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MIDLAND, Texas — City of Midland Council Chamber released an update regarding how to watch city council meetings.
The new video portal showcases high-resolution videos with multiple angles to view speakers, a full agenda and a video index.
Whether you're a resident, a business owner or simply interested in the city's affairs, the upgraded video portal will provide you with the information you need.
Make sure to stay connected with the City of Midland through their social media channels and regularly visit the City Calendar for updates on the next public meeting. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/city-of-midland-council-chamber-releases-new-video-portal-for-city-council-meetings/513-5e616ed5-fcb1-4f1a-9c44-70655b0be70e | 2023-07-07T01:16:17 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/city-of-midland-council-chamber-releases-new-video-portal-for-city-council-meetings/513-5e616ed5-fcb1-4f1a-9c44-70655b0be70e |
The ages of those involved in the incident range from 16 to 17. A total of five people were taken to local hospitals in the area with gunshot wounds, including one of the 16-year-old boys, who was pronounced dead.
According to Yolanda Sims, the grandmother of 18-year-old Javyn Landerth, three of the four victims are still in the hospital.
One of them has already checked out.
Sims says that her grandson is still in critical condition but stable.
“When he first woke up," Sims said. "He was still intubated and he started signaling to write something; the nurse got him a paper and marker and wrote 'Am I alive?' and I said 'Yes, you're alive.'”
She says she’s always known her grandson to be a nerdy kid with a good heart who always wants to do the right thing.
Sims also says that her family and the families of the others still in the hospital have come together in these tough times, all of them focused on the recovery of their boys first and foremost.
“And like I said it’s a tragedy for all of us," Sims continued. "We all have become a family here because we’re all suffering the same: our teenage boys are in the ICU fighting for their lives."
Sims goes on to say that parents need to keep an eye on their kids so that this doesn’t happen to them.
“Pay attention to your children, know their friends, know their whereabouts, keep a lookout on social media because this is real. This is real,” Sims added.
Sims says that she is praying for everyone involved, including the suspects. She says she feels no ill will towards them and that the lives of all the young men involved have changed because of this incident.
The Odessa Police Departments says that there are no updates at this time as the investigation is ongoing. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/update-on-victims-of-deadly-carriage-apartments-shooting-from-last-thursday/513-33486563-fc6b-41a3-a9f5-af4450031d00 | 2023-07-07T01:16:23 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/update-on-victims-of-deadly-carriage-apartments-shooting-from-last-thursday/513-33486563-fc6b-41a3-a9f5-af4450031d00 |
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, Wash. — On Monday, July 3, a fire at a townhome in the Lake Village Condominiums took the lives of a daughter and mother, 63-year-old Terry O’Hara and 85-year-old Audrey O’Hara.
The family of Terry and Audrey say they are still in shock. KING 5 sat down with Pam O’Hara, the daughter of Audrey and sister of Terry, who lived in the condo with them. We also spoke with Renee Boulet, Pam’s daughter, who was there with Pam the night of the fire.
Pam and Renee said they had been with Terry and Audrey before taking Renee’s kids down the street to go watch the fireworks show happening at Lake Ballinger.
“What kills me is I was home all day long and I left for 45 minutes,” said Pam O’Hara. “I come back and everything is gone. There is no condo, there is no mom, there is no sister. How did that happen? Everything completely wiped out, just nothing."
When they were at the fireworks show they heard sirens and when they started walking up to their neighborhood, a video taken by Renee shows the family seeing all the fire trucks, realizing something was wrong. When they walked closer, they realized it was their condo that was on fire.
“I just dropped everything and ran towards it, that’s just your instinct,” said Renee Boulet.
They later found out that Audrey and Terry had perished in the fire.
“From that moment on, it's just felt like a living nightmare,” said Renee.
Audrey was known for her love of kids, she cared for many children, some that were not even her own. She ran a daycare out of her house and helped watch other children.
“There's generations of kids who were raised by her in some form or fashion,” said Pam O’Hara.
Audrey was also known for her love of the holidays, specifically Christmas. One of the people who was cared for by Audrey when they were growing up sent KING 5 a statement saying:
“Audrey and her family were the refuge to many kids whose parents couldn’t or didn’t take care of them. I wouldn’t be where I am without them. They made my holidays magical, which is something I have tried to do for my children. The endless bow-making and wrapping presents to midnight tradition lives on,” said Amber Bustanoby.
Audrey also loved to spend time with her grandchildren.
“She always carried little Hershey drops in her purse so that when she saw the kids, she would say, ‘Do you want a candy?’” said Pam.
Terry was a loving mom who worked at Boeing for more than 30 years. She was known for being full of energy and lovable.
“She just always made it extra fun,” said Renee. “She was spicy, and the light of the party, and just all the crazy things were always her idea. So, it was just a blast growing up with her.”
Terry and Audrey shared a birthday, and now their family said they left the earth together the same day too.
"You know they're both born on April 17 and now they have both perished on July 3,” said Renee.
While right now nothing makes sense, and Pam is left without her mom, her sister and her home, she said she is very appreciative to the community for their support.
“I'm really thankful for all the beautiful people on this earth, all the people helping us,” said Pam.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help Pam and her family.
A cause for the fire has still not been determined, but fire investigators said it started on the outside of the house. ATF and South County Fire is investigating. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/family-mountlake-terrace-fire-victims-reflect-tragedy-remember-loved-ones/281-6601ae48-cabd-499a-8cb8-34abf182db00 | 2023-07-07T01:32:13 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/family-mountlake-terrace-fire-victims-reflect-tragedy-remember-loved-ones/281-6601ae48-cabd-499a-8cb8-34abf182db00 |
SEATTLE — On the eve of the MLB All-Star Week, some SODO business owners near the ballpark are getting what they asked the city for – an RV encampment cleared.
The city says the cleanup was not just because of the game, but instead part of ongoing work in the neighborhood. According to the city, there has been a consistent focus on SODO over the last year and a half due to a high concentration of RVs and tents.
“We have not changed our process or approach in the lead-up to the All-Star Game,” said spokesperson Lori Baxter.
A notice went up about the scheduled cleanup at the encampment located near 3rd Avenue and Holgate.
"There were RVs, and they were using our parking lot as their front door,” said Marc McCann, owner of Butler Parking Corporation.
McCann calls the cleanup in Seattle's Sodo neighborhood a welcome sight.
"It was an absolute mess,” said McCann. "They all moved in at 1:30 in the morning about a month ago."
Back in June, Mike Coombs, the co-owner of Outdoor Emporium said, “They've got to help with the broken-down motorhomes in the area and something needs to happen there."
After the cleanup today, he said, “I am feeling good that the city is doing what they said they would do. I just want to make sure this is not just for the All-Star game. This needs to be an ongoing effort 365 days a year, every month.”
According to the city, in the SODO neighborhood, there were 15 encampment resolutions last year, and five in the first quarter of this year. In 2022, there were 83 shelter referrals, and in the first three months of this year, there were 82.
On the site of today’s cleanup, one person was wearing a message that said "Stop the war on homeless people -- housing and services, not sweeps."
"I don't agree that there is a war on the homeless,” McCann said, adding that it is about public safety. "These vehicles, they parked here for weeks."
“When there is drug use going on and other things that are illegal, it is not good for the community,” said Coombs.
In SODO, the street was transformed in a short amount of time, and McCann says he wants it to last.
"It looks nice, and I hope it stays this way, but I am not holding my breath,” he said.
The city says there was outreach done with 24 people leading up to today’s cleanup, and seven of them accepted shelter referrals. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/seattle-clears-rv-tents-in-sodo-neighborhood-ahead-of-mlb-all-star-week/281-bffb9fe7-f4e3-40b7-9cc0-3041a028959b | 2023-07-07T01:32:19 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/seattle-clears-rv-tents-in-sodo-neighborhood-ahead-of-mlb-all-star-week/281-bffb9fe7-f4e3-40b7-9cc0-3041a028959b |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A retail theft mission conducted last month by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the recovery of more than $29,000 in stolen merchandise, officials said.
The mission was conducted on June 22 and focused on the area of SE 82nd Ave. and SE Johnson Creek Blvd.
In one of the reported thefts at a Burlington retail store, deputies say that four individuals believed to be involved in large-scale retail crime were located. Three of them were convicted and identified, while a fourth fled from the scene.
The three individuals contacted by CCSO were Elias Aguilera-Salgado, Rosa Valencia-Torres and Jesus Sanchez-Torres. Aguilera-Salgado and Valencia-Torres were taken into custody and lodged at the Clackamas County Jail, while Sanchez-Torres was released at the scene pending additional investigation, officials said.
A vehicle associated with the group was found by investigators, CCSO said. After a search warrant was obtained, authorities said they found several large garbage bags of merchandise that were stolen from multiple retailers in the Portland metro area. Officials say that the majority of merchandise was designer clothing plus pursues and fragrances
Several thousand dollars of merchandise was returned to Burlington, and the total amount of stolen merchandise recovered during the search warrant exceeded $29,000, officials said. Additional items believed to be used to defeat and remove retailer security measures were also found in the car.
“The amount of stolen merchandise recovered from just one vehicle illustrates the impact organized retail theft can have on area merchants. Investigators believe these individuals targeted businesses throughout the Portland/Vancouver area and the investigation is continuing,” CCSO said in a press release.
CCSO believes there are additional victims and is asking people who believe their business was impacted by the large-scale theft operation on or before June 22 to contact their tip line at 503-723-4949 or online. | https://www.koin.com/local/clackamas-county/29k-in-stolen-merchandise-recovered-during-retail-theft-mission-deputies/ | 2023-07-07T01:37:42 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/clackamas-county/29k-in-stolen-merchandise-recovered-during-retail-theft-mission-deputies/ |
OCALA, Fla. — An idea to open a restaurant themed after the iconic film “Jaws” has been floated elsewhere to Central Florida.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Jaws Jumbo Burgers, originally set to open near Universal Orlando Resort, will now open Monday in Ocala instead, according to a news release.
Multiple issues led to the change in location.
READ: Orange County tourist tax collections decline for second straight month
“One issue was that the cost to rent space in Orlando was outrageous,” Paul Porter, VP of Jaws Jumbo Burgers, said in a news release. “Another issue was that we needed a space big enough to install our 6 ft x 12 ft Digital Shark Aquarium and our 10-foot Great White Shark attraction. We also needed the restaurant to have a good street view and that was also a problem with some of the rental spaces in Orlando.”
The 2,700-square-foot restaurant will now be located at 3131 SW College St., Ocala.
“We looked at many cities and we found our perfect beautiful space in Ocala, just an hour away from Orlando,” Porter stated. “We are conveniently located off 1-75 so families on their way to the theme parks can stop by and ‘open wide.’”
PHOTOS: ‘Jaws’-themed burger restaurant to open near Universal Orlando next spring
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Jaws Jumbo Burgers is a tribute to the 1975 summer blockbuster “Jaws,” which even spawned an attraction at Universal Studios for many years.
The restaurant was established in Michigan in 1985 before moving to Tennessee and now Florida. The Ocala location, like the others, will feature the digital shark aquarium, replica, movie memorabilia and more and serve burgers, shakes, cookies made from scratch and more.
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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/jaws-themed-restaurant-announces-updated-location-central-florida-opening-date/GEKNEWGR5NCINOJXH7EMICMI4E/ | 2023-07-07T01:45:24 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/jaws-themed-restaurant-announces-updated-location-central-florida-opening-date/GEKNEWGR5NCINOJXH7EMICMI4E/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland State University (PSU) is launching a new major that the university says will reflect its growing Latino student body: Latino/Chicano Studies. The university describes the major as the first of its kind in the Pacific Northwest.
PSU has offered students a minor in Chicano and Latino studies since 1994, when the university began its Chicano and Latino Studies program. Starting this fall, it will expand to a bachelor's program.
"I think it's amazing and I think it's about time, honestly," said Estela Garzon, gallery coordinator at the George Schnitzer Museum of Art.
The program expansion comes as PSU’s Latino student body has nearly tripled from 7% in 2011 to a little over 20% in 2023.
"Latinx's are the largest ethnic minority, the fastest growing in our region," said Dr. Cristina Herrera, PSU director of Latino/Chicano studies. "And we need more programs and majors like our students so they can find a home."
As of 2023, PSU is on track to become a Hispanic-Serving Institution in the coming year. At least 25% of the university’s student body has to be Hispanic to qualify for the designation, which opens up federal funding and grants specifically for Hispanic students on campus.
"It's important to note that this is a decades-long fight," said Herrera. "This certificate and minor has long been in existence. But there were so few faculty, resources and support, so building a major was nearly impossible."
Herrera became the program's director in 2021 and was finally able to get the program off the ground, building on the work of her nine predecessors.
"I think excited is an understatement," she said. "The interesting thing is that when we began developing this proposal, none of us set out the make history. We weren't really aware this would be the first major of its kind in the PNW."
Herrera said students have told her that their classes are often the first time they've seen someone like themselves in the curriculum. And being a second-generation Chicana herself, she gets it.
"So students are hungry for knowledge and they are hungry for the kind of validation that they've always deserved but never had, sadly," said Herrera. "And so, our students are probably just as excited if not more excited than we are."
The new degree explores the histories, politics, experiences and cultures of Chicano and Latino populations in the US through a critical lens of race. It's something many say should have been available years ago.
"I think it's very empowering to have these kinds of studies because it shows students are interested in learning about our culture," said Garzon. "I'm happy that we are finally having this Chicano and Latino studies and I'm excited to see what more they have to offer."
Herrera said she hopes this new leap is just the start of a bright future for Latino and Chicano communities.
"We come from very rich communities that haven’t always been celebrated. We come from a long line of activists, writers, scholars and community workers," said Herrera. "[Now students] have the opportunity to major in Chicanx and Latinx studies to actually see themselves reflected in a way that honors their experiences and honors their communities."
More information about the program is available here. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-state-university-chicano-latino-studies-major/283-3f75f0d3-a6ba-4fe8-8659-b4012cb564ac | 2023-07-07T01:46:51 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-state-university-chicano-latino-studies-major/283-3f75f0d3-a6ba-4fe8-8659-b4012cb564ac |
A Dallas police officer has died after collapsing near an apartment parking lot after he returned home from a shift Thursday afternoon, according to police.
Police were called to the Residence at the Oaks apartments along the 2700 block of Duncanville Road where they arrived to find an officer collapsed at the location.
The preliminary investigation determined an apartment employee and officers performed CPR while waiting for Dallas Fire Rescue to respond.
NBC 5 has learned that doorbell video showed the officer collapsing but that it didn't appear as though the officer interacted with anyone in the moments before.
The officer was taken to Methodist Dallas Medical Center where he died.
The officer has been with the Dallas Police Department for 31 years.
Check back and refresh this page for the latest update. As developments unfold, elements of this story may change. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-police-officer-dies-after-collapsing-near-his-home-police-say/3291118/ | 2023-07-07T01:47:35 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-police-officer-dies-after-collapsing-near-his-home-police-say/3291118/ |
DES MOINES, Iowa — The annual Iowa State Fair is only 35 days away, meaning that the search for fair employees is in full swing.
Fair staff held open interviews Thursday to fill the 1,600 openings required to put on the fair each year.
Iowa State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons said it takes month of preparation to put on Iowa's largest event.
"I always think about company coming over to your house and the work it takes," Parsons said. "Imagine it's 400 acres, and you need thousands of people."
From admissions to ticket sales to security staff, there are dozens of job opportunities at the fair. But like so many other businesses across the country know, filling those positions can be difficult.
“Inflation, the cost of operation a business, you know… what’s affecting the rest of the world is affecting us here at the Iowa State Fair," Parsons said.
To combat staffing issues, Parsons and other fair employees are trying to better market fair jobs to potential employees.
Jamie Ross works full-time in the Attorney General's office, but for 11 straight years, she's been working as a fair employee in a variety of roles.
She encouraged anyone and everyone, no matter your age or physical ability, to apply for a state fair job this summer.
"No matter what your limitations may be, we have something here for you that you can do,” Ross said.
Though the fair only runs for eleven days of the year, Ross also wants people to know that many seasonal roles can actually turn in more full-time positions. Many departments offer off-season work as well.
Aside from the money earned, the Iowa State Fair has long worked to build something special among their thousands of employees.
"I wouldn’t come back here year after year and take time off to do this if we didn’t have fun and if there wasn’t a fair-family mentality," Ross said.
For more information on job openings at this year's Iowa State fair, visit the fair's official website. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/state-fair/iowa-state-fair/iowa-state-fair-job-opportunities-hiring-interviews-positions/524-ff722200-a19f-45fc-a1c4-138e0f0915bc | 2023-07-07T01:47:37 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/state-fair/iowa-state-fair/iowa-state-fair-job-opportunities-hiring-interviews-positions/524-ff722200-a19f-45fc-a1c4-138e0f0915bc |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/north-texas-boy-hopes-to-be-legos-builder-champion/3291219/ | 2023-07-07T01:47:47 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/north-texas-boy-hopes-to-be-legos-builder-champion/3291219/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/questions-surround-bus-company-connected-to-mexico-bus-crash/3291222/ | 2023-07-07T01:47:54 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/questions-surround-bus-company-connected-to-mexico-bus-crash/3291222/ |
PITTSBURGH — A police officer was taken to a hospital after a crash involving a cruiser in East Allegheny.
According to Allegheny County 911 dispatchers, first responders were called to Madison Avenue at 7:32 p.m.
Pittsburgh police said the officer was in route to a call for an alleged robbery when the crash happened.
A collision investigation is underway, and police said that is protocol.
A Channel 11 crew on scene saw a black Jeep that sustained damage. It’s not clear if the Jeep was involved in the crash.
No other injuries were reported. The officer is in stable condition.
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LOS ANGELES — The Pittsburgh Pirates (40-46) couldn’t capitalize on two separate bases-loaded situations and lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers (48-38).
Osvaldo Bido couldn’t keep his control, and Roansy Contreras looked extremely rough Wednesday night.
In the top of the ninth, the Pirates loaded the bases with no outs and couldn’t manage one run, and as a result, the Pirates’ offense and pitching failed them and lost 6-4.
Read the full story from our partners at Sports Now Group Pittsburgh here.
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PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have optioned the struggling Roansy Contreras to Triple-A Indianapolis and have reinstated third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes off the 10-day injured list.
It has been a rough season for the 23-year-old Contreras, who took the loss in Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers after allowing four runs on a pair of homers in a single inning of relief.
Contreras has struggled for much of the season, prompting the Pirates to move him to the bullpen in hopes he could work through his issues at the big league level.
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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Intrust Bank Arena has shared parking and traffic information for those attending the Parker McCollum concert on Saturday, July 8.
“Due to the Automobilia Car Show taking place this Saturday, fans attending the Parker McCollum concert are highly encouraged to arrive early and leave ample time for driving and parking downtown,” said Intrust.
On June 23, the City of Wichita reached an agreement on a permit for a popular car show known as Automobilia. The event will take downtown place from 4 p.m. to midnight and requires a detour of Douglas Avenue.
“Douglas Ave will be closed from Emporia Street to Hydraulic Ave, along with several streets West of INTRUST Bank Arena partially closed for staging. Fans traveling from the North on I-135 S are encouraged to utilize exit 6A onto US-54 W / US-400 W due to the Douglas Ave closure,” reads the news release.
Intrust Bank Arena’s doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the concert, which begins at 7:30 p.m.
Parking options:
- Downtown parking lots
- Cargill Parking Garage
- 825 E. Douglas Ave.
- Access is available from the east side of Washington between Waterman and Douglas
- Coleman Parking Lot
- 2nd Street and St. Francis Street
- Located just north of Intrust Bank Arena
Concertgoers can also reserve and pre-pay for event parking at or near Intrust Bank Arena with ParkMobile. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/automobilia-to-affect-traffic-parking-for-parker-mccollum-concert/ | 2023-07-07T01:56:39 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/automobilia-to-affect-traffic-parking-for-parker-mccollum-concert/ |
MERRILLVILLE — Using a confidential informant, police caught a Gary woman dealing Percocet pills laced with Fentanyl.
LaSheanna Cooper, 27, was charged Wednesday with dealing narcotic drugs, neglect and the unlawful possession of cocaine, marijuana and a handgun. She also has a pending charge of neglect of a dependent resulting in death from April 2022.
Policed utilized a confidential informant to execute three controlled-drug buys on May 2, 4 and 8 in the 1400 block of East 35th Place. During these purchases, officers received 21 blue pills containing fentanyl.
Originally, Cooper was said to sell Percocet pills, but when field-testing the drugs, they were positive for fentanyl.
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After obtaining a search warrant, officers found a handgun, blue pills, identification cards, cocaine, marijuana and two digital scales in Cooper's residence, charging documents said. In total, 5.9 grams of fentanyl, 1.9 grams of cocaine and 373 grams of marijuana were collected from the search.
Police said in probable-cause affidavit that two small children were present during the drug purchases. Audio recording captured evidence of these children at the deals.
The children were again referenced in reports when Porter County Officer Ball arrested Cooper at a traffic stop because of an outstanding narcotics warrant.
Cooper was at large as of Thursday, but she has a July 18 court appearance scheduled in the 2022 neglect case.
What you missed this week in notable Northwest Indiana crimes and court cases
This week's local crime and court updates from The Times.
Raju Rawal, 65, was charged March 21 with the murder of Winfield nurse Haley Losinski, 36.
Jurors deliberated for three hours and 45 minutes before they found Harold France, 66, guilty of rape.
Francisco DeHoyos Jr, 46, was charged on Thursday with several battery-related charges, court records stated.
The officers asked Robbins if she knew where her daughter was and she said she did not because she was asleep, the affidavit said.
Diane Schultz, 57, was charged on Friday with several fraud-related charges for stealing patients' prescription pain medications, according to court records.
Christopher Collins, 26, of DeKalb, was charged on Monday with murder and attempted murder, among other charges, according to court records.
Charging documents stated that Harold France, 66, of East Chicago, followed a 15-year-old girl while she was walking home, trapped her in an alley and raped her.
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/gary-fentanyl-cocaine-marijuana-handgun-wanted-lakecounty-crime/article_9e0cfe44-1c29-11ee-9a14-5b5c57239b1d.html | 2023-07-07T01:56:39 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/gary-fentanyl-cocaine-marijuana-handgun-wanted-lakecounty-crime/article_9e0cfe44-1c29-11ee-9a14-5b5c57239b1d.html |
The Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association has named the finalists for its 2023 Influential Women Awards.
The nonprofit named 165 finalists from a pool of more than 320 nominations made by their companies and the general pubic. The finalists include professional women from many leading regional companies such as NIPSCO, Hasse Construction and Luke Family of Brands.
"Becoming a finalist for the Influential Women Awards is an extraordinary achievement in itself, representing the dedication and remarkable contributions of countless exceptional women in our region. We are immensely proud to unveil this year's group of finalists and eagerly anticipate honoring their accomplishments at the upcoming awards banquet,” said Erica Dombey, NWIIWA board chair.
Winners of Influential Women awards are shown at the recent banquet hosted by the Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association.
The Influential Women Awards Banquet will take place on Sept. 28 at the Avalon Manor in Hobart. Two winners, an Up and Coming Winner and one Influential Woman winner, will be named in 12 industry categories that include arts, business, economic development, education, finance, health care, law, STEM and service and tourism.
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The organization also will bestow special awards in categories including Supporter of the Year and Community Leader of the Year.
Influential Women alumni evaluate submissions before selecting the winners.
For more information, visit NWIIWA.org.
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Mi Tierra closing after 22 years; La Carreta, Flako's Tacos, Wendy's, Bulldog Ale House, WhoaZone, The Love of Arts and Illinois Dermatology Institute opening
219 News Now 6/23/23
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Maple + Bacon, deli and Divalicious Desserts Bakery & Cafe opening | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/influential-women-award-finalists-named/article_636610cc-1c2a-11ee-8531-6b4be0b6d2fa.html | 2023-07-07T01:56:45 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/influential-women-award-finalists-named/article_636610cc-1c2a-11ee-8531-6b4be0b6d2fa.html |
CROWN POINT — A multi-year project focused on improving the accuracy and accessibility of documents maintained by the Lake County recorder , such as property deeds, mortgages, subdivision plats and military discharges, is about to get a big funding boost.
The Lake County Council signaled Thursday its intent to take advantage of a new state law permitting a one-time reallocation of funds within the recorder's office to support record-keeping upgrades.
Specifically, Senate Enrolled Act 65 authorized Indiana counties to determine if the elected officials training fund maintained by the county recorder has more money than needed for training purposes, and to transfer any excess to the records perpetuation fund.
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The Lake County Council has determined it safely can take $700,000 from the approximately $800,000 currently deposited in the elected officials training fund and put it to better use imaging, indexing and verifying the accuracy of documents held by the recorder.
"It will solely be used for our backlog project that we've been working on for almost two years now. It will help continue that project. It will help to speed that project up. It's covering about 5 million documents from 1969 to 2020," said Recorder Gina Pimentel.
Indiana statues require county recorders collect a variety of fees for filing official documents and to deposit $1 from those fees in an elected officials training fund each time certain documents are recorded.
Pimentel explained her office takes in about $6,000 a month for the elected officials training fund in a slow month, and so far this year there's only been about $6,000 spent from the fund for training purposes — leading to the large surplus in the account.
Prior to the law change, the money in the training fund only could be used to provide training, including travel, lodging and related expenses, to newly elected county officials or to officeholders whose positions include specific training requirements.
Pimentel said she's confident keeping $100,000 in the fund, along with the $6,000 or more that will be added to it in subsequent months, will more than meet the training needs of Lake County elected officials for the foreseeable future.
In fact, she expects another transfer from the training fund to the records perpetuation fund may be needed at some point in years to come so the training money isn't just sitting there unused while other recorders' office needs go unmet.
A second transfer would require another law change be approved by the Indiana General Assembly, since the statute enacted this year only gives leaders of the state's 92 counties until Dec. 31, 2023, to make a one-time funding shift.
That's not out of the question, however, given the ease with which the legislation moved through the House and Senate, winning unanimous approval by both chambers and earning the signature of Republican Gov. Eric Hoclomb.
Its sponsors included state Sens. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell; and Dan Dernulc, R-Highland; and state Reps. Julie Olthoff, R-Crown Point; Hal Slager, R-Schererville; and Mike Andrade, D-Munster.
Gallery: Get to know these new Indiana laws that took effect July 1
AirTags
The unlawful use of a remote tracking device, such as an Apple AirTag, is in most cases a felony, punishable by up to 2½ years behind bars for a repeat offense or if the person being tracked has a protective order against the tracker, or 6 years in prison if the equipment is used for stalking. Prosecutors may also seek a penalty enhancement of up to 6 additional years in prison if the person employing a remote tracking device commits another felony causing serious bodily injury while using the equipment. (Senate Enrolled Act 161 )
Business Wire via AP
Alcohol permits
The city of Valparaiso is awarded five extra alcohol-sales permits for downtown restaurants. The new permits may be deployed at properties up to 1,500 feet outside the historic district centered on the Porter County Courthouse, instead of the former 700-foot maximum distance. (House Enrolled Act 1200 )
John Luke, file, The Times
Animal facilities
All newly constructed or remodeled facilities for dogs and cats, including animal shelters, veterinary offices, pet shops and boarding centers, must have an operating fire alarm system that automatically contacts the local fire or police department, or staff present in the building any time a dog or cat is on site. The mandate follows a 2021 inferno at an Indianapolis pet shop that killed more than 100 animals. (Senate Enrolled Act 277 )
Dreamstime
Annexation
A yet to be constructed residential subdivision located south of Aberdeen, in Porter County, may also employ the voluntary annexation process created last year for the Aberdeen neighborhood to choose to be annexed by Valparaiso, despite being located well outside current city limits. (House Enrolled Act 1418 )
Jerry Davich, file, The Times
Book bans
Every public school board and charter school governing body is required to establish a procedure for the parent of any student, or any person residing in the school district, to request the removal of library materials deemed "obscene" or "harmful to minors." School districts must also post a list of the complete holdings of its school libraries on each school’s website and provide a printed copy of the library catalogue to any individual upon request. (House Enrolled Act 1447 )
AP file photo
Bullying
All Indiana school corporations must update their discipline rules to include provisions prioritizing the safety of bullying victims, as well as to ensure bullying incidents are reported to the parents of the victim and the alleged perpetrator no more than five business days following the incident. School corporations may also set guidelines for determining whether a bullying incident warrants the forced transfer of the victim or the alleged perpetrator to a different school in the district. (House Enrolled Act 1483 )
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Charter schools
The proceeds of each new voter-approved school funding referendum in Lake County must be shared with local charter schools in proportion to the number of children living in the school district who attend charter schools. Beginning July 1, 2024, all incremental property tax revenue growth at Lake County school districts must be shared on a proportional basis with local charter schools. (Senate Enrolled Act 391 , House Enrolled Act 1001 )
John J. Watkins, file, The Times
Child molesting
A person over age 21 who has sex with a child less than 14 years old may be sentenced to a maximum term of 50 years in prison, instead of 40. Athletic coaches and workplace supervisors in Indiana no longer are permitted to engage in sexual conduct with certain individuals between ages 16 and 18, similar to other adults in a position of authority over children. (Senate Enrolled Act 301 , House Enrolled Act 1228 )
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Children’s hospitals
Northwest Indiana families covered by Medicaid will continue to have access to children's hospitals in neighboring states after Hoosier lawmakers agreed to maintain Indiana's increased payment rates for services at out-of-state children's hospitals first authorized in 2021. (House Enrolled Act 1313 )
ARMANDO L. SANCHEZ, CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Domestic violence
Individuals arrested for any of 13 domestic violence-related offenses must be jailed without bail for at least 24 hours after arrest — triple the state's former eight-hour cooling-off period. The crime of invasion of privacy also is a Level 6 felony, instead of a Class A misdemeanor, if the person has a prior, unrelated conviction for stalking. (Senate Enrolled Act 158 )
Times file photo
Drinking water
Every child care center, child care home and preschool in Indiana is obligated to test its drinking water for lead at least once before Jan. 1, 2026. If the test shows a lead level higher 15 parts per billion, the person responsible for the facility or preschool must either entirely eliminate the lead in the drinking water or install a state-approved lead filtering system. (House Enrolled Act 1138 )
Richard B. Levine/Sipa USA
Electric/hybrid vehicles
The state's special annual fee imposed on owners of electric and hybrid vehicles to make up for their reduced fuel-tax payments increases approximately 44% on Jan. 1, 2024, to account for inflation since the fees first were enacted in 2017. The new rates are $214 for electric vehicles and $72 for hybrid vehicles. (House Enrolled Act 1050 )
Molly DeVore, file, The Times
Encroachment
Twenty-five feet is set as the minimum bystander distance if a police officer orders a person to stop approaching when the officer is lawfully engaged in the execution of his or her official duties. Police and firefighters may clear an area 25 feet away from any emergency incident, such as a car crash or fire, or a greater distance if the area is marked using flags, barricades or emergency tape. (House Enrolled Act 1186)
TINA SFONDELES, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES VIA AP
FAFSA
Every high school senior attending an Indiana public, charter or voucher-accepting private school is required to fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before April 15 to determine their eligibility for grants and loans for postsecondary education. There are no penalties for students or families who fail to fulfill the FAFSA mandate. (Senate Enrolled Act 167 )
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Financial literacy
Successful completion of a one-semester financial literacy class is a new graduation requirement at every public, charter and private high school in Indiana, beginning with the class of 2028. The course must cover basic money management principles, debt management, retirement and investment accounts, taxes, loan applications, interest rate computation, credit scores, personal insurance policies and simple contracts, among other topics. (Senate Enrolled Act 35 )
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Firefighting equipment
All firefighting gear purchased in Indiana beginning July 1, 2024, must include a permanently affixed label indicating whether it contains PFAS, potentially cancer-causing substances, also known as "forever chemicals," used in firefighting equipment because they're heat- and moisture-resistant. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is directed to establish a biomonitoring pilot program to sample the blood of up to 1,000 current and retired firefighters for PFAS. (House Enrolled Act 1341 , 1219 )
John J. Watkins, file, The Times
Food and beverage tax
The Merrillville Town Council may impose a food and beverage tax of up to 1% on all dine-in and take-home food and drinks sold at Merrillville eateries, bars and similar outlets. If adopted, the town plans to use the money to construct an 18,000-square foot expansion of the indoor recreational amenities at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center to attract more sports tournaments and out-of-town visitors to Merrillville. (House Enrolled Act 1454 )
Joe Ruffalo, file, The Times
Gender-affirming care
Indiana hospitals and medical providers cannot administer any treatment, including hormone therapy, puberty-blocking drugs or surgeries, intended to transition the gender of a person under age 18, even if the child has their parent's consent and financial support. Hoosier children currently receiving gender transition hormone therapy must end their treatment by Dec. 31 and de-transition. A federal judge concluded June 16 that most of this law likely is unconstitutional and temporarily halted its enforcement. (Senate Enrolled Act 480 )
Darron Cummings, AP file photo
Gary schools
A five-member, appointed school board is reestablished for the Gary Community School Corp. to eventually replace the Indiana Distressed Unit Appeals Board as the governing body for the formerly cash-strapped school district. Gary’s mayor and the Gary Common Council appoint one member each, and the three others are chosen by the Indiana secretary of education, including at least one Gary resident, one resident of Gary or Lake County, and a final member from anywhere. (Senate Enrolled Act 327 )
John J. Watkins, file, The Times
Gasoline tax
Indiana's gasoline tax increases by one penny to 34 cents per gallon, and by an additional penny each July 1 through 2027 to account for inflation. The rate was just 18 cents per gallon as recently as June 30, 2017, prior to enactment of the Republican road funding plan. (House Enrolled Act 1001)
Gene J. Puskar, Associated Press
Human trafficking
First-time applicants for a commercial driver’s license must watch an instructional video on how to recognize, prevent and report human trafficking as a condition of receiving a CDL. (House Enrolled Act 1196 )
John Luke, file, The Times
Illiana Expressway
All references in state law to the never-constructed Illiana Expressway, a public-private toll road that would have connected Interstate 65 in south Lake County to Interstate 55 near Joliet, Illinois, in an effort to relieve through-truck congestion on the Borman Expressway, are deleted in the hope of ending Illiana uncertainty that has depressed property values and slowed development in south Lake County. (Senate Enrolled Act 44 )
Natalie Battaglia, file, The Times
Inmate gender
The Indiana Department of Correction cannot use any state or federal dollars to provide "sexual reassignment surgery" to state prison inmates, even if the surgery is deemed medically necessary. (House Enrolled Act 1569 )
Indiana State Prison photo
Insurance fund
The state insurance commissioner may begin the process of permanently closing the funds operated by the largely inactive Indiana Political Subdivision Risk Management Commission and returning the $5 million remaining in the commission's accounts to entities including the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District and the city of Portage. (Senate Enrolled Act 353 )
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Juror pay
The pay for prospective jurors is doubled to $30 a day while seated jurors must be paid $80 a day for the first five days of a trial, and $90 for each trial day thereafter. Prospective and seated jurors also continue to be entitled to a daily mileage reimbursement for travel to and from the court. It's Indiana's first juror pay increase in a quarter-century. (House Enrolled Act 1466 )
Times file photo
Juveniles
Law enforcement officers no longer can intentionally lie to children under age 18 during an interrogation in an effort to secure a confession or for any other purpose. In addition, a police officer who takes a child into custody at a school, or during a school-sponsored event, must attempt to immediately notify the student's parent, guardian or emergency contact. (Senate Enrolled Act 415 )
John J. Watkins, file, The Times
Lake County convention center
The Lake County Board of Commissioners must begin soliciting proposals to construct and operate a convention center and adjacent hotel. The Lake County Council may increase the innkeepers' tax rate on hotel stays up to 10% from 5% to partially fund the convention center. The city of Gary can obtain up to $3 million a year for blighted building demolition from the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, so long as the city puts up a matching amount. (Senate Enrolled Act 434 )
Joseph S. Pete, file, The Times
Lake County recorder
The Lake County Council is authorized to make a one-time transfer from the county's overstuffed elected officials training fund to the recorder's records perpetuation fund to help complete projects underway for the past two years aimed at improving accuracy in the county's record-keeping systems. (Senate Enrolled Act 65 )
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Landlords
Utility companies may ask a judge to appoint a receiver when a multifamily residential property owner with more than four units hasn't paid a utility bill for the property for an extended period of time. If appointed, the receiver would have broad powers to operate the rental property in place of the landlord, including the authority to collect rents, pay debts and even sell the property. (Senate Enrolled Act 114 )
John J. Watkins, file, The Times
Little Calumet River
The Little Calumet River Basin Development Commission is subject only to directives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers when engaged in the removal of sediment and flood-causing debris, or when making improvements to the riverbank. It's not obligated to follow Indiana Department of Environmental Management mandates that go above and beyond federal requirements. (Senate Enrolled Act 412 )
John J. Watkins, file, The Times
Lost farmland
The Indiana Department of Agriculture is directed to conduct an inventory of all farmland lost in the state between 2010 and 2022, and to identify the primary cause of the farmland reduction. The agency must submit a report to the General Assembly by July 1, 2024, detailing its findings and any recommendations, including potential legislation. (House Enrolled Act 1557 )
Doug Ross, file, The Times
Machine guns
The definition of machine gun is revised to include a firearm with an attached "switch," or any similar device, that enables fully automatic shooting with a single pull of the trigger. A person with a switch attached to their gun is subject to a variety of state penalty enhancements for the possession or use of a machine gun. (House Enrolled Act 1365 )
Provided by Cook County Sheriff's Department
Mail-in ballots
To receive an absentee ballot, Indiana citizens age 18 and up submitting a paper application for a mail-in ballot must now provide their driver's license number, state identification card number, or voter identification number, along with the last four digits of their Social Security number, or a photocopy of the voter's driver's license or state ID card. (House Enrolled Act 1334 )
Kale Wilk, file, The Times
Mental health
An additional $50 million is provided to expand community mental health services across the state, a toll-free help line to provide confidential emotional support and referrals is created, Indiana is authorized to participate in the national 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifeline, and the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission is reestablished. (Senate Enrolled Act 1 )
Times file photo
Military bases
Citizens of China, Iran, North Korea and Russia, and companies based in or controlled by individuals from those counties, are prohibited from leasing, purchasing or otherwise acquiring real property located adjacent to any military installation in Indiana. (Senate Enrolled Act 477 )
Melissa Sue Gerrits, file, Getty Images
Military pay
Military wages earned by a member of an active or reserve component of the United States armed forces or National Guard are 100% exempt from Indiana income tax. The tax exemption is expected to reduce state and local income tax receipts by $30 million to $50 million a year. (House Enrolled Act 1034 )
Joyce Russell, file, The Times
Pension investments
The $45 billion Indiana Public Retirement System is prohibited from contracting with investment managers who consider environmental, social or governance (ESG) factors — such as reducing air pollution or ensuring diverse corporate board membership — when making investment decisions, unless the INPRS board determines ESG investments are in the financial best interest of its members. INPRS also is required to divest all of its holdings that are closely associated with the People's Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party. (House Enrolled Act 1008 , Senate Enrolled Act 268 )
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Public health
More state resources are available to local public health departments to prioritize preventative health care and enact other organizational and mission-driven reforms following the COVID-19 pandemic. Altogether, $225 million is appropriated over two years to begin the work. (Senate Enrolled Act 4 )
Doug Ross, file, The Times
School board elections
The start of the 30-day school board filing period is shifted in 2024 to mid-May from late-July to give Hoosier voters more time to learn about the nonpartisan candidates running for local school boards and what they stand for. (Senate Enrolled Act 177 )
Marc Chase, file, The Times
Service animals
Only a dog or miniature horse qualifies as a service animal for individuals with disabilities in Indiana. Facilities open to the public must take reasonable steps to accommodate a disabled Hoosier assisted by a dog or miniature horse. (House Enrolled Act 1354 )
File photo
Sex education
Teachers and other school personnel are explicitly prohibited from providing instruction on "human sexuality" to students in prekindergarten through third grade. Indiana schools typically don't provide any kind of sex education until at least fifth grade, except for state-mandated programs focused on preventing child abuse and child sexual abuse, which must continue under the law. (House Enrolled Act 1608 )
iStock photo
SNAP assistance
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration is directed to simplify the process for senior citizens and disabled Hoosiers to apply for federal food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. Qualified applicants automatically remain eligible for SNAP benefits for up to three years, so long as they annually certify their income remains at or below the level required to receive SNAP assistance. (Senate Enrolled Act 334 )
Tony V. Martin, file, The Times
Speed cameras
The Indiana Department of Transportation is authorized to use camera enforcement to ticket motorists exceeding the speed limit by at least 11 mph in highway work zones. Speeding motorists would get off with a warning for a first violation, a $75 fine for the second and a $150 fine for each subsequent violation. (House Enrolled Act 1015 )
Kale Wilk, file, The Times
State comptroller
The office of auditor of state is redesignated as the "state comptroller" for all public and legal purposes to better reflect its duties overseeing state accounting tasks and financial reporting, and to try to eliminate the mistaken belief that it audits the books of local governments or the tax returns of individual Hoosiers. (House Enrolled Act 1001 )
Doug Ross, file, The Times
Storage units
Storage companies are authorized to seize the storage unit of a delinquent renter just five days after a missed payment, instead of 30 days. An auction of the stored contents may be held if the rent remains unpaid after 60 days, instead of 90. (House Enrolled Act 1621 )
Photo provided
Tax sales
Individuals barred from bidding on tax sale properties, due to unpaid property taxes of their own or for any other reason, are prohibited from being assigned a tax sale certificate by another successful bidder. Lake County also may begin using other means to dispose of land parcels with unpaid property taxes that otherwise continually churn through tax sales. (Senate Enrolled Acts 156 and 157 )
Lauren Cross, file, The Times
Taxpayer receipt
The Indiana Department of Revenue must make available to each Hoosier who paid income taxes in the prior year a detailed receipt showing how the money paid by the taxpayer is being spent by the state. The receipt must be provided in an electronic format on a state website. (House Enrolled Act 1499 )
Adobe Stock
Teachers unions
School superintendents no longer have a statutory obligation to regularly meet with the union representative of school employees, outside of collective bargaining periods, to discuss various issues relating to school operations, such as curriculum, teaching materials, hiring and retention, performance evaluations, student discipline, class size, school safety and working hours. (Senate Enrolled Act 486 )
Kale Wilk, file, The Times
Throwing stars
The easily concealable, star-shaped, knife-like weapons with blades set at different angles are treated the same as other types of knives recognized by Indiana — ending a nearly four-decade state throwing star ban. Throwing stars still cannot be brought to a school, on a school bus or another student transport vehicle. (Senate Enrolled Act 77 )
Amazon.com
Transit Development District
The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) is authorized to establish a Transit Development District (TDD) centered on Valparaiso's bus station at 260 Brown St., and to sell bonds to speed construction of nearby transit-oriented residential and retail development, subject to local planning and zoning ordinances. The borrowed funds will be paid back using the captured growth of state income and local property tax revenues in the TDD. (House Enrolled Act 1046 )
Suzanne Tennant, file, The Times
21st Century Scholars
Eligible students automatically are enrolled in the state's 21st Century Scholars program that guarantees a low- or no-cost college education to individuals who comply with program guidelines. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education must inform eligible students and their families of their enrollment in the program, along with the academic requirements the student must meet to obtain and maintain a college tuition scholarship. (House Enrolled Act 1449 )
michaeljung // Shutterstock
Valparaiso lawsuit
Valparaiso's legal efforts to require video streaming services pay a franchise fee of 5% of local gross revenue for using equipment located in the public right-of-way to transmit programming, similar to cable television companies, are squelched by a retroactive law specifically exempting streaming services from the fee. (House Enrolled Act 1454 )
John J. Watkins, file, The Times
Xylazine
Coroners in all 92 Indiana counties must test apparent opioid overdose victims for xylazine. Also known as "Tranq," xylazine is a sedative and pain reliever primarily used in veterinary medicine that's increasingly being cut into supplies of fentanyl, cocaine and heroin, putting users of those substances at higher risk of suffering fatal drug poisoning. (House Enrolled Act 1286 )
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VALPARAISO — A proposed venue rental policy has been kicked back to the Porter County Commissioners for an overhaul.
The Porter County Expo Center, Memorial Opera House and County Fairgrounds are among the facilities covered by the proposed policy drafted by County Attorney Scott McClure.
The resolution called for colored wristbands to be required if alcohol is served at one of the county’s venues to identify minors who shouldn’t be served alcohol.
In addition, anyone 17 or under would need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian if alcohol is served at the event.
For all events, appropriate dress for a family-friendly venue would be required. That rules out nudity, visible underwear and the like. Clothing that promotes profanity, violence, drugs or criminal activities would be forbidden.
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Profanity and violence wouldn’t be allowed.
Music would have to be quiet enough that it couldn’t be heard outside the venue, and profanity or offensive language would be forbidden.
Commissioner Laura Blaney, D-South, asked if Porter County Fair Director Dave Bagnall had been consulted. He hadn’t.
Music from the fair concerts is so loud that it can be heard for miles, including at her own house, Blaney said.
Board of Commissioners President Jim Biggs, R-North, asked if the fair could be exempted from the rules.
“They’re not exactly the same type of relationship,” McClure said.
Blaney also noted that 17-year-olds work the tables at the Tri-Kappa Taste of Valparaiso event. Would they need a parent or guardian with them?
“I hardly think of Tri-Kappa as a dangerous, scary place for a juvenile,” Blaney said.
And would Blaney’s 17-year-old son need parents to go along if he takes his girlfriend to a production at the Memorial Opera House, she asked.
“We have to be consistent. We can’t be cherry-picking” when alcohol is served, Biggs said. “We don’t own these buildings individually. They’re owned by the public.”
Blaney said that as a parent she can handle her kids herself.
"I don’t need the government to tell me where we can and cannot be,” Blaney said.
A drag show planned May 20 at the Porter County Expo Center was canceled after organizers received threats of violence.
Rogue Syndicate, an organizer of offbeat events and entertainment, had planned to have a drag show as part of its Halfway to Halloween Market at the Expo Center in Valparaiso.
It's been hosting events at the Expo for four years but ran into controversy this time after a Facebook post circulated that mentioned children under 12 would be admitted for free to the event.
Porter County Expo Director Lori Daly said the event had been held for years without any previous incident or complaint.
“Ten years ago, we didn’t have drag shows,” Biggs said. At a previous meeting, concerned individuals complained about drag shows at the Expo Center. Others defended them, saying they’re humorous, not sexual.
“We’ve got to prepare ourselves for the inevitable,” Biggs said.
The commissioners tabled the resolution to talk with Bagnall and Daly for additional input. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/venue-rental-policy-in-porter-county-kicked-back-for-revisions/article_0dc0b700-1c3c-11ee-a023-8b9b3905438b.html | 2023-07-07T01:56:58 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/venue-rental-policy-in-porter-county-kicked-back-for-revisions/article_0dc0b700-1c3c-11ee-a023-8b9b3905438b.html |
YUBA CITY, Calif. — A Yuba City woman is facing murder charges after a double fatal accident in June.
According to the Sutter County District Attorney’s Office, 68-year-old Vickie Lynn Hedden was leaving the scene of an accident she caused in Live Oak. She allegedly crossed the center line, side-swiped a tractor-trailer, and then collided head-on with another vehicle.
The crash left 21-year-old Allyson Nohelia Navarro-Salazar and her 1-year-old baby dead. The child’s father was injured but survived.
Hedden was taken to Sutter Roseville Hospital for her injuries and was released a week later. Law enforcement didn't know her location until Wednesday when she was arrested.
Hedden is accused of two counts of second-degree murder and she was booked into the Sutter County Jail. Her bail was set at $2 million.
Anyone who witnessed the accident can call the Sutter County District Attorney's Office at 530-822-7330.
WATCH MORE: Teen shot, killed after sideshow in Stockton | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/68-year-old-arrested-for-double-fatal-dui-in-killing-infant-outside-yuba-city/103-f37b8cba-864b-419e-950f-21c03b1f7cec | 2023-07-07T02:00:08 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/68-year-old-arrested-for-double-fatal-dui-in-killing-infant-outside-yuba-city/103-f37b8cba-864b-419e-950f-21c03b1f7cec |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office needs your help identifying a man found dead in the Sacramento River in May.
According to a news release, the man was found May 23 east of 450 Jiboom Street.
The coroner’s office says the man was fully clothed in a black Mossy Oak sweatshirt, red t-shirt, black athletic shorts, socks and one black glove on his left hand.
They believe he had straight black or brown hair, a mustache and a goatee. His eye color and race are unknown.
He was around 6 feet tall and about 160 pounds.
Investigators searched the area but couldn’t find any identification. He does, however, have a distinct red tribal tattoo on his upper right arm.
His cause of death is still under investigation.
Anyone with information can call Sacramento County Coroner’s Office at 916-874-9320. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/coroner-needs-help-identifying-man-found-dead-in-river/103-30fb80c9-cf46-453e-8c1d-e2b947bc6af0 | 2023-07-07T02:00:11 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/coroner-needs-help-identifying-man-found-dead-in-river/103-30fb80c9-cf46-453e-8c1d-e2b947bc6af0 |
LATHROP, Calif. — A skater from the Stockton area is using his skills to turn trash in to sustainable, everyday goods and make a difference in his community.
Kabir Gonzalez, 21, owns a workshop out of his Lathrop home where he specializes in creating sustainable goods and art from recycled skateboards under his brand 'Untitled Skate Co.'
"There's a lot of kids breaking skateboards, going to skate shops and buying new ones, and the broken ones just really just get thrown out," said Gonzalez. "They just go into the dump and never really get a second chance."
Gonzalez gets broken and worn down skateboards from other local skaters and skate shops that likely would've ended up in a landfill.
Using his woodworking skills and artistry, he's able to make wooden composite panels out of the skateboards and create colorful custom goods.
"I've done things from jewelry, to furniture, sculptures, picture frames, really anything people can ask me," said Gonzalez. "I can go as far as making pieces of furniture like, you know, small love seats, coffee tables, desks."
Some of Gonzalez's most popular items include plant pots and jewelry like rings and pendants.
His process to create usable lumber with the skate decks includes sanding down, gluing and pressing the decks together before intricately cutting up and bringing his colorful creations to life.
"It's really a fun process," said Gonzalez. "It's very labor intensive, because you got to make something from nothing, but it's very rewarding at the end."
He began practicing his recycled skateboard business due to his love for the craft, but also feels he is making a small but meaningful environmental impact in his quest turning trash into treasure.
"If you're putting your part in making a small difference, I feel like that matters - because every little bit matters," said Gonzalez "So even if I'm just .001%, that's helping out with all the broken skateboards, keeping them out of landfills, I'm happy with that."
While he currently works as a contractor in the Bay Area, he comes home weekly to work on his creations, expand his workshop and continue to network within the Stockton community.
"If there's a way to do it with wood, there's a way to do it with skateboards," said Gonzalez. "You just got to put in a little work to make it into something you want to see hung up on a wall or on your hand or around your neck."
He sells his art through custom order requests on his social media accounts as well as events he either attends or hosts with other small businesses, artists and creators in the Stockton area.
"Buying lumber at a store and making it into a desk or coffee table, that's great too," said Gonzalez. "But to turn trash basically into art, I think that's the most fulfilling part about it."
Watch more from ABC10: Stockton 99 Speedway hosting 'Drift Day' in attempt to combat sideshows | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/lathrop-man-creates-art-using-recycled-skateboards/103-1df2edd4-3c9a-4bef-a4f0-17fca81085bb | 2023-07-07T02:00:12 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/lathrop-man-creates-art-using-recycled-skateboards/103-1df2edd4-3c9a-4bef-a4f0-17fca81085bb |
AMADOR COUNTY, Calif. — A motorcyclist was taken to the hospital after hitting a deer in Amador County Thursday.
The Amador Fire Department says the motorcyclist was riding down Highway 88 near the Amador Cemetery when the crash happened. The rider's condition is unknown.
Traffic in the area was delayed while officials worked to clean up the scene.
WATCH MORE: Teen shot, killed after sideshow in Stockton | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/motorcyclist-vs-deer-amador-county/103-61d1d522-9f96-4174-821f-342b7f69bf26 | 2023-07-07T02:00:12 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/motorcyclist-vs-deer-amador-county/103-61d1d522-9f96-4174-821f-342b7f69bf26 |
PHOENIX — An inmate at the Maricopa County 4th Avenue Jail is fighting for his life after a “physical confrontation” with detention officers, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
On July 5, Jonathan Rounds was set to be transported from the jail to a court proceeding in Scottsdale, but they couldn’t get him there.
MCSO alleges the inmate became combative, deputies deployed a Taser on the 35-year-old, and he became unresponsive.
The agency said officers and correctional health staff provided CPR and other medical measures before Rounds was taken to a hospital.
Round's mother told 12News on Thursday her son went into cardiac arrest after being tased in the chest area and had to be put in a medically induced coma, she added.
The mother also told 12News she was expected to visit Rounds at the hospital. She was unclear if he suffered brain damage.
Rounds was in custody related to charges in two separate cases.
In August 2022, the 35-year-old inmate was arrested and charged with several counts, including aggravated assault on an officer, restraining arrest, criminal trespass, armed robbery, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Rounds accepted a plea deal for assault and aggravated assault on an officer. He was waiting to be sentenced on that case. The inmate was also facing new charges of resisting arrest and assaulting other officers this March.
His mother told 12News her son “could have died” because “he wasn’t breathing at one point.” She said her attorney is investigating what happened.
Since 2020, at least 95 inmates have died while in MCSO custody, according to the sheriff’s office and medical examiner. Drugs and suicides were among the leading causes of inmate deaths.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety is investigating the incident.
12News asked the agency if the incident was being investigated as a use of force case, if it was caught on surveillance video, and how many personnel were involved, but AZDPS said it couldn’t provide more details.
MCSO told 12News, per their standard procedure, “MCSO’s Professional Standards Bureau (PSB) will review the incident and determine if an employee will be placed on administrative leave. At this point, there have been no employee(s) placed on administrative leave. However, the investigation is ongoing and if investigators determine that there is a policy violation or employee misconduct, appropriate action will be taken as per MCSO policy."
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Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/inmate-hospitalized-after-being-tased-by-detention-officers-mcso/75-956a30a4-de3b-4ca8-867d-f6c7c923bc06 | 2023-07-07T02:08:42 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/inmate-hospitalized-after-being-tased-by-detention-officers-mcso/75-956a30a4-de3b-4ca8-867d-f6c7c923bc06 |
PHOENIX — The Phoenix Police Department has launched a death investigation after a man and woman were recently found dead in an apartment near Central Avenue and Baseline Road.
An employee of the apartment complex discovered the bodies and contacted police Monday morning.
Investigators have not been able to determine if the man and woman sustained traumatic injuries prior to their deaths.
The medical examiner is currently attempting to determine a cause of death. Identities of the deceased have not been disclosed.
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Anyone who has information on a crime or recognizes a suspect described by the program is asked to call 480-948-6377, go to the program's website online or download the Silent Witness app to provide a tip. The identity of anyone who submits a tip is kept anonymous.
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Individuals who submit tips that lead to an arrest or indictment in the case can get a reward of up to $1,000. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/2-people-found-dead-south-phoenix-apartment-central-avenue/75-662c40fd-5f40-4089-8899-955ed9b9662d | 2023-07-07T02:08:51 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/2-people-found-dead-south-phoenix-apartment-central-avenue/75-662c40fd-5f40-4089-8899-955ed9b9662d |
MESA, Ariz. — The semi-truck driver who allegedly crashed into a Mesa home on New Year's Eve 2020 and killed a 50-year-old man was arrested earlier this week on an outstanding warrant.
Daniel Tobon, 58, was taken into custody Monday in Maricopa County after he was extradited from California to face 15 felony charges for a destructive crash that occurred nearly three years ago.
Court records show Tobon could be charged with manslaughter, aggravated assault, criminal damage, several counts of endangerment, and forgery.
The deadly crash occurred on Dec. 31, 2020 after the large commercial vehicle plowed into a home with 10 people inside near Crismon Road and U.S. 60.
Todd Welliver was killed in the collision.
"He was a great guy. No one ever thought for him to go this way," Welliver's girlfriend told 12News after the crash.
An earlier police report indicates Tobon likely experienced a medical emergency, causing him to lose control of the truck.
A couple of months after the incident, the U.S. Department of Transportation published a press release that accused Tobon of fraudulently certifying medical records needed to obtain a commercial driver’s license.
The deliberate omission or falsification of medical information while obtaining a CDL can result in civil or criminal penalties.
"FMCSA investigators found that in September 2020, Tobon had fraudulently certified his USDOT/FMCSA medical examination report form; he also fraudulently certified the form previously in September 2018," the federal agency wrote in its release.
As a result, DOT declared Tobon an "imminent hazard to public safety" and ordered him to stop operating commercial vehicles.
Tobon is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Maricopa County Superior Court.
*Editor's Note: The above video is from an earlier broadcast*
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Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12News YouTube playlist here. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/driver-18-wheeler-plowed-mesa-home-arrested-manslaughter/75-e49b9d28-3ada-4007-9630-c1ef69bc0f86 | 2023-07-07T02:08:57 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/driver-18-wheeler-plowed-mesa-home-arrested-manslaughter/75-e49b9d28-3ada-4007-9630-c1ef69bc0f86 |
A major collision between two buses in Manhattan left dozens of passengers injured, 18 of them rushed to area hospitals Thursday night.
Fire department officials said two buses, an MTA bus and a double-decker tour bus, crashed near East 23rd Street and 1st Avenue around 7 p.m.
The total patient count was still fluctuating, but FDNY officials said a total of 81 people were being evaluated by first responders. None of the injuries to anyone involved appeared to be life-threatening, they added.
Efforts to rescue people on board the tour bus were made difficult by the size of the bus, FDNY said at a media briefing. People had to be pulled out of windows and removed from the upper deck with the help of a ladder.
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The majority of the injuries seem to be cuts, bruises and scrapes. Some may have possible fractures. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/manhattan-double-bus-crash-sends-18-to-hospital-fdny-says/4484072/ | 2023-07-07T02:17:32 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/manhattan-double-bus-crash-sends-18-to-hospital-fdny-says/4484072/ |
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — Greene County commissioners and county mayor Kevin Morrison have proposed a 38-cent increased property tax hike for the upcoming year.
With current staffing difficulties in the county, officials say that it’s essential to compete with other jurisdictions’ wages.
“Any tax increase is a bitter pill,” Morrison said. “My anxiety is that if we do nothing, the poison is coming later in the form of the jail lacking staff or being unable to maintain an ambulance service.”
Another reason for the proposed tax increase: inflation.
“Everyone is struggling with employees, staffing and business,” said Morrison. “If I can go 20 minutes up the road and change my family’s income by $6 on the hour, I’m going to do that.”
Morrison said they hope to make salary adjustments to employees based on experience and how long they have been working for the county.
“Although some employees have been evaluated by our salary scale, they would qualify for a 3% cost of living raise,” Morrison said. “But most of the raises is based on the commission pay scale that we had again, adjusted for inflation or adjusted for time and greater loyalty.”
The current property tax rate in Greene County is $1.27 per $100 of assessed value, while the proposed rate will be $1.65.
This comes to approximately $20 more in property taxes per month on the average Greene County home, which some residents report is too much.
“I think the challenge is that all the prices are increasing, some very dramatically. Then you add a significant increase in property tax,” Greene County resident and local business owner Brooke Sadler said. “It’s going to be tough on people. I think they’ll have a challenge making ends meet.”
Sadler also said that he worries the property tax increase will greatly affect those who no longer work.
“It needs to be a small or moderate increase and I think that’s definitely above a moderate increase,” said Sadler. “And it’s going to be hard on people especially retired people on a fixed income, that makes it tough.”
The Greene County Commission will host two meetings regarding the potential tax increase. The first meeting is scheduled for July 17. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/greene-county-residents-could-pay-more-in-property-taxes/ | 2023-07-07T02:31:04 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/greene-county-residents-could-pay-more-in-property-taxes/ |
Two adult males have been arrested and face preliminary attempted murder charges tied to a July 4 shooting of a juvenile.
Tyron Hill Jr., 22, and Quayawn Eldridge, 24, also face aggravated battery and criminal recklessness charges, the Fort Wayne Police Department said in a Thursday night news release.
Fort Wayne police said earlier they were called to the 2900 block of Bowser Avenue about 10 p.m. Tuesday after a report of gunfire. They found a child in an alley, suffering from a bullet wound; paramedics took the injured youth to a hospital.
The shooting, police said, is believed to have occurred between 2900 Bowser and 2900 Holton Ave. Shots were fired from a vehicle that fled before officers arrived.
Hill and Eldridge were taken into custody about 7 p.m. Thursday in the 200 block of Dunbar Lane.
Both suspects were taken into custody without incident with the help of the Fort Wayne police Gang Unit, the Narcotics Unit, Indiana State Police, U.S. Marshals and the Allen County prosecutor’s office, the release said. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/arrests-made-attempted-murder-charges-filed-in-july-4th-shooting-of-youth/article_d7f0958e-1c5c-11ee-8708-b3f356400e70.html | 2023-07-07T02:31:19 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/arrests-made-attempted-murder-charges-filed-in-july-4th-shooting-of-youth/article_d7f0958e-1c5c-11ee-8708-b3f356400e70.html |
BOISE, Idaho — In a major change, the Idaho GOP announced they are planning to host presidential caucuses instead of primary elections for the upcoming 2024 election cycle.
The change comes as a result of decisions made in the 2023 legislative session. Lawmakers passed and Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 138 aimed at consolidating the “March presidential primary election with the May primary election date, so that all primary elections in the State of Idaho will be held on the third Tuesday in May.”
The election date being moved was also an effort to align with the elimination of all other March elections, as laid out in House Bill 292, the major property tax relief bill.
The new law inadvertently eliminated the presidential primary because of technical errors. So, lawmakers and the Secretary of State’s office worked on a trailer bill, Senate Bill 1186, to clearly add a presidential primary in May.
The trailer bill ultimately died in committee near the end of the legislative session, leaving a void for what do to with the presidential primary.
The current situation allows for political parties to create their own system to nominate a presidential candidate. The Idaho GOP announced, following their convention in June, that they are moving to a ‘firehouse caucus,' which creates caucuses all around the state, on March 2, 2024.
A caucus traditionally involves people physically getting together in a group, like at a local school, and then separate into smaller groups based on candidate preference and undecided.
Speeches, arguments and debates continue from there to convince people to pick a candidate group, with the biggest group ultimately getting the win.
It may not be the best option according to critics of the format, but the GOP says it's their only choice at this point. It’s a blame that GOP Party Chair Dorothy Moon placed firmly on state leaders in a recent video.
"Idaho's secretary of state introduced legislation to move Idaho's presidential primary from March to May. The bill he introduced in the legislature passed and the governor signed failed to include language that would move our presidential primary to May," Moon said. "Instead, removing the presidential primary completely."
Moon and other GOP leaders said they want to do a March caucus, so that Idaho will be front and center in the presidential primary process. Holding a primary in May, Moon said, is too late in the process for Idaho to see benefits.
"Keeping the Idaho GOP's presidential nomination process in March will incentivize national candidates to campaign in Idaho, learn and debate issues important to Idaho, and appeal directly to the Idaho voters to advance the interest of our state, including our industries, job creators and employers. The Idaho GOP must remain in the front of the presidential nominating process," Moon said.
The Idaho Democratic Party is calling on the Idaho Legislature to reinstate the presidential primary election.
“The elimination of the presidential primary brings an unwelcome outcome for voters: we must now revert to an outdated caucus system. While the original legislation was meant to increase participation, the opposite will now occur," said Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea in a statement.
"Rather than heading to their normal polling location to cast a ballot, Idahoans will have to travel much further, arrive at a set time, and potentially sit through hours of deliberation. For many voters — especially working people, the elderly, and families with young kids — these barriers will prevent them from having a say in the presidential nomination process,” Necochea said.
Idaho lawmakers will have the opportunity to take up the idea in January, unless a special session is called ahead of that.
The debate on the GOP side revolves around timing. Chair Moon argues an early caucus is better than a May primary, others believe the caucus process cuts down on the amount of people that can participate in the process, for practical reasons.
Caucuses are singular events that allow for conversation and community engagement whereas primary elections allow for early and absentee voting.
Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane told KTVB his office is currently working on the topic and that McGrane prefers the primary election over a caucus.
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Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download. | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/idaho-gop-votes-move-caucuses-in-2024-presidential-primary-process/277-645f2aa0-24b2-4fc8-8a9e-4267dc9bc931 | 2023-07-07T02:34:56 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/idaho-gop-votes-move-caucuses-in-2024-presidential-primary-process/277-645f2aa0-24b2-4fc8-8a9e-4267dc9bc931 |
BOISE, Idaho — Youth voting advocacy group Babe Vote is no longer soliciting people on Boise streets with clipboards proposing the service of voter registration, according to a tweet posted Wednesday by the organization.
Babe Vote attributes this abrupt action to the barriers created by House Bill 340 (HB340), now effective law as of July 1. The organization is filing a lawsuit in response asking a judge to place a pause on the law in question.
"BABE VOTE volunteers attempted to register voters at the Freedom Celebration at Riverfest in Idaho Falls & were unable to register most voters. This is in contrast to registering 101 voters in just a few hours at a smaller festival June 24 in Idaho Falls," Babe Vote tweeted in a thread.
Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane was involved with the creation of HB340, according to the Secretary of State's Communication Director Chelsea Carattini. The legislation intended to make all voting registration options uniform.
"Groups and organizations can still collect completed paper voter registration cards as they have always done and submit them to the county clerks for processing," Carattini said. "Then, when newly registered voters arrive at the polls to vote, they will be asked to provide one of the approved forms of photo ID and a proof of residence with their name and current address."
Voter registration drives, often taking place at parades and festivals, could previously register a voter without proof of residency, according to Carattini. This worked as a potential loophole that HB340 aimed to close; anyone registering to vote at the polls on election day always had to provide proof of residency.
Previously, voter drive cards only required a potential voter to provide their driver’s license number of the last four digits of their social security number, according to Babe Vote volunteer Sam Sandmire. Proof of those documents are now needed to register; a process Babe Vote volunteers - and other citizens managing a voter registration drive - are not authorized to verify.
"It became a waste of Babe vote volunteers time to go out and have people fill out these cards and think they're registered," Sandmire said. "It used to be considered patriotic to go and register voters, making it more difficult, and for us really impossible to help people complete their voter registration is just not democratic."
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Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download. | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/local-babe-vote-to-file-lawsuit-against-new-voter-registration-law/277-45cde626-8ef9-4ba9-9e0f-d09506b7bcd0 | 2023-07-07T02:35:02 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/local-babe-vote-to-file-lawsuit-against-new-voter-registration-law/277-45cde626-8ef9-4ba9-9e0f-d09506b7bcd0 |
IDAHO COUNTY, Idaho — Two men riding motorcycles crashed into each other on U.S. Highway 12, leaving one man dead. One rider illegally passed another vehicle and crashed head-on into the other rider, according to Idaho State Police.
A 55-year-old man from Sidney, British Columbia was driving a Ducati Multistrada motorcycle. According to police, an early report indicates that he made an illegal pass around an Idaho Transportation Department dump truck and ran head-on into the driver of a Honda GL1800 motorcycle. The man driving the Honda, a 75-year-old man from Terryville, Connecticut, died at the crash site.
The man driving the Ducati was taken to the hospital. The crash is being investigated by the Idaho State Police.
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Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download. | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/local-man-dies-in-crash-on-us-highway-12/277-6b6891fc-5b10-4e53-b7df-12173f309779 | 2023-07-07T02:35:08 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/local-man-dies-in-crash-on-us-highway-12/277-6b6891fc-5b10-4e53-b7df-12173f309779 |
BALTIMORE — A corner home on 5th Street.
Outside, and in, it looks like home catalog material. You can't even tell a short time ago, it was one of Baltimore's thousands of vacant and unlivable homes.
"We have a systemic, an infrastructure problem we need to solve," said Jan Eveland, leader of the Action Baybrook community group.
Eveland lives a short walk away from that home in Brooklyn. The community group Eveland leads works on the ground in Brooklyn, Brooklyn Park and Curtis Bay, to do three things: reduce home vacancies, clean up the community, and improve the local economy.
"We were starting to make progress," Eveland added. "People were starting to think of Brooklyn in a positive kind of way - Brooklyn and Curtis Bay. Now people are thinking in a very negative way, and now we have to rebuild that."
The home is half a mile away from the site of a major weekend mass shooting - one of the worst tragedies in Baltimore's recent history.
READ MORE: Two killed, 28 injured overnight in a mass shooting in South Baltimore
This community is just beginning the long journey to heal from that; the Action Baybrook group wants to help the area heal in as many ways as it can.
"We have such a resource, right here by the water," said Denisha Salliey, a volunteer with the group.
Action Baybrook acquires vacant homes, renovates them, and puts homeowners in them. Salliey's eye for home design helped redesign the home.
"I'm proud to be doing something like this - to give people hope about what their neighborhoods and their communities could be like," said Salliey.
The group, partially, can do what it does thanks to the city's Community Catalyst grants - helping this slice of Baltimore, piece by piece, cleanup by cleanup, home by home. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/a-brooklyn-community-groups-push-for-change | 2023-07-07T02:41:00 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/a-brooklyn-community-groups-push-for-change |
WOODBINE, Md. — Firefighters were dealt a heavy task while battling a house fire in Woodbine on Thursday afternoon
According to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, firefighters responded to the 5800 block of Ten Estates Drive for reports of a two-story home that was on fire.
Initial reports say the fire was accidental due to a lightning strike.
The fire was placed under control in 30 minutes with 35 firefighters on scene battling the fire.
There were no injuries reported, but officials say the home owners are displaced.
Estimated damage amounts to $200,000. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/family-displaced-after-home-in-woodbine-catches-fire-from-lightning-strike | 2023-07-07T02:41:06 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/family-displaced-after-home-in-woodbine-catches-fire-from-lightning-strike |
DALLAS — The U.S. Department of Labor Thursday confirmed its Wage and Hour Division is investigating payroll issues affecting Dallas County employees.
Problems began in April 2023, when employees say the county upgraded to a newer version of its payroll software.
"We're still finding new things wrong," Dallas County Sheriff's Association president Sgt. Christopher Dyer said. "Everybody that touches our payroll has had to go through incredible problems to try and fix this."
The county still owes some employees money, Dyer said. Some missed entire paychecks, while others received incorrect payments.
People who've taken time off have been incorrectly compensated for their vacation days. Others are not accruing paid time off at the rate they should, employees say.
Dyer said one county employee received a court summons for failing to make child support payments which should've been automatically deducted from his paycheck. A different person received a 36 cent direct deposit for his paycheck, he added.
"When payday comes, you expect to be paid a certain amount of money," Dyer said, expressing concern for the employees who live paycheck-to-paycheck.
The labor department can levy fines against employers that fail to pay employees. In addition, businesses in violation of labor laws must also make up missed or incorrect payments.
A spokesperson did not offer details about the labor department's investigation, though.
“Obviously, it’s important that all are paid fully and on time," county judge Clay Jenkins said. "Dallas County is working to fix this issue and will cooperate fully with the Department of Labor.”
Dyer said he doesn't want anyone fired, but hopes the county will move with more urgency to address the problem and better communicate with affected employees. Deputies are spending too much time away from work addressing payroll problems, he says.
"It's about accountability," Dyer said. "I hope this gets enough attention that it never happens again." | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-county/department-of-labor-investigating-dallas-county-payroll/287-4cd55609-b3ac-43dd-9780-d9adcf47b3c7 | 2023-07-07T02:52:03 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-county/department-of-labor-investigating-dallas-county-payroll/287-4cd55609-b3ac-43dd-9780-d9adcf47b3c7 |
GREENWOOD, Ind. — Family, friends, fellow law enforcement officers and the community came together Thursday to honor fallen Indiana State Police Trooper Aaron Smith.
They gathered at the Emmanuel Church in Greenwood for a visitation to pay their respects to a man that meant so much to so many people.
ISP Trooper Josh Thayer was both a shift partner and classmate to Smith.
"We're going to miss him being around. His goofiness, his outgoing nature, he was never afraid to ask a question and he was always ... he would always be the brunt of the jokes," said Thayer.
Smith also served with the Indiana National Guard since 2011, where he rose to the rank of sergeant. He currently served as a utilities equipment repairer for the 38th Infantry Division, 38th Sustainment Brigade, 190th Transportation Battalion and 1638th Transportation Company.
He also earned military awards, including the Army Achievement Award and National Defense Service Medal.
Sgt. Andrea Burkman recalled memories she shared with Smith in the National Guard.
"He was very unique. He was not like any other soldiers who also were police officers, law enforcement. He was very different, very positive and very refreshing," said Burkman.
Burkman recalled the conversations they had.
"He would talk about some of the things he did on the trooper side, and I always commended him saying, 'I don't have the patience to do what you do.' And he would always kindly remind me that we're all human and everyone has a brother, a sister, a mom, a dad and that these are people, too, and people make mistakes, but it doesn't define who you are by your mistakes. So that was the one thing that blew me away," said Burkman.
Other law enforcement officers drove from far and wide, like Trooper George Edwards from Tallahassee, Florida.
"In situations like this, they are grieving with us. They are sacrificing their loved one, so it's important that we be here and show our support and care and love for them," said Edwards.
Trooper Aaron Smith's car
For so many who cared for and loved Smith, this day won't come easy.
"It wasn't a week-and-a-half ago we were shoulder-to-shoulder in a classroom in training. It's a stark reminder of how important it is to tell someone you love them, and you care about them and you're thankful for them. We're going to miss Aaron," said Thayer. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/fellow-troopers-soldiers-mourn-isp-trooper-aaron-smith/531-bdeeb416-0c48-4f88-94ab-2faded46933b | 2023-07-07T02:52:03 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/fellow-troopers-soldiers-mourn-isp-trooper-aaron-smith/531-bdeeb416-0c48-4f88-94ab-2faded46933b |
GRAPEVINE, Texas — Police are investigating after a body was found in Grapevine Lake, officials say.
At about 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 6, the Grapevine Police Department says a witness driving by the lake called 9-1-1 after her passenger thought they saw a body floating near the spillway on the side of the dam.
Grapevine police officers responded to the scene along with the Flower Mound Fire Department, the Texas Game Warden, the Army Corps of Engineers and the medical examiner.
Grapevine PD said that, once crews recovered the body from the water, they “discovered signs of trauma inconsistent with drowning.”
Police said they are unclear of how long the body had been in the water. At this time, the medical examiner is working to identify the person but say it was a woman.
As the investigation continues, police have closed Fairway Drive between the nearby Grapevine Golf Course and Rockledge Park. Officials said they plan to reopen the road to traffic late Thursday night.
Grapevine Police are asking anyone with information concerning this case to call the department at 817-410-3900 or to email tips to cidmail@grapevinetexas.gov.
This a developing story. We’ll update as more information becomes available. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/womans-body-found-in-grapevine-lake/287-2909bd65-2471-455c-9df8-84fb4463effe | 2023-07-07T02:52:09 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/womans-body-found-in-grapevine-lake/287-2909bd65-2471-455c-9df8-84fb4463effe |
CUMBERLAND, Ind. — Cumberland Police say that a 5-year-old boy shot and killed his 4-year-old sister, Deor Neita, insider their Cumberland apartment Wednesday afternoon.
Their mother, Melody Neita, is grieving the loss of one child and the trauma of another who pulled the trigger. Melody spoke to 13News Thursday in a brief interview before the mother of five was overcome with grief.
Melody shared a family photo just taken July 4. Deor just turned four last month.
"Deor was a happy child,” said Melody, her voice cracking with emotion. “She was sweet, nice, loving."
Melody said she spoke to Deor for the last time when she came home to their Cumberland apartment during a break from work Wednesday afternoon.
"My baby came downstairs and told me, 'Bye' and that she loved me,” said Melody. “I went back to work, and a couple of hours later, I got a call from my grandma saying my baby is dead."
Deor's great-grandmother was watching five children, ages six years old and under, at the apartment. While she changed a baby's diaper downstairs, investigators believe Deor's brother found a fully loaded 9 mm handgun in a dresser drawer in an upstairs bedroom and accidentally shot his sister.
"The children were downstairs with great grandma,” said Cumberland Police Chief Suzanne Crooke-Woodland. “Grandma was changing the infant. The kids ran upstairs. Grandma was putting the baby's clothes back on him and she heard the gunshot. And the three come downstairs in horror, crying and saying one of them had shot the other."
The children were taken into protective custody until they can be interviewed by detectives alongside child advocates.
Melody said she did not know there was a gun in the apartment. Melody and her children live at the apartment with the great-grandmother of the children. Police believe the father of the 2-month-old also stays at the apartment sometimes and may have brought other adults into the apartment as well.
Investigators are waiting on test results to see who has handled the gun to help determine who is the owner.
Cumberland Police remind everyone to store their guns safely and securely where children can't get to them.
"I would think at this point that people would be so tired of seeing these tragedies on the news that they would step up and do something more to secure their firearms, quit carrying them around like their pets,” said Crooke-Woodland. “Just respect it."
Free gun locks are available at the Cumberland Police Department and Marion County Public Library branches. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/mother-grieves-cumberland-indiana-child-girl-shot-killed/531-a1187a95-18b3-4a14-a52b-707b76e02b74 | 2023-07-07T02:52:09 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/mother-grieves-cumberland-indiana-child-girl-shot-killed/531-a1187a95-18b3-4a14-a52b-707b76e02b74 |
SPEEDWAY, Ind. — Several children were among those injured when a vehicle crashed into a building in a Speedway apartment complex Thursday evening.
The crash happened shortly after 6:30 p.m. at the leasing office of the Stanford Court Apartments, near West 21st Street and North High School Road on the far west side of Speedway.
Police tell 13News six people were injured in all, including several children. All of the victims were taken to Indianapolis hospitals for treatment. Their conditions were stable when they left the scene, police said.
Investigators are still trying to determine what happened.
Damage to the building is superficial.
This story will be updated as more details are confirmed. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/vehicle-crashes-into-speedway-indiana-leasing-office-children-injured/531-2f16304a-8f1a-4d2f-9d4e-562082c1430f | 2023-07-07T02:52:16 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/vehicle-crashes-into-speedway-indiana-leasing-office-children-injured/531-2f16304a-8f1a-4d2f-9d4e-562082c1430f |
HANOVER, Pa. — Taking out the trash is becoming an increasingly expensive chore for Kenneth Dohm and his family.
“We tried storing it, compact different, recycle different, just trying to make things more efficient for us," said Dohm, who lives in Penn Township, York County. "But nothing seemed to work.”
Dohm says he and his neighbors are required to buy trash bags from Penn Township. Since December, he says the price has risen from $3 per bag to $6.
He said that cost is difficult for a family of four.
“If you put three bags out, that’s almost 20 dollars a week that you’re literally throwing away," said Dohm.
Dohm says he switched to Handy Dandy Dumpster out of Glen Rock, York County to avoid the bag fees. However, he recently received a warning from Penn Township, which said that he can’t switch trash collectors.
“We’ve lived here for two years, and we didn’t know we couldn’t switch," said Dohm. "We came from Hanover, where you’re allowed to switch different trash companies, and we figured it was the same [in Penn Township."
Joe Buell, who is the owner of Handy Dandy Dumpster, said his office is getting more calls from people in Penn Township regarding its bag fees.
“That is the only area that I’m aware of that does that," said Buell. "I don’t know of any other area that does a pay-by-bag collection.”
Buell added that other municipalities are also seeing an increase in trash service fees, due to higher collection costs.
“From garbage trucks, to flatbeds, to roll-off trucks; dumpsters are going up, trash cans are going up, everything is up, up, up," said Buell.
He says all the cost factors add up as local governments draw up disposal contracts.
“There’s so much that goes into that can or bag being picked up every day or every week at your house," said Buell.
FOX43 stopped by the Penn Township office and called township officials, but no one would comment about the higher trash fees. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/penn-township-residents-raise-concerns-over-trash-service-fee-community-hanover-york-county/521-68d7ad22-11f8-469a-8a33-27c91fd016a2 | 2023-07-07T02:54:12 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/penn-township-residents-raise-concerns-over-trash-service-fee-community-hanover-york-county/521-68d7ad22-11f8-469a-8a33-27c91fd016a2 |
NORMAL — A preliminary design plan for the 136-unit Archer Apartments complex proposal off of Raab Road in north Normal received a positive recommendation from the town's Planning Commission on Thursday.
The developer, Ethos Design Build out of Morton, is asking the Normal Town Council to rezone a cluster of unannexed properties at the northeast corner of Constitution Trail and Raab Road. just west of North Linden Street. These properties consist of homes, a vacant residential lot and agriculture.
There would be a total of six buildings at the 9.6-acre site: five three-story buildings and one two-story building immediately adjacent to Raab Road. A clubhouse also is proposed.
Because of the number of three-story buildings, height variances were required for the project.
Of the 136 planned units, 34 would have two bedrooms and 102 would have three bedrooms.
Normal Town Planner Mercy Davison said the target area was seen as ripe for development, according to the town's comprehensive plan.
"The property has never developed other than what you see here today," Davison said.
The Normal-based Unit 5 school district likely will consider the development an open enrollment area, meaning any children living there would be assigned to various schools based of classroom availability.
In addition to a design plan, the commission also recommended rezoning the site from its current agricultural classification to a residential classification for medium density multifamily dwellings.
During a public hearing of the project, neighbors on North Linden Street raised concerns about the additional traffic on Raab, the potential for additional stormwater runoff, the three-story properties and the advancement of multiple housing projects in the same area at the same time.
A third-party traffic study determined that Raab would have to be widened prior to development.
To comply with stormwater detention requirements, a basin will be added at the southeast corner of the site that could support fishing.
Commissioner Mike Matejka said he still was debating the number of three-story buildings but admitted that drainage at the site needs to be monitored.
"I know we have very competent city staff (but) the drainage issues is something I think is going to require constant vigilance especially by today's standards." | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/government-politics/rezoning-recommended-for-proposed-normal-apartment-complex/article_7d020d0a-1c3a-11ee-bdc1-a3b008a875cf.html | 2023-07-07T02:59:10 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/government-politics/rezoning-recommended-for-proposed-normal-apartment-complex/article_7d020d0a-1c3a-11ee-bdc1-a3b008a875cf.html |
Man arrested in connection with Gila Bend double homicide said he didn't mean to hurt anyone
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office identified a man who was arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in Gila Bend on Monday.
David Diaz, 21, was arrested by deputies at a residence in Gila Bend at about 1 p.m. Monday. Deputies responded to calls made to 911 describing several gunshots fired and two wounded people.
According to court documents, once deputies arrived at the scene, they discovered an unidentified woman in the front doorway of the house unresponsive. She was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers also found three men at the location and arrested suspect David Diaz.
At the same time, another victim was dropped off at a nearby fire station. The unidentified man later died at a hospital.
Court documents show that a combination of witness statements and forensic evidence was gathered during the investigation.
According to a witness, who was unidentified, the woman whom deputies found unresponsive was arguing with a person in a bedroom of the house. Because of the argument, the woman asked for a ride home from a friend.
The person who took the male victim to the fire station told deputies he went to the house as he believed a man was assaulting the woman.
One of the people who went to the residence to pick up the woman was another victim of the shooting and also killed. A fight broke out between that victim and another man.
Another fight broke out between three other men. One of the men told deputies that he noticed someone was in possession of a gun and believed they were trying to intimidate them. The female victim and two men were told to leave the house, but they refused, according to the man who was arrested, Diaz, court documents say.
According to the girlfriend of Diaz, two men walked out of the house while both victims stood near the front door of the house.
Diaz said, “I’m done with this,” and then shot toward the front door, striking both victims, court documents say.
In an interview with deputies, Diaz told them he did not mean to hurt anyone but instead scare them away from the house. Deputies say Diaz used an AR-style rifle to shoot at people.
When deputies arrived, Diaz was described as the shooter, and family members corroborated this and helped deputies find the gun used during the crime, court documents say.
Court documents also show that six casings and one live round were found inside the home.
Diaz was booked by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and could face possible manslaughter charges. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/07/06/gila-bend-shooting-suspect-said-he-did-not-mean-to-hurt-anyone/70389174007/ | 2023-07-07T03:01:57 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/07/06/gila-bend-shooting-suspect-said-he-did-not-mean-to-hurt-anyone/70389174007/ |
Chandler man arrested in stabbing, dismemberment of Neb. teen whose remains found in bonfire pile
Authorities have booked a man they say is responsible for the “malicious” death of a Nebraska teen found slain last month in Tonto National Forest.
Anthonie Ruinard Jr., 37, of Chandler, was arrested Wednesday and is charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing death and dismemberment of Parker League, 18, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
According to court documents, League’s remains were identified using dental records after they were recovered June 12 at the national forest. His remains, court documents added, were found in a bonfire pile in a spot known as “the pit” in the Bulldog Canyon’s off-highway area.
Court documents show an unknown sharp instrument was used to stab League multiple times in his back. An unknown sharp weapon was used to dismember League, with his head and hands removed and placed near his legs, court documents reveal.
The grisly case had been previously described as “malicious” by the Sheriff’s Office, though no details had been released until Thursday’s announcement of Ruinard’s arrest.
League’s family reported him missing to Mesa police on June 12, when he was to return to Nebraska from Arizona, court documents show. League had taken a flight on June 9 to the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, court documents noted.
Detectives on the case obtained video footage from multiple locations where League’s bank card was used after he was found dead, according to the Sheriff’s Office. A Chandler gas station’s June 6 video footage showed the last time League would be seen alive, capturing him and Ruinard leaving the store together in a black 2019 Dodge Challenger, the agency detailed.
The gas station was a few miles from Ruinard’s home, court documents added.The Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to whether detectives suspect the victim was not willingly in the company of the suspect. Court documents, however, reveal video surveillance shows the victim and suspect in the early morning hours of June 11 arrived separately at a Phoenix nightclub but left together.
A 2022 Tesla Model X was also seen in video footage and both it and the Challenger were found to be registered as owned by Ruinard, according to court documents.
Charging documents reveal a human blood spot the size of a basketball was found in the Challenger’s trunk, along with blood on the vehicle’s rear bumper.
The suspect told investigators he met the victim at a Circle K and purchased bank cards from him, according to court documents.
Ruinard was found in possession of cocaine worth about $27,000, according to charging documents.
Ruinard is facing nine other charges, the Sheriff’s Office listed:
- Two counts of narcotic drug possession for sale.
- One count of drug possession equipment for manufacturing.
- One count of narcotic drug manufacture.
- Two counts of possession of a weapon by a prohibited person.
- One count theft of a credit card.
- One count of fraudulent use of a credit card.
- One count of abandonment/concealing dead body or parts.
Ruinard was convicted of armed robbery in 2006, as well as misconduct involving weapons, and theft, both in 2008, according to Maricopa County court records.
As of Thursday afternoon, Ruinard was being held on a $2 million bond, according to jail and court records. Ruinard has a preliminary hearing set for July 14, court records show. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/chandler-breaking/2023/07/06/arizona-man-arrested-stabbing-death-dismemberment-nebraska-teenager-remains-tonto-national-forest/70389447007/ | 2023-07-07T03:02:03 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/chandler-breaking/2023/07/06/arizona-man-arrested-stabbing-death-dismemberment-nebraska-teenager-remains-tonto-national-forest/70389447007/ |
U.S. Customs and Border Protection used a helicopter this week to rescue two people suffering from heat stress during a hike in the desert south of Tucson, the agency said.
Shortly after 1:00 p.m. July 3, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office contacted Border Patrol for help rescuing the pair near Montana Peak, the release said. The peak is near Arivaca, about 60 miles south of Tucson.
The pair, a man and woman, requested medical assistance. One was suffering from extreme heat stress and the other was falling in-and-out of consciousness, officials said.
Border Patrol agents climbed the peak on foot. Agents found the two people just before 3 p.m. and began treating them while a helicopter was called in for evacuation, the release said.
A UH-60 Black Hawk aircrew left Davis-Monthan Air Force Base about 3:45 p.m.
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Crews eventually hoisted the pair from the peak at flew them to Banner University Medical Center for further treatment, the release said.
“During the hot summer months people in the deserts of southern Arizona can quickly succumb to the heat,” Jose Muriente, Deputy Director of Air Operations, Tucson Air Branch, said in the release. “In this case, the man and woman were able to realize the situation they were in and contact emergency services and CBP was able to respond to the situation. All too often, people wait too long to call for help.” | https://tucson.com/news/local/rescue-helicopter-border-patrol-tucson/article_bbe95a62-1c55-11ee-b0d0-b36ca56e8d1b.html | 2023-07-07T03:04:58 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/rescue-helicopter-border-patrol-tucson/article_bbe95a62-1c55-11ee-b0d0-b36ca56e8d1b.html |
Over the long holiday weekend, the Flagstaff Police Department made six DUI arrests. For context, police made four DUI arrests on the previous weekend, which was only two days long.
According to FPD spokesperson Jerry Rintala, those numbers generally reflect how the holiday weekend shaped up in Flagstaff.
There was no more crime or criminal activity reported than officers usually see on an ordinary weekend.
That didn’t necessarily mean that police officers weren’t busy in and around the city.
Because the Flag 4th Fest at Fort Tuthill County Park is a city event, officers from the department were responsible for crowd control and security.
Roughly 3,000 people attended the laser light show, according to Rintala. After the event a single DUI hit-and-run accident was reported, and police officers tried to help locate the vehicle involved. Because the incident occurred in the county, it was transferred to the Coconino County Sheriff's Office for further investigation.
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There was police presence at the Downtown Mile and Fourth of July parade this year, but not everyone in uniform was there in their normal, official capacity.
Officer Adam Williams ran the Downtown Mile Tuesday morning in full uniform.
“He was in full uniform, top to bottom with everything -- his hat, his camera. It was as if he was going on patrol. He just jumped up and ran the mile,” Rintala said.
Adams is also one of FPD’s trained motorcycle officers.
Later, he would don his duty helmet in the parade. On the bike, Williams tracked speedy circles and figure eights — a public demonstration of techniques learned in “motor academy,” Rintala said. Off the bike, the officer delighted the crowd with a demonstration of the “worm,” a dance move not likely taught in any law enforcement context.
Trailing the FPD bomb squad and the towering, matte black tactical unit vehicle nicknamed “the bear” were two little league teams, each representing championship divisions, each coached by FPD officers on their off time.
“Officers are coaches, volunteers, parents,” Rintala said. “We’re all members of this community that we live in. We also like to participate in these community events.” | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/a-quiet-fourth-in-flagstaff-police-say-city-enjoyed-a-relatively-calm-safe-holiday-weekend/article_3f4817d2-1b6a-11ee-ab1d-2b5cef90e0b5.html | 2023-07-07T03:13:39 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/a-quiet-fourth-in-flagstaff-police-say-city-enjoyed-a-relatively-calm-safe-holiday-weekend/article_3f4817d2-1b6a-11ee-ab1d-2b5cef90e0b5.html |
Two former Northern Arizona football players -- receiver Stacy Chukwumezie and defensive back Morgan Vest -- will continue their careers at the professional level in the XFL.
Chukwumezie was taken in the XFL Rookie Draft on June 16 and will continue his career with the Vegas Vipers. Vest, meanwhile, was claimed as an undrafted rookie by the Seattle Sea Dragons at defensive back on June 24.
Both had decorated careers during their time with the Lumberjacks. Chukwumezie, a 2021 All-Big Sky selection, played in 28 games over five seasons for Northern Arizona. The Downey, California, native hauled in 1,629 career receiving yards on 96 receptions. He scored 13 touchdowns, 12 of which were receiving. He averaged 19.3 yards per catch in 2019, which was tied for sixth on Northern Arizona's all-time single-season rankings. Before being drafted, he was invited to the New York Giants' rookie minicamp. As a senior in 2022, he exploded for 104 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a game against Portland State, his third game with over 100 receiving yards in his career.
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A three-time All-Big Sky selection, Vest joined the Lumberjacks in 2019 and played in 27 games over three seasons. During his time with Northern Arizona, he racked up 259 tackles, 139 of which were solo. He totaled 11 tackles for loss, six interceptions, 27 pass breakups and three fumble recoveries. His senior season saw him start in all 11 games, and he totaled 102 tackles and had 11 pass breakups. Against Montana State, he earned a career-high 15 tackles, finishing the year with six games with 10 tackles or more.
Along with Vest and Chukwumezie, Alonzo (LJ) Davis signed with the Tennessee Titans following the 2022 season.
Northern Arizona will open its 2023 campaign at Arizona the Arizona Wildcats in Tucson on Sept. 2. The XFL, in its third season, will begin in February. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/nau-roundup-former-lumberjacks-vest-chukwumezie-to-play-in-xfl/article_eb9d2790-1c21-11ee-a6f0-33e7f0e20101.html | 2023-07-07T03:13:45 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/nau-roundup-former-lumberjacks-vest-chukwumezie-to-play-in-xfl/article_eb9d2790-1c21-11ee-a6f0-33e7f0e20101.html |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A 19-year-old pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison Thursday for committing a murder and an attempted murder in 2021. He was 16 years old at the time.
On Jan. 16, 2021, Gerardo Trujillo-Torres murdered Joshua Steward and attempted to kill Amaretta Rice. He had been hired by 25-year-old Rayshawn Strickland and the late Fred Ferguson, who according to police, distributed narcotics through Salem and Eugene.
Strickland and Ferguson claimed Steward had owed them a drug debt and gave evidence about their distribution to police. At the time, Trujillo-Torres was on parole for third-degree assault.
During a fake drug deal set up by Strickland and Ferguson, Trujillo-Torres shot Steward three times and shot Rice in the head. Steward died at the scene and Rice survived.
Life in prison usually calls for 25 years in prison before eligibility for parole, but because Trujillo-Torres was less than 18 years old during the crime, he is eligible for parole after 15 years. He is also eligible for a potential release hearing halfway through his sentence.
“I don’t agree with the outcome of this case. If you can commit murder, you can handle the adult consequences,” Rice said. “I’m disappointed in Oregon’s system. He has an opportunity for parole and a second look after killing one person and almost killing me.”
Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson said she is concerned that Trujillo-Torres could return to the community in 15 years.
“We have a long way to go before the interests of public safety and victim rights are appropriately balanced with juvenile delinquency reform efforts,” she said. “Knowing that all juveniles who commit murder – whether they have 1 or 100 victims – are eligible for release after 15 years and/or halfway through their sentence, is not justice.”
In 2021, Strickland was indicted for murder, attempted murder, two counts of conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of solicitation to commit murder, delivery of cocaine, possession of cocaine and laundering a monetary instrument. On June 14, 2023, he was sentenced to 70 months for racketeering and two counts of attempted conspiracy to commit murder after an agreement.
Ferguson was arrested on Jan. 22, 2021, for murder, attempted murder and conspiracy and solicitation to commit murder. However, he died of a fentanyl overdose in his jail cell on July 16, 2021. | https://www.koin.com/local/marion-county/victim-of-attempted-murder-disappointed-in-her-aggressors-prison-sentence/ | 2023-07-07T03:18:00 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/marion-county/victim-of-attempted-murder-disappointed-in-her-aggressors-prison-sentence/ |
Pedestrian killed while trying to cross Route 30 in York: York County Coroner
A 49-year-old man was killed overnight while crossing Route 30 in York, according to the York County Coroner's Office.
The pedestrian, who is not being identified at this time, was struck by a truck in the area of Loucks Road and Pennsylvania Avenue, the coroner's office said. He was crossing the road outside of the crosswalk area.
The truck driver was traveling in a passing lane when the crash occurred. The operator stopped and was reportedly cooperating with police, the release states.
Emergency responders attempted to resuscitate the pedestrian, but he died at the scene, the release states.
The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at 1:36 a.m. from blunt force trauma, the release states.
York City Police are investigating.
Check back later as this is a developing story. | https://www.ydr.com/story/news/local/2023/07/06/route-30-pedestrian-killed-by-truck-while-crossing-road-in-york/70388912007/ | 2023-07-07T03:18:15 | 1 | https://www.ydr.com/story/news/local/2023/07/06/route-30-pedestrian-killed-by-truck-while-crossing-road-in-york/70388912007/ |
ROSS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — An albino python that was found near a ballpark in Ross Township has been turned over to an exotic pet rescue.
RELATED >>> Albino python snake found on Ross Township baseball field
According to police, the snake, who was nicknamed “‘Naners” by officers, is now at Sara’s Pets and Plants in Sharpsburg.
‘Naners will be staying at Sara’s Pets and Plants so that the staff can ensure he is healthy. He will eventually be available for adoption.
If you’re interested in adopting ‘Naners, call 724-826-8520.
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MCKEESPORT, Pa. — A local Shop ‘n Save was cited by the Allegheny County Health Department for a pest infestation and other safety issues.
According to the report, the Shop ‘n Save along 5th Avenue in McKeesport had multiple violations during a recent inspection.
The report states that food was adulterated by pests with urine on and in cookies, tortillas and nuts.
Inspectors also found evidence of an active rodent infestation, including chewed products with fresh droppings.
At least five aisles had droppings on multiple shelves.
Multiple dead rodents were found in traps across the store.
To view the full report, click here.
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NORTH HUNTINGDON, Pa. — The North Huntingdon Police Department introduced their newest K9 officer on Thursday.
According to a Facebook post, K9 Johnny is the newest dog on the force.
Johnny is a 10-month-old Belgian Malinois.
Johnny and his handler were recently certified in narcotics, meaning he’s officially on duty.
K9 Johnny still has more training to go through later this summer.
“This pup has already bonded with the officers that he & Sgt Wardman serve alongside with on night shift, and loves to come in and visit the dispatchers & officers on duty,” the post reads.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/meet-johnny-north-huntingdon-police-department-introduces-newest-k9-officer/CENOTFLJ6NBULPR5P6ZNV2ZFJE/ | 2023-07-07T03:20:32 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/meet-johnny-north-huntingdon-police-department-introduces-newest-k9-officer/CENOTFLJ6NBULPR5P6ZNV2ZFJE/ |
NORTH VERSAILLES, Pa. — In North Versailles Thursday night, emotions were high as mourners came together to pay tribute to 1-year-old Arionna Porter.
The smiley, baby-shark-loving toddler lost her life Tuesday when she was hit by a car in the parking lot of the Eastland Apartment Complex where she lived. Arionna’s mother Ariel Coover says this support means everything.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Toddler struck by vehicle, killed in North Versailles apartment complex parking lot
“It meant so much to me I didn’t think so many people would be here. That just goes to show how loved she was by everyone,” said Coover.
North Versailles police shut down the typically packed East Pittsburgh-McKeesport Boulevard in both directions as family, friends, and community members released balloons and set off fireworks to honor a little girl taken away far too soon.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> ‘She was an angel’: Family grieves loss of toddler struck, killed by car in North Versailles
“I love her so much and I wish she could be here but she can’t but she’ll live on forever in my heart,” said Coover.
East Allegheny School District members were also at the vigil Thursday, offering their condolences and support as Arionna’s older brother is a student.
“Tonight it’s all about sweet Arionna and us being here for Alexander who is a student in our school going into third grade,” said Joe DiLucente, the superintendent of East Allegheny School District.
DiLucente says even though it’s summertime and school is out, East Allegheny will offer resources for those who may need counseling or other support.
Authorities say Arionna was killed after a neighbor hit her with his SUV. He reportedly stopped immediately and complied with police, but so far has not been charged.
Coover said, I just hope he’s held accountable for his actions, that’s all I hope.”
The death has been ruled an accident. Allegheny County Police have yet to name the driver or say if that person will face charges or not.
To help with Arionna’s funeral expenses, click here.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/neighborhood-mourns-loss-toddler-struck-killed-by-car-north-versailles/SSEKQ7FEWZGVHE2W7AC5YOJFRY/ | 2023-07-07T03:20:39 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/neighborhood-mourns-loss-toddler-struck-killed-by-car-north-versailles/SSEKQ7FEWZGVHE2W7AC5YOJFRY/ |
ROBINSON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Registration is now open for the Settlers Cabin Splash Off.
The splash-off will take place on August 5 at Settlers Cabin Park in Robinson Township.
The Settlers Cabin Splash Off is an event where participants compete with other members of the Pittsburgh community within their age group to win prizes. The events will include the 3-meter diving board and 5-meter diving platform. After each participant performs, they will… pic.twitter.com/BCY7Cy9YeQ
— Allegheny County (@Allegheny_Co) July 6, 2023
Participants will dive from the three-meter diving board and the five-meter platform, competing with other members in their age group.
After each participant performs, they will receive a score. The highest scores will receive prizes.
If you’re interested in participating, click here.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/registration-open-settlers-cabin-splash-off/VKDD5U47PZBDLCRIUVY3CBJSLQ/ | 2023-07-07T03:20:45 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/registration-open-settlers-cabin-splash-off/VKDD5U47PZBDLCRIUVY3CBJSLQ/ |
Arlington Police said it's working to identify the suspects caught on surveillance video breaking the window of a Jeep parked in front of a home and throwing a firework inside it.
Arlington Police said the incident happened on Monday, July 3 around 9 p.m. When officers responded to the home along the 6100 block of Tiffany Oaks, the homeowner said someone threw fireworks in their vehicle damaging it.
“Once we saw it and realized that it was inside the car we went into panic mode, especially seeing flames and smoke coming out of it, seeing glass everywhere we realized we have a bigger mess than we originally thought," said Payton Sanders who lives at the home.
He said the Jeep belongs to his girlfriend who was visiting him along with his father on the eve of the Fourth of July. He said they were in the backyard grilling and swimming when they heard a loud noise and people screaming.
"We heard a big 'boom', we heard a lot of yelling, then we heard a car speed off," described Sanders.
He said they ran to the front of the house and saw their car smoking with a small fire.
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“My dad got out here first and said, 'Oh my God there are flames!' So he grabbed the fire extinguisher and put it out," described Sanders who said the flames were small so his father was able to put it out quickly.
He said neighbors came outside and it was the homeowners across the street who provided the surveillance video.
“It stinks to know this could be somebody random targeting you, no matter what you do, or the company that you keep, you’re always susceptible to this kind of thing," said Sanders.
As seen in the video and according to Arlington Police, a light-colored crossover SUV stops in the middle of the street. What appears to be two young people get out of the car, break a hole in the window of the parked Jeep and throw a firework inside. The suspects get back in their car and speed off.
"The damage is pretty extensive, it blew out all the glass, not the windshield, but other windows. Lots and lot of debris and dust, parts of the interior of the car, parts of the firework and whatever was in it, there’s a lot of damage to plastic and leather," explained Sanders.
Police said they're working to identify the suspects and are asking anyone with information to come forward or call Crime Stoppers.
“I want it to stop, you see this kind of stuff and it just gets out of hand, I don’t know if the intent of it was a real bad idea of a prank or if it was someone who was 'I want to commit a crime and want to make this person’s life worse,'" said Sanders.
“You start thinking, 'If they did it to your car then what’s going to stop them from running an extra 20 feet and doing it to my living room throwing at the dining room while eating dinner or whichever?' We don’t like to feel victimized, but I think that’s a little bit of the feeling that everybody has." | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/arlington-police-looking-for-two-people-seen-on-video-throwing-fireworks-into-a-jeep/3291244/ | 2023-07-07T03:22:24 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/arlington-police-looking-for-two-people-seen-on-video-throwing-fireworks-into-a-jeep/3291244/ |
17 years after a Fort Worth woman went missing, police say her remains have been identified.
Thursday, Fort Worth Police confirmed remains found near railroad tracks along South Hughes Avenue, near East Rosedale Street, back in March belonged to Taalibah Fatin Bint Islam.
Islam was reported missing in 2006 when she was just 20 years old.
Years later, her ex-boyfriend would be sent to prison for the disappearance of another Tarrant County woman, Typhenie Johnson.
Johnson's disappearance made major headlines in North Texas when she went missing in 2016, 10 years after Islam vanished.
For six years, Art Sahlstein has led a loyal group of community members in regular searches for both women.
"We've searched between 80 and 100 square miles from our area here,” said Sahlstein.
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Though he never knew either, Sahlstsein, like others, has grown committed to the case.
"A lot of times I'd ask myself, 'Well why aren't we finding things?' Well, you just can't lose hope. You just have to keep doing it,” he said.
Though he said this week’s announcement of a positive identification for Islam’s remains was met with heartache for her family, it also reenergizes the search for answers in both women’s cases.
"My heart just dropped. I feel sorry for the family. My prayers go out to the family,” said Johnson’s aunt Janelle Hofeldt.
Despite the discovery, Hofeldt said she believes both families still lack closure as Christopher Revill, an ex-boyfriend of both women, continues to withhold information.
Though Johnson was never found, Revill's serving a life sentence for aggravated kidnapping in her case.
He's long been accused of Islam’s disappearance but never charged.
"How can he look at himself in the mirror every single day knowing what he did?" she said.
Now as Islam's family prepares to finally lay her to rest, the search for Johnson continues.
"I'm reenergized to seeing this to the end. This is a big step. We find one, we'll find the other. That's the main thing. I truly believe that,” said Sahlstein.
Meanwhile family holds onto hope, fighting for justice for two women whose stories are now forever linked.
"Like Typhenie always says, never going to quit, and that's what we're going to go by. We're never going to quit,” said Hofeldt.
There's a $20,000 reward for information leading to a confirmed location for Johnson.
Information about search parties and updates in the case are shared via a Facebook page. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-womans-remains-identified-17-years-after-disappearance/3291273/ | 2023-07-07T03:22:34 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-womans-remains-identified-17-years-after-disappearance/3291273/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/security-camera-video-captures-people-throwing-fireworks-into-vehicle-in-arlington/3291270/ | 2023-07-07T03:22:38 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/security-camera-video-captures-people-throwing-fireworks-into-vehicle-in-arlington/3291270/ |
A Dallas developer is swinging back after the state’s decision to take Fairfield Lake State Park through eminent domain.
The park and surrounding land were privately owned for decades, with Texas Parks and Wildlife serving as a tenant. Developer Shawn Todd bought several thousand acres, and he’s now fighting the state to keep the deal afloat.
Todd hadn’t publicly addressed the press since September of last year. On Thursday he invited the public and media to a press event to talk about the 5,000 acres of land he bought, including Fairfield Lake State Park, roughly 90 miles south of Dallas.
“It’s not about a park and it’s certainly not about my real estate deal,” Todd said about the event.
For decades the park was privately owned with the state serving as a tenant free of charge. When the land went up for sale, the Parks board said they didn’t have the money to make a purchase. So, deals were then made with developers.
Last month, though, Texas Parks and Wildlife Commissioners voted to use eminent domain to keep the park.
Todd had plenty to say about the move and called it self-serving.
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“[It is] The open and brazen abuse of power by appointed officials, not elected officials, and their weaponization of a state agency to wrongly take something that is not theirs,” said Todd.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department did not respond to our requests for an interview on Thursday. However, in a statement to NBC 5, TPWD referred to a recent op-ed written by Chairman Arch Aplin in the Dallas Morning News.
The piece reads in part:
“While there has been criticism of TPWD not acting sooner to acquire the state park from Vistra, the fact is we engaged in good-faith discussions and made multiple offers to purchase the 1,800-acre park site and even the entire 5,000-acre tract from both the original owner and the real estate developer. These offers were rejected, including an offer to the developer for $20 million plus expenses to buy out his contract.”
A small group of protesters gathered at Todd’s event Thursday as well. They held signs in support of leaving the park as is.
“We planted over a thousand trees. We didn’t plant them to be a golf course. We didn’t plant them to be a gated community. We wanted it to be a place for the public. For the future,” said Dennis Walsh, a former park manager.
Todd said he never received a bona fide offer from the TPWD, and he refutes claims that he has plans to drain the lake.
“I want to dispel any notion that we will drain the levels of this lake,” he said. “There are zero economics in my business plan of monetizing that water.”
Ultimately, Todd said this fight is about private property rights. Last month, the Freestone County commissioners sent a letter to Texas Parks and Wildlife demanding the agency not use eminent domain to stop the development.
Full Dallas Morning News op-ed can be found here: Aplin: Here’s why eminent domain is the appropriate way to save Fairfield Lake State Park (dallasnews.com) | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/tug-of-war-continues-over-fairfield-lake-state-park/3291265/ | 2023-07-07T03:22:42 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/tug-of-war-continues-over-fairfield-lake-state-park/3291265/ |
DALLAS — The U.S. Department of Labor Thursday confirmed its Wage and Hour Division is investigating payroll issues affecting Dallas County employees.
Problems began in April 2023, when employees say the county upgraded to a newer version of its payroll software.
"We're still finding new things wrong," Dallas County Sheriff's Association president Sgt. Christopher Dyer said. "Everybody that touches our payroll has had to go through incredible problems to try and fix this."
The county still owes some employees money, Dyer said. Some missed entire paychecks, while others received incorrect payments.
People who've taken time off have been incorrectly compensated for their vacation days. Others are not accruing paid time off at the rate they should, employees say.
Dyer said one county employee received a court summons for failing to make child support payments which should've been automatically deducted from his paycheck. A different person received a 36 cent direct deposit for his paycheck, he added.
"When payday comes, you expect to be paid a certain amount of money," Dyer said, expressing concern for the employees who live paycheck-to-paycheck.
The labor department can levy fines against employers that fail to pay employees. In addition, businesses in violation of labor laws must also make up missed or incorrect payments.
A spokesperson did not offer details about the labor department's investigation, though.
“Obviously, it’s important that all are paid fully and on time," county judge Clay Jenkins said. "Dallas County is working to fix this issue and will cooperate fully with the Department of Labor.”
Dyer said he doesn't want anyone fired, but hopes the county will move with more urgency to address the problem and better communicate with affected employees. Deputies are spending too much time away from work addressing payroll problems, he says.
"It's about accountability," Dyer said. "I hope this gets enough attention that it never happens again." | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/department-of-labor-investigating-dallas-county-payroll/287-4cd55609-b3ac-43dd-9780-d9adcf47b3c7 | 2023-07-07T03:35:50 | 0 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/department-of-labor-investigating-dallas-county-payroll/287-4cd55609-b3ac-43dd-9780-d9adcf47b3c7 |
SAN ANGELO, Texas — The Kvapil family has been a staple in the lives of many throughout the last 50 years. Their family business started with their daughters out in front of their home selling watermelons, similar to children selling lemonade on a hot summer day.
As the years went on, their customer base grew as did the relationships that the family built throughout West Texas. Consistency has kept them intertwined with those that need fresh produce. However, according to second generation farmer Terri Kvapil Walling, it is the hospitality that brings customers back.
"I think that people appreciate that kind of simplicity. We go out in the field, we pick every morning, we come right back here, and we unload everything right here. Bam, it's over. No middlemen, no complications. You know, it's just us and our field. And I think people do appreciate that," Walling said.
Walling said her family never expected to have the business they currently possess. Yet, she gives all the credit not only to the locals that have supported them over the years but her parents, Dorothy and Gene Kvapil, for starting a multi-generational business.
"I have to give my parents all the credit in the world for starting us on this. They planted the seed, though, in my parents' mind about, well, maybe next summer we will plant a few more and then a few more and then a few more. And so the years went by, and by the time I was in junior high and high school, we were supplying all the stores in San Angelo with watermelons," Walling said.
As for what is next, you can count on Kvapil Farms to continue selling homegrown fruits and vegetables from their field to your table, that same day.
They believe the possibility of this business lasting another 50 years is definitely in the cards.
"That would be amazing. There would have to be some grandkids that would have to step up and take the farm. There are a few possibilities there, you know, but I don't know. We'll just have to wait and see what happens," Walling said.
You can visit the Kvapil Farms at 3093 Country Club Road in San Angelo, where they sell their produce seven days a week from sunrise to sundown. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/kvapil-farms-is-up-and-running-more-than-50-years-later/504-f8fbec88-1903-40af-ae31-4d93041c1b4d | 2023-07-07T03:35:56 | 1 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/kvapil-farms-is-up-and-running-more-than-50-years-later/504-f8fbec88-1903-40af-ae31-4d93041c1b4d |
Ian Hildon, 62, of Twin Falls died Monday, July 2, 2023, at home. Arrangements are under the care of Farmer Funeral Chapel, Buhl.
Christine Jackson, 70, of Wendell died Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Ashley Manor Assisted Living in Jerome. Arrangements are under the care of Demaray Funeral Service - Wendell Chapel.
Kevin A. Klinkenborg, 64, of Gooding and formerly of Wendell died Thursday, July 6, 2023, at his daughter's home in Gooding. Arrangements are under the care of Demaray Funeral Service - Gooding Chapel.
Darryl George Clark, 73, of Gooding died Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls. Arrangements are under the care of White-Reynolds Funeral Chapel, Twin Falls.
Kerry Lyn Klassen, 54, of Hollister died Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at home. Arrangements are under the care of White-Reynolds Funeral Chapel, Twin Falls.
Terry McLain, 66, of Twin Falls died July 1, 2023, at home. Arrangements are under the care of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home, Twin Falls.
Sharon Hopper Lombard, 80, of Twin Falls died Friday, June 30, 2023, at St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls. Funeral arrangements are under the care of White-Reynolds Funeral Chapel, Twin Falls.
Robert Alan Ridgeway, 87, of Twin Falls died Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at home. Arrangements are under the care of White-Reynolds Funeral Chapel, Twin Falls. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/death-notices/article_f84acf7a-1c16-11ee-a739-37d9269e95ac.html | 2023-07-07T03:42:41 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/death-notices/article_f84acf7a-1c16-11ee-a739-37d9269e95ac.html |
SEATTLE — There’s nothing quite like seeing Seattle’s skyline from the water. It’s a perk of riding the ferry to Bremerton.
“I think people are jealous of us when we say we’re commuting by boat when they’re in cars,” said Kelly Chrey. She and her husband, Bryan, ride the ferry often.
“Most of the time it’s pretty good, our frustration comes when they trade boats out and when boats are late,” said Kelly Chrey.
Bryan Chrey has commuted by ferry to work every day for the last 35 years.
“You get to know everybody and the boats for the most part have been effective except for the one that beached.”
He was on the Walla Walla when it beached on Bainbridge Island in April.
“It was about as good as a beaching can go. I mean if you’re going to be beached, it’s pretty simple,” said Bryan Chrey.
“Having the largest ferry fleet in the country also means having the largest challenges of any ferry fleet in the country and we want to make sure we are a good federal partner to the work that’s being done here,” said US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg Thursday.
Buttigieg, Governor Jay Inslee, Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and Congressman Derek Kilmer addressed the people of Port Orchard Thursday about $9.4 million dollars in grant funding to replace Port Orchard’s Breakwater. They also addressed the stalled attempts of electrifying Washington’s ferry fleet by 2035.
“The boats are on their way. We have contracts outstanding and in the next few weeks, we will have proposals we hope will actually build these boats and hope to soon be laying these keels,” said Washington Governor, Jay Inslee.
Electrifying the fleet will cost $3.98 billion according to WSDOT. There is $1.33 billion in secured funding.
“We believe we’ll get good interest and build these boats on time under budget and (they) will be beautiful vessels,” said Inslee. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/electric-washington-ferry-fleet/281-f102c39d-d993-4b00-8344-0ba43b8cffe2 | 2023-07-07T03:43:17 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/electric-washington-ferry-fleet/281-f102c39d-d993-4b00-8344-0ba43b8cffe2 |
SEATTLE — Eighth Generation, an authentic Native American goods store formerly in Pike Place Market, has moved to a bigger location just across the street.
The new location is at 1406 First Avenue, right across from the entrance to the market.
The business celebrated the move and its grand re-opening Thursday with a traditional drummer and singer who shared songs on the sidewalk outside the store, opening remarks and a ribbon cutting by Snoqualmie Tribe Chairman Robert de los Angeles and Eighth Generation CEO Colleen Echohawk.
"More and more people are asking themselves, you know, 'Am I a conscious buyer? Do I know what I'm buying?' and when you're buying Native art and design in Seattle, people are asking those questions, 'Who is the artist? What tribe are they from and how can I understand this art?' and that's what we offer here at Eighth Generation," Echohawk told KING 5 at the event. "Every single one of our products comes with the name of the artist, their tribe and a little bit about what the product is all about."
Festivities also featured a talk and art signing by Eighth Generation founder, artist, and educator Louie Gong.
The move out of Pike Place will give the store "greater visibility and findability for tourists," according to a blog post on the business's website. The business said the store was difficult for tourists to find in Pike Place's Atrium, and visitors commonly asked how to find it. The business has also outgrown the Pike Place location, as it plans to add nearly 100 new products in 2023 alone, according to the blog.
Eighth Generation opened its brick-and-mortar store in Pike Place Market in 2016. It was the first Native-owned business to ever have a permanent storefront in the market, "reclaiming space in a geographical location that had previously been inhabited by Native Americans since time immemorial," according to the business's website. The store was purchased by the Snoqualmie Tribe in 2019. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/eight-generation-authentic-native-american-goods-store-moves/281-bc685476-165e-41a8-b4bc-39a0d4d0d687 | 2023-07-07T03:43:23 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/eight-generation-authentic-native-american-goods-store-moves/281-bc685476-165e-41a8-b4bc-39a0d4d0d687 |
SEATTLE — A man that was caught with 20,000 fentanyl pills and 17 pounds of meth outside a Seattle high school was federally charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute on Thursday.
The suspect, identified as Anthony Valela, pleaded not guilty.
On June 12, Seattle police were called to Cleveland High School near Seattle's Beacon Hill and Georgetown neighborhoods to a report that someone was partially parked on the sidewalk and sleeping in their car.
When police arrived, they found Valela and a female passenger slumped over in a purple and blue color shift Mercedes SUV. The passenger side wheels of the car were on the curb in front of the high school.
Officers directed Valela to get out of the car and when he got up they noticed a glass pipe and a "crystalline substance" on the driver's seat, according to court documents. When officers searched Valela a "crystalline substance" also fell out of his front pants pocket. The crystals were later positively identified as methamphetamine.
Per Seattle police policy, officers began to inventory the valuables in the vehicle before impounding it. After locating what appeared to be a gallon-sized bag of meth in the passenger side of the car, police applied for a warrant to search the rest of Valela's vehicle.
After securing the warrant, officers found 17 pounds of meth, 20,000 fentanyl pills, 458 grams of powdered fentanyl, 376 grams of cocaine and 30 grams of heroin in the back of Valela's car. Police also found $17,000 in cash, two cell phones, five digital scales and gold jewelry.
After speaking with officers, Valela admitted to knowing the drugs were in his car and that he sold drugs to make money. He also said he had more drugs at his home in Kirkland.
Upon a search of the home, officers found over a kilogram of fentanyl powder, 182 grams of cocaine, around 1,000 fentanyl pills, 262 grams of meth, 45 grams of ketamine, several small baggies of "unknown white powder" and a pill bottle containing suboxone sublingual strips and miscellaneous pills, according to court documents.
The trial date in Valela's case is set for September. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/man-arrested-20000-fentanyl-pills-17-pounds-of-meth-outside-high-school/281-a86cb599-4985-4daf-a33d-1d2f6200d41c | 2023-07-07T03:43:32 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/man-arrested-20000-fentanyl-pills-17-pounds-of-meth-outside-high-school/281-a86cb599-4985-4daf-a33d-1d2f6200d41c |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/camden-county-leaders-blame-philadelphia-for-4th-of-july-violence/3599722/ | 2023-07-07T03:43:49 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/camden-county-leaders-blame-philadelphia-for-4th-of-july-violence/3599722/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/community-trying-to-heal-after-mass-shooting-left-so-many-heartbroken-and-traumatized/3599705/ | 2023-07-07T03:43:56 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/community-trying-to-heal-after-mass-shooting-left-so-many-heartbroken-and-traumatized/3599705/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/expert-weighs-in-on-how-to-deal-with-communal-grief-after-the-mass-shooting-in-kingsessing/3599764/ | 2023-07-07T03:44:07 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/expert-weighs-in-on-how-to-deal-with-communal-grief-after-the-mass-shooting-in-kingsessing/3599764/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/local-health-departments-testing-mosquitos-for-west-nile-virus-and-you-can-help/3599716/ | 2023-07-07T03:44:13 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/local-health-departments-testing-mosquitos-for-west-nile-virus-and-you-can-help/3599716/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/man-charged-in-death-of-2-year-old-boy-in-berks-county/3599763/ | 2023-07-07T03:44:20 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/man-charged-in-death-of-2-year-old-boy-in-berks-county/3599763/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/new-water-playground-in-seaside-brings-joy-to-the-area-after-years-of-setbacks/3599758/ | 2023-07-07T03:44:26 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/new-water-playground-in-seaside-brings-joy-to-the-area-after-years-of-setbacks/3599758/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/philly-pops-musicians-rebrand-as-no-name-pops-and-are-set-to-perform-at-the-kimmel-center/3599766/ | 2023-07-07T03:44:32 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/philly-pops-musicians-rebrand-as-no-name-pops-and-are-set-to-perform-at-the-kimmel-center/3599766/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/tim-furlong-not-only-helped-delmarva-blood-bank-reach-goal-but-surpass-it/3599719/ | 2023-07-07T03:44:38 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/tim-furlong-not-only-helped-delmarva-blood-bank-reach-goal-but-surpass-it/3599719/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — As of 2023, Wichita has been sister cities with Tlalnepantla, Mexico, for 50 years.
As part of the celebration, five cyclists made a 13-day trip from Tlalnepatla to Wichita, traveling around 125 miles per day. They arrived in Wichita Thursday.
“I can tell you that it is quite a feat, especially when they’re coming through Texas with the heat that we have,” President of Wichita Area Sister Cities Teresa Molina said.
The Tlalnepantla Municipal Government sent them off with messages of greetings and friendship to convey.
During their stay, they will tour Wichita, including eating at local eateries and going site seeing.
“It’s our pleasure, it’s our privilege to welcome our international visitors and then go back to Tlalnepantla to continue our international friendship that’s been going on for 50 years,” said Molina.
On July 12, Business Exploration Trip participants from Wichita will head to Tlalnepantla to meet with Tlalnepantla’s Municipal Government, among other organizations, to discuss areas of mutual interest for business development between the two cities.
According to Wichita Area Sister Cities, Mexico is now the 13th-largest world economy.
“Tlalnepantla, which is a suburb of Mexico City, exports $1.5 billion annually in products of all kinds,” Molina said.
While they are in Tlalnepantla, Tlalnepantla’s Foreign Affairs Department has arranged for the Business Exploration Trip participants to explore Mexico, including seeing the world’s largest pyramid at Teotihuacan, the National Palace with the murals of Diego Rivera and more.
On Sunday at 6 p.m., you can bike with the Tlalnepantla cyclists at Riverside Park.
The cyclists’ trip was supported by Bike Walk Wichita, Salud + Bienestar, Wichita Area Sister Cities, The City of Wichita and Kansas Global Trade Services. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/cyclists-make-the-trip-from-tlalnepantla-to-wichita/ | 2023-07-07T03:49:53 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/cyclists-make-the-trip-from-tlalnepantla-to-wichita/ |
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Charlotte County deputies are investigating after a man was shot and killed during a dispute between neighbors in the area of Corinne Avenue in Port Charlotte Wednesday.
According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), the victim was taken to a hospital for treatment. Deputies are currently speaking with the shooter.
Children’s toys were seen in both backyards.
The victim’s family said the man who passed away was Matt Hanson, 39. He had three children.
Matt’s mother Deborah Hanson said a fight started between Matthew and his neighbor James over fireworks on the Fourth of July.
The next morning Matt was leaving in his truck. That’s when his neighbor started arguing with him. Matt stepped out of the truck and was shot.
NBC2 tried to talk to the Gainvors family but they refused to comment on the situation.
Anjelica Romero is the mother of one of Matt’s children. She said she heard a loud noise, ran outside and saw Matt clinging to life.
That’s when she called 911. Anjelica stayed with Matt and comforted him until paramedics arrived.
“I screamed for somebody to bring me out a towel so I can apply pressure to the wound but it didn’t work,” said Anjelica. “The last thing he asked me to do was put his arm on his lap for him and that was it. He was definitely the victim, there are 100 of ways that this could’ve gone differently, it didn’t have to end like this.”
Matt’s sister-in-law, Arlina Romero, said there was no reason for violence.
“Justice absolutely has to be served and I’m pretty confident Charlotte County is going to take care of that,” said Romero.
She said her brother-in-law, Matt, was hilarious.
“He was goofy he had his moments but he loved everybody he loved animals and the kids.” “He always wanted to make sure that the kids came first,” said Romero.
Neighbors have also been stunned by what went down.
Mike Katsiamakis said, “Nothing surprises me in this world.” “I see a lot of kids outside in the neighborhood it’s usually pretty quiet.”
Matt’s family is holding a candlelight vigil outside their home on Corinne Avenue at 7 p.m. on Friday night.
“We’re just gonna gather the friends and the family together and anybody that wants to come out, we’re gonna do a candlelight vigil to honor him at 7 p.m. so that everyone can see how many people he’s touched and how many lives he’s touched,” said Anjelica.
The shooting remains an active investigation. There are no further details at this time.
Count on NBC2 to provide updates as more information is released. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/charlotte-county/2023/07/05/man-shot-in-dispute-between-port-charlotte-neighbors/ | 2023-07-07T03:51:54 | 0 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/charlotte-county/2023/07/05/man-shot-in-dispute-between-port-charlotte-neighbors/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. — Derelict and abandoned vessels on rivers and in the streets across the Portland metro area have been a consistent problem and a major threat to area waterways, according to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office River Patrol.
But for boat owners, these worn-down vessels can be difficult to move and even more expensive to dispose of.
“On average, it's about $2,500 dollars to dispose of a boat, and of course that can vary depending on how small or large it is," said Jon Mayer, director of the Metro Community Services and Education Division.
If an owner can't foot the bill, sometimes they go a cheaper route.
“They can just tie it to a tree, pull it off a trailer on to the side of the road or dump it in the river for no charge at all," said MSCO River Patrol Sgt. Stephen Dangler.
Metro, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office and the Oregon State Marine Board came together to try and solve the problem.
During the 2022 Legislative session, the state granted about $350,000 dollars for a boat take-back program in the metro area.
“So far, we’ve had 69 applications and we’ve approved 38 of those," Mayer said.
The team has been collecting applications since January 2023 and have completely disposed of 19 boats, several were pulled from nearby rivers.
Mayer said while this temporary program takes financial burden off of boat owners, it also keeps waterways clean.
“Depending on the boat, there could be asbestos containing materials in it, there could be gas or oil you know, if it has a restroom on it, black water," Mayer said.
As for those trying to enjoy the rivers, Dangler said these derelict boats can be a safety issue.
“If we didn’t do something with them, they were going to create a hazard or sink and end up being on the bottom of the waterway," Dangler added.
Metro expects this program to last until the fall, or until the funding runs out.
Mayer said the $350,000 dollars should be enough to dispose 100 boats. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-free-boat-take-back-program-removes-derelict-vessels/283-325cd767-2a6e-4363-a04c-9bd270238d92 | 2023-07-07T03:57:31 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-free-boat-take-back-program-removes-derelict-vessels/283-325cd767-2a6e-4363-a04c-9bd270238d92 |
HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. — Some residents at the Rosewood Station apartments said a broken elevator has left them stranded for more than a month. Older residents with health issues either can’t walk downstairs, or struggle to get up and down.
"Nobody's really helping," said Colleen McMannis, a tenant at the Rosewood Station apartments.
McMannis said she’s been unable to get downstairs for more than a month, because she is blind in one eye and suffers from sciatica. She said she also has poor depth perception and balance.
She has had to cancel physical therapy appointments twice.
"I've had to cancel three different specialists, doctor appointments twice,” McMannis said. “Because of the elevator."
She said it’s been emotionally and mentally taxing to be stuck in her apartment.
"Depressing,” McMannis said. “And I'm bored, but it's turned into depression."
McMannis has a woman bring groceries and sit with her four times a week. But on days when her caregiver doesn’t come, McMannis is forced to put down pee pads for her service dog to use the bathroom.
"He hasn't been doing well," McMannis said.
She said she has contacted Adult Protective Services, Fair Housing Council of Oregon and other agencies for help. But no one has returned her calls.
76-year-old Marilyn Vandehey is also struggling to leave her apartment. She has epilepsy. One of the main reasons she moved into the apartment complex in March was because there was an elevator to her apartment.
She’s already fallen on the stairs twice since the elevator hasn’t been operational.
The first time she was carrying groceries to her third-story apartment, and was using the heavy bags to stabilize herself.
"One more fall, especially if it was a head, my head, could be the last one I was told," Vandehey said.
Management at Rosewood Station Apartments did not agree to an interview request. Their corporate company, Pedcor Living did not respond to phone calls.
A representative for TK Elevator, the company who maintains elevator service, said repairs were in progress, but did not say how long it would take.
The apartment complex is an affordable housing building, but the Housing Authority of Clackamas County did not respond to interview requests. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/resident-broken-elevator-stuck-rosewood-station-happy-valley-oregon/283-595637e3-a8f1-404b-98f1-9796ff460316 | 2023-07-07T03:57:37 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/resident-broken-elevator-stuck-rosewood-station-happy-valley-oregon/283-595637e3-a8f1-404b-98f1-9796ff460316 |
DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines Parks and Recreation say that vandals destroyed about 30 of their 77 parks the past few days with fireworks, eight more than the year before.
The vandals left debris and used fireworks behind, but also burned trash cans, sidewalks and trails.
“We initially didn’t realize how much this was going to add up," said DSM Parks and Rec assistant director Jenny Richmond.
For reference, vendors can sell commercial fireworks to people in Iowa's capital city, but the city prohibits the use of them all-together in city lines.
However, that didn't stop the people who illegally set off fireworks.
The damage was so extensive that Parks and Rec had to send their maintenance crews out to the parks to clean up everything, outside of their normal jobs like cleaning restrooms, maintaining trails and emptying trash cans.
Crews spent more than 100 hours cleaning up dozens of parks.
"It takes away from folks being able to enjoy all those wonderful public spaces, while they are getting cleaned up and repaired," Richmond said.
The total destruction will cost the city over $4,000 to repair the damaged areas, with those funds coming from staff salaries.
Richmond said the firework vandalism began a few days before Tuesday, but when will these parks be back to normal?
“We hope it will be done [Thursday]," she explained. "We hope all of the cleanup that has happened during the day [Thursday] will lead to clean parks [Friday].”
However, that all depends on whether or not people stop shooting off fireworks on park property.
Des Moines police Sgt. Paul Parizek told Local 5 there have been no arrests made with these incidents, and the investigation remains ongoing. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/firework-vandalism-destroys-des-moines-parks-and-recreation-fourth-of-july-4-damage/524-8e73959b-829e-4c20-82a8-dfd549c4405c | 2023-07-07T03:58:53 | 1 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/firework-vandalism-destroys-des-moines-parks-and-recreation-fourth-of-july-4-damage/524-8e73959b-829e-4c20-82a8-dfd549c4405c |
LOS ANGELES — Three wooden crosses outside a small Los Angeles church were found burned early Thursday, and authorities said it was being investigated as a possible hate crime.
Firefighters responded to a report of a fire shortly before 5 a.m. in the Sylmar area and found the flames were already out, leaving smoldering wood, Fire Department spokesperson Nicholas Prange said in a statement.
It was not clear whether the flames simply went out or were extinguished by someone. Prange noted that a garden hose was nearby.
One cross had either fallen over or been knocked down in a rock garden in front of Sylmar Christian Fellowship Church. The other two were scorched but remained upright.
Sylmar Christian pastor Pierre Howard, who is Black, said there had been no threats against the church, which he described as diverse.
"It's a shame that people still want to do things like this in this day and age," Howard told reporters outside the church in the northern San Fernando Valley, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of downtown.
"It's a multiracial congregation that we have, so there should be no issue. We have no issue, and I think it's just someone that in a bad moment in time made a bad decision — I hope that's what it is," he said.
Howard said the church has been in Sylmar for about 30 years and he became pastor when his father passed away.
"We have a diverse community," he said. "We have Hispanic, we have Black, we have white, we have come as you are. We don't really care. We see everyone. If you're in the building, you're in the building."
The Los Angeles Police Department said in a social media post that it was investigating with the Fire Department, the FBI and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
"Limited information is available pertaining to the crime at this time however, the public can be assured that all investigative resources will be utilized to capture the person or persons responsible," the post said. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/3-crosses-burned-church-possible-hate-crime/103-404609a8-09ed-4c5d-a117-5d77a81612cd | 2023-07-07T04:06:33 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/3-crosses-burned-church-possible-hate-crime/103-404609a8-09ed-4c5d-a117-5d77a81612cd |
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. – The Smith Mountain Lake community got to hear more about why some of the lake water has been a blueish-green color.
WSLS 10 News has been following the harmful algal bloom situation for some time. Back in June, the Virginia Department of Health issued a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Swimming Advisory for the entire Blackwater arm of Smith Mountain Lake.
The VDH reported that while very low concentrations of toxins are present in the samples collected in the Blackwater arm of SML, none of the samples contain toxin levels above the regulatory threshold.
Regardless of low levels of toxins, VDH advises that you can still experience multiple symptoms by either drinking or swimming in the water. VDH’s Waterborne Hazards Program Coordinator, Margaret Smigo, advises to stay out of the water in the Blackwater arm of SML.
“Vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, headaches … we could also experience tingling sensations or burning sensations,” Smigo said.
VDH is working alongside several other groups including the Department of Environmental Equality, the Smith Mountain Lake Association, and Ferrum College’s Smith Mountain Lake Water Quality Program.
Bob Pohlad is a scientist on the Ferrum College team who says the program has been monitoring Smith Mountain Lake for over 30 years. With the current situation, the group is able to be the first step into getting water tested.
“We can be sort of first responders, interacting with the residents that are already our monitors. Get the samples, I can look with the students under a microscope and say no that’s not one that can be a problem, this is one that can be a problem,” Pohlad said.
Keri Green with the Smith Mountain Lake Association wants people to be clear that there are other parts of the late deemed safe.
“We’re all still enjoying the lake. The lake is not closed. You’re able to boat, you’re able to swim outside of the advisory area,” Green said.
You can find updates to the Harmful Algal Blooms or make a report by visiting this link. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/07/the-lake-is-not-closed-smith-mountain-lake-community-hears-update-to-harmful-algal-blooms/ | 2023-07-07T04:10:34 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/07/the-lake-is-not-closed-smith-mountain-lake-community-hears-update-to-harmful-algal-blooms/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – Virginia National Guard troops will be departing for Texas soon.
Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the plans just over a month ago and was visiting with Virginia National Guard troops on Thursday.
Approximately 110 will be headed to the border between Mexico and Texas. Their deployment is scheduled to be about 30 days.
10 News’ John Carlin sat down with Youngkin for a virtual interview to find out why he thinks Virginians need to go to Texas.
Youngkin claims enough fentanyl has come across the border – in his words to “poison the entire United States twice in a single month.”
“Every state is a border state. The fentanyl epidemic that we’re dealing with comes across the border. Starts in China goes to Mexico, comes across the border, ends up in Virginia, and we see it every day. Trafficking is just a nightmare - comes across the border and ends up in Virginia,” Youngkin said.
Youngkin said he was impressed by the troops, who will be joining guardsmen from other states under the command of the military, not civilian leadership.
“I had a chance to speak to them this morning and it was quite an honor I must say, first of all, I’m inspired by them by their commitment, and by the sacrifice that they’re willing to make not only their personal sacrifice but their families to be away for the next month but I explain the mission to them and why we’re going and the fact that we have not only drug prices for the humanitarian crisis in a national security crisis, that all impact Virginia directly,” he said.
The governor told 10 News he believes the federal government should be doing more to try to control the situation at the southern border. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/07/virginia-national-guard-troops-headed-to-southern-border/ | 2023-07-07T04:10:41 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/07/virginia-national-guard-troops-headed-to-southern-border/ |
AUSTIN, Texas — The Director of the Texas School Safety Center said school districts are taking safety seriously, but that more work needs to be done.
Dr. Kathy Martinez-Prather told KVUE's Jenni Lee on Thursday that the findings from the final intruder detection audits report showed the importance of continued training for teachers, staff and students.
On Wednesday, KVUE reported on the findings of the report.
Of the 7200 campus visits, the report revealed that inspectors did not gain access to campuses around 95% of the time, but they were able to gain access just over than 4% of the time.
"We have a lot of work to do in making sure school districts don't become complacent, ensuring that they're consistently locking those exterior doors because what we did see in the majority of cases is that those unauthorized access came from secondary doors," Dr. Martinez-Prather said.
The report also showed that once inspectors entered the school, they were not stopped a majority of the time.
Dr. Martinez-Prather said the Texas Education Agency will take over the inspections.
The audits became state law after the mass shooting in Uvalde in May 2022. A subsequent investigation revealed that the gunman entered Robb Elementary School through an unlocked door before he shot and killed 19 students and two teachers. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/final-intruder-detection-audits-report/269-0f90c369-c2e1-4c4f-94ee-ea491eb94101 | 2023-07-07T04:11:03 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/final-intruder-detection-audits-report/269-0f90c369-c2e1-4c4f-94ee-ea491eb94101 |
Tyler Hibbs was one of the best to ever wear a baseball uniform in this area.
He was destined for greatness. Drugs derailed his dream.
At the age of 27, Tyler died of an overdose in Florida.
His dad has written a book, "A Fall Into Redemption".
When he was born he could toss a bottle across the room. The baby had an arm.
In T-ball, Tyler all of four, threw a ball so hard at the coach, it knocked him over.
This Hibbs kid was always the best on the field.
He went out for the Arundel High School baseball team. It was legendary Coach Bernie Walter’s easiest decision.
Tyler was the Player of the Year, with a State Championship under his belt before he was even driving, but weed won out.
Tyler could out throw, out hit, but couldn’t outrun the elusive high.
In the book, his father talks about losing Tyler for days, not knowing where he was.
Then one night, Tom went out back to a playhouse where Tyler use to hang out.
There he was in a fetal position.
Dad grabbed the 20-year-old and cuddled him like a baby.
In and out of rehab just didn’t click with Tyler.
In the book dad talks about it all, about how Coach Dean Albany helped his son.
You’ll read about Tyler’s last game. It was a men’s league. Tyler’s body was worn down.
During the innings Tyler would throw up in the nearby wood, come back and lay his head down in the dugout.
Dad put his arm around him and said, “Tyler you don’t need to do this.” Tyler said, “Dad I have to finish.”
But this book does not finish with Tyler.
It will be for everyone to read. To see the signs. To get help.
Tom is a very religious man and this is what gets him through every second of the day. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/a-fall-into-redemption-father-of-overdose-victim-writes-book-to-honor-his-sons-life | 2023-07-07T04:14:45 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/a-fall-into-redemption-father-of-overdose-victim-writes-book-to-honor-his-sons-life |
BALTIMORE — It took 42 years for one Maryland man to finally get exonerated from a double murder he didn’t commit.
RELATED: Hogan pardons man who claimed innocence from 1981 Abingdon murders
“Quite honestly until you have had your freedom taken, you have no concept of what it is like to be free," John Huffington said.
Huffington was convicted of murdering a woman and her boyfriend on Memorial Day in 1981.
He never committed the murders but spent 32 years in prison, 10 of those on death row.
READ MORE: A man's 40-year fight to clear his name of two murders he claims to have never committed
“You sorta been sitting under the chimney for 42 years waiting for Santa Claus to come down and okay he showed up and gave you a cookie, what do you do now?"
Now as a free man, John dedicates his time to pouring back into incarcerated people who are going through similar situations.
He said its vital for the justice system to correct any mistakes so people wont be wrongfully convicted.
“As fast as we are to close the case and reassure the public that the perpetrator is not on the street anymore and you can rest easy at night again. When we’re made aware of an error it should be that same rush and that same expediency to fixing it," says John.
When asked if he ever thought of giving up on clearing his name, John says at one point he did while on death row, but the feeling was fleeting.
“I owed it to my parents and I owed it to my family. I needed to clear my name and I wasn’t going to stop until I did that,” he said.
He continues to work hard being a voice for those who are wrongfully convicted and helping teach ways to avoid mistakes like the one that lead to his conviction.
“Systems are run by people and its people that will make mistakes, not necessarily the system and if we can start reaching those people at the beginning of those careers and hoping to educate them on the mistakes that had happened and on best practices just so they can do a better job, I think we can end up with a system that as Americans we can be proud of," says John. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/man-who-claimed-innocence-in-1981-abingdon-murders-says-hes-finally-free | 2023-07-07T04:14:46 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/man-who-claimed-innocence-in-1981-abingdon-murders-says-hes-finally-free |
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — On the first Thursday of every month, businesses in downtown Kingsport keep their doors open later than usual.
Called “Shop and Hop,” the monthly event is designed to give people time to stop by downtown shops after their work hours.
Cherie Barker, the owner of Cherie’s Boutique, says the Shop and Hop helps her business stay busy.
“I get quite a bit of sales on the Shop and Hop nights, but it’s more people come in and talk and meet and get to know you,” Barker said. “And if they’re new to the community, we get to welcome them.”
The boutique has local musicians playing outside for every Shop and Hop.
“We have a good time and we start at five and we go until people quit,” Barker said.
Thursday’s Shop and Hop happened with the official start of Fun Fest just over a week away. While Cherie’s Boutique will be included in the Fun Fest scavenger hunt, she wishes more Fun Fest activities took place downtown instead of at the Farmer’s Market.
“That’s all well and good, except it doesn’t help downtown, because over there is commercial business,” said Barker.
Shooters Billiards already stays open late but has specials on shop and hop night.
“We’re family-friendly because there’s not very many family-friendly pool halls in the area,” owner Cura Jones said. “So it’s good for kids and adults and late-nighters as well. So we just try to get everybody to come down here and and have a good time.”
Jones said Shooters Billiards is working on having a corn hole tournament during Fun Fest. She said the Downtown Kingsport Association has been a great help to their business.
“We’re definitely going to have cornhole boards set up here for the public,” Jones said.
The next Shop and Hop will take place on Aug. 3. from 5 to 8 p.m. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/downtown-kingsport-shops-stay-open-late-for-shop-and-hop/ | 2023-07-07T04:26:10 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/downtown-kingsport-shops-stay-open-late-for-shop-and-hop/ |
PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Flooding has plagued the City of Pine Bluff for over a hundred years.
But now there's hope in Jefferson County thanks to a $32 million project.
"We've never seen this amount of money come in at one time for any project," Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington said.
On Thursday night, dozens of people gathered at the Pine Bluff Convention Center to hear how engineers will use watersheds to alleviate the flooding.
The meeting also allowed the community to share its thoughts on where the problem areas are.
While some people discussed their frustrations with flooding in neighborhoods, others wanted to ask the project managers questions about the plans, which are in the beginning stages.
The engineers will host meetings to hear from people all over Arkansas. After listening to input, engineers will survey areas to see where they can have the most significant impacts utilizing watersheds.
They emphasized how important people's comments and pictures will be for the project.
These things will allow the engineers to understand better where the flooding zones are.
Click here for more information on the Pine Bluff watershed project. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/pine-bluff-watershed-meeting/91-460aa855-9d99-4814-b457-59501c4c42a3 | 2023-07-07T04:32:57 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/pine-bluff-watershed-meeting/91-460aa855-9d99-4814-b457-59501c4c42a3 |
CLARKSTON, Ga. — Clarkston’s Police Chief told 11Alive in an interview Thursday night that she will resign, along with all the officers who are also leaving the department.
Chief Christine Hudson said she supports the officers, who are resigning one by one because of pay and, they say, a toxic work environment at Clarkston City Hall.
The police force is already depleted and struggling to protect the people of Clarkston.
Chief Hudson said she has fought as hard as she can for the police department and for the officers and hates to leave, but she said she sees no other options.
When asked, “Do you see yourself staying here?” she answered, simply, “No.”
The chief said she is not sure when she will leave, and after 40 years in law enforcement, she is not going to work for another department.
“No, no, no, staying here, in state, but I’m at retirement age, I’m looking to do something else,” Hudson said.
That’s when she was asked about the officers she will be leaving.
“It’s really sad,” she said. “I can’t go into a lot of details, it’s sad, it breaks my heart.”
Moments later, she was fighting back tears, for the officers and for the department.
Hudson said she expects that, by August, the department will be down to just nine officers, out of the 21 officers authorized for the department.
The officers are leaving for other departments in metro Atlanta, not just because of lower pay in Clarkston, but because, they say, Clarkston’s City Manager has created a toxic work environment.
And Chief Hudson has filed an EEOC complaint against the City Manager, Shawanna Qawiy.
Qawiy said Thursday night that she has worked hard to make police pay and benefits and incentives competitive for Clarkston police officers.
But a toxic work environment?
“That is a concern,” Qawiy said. “And I’ve had those one-on-one conversations with them.”
She insisted she is hearing them and addressing their concerns.
And she pointed out that practically every police department across the country is losing officers.
“We will continue to maintain a successful transition, for what we’re enduring now,” she said. “The dilemma that we’re facing is not just in the City of Clarkston. We’re just living our day-to-day out loud.”
The Clarkston Police Department spokesperson said the department has possibly three new hires who might join in the next few months.
There's a hiring fair on Wednesday, July 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the women’s club next door to Clarkston City Hall, to offer incentives to certified officers from other departments to encourage them to sign on with the Clarkston Police Department. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/clarkston-police-chief-to-resign-with-officers/85-396efb1b-2c8b-445b-8112-312aeb2f765b | 2023-07-07T04:33:50 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/clarkston-police-chief-to-resign-with-officers/85-396efb1b-2c8b-445b-8112-312aeb2f765b |
DULUTH, Ga. — Duluth Police are asking the public to be on the lookout for a critically missing 16-year-old boy.
Authorities said Christian Guinto was last seen around 3 p.m. at the Publix at 2750 Buford Highway. Police said Guinto has been diagnosed with several medical issues.
He may have been seen along Bunten Road, Buford Highway or Duluth Highway, police added.
Guinto is 6 feet tall and weighs 200 pounds. He was last seen wearing grey sweat shorts and a blue zip-up sweatshirt. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/missing-in-georgia/missing-16-year-old-last-seen-publix-buford-highway-duluth/85-1b9eff8b-d94a-437a-b0c9-d7c7f3fc6190 | 2023-07-07T04:33:56 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/missing-in-georgia/missing-16-year-old-last-seen-publix-buford-highway-duluth/85-1b9eff8b-d94a-437a-b0c9-d7c7f3fc6190 |
COVINGTON, Ga. — Editor's note: The video above is from 11Alive's previous reporting on the story.
Over four months after a paralyzed man in Covington vanished from his home that was later set on fire, deputies announced a woman was arrested and charged with murder connected to his disappearance.
Melvin Cooksey went missing from his home along Mote Road on Feb. 23. Authorities said a call to put out a fire soon turned into a missing persons case. Deputies said Cooksey was not home when firefighters arrived to put out the blaze.
On Tuesday, deputies said they arrested 35-year-old Danetta Knoblauch, who is from Wichita, Kansas. She was arrested in Louisiana, according to authorities.
A white hatchback car was noticed by neighbors leaving the home shortly before it went up in flames. Officials said they had reason to believe that car was involved in his disappearance.
The Newton County Sheriff's Office thanked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police Department, the Baton Rouge Police Department and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, who were the assisting agencies in the investigation. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/woman-arrested-charged-murder-paralyzed-covington-man-disappearance/85-4fade52a-a65e-446f-a30e-515588445aba | 2023-07-07T04:34:02 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/woman-arrested-charged-murder-paralyzed-covington-man-disappearance/85-4fade52a-a65e-446f-a30e-515588445aba |
ODESSA, Texas — It was a big day today over in Odessa as the Wilkerson Boys and Girls Club Center got a big makeover, all thanks to the Ector County Sheriff's Department.
Today, the nonprofit held a ceremony to honor Sheriff Mike Griffis and his team for all the hard work they did to make the center a better place for kids.
Sheriff Griffis was able to speak more on what it meant for the department to give back to the Boys and Girls Club.
"You know, it's our honor to help them, the Boys and Girls Club," Griffis said. "They do a good job at their youth, and we try to help all the nonprofit organizations that we can. And these folks called us at the right time, and we were able to come out and bring some of our working inmates to come out here and help brighten the place up, and it looks great. Apparently, it hadn't been done in 25 years, and we're just honored to help them."
While the nonprofit is grateful for all the new upgrades, there's still more work that needs to be done to reach their goal.
"We have so many things we need done," Unit Director of Wilkerson Boys and Girls Club Bailey Gonzales said. "Our gym, of course, needs some painting upgrades. We don't have any type of gaming system. I really want to just have a few areas where the kids can play a game or something. So, we don't have those type of things here."
To learn more about how you can give back to the Wilkerson Boys and Girls Club, you can visit BasinKids.org. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/boys-and-girls-club-honor-ector-county-sheriffs-department/513-5628d200-b378-4d23-9d03-974a9e205ddc | 2023-07-07T04:36:41 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/boys-and-girls-club-honor-ector-county-sheriffs-department/513-5628d200-b378-4d23-9d03-974a9e205ddc |
MIDLAND, Texas — Yesterday, it was made known that the city of Midland had selected Tommy Gonzalez as their final candidate for the position of city manager.
It is a position that he is familiar with as he was city manager with the city of El Paso from 2014 to 2023.
However, his time with El Paso came to a controversial end as he was ousted by the El Paso city council, who voted to terminate his contract by a 5-4 vote during a city council meeting on February 28.
That city council meeting saw over thirty people, including two former mayors, speak during public comment, with the comments lasting over an hour and a half.
Gonzalez had both supporters and detractors at the meeting.
Supporters for Gonzalez were confused as to why city council were going after Gonzalez and wished for clarification for the reasons city council wanted to terminate him.
To them, Gonzalez was a city manager who helped right the ship and was steering El Paso in the right direction as a city.
"For years and years the community was run by councilmembers who ran the city into the ground because they didn’t know how to run a city," said Joshua Block in a statement on February 28th. "Now that the city is doing great because of the city manager and leadership has put in, now you want to cancel his contract. That makes absolutely no sense.”
Former mayor Dee Margo was a strong advocate for Gonzalez, as the two had worked closely together during Margo's run as mayor.
Margo says Gonzalez helped guide El Paso through the COVID-19 pandemic and the first migrant crisis at the border.
He believes that the El Paso city council had other political motives and couldn’t give a good enough reason to terminate Gonzalez’ contract.
“It was without foundation and without basis," Margo said. "It was ludicrous, and Tommy wanted to stay. I thought it was just extremely disingenuous by our mayor for whatever political reasons he felt he needed to do it.”
Meanwhile, his detractors urged city council to move forward with the termination.
A post on Nextdoor shared a letter that the people of El Paso sent to the El Paso leaders. It detailed a laundry list of accusations against Gonzalez during his time as city manager.
Some of the allegations listed were not telling the people about property tax hikes, cost overruns on several projects and a lack of transparency and accountability.
Some speakers were very forward with their comments against Gonzalez.
“He is a master of administrative financial slight of hand and political smoke and mirrors," said Jud Burgess at the city council meeting. "This is why our previous administrations, including three of our current city council reps, support him and give him free reign to poach and pillage our bank accounts.”
Others questioned the high salary Gonzalez had.
"He has a current salary of $439,000, which is about an eighty percent increase raise in his salary from when he first started about eight to nine years ago," said Jesus Reyes at the city council meeting. "I’m just wondering how Tommy Gonzalez was able to have these raises approved automatically without any questions."
Of course, Gonzalez isn't city manager yet. He is only the final candidate for the job. Midland City Council will be discussing the status of Gonzalez at the July 11 city council meeting and will vote on whether or not to move forward with him for the position.
The city is inviting the public out to the meeting in order to give public comment and make their voices and opinions heard. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/details-behind-final-city-manager-candidate-tommy-gonzalez-job-in-el-paso/513-0709e0a6-1249-40bc-a49c-90e25e4c11cb | 2023-07-07T04:36:47 | 0 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/details-behind-final-city-manager-candidate-tommy-gonzalez-job-in-el-paso/513-0709e0a6-1249-40bc-a49c-90e25e4c11cb |
ORLANDO, Fla. — For Evan Boornazian, there have been plenty of times he’s watched the comment section on social media get heated.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
“There have been people before who didn’t agree with my viewpoints on some things and called me names,” he said. “When you harass somebody or even do something really hateful or say something mean over and over again, that’s crossing the line.”
The question of what really is considered “crossing the line” is on many minds now after the recent Supreme Court ruling.
Counterman v. Colorado lays out a case where, from 2014 to 2016, Billy Counterman sent hundreds of harassing messages to a woman over Facebook. The two never met, and she did not respond. She tried repeatedly to block him but each time, Counterman created a new Facebook account.
READ: Behind the scenes: Tracking down drugs in the mail by Zip code
The justices ruled in favor of Counterman, saying there was no evidence he intended to carry out a threat.
It now means the government, in cases moving forward, has to prove the defendant acted maliciously.
“What this essentially does is, it makes it more difficult to stop online harassment because it now bears the line of free speech,” social media expert Dr. Steve Webb said. “I think this court case is going to muddy that to the point to where we’re going to have a more difficult time stopping that harassment before it gets to tragedy.”
READ: FDA approves Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi
The American Civil Liberties Union is in favor of the ruling, saying in a prepared statement: “In a world rife with misunderstanding and miscommunications, people would be chilled from speaking altogether if they could be jailed for failing to predict how their words would be received.”
Boornazian said it’s “a really unfortunate situation for people who are online.”
“I feel like that’s really just allowing people to spew hatred and bigotry,” he said.
READ: Online popup scam tricks Cocoa man into wiring thousands from life savings
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/recent-supreme-court-ruling-harassing-messages-draws-opinions-both-sides/I2NZLPAVHRCLPIRD2T6324H4FY/ | 2023-07-07T04:48:34 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/recent-supreme-court-ruling-harassing-messages-draws-opinions-both-sides/I2NZLPAVHRCLPIRD2T6324H4FY/ |
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Tours of Chief Richardville House come with history lessons, games | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/aid-of-indiana-cookout/article_9dcb9b4a-1c4f-11ee-8435-cb53642dd706.html | 2023-07-07T04:51:37 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/aid-of-indiana-cookout/article_9dcb9b4a-1c4f-11ee-8435-cb53642dd706.html |
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Several area fire departments dispatched crews to battle a blaze in Bluffton on Thursday that took hours to bring under control.
Just after 9 a.m., the fire department was alerted to a smoke investigation in the 100 block of West Marion Street, according to a social media post by the Southwest Fire District.
The first Bluffton engine to arrive discovered a commercial structure was on fire and requested mutual aid. Ossian, Liberty Township, Decatur and Southwest fire department and district firefighters assisted initially.
Crews were hampered by the size of the building, along with high heat and humidity, the post said.
Interior crews were unable to stop the advanced fire conditions and additional aid was called from more than half a dozen other areas, including Poe, Roanoke, Markle, Monroe, Aboite Township and the U.S. Air National Guard 122nd Fighter Wing fire department.
The fire was brought under control about 1 p.m., the post said.
Office aflame in mobile home park
Fire investigators in Fort Wayne are determining the cause of a blaze that damaged an office building at a mobile home park early Thursday.
Crews said they arrived at the Village of North Oak, 6000 N. Oak Blvd., about 3:15 a.m. and found flames destroying the exterior and spreading to the attic area of the one-story structure.
Firefighters ventilated the roof and used an interior staircase to continue battling the blaze, which was under control in about 20 minutes.
There were no occupants, and no one was injured. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/multiple-area-fire-departments-help-battle-bluffton-blaze/article_1ba2b426-1c5b-11ee-96e6-eb1f3886c7f9.html | 2023-07-07T04:51:50 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/multiple-area-fire-departments-help-battle-bluffton-blaze/article_1ba2b426-1c5b-11ee-96e6-eb1f3886c7f9.html |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/debate-continues-in-fairfield-lake-state-park-rights/3291304/ | 2023-07-07T04:54:08 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/debate-continues-in-fairfield-lake-state-park-rights/3291304/ |
Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes said the mass shooting in Como this week is ‘absolutely not’ a depiction of the community as a whole.
In an interview with NBC 5 Thursday, Chief Noakes said the department has been speaking with residents in the Como neighborhood this week, as they move forward from the July 3 shooting on Horne Street.
11 people total were shot, and three of the victims were killed.
“Como has worked hard for a lot of years to become one of the most tight-knit, proud communities you’re going to see anywhere. They’re a very vital part of what makes Fort Worth, Fort Worth,” Noakes said Thursday. “Yet, they have been put in the national spotlight about a very negative occurrence that very possibly had nothing to do with people actually from Como.”
The three victims killed in the shooting have been identified as 18-year-old Paul Willis, 18-year-old Gabriella Navarrete, and 22-year-old Cynthia Santos.
A meeting was held Thursday night at the Como Community Center, where residents were able to share their concerns. Press was asked to not film inside the meeting, though Lake Como Planning Committee member Estrus Tucker said the meeting included some family members of the shooting victims.
“We know that people are going to be traumatized, have been traumatized. [It] has a rippling effect. People are hurting, and people are confused,” Tucker said. “People are just speaking out about their agony, out of their pain. And out of their anger.”
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Noakes also attended the meeting Thursday night.
According to the most updated quarterly data from the Fort Worth Police Department, overall violent crime as of June 2023 is down 7.4% compared to June 2022. Murders are down 18% and non-fatal shootings are down about 28% compared to that same frame.
Noakes told NBC 5 that while the downward trend is encouraging, that does not mean their work is done.
“The problem is, we talk about crime going down. We talk about things going better, but we are sitting here talking about a mass shooting. Those things shouldn’t even be mentioned in the same sentence, but that’s where we are,” he said. “We know that despite the fact that the numbers, many are trending in exactly the direction we want them to go, we know we can’t rely on that and just claim victory now. ‘We are done. Job’s over.’ That job will never be done.”
In May 2021, the Fort Worth Police Department launched the initiative “Fort Worth Safe” to combat violent crime after an uptick at the time. The approach is different than traditional policing, as it uses technology and data to help identify where violent crime is most prevalent. From there, resources are strategically focused in those areas.
Overall, Noakes said the initiative has proven to be effective.
“What we did is we took what we did last year and we learned from it. We talked to officers who have been doing the initiatives. We talked to people in the community. We found out what was doing well and maybe what we need to change, do better,” he said. “Some of the things we look at when we talk about changing things: Are our tactics working well? Are they proving as safe as possible for everyone involved? Many there’s an area we focused on that was having a lot of crime in the area, maybe those numbers have come down. Maybe things have improved. Maybe there’s a hotspot — as some would call it — in another area, so we shift our resources to those areas.”
His officers remain committed to making Fort Worth as safe as possible, he said.
“What we don’t want is for people to just shut down and Fort Worth is this dangerous place,” he said. “We don’t like seeing crime anywhere. We know it’s all across the country but what I want people to know is we’re focused right here on what’s going on in Fort Worth.” | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-police-chief-discusses-como-mass-shooting-initiatives-combatting-gun-violence/3291283/ | 2023-07-07T04:54:14 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-police-chief-discusses-como-mass-shooting-initiatives-combatting-gun-violence/3291283/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-police-chief-shares-thoughts-after-july-3-shooting/3291305/ | 2023-07-07T04:54:20 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-police-chief-shares-thoughts-after-july-3-shooting/3291305/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-police-confirm-remains-found-belong-to-missing-woman/3291306/ | 2023-07-07T04:54:26 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-police-confirm-remains-found-belong-to-missing-woman/3291306/ |
A North Texas mother is demanding transparency and wants to view the officers' body-worn cameras after her son was one of two men shot and killed by law enforcement at a Fourth of July block party.
On Thursday friends and family identified one of the men as 30-year-old Bronshay Minter whose nickname was Bam. He is known as a talented motorcycle stunt rider who was a tattoo artist, and father, according to family.
His mother, aunt, 13-year-old son, and family along with friends brought flowers, blue balloons, a blue cross with a toy motorcycle and held a prayer vigil near the location where he collapsed after being shot.
"I want to see what happened, I want to know what happened to my son and I want justice for my son. My son was murdered I want justice for my son," said a tearful Shantelle Thoene, Minter's mother.
She said she hasn't seen her son's body yet, nor has she been able to get in touch with police.
“I want answers, I want to know what happened. I don’t want to hear rumors, I don’t want to hear what people had to say, I want to see a camera, I want to see a video, I want to see what happened," said Thone.
Minter's family and friends said the accounts of what took place that night are different than the information Fort Worth Police have put out so far.
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“He was trying to get away, he was trying to remove himself from the situation when he was shot and killed," said his aunt, Major Minter.
The shootings happened near the intersection of NW 32nd St. and Ross Ave. where the neighborhood had its annual Fourth of July block party.
Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes said in an interview Wednesday morning that around 12:30 a.m., an officer and an arson investigator, who is a sworn peace officer with a service weapon, were paired up to investigate illegal firework activity. They were on their way to a call when they saw two armed men in an altercation and fired their weapons.
"This is a very dynamic scene that just came out of nowhere, the officers weren't even trying to respond to this scene when they came by," Noakes said on Wednesday morning during a news conference at the scene.
Police said they're continuing to investigate and iron out the details, but the family is pressing against the information released so far.
The family said Minter was not the type of person to encourage a fight, but would rather try to break it up. They said while he owned a firearm, it was registered and that he would not threaten an officer with a gun.
"If there was an altercation happening, I know my son was there trying to de-escalate the altercation, I know it," said Thoene.
“If the police told him to freeze and put his hands up, Bronshay would be the first one with his hands up," said his aunt Major, who dispelled the thought of him pulling out a gun and shooting. "Especially [because] he has a son, he has family, there's no way he would chance his life on that."
It's unclear what exactly took place before police arrived, but multiple people who were there said there was some type of argument involving other people that were starting to fizzle out.
A man who was at the annual block party said the event is usually smooth and that they get a permit from the city, which he showed a copy of from an organizer, to operate the fireworks.
He said they didn't know anything was truly wrong until they heard gunfire.
"We were all out here having a nice time for Fourth of July. Towards the end of the night, there was a lot of shooting, from the police actually. The guys that got shot they were not shooting at each other, they were friends they were out here popping fireworks," said Anthony Wormley.
He said there were multiple people, including children, gathered in the area when the officer-involved shooting happened.
“They [law enforcement] had been in the neighborhood showing their presence for the Fourth of July, but they had parked their car there," said Wormley as he pointed to the street in front of the house where the party was. "We had seen the car parked there. They didn’t holler, ‘police, freeze’ or anything, they just started shooting. So when they started shooting you know, everybody started trying to get away from bullets and running," described Wormley who also ran.
"It’s dangerous, bullets, so yeah, there were kids out here. I feared for the kids' lives and my life also," he continued.
Wormley echoed what others said, that Minter was trying to get away from the shooting, but was hit by bullets and passed out on the side of the house.
"Me and one of my friends were trying to give chest compressions to him, but he ended up passing later at the hospital," said Wormely who provided a video which he said showed Minter being taken away on a stretcher.
The other man shot and killed has not been identified yet and police said two other people, a man and woman were also injured in the shooting.
"I don’t know why the police came out shooting, but just show the body camera footage," said Wormley.
Minter's family said what makes this tragedy even worse is that 15 years ago this month, his father was shot and murdered in Tulsa, Oklahoma when Minter was a teenager.
Thoene said now losing her son has left her heartbroken.
"We’re hurting we’re going to be changed forever, they took my heart, and they can't give it back, took a life you can't give back," cried Minter's mother. "Everyone of these people loved him, he’s loved, but they took my son away from me, and I want answers, I want answers.”
Thursday afternoon Fort Worth Council Member Chris Nettles officer put out a statement that he was looking into what happened and "Councilman Nettles has received your calls and recognizes your concerns and will ensure that the City operates in full transparency.”
He said he would offer updates to the public as soon as he could and offered his prayers to the families of the two people who lost their lives and the other bystanders injured. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/i-want-to-see-a-video-says-mom-of-man-shot-and-killed-in-july-fourth-officer-involved-shooting-in-fort-worth/3291172/ | 2023-07-07T04:54:32 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/i-want-to-see-a-video-says-mom-of-man-shot-and-killed-in-july-fourth-officer-involved-shooting-in-fort-worth/3291172/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/longtime-dallas-police-officer-dies-after-collapsing-near-home/3291303/ | 2023-07-07T04:54:39 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/longtime-dallas-police-officer-dies-after-collapsing-near-home/3291303/ |
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