was transported via ambulance to a Richmond hospital to be treated for her pneumonia symptoms. She has since made a full recovery.
The judge ruled the case would go before a grand jury.
However, the indictment was not presented for felony eluding. Instead, Morris was indicted on a reckless driving charge, a misdemeanor.
His trial date is set for December 7.
See our previous coverage below: | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/22/10-news-exclusive-new-video-shows-details-of-dad-arrested-taking-his-daughter-to-er/ | 2023-06-27T01:57:21 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/22/10-news-exclusive-new-video-shows-details-of-dad-arrested-taking-his-daughter-to-er/ |
Severe storms swept through our region on Monday evening, leaving more than 3,000 of us in the dark.
Below is a breakdown of the worst outages in our region, organized by power company and county/city as of 8 p.m. Monday.
- Campbell County: 1,113
- Pulaski County: 590
- Roanoke County: 55
- Appomattox County: 262
- Campbell County: 362
Southside Electric Cooperative:
- Appomattox County: 393
- Bedford County: 915 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/27/more-than-3k-without-power-in-southwest-virginia-after-severe-storms/ | 2023-06-27T01:57:27 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/27/more-than-3k-without-power-in-southwest-virginia-after-severe-storms/ |
You see them every time you’re in the grocery store. Labels with big claims, like natural, very low sodium, and sugar-free. It can get confusing,
Here’s a look at which labels to skip, which labels help you make healthy choices, and which are just hype?
“Some food labels are regulated by the FDA, but others aren’t and they may not mean what you think they do,” Trisha Calvo with Consumer Reports said.
If you want to choose food that’s produced without harmful pesticides and fertilizers, CR says to look for the USDA Organic seal, which has stringent verification rules.
Labels that say “pesticide-free” or “zero pesticides” aren’t regulated terms.
If you’re trying to cut back on salt, look for labels that read “low sodium” or “very low sodium”.
Low-sodium foods have 140 milligrams or less per serving, and very low-sodium foods have 35 milligrams or less per serving.
“No salt added” or “unsalted” are not always sodium-free.
These terms mean no salt was added during processing, but some foods naturally contain sodium.
CR says to tame a sweet tooth you’ll want to look for “no added sugars” or “sugar-free,” and “no added sugars” means … just that.
“For foods like tomato sauce and ketchup look for “no added sugars” on food labels but not “sugar-free” because tomatoes naturally contain sugar. It’s added sugars that you need to be mindful of,” Calvo said.
“Lightly sweetened,” “slightly sweet,” “a tad sweet,” and similar terms are not regulated.
CR says in the bread aisle, you can count on these labels – 100 percent whole grain and 100 percent whole wheat.
Products with a “multigrain” or “made with whole grains” claim … can contain refined grains.
Consumer Reports experts found fewer than half of the breads in a recent review labeled with terms like these were 100 percent whole grain.
“Excellent source of” or “high in” fiber guarantees that you’ll get at least 20 percent of the 28-gram daily value, or 5.5 grams, per serving
Still not sure about the item you want to buy? Just flip it over.
“The ingredients list and the nutrition facts panel are a better source to the nutritional information than the front of package claims.”
“Reduced sugar” is also regulated by the FDA. It means that the food has at least 25 percent less sugar than a comparable product. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/27/which-food-labels-are-healthy-and-which-are-just-hype-consumer-reports/ | 2023-06-27T01:57:33 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/27/which-food-labels-are-healthy-and-which-are-just-hype-consumer-reports/ |
LOS ANGELES — Peg Yorkin, who donated $10 million to a feminist foundation she co-founded and pushed to bring the most common method of abortion to the United States, died Sunday night.
“Above all, Peg was a feminist philanthropist, leader and activist, who also was a truth teller,” Eleanor Smeal, president of the Feminist Majority Foundation and publisher of Ms., told the magazine.
Yorkin, along with other feminist leaders from the foundation as well as prominent scientists, in 1990 traveled to Europe to present petitions to pharmaceutical companies demanding the release of mifepristone to the U.S., where anti-abortion groups were working to stop that from happening, according to the organization.
In 1991, Yorkin announced she was giving $10 million to the foundation, with half the gift to go toward bringing the abortion pill to the country.
“I, for one, am putting my money where my mouth is,” Yorkin said at a 1991 news conference. “I am calling on women who are as angry as I am … to join me in using our money to empower ourselves.”
Mifepristone was approved for use in the U.S. in 2000, and more than 5 million people have used it to safely end their pregnancies. The drug has been targeted by abortion foes, including Christian conservatives whose lawsuit currently in the courts seeks to overturn the Food and Drug Administration’s approval.
Yorkin was also involved in efforts to increase the number of women in political office. The Feminization of Power campaign ‘s goal was to recruit potential female candidates to run and win seats in state legislatures and Congress through a multi-state tour produced by Yorkin.
Before Yorkin became involved in women’s rights, she produced live theatre in Los Angeles, according to the Feminist Majority website. In 1986, Yorkin worked with Smeal, then-president of the National Organization for Women, to produce the organization’s 20th anniversary event with television and film celebrities, which chronicled the feminist movement in advancing women’s rights. Yorkin also produced a video of the show, which is used in women’s studies and is available in libraries.
Yorkin was born in New York City on April 16, 1927, to Dora and Frank Diem. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Yonkers in 1943 and at age 16 was accepted by Barnard College on scholarship. She left Barnard after two years to attend the Neighborhood Playhouse, where she received dance instruction from Martha Graham.
At an audition in Los Angeles, she met Bud Yorkin, a fledgling director who would later become known for television shows “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons.” The two married in 1954 and had two children, Nicole and David. The couple divorced in 1986.
Nicole and David are television writers. Yorkin is also survived by four grandchildren. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/2023/06/26/feminist-peg-yorkin-dead/a3253240-1489-11ee-9de3-ba1fa29e9bec_story.html | 2023-06-27T02:00:46 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/2023/06/26/feminist-peg-yorkin-dead/a3253240-1489-11ee-9de3-ba1fa29e9bec_story.html |
A ground worker died Friday night when he was sucked into an engine of a jet that had just landed at San Antonio International Airport, and the local medical examiner is ruling it a suicide.
The National Transportation Safety Board said Monday it will not open an investigation. The accident investigator said that based on information provided by the medical examiner, “there were no operational safety issues with either the airplane or the airport.”
The NTSB is the chief U.S. accident investigator. The Federal Aviation Administration, which regulates airlines and aviation safety, indicated that it would investigate.
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s office said David Renner, 27, died of blunt and sharp-force injuries, and the manner of death was listed as suicide. The official declined to provide further information.
A Delta Air Lines plane that had flown from Los Angeles was pulling up to the terminal when the incident occurred, according to the FAA.
Delta said the ground worker was employed by Unifi Aviation, which Delta hires for ground services at the San Antonio airport.
A Unifi spokesperson said, “From our initial investigation, this incident was unrelated to Unifi’s operational processes, safety procedures and policies.” The spokesperson said the company was “deeply saddened by the loss of our employee at San Antonio International Airport during a tragic incident,” and would not comment further.
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In a statement, Delta said it was “grieving the loss of an aviation family member’s life in San Antonio.”
Both Delta and Unifi are based in Atlanta. Unifi describes itself as the largest ground-handling and aviation-services provider in North America. It lists Delta, United, Alaska, Spirit and Frontier as its customers.
The company says it has 20,000 aviation workers who handle baggage, cargo, catering, fueling and other jobs at 200 locations.
On Dec. 31, an airport worker in Montgomery, Alabama, died after she was pulled into an engine. This month, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited American Airlines subsidiary Piedmont Airlines for letting ground workers get dangerously close to running jet engines, and proposed $15,625 in penalties. Piedmont is contesting the civil penalty.
If you or someone you know needs help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988, or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting ‘Home’ to 741741, anytime. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/texas-airport-worker-who-was-pulled-into-a-jet-engine-died-by-suicide-medical-examiner-says/3284834/ | 2023-06-27T02:05:00 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/texas-airport-worker-who-was-pulled-into-a-jet-engine-died-by-suicide-medical-examiner-says/3284834/ |
DALLAS — On Monday, the United States Attorney's Office, ATF Dallas, and the Dallas Police Department announced an initiative aimed at curbing violent crime.
Operation Take Aim will focus on federally prosecuting offenders "most likely to harm the community when at large and by proactively engaging with these offenders to discourage them from committing further crimes and entering the federal system," according to the United State's Attorney's Office.
Federal charges carry significantly stiffer sentences on some crimes than state charges do. There is no possibility of parole.
“Violent crime rips through communities. Our neighbors turn into casualties. Talk to any violent crime survivor and they’ll tell you: Their blood pressure never quite returns to normal. Once you’ve been victimized, life always feels precarious, no matter where you go,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton.
This plan is an add-on to law enforcement efforts already in place, known as hot spot policing, which focuses on specific locations. Operation Take Aim hones in, specifically, on repeat offenders with violent criminal histories.
Simonton said it isn't necessarily about how many criminals are prosecuted, but who.
“Javier Dominique Suttles is one such offender," said Simonton of violent repeat criminal offenders.
According to an affidavit, Javier Dominique Suttles, 26, robbed a Metro by T-Mobile store and a Braum’s restaurant in late May -- both on Inwood Drive in Dallas. Suttles, who has a prior criminal history, threatened to “shoot up the entire store,” and allegedly ordered an employee to strip naked.
When Suttles was arrested, he was found with a handgun with an extended magazine.
"It was something he never should’ve had, much less used as a person who is already under community supervision for prior violent crimes," said Simonton.
Suttles was indicted with two federal crimes: interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
Dallas Chief of Police Eddie Garcia said going after repeat offenders, and properly sentencing them, helps target the root problem of violent crime in Dallas.
“The violent crime that’s being committed are being committed by individuals that shouldn’t have a firearm to begin with," Garcia said. "So we need to start there."
If Suttles is convicted, he faces up to 27 years in federal prison.
Operation Take Aim builds on Garcia’s focused deterrence program, an initiative funded in part by a Justice Department grant that endeavors to change the behavior of high-risk offenders through a combination of deterrence, arrest and community involvement.
The initiative includes a deterrence program called "Reentry Nights" for people in the state criminal justice system. The program encourages offenders to pursue an education, among other productive life paths, to keep them from repeat offending.
The U.S. Attorney's Office is devoting more prosecutors to handling the cases in Operation Take Aim.
“Every one of these cases causes trauma. We are committed to putting these people in jail. ATF has doubled down here in Dallas,” said ATF Dallas Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Boshek.
Law enforcement and prosecutors will focus on gun crimes, including prohibited person in possession of a firearm, unlicensed dealing, straw purchasing and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-pd-atf-doj-team-up-for-operation-take-aim-curb-gun-violence/287-478e48af-38fc-4099-9ce3-f9d523eae009 | 2023-06-27T02:05:50 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-pd-atf-doj-team-up-for-operation-take-aim-curb-gun-violence/287-478e48af-38fc-4099-9ce3-f9d523eae009 |
FORT WORTH, Texas — Lakesha Bay is on a mission to get more answers as police investigate her son's shooting death. Treyshawn Eunes lost his life at the age of 12 last week.
The shooting is under investigation by the Fort Worth Police Department.
"I'm looking for justice," said Bay.
Justice is all Bay wants now after celebrating the life of her son with a huge balloon launch over the weekend. She told WFAA that the 12-year-old died after being shot by a handgun found by a 3-year-old kid.
She also shared that the shooting happened when her son and the toddler were alone in a room, where both of their fathers left them unattended.
"That kid's dad was outside somewhere. And I guess and hidden in the back of that room where they were at playing the game, there was a gun," Bay said.
The gun is still nowhere to be found, according to Bay which she learned from the lead detective assigned to her son's case.
The shooting happened on June 19 here on Brentwood Stair Road inside a music studio. Treyshawn played video games while with his father at the location.
Cook Children's medical workers contacted Fort Worth PD after Treyshawn arrived by private vehicle, according to police. Despite security video showing the tragic shooting, according to the boy's mother, she's not alone in calling for accountability.
Johnny Muhammad is a Fort Worth community leader hoping that more families in the African American community will learn more about gun safety, especially those gun owners who have children in their homes.
While Muhammad believes anyone who wants to legally buy and own a firearm should be able to do so, he is also a huge proponent of accountability. Muhammad believes tragic accidental shootings like the one involving Treyshawn are 100% preventable.
"Accountability has to step up," Muhammad said. "In our community, we really do need to be taught gun safety and how to put up a gun and how to lock up a gun. We really do need to have some training on gun safety and dealing with it in our community, especially with this senseless one that just happened last week."
Muhammad hopes the trend of gun violence involving kids in Fort Worth changes direction. As a community leader, he plans to continue voicing his concerns. He's already been in contact with Treyshawn's mother, and he's relieved about several non-profit organizations that will join Fort Worth city council member Jared Williams in addressing youth violence.
Muhammad is also ready to roll up his sleeves to help the cause, calling the number of youth-involved shootings abnormal.
"I want us to understand, this is not normal, but it's becoming normal. This is not normal. And the trauma that is within our community. Because just hearing about it, I can see the trauma on me of just hearing about this and the trauma that is going through our community when these types of things happen," Muhammad said. "And that's why we have to start having trauma-informed meetings to understand so we don't start to be desensitized to when these things start to happen within our community."
"She needs some assistance for the little brother's home going. And we're going to do what we can. I spoke with Bishop McIntosh. I spoke with the brother that the Nation of Islam," Muhammad added. "And we're going to see what else we need to do to help her to make sure she can have a nice home going for this child. There has to start being a voice to where we have some accountability and that we value life."
Especially the lives of young people like 12-year-old Treyshawn, whose mother just wants more answers about her loving son's death.
Bay and her family are getting help from family, friends and even strangers for her son's funeral expenses. Some people have donated to a GoFundMe page set up by a family member.
"We love him so much and we will miss him so much. And we're just looking for justice," Bay said. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/mother-says-12-year-old-son-killed-fort-worth-toddler-got-hold-of-handgun/287-b0640839-6349-4617-85c9-dbebaffb08af | 2023-06-27T02:05:57 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/mother-says-12-year-old-son-killed-fort-worth-toddler-got-hold-of-handgun/287-b0640839-6349-4617-85c9-dbebaffb08af |
DALLAS — Read this story and more North Texas business news from our partners at the Dallas Business Journal.
New home sales in North Texas climbed to a three-year high last month, average new home prices rebounded and pending sales were essentially flat.
The three-month moving average of new home sales in Dallas-Fort Worth for May was 2,191, up from 2,078 new homes sold in April. The three-month moving average of local pending new home sales in May was 2,706 vs. 2,713 in April, according to Dallas-based HomesUSA.com’s New Home Sales Report.
New homes sold for an average price of $492,762 in May — up almost $5,000 from the $487,799 average in April, the three-month moving average showed.
Seasonality and a healthy DFW economy helped push sales higher, with increasing supply helping to create a more balanced market, said Ben Caballero, CEO of HomesUSA.com and author of the report.
“New home sales set a three-year high in the Dallas-Fort Worth area last month and continue to impress, due to builders’ resilience and our robust local economy,” Caballero said. “Builders in Dallas are benefiting from continued high demand, as evidenced by rising new home prices.”
A mixed bag for building permits
Building permits for new single-family homes ticked up a tad in May in many of the suburbs north of Dallas, but remain below the number issued year-to-date in 2023 vs. 2022 in most areas, according to survey data compiled by Addison-based Tomlin Investments, which tracks new-home construction.
In Celina, permits for new homes rose to 295 in May from 250 in April. Year-to-date permits stand at 1,080 compared to 887 issued in the first five months of last year, a 22% increase.
In Frisco, however, home building permits are down 39% year-to-date. Some 456 permits have been issued in the first five months of the year, down from 745 in the same timeframe last year. And only 72 permits were issued in Frisco in May compared to 113 in April.
Home permits issued in Prosper rose to 69 in May from 52 in April. Year-to-date permits stand at 335, down 29% from the 469 issued in the same period last year.
Permits in Little Elm have slumped even more this year. They’re down 47% year-to-date, at 279, compared to 529 in the first five months of 2022. Little Elm’s building department issued 56 permits in May and 52 in April.
In Princeton, YTD permits are essentially flat at 576 this year compared to 583 in the first five months of last year. Permits issued in May dropped to 122 from 131 in April.
Permits in McKinney total 523 YTD, down 15% from 614 permits in the same period last year. Some 139 were issued in May vs. 123 in April.
The city of Anna is down for the year, too, with 476 permits YTD compared to 404 in the January through May timeframe of last year.
Denton is down similarly, with 411 new-home construction permits this year vs. 525 in the same timeframe in 2022.
Time on market peaking
Returning to the HomesUSA report, Caballero noted that in Texas’ top four markets, the three-month moving average new home price last month was $460,850 vs. $451,868 in April.
The average number of days to sell a new home in DFW increased in May to 119.8 days from 117.5 days in April.
However, time on the market may be peaking as builders and consumers adjust to increased interest rates that began in April 2022, Caballero said.
“The three-month moving average for Dallas-Fort Worth active listings is decreasing, Houston and San Antonio are slightly lower, and Austin appears to be topping,” Caballero said.
The HomesUSA.com monthly report is based on closed sales recorded inside the Multiple Listing Services’ Caballero surveys by the 10th day of the following month. Sales reported late by agents are not included.
Existing home sales slowing
In the existing home market, as opposed to new homes, sales are slowing are slowing and prices have dropped when compared to where they were a year ago.
Dallas-Forth Worth ranked fourth in the U.S. for the largest increase in days on market in May, with the average home selling in 37 days, up from 15 days last year, according to the latest report from residential real estate firm Re/Max. That’s an increase of 141.8% year over year.
Tampa, Fla., posted the highest year-over-year percentage increase in days on market, at 219.6%, followed by Orlando at 193.3%, and Phoenix at 143.2%.
The median home sale prices in DFW were down 4.5% in May compared to a year ago, according to the Re/Max National Housing Report. The median price of DFW homes sold in May was $402,000 compared to $427,881 in May 2022.
The median of all 51 metro area sales prices that Re/Max surveys were $423,000, down 1.9% from May 2022. The markets with the biggest year-over-year decrease in median sales price were San Francisco, down 10.7%; Las Vegas, Nev., down 10%; and Phoenix, down 8.9%.
Sales volume also dropped in Dallas-Fort Worth year over year. A total of 9,336 homes were sold in May 2023, which is 4.6% fewer than the 9,789 homes sold in May 2022. On the other hand, May home sales in DFW rose 18.7% over April’s sales of 7,865 homes. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/new-home-sales-across-dallas-fort-worth-climb-3-year-high-prices-rebound/287-7f29d339-8108-4e03-b1f2-c16398d314a8 | 2023-06-27T02:06:04 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/new-home-sales-across-dallas-fort-worth-climb-3-year-high-prices-rebound/287-7f29d339-8108-4e03-b1f2-c16398d314a8 |
SAN ANTONIO — The family of a woman shot and killed Friday is taking action against the officers accused of shooting her.
On Sunday, an attorney for the family of 46-year Melissa Perez announced plans to file lawsuit against San Antonio police. The civil suit will name the three officers involved: Sergeant Alfred Flores, Officer Eleazar Alejandro and Officer Nathaniel Villalobos. The now-suspended officers are accused of murdering Perez in her apartment on the city's southwest side.
Hours after the deadly shooting, Chief William McManus said the use of deadly force was "not reasonable" -- as it appeared Perez was having a mental health episode.
Officers received a call just after midnight Friday about a woman destroying a fire alarm at an apartment off Old Pearsall Road. Police tried to put her in a patrol car but she ran into her apartment.
Body camera footage, which was released by SAPD late Friday, eventually shows a police officer enter her patio and attempt to gain entry through a window. In the video, you can hear Perez speak to the officer, and he tells her 'You're going to get shot'.
Police said about twenty minutes later Perez swung a hammer, which hit a window and led one of the officers to shoot. When Perez swung a second time, all three officers fired their guns and killed her.
After reviewing footage, McManus suspended the officers without pay, and said the shooting was inconsistent with the department's policy and training.
Attorney Dan Packard with Packard Law Firm also reviewed the body camera video and found it troubling.
"We are not talking about a rogue officer who just lost his mind or got mad. We're talking about three officers who thought it was okay to gun this woman down in her own home," said Packard.
Packard confirmed Perez suffered from mental illness, and said officers should've called in help from a mental health team to de-escalate the situation. A lawsuit against SAPD is forthcoming, and the reason he said they are filing is because the 'strong evidence' available.
"We believe that there are systemic problems in the department that allowed this to happen. And unless the city is held accountable for its contribution to this horrible incident, then no change will take place," he said.
Packard said the woman's children are experiencing inexpressible grief, and they hope a lawsuit will create change in the department. The woman's oldest daughter Alexis Tovar gave a brief statement on camera, and said her mom's death was a tragedy.
"We are heartbroken by the actions of these three police officers," said Tovar.
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales released the following statement on Monday:
"This past weekend, the San Antonio Police Department obtained arrest warrants for three officers involved in the fatal shooting of Ms. Melissa Perez on Old Pearsall Road. The officers have since been arrested, and all three have posted bond and been released.
"These cases have been assigned to our Civil Rights Division. This division was created to independently and objectively review allegations of excessive use of force by law enforcement and prosecute those cases when the evidence supports prosecution. The Civil Rights Division responded to the scene of this shooting and have been in communication with the San Antonio Police Department about these cases. Once SAPD completes their investigation, the Civil Rights Division will fully review the evidence and prepare the cases for presentation to the Grand Jury.
"As the investigation remains ongoing, we kindly urge all members of our community to support one another while we await additional information.
"Our office cannot comment on the facts surrounding the charges because these are active and pending cases.
"Our office extends heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Ms. Perez, who tragically lost her life." | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/lawsuit-sapd-san-antonio-police-woman-family-shot/273-c726dbc8-4f68-4760-acae-3e4db0842181 | 2023-06-27T02:06:10 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/lawsuit-sapd-san-antonio-police-woman-family-shot/273-c726dbc8-4f68-4760-acae-3e4db0842181 |
Shannon Lavrin named Greenville city manager, first woman named permanently to position
Former assistant city manager and planning director Shannon Lavrin will serve as Greenville's city manager following John McDonough's recent resignation.
Lavrin is the first woman to serve in the position permanently and the city's first urban planner to hold the role.
City Council swore in Lavrin to the position at their meeting Monday night before a crowd of her friends, family and city staffers, many of whom wore pink to celebrate her appointment.
"I started off as a planning assistant in Gallatin, Tennessee, and I've worked my way up throughout several organizations, and tonight I finally reached my dream of being a city manager at the age of 48 after starting at the age of 24," Lavrin said. "I hope it serves to all of our staff that with the right encouragement, with the right leadership, and with hard work, that everyone has an opportunity to succeed within an organization, specifically within city government and more specifically within the city of Greenville."
“We are proud to have a seamless transition in the city manager position,” Mayor Knox White said in a press release. “Shannon Lavrin becomes the first urban planner to become city manager and the first woman named to the position permanently. With Shannon, the Council has a true partner in protecting neighborhoods and preserving our quality of life."
The change in leadership comes after John McDonough's sudden resignation June 7. McDonough is leaving to join Centennial American Properties, a Greenville-based development group who has partnered with the city on multiple development projects.
In Greenville's model of government, the city manager serves as the city's CEO and is responsible for carrying out City Council’s objectives, city policies and negotiations. The last woman to hold the position was Nancy Whitworth, who served as Greenville’s interim city manager, deputy city manager and economic and community development director for about 40 years before retiring in 2020.
City Council chose not to conduct a formal search and instead appoint Lavrin based on her "experience, character and strong reputation in the community," according to a press release from the city of Greenville.
"I'm so excited for the city, but I'm even more excited for the state, for the community, and so excited for the employees of this city," said councilmember Russell Stall. "I can't wait to see what's going to happen. I can't wait to see what Greenville's going to be."
"I commend you on earning this position," councilmember Dorothy Dowe told Lavrin Monday. "You stand on the shoulders of many who are here in full support of you. We couldn't be more thankful for your service thus far, and we're all so excited to see what you do in this role in the future."
What to know about Shannon Lavrin
Lavrin was hired in January 2018 as a development planner, then promoted to assistant planning and development manager and most recently assistant city manager. Originally from Asheville, she previously served as assistant to the city manager in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Lavrin said her biggest accomplishment in Greenville was her relationships she has cultivated with the Greenville community.
"I believe in this city, I love this city, I love the fact that we are a true city in all the things that come with that," she said. "So I'm very honored to serve this community, and I thank the community."
One of Lavrin's major projects was the GVL2040 Comprehensive Plan, a document that informed the city’s zoning code rewrite, or set of development laws. Lavrin said she’s equally appreciative of her work on the city’s tree protection ordinance and neighborhood small area plans.
In her new role, Lavrin inherits several large projects, including the redevelopment of the current City Hall; implementing the new zoning code; construction of a new police headquarters, fire administration and Municipal Court on Halton Road; and capital improvement projects focused on road and bridge safety.
Macon Atkinson is the city watchdog reporter for The Greenville News. She's powered by long runs and strong coffee. Follow her on Twitter@maconatkinson. | https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/26/greenville-sc-gets-first-female-city-manager-in-shannon-lavrin/70356455007/ | 2023-06-27T02:09:32 | 1 | https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/26/greenville-sc-gets-first-female-city-manager-in-shannon-lavrin/70356455007/ |
PHOENIX — The number of short-term rentals in the Valley has gone up 40% year over year.
According to AirDNA, which analyzes short-term rental data, there are now about 7,000 short-term rentals in the Phoenix metro area.
“Compared to 2019, it's been an increase of about 90 percent,” said Jamie Lane, chief economist at AirDNA.
Short-term rental operators in the Valley are noticing the increase in supply.
Andrew LeBaron, founder of short-term rental management company BuyMoreTime.com said the market is "highly saturated" and the market is getting competitive.
“Short-term rentals are getting a lot more difficult to fill up,” LeBaron said, “occupancies are starting to drop a little bit.”
Competition is pushing operators to offer different options to attract travelers too.
“There are a lot of hosts out there on specific platforms like AirBnB.com that allow early cancellations, no penalties, no cleaning fees,” LeBaron said. “People are getting pretty creative in what they’re offering."
Travel is still up and supply is also up across the country, Lane said.
But, what people are paying per day for an AirBnB or Vrbo isn’t going up much across the country, or is going down in some places.
“A lot of that is affordability,” Lane said. “So with how much they had increased so quickly, now, they’re starting to be some pushback in terms of how high those rates have gone and operators are adjusting accordingly,” Lane said.
While the increase in supply offering a variety of budget options in travel destinations is helping travelers, it’s becoming tougher for operators.
“You’re lucky if you’re increasing rates at all this year,” Lane said. “Even with two or three more years of minimal rate increases, the profitability of an average short-term rental will still be higher than it was in 2019.”
In the midst of the market right now, LeBaron is finding some rental operators are ditching the “short-term” in their rental.
“Right now, we’re seeing a lot of people decide, ‘Hey maybe just a long-term furnished rental off of AirBnB.com might be just as profitable, if not more profitable sometimes than having an AirBnB,” LeBaron said.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12News YouTube playlist here. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/short-term-rental-supply-valley-40-airbnb-vrbo/75-d62e7208-812c-48ba-a0d3-16f055abd70e | 2023-06-27T02:10:43 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/short-term-rental-supply-valley-40-airbnb-vrbo/75-d62e7208-812c-48ba-a0d3-16f055abd70e |
Miss Volunteer America pageant brings 'huge' spike in revenue, tourism in Jackson
As opening night for preliminaries began on Wednesday, over 1,200 people filled the Carl Perkins Civic Center to support the 51 contestants of the Miss Volunteer America pageant.
With contestants and all of their supporting family and friends traveling to see them compete, the influx of tourism Jackson experiences during pageant season is significant.
Pageant season as a tourist driver
Darren Lykes, who serves as the national Director for Diversity and Inclusion for Miss Volunteer America, noted the major tourism driver spike is "huge" in Jackson this time of year.
"People are coming here, they're staying at AirBnB's, they're staying at hotels, they're eating in our restaurants and there definitely is a huge economic impact on Jackson," Lykes said. "It's one of the largest events in town like this, and it's substantial for our economy in Jackson."
Of the three pageants Jackson hosts — Miss Tennessee Volunteer in July and Miss Teen Volunteer America in March — Miss Volunteer America draws the largest crowd of any event in Madison County, though Miss Teen is comparable.
More:Miss Volunteer America pageant returns to Jackson for second year, all states participate
More:Jane Alderson has been a driving force in getting Miss Volunteer America started
Visit Jackson Executive Director Lori Nunnery explained that last year's Miss Volunteer America pageant raked in $4 million in revenue for the city of Jackson. Compared to the state pageant that brings in anywhere from $2-2.5 million in revenue, the Miss America events are the moneymakers of pageant tourism.
Though specifics won't be available until after the pageant concludes and an economic analysis is conducted, with 51 contestants competing this year compared to 36 the year prior, the projected economic impact is expected to be substantially more.
"We're very happy with the attendance this year," Nunnery said.
Nunnery, who is a speaker at both the pageant contestant orientation and parent orientation, explained that she takes that time to give an overview of both Jackson and Madison County as a whole and everything they have to offer.
"I think what people may not fully grasp is there are so many visitors that are coming into our community, and they're learning about our community," Nunnery said. "That exposure is great."
What is the future of pageants in Jackson?
As part of gathering economic impact specifics, Nunnery speaks to local businesses, who support the pageant after it's over to gauge if there was a traffic increase in their respective business. She added that Visit Jackson hopes to conduct an economic impact study from someone outside of their agency in the future.
MVA National Staff member LaShonda Williams explained that a pageant on the scale of MVA in a relatively smaller city like Jackson is significant for the benefit to the city's economy.
"Most national pageants are held in larger cities, so this is really big to have something like this in Jackson," Williams said. "Then for everybody to be able to come and watch a national pageant because it's not every day that everyone gets to watch a national pageant."
Williams added that the 1,205 tickets sales for Wednesday night exceeded expectations and gradually increases every night of preliminaries until the crowning of the winner on Saturday night when a sold-out show is expected.
"I'm sure Allison [DeMarcus] has some major plans to expand and grow it even more," she said. "Probably one of the biggest things is being able to get more state directors, so we're still expanding in that aspect."
As Miss Volunteer America continues to grow in its own capacity, the number of businesses that want to get involved in the coming years and show their support for the pageant is expected to grow as well.
"This is only the second pageant, and they've already reached these benchmarks so we expect it to continue to grow," Nunnery said. "Our goal is to keep the pageant here in Jackson because it's important to our community." | https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/miss-tennessee/2023/06/26/miss-volunteer-america-garners-significant-economic-benefit-in-jackson/70344311007/ | 2023-06-27T02:16:43 | 1 | https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/miss-tennessee/2023/06/26/miss-volunteer-america-garners-significant-economic-benefit-in-jackson/70344311007/ |
Quick at the keyboard: Madison Academic High student wins Microsoft state tech title
Out of 7,500 students in Tennessee, Samuel Latham placed first as the Microsoft Office state champion and is headed to the National Microsoft Office Championship, a competition that measures technical acumen in the program, in Florida later this month.
Latham, a 15-year-old rising sophomore at Madison Academic High School, earned the highest score in the quickest time in the state in a series of tests involving Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Outlook and Excel.
Back in the fall 2022 semester when Latham was a student in teacher and mentor Garry Carroll's computer technology class, he explained the preparation process that led him to take home the state championship title. After finding out he had become the state champion in January, Latham recalls being "surprised."
"I told my parents, immediate family, I talked to Mr. Carroll about it to see what the next steps were for moving on to the national championship," he said.
Carroll noted that though the school has had approximately a dozen state champions in the last seven years, they have yet to have a student bring home the national title. He described the preparation for the tests that students take as "stressful" and "having to do a lot in a short amount of time."
Once a student who passes becomes Microsoft Office certified, he says this gives them an edge over noncertified students when it comes to both college and job applications.
"You think everybody is going to be the state champion, but Samuel showed out," Carroll said. "Samuel's good, real good. I'm very proud of him."
Latham explained that the state competition is done in a student's respective classroom where testing involves the presentation of template PowerPoints, Word documents, or Excel spreadsheets, where the student is then tasked with completing the required edits.
The technical skills mirror real-world skills that are needed to navigate the workforce and college, such as making presentations and completing data-driven tasks.
"You're given 50 minutes to complete all these tasks," Latham said. "So how to become the champion is you're probably going to have to get a perfect score, and then whoever does it the fastest gets declared the champion."
Though admitting that learning and memorizing the formulas for the Excel application was slightly challenging, he shared that he finds PowerPoint most enjoyable and he gets to "see the results of the product you made a lot more clearly."
If crowned the national champion in Orlando, Florida, he will advance to the world championship competition where he will face students from over 100 countries. Latham says the $3,000 he'll receive in prize money if he wins nationals will go toward his college fund.
Carroll added that for Latham to win, he will need to receive "a really good time" against the 49 other students from each state he competes against.
"I'm proud to be going to Florida and have never been to Florida before. I'm proud to represent [Tennessee] and hopefully, I can show out and win," Latham said. | https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/tennessee/2023/06/26/madison-academic-student-wins-microsoft-office-state-championship/70342585007/ | 2023-06-27T02:16:49 | 0 | https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/tennessee/2023/06/26/madison-academic-student-wins-microsoft-office-state-championship/70342585007/ |
The Monday After: McKinley Museum director explores presidential artifacts
What vestiges of past American presidents have been left behind by the chief executives and how do the historical "leftovers" define their time in office?
Why are they still relevant to studying our nation's history?
Consider President George Washington's ill-fitting false teeth, which shape his image to this day. Remember the radio microphone President Franklin D. Roosevelt used during his "fireside chats." Visualize the coconut husk paperweight President John F. Kennedy kept on his desk – the one on which he had written a message after his PT boat sank during World War II. Recall the megaphone President George W. Bush used to speak from the rubble following the terrorists attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
More:Kimberly Kenney new executive director of McKinley Presidential Library
Kimberly Kenney, executive director of Wm. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, provides images for those artifacts in her new book, "Exploring the American Presidency through 50 Historic Treasures," released by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers in cooperation with the American Association for State and Local History.
"I was looking through a newsletter (from the association) and saw they had a series for 'Exploring America's Historic Treasures,' and American presidents made sense to me," said Kenney, whose knowledge of artifacts associated with U.S. chief executives comes from her career as the both the head of a presidential library and as the curator of the museum.
Publicity material from Rowman & Littlefield, which partners with the association in publishing such history projects, notes "'Exploring the American Presidency through 50 Historic Treasures' brings together significant artifacts from the lives of the men who have led our nation through times of great prosperity and terrible tragedy."
"When we look at our presidents through the lens of the material culture they left behind, it humanizes them and creates relevance to our own lives. This book features full-color images of 50 artifacts that were chosen by the very people who work at presidential sites and historical museums, stewarding the legacies of our presidents."
Ohio presidents represented
William McKinley was uppermost on the mind of Kenney, the steward of the 25th president's legacy at the McKinley Museum.
"I chose one of the banks used to collect money for McKinley National Memorial," Kenney said. "That bank symbolized a man who was humble – he wouldn't have wanted a monument that big – who was leaving this historic change as a legacy. What was that legacy? It was that future presidents would be better protected."
Other presidents from Ohio also are represented in the book in artifacts. The items recall historic moments in their administrations or reflect traits in their personalities.
To represent William Henry Harrison, a remnant from a flag flown at the Battle of Tippecanoe came from the Benjamin Harrison Historic Site, to which it had been donated. An elephant-shaped inkwell owned by President Ulysses S. Grant was possibly the inspiration for the symbol of the Republican Party. The first-struck Morgan silver dollar – the "veto coin" – is in the collection of the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museum, because President Hayes had vetoed the return-to-silver bill that created it.
More:The Monday After: Dance studio owner to keep moving after retirement
The inaugural address of James A. Garfield symbolizes the unfulfilled promise of a president shot only months after he became president in 1881. Benjamin Harrison's artifact was a political cartoon from the satirical magazine "Judge." William Howard Taft is represented by a Bible. And Warren G. Harding's artifact was a folding skeleton key he carried in his pocket, which opened the front door of the office building for his newspaper, the Marion Daily Star.
Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, the vice president who became president following the assassination of McKinley, is represented by an artifact he was carrying when he, too, was shot before giving a speech in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1912. Roosevelt survived that shooting.
According to a posting on a blog page at the website for the Library of Congress, much of the force of the bullet was absorbed by items in his breast pocket – a 50-page manuscript of the speech he was about to give and his metal eyeglass case. While the manuscript was folded in half, the bullet still penetrated his chest, but President Roosevelt nevertheless spoke that day for almost 90 minutes.
"I wanted to find that speech he had in his pocket when he was shot," Kenney said. "It had a bullet hole in it. But he went on to make the speech. That was a good representation of who he was as a person."
More:The Monday After: Blaze photos from 1939 foster Meyers Lake memories
Presidential sites consulted
In most cases, Kenney trusted representatives of presidential libraries and presidential birthplace homes to determine their own artifacts.
"The people who work at those sites are the people who know their presidents the best," she explained. "But, not all of those sites are presidential libraries, like us. The presidential libraries from Herbert Hoover forward are all part of the national archives system."
Artifacts from some well-known early presidents seemed obvious to Kenney.
"For Lincoln, I wanted the chair in which he was sitting when he was assassinated (at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.)," she noted. "It's at the Henry Ford Museum (in Dearborn, Michigan). Henry Ford (no relation to the owner of Ford's Theatre) bought it for his collection when it became available."
Although there have been 45 past presidents, Kenney added five other artifacts relating to presidents to total the 50 that the title of her book suggests: the Resolute desk, presidential seal, official presidential portraits, the Senate ballot box for the electoral college votes, and Air Force One.
"I thought the Resolute desk was a good one," she said, "because President Hayes (from Ohio) was the first one to use it."
Kenney said that while writing she felt somewhat like a tour guide, showing "visitors" to her pages artifacts that aren't always on display in museums.
"A lot of these artifacts are in storage in collections," she said. "They're not things people can see."
Even those items that are exhibited may not be within traveling distance for many individuals.
"I'd like to think this would inspire people to travel to presidential sites, but sometimes that's not possible," Kenney said, who noted her book is designed to be readable by people who might only have a mild interest in presidential history.
"It's a window into the lives of our presidents."
Reach Gary at gary.brown.rep@gmail.com. On Twitter: @gbrownREP
About the book
TITLE – "Exploring the American Presidency through 50 Historic Treasures"
AUTHOR – Kimberly A. Kenney
PUBLISHER – Rowman & Littlefield
PRICE – $45 hardback and $42.50 electronic book (publisher's price)
AVAILABLE – At the gift shop at McKinley museum, through the publisher, at bookstores and from online booksellers. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/2023/06/26/the-monday-after-mckinley-museum-director-explores-presidential-artifacts/70350058007/ | 2023-06-27T02:18:06 | 1 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/2023/06/26/the-monday-after-mckinley-museum-director-explores-presidential-artifacts/70350058007/ |
Motorcyclist dead after collision on 30th Street NW in Canton
- James Townsley was driving west on 30th Street NW early Sunday morning on a 2007 Suzuki motorcycle.
- Townsley was thrown from the bike and died at the scene, investigators said..
- Canton Metro Crash Team is investigating.
CANTON ‒ A 27-year-old city man is dead after the motorcycle he was operating collided with a vehicle early Sunday morning.
James Townsley died at the scene after being thrown from his 2007 Suzuki motorcycle, according to Canton police.
More:Motorcyclist killed in crash in Perry Township
Officers responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash in the 400 block of 30th Street NW around 12:30 a.m. Sunday.
Townsley was heading west on 30th Street NW when the motorcycle collided with a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox, which was turning east onto 30th Street NW from a residential driveway, police said.
The Canton Metro Crash Team is investigating. It is unknown if drugs, alcohol or speed were a factor in the crash, according to police.
A news release Monday morning did not indicate if the driver of the SUV was injured. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/canton/2023/06/26/canton-pd-investigating-crash-that-left-27-year-old-canton-man-dead/70356272007/ | 2023-06-27T02:18:12 | 0 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/canton/2023/06/26/canton-pd-investigating-crash-that-left-27-year-old-canton-man-dead/70356272007/ |
The Citizen by Klutch receives state approval for Canton dispensary
CANTON − The Ohio Board of Pharmacy has awarded a certificate of operation to The Citizen by Klutch.
The Citizen at 401 Cherry Ave. NE is the third medical cannabis dispensary to open in Canton. The company has a cultivation and processing facility in Akron and opened the state's first dispensary drive-thru in Lorain earlier this year.
The Board of Pharmacy regulates dispensaries in the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program and has awarded 92 certificates of operation statewide. The state initially approved 60 dispensaries but is in the process of increasing the number to 130 because of patient demand.
Canton's existing dispensaries are: The Botanist at 3840 Greentree Ave. SW and Zen Leaf at 3224 Cleveland Ave. NW. A fourth dispensary, the Ohio Cannabis Company, is expected to open later this year at 4016 Greentree Ave. SW. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/canton/2023/06/26/the-citizen-by-klutch-receives-state-approval-for-canton-dispensary/70358021007/ | 2023-06-27T02:18:18 | 1 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/canton/2023/06/26/the-citizen-by-klutch-receives-state-approval-for-canton-dispensary/70358021007/ |
Heart of Stark: New electronic recycling bin at Sippo Lake Park
In partnership with The Repository, every Monday, Stark Community Foundation highlights positive happenings in our community. Here’s to Good News Mondays!
For residents who have a drawer full of old cellphones and cords or a corner with unused electronics cluttering up their space, a new local, hassle-free way to dispose of these electronic gadgets is coming to our community.
Stark County residents will be able to conveniently recycle their used electronics at Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park in Perry Township from 3 to 7 p.m. June 27, as part of a kickoff event introducing the new e-Waste collection bin in partnership with Stark Parks and Summit e-Waste Recycling Solutions. This free electronic recycling drop-off bin will remain accessible at the Exploration Gateway at 5712 12th St NW even after the event.
Though the Summit e-Waste has bin locations throughout Northeast Ohio, this location is one of the few in Stark County. Additional bins may be added to other Stark Park locations in the future depending on the success of the program.
The following items will be accepted in the drop-off bin at any time
- Desktop computers and laptops
- Printers
- Cellphones and tablets
- Telephones
- Modems and routers
- DVD players and VCRs
- Stereos
- Game consoles
- Cables, wires and power adapters
- Ink and toner cartridges
- Flat screen computer monitors
- Batteries
“Stark Parks is proud to play a role in expanding recycling opportunities to residents of Stark County,” said Derek Gordon, deputy director of Stark Parks. “Convenience and confidence that items are being recycled properly are critical factors in recycling participation. That is why we are hopeful that this new partnership and the convenient location at the Exploration Gateway will result in a successful drop-off site. It is just one of many ways that we provide opportunities for our residents to be good stewards of our environment.”
Summit e-Waste Recycling Solutions was formed out of a family’s love for computers and desire to leave the world a cleaner place for the next generation. Upon request, the local organization will make arrangements to pick up items that are too large for the drop off bin.
To contact Summit e-Waste or to learn more about their recycling process, call 330-800-6657 or visit www.summitecycle.com.
The Stark Community Foundation helps individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits achieve their philanthropic goals through a variety of charitable funds and strategic initiatives. Ranked in the top 10% of community foundations in the country, the foundation and its family of donors have granted $230 million to nonprofits since 1963. Learn more at www.starkcf.org. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2023/06/26/heart-of-stark-new-electronic-recycling-bin-at-sippo-lake-park/70349971007/ | 2023-06-27T02:18:24 | 0 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2023/06/26/heart-of-stark-new-electronic-recycling-bin-at-sippo-lake-park/70349971007/ |
Samsung anticipates 800-acre solar project in Washington Township starting in 2025
Nearly two years after Samsung Renewable Energy announced plans for a massive solar farm in northeastern Stark County, the company has yet to submit plans to the state for the project.
But a company spokesman says construction on the 800-acre farm in Washington Township could begin in late 2025.
“We are still in early-stage development, with an anticipated Ohio Power Siting Board certificate submittal by February 2024 and construction late 2025," Samsung representative Dansol Woo said in an email. "We are in the process of completing the relevant environmental and engineering studies this year.”
The company originally targeted starting construction in early 2023 and completing the project in 2024.
Julie Graham-Price, the Ohio Power Siting Board community liaison, confirmed that Samsung Renewable Energy hasn't submitted an application for the project.
The Stark Solar Project website includes an approximate location map that is subject to change and was last updated in September 2022.
According to Lauren Siburkis, the supervisor of state and regulatory communications for FirstEnergy, project activity is anticipated to resume sometime this year. FirstEnergy distributes energy to consumers but does not play a role in producing it.
Siburkis wrote in an email, "FirstEnergy reviewed the proposed solar farm plan and sent the completed facilities study to PJM in January."
PJM is a transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity within Ohio. The company was unable to provide an update on the Stark Solar facilities.
Jonelle Melnichenko, chief of planning for the Stark County Regional Planning Commission, has not received updates from Samsung Renewable Energy since a public meeting held in December 2021.
According to the project website, if built, the solar farm would produce 150 megawatts, which could power an equivalent of 27,750 homes.
Samsung Renewable Energy has eight other solar projects in the United States, all located in California. None of these farms produce more than 50 megawatts, making the proposed Stark solar farm its largest American project yet. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2023/06/26/samsung-renewable-energy-plans-stark-county-solar-farm-construction-for-2025/70341526007/ | 2023-06-27T02:18:30 | 0 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2023/06/26/samsung-renewable-energy-plans-stark-county-solar-farm-construction-for-2025/70341526007/ |
'Calm' Madison Reemsnyder builds on big lead, wins inaugural Women's Stark County Amateur
- Former GlenOak All-Ohioan Madison Reemsnyder won the open division by 14 shots Sunday at the inaugural Women's Stark County Amateur Golf Championship.
- Reemsnyder shot 72 in the final round and finished the weekend at 2-under par.
- Reemsnyder helped lead Xavier to a fourth straight Big East title this season and was voted the conference's freshman of the year.
UNIONTOWN — Madison Reemsnyder took a break from golf after her first college season.
Her coach at Xavier thought it was a good idea to do so. Reemsnyder competed last fall and this past spring with limited breaks. It was a heavier load than her high school days at GlenOak that included nine-hole dual matches in the fall and no spring season.
"I'm kind of a break golfer," Reemsnyder said. "I play better when I take some time off."
Refreshed, Reemsnyder returned to the course at this weekend's inaugural Women's Stark County Amateur Golf Championship. She was clearly head and shoulders above the rest in the open division.
Reemsnyder shot 72 Sunday at Raintree to finish the tournament at 2-under-par. She entered the final round with a seven-shot lead and left with a 14-stroke victory.
Green's Rachel DiDonato, who golfs at Northern Kentucky, finished second. Recent Central Catholic graduate and future Kent State golfer Kristen Belden was third.
"My mindset the whole round, I was really calm," Reemsnyder said of her finish. "It was more of like a fun round. I got to play with Rachel and Kristen, girls my age, and have fun riding carts. It wasn't like most tournaments that's a little too intimidating."
Reemsnyder had fun ... and didn't take her comfortable lead for granted.
"I want to play my best every round," Reemsnyder said. "When I play, I don't want to get too comfortable. It was good I had that lead. I just wanted to maintain it."
The Women's Stark County Amateur was just the second tournament Reemsnyder played in since Xavier's season ended in early May. She also played in her first U.S. Open qualifier in Columbus and had a low round of 72.
"I think the break made me play well in this tournament," Reemsnyder said.
Reemsnyder called playing in the U.S. Open qualifier "a great experience." She finished 10 shots behind the final automatic qualifier and seven shots out of an alternate spot.
Former Green and current Ohio State golfer Maxwell Moldovan recently played in his second straight U.S. Open. Reemsnyder isn't putting pressure on herself to qualify as soon as possible.
"I don't think too far ahead," Reemsnyder said. "I just want to stick to my game and I don't know where it's going to go. I'm just trusting my game, and if it goes there I'll pursue that. If not, I'll just keep going and see my future."
No matter what happens, Reemsnyder's future at Xavier looks very bright.
Reemsnyder helped the Musketeers become the first team in Big East history to win four straight conference titles. After three top-10 finishers, including a fourth at the Big East Championships, she was named the conference's freshman of the year.
"Just hearing I got that was really exciting," Reemsnyder said. "Everyone around me was so excited for me.
"You really don't think about the awards you may get. You just focus on each tournament you go to. I think that was my biggest strength. I just focused on each tournament and honestly each shot."
A 75 Sunday helped Denise Callahan rally to win the senior division. Doreen Smith held off Deb Fitz for first place in the handicap division.
Women's Stark County Amateur Golf Championship
FINAL RESULTS
Open Division
- Madison Reemsnyder 70-72—142
- Rachel DiDonato 77-79—156
- Kristen Belden 84-83—167
- Janet Shaheen 84-88—172
- Ava Kemp 84-88—172
- Abby Ankerman 94-99—193
Handicap Division
- Doreen Smith 71-78—149
- Deb Fitz 72-79—151
- Carol Bonavita 81-77—158
- Jean Burnquist 80-83—163
Senior Division
- Denise Callahan 77-75—152
- Gail Hackett 74-80—154
- Natalie Savich 80-80—160
- Debbie Johns 99-89—188
Reach Mike at mike.popovich@cantonrep.com
On Twitter: @mpopovichREP | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/sports/local/2023/06/26/madison-reemsnyder-wins-womens-stark-county-amateur-golf-championship-denise-callahan-doreen-smith/70340243007/ | 2023-06-27T02:18:48 | 0 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/sports/local/2023/06/26/madison-reemsnyder-wins-womens-stark-county-amateur-golf-championship-denise-callahan-doreen-smith/70340243007/ |
PORTLAND, Maine — The last leg of the Appalachian Trail runs from Monson to Baxter State Park through an area known as the 100 Mile Wilderness, a name that’s a bit misleading. Although wild and remote, the region has been logged for decades and contains a patchwork of gravel roads. Still, its challenges are not to be underestimated.
Greg Westrich, the author of the new guide “Hiking Maine’s 100 Mile Wilderness,” knows the rigors of the area firsthand. When he and his wife tackled this stretch of the Appalachian Trail, there were more than a few times when they nearly quit.
For starters, Westrich passed a kidney stone in Gulf Hagas. The troubles did not end there.
“The last afternoon, near the end of Rainbow Lake, my wife sobbed that she couldn’t walk anymore. … If there had been a road handy, I think she would have hitchhiked home," he wrote.
No such road existed, so they pushed on and reached their goal.
Among the book’s lessons is that no one should go hiking in the 100 Mile Wilderness without being well equipped and well prepared. The area has no stores, no places to stock up on supplies, and little to no cellphone coverage.
Don’t get the wrong idea, though. Westrich didn’t write the book for grizzled Appalachian Trail thru-hikers.
“This guide isn’t for them,” he notes. “It’s for the hikers who want to explore and day hike the larger region.”
Readers will find information on 45 different hikes. I asked Westrich to recommend three for 207 viewers: one for accessibility, one for kids, one for beauty. Watch our conversation to see what he suggested and to learn much more about some of Maine’s best hiking terrain. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/hiking-guide-maine-100-mile-wilderness/97-d5749999-5652-4120-83c9-7a36f743d046 | 2023-06-27T02:22:25 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/hiking-guide-maine-100-mile-wilderness/97-d5749999-5652-4120-83c9-7a36f743d046 |
WARD COUNTY, Texas —
The Texas Department of Public Safety has identified the drivers in a deadly crash in Ward County on Sunday afternoon.
Preliminary information revealed that Anna Gabriela Galindo, 35, of Presidio, was stopped at a stop sign on FM 1776 in a 2015 Nissan Sentra, intending to turn north onto SH 18. She had 3 minors in the car with her.
Juanita Acosta Brandenburg, 52, of Grandfalls, was driving a 2018 Toyota 4Runner southbound on SH 18, approaching the intersection with FM 1776.
Galindo failed to yield the right of way and entered the intersection, crashing into Brandenburg.
Galindo was pronounced dead at the scene. Brandenburg and the three minors were taken to Ward Memorial Hospital in stable condition.
This is all the information we have on the wreck. We will update this story if more details are released. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/1-killed-4-injured-in-ward-county-crash/513-f059677b-ae9b-4529-8302-9e13d333d9f5 | 2023-06-27T02:23:14 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/1-killed-4-injured-in-ward-county-crash/513-f059677b-ae9b-4529-8302-9e13d333d9f5 |
MIDLAND, Texas — Midland residents filled seats in the Bush Convention Center Monday to hear Congressman August Pfluger speak during a town hall meeting.
"Well we make a habit of doing this periodically," said Pfluger. "It’s important, first off, to be in front of constituents, to have accountability, to hear their thoughts and concerns and ideas and to give a legislative report about what’s going on in congress. Then also tell the story about how important the Permian Basin is and what it means to our national security. I think we achieved all of those things today."
Pfluger spoke on H.R.1., an energy bill that passed this year in the House. A bill that's also crucial to our area.
"H.R.1 is so fundamentally important to this area, and we had a field hearing with 25 members of Congress here earlier this year," said Pfluger. "People all over the country that came and heard from people like Mayor Lori Blong and others on what energy means to our economy, our national security, and the steps we need to push back against the assault that president Biden has made on this area, and especially on oil and gas."
As subcommittee chairman on the Homeland Security Committee, Pfluger also addressed border security issues.
"It’s important that we give the border patrol the resources they need," said Pfluger. "Yes, that means a wall, but it also means technology, it also means hiring more border patrol agents, but it means pushing back on the administration and their lack of political will to enforce the laws that we already have on the books to get us a country that’s secure. That was apart of our commitment to America. I intend to fight for that every single day."
Tomorrow, Congressman Pfluger will have "Coffee with your Congressman" at Press Cafe in Odessa at 8 a.m. This is a time for you to come and have a chat with Pfluger on an array of topics. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/congressman-august-pfluger-midland-town-hall-meeting/513-99aa0fc4-aad8-4b26-abe7-c3dde60ac27a | 2023-06-27T02:23:20 | 0 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/congressman-august-pfluger-midland-town-hall-meeting/513-99aa0fc4-aad8-4b26-abe7-c3dde60ac27a |
MIDLAND, Texas — In May, Midland County ended their contract with Horseshoe Hospitality Services and took control over the Horseshoe Complex.
Despite this, they continued to look for someone to take over as director to help run things.
On Monday, they found their man.
Ken Olson was named as the new director of the Horseshoe at a Midland County Commissioners Court meeting, after a lengthy interview process during executive session.
“I’m excited for the opportunity,” Olson said. “I think we can bring some great things to the Horseshoe. I’m just looking forward to working with a great team and getting going.”
Olson’s main priority will be running the day-to-day operations of the Horseshoe Complex and reporting directly to the county commissioners.
“I’ll oversee the operations of the Horseshoe and [will be] reporting directly to the county commissioners about facilities, day-to-day operations, events and all things Horseshoe,” Olson said.
Olson is no stranger to event management. He got a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater with a specialization in stage management and technical design.
A two-year resident of Midland, Olson used to be the managing director at Midland Community Theater. He is hoping his experiences with MCT will translate to the Horseshoe.
"I think very similarly and very easily,” Olson said about the transition. “The commissioners and I want to work together on creating some new policy, and ideas, and what we can bring to the community overall."
As far as what’s next for the Horseshoe, Olson is looking to get more of a local flavor mixed in with the events and shows.
“I think it'll be great to get more local businesses involved as vendors,” Olson said. “I think it'll be great to offer more of a variety of events and entertainment with different concerts and different things to get the whole community involved and touch every group in our community.”
Olson will officially begin his new job by mid-July. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/midland-county-new-director-of-horseshoe-complex/513-bb671c43-69b0-4f01-bca2-03ded0d482ec | 2023-06-27T02:23:26 | 0 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/midland-county-new-director-of-horseshoe-complex/513-bb671c43-69b0-4f01-bca2-03ded0d482ec |
BESSEMER, Ala. (WIAT) — A local third grader’s lemonade business is booming. He’s gone from selling on his front lawn to selling in grocery stores. But now, his mother says their business has received a complaint filed to the Department of Labor.
The saying “when life gives you lemons” has taken on a new meaning lately for eight-year-old entrepreneur Cameron Johnson and his mom Cristal, who are the brains behind ‘Cam’s Lemonade.’
“It started out last year as just a lemonade stand at the end of the driveway, and thankfully, it just blew up,” Cristal Johnson said.
The Johnsons from Walker County are now living in Bessemer and started the stand about a year ago.
“As a typical eight-year-old, he was seven at the time, he stayed in my pocket, asking, ‘hey, can we do this, can we do that?’ and so when he asked about Disney World, I told him, ‘let’s let you earn a dollar,'” Cristal said.
“[My favorite Disney character is] the beast … He’s got horns, and I like horns,” Cameron said.
Cam’s Lemonade has grown from his front yard to community events and now to Piggly Wiggly stores across Jefferson and Walker Counties. Cameron’s dream would one day to have Walmart and Target carry his lemonade.
Because of their success, Cameron’s mom said they wanted to offer a one-day apprenticeship event to help share the skills they’ve learned with his friends and give them some extra pocket change as well. She posted about it on her social media, and that’s when she says someone called the Department of Labor.
“[Teaching them] self-esteem, teach them how to count, math skills, things like that … Someone found wrong in that, and I was unfortunately reported to the Department of Labor … It was heartbreaking,” Cristal said.
Johnson said the department told her she can’t teach kids and sell her lemonade on the same day, but otherwise it’s back to business.
CBS42 reached out to the Department of Labor who said they couldn’t comment on the topic right now. However, they did confirm they received a complaint but said the Johnsons are not being penalized and their lemonade stand is ‘perfectly legal.’
In the meantime, Johnson said the community has rallied behind them, and their support means so much. They now have enough money to travel to Disney World, and they hope to go soon.
“Strangers reached out in-boxing with me suggestions, I’ve had a couple of places reach out and say, ‘hey come set up at our location.’ What someone meant for bad definitely turned out good,” Cristal said. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/mother-heartbroken-after-sons-lemonade-stand-receives-complaint-from-department-of-labor/ | 2023-06-27T02:26:33 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/mother-heartbroken-after-sons-lemonade-stand-receives-complaint-from-department-of-labor/ |
Divers find body of Lake Pleasant swimmer
Fernando Cervantes Jr.
Arizona Republic
Monday afternoon Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office divers recovered the body of a man who drowned while swimming in Lake Pleasant, according to a statement from the agency.
At 11:30 a.m., deputies responded to the Sunset Ridge area of the lake following the report of a possible drowning. A witness informed deputies that a man swimming did not resurface, officials said.
The search lasted for approximately five hours, and the man's body was recovered around 4:30 p.m., said Sgt. Monica Bretado, an MCSO spokesperson.
The man who drowned has not been publicly identified.
Another body was pulled from Lake Pleasant on Thursday. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/06/26/maricopa-county-sheriffs-office-find-body-of-man-in-lake-pleasant/70328123007/ | 2023-06-27T02:26:44 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/06/26/maricopa-county-sheriffs-office-find-body-of-man-in-lake-pleasant/70328123007/ |
Dear J.T. & Dale: Everyone is saying the economy is going to get bad and jobs will be tough. I hear AI is going to wipe out a lot of good-paying jobs, too. How worried should I be? — Josh
J.T.: There is a lot of discussion around the economy being tough, but most are saying that it will be temporary — maybe 18 to 24 months. As for AI, yes, I do believe that it's going to disrupt a lot of positions and eliminate a lot of good-paying jobs. The hope is that there are new jobs being created that become in high demand. My advice is to stay on top of the trends and subscribe to resources that can help you learn about new career opportunities that are emerging as a result of technology like AI.
DALE: I've been playing around with the new AI tools, and I asked Bard — that's Google's version of AI — this question: Is AI going to take my job? Here's a part of the response: It is possible that AI will take your job in the future, but it is not guaranteed. AI is becoming increasingly capable of automating tasks that were once done by humans, and this trend is likely to continue. However, AI is not capable of replacing all human jobs. Some jobs, such as those that require creativity, empathy, or social skills, will likely remain in the hands of humans for the foreseeable future.
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As you've probably heard, Wendy's is planning on using it for taking drive-thru orders. That's an ideal use — it figures out what you want and puts it into the system. And AI has a lot of obvious advantages, like working 24/7. Plus, it will work all those hours in a lot of different languages. I just asked Bard how many languages it knows: 265, it said. That doesn't seem possible. So, I asked it how many languages there are in the world, and it tells me 7,139. Can that be right? I thought I'd Google it, but Bard is Google. The upshot is that we've had just about all the information in the world already online, and now we have a sentence-writing and sentence-speaking machine to spew it back. So, the idea is to make sure your job is more than that, more than repeating information. Think of how robots took over so many manual labor jobs, the repetitive ones. It's like that with language jobs.
Jeanine "J.T." Tanner O'Donnell is a career coach and the founder of the leading career site workitdaily.com. Dale Dauten's latest book is "Experiments Never Fail: A Guide for the Bored, Unappreciated and Underpaid." Please visit them at jtanddale.com, where you can send questions via email, or write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803. | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/jt-dale-talk-jobs-is-ai-coming-for-all-our-jobs/article_c911ce96-f8b9-11ed-94a6-9763409a92fb.html | 2023-06-27T02:41:53 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/jt-dale-talk-jobs-is-ai-coming-for-all-our-jobs/article_c911ce96-f8b9-11ed-94a6-9763409a92fb.html |
One 19-year-old man is dead and another is facing charges including first-degree murder after a shooting on Tucson's south side over the weekend, police said.
The shooting took place at an apartment complex in the 100 block of West Valencia Road in the early morning hours Sunday, June 25.
Tucson police gave the following account in a news release Monday:
Officers went to the scene after 911 callers reported hearing shots fired. They found Jesus De Jesus Gonzalez, 19, with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Another man was also found with gunshot wounds and was taken to Banner University Medical Center with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Additional witnesses and victims with minor injuries were treated at the scene.
The Tucson police homicide unit took over the investigation and determined Gonzalez was involved in fight with several people that resulted in an exchange of gunfire.
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Detectives identified Augustine Alvarez, 19, as a suspect after a preliminary investigation.
Officers found Alvarez at a business on South Houghton Road and detained him on suspicion of first-degree murder, first-degree burglary, armed robbery, aggravated robbery and kidnapping.
Alvarez is being held in the Pima County jail. Bond was set at $1 million.
Tucson police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to call 911 or 88-CRIME, the anonymous tipster line.
Eddie Celaya is a breaking news reporter and host of the "Here Weed Go!" podcast. He graduated from Pima Community College and the University of Arizona and has been with the Arizona Daily Star since May 2019. | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/tucson-teen-shooting-murder-arrest-police/article_67bf4d02-1480-11ee-8816-abfdf9433f05.html | 2023-06-27T02:41:59 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/tucson-teen-shooting-murder-arrest-police/article_67bf4d02-1480-11ee-8816-abfdf9433f05.html |
The official high temperature for Tucson hit 111 today, Monday, June 26, the same top temp as recorded the day before.
Both days were the first over 110 degrees since July 11 last year, the National Weather Service says. The city's official temperatures are recorded at Tucson International Airport.
For Tuesday, "we're gonna be down just a touch," says weather service meteorologist Carl Cerniglia, as the weather service predicts a high of 109.
The area of high pressure above us that's been causing the high heat is weakening a bit, he explained. It led to an excessive heat warning for Tucson to start the week.
For the rest of the week, expect highs in the 106 to 108 range from Wednesday through next Monday, July 3, he says.
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Monday's 111 in Tucson "did not come close to the all time high (period of record being 1894-2023) of 117 degrees reached this day in 1990," the weather service noted in a tweet.
Phoenix, meantime, has a 40% chance of hitting 115 on Sunday, says the National Weather Service office there. Phoenix's highs were 112 Monday and 111 Sunday, matching Tucson's that day.
As for Southern Arizona's monsoon season, and how soon moisture will arrive from Mexico, the weather service tweeted, "For the end of June, it's still not quite the best monsoon setup yet across Mexico. However, easterly flow is now noted across most of Mexico," and "thunderstorms were developing along the Sonoran and Chihuahua border." | https://tucson.com/news/local/tucson-weather-heat-forecast-records/article_a5f7fab6-1484-11ee-a4e3-93d4da446486.html | 2023-06-27T02:42:05 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/tucson-weather-heat-forecast-records/article_a5f7fab6-1484-11ee-a4e3-93d4da446486.html |
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County Police are investigating a death after a body was found in an apartment Sunday afternoon.
A man who said he made the discovery asked to remain anonymous. He said he was walking back from a friend’s place around 4 p.m. when he noticed the front door to an apartment "wide open" in one of the buildings at Hidden Valley Apartments.
The apartments sit back off Candler Road along Misty Waters Drive. He said something seemed off about the doors being open and said he could smell a foul odor as he got closer.
As he entered the one-bedroom apartment, he said the lights were off and it was obvious no one was home. He said all the furniture was still inside and things left on the counter as if someone "left in a hurry."
The man said he walked back to the bedroom and noticed the door to the closet was open and something was hanging out of the door. He said it was a human arm.
"You could tell it was a young girl by what she had on and by her hair,” he said.
As of Monday evening, the body hasn’t been positively identified. The man said it appeared the body had been in the closet for quite sometime due to the condition.
“She looked like a mummy,” he said.
DeKalb County Police and the medical examiner are working to identify the body and figure out how the person died. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/body-found-dekalb-apartment-witness-calls-police/85-d0fdaaf6-a213-49b8-8568-2c195298b2fa | 2023-06-27T02:52:57 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/body-found-dekalb-apartment-witness-calls-police/85-d0fdaaf6-a213-49b8-8568-2c195298b2fa |
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County Police are investigating a shooting by a Krispy Kreme.
Officers were called to the 2500 block of Wesley Chapel Rd. Monday night in Decatur.
Police have not said if anyone was hurt or offered details in the scope of its investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
Also download the 11Alive News app and sign up to receive alerts for the latest on this story and other breaking news in Atlanta and north Georgia. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/wesley-chapel-road-shooting/85-76e3ab32-0678-4881-97d1-326c2f3d3523 | 2023-06-27T02:53:03 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/wesley-chapel-road-shooting/85-76e3ab32-0678-4881-97d1-326c2f3d3523 |
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — A 22-year-old drowned while swimming with his friend Sunday afternoon, according to Milledgeville Police.
The police department said officers responded to the Oconee River Greenway around 12:30 p.m. His friend told officers they had been swimming when he began struggling and went under the water.
Milledgeville Police deployed its drone unit. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources and fire rescue crews were also on scene searching for the man. The riverwalk was closed for several hours. After three hours of searching, his body was recovered from the water.
Authorities later identified the 22-year-old as Ferman Soiano Samuel De Jesus, of Atlanta.
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
Also download the 11Alive News app and sign up to receive alerts for the latest on this story and other breaking news in Atlanta and north Georgia. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/22-year-old-drowns-while-swimming-with-his-friend-milledgeville/85-93ea0808-e5d9-47cd-9d7c-9bf4c50e5d00 | 2023-06-27T02:53:26 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/22-year-old-drowns-while-swimming-with-his-friend-milledgeville/85-93ea0808-e5d9-47cd-9d7c-9bf4c50e5d00 |
With warmer, drier and windier weather comes fire restrictions across northern Arizona this week.
Stage 1 fire restrictions will go into effect starting Thursday across both the Coconino and Kaibab national forests, and within both the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County, officials announced Monday.
Under stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site.
Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or a developed recreation site. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forest and state lands.
Using a device that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.
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Within the city, permits for open burning will not be issued, and the sale or use of consumer-grade fireworks is prohibited.
The restrictions also prohibit the use of charcoal and wood-fired barbecues in city parks and open spaces.
The restrictions come as officials hope to prevent human-caused fires as fire danger worsens throughout the summer -- and ahead of the weekend of the Fourth of July.
Decisions about fire restrictions are based on a combination of carefully measured factors, according to officials. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels, enduring drought and available firefighting resources.
Additional restrictions could be forthcoming if conditions warrant. Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the region receives significant, widespread precipitation during the monsoon season in late summer.
In some areas of the forest, including around Flagstaff, campfires and camping are banned year-round. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/stage-1-fire-restrictions-to-take-effect-across-northern-arizona-beginning-thursday/article_d86ec234-1481-11ee-8e5d-9bf6d1dc8173.html | 2023-06-27T02:54:32 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/stage-1-fire-restrictions-to-take-effect-across-northern-arizona-beginning-thursday/article_d86ec234-1481-11ee-8e5d-9bf6d1dc8173.html |
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY — The Board of Education of Anne Arundel County unanimously approved a new contract with the Teachers Association of Anne Arundel County on Monday night.
The agreement calls for Unit I employees to receive a step and a 6% cost-of-living adjustment.
This is separate from a previously announced agreement which called for starting teacher salaries by $8,000 to $58,161 beginning on July 1.
RELATED: Agreement reached to increase starting salary for teachers in Anne Arundel Co.
“These two agreements are tremendous news for our teachers, our students, and our entire school system,” Board President Dr. Joanna Tobin said. “We have put an immense amount of time and energy into advocating for the critical need to increase compensation for our employees and it is an incredible relief to be on strong footing with all of our bargaining units prior to the start of the next fiscal year.”
Along with the agreement with the TAAAC, the Board also approved operating and capital budgets that will fund different priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.
The $1.65 billion budget contains $79.5 million in compensation increases for employees while addressing more than $20.6 million in mandates required by the Blueprint for Maryland's Future law and funding needs for three new schools, Old Mill West High School and West County Elementary School, both set to open in the 2024-2025 school year, and the Chesapeake Science Point Public Charter Elementary School, which will open in the upcoming school year.
Funding from the budget will also go towards extending the work day for teacher assistants by 30 minutes, providing Unit I special educators with a $2,000 bonus, increasing pay for substitute teachers, and giving a second consecutive 10% cost of living adjustment to contracted bus drivers.
Also funded are 45 positions to continue and enhance prekindergarten education for 3-year-olds as mandated by the Blueprint, 10 English Language Development teachers to address the needs of AACPS’ fastest-growing student population, six assistant principal positions, three school psychologists, three school social workers, two school counselors, two community ambassadors, and one pupil personnel worker.
The $200.6 million capital budget contains $132.4 million for major capital projects that include construction at the following schools, in priority order:
- West County Elementary School construction, $12.6 million
- Old Mill Middle School South construction, $37.3 million
- Center of Applied Technology – North construction, $58.4 million
- Old Mill Middle School North design/construction, $11.4 million
- Old Mill High School design/construction, $12.7 million
The Old Mill High School request is for a new facility on the school’s current Patriot Lane site and separate from the construction of Old Mill High School West, which is being built on the former Papa John’s Farm in Severn. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/aaco-public-schools-approves-new-contract-with-teachers-association | 2023-06-27T02:58:22 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/aaco-public-schools-approves-new-contract-with-teachers-association |
BEL AIR, Md. — Firefighters battled a two-alarm fire in Harford County on Monday night.
The call came for an apartment fire in the 1300 block of Sheridan Place.
Fire officials say there is a partial collapse of the building, but the fire has been placed under control.
One person was being evaluated further on scene.
Bel Air Volunteer Fire and surrounding fire companies of Harford County are operating on scene. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/firefighters-battle-two-alarm-fire-in-bel-air | 2023-06-27T02:58:28 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/firefighters-battle-two-alarm-fire-in-bel-air |
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — For roughly the last month, stakeholders in Anne Arundel County have debated over a proposal to restrict the kinds of flags displayed in schools.
On Monday night, the school board heard from parents and teachers in Annapolis - and just before that meeting, opposing protesters gathered on each side of Riva Road outside the building.
The two sides are split on a proposal to ban flags in county schools without a quote ‘bona-fide educational purpose’.
Dyson VanderClute argues it means much more than cloth; the trans flag VanderClute held Monday would be among those restricted in classrooms.
"I think putting a ban on pride flags shows there are students not welcome in that space," VanderClute said. "And I don’t think that a public school should be a space to tell students that this is not for you, a public school needs to be for all students.”
The American flag, Maryland flag, Anne Arundel flag and Annapolis flag would be permitted on display. On the opposite side of the road - Tareque Farruk told WMAR that's exactly what the district needs.
“If you bring a flag into the school system that has a personal ideology - you’re allowed to be free in this country - but it is in your own home. In your own space. Not in a public space, where we unite under this flag.”
Later Monday night, dozens filed into an evening school board meeting, with almost no empty seats in the room, as those on both sides commented publicly.
Supporters say the American flag already unifies everybody - and other flags in schools will only divide; opponents argue the policy is a solution in search of a problem - and something as simple as putting a flag up can make a student feel welcome.
Monday's meeting was the policy’s second reading, so there was not a vote on it; some amendments, however, were made to the original proposal. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/strong-opinions-among-anne-arundel-parents-teachers-on-proposed-flag-ban | 2023-06-27T02:58:34 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/strong-opinions-among-anne-arundel-parents-teachers-on-proposed-flag-ban |
Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Jeff Mathers said Gilberto Portillo Barrientos blamed what he did during the lunch rush April 10 at the Mexican restaurant at Northwest 22nd and West O streets all on alcohol, drugs or both.
"I'm not sure that makes it any better," the prosecutor said. "This was a brazen, violent act, by carjacking two workers eating their lunch with a machete in his hand. That's not something thankfully we see every day in Lincoln, Nebraska."
Police arrested him blocks away from the fast-food chain about an hour later and he ultimately pleaded guilty to attempted robbery.
Mathers said he would think that the federal government would take steps to deport Barrientos since he's undocumented.
"But that's probably not the case. So I'm asking you to send him to prison," he told District Judge Ryan Post.
Barrientos' deputy Lancaster County Public Defender, James Sieben, argued for probation, saying Barrientos' addiction issue wasn't an excuse, but it was a factor. And probation could help him get the help he needs to stay on track.
Barrientos asked the judge to give him a chance on probation.
"I don't know why I did it. I know it was wrong. I just want a chance. Everybody makes mistakes in his life," he said.
But Post said this wasn't just some mistake, as he handed down a prison sentence of 4-6 years.
"At the end of the day, you approached people at a D'Leon's with a machete and stole their van. And there's consequences for that," he said. "We just can't have that in our community." | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/lincoln-man-goes-to-prison-for-brazen-daytime-carjacking-with-a-machete/article_5c7f5994-145a-11ee-9ebc-db460c7bf03c.html | 2023-06-27T02:58:49 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/lincoln-man-goes-to-prison-for-brazen-daytime-carjacking-with-a-machete/article_5c7f5994-145a-11ee-9ebc-db460c7bf03c.html |
SEATTLE — People are still trying to wrap their heads around the shooting that took place at a campground near the Gorge Amphitheater on June 17 at the Beyond Wonderland Music Fest, claiming the lives of two people and injuring two others.
Brandy Escamilla and Josilyn Ruiz were killed. They were an engaged couple that were beloved parts of their communities. The comments in an online fundraiser for both Escamilla and Ruiz reveal the impact they had.
"They dedicated their careers and their lives to helping others," Lesley K. Han, program director of Nursing Workforce at City of Hope, said. City of Hope is a cancer treatment facility where the two got their start in the nursing field.
"We really feel like we watched them grow up," Han said. "They never got jaded with healthcare. They always wanted to give their best in terms of how they could help take care of people."
Their concern and genuine care for others was put on display when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, according to Han.
"We, in response to COVID, had to open up a completely separate COVID wing and they were two of the volunteer nurses that wanted to go into that unit and work there," Han said. "I think that there's true selflessness in the world. Josilyn and Brandy demonstrated that selflessness."
As of the evening of June 26, a Harborview spokesperson said another victim, Lily Luksich, is still hospitalized. She just released a statement to her online fundraiser passing along her "deepest sympathies" to the other victims and their families and friends. At the time of the shooting, Luksich was dating the suspect, according to court documents.
The suspected shooter, James Kelly, is a servicemember who, at the time of the shooting was stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. He confessed to authorities that he was experiencing a "bad mushroom trip" and believed the world was ending, leading to the gunfire. Prosecutors have charged Kelly with five Class A felonies which carry a life in prison sentence. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 5. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle-nurses-killed-gorge-shooting-2023-remembered/281-2e8d0b04-d533-4060-ae27-8d047b0d8b07 | 2023-06-27T03:03:46 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle-nurses-killed-gorge-shooting-2023-remembered/281-2e8d0b04-d533-4060-ae27-8d047b0d8b07 |
SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners introduced a new community resource Monday that they hope will ease parking concerns and boost safety.
A new rideshare lot will open ahead of All-Star Week and serve as a permanent feature across from T-Mobile Park on Third Avenue between Holgate Street and Royal Brougham Way near the bustling Amtrak railways. The lot officially opens July 8.
“We know the world’s eyes will be on Seattle in less than two weeks so we want to use this lot to help introduce fans to the new option, and timing couldn’t be better,” Mariners Executive Vice President Fred Rivera said.
Mariners Chairman John Stanton was joined by Rivera, other team executives and representatives from the Washington State Major League Baseball Public Facilities District (PFD) for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the shadows of the ballpark Monday. The PFD was established in 1995 and owns T-Mobile Park and oversees its operation.
The partnership provides a new easily accessible option for fans to leverage ridesharing options like Uber and Lyft with a monitored lot that features staff for assistance.
“In many ways, this has become a transportation corridor,” said Rivera. “For the last several years the Mariners have been focused on revitalizing (the) SODO neighborhood around T-Mobile Park.”
The team purchased and developed a former brewery to the west of the ballpark. The Boxyard complex is now home to Hatback Bar & Grille, Steelheads Alley and Victory Hall.
“Now we are looking to the east of the stadium and this rideshare lot should provide a central and conveniently located hub to make it quicker and easier for pickups and drop-offs,” Rivera said. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/mariners-t-mobile-park-rideshare-lot-all-star-week/281-65bd2c01-9ca3-445c-a99c-395b75ff30d0 | 2023-06-27T03:03:50 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/mariners-t-mobile-park-rideshare-lot-all-star-week/281-65bd2c01-9ca3-445c-a99c-395b75ff30d0 |
LOCAL
Michigan lottery draw numbers for Monday, June 26
The Detroit News
These numbers were drawn Monday:
Midday: 890, 2224
Evening: 396, 1396
Fantasy 5: 2, 7, 22, 26, 30
Double Play: 8, 12, 16, 29, 35
Tuesday jackpot: $100K
Keno: 1, 4, 7, 8, 13, 17, 24, 31, 34, 37, 40, 43, 44, 45, 56, 58, 60, 64, 65, 74, 76, 77
Poker Lotto: 8♠, 8♥, 4♥, 3♠, 10♦ | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/26/michigan-lottery-draw-numbers-for-monday-june-26/70359428007/ | 2023-06-27T03:10:35 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/26/michigan-lottery-draw-numbers-for-monday-june-26/70359428007/ |
Below is a rolling list of storm updates across metro Richmond this Monday evening. Download The Times-Dispatch app for weather updates while you're on the go.
10:24 p.m.
Storms continue a few dozen miles west of the Richmond region. More rain overnight is likely, but the threat of severe storms is declining.
Late night storms continue a few dozen miles west of #RVA.
— Sean Sublette (@SeanSublette) June 27, 2023
Damaging storm threat is waning, but still more rain overnight is likely in #RVA. pic.twitter.com/1yQvZ3dFn4
10:10 p.m.
A Flood Watch is in effect until 2 a.m. Tuesday for the Richmond region and a wide section of the state. "Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible," the National Weather Service said in a statement.
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8 p.m.
Strongest storms moving across the West End and continuing into Hanover County — including Ashland — with wind gusts to 60 mph, through about 8:45 p.m. Expect a scattering of tree damage and potential power outages.
Final wave of thunderstorms will cross the central and west side of the metro area between 9 and 10 p.m., then the threat of storms will subside for the night. Isolated damage is still possible before those storms clear by 10 p.m.
6:10 pm.
— Sean Sublette (@SeanSublette) June 26, 2023
Cirrus canopy of the current Fork Union and Louisa storms, as seen from Midlothian. #vawx pic.twitter.com/b4MyR2VF06
6:30 p.m.
Intense cluster of thunderstorms continues from Fork Union to Louisa on a slow movement east toward Hanover and Goochland Counties. These storms have produced hail the size of ping pong balls (1.5" diameter), and have brought down trees near Zion Crossroads in Fluvanna County. Power outages are increasing in Fluvanna County.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Richmond VA, Tuckahoe VA and Mechanicsville VA until 8:30 PM EDT. This storm will contain wind gusts to 70 MPH! pic.twitter.com/ALLbnUcHyi
— NWS Wakefield (@NWSWakefieldVA) June 27, 2023
A second area of storms near Farmville and Brookneal is strengthening and moving northeast toward Prince Edward and Amelia County, on a bearing to arrive in Chesterfield County after 8 p.m.
**
5:30 p.m.
Strongest storms now within 50 miles of western Henrico County. Hail and wind gusts to 60 mph within these storms. This cluster is moving eastward at 20 mph, so they would not likely arrive in Short Pump, Wyndham, and Glen Allen until after 7 p.m.
**
5:14 p.m.
Severe weather warning for Richmond 3-11 PM. Risk rating 3/5, wind gusts 60-75 mph. Charge devices, avoid flooded roads, bring outdoor items indoors. Stay updated. Call Homeward for homeless assistance. 5 libraries open until 8 PM. City Hall open for refuge at 4 PM. Stay safe. pic.twitter.com/wFLyKVpQmK
— City of Richmond, VA (@CityRichmondVA) June 26, 2023
The Chesterfield Fire and EMS investigating a drowning have called off recovery efforts on the Swift Creek Reservoir. Police were called Sunday evening to help rescue personnel in the Swift Creek Reservoir in the 5700 block of Promontory Pointe Road. Fire department officials said they will be back on site Tuesday.
**
5 p.m.
Nearest storms remain 60 miles west of Richmond and continue moving eastward. No threat to Richmond through at least 6 p.m. But those storms will cross into Buckingham and Fluvanna Counties in the next hour with heavy rain and vivid lightning.
**
4:30 p.m.
Strongest storms remain along the U.S. 29 corridor between Charlottesville and Amherst. These storms are moving east and will largely miss the core of metro Richmond this evening, impacting areas from Ashland to Fredericksburg. However, more storms are expected to develop upstream from Richmond in the coming hours.
**
4:12 p.m.
Henrico County Public Schools has announced that due to inclement weather expected later this evening, and out of an abundance of caution, all after-school and extracurricular programs and activities are canceled after 4:30 p.m. today, June 26. All HCPS schools and offices will also be closing at 4:30 p.m.
4 p.m.
Thunderstorms remain several dozen miles west of metropolitan Richmond, with the first area of rain likely arriving after 6 p.m.
**
3:30 p.m.
New Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been added southward from the one in northern Virginia, now includes all of metro Richmond and areas southwestward to the Roanoke Valley and southward to the North Carolina state line.
The Watch in metro Richmond continues until 10 p.m.
The primary threats are for scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 miles per hour and isolated large hail upwards of 1.5 inches in diameter — roughly the size of a ping pong ball.
Thunderstorm development will accelerate in the coming few hours, with the greatest threats being large hail and damaging winds.
**
3 p.m.
Clouds are beginning to fill in west and southwest of Richmond, with new storms starting to generate westward near Smith Mountain Lake and across Franklin County. This is the area upstream from Richmond to be monitored for additional development in the coming few hours.
But no imminent threat to metro Richmond for at least 1-2 hours.
**
2:30 p.m.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch for northern Virginia, where storm development has started earliest.
A Watch means conditions are rapidly becoming favorable for damaging thunderstorms with high winds and hail. The Watch does not include any of metro Richmond, but more thunderstorm development is expected upstream from Richmond as afternoon evolves into evening.
***
2 p.m.
A Flood Watch continues until 2 a.m. Tuesday morning for metro Richmond and areas eastward, as thunderstorms may produce enough rain for flooding of small streams and creeks and in urban areas with poor drainage.
***
1:45 p.m.
Risk of thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts remains for late this afternoon and early this evening across metro Richmond.
No imminent threat of thunderstorms, but clouds are beginning to blossom along the Blue Ridge and areas to the west, which is the expected genesis area of the storms this afternoon. | https://richmond.com/news/local/weather/updates-flood-watch-in-place-after-heavy-rains/article_287ec20c-1445-11ee-87f0-6b58c1984ae6.html | 2023-06-27T03:24:24 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/weather/updates-flood-watch-in-place-after-heavy-rains/article_287ec20c-1445-11ee-87f0-6b58c1984ae6.html |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Culzzles is a local business that aims to celebrate cultural diversity by bringing bring more representation to puzzles and games.
Culzzles owner Melanie Maurice says her kids inspired her to create the games and show them how to start their own business.
“Culzzles is a brainchild I came up with, with my kids. I have a daughter – who’s now 8 but she was 6 when I first started – and she was learning her alphabet, the sounds, recognizing the letters and I wanted to do something to help her. I also knew that it meant so much for her to see herself in items like TV and movies and products, so I wanted to do something like that for her as well as other kids,” Maurice said. “And then I also wanted to teach my son, who’s a little bit older, more about entrepreneurship.”
Culzzles are available online, through Amazon and at local markets.
Watch the video above to learn more. | https://www.koin.com/local/local-business-celebrates-diversity-with-educational-games/ | 2023-06-27T03:25:00 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/local-business-celebrates-diversity-with-educational-games/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Adults all over the Portland metro area are discovering a new way to have fun with friends and family with Truddi HQ treasure hunts.
Named after a toy dinosaur Truddi HQ designer Jason Harter found at a thrift store, the treasure hunts encourage Portlanders to explore the Pacific Northwest.
“I really like doing treasure hunts. I grew up watching ‘Indiana Jones’ and ‘The Goonies’ and the thought of finding a treasure map, or going on an adventure, and solving puzzles and finding treasure was always really exciting,” Harter explained.
Harter began crafting treasure hunts for his friends before creating the events for people in the Portland metro area.
“One thing that’s really great is finding different statues, public art, landmarks or unique places around that maybe people haven’t seen before, haven’t explored yet and building a puzzle around that to get you out and about, get you doing some brainy, nerdy fun and seeing new things,” Harter said.
Truddi HQ is currently running a Book Lovers treasure hunt that takes explorers around Northeast Portland with ISBN number clues. | https://www.koin.com/local/unlock-mysteries-across-the-portland-metro-area-with-truddi-hq/ | 2023-06-27T03:25:07 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/unlock-mysteries-across-the-portland-metro-area-with-truddi-hq/ |
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh police were called to the scene of an incident in East Hills on Monday night.
Allegheny County 911 confirms police, fire and EMS crews were called to the 2200 block of Wilner Drive around 9:15 p.m.
It’s not clear at this time if anyone was injured.
This is a developing story, and 11 News is working to learn more. Check back for updates on Channel 11 Morning News starting at 4:30 a.m.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/police-respond-incident-east-hills/2RHMC44HIFCFNKULO2M6YT67UI/ | 2023-06-27T03:26:02 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/police-respond-incident-east-hills/2RHMC44HIFCFNKULO2M6YT67UI/ |
DELTONA, Fla. — There are concerns that a local elected official is violating the law.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Deltona Mayor Santiago Avila said District 1 Commissioner Tom Burbank is discussing city business in private emails, and it’s a violation of the Sunshine Law.
The Sunshine Law requires meetings or boards of commissioners to be open to the public and not have public business discussed behind closed doors.
The mayor said this has been going on since last fall, when he and Burbank were both elected.
READ: DeSantis asks federal judge to dismiss Disney lawsuit; claims immunity
“I have approached the city manager and the city attorney, and they both professed, ‘Hey we have spoken to him. There’s nothing else we can do,’” Avila said, adding that Burbank can’t be removed.
Avila said his next step is the state attorney’s office, something he echoed in last week’s meeting.
READ: 9 Fourth of July fireworks displays you can’t miss in Central Florida
The mayor said the state attorney could remove Commissioner Burbank from office if they get involved.
Channel 9 reached out to Burbank multiple times but haven’t heard back.
READ: 11 Central Florida projects up for millions of dollars in revenue
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/deltona-mayor-accuses-commissioner-discussing-city-business-private-emails/Z2ERRY22RZC5PHZAM2A6IRNXAE/ | 2023-06-27T03:30:54 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/deltona-mayor-accuses-commissioner-discussing-city-business-private-emails/Z2ERRY22RZC5PHZAM2A6IRNXAE/ |
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Local | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/man-pleads-not-guilty-in-deadly-wrong-way-crash-that-killed-long-island-teens/4455592/ | 2023-06-27T03:32:37 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/man-pleads-not-guilty-in-deadly-wrong-way-crash-that-killed-long-island-teens/4455592/ |
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Local | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/moving-day-for-historic-new-jersey-house/4455622/ | 2023-06-27T03:32:43 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/moving-day-for-historic-new-jersey-house/4455622/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Nurses that work at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis and St. Joseph Monday prepped signs to work the picket line for a planned Tuesday strike.
“I’m so happy we are going on strike because we are standing up,” said Lisa Watson, an RN in medical ICU who has worked for St. Francis for 17 years. “Because this is the only thing that’s going to get their attention.”
That’s a sentiment shared by other nurses going on strike Tuesday.
“So we are striking for our patients, safe staffing for our nurses,” said Shelly Rader, an ER Nurse at St. Francis, “Which entails recruitment and retention of nurses.”
Rader says long hours and what she calls short staffing in many cases have led to unsafe working conditions.
“As long as we get increased staff, nurses will come,” said Rader. “They will not be working in deplorable conditions. Our moral distress will be relieved, our patients will be safe, our nurses will be safe.”
KSN reached out to Ascension Via Christi Monday about the strike.
A spokesperson for Ascension Via Christi sent the following reply:
“While as a ministry of the Catholic Church we affirm the right of our associates to organize, we are disappointed that National Nurses United made the decision to proceed with a strike, especially given the hardship this presents for our associates and their families, and the concern this action may cause our patients and their loved ones.
Patient safety is our top priority, and Ascension Via Christi will remain open and well prepared to continue to provide patient-centered, holistic care during this unfortunate strike. We have a comprehensive plan in place to ensure there is no disruption in service for those who are entrusted to our care.
Ascension Via Christi is following national best practice for implementing a strike contingency plan that is compliant with The Joint Commission, OSHA, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. In order to fulfill our commitment to uninterrupted quality care for our patients, we have contracted with a staffing agency that specializes in work stoppage events and has provided us with a full complement of highly skilled and credentialed registered nurses.
Regardless of the planned duration of this disappointing strike, we are contractually required to commit to a minimum of four days of work for any registered nursing staff replaced, starting from the first day of the strike. Ascension Via Christi registered nurses who choose to work on June 27, 2023, are not being replaced and may work their regularly scheduled shifts during the contractual replacement period. Any registered nurse who chooses not to work on June 27, 2023, will be temporarily replaced and can return to their scheduled shifts beginning the morning of July 1, 2023, as soon as our replacement agency contractual obligation is fulfilled. This decision is guided by our commitment to safe, high-quality, compassionate care for our patients, and our fidelity to the virtue of justice and the appropriate stewardship of resources.
Notwithstanding this disheartening strike, we will continue to negotiate in good faith to come to a mutually beneficial agreement on an initial contract that respects the human dignity and rights of all. We look forward to returning the focus to resolving issues at the bargaining table and reaching agreement on a fair and reasonable collective bargaining agreement for our registered nurses.” | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/nurses-at-wichitas-ascension-via-christi-facilities-prep-for-strike/ | 2023-06-27T03:36:45 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/nurses-at-wichitas-ascension-via-christi-facilities-prep-for-strike/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Local Lodge 839 Machinist Union announced on Facebook Monday night that there will be a mandatory steward meeting.
The meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at District 70.
The union says the meeting is being held “due to last best and final offer.”
“This is an extremely important meeting,” the union said. “Only stewards allowed at this meeting.”
Union Leader Cornell Bread said, “The last best and final is what will be discussed. We feel it should go to the stewards first that way they understand what’s really being offered.”
KSN will provide more information as it becomes available.
To view KSN’s coverage of the Spirit Machinists Union Strike, click here. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/union-stewards-to-attend-mandatory-meeting-to-discuss-best-and-final-offer/ | 2023-06-27T03:36:51 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/union-stewards-to-attend-mandatory-meeting-to-discuss-best-and-final-offer/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/more-than-170-arrested-in-massive-drug-bust-in-philadelphias-kensington-neighborhood/3593001/ | 2023-06-27T03:36:53 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/more-than-170-arrested-in-massive-drug-bust-in-philadelphias-kensington-neighborhood/3593001/ |
DALLAS — Lauren Siler and Lisa Flores knew time was not on their side.
But in the end, they got more time than they expected.
They first spotted Annie on an Instagram account that shares information about dogs at Dallas Animal Services in desperate need of help.
And Annie was desperate.
The post said the family who surrendered her said she was 19 years old and had stopped eating and walking.
Annie was in jeopardy of being euthanized.
Working with The Pawerful Rescue, the best friends brought Annie home and immediately began spoiling her.
They were told they’d be lucky if they had a month with Annie.
She far exceeded all expectations.
Lauren and Lisa spent the next 12 months working off a bucket list filled with suggestions that came from friends and strangers who began following their journey on social media.
Annie ate In-N-Out and Whataburger and even appeared on a billboard.
Some of her Instagram posts racked up more than 4 million views.
After Annie was featured in a WFAA story, she also appeared in national news outlets.
A full year passed since Lauren and Lisa first saw Annie’s frosted 19-year-old face in the shelter, so they held a 20th birthday party for her on Saturday.
Hours later, Annie declined.
Lauren and Lisa rushed her to a vet and were forced to make the agonizing decision to let Annie go.
“She was with all the people who loved her. She was celebrated. She greeted every dog that came to her party, and then her body decided she was done,” Lauren wrote on Instagram. “I can’t help but think as she looked at me with her head in my lap that she was telling me, see I told you I could hang on for a year!”
Lauren expressed thanks to the millions of people who followed their story and shared in their journey.
“The best way to honor Annie is to foster or adopt a senior dog. Trust me. You won’t forget it,” she said. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/annie-19-year-old-dog-surrendered-at-dallas-shelter-last-year-died-one-day-after-20th-birthday-party/287-059e50cd-b17b-4964-8147-c0cacad155b7 | 2023-06-27T03:46:11 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/annie-19-year-old-dog-surrendered-at-dallas-shelter-last-year-died-one-day-after-20th-birthday-party/287-059e50cd-b17b-4964-8147-c0cacad155b7 |
AUSTIN, Texas — Dee Frazier and David Casto have been dating for almost a year. Early Sunday morning, a little after 2 a.m., they were sitting outside the bus stop near Sixth Street and Congress Avenue when Frazier said he put his head on Casto's shoulder. That's when they say a group of several guys approached them.
"One of them decided to, you know, basically just call us a homophobic slur, and Dee decided to get up and be like, 'What did you say?' And him being 6 foot, 9 [inches], they, I guess thought that was aggressive," Casto said.
The couple said it broke out into a fight that left both thrown onto the ground by the group.
"One of them was punching me undercut-style on my ribs and holding me back. And then all I remember was looking over and seeing my boyfriend, the terror in his eyes because he was being held over by two guys too," Frazier said. "I managed to wrestle myself away and grab David and pulled him back, and they were still trying to fight and whatever. Then David ran on the bus and was screaming at me, 'Dee, get on the bus.'"
"Dee was visibly shaken up, he was crying on the bus. I was trying to support him," Casto said.
The couple tells us the attack stopped when the bus came and they jumped on board to get away. They called EMS and police once they got home. The couple said they were left scraped, swollen and sore.
"I dislocated my pinky, so it's still a nice purple. And then Dee, he had a little bit worse as far as the scrapes go," Casto said.
"My ribs are extremely sore on both sides and it's kind of hard to breathe," Frazier said.
KVUE reached out to Austin police for more information about the case and the circumstances surrounding the incident. All they would confirm is they received a disturbance call and officers are taking a "holistic approach" to their investigation, including reviewing if this is a bias-motivated crime.
"I just never really thought that would ever happen in a place like this," Casto said.
APD said this incident is currently being investigated and to protect the integrity of the investigation, the department has no further information to provide at this time. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/couple-attacked-bus-stop-downtown-austin/269-f55b37ba-ed15-4ce7-99de-0fca5153ea71 | 2023-06-27T03:46:12 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/couple-attacked-bus-stop-downtown-austin/269-f55b37ba-ed15-4ce7-99de-0fca5153ea71 |
HOUSTON — The family of a man who drowned in the San Jacinto River on Sunday night is sharing their grief.
German Reynaga, 28, died while trying to help save a stranger from drowning.
"We were just going there for fun," Reynaga’s nephew, Saul Gonzales, said. "You know, just riding motorcycles, go to the beach, getting wet, distract us from work."
After the sun went down, at about 9 p.m., Gonzales said they saw a woman in the water who started having trouble.
"She was, like, yelling for help," Gonzales said. "So my uncle went there ... He got her, she was saved. But he couldn’t, I don’t know, the tide got him."
Gonzales said others in their group tried to swim to Reynaga but they couldn’t get to him.
"I just heard, like, ‘help, help, help,’” Gonzales said. “I was trying to look for him but it was dark all around me.”
Reynaga was nowhere to be found. Rescuers spent the night searching and eventually found his body using sonar equipment.
Gonzales said he didn't get the name of the woman his uncle saved, but said she stayed and waited with the family until his uncle was brought to shore at about 4 a.m.
Now, the focus shifts to the ones Reynaga left behind: A wife, a little girl and a little boy.
"The kids had everything," Gonzales said. "Everything they wanted. A loving dad."
Family members said Reynaga loved music and loved life. He worked hard and they say he was the best electrician they’d ever seen. They say he died doing something only he would do: saving a person whose name he didn’t even know.
Family members created a GoFundMe account for Reynaga’s children and so that he can be buried in Mexico. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/german-reynaga-san-jacinto-river-drowning/285-b248e22a-2fcc-4608-8854-c24b8c6d5648 | 2023-06-27T03:46:18 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/german-reynaga-san-jacinto-river-drowning/285-b248e22a-2fcc-4608-8854-c24b8c6d5648 |
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