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Before the new Twin Falls micro-transit system came along, Noreen Jordon, who uses a wheelchair, said she was accustomed to rolling around a lot.
Now, when she wants to get around, she just hits the RIDE TFT app.
Jordon told the Times-News on Friday that she appreciates the fleet of vans that started providing rides last week. She gives it a thumbs-up.
“Twin Falls needed this,” she said.
She’s used the vans a half-dozen times, much of the time traveling to grocery stores. On Friday, she requested a ride to go to the Theron Ward Judicial Building, where she enjoys watching court proceedings.
Previously, she went many places by pushing herself or getting rides from friends. She occasionally took cabs.
RIDE TFT vans are an improvement, Jordon said, as its vans have arrived in less than five minutes after being requested, and the cost is reasonable.
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The July 1 kickoff went well, said Mandi Thompson, assistant city manager, although there was a bit of a delay in getting vans running. Vans took off at noon Saturday when they were targeted to start at 7 a.m.
Thompson is waiting for a ridership report to see the volume of last week’s rides.
“We recognize that it will be a low number,” she said, but was confident that numbers will grow as the city spreads the word about the system and to access it.
“I have heard nothing but positive feedback,” she said.
RIDE TFT is citywide, and offers rides from point to point, as opposed to a fixed-route system. People can use the app or call 208-974-7433 to get a ride.
Drivers are employees of Downtowner transit system, which provides services for cities including Idaho Falls and Jackson, Wyoming.
“They have gone through extensive training,” Thompson said.
While Thompson waits for the ridership report, so does Jeanette Roe.
Roe, the executive director of Interlink Volunteer Caregivers, is anxious to find out how much of a load RIDE TFT took off her organization. The nonprofit provides free rides to the elderly, disabled or chronically ill in Magic Valley.
The month of June was as busy as ever for the group, Roe said. The transportation costs have pushed the budget to the limits as more and more clients sign up each month.
Some of her clients have expressed an interest in RIDE TFT, she said, while others want more information.
Roe hopes the micro-transit system succeeds, but she says there is still work to be done.
“When I went to the city’s website there was not a lot of information out there yet,” she said.
RIDE TFT Transportation Coordinator Maxine Durrant, who was hired last month, has reached out to groups, including IVC, to give details about the system.
Prices are charged on a per-call basis, not per rider. Riders over 63 get a senior discount.
The elderly sometimes are hesitant to change and not all of them have smartphones to access the app, Roe said, and paying for rides can take a bite out of senior citizens who are on a fixed income. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/twin-falls-needed-this-public-transit-system-gets-moving/article_8fd0794c-1d18-11ee-be72-f79a87ca0797.html | 2023-07-08T11:45:42 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/twin-falls-needed-this-public-transit-system-gets-moving/article_8fd0794c-1d18-11ee-be72-f79a87ca0797.html |
Want to own a bookstore bar? $250K buys it all at Riffraff, down to the espresso machine
Owner Tom Roberge moved to Switzerland
PROVIDENCE — Want to own a bookstore? A bar? How about a combination bookstore and bar?
Riffraff, an Olneyville bookstore that serves cocktails instead of coffee, is up for sale after its owner, Tom Roberge, emigrated to Switzerland.
For a cool $250,000, Riffraff can be yours.
Why is Riffraff for sale?
In a newsletter, which he posted to Instagram and the bookstore's website, owner Tom Roberge wrote that the sale is a result of his move. He is the head of the writing residences program at the Jan Michalski Foundation in Montricher, Switzerland.
"Not being there, by which I mean physically in the store, is making it increasingly difficult to maintain my connection to the store and the day-to-day goings on there," Roberge wrote.
Roberge wrote that he is unfamiliar with the new books hitting the shelves, can't see the excitement of people buying new books and cannot watch as crowds gather for an event.
Roberge declined an interview request and in an email sent Thursday, wrote that he had already "said what I want to for now."
In 2022, Roberge was also listed as president of the Olneyville bar Mayday.
More on food and drink:How a full moon and quartz crystals led to Industrious Spirits Co.'s latest vodka creation
What does $250,000 buy?
The sale would include the entire business. Roberge wrote his preferred method would be a "share sale," where the buyer takes over Riffraff as a company, including all of its liabilities. That would also help with the transfer of the store's liquor license and agreements with distributors and book publishers.
The assets include 6,000 books, all of the furnishings and computers, the bar and "an incredible espresso machine."
The liabilities include the lease that runs until September 2027 with Armory Management Company.
"And so I have to acknowledge that I’m beginning to see the writing on the wall in terms of my role there: the time has come time for me move on and allow someone in Providence, someone in contact with the community every day, someone listening to and sharing in your emotional highs and lows, to take over," he wrote.
Is $250,000 too much?
On a recent evening, a few people were reading books in the courtyard of The Plant, the converted mill complex on Valley Street where Riffraff is located, as a loud mechanical whooshing sound of undetermined origin filled the air. (The courtyard space is one of the selling points for the bookstore.)
Patron Daniel Morris was drinking a beer in the courtyard while reading "Married: A Fine Predicament" by Anne Roiphe, which he borrowed from the library.
"The price is too high," Morris said when asked about the sale.
Were the price half that for the small space, he said that he and a few friends would try to get a loan and put in an offer.
"What it is, is where it is," Morris said. "It's not downtown or in the Jewelry District. That whooshing noise has been going on for weeks."
Inside, about a dozen patrons browsed shelves, sat with laptops open or were drinking at the bar.
More on food and drink:When will these 10 highly anticipated restaurants open in RI? And what caused the delay?
When did Riffraff open?
Roberge and his fiancée at the time, Emma Ramadan, started Riffraff in 2017, after finding New York City to be unaffordable, Roberge told The Providence Journal in 2017. The two have since parted ways.
The idea of the combination bookstore and bar was a twist on the normal café model and was intended to let both sides of the business prop up the other.
"Everyone else does a coffee shop bookstore," Roberge said in 2017. "But I didn't want people just sitting on their laptops all day. You get a different vibe from a bar. ... You get more of a nighttime crowd. It suits our personalities and tastes."
Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Providence Journal subscription. Here's our latest offer.
Reporting from USA Today was used in this report. Reach reporter Wheeler Cowperthwaite at wcowperthwaite@providencejournal.com or follow him on Twitter @WheelerReporter. | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/07/08/riffraff-bookstore-and-bar-in-providence-for-sale-for-250k/70378567007/ | 2023-07-08T11:54:09 | 1 | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/07/08/riffraff-bookstore-and-bar-in-providence-for-sale-for-250k/70378567007/ |
Voters looking to participate in the Aug. 8 single-issue statewide election on Issue 1 need to register before the Monday deadline. Early voting begins Tuesday.
Already-registered Ohioans do not need to update their registration unless they’ve moved. If you’re unsure of your registration status, you can check it at the Secretary of State’s voter lookup website.
You can register through the Ohio’s official online portal, by mail, or through your local county board of election. In Montgomery County, people can register at local libraries, public offices, license bureaus, public high schools or the board of elections itself. Check with your local board to confirm your options.
In order to register, Ohioans need to provide their name, date of birth, last four digits of their Social Security number and the card number on either their Ohio driver’s license or Ohio identification card.
The Aug. 8 election is uncommon in the election cycle and was brought forth by the Ohio General Assembly to vote on Issue 1, a constitutional amendment that would make it harder to amend the constitution in the future.
A ‘yes’ vote on Issue 1 would approve the following changes:
- Raising the vote percentage necessary to pass a state constitutional amendment to 60% (up from the current simple majority requirement).
- Requiring petitioners to meet signature gathering quotas in all 88 Ohio counties in order to get a citizen-initiated amendment on the ballot (up from the current 44 county requirement).
- Eliminating the 10-day “cure period,” which allows petitioners 10 days to collect more signatures in the event that they missed the quota after signatures were verified by local boards of elections.
Nothing else will be voted on on Aug. 8.
Issue 1′s official ballot language can be found on the Secretary of State’s website, along with official arguments for and against the measure, written by lawmakers.
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/issue-1-this-is-the-final-weekend-to-register-for-aug-8-vote/BS2TOBDRPVBZBGRY2EKUVEKI7E/ | 2023-07-08T11:59:34 | 0 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/issue-1-this-is-the-final-weekend-to-register-for-aug-8-vote/BS2TOBDRPVBZBGRY2EKUVEKI7E/ |
AIN'T NO REASON TO BE BLUE: Join the folks down at Apple Family Farm for their 5th Annual Blueberry Day this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy the live music, vendors, games, prizes and, of course, blueberry-related activities and desserts. Visit Apple Family Farm on Facebook for more information and for any updates to the event. 1765 NC Highway 66 S, Kernersville.
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Don't have an account? Sign Up Today | https://greensboro.com/life-entertainment/local/dont-be-blue-celebrate-blueberries-at-kernersvilles-blueberry-day/article_9ae6be10-1785-11ee-bed1-6f4d16fe0c86.html | 2023-07-08T12:13:48 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/life-entertainment/local/dont-be-blue-celebrate-blueberries-at-kernersvilles-blueberry-day/article_9ae6be10-1785-11ee-bed1-6f4d16fe0c86.html |
York celebrates Loretta Claiborne with signs, shirts, proclamations and flowers
"I didn't win these medals by myself," Loretta Claiborne said Friday evening.
She credited her family, friends, coaches, fundraisers and fellow Special Olympics athletes with supporting her athletic endeavors. Many were in attendance at the celebration honoring Claiborne's recent success at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.
Speaking behind a podium outside the main entrance to York High, Claiborne talked about the battles her mother had with the school to get her the same education as her six siblings. She talked about inclusion and yearning for a time when Special Olympians have the same opportunities as able-bodied student-athletes.
She didn't toot her own horn about the gold and bronze medals she won last month on the German tennis courts. Or how she used her York High education as a launch pad.
There were plenty of people on hand Friday to sing those praises for her.
"Did you know she speaks four languages?" Dr. George Fitch, York's assistant superintendent of student services asked the crowd of several hundred. "Five if you count American sign language."
She holds honorary doctorates from Quinnipiac and Villanova universities and York College of Pennsylvania. And she's a fourth-degree black belt in karate, Fitch said.
York Mayor Michael Helfrich pumped it up a bit more, saying he doesn't know of a person who has done more than Claiborne to represent the city and York County.
"She has spent over 50 years sharing love and humanity, sharing York, and showing people what York is really about," Helfrich said. "Thank you, Loretta."
The reading of city, county and state proclamations followed, with her accomplishments repeated in each one.
Claiborne sat quietly as the proclamations were presented and flowers were delivered. It wasn't until a pair of Special Olympians spoke that her face lit up.
They work out beside her and she works tirelessly to increase their opportunities. When the celebration was suggested, Claiborne wouldn't agree to it unless the whole program was honored.
"Thank you, York," Claiborne said. "You know what they say about community. That community is where people come together. But it's more than that. It's a place where people come together and also look out for each other. And you are my community." | https://www.ydr.com/story/news/local/2023/07/08/special-olympics-community-shows-love-for-loretta-claiborne/70387447007/ | 2023-07-08T12:22:44 | 1 | https://www.ydr.com/story/news/local/2023/07/08/special-olympics-community-shows-love-for-loretta-claiborne/70387447007/ |
PHILLIPS CO., Kan. (KSNW) — A man is dead after being hit by an SUV in northwest Kansas on Friday night, according to Kansas Highway Patrol.
It happened around 10:15 p.m. on 1st Street, just 0.2 miles north of U.S. 36 in Phillips County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol said a 15-year-old driver was heading south on 1st Street in their SUV when they noticed a man walking north in the southbound lane of 1st Street.
KHP said the 15-year-old tried to avoid the man but hit him and then came to a rest in a driveway on the west side of 1st St.
The 72-year-old Phillipsburg man was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The 15-year-old did not have any injuries. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/man-dies-after-being-hit-by-suv-in-nw-kansas/ | 2023-07-08T12:25:39 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/man-dies-after-being-hit-by-suv-in-nw-kansas/ |
BLOOMINGTON — The Rev. Lori Kyle is the new minister at New Covent Community in Bloomington.
New Covenant Community is a Progressive Christian church that meets at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays in Grace Hall, 404 N. Prairie St., Bloomington. Founded in 1992, the congregation has been a presence of liberal faith in the community for over 30 years, according to a news release.
Rev. Lori Kyle
PROVIDED PHOTO
“We are beyond thrilled to welcome Reverend Lori Kyle as our new minister,” stated Nikki Brauer, chair of NCC’s Steering Committee. “After two years without a settled minister and following our recent move from the Campus Religious Center to our current location at Second Pres, we are ready to begin this new chapter continuing to serve Bloomington-Normal as an inclusive, compassionate, and progressive community of faith!”
Kyle will be joined by her partner Lisa as she begins her new ministry with New Covenant Community, the release continued.
For more information, go to nccnormal.org or email nccnormal@gmail.com .
The Rev. John Richmond, rector of Christ the King Episcopal Church in Normal, shares how the parishioners rallied around an Illinois State University graduate student facing kidney failure.
2023 Blessing of the Bikes in Bloomington
The Rev. Toby Carlos Jr., left, of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, catches up with his son, Toby Carlos III, aka "Smoove," and Rodney Hill, aka "Hot Rod," during the annual Bike Blessing on Saturday at Goodfellas Motorcycle Club in Bloomington.
D. JACK ALKIRE, THE PANTAGRAPH
The Rev. Toby Carlos Jr. left, of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, poses for a photo with his son, Toby Carlos III, aka "Smoove," and Rodney Hill, aka "Hot Rod," during the annual Blessing of the Bikes on Saturday at Goodfellas Motorcycle Club in Bloomington.
D. JACK ALKIRE, THE PANTAGRAPH
Over 100 bikers gathered at Goodfellas Motorcycle Club in Bloomington on Saturday for the annual Blessing of the Bikes.
D. JACK ALKIRE, THE PANTAGRAPH
Alfred Stanley arrives on his custom chopper for the annual Blessing of the Bikes on Saturday at Goodfellas Motorcycle Club in Bloomington.
D. JACK ALKIRE, THE PANTAGRAPH
Rebecca Welch, Jeremy Roth, aka "Full Throttle," and the Rev. Toby Carlos Jr. of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church pose for a photo during the annual Blessing of the Bikes on Saturday at Goodfellas Motorcycle Club in Bloomington.
D. JACK ALKIRE, THE PANTAGRAPH
Rev. Toby Carlos Jr., right, of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, prays with Rebecca Welch, Jeremy Roth, aka "Full Throttle," and his motorcycle during the annual Blessing of the Bikes on Saturday at Goodfellas Motorcycle Club in Bloomington. The event brings motorcycle riders and local churches together to pray for a safe biking season.
D. JACK ALKIRE, THE PANTAGRAPH
Over 100 motorcycle riders attended the annual Blessing of the Bikes on Saturday at Goodfellas Motorcycle Club in Bloomington.
D. JACK ALKIRE, THE PANTAGRAPH
German Blanco, of Bloomington, stands next to his custom "springer" motorcycle during the annual Blessing of the Bikes on Saturday at Goodfellas Motorcycle Club in Bloomington.
D. JACK ALKIRE, THE PANTAGRAPH
Kyla Dilts and Cody Watson rode their motorcycle from Danville to Bloomington for the annual Blessing of the Bikes on Saturday at Goodfellas Motorcycle Club in Bloomington.
D. JACK ALKIRE, THE PANTAGRAPH
Contact Robyn Skaggs at robyn.skaggs@lee.net or 309-820-3244.
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Get local news delivered to your inbox! | https://pantagraph.com/life-entertainment/local/faith-values/new-covenant-community-welcomes-new-minister-in-bloomington/article_cef5e5aa-1c4e-11ee-86e8-27334f9d3a3c.html | 2023-07-08T12:25:40 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/life-entertainment/local/faith-values/new-covenant-community-welcomes-new-minister-in-bloomington/article_cef5e5aa-1c4e-11ee-86e8-27334f9d3a3c.html |
BLOOMINGTON — Burglary charges are pending against a Chicago man in McLean County.
Deshawn Fletcher, 24, is charged with two counts of burglary and one count each of attempted identity theft and financial institution fraud.
A McLean County grand jury returned a bill of indictment charging Fletcher and a warrant for his arrest was issued June 7. He was taken into custody Thursday.
A prosecutor said Fletcher was accused of entering a CEFCU in Normal and trying to open a home equity line of credit using a fake ID.
He was jailed in lieu of posting $5,035, and an arraignment was scheduled for July 28. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-courts/chicago-man-accused-of-burglary-at-normal-bank/article_fe813768-1d00-11ee-a7ba-ebc97553ae71.html | 2023-07-08T12:25:46 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-courts/chicago-man-accused-of-burglary-at-normal-bank/article_fe813768-1d00-11ee-a7ba-ebc97553ae71.html |
Derek Roesch of Saybrook was charged Thursday, Nov. 10 in McLean County Law and Justice Center with several counts, including:
-Two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, Class 2 felonies
-One count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon while on parole, Class 2 felony
-Two counts of unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a felon, class 2 felonies
-One count of unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a felon while on parole, class 2 felony
-Unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver (greater than 2000 grams but less than 5000 grams), a class 1 felony
-Unlawful possession of cannabis (greater than 2000 grams but less than 5000 grams), a class 2 felony
-Unlawful possession of a controlled substance, psylocibin less than 15 grams, a class 4 felony
-Unlawful possession of methamphetamine, less than five grams, a class 3 felony.
-Unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, a class A misdemeanor | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-courts/chicago-man-released-on-cocaine-charges-in-mclean-county/article_0a95cff4-1d07-11ee-981b-130f4a92cfc8.html | 2023-07-08T12:25:53 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-courts/chicago-man-released-on-cocaine-charges-in-mclean-county/article_0a95cff4-1d07-11ee-981b-130f4a92cfc8.html |
How Time Flies is a daily feature looking back at Pantagraph archives to revisit what was happening in our community and region.
100 years ago
July 8, 1923: The Loyal Order of Moose of Pontiac are making extensive preparations for their first picnic on Sunday, July 15, at Petersen’s grove, two and a half miles down the river. Activities will include swimming, with a troop of Boy Scouts patrolling the river to provide against accidents, and a variety of athletic contests.
75 years ago
July 8, 1948: Normal water users will pay bills that are at least 25% higher than their present bills starting in August. Reasons for the increase, which town council members discussed several months ago, is the higher cost of water output from a new softening plant.
50 years agoJuly 8, 1973: Basketball star Doug Collins has his own fan club in the Don Sutton family of rural El Paso. Mr. Sutton, his wife Janet and their children, Julie, 7, and Jill, 4, have been accumulating news clippings about Collins’ career since he was a sophomore at Illinois State University. Mrs. Sutton has now decoupaged the headlines and photographs onto a milk can, which the family plans to present to Collins and his new bride when they return from California later this month.
25 years ago
July 8, 1998: Saturn is coming to Bloomington-Normal. Scherer Automotive of Peoria, which owns Saturn of Peoria, has been chosen by Saturn Corp. to open a new dealership in the Twin Cities. The dealership is scheduled to open in spring or summer 1999, with a building that will be almost twice the size of the Peoria dealership’s 9,000-square-foot facility. A location is still being determined.
101 years ago: See vintage Pantagraph ads from 1922
Gerthart's
Union Gas and Electric Co.
Hoover
Dr. J.A. Moore Dentists
Moberly & Klenner
W.P. Garretson
W.H. Roland
Pease's Candy
Thor 32 Electric Washing Machine
The Kaiser's Story of the War
Ike Livingston & Sons
Gossard Corsets
Cat'n Fiddle
'Stolen Moments'
Case Model X
The Johnson Transfer & Fuel Co.
The Pantagraph want ads
Franklin Motor Car Co.
'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court'
Calumet Baking Powder
Mayer Livingston & Co. Newsmarket
'The Emperor Jones'
'California Fig Syrup'
Compiled by Pantagraph staff | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/history/25-years-ago-saturn-is-coming-to-bloomington-normal/article_083612ae-1907-11ee-98de-cf667e64fd74.html | 2023-07-08T12:25:59 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/history/25-years-ago-saturn-is-coming-to-bloomington-normal/article_083612ae-1907-11ee-98de-cf667e64fd74.html |
Scott Sweet’s career trajectory has veered off the beaten path. He received a geology degree from Brigham Young University-Idaho but found himself drawn to art.
Sweet now sells art at farmers markets, including the Idaho Falls Farmers Market. His art business is called Scott’s Spots. His website is scotts-spots.com.
Sweet said that he was unsure about a career in geology and “art was really starting to take off. I was already selling to friends and family,” so it seemed natural to start selling at farmers markets.
“I (had) learned about the Rexburg farmer’s market and … several other markets going on and figured why not and see what happens,” Sweet said.
Sweet’s artistic knowledge doesn’t come from formal training.
“I’m self-taught. I’ve never taken an art class or anything,” Sweet said. “I’ve just drawn most of my life and then picked up painting.”
The subject of most of Sweet’s paintings is landscapes. These landscapes are primarily referenced from photos Sweet has taken while outdoors.
“Probably 90% of them are referenced from photos I’ve taken,” Sweet said. “That’s the beauty of it … it’s kind of incredible that these places exist — all within about a four-hour radius of (the) Rexburg, Idaho Falls area.”
Sweet is drawn to nature as a subject because of the peace that it has brought into his life.
“The most peace I’ve been able to find and the most fulfillment in life has been in connecting … with nature,” Sweet said. “Just something as simple as a sunset … has had an incredible impact on me that goes beyond words. The only way I can express it is through art.”
At the farmers markets, Sweet has seen the most success in selling landscapes that include some sort of a reflection in them, such as “a mountain reflection, (or) a reflection on a lake or a river,” he said.
These reflection paintings also mean the most to Sweet personally, he said.
The medium that Sweet generally uses is acrylic paint. “I’ll add water to get the textures I need for certain things, like water or the sky,” Sweet said.
Sweet uses two main color palettes for his paintings — blues, yellows and greens, and then sunrise and sunsets that include reds, purples and deep blues.
Depending on the size of a painting, it can take between 14 to 15 hours to complete a painting over the course of several sessions, according to Sweet.
The typical size of one of Sweet’s paintings is 16 inches by 20 inches.
Sweet can be found Saturdays at the Idaho Falls Farmers Market.
The farmers market will run until Oct. 28 this year, and it is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The farmers market runs along Memorial Drive.
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Tell us your personal accounts and the history behind articles. | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/eastern-idaho-man-reflects-love-of-outdoors-in-landscape-paintings/article_3566a4ba-1d07-11ee-ba56-a345f6403b06.html | 2023-07-08T12:29:57 | 1 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/eastern-idaho-man-reflects-love-of-outdoors-in-landscape-paintings/article_3566a4ba-1d07-11ee-ba56-a345f6403b06.html |
BEACON UU SUNDAY SERVICE: “Nature as Healer,” Annual Flagstaff Arboretum Service Jul 9 — The Arboretum at Flagstaff, 4001 S. Woody Mountain Road, Flagstaff. (928) 779-4492. 10-11 a.m., ALL ARE WELCOME! You BELONG at Beacon. Spiritually open and intentionally inclusive since 1958. Gathering in the natural beauty of the Arboretum at Flagstaff, Mary Poore will remind us that, as animals, the world of nature is our home and we belong here. Nature is not only lovely to behold: It has the capacity to heal, comfort, and rebalance our lives. Local guitarist Craig Yarbrough will share his music during the service. There will be no Arboretum entry fee to attend the service. The service will be in the Ramada at the Arboretum. Please park in the Arboretum parking lot, then proceed through the Visitor Center. Once out of the Visitor Center, follow the path and turn left at the first junction, then turn right and proceed over the bridge to reach the Ramada. Mark James will be leading a medicinal plant walk after the service for those interested. Mary will provide coffee, cold water, and snacks. Sensible footwear and a hat are recommended. For those who can’t make it to the Arboretum Service, there will be an ALTERNATE SUNDAY MORNING ACTIVITY AT BEACON on Sunday, July 9th, from 10 to 11 a.m.: “LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT,” STORY THEOLOGY EXPLORATION AND DISCUSSION facilitated by Linda Ochi. https://go.evvnt.com/1834181-0.
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PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Jul 9 — 3430 N. Fourth St., 3430 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff. 928-526-9578. 10-11 a.m., We invite you to join the family of Peace Lutheran Church (LCMS) on Sunday at 10:00am for in person blended service (Combined Liturgical, hymnal based and Praise Worship) with Holy Communion. Pastor William Weiss Jr. (Pastor Bill) will be presiding. The service will be live streamed on our website (peacelutheranflagstaff.org) and on YouTube. Fellowship and refreshments are available before the worship service beginning 9:15am. https://go.evvnt.com/1831966-0.
LIVING CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH Jul 9 — 500 W. Riordan Road, 500 W. Riordan Road, Flagstaff. 928-526-8595. 10-11 a.m., Join Rev. Kurt Fangmeier for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost! The mystery of God’s ways is sometimes hidden from the wise and intelligent. Jesus associates with those often excluded from the religious community. Like Paul, we struggle with our own selfish desires and seek God’s mercy and forgiveness. We gather to be refreshed by Christ’s invitation: “Come to me, all you that are weary.” Gathered around word, water, and meal, we find rest for our souls. We will learn more with our First Reading of Zechariah 9:9-12(The king will come in humility and peace), Psalm 145:8-14 (The Lord is gracious and full of compassion) and the Second Reading of Romans 7:15-25a (The struggle within the self) together with the Gospel Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 (The yoke of discipleship). Amen. https://go.evvnt.com/1831327-0.
The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany Jul 9 — The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 423 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff. 978-774-2911. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Come join in prayer, fellowship, friendship, come and see! www.epiphanyaz.org, or 978-774-2911 for more info. https://go.evvnt.com/1834273-0.
Unity of Flagstaff Spiritual Center Jul 9 — Unity of Flagstaff, 1800 S. Milton Road, Flagstaff. 10:30-11:30 a.m., Join Rev Penni and Music with Matt Devlin as we look at "Giving". Is it better to give? And are we just talking about money here? "If we see money as a symbol of abundance as opposed to a symbol of exchange, we are probably living life from the outside in," says Eric Butterworth. How does our Abundance express in our lives? Do our "Giving" habits reflect the abundance that we want to create? Let's connect and reflect together this Sunday at Unity Of Flagstaff: Tools not Rules. Go to unityofflagstaff.org for previous Sunday messages & all the events happening in our community. All Are Welcome! https://go.evvnt.com/1835119-0.
Flagstaff Federated Community Church Please join us for in person services Sundays at 10 a.m. We are located at 400 W Aspen Ave. on the corner of Aspen and Sitgreaves in Downtown Flagstaff. All are welcome to our services. For more information about Flagstaff Federated Community Church please call our office at 928-774-7383, Mon – Thurs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Church of the Resurrection Sunday Church Services 740 W. University Heights Drive S., 740 W. University Heights Drive S., Flagstaff. 928-853-8522. 10-11:30 a.m., Church of the Resurrection Presbyterian Church in America (PCA): We invite you to join us for worship at 10 a.m. on Sundays at 740 W. University Heights Drive South. Please feel free to contact us for information on our mid-week gatherings and for more information on our church. You can find us at www.cor-pca.org and www.facebook.com/CORFlagstaff or we can be reached at corflagstaff@gmail.com and (928) 699-2715.
Leupp Nazarene Church The church, near mile post 13 or Navajo Route 15, has been holding services by teleconferences and doing drive-up meetings. For information, call pastor Farrell Begay at 928-853-5321. Teleconference number: 1-7170275-8940 with access code 3204224#. Services are 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays and 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
Christian Science Society of Flagstaff 619 W. Birch Ave. Bible Lesson services every Sunday 10-11am (Zoom option: https://zoom.us/j/369812794). Testimony Meetings every Wednesday: 5:30-6:30pm (Zoom option: https://zoom.us/j/971672834). Zoom password: CSS. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/flagstaff-religion-news-for-july-8-2023/article_cb3de4a6-1ceb-11ee-90a0-f3625e630c78.html | 2023-07-08T12:30:20 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/flagstaff-religion-news-for-july-8-2023/article_cb3de4a6-1ceb-11ee-90a0-f3625e630c78.html |
Affirmative action ruling won't change University of Tennessee, but leaders vow to improve
A landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling has upended many colleges' admission policies, but will have no direct impact on the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, which doesn't consider race when selecting its students. The decision, however, has prompted universities nationwide to discuss admissions polices, and UT leaders have vowed to improve their efforts to attract students that reflect the state's diversity.
The percentage of students of color at UT's flagship campus in Knoxville has increased only slightly, and lags behind other Southeastern Conference universities, other comparable American universities and universities it aspires to emulate.
"UT Knoxville has long had a commitment to educational access and strives to create a campus community at which all students feel welcomed, valued and have the tools they need to be successful," UT spokesperson Kerry Gardner said in a statement to Knox News. "Race was not being used as a deciding factor for evaluating admissions and institutional scholarship applications before the Supreme Court decision."
"Our process will not change. Our holistic admissions review process takes into consideration a number of college readiness factors, including rigor of high school curriculum, academic progression, standardized test scores, extracurricular and leadership activities, community impact, academic program of interest and academic program capacity.”
On June 29, the Supreme Court ruled against affirmative action at Harvard and the University of North Carolina, which considered race as part of the application process. Justices in the majority said the system gives an unfair advantage to Black and Latino students and discriminates against Asian and white students.
UT diversity rates increase slightly over the past six years
The percentage of nonwhite racial and ethnic groups enrolled at UT has barely changed over the past six years, increasing only incrementally alongside growing overall enrollment.
From 2017 to 2021, UT Knoxville's student diversity rose from 17% to 18%, and from 18% to 19% for undergraduates. In 2022, UT's percentages increased, but not enough to round up to the next percentage with the total at 18.4% and undergraduates at 19.2%.
SEC schools, on average, have a more diverse student body. The conference's nonwhite percentage rose from 24% to 27% in that time, and undergraduate percentage went from 26% to 28%.
The diversity percentages for comparable universities' enrollment rose from 19% to 22%. For undergraduates, that increase was from 20% to 23%.
These are the universities UT compares itself to because of size and academic offerings: Auburn, Clemson, Colorado, Iowa State, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Virginia Tech.
The diversity percentage for the student body for aspirational universities started at 23% and hit 27% by 2021. The undergraduate diversity percentage started at 25% and reached 29% in the same time frame.
The universities UT aspires to compare itself to are: Georgia, Illinois, Michigan State, North Carolina State, Penn State and Purdue.
The data for the diversity percentages was shared during the UT Board of Trustees meeting on June 29.
Knox News cross-referenced the data with enrollment data from UT's Fact Book. The percentages were calculated using students enrolled who are Hispanic of any race, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian or Pacific Islander, Black or African American and those who are two or more races.
University of Tennessee's definition of diversity
University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd acknowledged the university's need to improve.
"Diversity means to us access, and that’s in our land grant mission. Our land grant mission says that we’re here to provide access to all Tennesseans, to give them an opportunity for a better education, a ladder up for the working class and the middle class, for people of all backgrounds," Boyd said during the June 30 university board meeting.
"When we talk about access, that means access for adult learners, that means access for our rural students, that means access for our minorities, that means access for our first generation students, that means access for our veterans. It means access for everybody."
Boyd highlighted the tiny increases in diversity across the system saying, "We're going to take that to heart."
Keenan Thomas is a higher education reporter. Email keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com. Twitter @specialk2real.
Support strong local journalism by subscribing to knoxnews.com/subscribe. | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2023/07/08/affirmative-action-ruling-wont-change-university-of-tennessee/70382832007/ | 2023-07-08T12:34:15 | 0 | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2023/07/08/affirmative-action-ruling-wont-change-university-of-tennessee/70382832007/ |
July is Picnic Month, so grab a basket or cooler, load up the food and drinks and head to one of our beautiful parks. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even grill some food, but remember that PB&J sandwiches travel well.
The Four Seasons Garden Club’s “Secret Garden Walk” is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, featuring gardens at five local homes, plus St. Matthew’s ElderGarten. Tickets are $10 (free for kids under age 12) and are available at any of the tour homes: 6226 Fifth Ave., 6314 Fifth Ave., 318 69th St., 6910 Third Ave. and 217 69th St.
Kenosha Pride, a festival filled with music, food and a march, is noon to 9 p.m. today in Celebration Place, on the east end of HarborPark. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. The event features a beer garden, multiple stages with free entertainment, plus food and merchandise vendors. Pets are welcome, too. The Pride March starts at noon in Library Park, 711 59th Place, heading west to Sheridan Road. The parade then turns north on Sheridan Road to 54th Street, and goes east on 54th Street to the festival site.
People are also reading…
Lemon Street Gallery, 4601 Sheridan Road, is hosting an opening exhibit from 6 to 9 p.m. today, June 8, for its latest exhibit. The show, running through July 23, features works by Haley Barclay, Shelby Nesmith and George and Ann Rowe. The reception is free and features refreshments. The gallery is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.
Play ball! The Kenosha Kingfish are back in action today at Simmons Field. The Kingfish are hosting the Kalamazoo Growlers for a 6:35 p.m. game. Stick around for the post-game fireworks!For tickets, call 262-653-0900 or go to kingfishbaseball.com.
The Bristol Renaissance Faire opens Saturday for another season of making merry while wearing chain mail. The Faire is open weekends through Sept. 4, located just west of I-94 at the Wisconsin/Illinois border. For more details, go to renfair.com/bristol/
In Milwaukee, Summerfest wraps up today with Summerfest Fan Appreciation Day. Everyone gets in free ... well, free from noon to 3 p.m. Plus, the first 30,000 patrons arriving through the gates will receive one free ticket valid for Summerfest 2024. For more details about the festival, go to summerfest.com. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-area-events-for-saturday-july-8/article_a6d98ad4-1c37-11ee-bf1c-5bf5f692d26a.html | 2023-07-08T12:35:33 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-area-events-for-saturday-july-8/article_a6d98ad4-1c37-11ee-bf1c-5bf5f692d26a.html |
If you’re driving to San Antonio to see the Alamo, to Austin to go to a music festival, to Dallas or Fort Worth to see the Cowboys or visit the Stockyards, odds are you’ll be on Interstate 35.
"Interstate 35 is Main Street, Texas," said Michael Morris, the director of transportation for the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
But “Main Street” opened in the 1960s, which means parts of it are already more than 60 years old. The solution to those problems so far has been about two decades of major road work up and down the I-35 corridor, through four of the state’s five largest cities.
"I'm not sure who came up with the idea that once you finish construction on a highway, it's done," Texas Department of Transportation spokesperson Kenna Mitchell said. "There's a certain life that comes with the highway. You get impacted by weather conditions, by traffic conditions. And then also within the pavement or bridges itself, there are different elements that come into play that have a life cycle of their own."
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Texas eclipsed 30 million people last year – and from 2000 to 2022, the state added more than nine million residents to grow by 43%, making if the fourth-fasting growing state in the country. State Rep. Ramon Romero (D-Fort Worth), who sits on the House Committee on Transportation, said he thinks the state gave too much control to private entities as it's expanded its roads.
"Did we do a good job? No. Could we have done better? Absolutely. Did we get new roads? Yes," he said. "But I'm very concerned that we're partnering with for-profit companies and their responsibility is not to you and I, the taxpayers and residents, their responsibility is to the shareholders.
It's not just North Texas, where I-35 has impacted residents. In Waco, four years of construction just finished on part of the interstate. The Waco Herald-Tribune reported in mid-June that the final phase of construction on Interstate 35 in Waco could start as soon as 2024.
"We thought there would be this big break in between. And, you know, I think we're all just like, 'Rip the band-aid off and let's get it done,'" Baylor University assistant vice president of media and public relations Lori Fogleman said. "I think we all know our alternate routes. We know what the construction does with that, and what happens when you improve infrastructure through the city. I think we are all ready for that one last area to be done."
But as we look further south to Austin, where a $4.5 billion dollar project is slated to begin in 2024, not everyone thinks adding more lanes is the most efficient way to go.
"A boulevard with bus lanes, bike lanes, and some car lanes would actually move a lot more people," said Adam Greenfield, board president of the group Rethink 35, which advocates for a different use of the land. "Highways are actually very poor. Movers of large numbers of people because cars are very space inefficient. They lock up in congestion. That's a basic-level bug that they have."
Listen to Texas Wants to Know in the Audacy app or wherever you get your podcasts. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-wants-to-know-when-will-construction-on-interstate-35-be-complete/3291975/ | 2023-07-08T12:45:42 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-wants-to-know-when-will-construction-on-interstate-35-be-complete/3291975/ |
Two Rivers to dedicate Central Park stage to native sons the Schmitt Brothers July 15
The Schmitt Brothers won the national barbershop quartet championship in 1951 and were recognized as local heroes.
MANITOWOC - The community is invited to attend the official dedication of the Schmitt Brothers Stage beginning at noon July 15 in Two Rivers’ Central Park.
An integral part of Central Park West 365, a $1.6 million project to upgrade the city’s most significant public space, the Schmitt Brothers Stage will honor the famous champion quartet.
“It was in this very park that Two Rivers welcomed their hometown heroes after they won the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA) title in 1951,” said former Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt, son of the quartet’s lead singer. “If the quartet were alive today, they would be thrilled to hear the harmony of this wonderful celebration and see this city coming together to create and enjoy this beautiful park.”
Two Rivers City Manager Greg Buckley added: “We are very pleased to work with the Schmitt family on this project and delighted to honor the quartet for supporting their hometown. This is a celebration of hometown values and a demonstration of the great things our community can accomplish.”
Events include a ribbon-cutting ceremony by officials and family members, including Buckley, Schmitt, the surviving wives of the quartet, Mary Ann and Toni Schmitt, as well as author P.T. Rivers.
In addition, an anonymously donated replica of the medal won by the quartet will be presented to the Two Rivers Historical Society for its display of Schmitt Brothers memorabilia.
The extended Schmitt family, who raised more than $122,000 for the naming rights, will be the first to perform on the stage in honor of the quartet.
At 2 p.m., a barbershop show will feature more than a dozen quartets and choruses, including many district champions and groups that sang with the Schmitt Brothers.
The lineup for the three-hour show presents the Clipper City Chordsmen from Manitowoc, Vintage Mix Quartet from Milwaukee, Fox Valleyaires Chorus from Appleton, 2023 International Junior Champion YTBN quartet from Burlington, the Capital Chordsmen Chorus from Madison, 2021 District Champion Coulee Classic Quartet from La Crosse, 2022 District Champion Forward Harmony Chorus from Greendale/Oconomowoc, the Winnebagoland Chorus from Oshkosh, District Champion Checkmate Quartet, HHT A-Capella Chorus from Plymouth, 2023 District and 2018 Senior Champion St. Croix Crossing Quartet, Northern Gateway Chorus from Stevens Point, and multi-year District Champion Midwest Vocal Express from Greendale.
In addition, the 1975 International Champion Happiness Emporium Quartet from Minneapolis, who performed many times with the Schmitt Brothers and are the only other international champions in the Land O’Lakes District, will take the stage.
During the event, civic organizations will sponsor a variety of food and snack stands, the Cool City Brewing Company will offer a special-edition brew for the occasion, and the Two Rivers Historical Society will scoop ice cream cones in the park and serve sundaes at the nearby Washington House Museum to honor the invention of the sweet dairy treat in Two Rivers.
P.T. Rivers, author of “The Schmitt Brothers,” will autograph copies of the book.
The public will also be invited to sit in a vintage convertible to have photos taken with the Schmitt Brothers.
The barbershop show will be followed by an afterglow beginning at 7 p.m. at the J.E. Hamilton Community House, across the street from the park.
On July 16, the city will celebrate the dedication of the overall park project.
For more details, visit exploretworivers.com.
About the Schmitt Brothers: The Schmitt Brothers — Jim, Joe, Paul and Fran — grew up in family of 17 just down the street from the park.
The first contest they won was not in front of a crowd of 8,000 at the international barbershop convention in Toledo, but on WOMT radio in Manitowoc when the youngest was just 4 years old.
They learned to sing in the St. Luke’s church choir and won the SPEBSQSA title after singing barbershop for only 18 months.
With performances routinely booked years in advance, the quartet sang together for 35 years, spreading harmony from all the major stages in the country as well as the Ed Sullivan, Arthur Godfrey and Lawrence Welk shows.
They raised 35 children, ran successful local businesses, and participated in and led civic organizations from the Elks and Lions clubs to the local chamber of commerce, school and church boards.
Find more at the following:
- schmittbrothersquartet.com;
- Follow The Schmitt Brothers Quartet on Facebook;
- Listen to The Schmitt Brothers Greatest Hits on Apple Music and Spotify;
- Read “The Schmitt Brothers” book, available at the Washington House Museum in Two Rivers, Heart & Homestead and LaDeDa Books & Beans in Manitowoc, and on amazon.com; and
- Visit the Washington House Museum to see the display dedicated to the quartet.
Welcome to your weekly dose.Here is more news from throughout Manitowoc County.
Point Beach Nuclear Plant emergency response drill set for July 10-12
Manitowoc County Emergency Services will be conducting an emergency response drill with the Point Beach Nuclear Plant July 10-12.
Federal regulations require local and state government agencies whose jurisdictions are home to nuclear power plants to biennially demonstrate they can protect the health and safety of people living within 10 miles of the plant.
Numerous first responders and other agencies from the State of Wisconsin and Manitowoc County will be participating in the drill.
During the drill, the county will be opening a simulated evacuee reception center at the Manitowoc County Highway Shop, a simulated staging area at Two Creeks Fire Department, a simulated incident command post at Point Beach Nuclear Plant and activating its emergency operations center. Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital will also be participating.
Kayla Beckerdite, Manitowoc County Emergency Services director, said in a news release: “It’s highly unlikely we will ever have to implement these procedures in our Emergency Operations Plan for a nuclear plant incident. However, participating in these drills makes us better prepared as a community to respond to a wide variety of disaster scenarios.”
The public may see various emergency response teams out in the field or see federal and state vehicles in the area during the drill. However, there is no reason to be alarmed as the events are just a drill, not a real event, the news release said.
The county and state will repeat the drill Aug. 14-16 in front of evaluators from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Heart-A-Rama presents American Heart Association $79,500 check from 2023 show
Local nonprofit Heart-A-Rama recently presented a check for $79,500 to the American Heart Association-Wisconsin.
The funds were raised from Heart-A-Rama’s 51st season show, which took place this spring in Two Rivers.
The money will go toward research to fight heart disease and to purchase automated external defibrillators for public gathering spaces in Manitowoc County.
Since 1971, Heart-A-Rama has been raising funds to benefit the American Heart Association by performing quirky, one-of-a-kind variety shows that inform, inspire and entertain.
Through the support of hundreds of volunteers, more than 105,000 audience members and 300-plus shows during the past 51 seasons, Heart-A-Rama has raised more than $3 million to benefit the American Heart Association.
In addition to supporting heart disease research, the funds also go toward purchasing AEDs for public and professional use in Manitowoc County.
2024 Heart-A-Rama shows will be April 25-27 and May 2-4.
Manitowoc County residents urged to take internet services survey
Manitowoc County’s public-private economic development organization Progress Lakeshore is joining the Wisconsin Broadband Office in urging households to take the Wisconsin Internet Self-Report survey.
The survey is confidential, and the number of responses will be visualized in an online mapping tool.
The WISE survey is online at https://maps.psc.wi.gov/apps/WISER/index.html or available via phone at 608-261-6026.
People can also contact Project Lakeshore for more information at 920-482-0540.
According to a news release, Progress Lakeshore, through a memorandum of understanding with Manitowoc County, is coordinating the local efforts for the New North Broadband Alliance project. The purpose of the regional project is to provide reports for inclusion in Wisconsin Public Service Commission’s Broadband Office Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Five-Year Action Plan as part of the federal Infrastructure BEAD Program.
WISER is an online survey with a speed test. It is designed to capture the complexity of residents’ experience with internet service or lack thereof so Progress Lakeshore and the Wisconsin Broadband Office can understand a variety of broadband needs.
The news release said that through this collaborative effort, the goal is to be able to further improve internet access, understand associated costs and support internet adoption for Wisconsin residents by identifying areas where internet is not available, too expensive, underperforming or intimidating to subscribe.
Manitowoc County Fairest of the Fair accepting applications
Applications are being accepted for the 2024 Manitowoc County Fairest of the Fair.
The Fairest of the Fair is the official ambassador of the Manitowoc County Fair and promotes the fair and advocates for the agriculture industry.
The Fairest will begin their reign on Sept. 1 and appear at parades and special events leading up to the 2024 Manitowoc County Fair.
The reign will end on Jan. 31, 2025, after they have competed at the Wisconsin Fairest of the Fair contest in early January at the Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention.
The Fairest will also participate in radio interviews and record ads promoting the fair.
After completing their reign, the Fairest will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
The 2024 contest will take place during the fair week at 5 p.m. Aug. 26 inside the Ice Center. Applicants will have an individual and group interview with the judges, present a prepared 30-second radio interview and answer impromptu questions in an on-stage program.
Applicants must have high energy and strong enthusiasm for the fair. They must be a resident of Manitowoc County, have a valid driver’s license and be at least 18 as of Jan. 1, 2025.
The application and rules are online. Application and photo must be received by Aug. 1.
Call the Expo office at 920-683-4378 or email JennelShelton@manitowoccountywi.gov for more information.
July 15 exhibitor deadline for Manitowoc County Fair fast approaching
Manitowoc County Fair Board is reminding anyone who wishes to exhibit in the Open Class Division at this year’s Manitowoc County Fair that online entries are due by July 15.
The 2023 Manitowoc County Fair will be on the Manitowoc County Expo grounds, 4921 Expo Drive, Aug. 23-27. Theme will be “Pirates of the Carrots and Beans.”
The fair book is available online and has a complete listing of the department, classes and lot numbers available.
Exhibitors must complete the online Open Class registration form. Anyone without a computer can call the Expo office at 920-683-4378 to schedule an appointment to get assistance from staff.
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Contact Brandon Reid at 920-686-2984 or breid@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @breidHTRNews. | https://www.htrnews.com/story/news/local/2023/07/08/two-rivers-dedicates-central-park-stage-to-schmitt-brothers-quartet/70387813007/ | 2023-07-08T12:47:55 | 0 | https://www.htrnews.com/story/news/local/2023/07/08/two-rivers-dedicates-central-park-stage-to-schmitt-brothers-quartet/70387813007/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — A federal appeals court Friday cleared the way for a lawsuit filed by a man who was barred from a ride at an Orlando water park because he has only one hand.
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A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a summary judgment in favor of the Volcano Bay water park at the Universal Orlando Resort and sent the case back to district court.
Dylan Campbell filed a lawsuit alleging a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act after he was prevented from riding the Krakatau Aqua Coaster in 2019.
Friday’s ruling likened the ride to a “waterslide version of a roller coaster.”
Read: Universal Orlando offers Florida residents 3 extra months free with annual pass purchase
Campbell was born with only one hand, and the park required people to have two hands to ride the Aqua Coaster. Universal argued that it was complying with state law, but the appeals court said that “does not relieve Universal of its obligation” to follow the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“Congress passed a sweeping law to prohibit discrimination unless discrimination is ‘necessary,’” said the 30-page ruling, written by Judge Robin Rosenbaum and joined by Judges Elizabeth Branch and Andrew Brasher. “If compliance with state law were ‘necessary,’ then any state could unilaterally nullify the ADA by enacting a state law requiring discrimination. That can’t be right.”
Read: Universal announces more details for immersive Minion Land, opening this summer
The ruling also said that if “federal law requires Universal to allow Campbell to ride, and state law forbids it, then Universal must let Campbell ride.”
Universal’s position stemmed from a state law that requires amusement parks to meet minimum safety standards for rides, according to the ruling. As part of that, park operators are required to comply with criteria set by ride manufacturers.
Read: Universal Orlando offering Florida residents buy a day, get 2 days free deal
In the case of the Aqua Coaster, the manufacturer said riders needed two hands. But the ruling said the ADA “prohibits imposing a discriminatory eligibility criterion unless the criterion is ‘necessary.’”
It said Universal will have to show at the lower court that “refusing to permit Campbell to ride the Aqua Coaster is otherwise ‘necessary,’ as the ADA contemplates, or it must allow him to ride.”
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ORLANDO, Fla. — Not as hot today.
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Meteorologist Kassandra Crimi said daytime highs will hit the mid and upper 80s across most of Central Florida.
Heat index values will be close to 100 degrees, but no heat advisory Saturday.
Read: Ben Crump, family of man shot, killed by police during traffic stop call for answers
Scattered showers and storms will start earlier, which is what is helping keep our temperature levels in check.
Sunday will be hotter, with highs back in the 90s.
Read: Conventions pull out from Central Florida citing ‘regressive legislation’
The heat will continue to build next week.
Tropics are quiet.
Follow our Severe Weather team on Twitter for live updates:
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/scattered-showers-start-early-saturday-not-hot/CHFYUEYP2FFPXEMC757OIB4QEM/ | 2023-07-08T12:52:57 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/scattered-showers-start-early-saturday-not-hot/CHFYUEYP2FFPXEMC757OIB4QEM/ |
PITTSBURGH — A man was shot in Beltzhoover on Friday night, according to Pittsburgh police.
Police said a man arrived at a hospital and said he was shot near Taft Avenue in Beltzhoover.
The man was shot in the back.
Police said the victim told them someone shot him and then drove away.
The investigation is ongoing.
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PITTSBURGH — A man was taken to the hospital after he was hit with an arrow in Pittsburgh’s California-Kirkbride neighborhood late Friday night.
According to Pittsburgh police, emergency crews were called to the 800 block of Brightridge Street at 11:45 p.m.
Once on scene, first responders found a man behind a privacy fence with an arrow in his right side.
The man lost consciousness. He was taken to the hospital and is in critical condition.
The investigation is ongoing.
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PITTSBURGH — It’s a more comfortable start to the day with temperatures in the 50s north of Pittsburgh! Another warm day is expected though with highs back in the mid-80s and more humidity by late day. An approaching front could bring us a storm in spots this evening. Although severe weather is not expected, those outside should keep an eye on the sky. A few showers are possible overnight with a better chance for some showers and storms on Sunday.
A stronger storm is possible tomorrow but overall, ingredients are still not favorable for widespread severe storms. The highest chance for rain will come during the late morning and then again in the afternoon. Behind tomorrow’s rain, we enter another dry spell with temperatures nudging back into the mid-80s by Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.
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HARRISONBURG, Va. — The TV show, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” is the inspiration for worship for a local congregation this summer. Specifically, the song from the show, titled, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.”
Feeling inspired to combine the summer theme with a newfound personal talent, Sorge imagined creating stained glass that would provide a colorful and inspiring portal to the neighborhood beyond the windows of the church in the stately, white historic building tucked in the Sunset Heights neighborhood, along South High Street.
In June 2022, like many pastors around the country, Sorge was feeling the exhaustion of maintaining a ministry during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a close brush with burnout, she said.
“We had done so much to pivot our ongoing response, and trying figuring out how to do things safely and stay connected, how to support people, and to bring a message of hope week to week while acknowledging what was happening in the world,” Sorge said.
Sorge said many pastors left ministry as a result of the pandemic. She took a sabbatical in 2022 to investigate ways that ministers can flourish and avoid burnout to be most present and supportive of a congregation.
“Trinity is a really unique community in many ways,” Sorge said. “There is an understanding of the need to take care of each other and take care of pastors. There is also such genuine care and concern that gives me permission to do the things that I need to do to sustain myself.”
While planning a sabbatical of reading, research and creative exploration, Sorge came across the answer to what was absent in her practice and life, she said: a creative outlet.
“As Christians, we celebrate a God that became embodied with us, so theologically it’s (creativity) representative of the incarnation, and I think beauty and creativity can really enhance worship,” Sorge said.
Exploring potential creative outlets like painting and pottery, nothing quite inspired Sorge like the discovery she was to make during an “Arts, Worship and Recreation” conference she attended at Montreat Conference Center, a Presbyterian center in North Carolina.
“I decided to sign up for the most hands-on things I could find which included a pottery class and a stained glass class,” she said. “That was the first time I had done stained glass, and I really fell in love with it.”
Feeling an ‘enlivening’ of her creativity, Sorge returned from her sabbatical at the beginning of September, 2022, inspired and refreshed, and ready to bring her newfound talent to the congregation, she said.
“I made a book that had pictures of pieces I had made during the summer,” Sorge said. “I work pretty quickly, so I have done quite a few pieces, that was one way of sharing with the congregation, but I had in the back of my head that there could be other ways to incorporate the stained glass work and bring my sabbatical gift into worship.”
Sorge said she started thinking about windows. The idea was, Sorge said, to draw the eye outward, into the neighborhood. It’s fitting Trinity church is tucked near many residential homes.
Exploring the inspiration and legacy of Mr. Rogers through the stained-glass decorations, as well as including in services stories about the man himself, quotes, and even a song that was written to celebrate him, Sorge can find interesting connections between Fred Rogers’ mission and the mission of the church.
While the colorful stained glass hangs in the windows of Trinity Presbyterian, as a testament to the healing power of creativity, and celebrating the neighborhood focus of the summer season of the church, Sorge reveals it is not only this new craft that is bringing her new ways to find joy.
“The process of doing these windows brought a different type of joy to my work,” Sorge said. “Recognizing that this too is work that God has enlivened in me, the Holy Spirit is at work in worship, and worship enlivens all of our gifts.” | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2023/07/08/exchange-pastor-stained-glass/99f49ab2-1d8f-11ee-be41-a036f4b098ec_story.html | 2023-07-08T13:13:52 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2023/07/08/exchange-pastor-stained-glass/99f49ab2-1d8f-11ee-be41-a036f4b098ec_story.html |
Former Harter Bank in downtown Canton to get $7.5M makeover into apartments, market
- The commercial property at 126 Central Plaza N has been vacant since 2016.
- The Ohio Department of Development has said a $1.44 million historic preservation tax credit was awarded to the approximately $7.5 million project.
- Work is expected to start this summer and be finished by the end of 2024.
CANTON − The former George D. Harter Bank building in downtown is slated to become a 30-unit housing complex with a local market on the ground floor.
The Ohio Department of Development recently announced that a $1.44 million historic preservation tax credit was awarded to the approximately $7.5 million project. The remaining financing will come from private sources and $1.2 million in federal historic preservation tax credits, according to the owners' state application.
"The tax credit is a major factor in the decision to move forward with the project given the cost of renovations in addition to other market factors such as the rise of construction materials and labor in general, as well as contemplated interest rates upon refinance," it stated.
Pennsylvania developers drawn to Canton
The commercial property at 126 Central Plaza N has been vacant since 2016 and was almost foreclosed upon in late 2021. PJT-Pointe West ― an affiliate of the Cuyahoga Falls-based Testa Companies ― sold the property in July 2022 for $892,500 to DDC Canton LLC, according to county property records.
The Pennsylvania-based D&D Realty Group is the new owner behind the plans. Managing Partner Nick Dye wrote in an email that an investor from the Pittsburgh area prompted the expansion into eastern Ohio.
"Upon visiting downtown Canton, we were impressed with the cleanliness and vibrancy of the downtown," he said. "We have redeveloped a few historic buildings in PA that have an uncanny resemblance to the Harter Bank Building, and we knew this project was the perfect opportunity to replicate our model in Ohio."
D&D Realty has a "record of transforming distressed downtown buildings into new mixed-use developments in similar markets in Pennsylvania," Dye said. The "luxury apartment" complex will be the company's sixth historic preservation project in as many years.
New life for once-stately bank
The three-floor mezzanine lobby will be used for a food and small business market in coordination with the city of Canton. Floors two through nine will be converted into market-rate apartments and the basement will be for tenant storage, according to the application.
"Each floor will feature two one-bedroom apartments and one, one-bedroom apartment," it stated.
Work is expected to start this summer and be finished by the end of 2024. About 51 or 52 permanent jobs should be created once the 1922 bank building revitalization is complete.
Canton City Planner Donn Angus said plans for the mezzanine "makerspace and market" still are tentative but the city will welcome additional downtown housing and plans to put a vacant building to use.
"We are extremely, extremely excited and encouraged by the news of their tax credit and very excited about that building coming back into the fold," he said.
Reach Kelly at 330-580-8323 or kelly.byer@cantonrep.comOn Twitter: @kbyerREP | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/canton/2023/07/08/george-d-harter-bank-in-canton-to-become-apartments-local-market-dd-realty-group/70373328007/ | 2023-07-08T13:18:49 | 0 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/canton/2023/07/08/george-d-harter-bank-in-canton-to-become-apartments-local-market-dd-realty-group/70373328007/ |
Lake Township woman solves major backyard flooding issue with rain garden
- Rain gardens are a type of green infrastructure that helps with flooding.
- Stark County Soil & Water Conservation District in Massillon offers a rain gardening course.
LAKE TWP. ‒ Sherri Smith was ready to sell her house.
Almost immediately after she moved into her new home four years ago, flooding became a major issue in her backyard. Rainfall left a large corner of her yard waterlogged for five to seven days at a time, attracting mosquitoes and creating unpleasant conditions.
"I thought I had a septic problem," the 52-year-old said. "I actually had them come out and clean my line to the house, had my septic tank emptied."
Smith was thinking about putting her new home up for sale when she contacted the Stark County Soil & Water Conservation District in Massillon in 2022. That's when she was introduced to the concept of a rain garden.
A rain garden is built in a depression in the landscape to collect rainwater and allow it to soak into the ground. It also has environmental benefits, including filtering out pollutants to prevent them from entering nearby waterways and providing a habitat for bees and monarch butterflies. It isn't a new concept, but it's one that has become popular in recent years for storm water management.
A year later, Smith has been able to manage flooding on her property.
Why did Sherri Smith install a rain garden?
Rome Marinelli, drainage specialist with the Soil & Water Conservation District, suggested a rain garden might help address the flooding problems on Smith's property.
Marinelli said many property owners use gray infrastructure — pipes, drains or gutters — to manage stormwater. Installing pipes may help a property owner reduce flooding on their land, but it diverts water downstream. That means the water ends up on someone else's property.
"You are allowed to dispose of your water downhill as long as it's following gravity and it's following the natural flow, but pipes can't absorb water," he said, noting that some homeowners who choose to put pipe in roadside ditches in front of their homes wind up with flooding from the roads.
Installing a rain garden typically costs between $3 and $5 per square foot if installed by a property owner and between $10 and $15 per square foot or more if using a landscaper, according to the Three Rivers Rain Garden Alliance. Plants are usually the most expensive item.
Smith had never heard of a rain garden before. She did some research, and after learning about the benefits of rain gardens, decided to install one in her backyard. Smith enjoys gardening, but she knew the project would be a serious undertaking, given the amount of flooding in her backyard. She started looking for a landscaper. It took a long time for her to find one who knew how to build a rain garden.
Eventually, Smith got in touch with Jscapes, a North Canton-based landscaping company that was willing to take on the project. Jscapes owners Jonah and Noah Wakser said they enjoy working on unique projects and spent some time researching before getting started.
Smith's garden is about 40 feet long and has a four-foot deep depression. It took about two weeks to dig and fill the garden, they said.
"With the actual process, it's a little unique because we're bringing in all these different types of materials and then we're mixing them together," Jonah Wakser said. "So we had to use a machine and we had to put sand with compost with gravel and mix it all up real nice and then start filling it in."
Jeana Brandle, a horticulturalist with Jscapes, said plants featured in the garden include bee balm, butterfly weed, winterberry and ornamental grass. These plants do well in wet conditions, she said.
Smith said the rain garden has made a huge difference in her backyard. She occasionally gets flooding after a storm, but the water goes away after one day instead of one week. She enjoys being in the garden, which has brought butterflies, bees and a dragonfly to her property. She spends a couple of hours outside most days, watering and picking weeds.
Jonah Wakser said the first several months of maintenance are the most crucial as that is the time when the roots take.
"After that, maintenance is very important, but it kind of decreases in terms of watering every day and being out there all the time," he said.
Marinelli said he was blown away by the results. He noted that rain gardens both large and small can be impactful in the environments they occupy.
"It's just one of those little things that can go a really long way, from helping the environment to helping a downstream neighbor," he said.
Stark County Soil & Water Conservation District offers rain garden course
The county's Soil & Water Conservation District has a biannual Master Rain Gardener certification course. The weekly class takes place over the course of six weeks in the spring and fall. For $25 per person, anyone learn how to design and build a rain garden.
Registration for the district's next session is closed, but those interested can sign up for a waiting list to be notified when it opens up.
Reach Paige at 330-580-8577, pmbennett@gannett.com or on Twitter @paigembenn. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2023/07/08/lake-townships-sherri-smith-installs-rain-garden-to-help-with-flooding/70339440007/ | 2023-07-08T13:18:55 | 0 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2023/07/08/lake-townships-sherri-smith-installs-rain-garden-to-help-with-flooding/70339440007/ |
A vehicle rollover on an Emmons County gravel road killed a 56-year-old man from out of state.
Kevin Hancock lost control of the SUV he was driving after cresting a hill at a high speed, according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol. The vehicle overturned in the ditch about 2 miles southwest of Strasburg, sometime in the early morning hours of Wednesday.
There were no passengers in the vehicle.
Hancock had recently moved from Pollock, South Dakota, to Lafayette, Indiana, according to the Patrol. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/emmons-county-rollover-kills-out-of-state-man/article_5c6b5ece-1b73-11ee-ab5e-479a26776048.html | 2023-07-08T13:21:30 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/emmons-county-rollover-kills-out-of-state-man/article_5c6b5ece-1b73-11ee-ab5e-479a26776048.html |
LAKELAND, Fla. — A Lakeland mother of seven graduated from Keiser University and was honored as her class's valedictorian.
Ashley Payne put on her cap and gown and addressed her fellow classmates at 6 p.m. Friday, at the Youkey Theater in Lakeland. She's no stranger to the stage, though. Payne was valedictorian at her Families of Faith Christian Academy High School graduation ceremony back in 2006.
She graduated as a registered nurse with a bachelor's degree in science and nursing. Payne said her family has been the backbone of her entire journey and even spoke about them in her speech.
On her first day of class in 2019, Payne said her oldest daughter, Lorelai, who was 9 years old at the time, sent her to school with a note that said, "Aim for the moon, if you miss, you may hit a star."
That message stuck with Payne throughout her journey to becoming a registered nurse.
"If she can realize the vast opportunities this world has to offer, so can you," Payne said in a statement from Keiser University.
After graduation, Payne plans to earn her Master of Science degree in Nurse-Midwifery at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/lakeland-mother-valedictorian-keiser-university/67-e941ac61-6cb7-4319-ad4c-4251c69bbea4 | 2023-07-08T13:25:15 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/lakeland-mother-valedictorian-keiser-university/67-e941ac61-6cb7-4319-ad4c-4251c69bbea4 |
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Police are now investigating a murder after a shooting early Saturday morning on the southwest side.
Officers were called out to Middlefield Drive near Medina Base Road around 4 a.m. Saturday.
Police said a shooting did take place but details were very limited. Police did not say who was involved or how many victims there are. They did say they are now considering that shooting a murder. This is an ongoing investigation.
This is a developing situation and further details will be added as they are received. Check back to this article for updates.
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Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/police-investigating-a-murder-after-shooting-on-the-southwest-side-san-antonio-texas/273-482001ed-3666-47de-89b0-1d17e5408d5b | 2023-07-08T13:25:21 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/police-investigating-a-murder-after-shooting-on-the-southwest-side-san-antonio-texas/273-482001ed-3666-47de-89b0-1d17e5408d5b |
VALPARAISO — A Valparaiso man who pleaded guilty last month to voluntary manslaughter for strangling his roommate was sentenced to 20 years in prison Friday by Porter County Circuit Judge Mary DeBoer.
Michael Bachar, 45, was initially charged with murder and strangulation of his roommate George Batey, 60, in May 2021. The charges were reduced after his attorney struck a plea deal with prosecutors June 7, court records state.
Five years of Bachar's sentence will be suspended to formal probation with fees.
Bachar strangled Batey in their shared residence in the 700 block of Center Street. Batey later died of asphyxiation. His death was ruled a homicide.
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Bachar said Batey punched him and he defended himself by grabbing Batey by the throat "while telling (Batey) to stop and apologize," according to charging documents.
Bachar said Batey "had some sort of Satan in him" and Batey "wasn't going to stop until he (Bachar) made him stop."
Bachar reportedly told police he did not really care if Batey died and knew it was a possibility, but that it was not his intention, charges state.
While Bachar was in the Porter County Jail, he tore up three of four padded cells and was transferred to a mental health facility elsewhere in Indiana for an evaluation to determine his competency and "understand the nature of the proceedings and assist in his defense," defense attorney Mark Chargualaf said.
Former Porter County Sheriff Dave Reynolds previously said Porter County, like many other counties, does not have the proper resources at its jail to hold and treat someone with severe mental health issues, he said.
The padded cells at the county jail are designed for short-term stays and require round-the-clock supervision. Bachar was held in a padded cell for 35 of his 44 days with the county, which is not right, Reynolds said.
According to court documents, Bachar will receive treatment for mental health while incarcerated as a condition of probation. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/valparaiso-man-sentenced-to-20-years-in-prison-after-pleading-guilty-to-strangling-roommate/article_6ef5e6c8-1cfd-11ee-95bf-ff87ba9fd68d.html | 2023-07-08T13:30:58 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/valparaiso-man-sentenced-to-20-years-in-prison-after-pleading-guilty-to-strangling-roommate/article_6ef5e6c8-1cfd-11ee-95bf-ff87ba9fd68d.html |
WEST UNION, Ohio — Inmates at the Adams County Jail were transferred to the West Union Fire Department Friday night out of an abundance of caution after 10 people were hospitalized for suspected exposure to fentanyl.
Bob Ruebusch, chief deputy with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, said two female inmates started experiencing overdose symptoms at around 2:30 p.m. Friday. Another inmate told officials she was the one who gave them drugs, also admitting to providing drugs to a separate cell with 10 male inmates.
The two female inmates were treated and taken to the hospital. Ruebusch said three correction officers, one probation officer, one court bailiff and three EMTs were also exposed to what is believed to be fentanyl. They were also hospitalized.
Inmates were moved out of the jail as a hazmat company works to clean the jail floor by floor. Ruebusch said local firefighters were first to help decontaminate inmates inside the jail.
“Everyone did a great job. Big thank you to the first responders — local police officers, probation officers, all the EMTS and the fire department. All of them have my deepest respect,” Ruebusch said.
Ruebusch said all but one person has been released from the hospital. They expect that person to be released by the end of the night.
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/10-hospitalized-after-suspected-exposure-to-fentanyl-at-adams-county-jail-inmates-moved-to-fire-station/TEBSUMFFGBC7NLQAAHYBMOUJAM/ | 2023-07-08T13:31:00 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/10-hospitalized-after-suspected-exposure-to-fentanyl-at-adams-county-jail-inmates-moved-to-fire-station/TEBSUMFFGBC7NLQAAHYBMOUJAM/ |
News Tribune, July 8, 1983
- Duluth City Councilor Cynthia Albright said yesterday she may ask the council to work out a compromise to settle the dispute over where to end Interstate 35. The council is meeting with Minnesota Department of Transportation officials next week to discuss the extension.
- The replica Viking ship Hjemkomst is being stored at a freight dock in Norway awaiting its return trip to the U.S. by freighter. The Hjemkomst was sailed from Duluth to Oslo, Norway, in 1982 by the family of Robert Asp, the builder of the ship.
News Tribune, July 8, 1923
- The success of the recent peony show in Duluth has convinced many residents that local conditions are ideal for cultivation of the flowers. Some believe that Duluth could someday be known around the country as the "peony city."
- The Duluth Board of Education last week created the position of dean of girls at Denfeld High School with a salary of $2,200 a year. Mrs. Katherine Wied, who has taught at Denfeld for the last three years, has been appointed to the position. | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/bygones-40-years-ago-debate-raged-over-i-35-expansion | 2023-07-08T13:31:55 | 1 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/bygones-40-years-ago-debate-raged-over-i-35-expansion |
DULUTH — City officials have begun their annual review of how tourism tax proceeds are being put to use, and they’re also accepting funding requests for the year to come.
In 2022, tourism tax collections totaled nearly $13.8 million. And through the first five months of 2023, receipts are running 10% ahead of last year’s pace.
Duluth’s tourism industry already is running hotter than it did prior to the pandemic and is hitting new highs.
“More and more people are visiting Duluth," Mayor Emily Larson said in a statement. "On virtually every measure, we have surpassed last year as well as our best pre-pandemic record — more visitors, longer stays, higher revenue, over and above inflation.
“But my favorite statistic is that 15 of Duluth’s 23 neighborhoods saw increased visitation. That means more business for local restaurants and hotels, local retailers, local theaters, local gas stations and local grocery stores,” she said.
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The tourism tax is a sales tax charged for local hotel and motel stays, as well as on sales of food and beverages at restaurants and bars throughout the city. The proceeds from the dedicated tax are legislatively earmarked and must be used exclusively to support Duluth’s tourism industry.
In addition to assisting local organizations and attractions, the fund also pays to promote Duluth as a destination, with $1.8 million going to Bellmont Partners , a Twin Cities firm, for marketing services.
Another $6.7 million goes to service long-term debt for large projects, such as recreational investments made throughout the St. Louis River corridor, improvements to Spirit Mountain’s infrastructure and projects at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.
The city channels more than $1.2 million from tourism tax collections into its general fund, as well, to help cover some of the costs associated with hosting large public events, such as Grandma's Marathon, Fourth Fest and the Bayfront Blues Festival.
Beginning in 2017, Larson launched a new protocol to evaluate the city’s use of tourism tax receipts. Under her administration, past recipients of the funds have been required to report each year on how the money was spent and to what beneficial effect.
Larson also initiated a formal application process by which organizations could seek future funding. The city began accepting those applications for 2024 on Friday and will continue to do so until 5 p.m. July 31.
The forms for organizations to report performance and to seek tourism support tax next year are available at duluthmn.gov/finance/tourism-tax-allocation.
Senior economic developer Tricia Hobbs encouraged qualified applicants to submit requests, referring to the process as a chance “for organizations to tell their story, to tell the community what you do, why you do it and how your work supports our tourism industry.”
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A full listing of the current tourism tax recipients, including the amount of money they receive, is available on pages 205-206 of the 2023 city budget report at duluthmn.gov/media/15483/2023-final-budget-book.pdf.
In explaining the thought behind the allocation of those funds, Larson earlier told the News Tribune: "As our tourism economy continues to grow, so does the task to ensure that we are investing these financial resources wisely, transparently and with a positive visitor experience in mind.
"Having a robust tourism sector of this magnitude means having world-class attractions, museums and recreational experiences year-round for our residents, too. For these reasons and more, it's critical we are good stewards of these investments," she said. | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/duluth-seeks-requests-as-it-looks-to-divvy-growing-tourism-tax-pie-in-2024 | 2023-07-08T13:32:08 | 1 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/duluth-seeks-requests-as-it-looks-to-divvy-growing-tourism-tax-pie-in-2024 |
Driver crashes into Food Lion in West Ocean City: OCFD
Keith Demko
Salisbury Daily Times
The Ocean City Fire Department to the report of a driver crashing into the Food Lion in West Ocean City at 6:07 p.m. Thursday.
Units were on the scene as paramedics treated one patient and firefighters working to remove hazards.
The photo of the incident posted to the fire department's Facebook page is below. | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2023/07/08/driver-crashes-into-food-lion-in-west-ocean-city-ocfd/70394234007/ | 2023-07-08T13:38:55 | 1 | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2023/07/08/driver-crashes-into-food-lion-in-west-ocean-city-ocfd/70394234007/ |
ATLANTA — Water repairs are underway at a condominium in northeast Atlanta on Saturday morning, according to officials on Twitter.
Crews are working at 222 12th Street in the northeast part of the city; according to Google Maps, this is the Luxe Condominiums. There are also a few businesses located inside the building.
According to Atlanta Watershed, the main water line was turned off to complete repairs. The office did not say what the repairs were but said that service would be temporarily interrupted.
The office said it would provide updates and let residents know when service is restored. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/temporary-water-interruption-atlanta-condominium-officials-luxe-watershed-12th-street/85-6aba9393-12bb-4f68-a14d-c53c96be7f4d | 2023-07-08T13:49:30 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/temporary-water-interruption-atlanta-condominium-officials-luxe-watershed-12th-street/85-6aba9393-12bb-4f68-a14d-c53c96be7f4d |
With some Court rulings and much misinformation, multiple questions have come to the Foundation regarding — is there still protection for pre-existing conditions? Good news — the Affordable Care Act/Obamacare is still in place with all the pre-existing protections! As a refresher, take a look at how the pre-existing limitation from the insurance companies/plans worked before and after enactment.
After considerable debate and discussion, the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare, was passed/enacted on March 23, 2010. One of the key elements was the protection from exclusion or waiting periods by the insurance company for pre-existing conditions. To better understand this significant protection, it is important to look prior to 2010 to gain an understanding of what was in place and used by the insurance companies.
Definition: Most insurance companies use one of two definitions: “Objective standard” definition, a pre-existing condition is any condition for which the patient has already received medical advice or treatment prior to enrollment in a new medical insurance plan. Under the broader “prudent person’ definition, a pre-existing condition is anything for which symptoms were present and a prudent person would have sought treatment.
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Before ACA/Obamacare: Which definition may be used was sometimes regulated by state law.
Ten states did not specify either definition, 21 required the “prudent person” standard and 18 required the “objective standard.” Every state, every insurance plan could make its own determination.
What did this really look like: Each state could determine their maximum pre-existing condition exclusion period. If a condition was deemed as “pre-existing,” the state’s pre-determined maximum waiting or exclusion periods before any coverage for the pre-existing condition was used. This period ranged from six months in Oregon, Massachusetts, and New Mexico to 10 years in Indiana, to unlimited in 10 other states. Idaho was part of a large group of states (23 states) with a maximum exclusion/waiting period of 12 months. Essentially, when purchasing insurance, if a pre-existing condition was identified/as requested when completing the health history upon enrollment, the insurance plan would apply a non-covered exclusion for up to 12 months for that diagnosis. (EX: The patient had cancer two years ago. Signs up for a new job, new insurance. The insurance could disallow any coverage for cancer care for up to 12 months.)
There was an additional “look-back period”/date ranges where the insurance could look for pre-existing conditions and deny or delay payment. Some were based on the size of the commercial insurance plan. (EX: 2-50 employees had more limitations than larger groups.)
In Part 2, we will compare the protections under the current law- Affordable Care Act/Obamacare with prior to implementation of the law.
We will outline the protections while updating the volume of Americans with pre-existing conditions which will now include the group of patients recovering from COVID-19.
Day Egusquiza is the president and founder of the Patient Financial Navigator Foundation Inc. — an Idaho-based family foundation. For more information, call 208-423-9036 or go to pfnfinc.com. Do you have a topic for Health Care Buzz? Please share at daylee1@mindspring.com. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/health-care-buzz-what-is-a-pre-existing-condition-and-how-does-it-work-with/article_1927e37e-1d19-11ee-b076-b37f4f8f61e4.html | 2023-07-08T13:50:42 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/health-care-buzz-what-is-a-pre-existing-condition-and-how-does-it-work-with/article_1927e37e-1d19-11ee-b076-b37f4f8f61e4.html |
A 13-year veteran of the Kearney Police Department resigned and surrendered her law enforcement certification Thursday after she was convicted of official misconduct in Buffalo County Court for allegedly lying to criminal investigators last March, according to court filings and other public records.
Jennifer Caudillo was ordered to pay $121 in fees and required to resign from the central Nebraska city's police force as part of a deal that saw the 39-year-old plead no contest to official misconduct, a class 2 misdemeanor, at a hearing Thursday morning, according to the court filings.
Prosecutors with Nebraska's Attorney General's Office had charged Caudillo in December with false reporting, a class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail.
The charge stemmed from an incident in March 2022, when Caudillo "furnished material information she knew to be false" in an attempt to impede an ongoing investigation, Deputy Attorney General David Bydalek alleged in the complaint filed in December.
It's unclear what false information Caudillo is accused of providing criminal investigators. Since the 39-year-old was never jailed for the crime, the state was not required to file a probable cause statement for her arrest, meaning the specific allegations weren't made public.
A spokesperson for the Attorney General's Office said Friday that Caudillo lied to Nebraska State Patrol investigators who were looking into allegations against her that did not yield their own criminal charges.
In a change-of-status form filed with the state's Law Enforcement Training Center on Friday, Kearney Police Chief Bryan Waugh said Caudillo resigned before "initiation or completion of an internal affairs investigation into allegations that, if founded, could" have resulted in termination.
Kearney Police officials were not available for comment Friday.
Caudillo had been on "civil leave" from the Kearney Police Department since sometime last year, according to minutes from Nebraska's Police Standards Advisory Council meeting in March.
She joined Kearney's police force in 2010 after graduating from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2007 and working for several years as a recovery specialist at Richard Young Hospital in Kearney.
Her attorney, Kearney-based lawyer Charles Brewster, declined to comment on Caudillo's behalf Friday. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/kearney-police-officer-resigns-after-misconduct-conviction/article_3be24894-1d02-11ee-ac89-2b4002ac495f.html | 2023-07-08T14:15:59 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/kearney-police-officer-resigns-after-misconduct-conviction/article_3be24894-1d02-11ee-ac89-2b4002ac495f.html |
Derek Roesch of Saybrook was charged Thursday, Nov. 10 in McLean County Law and Justice Center with several counts, including:
-Two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, Class 2 felonies
-One count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon while on parole, Class 2 felony
-Two counts of unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a felon, class 2 felonies
-One count of unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a felon while on parole, class 2 felony
-Unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver (greater than 2000 grams but less than 5000 grams), a class 1 felony
-Unlawful possession of cannabis (greater than 2000 grams but less than 5000 grams), a class 2 felony
-Unlawful possession of a controlled substance, psylocibin less than 15 grams, a class 4 felony
-Unlawful possession of methamphetamine, less than five grams, a class 3 felony.
-Unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, a class A misdemeanor | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-courts/woman-faces-sex-offender-violation-in-mclean-county/article_3d6295e4-1d06-11ee-b7e9-17178f121ea2.html | 2023-07-08T14:23:26 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-courts/woman-faces-sex-offender-violation-in-mclean-county/article_3d6295e4-1d06-11ee-b7e9-17178f121ea2.html |
NORMAL — McLean County's recycling efforts have steadily increased despite the global pandemic and the increased presence of single-use, non-recyclable plastics and packaging.
In a Thursday press release, the Ecology Action Center reported that municipal solid waste recycling rates for 2022 were at a five-year high for McLean County at 46.85%.
The first landmark of the county's 20-year goal, drafted in 2017, is 50%.
"Although this goal has yet to be met," the release read, "McLean County is well ahead of the 32.1% national recycling average."
EAC Executive Director Michael Brown attributed this trend to residents being wiser about recycling as well as the area's corporations taking significant measures to recycle.
"Rivian's efforts, obviously, everything that they're doing. They're a big player in everything (recycling) in our community at this point," Brown said.
He credited Bridgestone, as well, as being a driving force in using less landfill space.
"Bridgestone has a goal to be 90% diversion from the landfill by the end of 2023," Brown said. "Efforts like these really are impressive and do help our community as we try to recycle more."
According to Thursday's press release, "The amount of single stream recycling collected in McLean County in 2022 rose by 14.7%."
This number reflects curbside recycling as well as collection at the county's four community recycling drop-off locations at Heartland Community College, Jewel-Osco off Cottage Avenue, Walmart on Greenbriar Drive and one that is being relocated from Chiddix Junior High to the Crossroads Center off Wylie Drive in west Bloomington.
Brown attributed the less-than-meteoric rise in recycling in the past five years mainly to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
"There was an increase in disposable, single-use, non-recyclable packaging," Brown said, primarily from ordering take-out from local restaurants and having more things delivered versus bought in store.
Brown recommended that home- and business-owners use the resources available at the EAC and through recyclebn.org in order to become "better recyclers."
5 major mistakes people tend to make when recycling
5 major mistakes people tend to make when recycling
Trying to recycle coated wrapping paper
Putting electronics with other recyclables
Putting broken glasses in recycling bins
Putting all plastics together
Attempting to recycle paper food and drink containers | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/recycling-mclean-county-eac-rates/article_90e49346-1c27-11ee-8aef-37bc6c1bd952.html | 2023-07-08T14:23:32 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/recycling-mclean-county-eac-rates/article_90e49346-1c27-11ee-8aef-37bc6c1bd952.html |
ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal.
A new project is being lined up near a busy intersection in unincorporated east Orlando with some topographical challenges that have led the developer to pare down what it wants to build there.
Read: ‘Jaws’-themed restaurant announces updated location in Central Florida, opening date
A request filed July 3 in Orange County seeks to amend the land-use plan for the Expressway Center PD to multifamily residential.
It includes the property at 7500 Bryan Road, just northeast of the interchange of State Road 408/East-West Expressway and Goldenrod Road and is directly across the toll road from AdventHealth East Orlando Hospital.
Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website.
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/new-eastside-project-faces-challenges-all-details/QV7G6V7DPFEVLDVIEUASMY7YEI/ | 2023-07-08T14:24:49 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/new-eastside-project-faces-challenges-all-details/QV7G6V7DPFEVLDVIEUASMY7YEI/ |
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Lottery launched a new Powerball ticket promotion this week with NASCAR fans in mind.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Players can enter their purchased tickets, even if it’s not a winning ticket, for a chance to win $1 million and a VIP trip to the NASCAR Championship Weekend at Phoenix Railway.
These tickets are part of the NASCAR Powerball Playoff Bonus Play.
Read: Powerball: Florida store sells $1 million second-tier prize in Wednesday’s drawing
Fifty Florida players will be selected on Aug. 2, and 16 semi-finalists will be announced at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on Aug. 26.
Those finalists will be entered into drawings around the time of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, and the final drawing will be at the NASCAR Championship Weekend.
Read: Florida Lottery unveils new scratch-off games with big prizes in July
The promotion will last until July 31.
Click here for more information.
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/race-finish-line-nascar-powerball-team-up-lottery-ticket-promotion/KYZDJTLEA5CDZJEOFT3S2VRMF4/ | 2023-07-08T14:24:56 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/race-finish-line-nascar-powerball-team-up-lottery-ticket-promotion/KYZDJTLEA5CDZJEOFT3S2VRMF4/ |
INDIANAPOLIS — The Wayne Township Fire Department put its delicate rescue skills to work on Friday, rescuing a kitten who had gotten struck inside a small hole in a cabinet.
"Fire departments are known for their ability to lift heavy objects and cut open large vehicles, but we also specialize in delicate rescue work," the department said in a statement posted to social media.
Members of Ladder 82 used those skills to help a citizen whose pet was in need of rescue, freeing the kitten "without causing her to lose even one of her nine lives."
"The kitten is doing fine and hopefully learned a valuable life lesson," the department said. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/wayne-township-firefighters-rescue-kitten-stuck-cabinet/531-7989e971-f685-43f5-b324-4020c6050747 | 2023-07-08T14:26:11 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/wayne-township-firefighters-rescue-kitten-stuck-cabinet/531-7989e971-f685-43f5-b324-4020c6050747 |
EAST VANDERGRIFT, Pa. — A man was flown to the hospital for severe burns after a fire in East Vandergrift on Saturday morning.
According to Westmoreland County dispatchers, emergency crews were called to Elm Street at 6:41 a.m.
Officials on scene told Channel 11 the fire started in the kitchen.
The home is not livable after the fire, and utilities and gas have been turned off.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/man-severely-burned-flown-hospital-after-fire-east-vandergrift/JKHELGEITNAPBMBIHF3W6M5RRE/ | 2023-07-08T14:30:01 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/man-severely-burned-flown-hospital-after-fire-east-vandergrift/JKHELGEITNAPBMBIHF3W6M5RRE/ |
PHOENIX — The Pittsburgh Pirates (40-48) lost in game one to the Arizona Diamondbacks (51-38), after a poor performance on the mound, and not much offense to boot.
Rich Hill only lasted four innings while giving up five earned runs, and Yohan Ramirez gave up a pair of runs in his relief appearance.
The Pirates’ offense could only muster three runs, and as a result, the Pirates fell 7-3 in the desert.
Read the full story from our partners at Sports Now Group Pittsburgh here.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/pirates-preview-can-keller-rebound-after-rough-start/SKOS3QAP7BDNVDKXRB3NDTAGDI/ | 2023-07-08T14:30:07 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/pirates-preview-can-keller-rebound-after-rough-start/SKOS3QAP7BDNVDKXRB3NDTAGDI/ |
PHOENIX — It was the tale of two pitchers at Chase Field as the Pittsburgh Pirates were defeated 7-3 by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night.
Pirates starter Rich Hill (7-9) was tagged for five runs in 4.0 innings of work. The left-hander allowed seven hits, walked four and punched out three batters in what was his 18th start of the season.
On the other side, Zac Gallen (11-3) limited the Pirates to just a single run on four hits across 7.0 innings. The 2023 All-Star didn’t walk a single batter and struck out five.
Read the full story from our partners at Sports Now Group Pittsburgh here.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/rich-hill-struggles-while-zac-gallen-shines-pirates-fall-7-3-d-backs/SX5QIDDZCNBINAIDAFHQQKDZEU/ | 2023-07-08T14:30:13 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/rich-hill-struggles-while-zac-gallen-shines-pirates-fall-7-3-d-backs/SX5QIDDZCNBINAIDAFHQQKDZEU/ |
Manatee Community Foundation appoints longtime community leader as executive director
Manatee Community Foundation appoints executive director
Veronica Thames, former senior vice president and chief operating officer of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, has been appointed executive director of the Manatee Community Foundation, the board of directors announced.
Thames will lead the organization in creating and executing initiatives built to have a lasting impact in Manatee County and beyond. At Gulf Coast, Thames played a key role in the expansion of operations since 2018, including the opening of the Sarasota Philanthropy Center.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be a driver of positive impact in my own backyard and around so many of my community friends,” Thames said. “Manatee is experiencing unprecedented growth ... I hope to open doors to collaboration that must exist between philanthropists, government officials, community and nonprofit partners, and county residents.”
Thames also previously served as vice president of human resources at Blake Medical Center Healthcare Corporation of America.
“Veronica’s entrepreneurial, fresh, and strategic perspective will propel our organization forward,” board chair Robert Turner said. “Her commitment and passion have been influenced by her experience and we look forward to her contributions as a trusted ambassador, all for the benefit of the community we are proud to serve.”
Israeli-born scholar named new rabbi at Kol HaNeshama
Rabbi Sigal Brier has been named the new rabbi of Congregation Kol HaNeshama in Sarasota, succeeding Interim Rabbi Carl Astor and Rabbi Emerita Jennifer Singer, the congregation’s first full-time rabbi.
Brier comes to Kol HaNeshama, 3145 Southgate Circle, with years of experience as a congregational rabbi. She is an Israeli-born scholar, spiritual mentor, teacher, and artist whose background includes training in psychology, religion, art, music, yoga, and meditation. Brier has been featured on CBS "Sunday Morning" and National Public Radio.
“I’m looking forward to working with members at the Kol HaNeshama community and others in the Sarasota area, starting in July, and grow a Jewish spiritual home together,” said Brier, who was ordained at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and holds master’s degrees in organizational psychology and Jewish studies. Visit khsarasota.org.
Accomplished musician appointed Venice Chorale's artistic director
Brent Douglas of St. Petersburg, an accomplished conductor with an extensive background in symphonic, operatic and choral genres, has been appointed artistic director for The Venice Chorale.
Douglas's career includes collaborations with the London Classical Players, Berlin Sinfonietta, and National Women's Chorus of Cuba. He was Director of Orchestra and Chorus at Eckerd College for nine years and assistant conductor for the Tampa Bay Symphony. He has conducted performances at prominent festivals and events, including the Mediterranean Opera Studio and Festival in Sicily, the Vienna Summer Music Festival, and The Venice Symphony.
Douglas, a pianist, harpsichordist and organist, also will oversee The Venice Chorale’s Apprentice Program for high school students. The 2023-24 concert season will kick off on Dec. 12 at the Venice Performing Arts Center.
Around and about ...
Gardeners Out East Garden Club of Lakewood Ranch is hosting a book signing event with HGTV “Curb Appeal” and “Curb Appeal Xtreme” host John Gidding on July 15 at at 4 p.m. at Robert Toale and Sons Celebration of Life Center, 4310 Solutions Lane, Lakewood Ranch. Gidding will talk about native planting and will be signing copies of his new book “At Home with Nature: A Guide to Sustainable, Natural Landscaping.” Tickets at eventbrite; info at gardenersouteast.com.
· The Suncoast Humane Society, 6781 San Casa Drive, Englewood, will celebrate the reopening of its Venice Thrift Store on July 9 starting at 9 a.m. The store (656 Tamiami Trail), which helps fund animal shelter programs and services, has been expanded and “is much more than a fresh coat of paint," regional manager Dakota Koel said. Info: humane.org; 941‐480‐9811.
· The Humane Society of Sarasota County, 2331 15th St., Sarasota, is taking part in “Empty the Shelters,” a nationwide reduced-fee adoption event, now through July 31. Pets will be available for adoption for $25 or less. The initiative is sponsored by Bissell Pet Foundation and MetLife Pet Insurance. Visit hssc.org.
· DreamLarge and the Rosemary Art & Design District (RADD) in Sarasota will host a free BBQ Bash & BLVD Bike Ride on July 13 in Rosemary Park, 1386 Blvd. of the Arts. The bike ride will be led by Bill Waddill, COO of the Bay Park Conservancy, and will begin at 6 p.m. Info and registration: eventbrite.com/e/blvd-bike-rides-tickets-602688998017.
· The Literacy Council of Sarasota is seeking volunteers to help adults improve their English communication and literacy skills. No experience is required. Training begins July 10 at the Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center, Bldg J, 1750 17th St., in Sarasota. Information and registration: LCS program director Susan Bergstrom at 941-955-0421 or sbergstrom@sarasotaliteracy.org.
· Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota, an LGBTQ+ chorus, will hold open rehearsals starting Aug. 29 for the 2023-24 season, including performances in December at the Living Nativity at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Venice and in January at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Venice. Visit diversitysarasota.org.
Submissions by Myles Griffith, Meredith Dropkin, Sherry Borgsdorf, Mike Stephens, Nancy Schneider, Samantha Jacob, Alissa Jackson, Asya Stuart, Tom Melville, Donna Dore Fossum. | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2023/07/08/former-gulf-coast-foundation-leader-joins-manatee-community-foundation/70373737007/ | 2023-07-08T14:39:33 | 0 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2023/07/08/former-gulf-coast-foundation-leader-joins-manatee-community-foundation/70373737007/ |
Ouch, Siesta Key ranks among worst hotel service in the nation, study shows
Does a room with a paradisal view make up for poor hotel service? Apparently not.
Despite being recognized for having one of the best beaches in the country and in the world by Tripadvisor, Siesta Key was ranked the 4th worst city for hotel service out of 20 cities, according to a study from Planetware.
The study analyzed nearly 8 million hotel reviews from more than 9,000 hotels across 95 U.S. cities to determine those with the worst hotel reviews, worst hotel service, and the common complaints made.
Based on their methodology, they took the millions of hotel reviews and formed a percentage of all analyzed hotel reviews in a given city that were 1-star or 2-star reviews. Rankings for worst hotel service were based on the frequency of keywords mentioned in bad reviews.
What other Florida cities made the list for worst hotel service?
Five Florida cities made the top 20 list for worst hotel service:
- Miami Beach - 1
- Key West - 10
- Panama City Beach - 12
- Fort Lauderdale – 15
- Daytona Beach – 19
Spotted in Sarasota?Bobby Flay eats at popular Sarasota food truck, says signature sandwich is ‘delicious’
What city had the worst hotel reviews?
Topping the list for the most one and two-star reviews at 20% is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
In case you missed it:North Port Little League memorializes 6-year-old boy who died after dog bite
What other cities made the list of worst reviews?
The top 15 cities with the worst reviews are:
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Atlantic City, New Jersey
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
- San Jose, California
- South Padre Island, Texas
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Tampa, Florida
- San Antonio, Texas
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Columbus, Ohio
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Pheonix, Arizona
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Galveston, Texas
What are the most common bad reviews left for hotels?
Nationally the most common bad reviews left for hotels:
- The smell of smoke
- Lack of toilet paper
- Bed bugs
- Thin walls
- Poor service
- Broken or dirty toilet seats
- Third-party booking services
- Musty smells
- Black mold
- Broken hair dryer
How do I make sure I’m booking a good hotel?
As for cleanliness after you book, nonprofit founder Christopher Elliott offered tips for USA Today in 2021 on how to tell if your room is actually clean, such as:
Read online reviews. User-generated online reviews are a great source of cleanliness ratings. He recommends a zero-tolerance policy at a time like this, adding if he sees just one review that suggests the hotel isn't taking sanitation seriously, he usually books elsewhere.
Pay attention to high-touch surfaces. At a hotel, that would be the doorknobs and TV remotes. Often, they aren't cleaned between guests, says Roman Peysakhovich, CEO of Onedesk, a commercial cleaning company. "This carries serious risks in terms of passing germs." His advice: Clean them yourself as a precaution.
Look for real evidence of cleaning. Some hotels place seals on the door, and others shrink-wrap your TV remote in plastic. He wrote that the two most proven methods are looking for dirt and dust and giving the room a sniff test. If you smell a faint odor of cleaner and don't see any dirt, that's usually a good sign.
Contributing: Samantha Neely, Fort Myers News-Press | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2023/07/08/siesta-key-ranks-among-worst-hotel-service-in-the-nation-study-shows/70389157007/ | 2023-07-08T14:39:39 | 1 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2023/07/08/siesta-key-ranks-among-worst-hotel-service-in-the-nation-study-shows/70389157007/ |
Protest over Chaco Canyon drilling ban stirs deeper debates among Navajo leaders, citizens
The ongoing debate over oil and gas drilling around Chaco Canyon National Historic Park is going to be about fighting misinformation and not fighting one another, say the Diné activists whose celebration about a plan to protect the park turned into a contentious standoff last month with local Diné allottees who oppose the plan.
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland had announced her intention to withdraw more than 336,400 acres of land around Chaco Canyon from new oil and gas leasing for the next 20 years. She had intended to talk about the 10-mile buffer at an event on June 11, but before she made it to Chaco Canyon to meet with tribal and state officials, grassroots organizers and climate activists, chaos erupted at the road leading to the park's visitors center.
Allottees had blocked the road to people trying to get to the site, and began yelling what supporters of the buffer zone describe as racist epithets toward Pueblo tribal members, and other hateful words toward their own Diné tribal members, and toward women.
“I apologize to all our Pueblo relatives for the behavior and actions of our Diné people who displayed negative remarks towards you all and to Deb as well,” said Makai Lewis, who spoke during an NDN Collective debriefing. “That is not a reflection of who we are as Diné. We wanted to show up there in the spirit of kinship, and k’é and solitary for our Pueblo relatives.”
Weeks after the incident, Navajo Nation leadership hadn’t addressed the scene outside of the National Historic Park that day. But after the confrontation, the Resource and Development Committee traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for uranium mine cleanup, and to support mineral rights of allottees.
Navajo allottees “own” the surface and subsurface of their parcels, including mineral rights and benefits, and earn money from resource extraction leases.
“We stand with our Navajo people who rely on their mineral rights for income to support their families and livelihood,” said council delegate Danny Simpson, who was at the protest in support of allottees, where supporters of the buffer zone said he fanned the flames of the intense interaction. “Navajo Nation leaders and the allottees did not receive sufficient consultation and Secretary Haaland never met directly with the people who are most impacted by the land withdrawal.”
Legal actions are possible
After Haaland made the announcement about the 10-mile buffer intended to protect the greater Chaco Canyon area, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, with Navajo Nation Council support, said he had directed the Navajo Nation attorney general to look into legal action against the Department of Interior.
“The President has directed Attorney General Ethel Branch to explore all options. And if legal action is an option, he is prepared to utilize it,” Nygren’s communication director, Donovan Quintero, said in a statement.
Nygren, along with Speaker Crystalyne Curley and other delegates, except for Simpson, weren’t at the protest, even though buffer zone supporters were told by allottees that it was Nygren who called for the action. At one point they suggested he was there, only to realize he wasn’t.
Arizona Republican lawmakers are also getting in on the fight against the buffer zone. U.S. Rep. Eli Crane, with Rep. Paul Gosar, introduced the Energy Opportunities for All Act, which would nullify the land withdrawal.
Crane said the ban will have significant negative economic impacts on both Navajo Nation and the American taxpayer, severely limiting tribal revenue, economic development, self-sufficiency, and American energy production.
Chaco Canyon carries both cultural and historical significance for communities in the region, Crane said. The development of the land should be determined by those with lawful sovereignty, "not out-of-touch Biden administration officials hellbent on imposing their radical agenda on tribal communities."
The ban makes it clear that the administration only cares about tribal voices "so long as they’re in line with the approved agenda," Crane said.
“This administration likes to talk about their supposed support for Tribal communities but has no problem implementing a destructive chokehold on Tribal revenue and economic prosperity,” said Crane. “Secretary Haaland and President Biden are throwing the Navajo Nation under a bus driven by extremists with no concern for Native interests or the energy needs of all Americans.”
Confusion about the issues stirs discussions
Lewis and other so-called “extremists” who were at the demonstration and who are also citizens of the Navajo and Pueblo tribes and have cultural ties to the area, held an online debriefing with those who were at the protest and other interested members of the public about what they had witnessed that day. They said they saw allottees being fed false information and narratives about the Chaco Canyon buffer from Navajo leadership, and that is what caused them to react in a hostile manner.
“It was real tense, heavy and frustrating too,” said Lewis, who is a citizen of the Navajo Nation. “There were just hateful remarks, like cussing us in English and telling us to go home. We were hearing all this cuss words at us but none of us ever said anything negative back to them in English or Diné.”
He spoke of an elderly Navajo woman yelling at them and telling them they weren't from the area and aren’t Diné, because of the way they were dressed and because they stood in solidarity with the Pueblo tribe. He claimed the rhetoric from some of the allottees also sounded Christian- and Republican-centric.
“I started to say along the lines of 'We are Diné, this is who we are,'” said Lewis, recalling what he was saying in Diné to those yelling at him and telling him he and the others weren’t Diné. “We cherish the land, earth, elements, and so forth, these are our deities, and I started naming those deities.”
Interior Department proposal:Navajo officials say a mining and drilling ban at Chaco Canyon will hurt local residents
But the mood shifted with the allottees, he said. After one of the supporters of the buffer asked one woman genuinely what it was she wanted, she started talking about the history of her homelands and all that she had endured as encroachment of the park began.
“Her family lived there for three, four generations and she remembers once she attained her land there,” Lewis said. “She resisted the park, a road going through her grazing land, and she tried to go through local leadership time and time again, and some other neighboring relatives letting them know they didn't want that access road to Chaco Canyon because they had sheep, livestock, and she was worried about the vegetation.”
He said it was evident that the allottees are confused and ill-informed about what is going on. Lewis said the elderly woman explained more in Diné how even with oil and gas extraction, she has been worried about the land, water and vegetation in her area. She was also worried that the Pueblo tribe would take her land and she’d be relocated, which is a common claim allottees have been given by local officials.
“One of the most heartbreaking things about it is everybody is so confused,” said Kim Smith, who is also Navajo, during the debriefing. “It really shows a lack of communication between the leadership and the people at the ground level. At one point we were able to identify that the council delegate from the region was there, there were chapter presidents that were yelling at people ‘Vote Republican!’ You really saw and heard right-wing rhetoric, that was eye opening.”
People are 'yearning to go back'
Smith said once the question was asked of allottees, “What is it y'all want,” the feedback consisted of concerns over contamination of water, disrespectful tourists, and animals not allowed to graze in and around the park as they once did before.
“People have intergenerational trauma of being relocated,” said Smith of the discussion. “People are yearning to go back to the places that are around Chaco, and they’re not allowed to because they have to go through the feds to get any type of permission to be on that land."
Smith said all the concerns were valid, but the peace between the two groups didn't last long because as the dialogue was happening, she said a delegate came in and tried to stop the conversation. Then the chapter president, who is against the buffer zone, took allottees to talk with them on the side.
“As everyone has mentioned there are different pockets of organizing that are happening,” Smith said. “It is eye-opening. We have a lot of work to do and continue to do. It’s interesting that Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren didn't show up. At the end of it all, he created this buzz and wasn’t even there.”
Janene Yazzie, of NDN Collective, said the only people who seem to have access to Navajo leadership are lobbyists, who are part of the reason for misinformation on this issue. Another reason for misinformation, Yazzie said, is the complexity of this issue, which is why grassroots organizers who have been working from the beginning should be seen as the leading authorities.
The issue also lies with current Navajo administration having short institutional memory, or not being properly briefed by the former administration, Yazzie said. She commended the All Pueblo Council of Governors for exemplifying what it means to be transparent with documentation and providing information to the public on the withdrawal.
"This is a first step in a future unity that is necessary to protect all of our sacred sites, for all of our people, to protect all of our lands, all of our water," Yazzie said. "And to address the priority of improving the public health because we know that these impacts from these extractive industries, particularly oil and gas development, have created severe public health issues throughout our territories and communities."
Arlyssa Becenti covers Indigenous affairs for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Send ideas and tips to arlyssa.becenti@arizonarepublic.com.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/07/08/federal-drilling-ban-chaco-canyon-park-arizona-stirs-debate-navajo-nation/70392205007/ | 2023-07-08T14:46:12 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/07/08/federal-drilling-ban-chaco-canyon-park-arizona-stirs-debate-navajo-nation/70392205007/ |
Thousands of Gilbert residents push back against Bottled Blonde location in downtown
Nearly 4,000 Gilbert residents are petitioning the town to stop plans for the popular nightclub Bottled Blonde to open a location in its downtown.
The restaurant by day and dance club by night would replace a historic cottage that had housed Bergies Coffee Roast House, which closed in December after 14 years. The coffee shop announced the landlords had sold the property to a private developer. The location is south of Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row and north of Joe's Real BBQ.
Scottsdale-based Evening Entertainment Group announced its plans to bring a two-story Bottled Blonde with a full-service restaurant, bar and beer garden to Gilbert. It would be the second location in metro Phoenix and is “custom crafted to fit into this bustling downtown community,” according to the June 21 announcement.
The development group plans to start construction in early 2024 and finish in 2025. The group has been looking for the “right space” in downtown Gilbert and is “honored to bring Bottled Blonde to the east Valley,” co-owner Les Corieri said in the statement.
“I can’t wait to invite everyone over for some pizza and pints, kicking back at the communal tables watching the big game and soaking in the good vibes,” Corieri said.
Dalke Design Group will draw up the blueprints for the building. It will work with “acoustic engineers to ensure the good times stay within the four walls,” the statement said.
According to a statement on the town’s website, the proposed plan would be allowed under the current zoning. The developers have submitted a pre-application to receive staff feedback.
Not family-friendly? Residents push back
After the announcement, residents pushed back online with their disapproval. Many said they didn’t think it fit the family-friendly atmosphere of Gilbert, and others were concerned the business would create noise nuisances.
One resident launched an online petition, requesting the town to reconsider the developers’ plan. As of Friday, it has amassed 3,920 signatures.
"If Bottled Blonde is allowed to open its doors in downtown Gilbert, it will fundamentally alter the character and atmosphere of our beloved town," the petition reads in part.
"Gilbert has prided itself on being a family-friendly community, attracting residents seeking a peaceful and secure environment to raise their families. Allowing a bar of this nature to establish itself in the heart of our town will send a message that Gilbert is willing to sacrifice its values and jeopardize the well-being of its residents for the sake of commercial gain. This precedent could lead to further encroachments on our community's integrity, potentially compromising our quality of life and driving families away."
Pushback for similar developments to downtown isn’t new. In 2015, residents also clashed with the town when Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row was announced.
A neighborhood meeting will be required before a formal submittal of the plan, according to a town spokesperson. At that point, the public will have a chance to voice concerns directly with the developers.
The design is also required to be reviewed by the town’s redevelopment commission during a public hearing.
The commission’s final decision can be appealed to the Town Council, which can “uphold, modify, or reverse design review related decisions of the redevelopment commission,” a town spokesperson wrote in an email to The Arizona Republic.
Resident pushback:Plans for downtown Gilbert development called Heritage North move forward after delays
A growing nightlife scene in Heritage District
The redevelopment of Gilbert’s Heritage District, what the town calls its downtown, has been a pointed effort since the council adopted its redevelopment plan in 2018.
The plan outlines short- and long-term goals over a 10-year period.
The once-quiet strip of land has turned into a bustling, go-to entertainment district.
Over the years, the town has purchased vacant parcels to encourage businesses to come to its downtown. In January 2022, the council approved a zoning change for the north anchor of the Heritage District and is working to develop plans for the south anchor.
“Establishments like (Bottled Blonde) add to the 30+ existing diverse dining and entertainment opportunities that cater to the wide demographic of visitors to the Heritage District,” a town spokesperson wrote in an email to The Republic.
Reporter Maritza Dominguez covers Mesa and Gilbert and can be reached at maritza.dominguez@arizonarepublic.com or 480-271-0646. Follow her on Twitter @maritzacdom. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/gilbert/2023/07/08/gilbert-residents-push-back-on-bottled-blonde-for-heritage-district/70385556007/ | 2023-07-08T14:46:18 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/gilbert/2023/07/08/gilbert-residents-push-back-on-bottled-blonde-for-heritage-district/70385556007/ |
Here are 5 things to know about owning a home in Buckeye
For those who are thinking about buying a home in Buckeye, or already own a home in Buckeye, the future might look daunting.
Buckeye has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the country in recent decades, with its population ballooning from about 6,000 in 2000 to over 100,000 in 2022. But the city made headlines in recent years because it doesn't have a 100-year water designation.
Designations are given by the Arizona Department of Water Resources. If a city doesn't have it, individual developers have to seek a 100-year water certificate before construction can start. Here are five things to know if you have a home in Buckeye or are thinking of purchasing one.
Own a home in Buckeye? Don't fret
For those who have a home in Buckeye, don't worry about running out of water. Any for-sale home has to have a 100-year water certificate from the Arizona Department of Water Resources.
Earlier this year, Gov. Katie Hobbs declared that the Hassaympa sub-basin, which supplies much of the groundwater in Buckeye, was fully allocated. But that was done with the intent to protect the water supply of those already living there, Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke said at a March event hosted by Leadership West.
So, while no new developers can obtain a 100-year water certificate using the groundwater source, homes that have already been built will be set for the next 100 years even if they are using groundwater. That also includes homes that haven't yet been built but were given a 100-year water certificate before Hobbs' announcement.
What to know:Arizona has a water crisis. Here's what that means for some metro Phoenix cities
Developers can't build unless they have a certificate
And if you're planning on purchasing a home, again, don't fret yet. Developers are not allowed to build unless they already have a certificate. So those moving from out of state can be sure that, if they do purchase a home, it will have its 100-year water certificate.
Sindy Ready, vice president of the Arizona Association of Realtors and leader at the Ready Team and RE/MAX Excalibur associate, said one of the most common questions from soon-to-be Arizona homeowners is whether or not they will have enough water.
While future developers may have to find another source of water, homes that are already built or have already gotten their 100-year water certificate are not at risk of running out of water. Overall, Arizona has become a state well-respected for its water planning, Ready said.
"We're not in a water crisis right now. What we're in is a water planning stage," Ready said.
Plan in place:Arizona will halt new home approvals in parts of metro Phoenix as water supplies tighten
Property values aren't expected to go down
This year's news about water in Buckeye also hasn't impacted property values, Ready said. If anyone is being deterred from moving to Buckeye due to the recent headlines, it isn't enough to decrease property values, which are largely driven by supply and demand.
And because people are moving to Buckeye and Arizona at such a fast rate, there simply aren't enough homes on the market to accommodate all of the people who are coming. In a normal market in the Valley, Ready said, there would be about 35,000 on the market each day. But right now, there are only about 9,000 homes on the market. In the West Valley, there are only about 2,800 homes for sale.
"Supply and demand generate the values of our property in the whole Valley, but also specific to the west side. It's because there are more people moving here than there are houses," Ready said.
The city is looking for other water sources
The city is always looking to diversify its water portfolio, Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn previously told The Arizona Republic, which will help with development going forward.
Earlier this year, the City Council gave approval for the city to move forward with an $80 million purchase of land with water rights near the Harquahala sub-basin. That sub-basin exists outside of the Phoenix Active Management Area, where the Arizona Department of Water Resources regulates groundwater.
And Orsborn has also told The Arizona Republic that Buckeye's water future is secure despite the regulations on the Hassayampa sub-basin, where the city currently gets most of its water. Another solution might include expanding the Bartlett Dam, which would nearly double storage capacity on the Verde River.
Concerns addressed:Buckeye, Queen Creek officials try to calm public after Arizona limits new home construction
Be cautious if you plan to buy undeveloped land
Those who plan to purchase undeveloped land anywhere in the Valley should remain cautious, Ready said. If people are purchasing land in order to invest in it, it's possible that they'll run into problems when they're trying to get water to their land.
Down the road, it's possible that any of the Valley cities may restrict water to undeveloped areas, Ready said, although that won't have an effect on people who are homeowners or who are looking to purchase a home.
Reach the reporter at ahardle@gannett.com or by phone at 480-259-8545. Follow her on Twitter @AlexandraHardle. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/southwest-valley/2023/07/08/buying-a-home-in-buckeye-amid-recent-water-news/70371126007/ | 2023-07-08T14:46:24 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/southwest-valley/2023/07/08/buying-a-home-in-buckeye-amid-recent-water-news/70371126007/ |
Convert the gym into classrooms? Southwest Phoenix-area schools scramble to handle growth
When Michael Sivertson became principal of Youngker High School in the summer of 2020, he was told that the school’s growth was projected to take off. At the time, it had around 1,700 students, he said.
Just three years later, Youngker's enrollment for fall 2023 will be around 2,180.
“We have growth in pretty much every direction,” Sivertson said.
Youngker High School is in Buckeye, one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Once a primarily agricultural area, it has grown from just over 50,000 residents in 2010 to around 105,000 in 2022. And it’s poised to keep growing — the city is only 13% built out, according to Buckeye spokesperson Annie DeChance, and new developments are announced regularly.
“Every direction, there’s either new building currently going on, or they’re positioning for it,” Sivertson said. “They’re digging in the dirt ... the farmland is gone.”
Districts across the southwest Phoenix area, which has two of the nation’s fifteen fastest-growing large cities, are scrambling to accommodate their service areas' explosive growth. Many are trying to secure funding to build new schools while finding ways to manage more immediate capacity concerns.
Less than a mile south of Youngker, homebuilder D.R. Horton is writing seven to 10 sales per week for Estrella Vista, a development that opened last year that will have about 535 homes, according to sales representative Heather Heutmaker.
It's one of a number of housing developments that have cropped up around the school in recent years. About a mile northeast of the school, D.R. Horton is selling single-family homes at Desert Moon Estates, which opened in 2021. For now, the development has built around half of its planned 430 homes.
“There was nothing there two years ago,” Sivertson said, pointing northeast from Youngker toward Desert Moon. “All of that area north of us was desert.”
When Sivertson arrived three years ago, the first phase to handle Youngker’s growth was to secure portable classrooms, he said. But the school became “tapped out with space,” Sivertson said, and soon needed more growing room.
"Moving into the coming school year, we had to do something," he said.
The district decided to turn one of Youngker’s two gyms into classrooms.
Construction began in the fall. Now, what was once a wide-open gymnasium with four basketball hoops has become two floors of 12 classrooms that will house the school’s world language and freshman math classes. The $4 million project included soundproofing the building’s weight room, which will share a wall with Algebra I come fall.
The loss of the school’s main practice gym has been an adjustment for the sports teams, Sivertson said.
Youngker’s six basketball teams — three girls' and three boys' teams — began adapting to the change this past season after construction began. Since all six teams can't fit at once in the school’s only remaining gym, which has three courts, they stagger practice times rather than all practicing immediately after school, according to Tonya Lee, the school’s athletic director. This fall, the badminton and volleyball teams will have to do the same.
The biggest challenge has been managing game days, Lee said, because home wrestling matches and basketball games, which run late, mean the other teams can’t use the gym. Sivertson said the school tries to work with the Arizona Interscholastic Association to schedule boys' and girls' basketball games on the same days — one home, the other away — to avoid this conflict, but it’s not always possible.
“I don’t ever want to cancel practice,” Lee said. On those days, teams might try to get in the gym “as quickly as possible after school to get some work done, and then maybe we can go into the weight room, or we can go in the classroom and do film or ... our character stuff.”
The gym conversion has given Youngker some breathing room, Sivertson said.
But it’s a stopgap, said Buckeye Union Superintendent Steven Bebee, to handle growth as the district seeks funding for what it really needs: another high school.
As the district tries to "get in line" for funding from the state, it's working on securing land for its next school, Bebee said.
“Buckeye is growing so rapidly," he said. "If I wait another year, the land we need will not exist. It will all be built up.”
'Bursting at the seams': Agua Fria and Tolleson high school districts add classroom space, plan for new schools
East of Buckeye Union, in Agua Fria Union High School District, the rush of students began in 2019, according to Superintendent Mark Yslas. At the time, the district had around 7,830 students across its five schools in Buckeye, Avondale and Goodyear.
This year, it is anticipating a minimum of 9,504 students.
Within Agua Fria’s boundaries is Verrado, an 8,800-acre master-planned community in Buckeye that opened in 2004. It could include over 14,000 homes at build-out and has 4 million square feet of space for office, light industrial and retail, according to its website.
For Yslas, the projected growth in the area surrounding Verrado High School is the “most alarming concern.”
The district’s ideal enrollment for Verrado High School, Yslas said, is around 1,800. Now, it has around 1,850 students, and the district’s demographer, economic research and consulting firm Applied Economics, projects the school to grow to nearly 2,600 over the next four years, Yslas said.
It’s not just Verrado High School that’s seeing growth.
“We are bursting at the seams,” Yslas said.
The district has increased the amount of classroom space in at least four of its schools, he said, by adding buildings and converting office spaces.
“We turned an old gymnasium facility at Millennium into more space for the marching band,” he said. “We added … a separate two-level building at Canyon View that added 14 classrooms.”
In December, the School Facilities Division, an arm of the Arizona Department of Administration in charge of funding new school facilities, approved around $47 million to fund the construction of a sixth high school in the district. But a new school is going to cost between $110 million and $125 million, Yslas said, so the district is going out for a bond in November to fund the difference.
The bond, which is not expected to increase taxes, is the only avenue the district has now to build another high school, Yslas said. Last fall, voters rejected the district’s bond attempt by about 700 votes, he said.
Though there have not yet been discussions among district leaders about what might happen if the district is unable to fund a sixth high school, Yslas said, “the reality is, if we don't have enough space for all of them, we would have to come up with some other type of plan to educate all.” Other school districts across the country have had to implement double sessions — when half the students attend in the morning, the other half in the afternoon — in order to deal with limited space, he said.
The formula for how much money the School Facilities Division allocates for new schools is dictated by state statute, according to Megan Rose, spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Administration. There have been cases in which districts received an individual legislative appropriation to fund the remaining cost of a new school, she said.
Agua Fria’s neighboring high school district to the east, Tolleson Union, saw a drop in enrollment at the beginning of COVID-19 like many districts. But enrollment soon recovered, said district spokesperson Joseph Ortiz, and returned to its trend of increasing by 3% to 4% each year.
The district is trying to get approval to build a new high school in Alamar, a 1,150-acre master-planned community in Avondale that opened in 2020. The development currently has around 1,200 home lots, according to Alamar community representative Alicia Sanchez, and may have up to 4,000 homes at build-out, according to its website.
To manage growth from Alamar in the meantime, the district added classrooms to La Joya Community High School, Ortiz said. It did the same at Copper Canyon High School to prepare for the development of Stonehaven, a nearby master-planned community, and at Tolleson Union High School.
The district's youngest high school, West Point, which opened in 2019, was more than 200 students over capacity this past school year.
Tolleson Union is hoping to support the construction of the new high school with money from a bond going before voters in November, Ortiz said.
Uneven growth in Fowler and Litchfield elementary school districts
For some districts, the southwest Valley’s explosive growth has caused uneven enrollment.
In southwest Phoenix’s Fowler Elementary School District, attendance has shifted in recent years, according to Superintendent Nora Ulloa. The southern part of the district, below West Lower Buckeye Road between South 83rd and South 67th avenues, is “growing leaps and bounds” due to nearby home and apartment development while enrollment on the north side is declining, she said.
This past year, it was a problem for the district’s southwestern-most school, Tuscano, where enrollment as of April 2023 was around 770, Ulloa said. Each of the district’s other schools had less than 550 students, and the district’s northeastern-most school, Sunridge, had less than half the enrollment of Tuscano, according to Ulloa.
“Having so many young children in a classroom is extremely challenging,” she said. And while it’s not uncommon for class sizes to vary from year to year, Tuscano's enrollment "is predictable and it's going to keep growing,” Ulloa said. “So we want to avoid that.”
The district redrew its internal boundaries for the upcoming school year to move around 250 students out of Tuscano, Ulloa said. The boundary changes, outlined in a letter from Ulloa to the Fowler community, will impact each of the district’s five schools.
“It’s a growing area, and we’re lucky to have new students coming in,” Ulloa said. “But we want to make sure that they have the best possible opportunity, and classes of 35 just is not the way to go.”
The Litchfield Elementary School District, which stretches west from Litchfield Park and parts of Avondale into parts of Buckeye, is also grappling with uneven enrollment trends.
While the district’s eastern portion is seeing declines, largely due to an expansion of charter schools in the area, according to the district’s 2023 demographic and enrollment analysis by Applied Economics, its western portion is experiencing “extreme, rapid growth,” said district spokesperson Sam Nuanez.
The district’s east- and west-side schools are separated by a gap created by Loop 303, Luke Air Force Base, and a number of warehouses, meaning that rearranging internal boundaries to redistribute students would likely create transportation challenges, according to Nuanez.
“We’d have to be busing kids from the extreme west side to the east side,” he said.
But redrawing internal boundaries isn’t the district’s first choice for accommodating growth on its west side. It’s hoping to open a new school with $48 million from a $100 million bond going before voters in November.
The bond is the district’s only avenue to fund an additional school as of now, according to Nuanez. “The reality exists that the additional space is needed,” he said.
In the meantime, the district already needs more classroom space to handle growth in its westernmost schools, specifically Verrado Elementary, a K-5 school, and Verrado Heritage Elementary, a K-8 school. Both are in Buckeye’s Verrado community and are expected to be at full capacity this school year. The district is planning to purchase portable classrooms and repurpose sections of libraries and computer rooms to create additional classroom space, Nuanez said.
Buckeye, Littleton, Liberty, Laveen elementary school districts plan for new schools
Because of the availability of alternative providers at the K-8 level — especially charter schools — enrollment growth in the southwest Valley’s K-8 districts is “much more measured than what we would expect it to be based on the number of housing units that are being added,” said Rick Brammer, an economic consultant with Applied Economics.
Still, several southwest Valley elementary school districts are preparing to open new schools to accommodate their projected growth.
Littleton Elementary School District is planning to open a new school in Avondale’s Alamar community for the 2023-24 school year, according to its website. The Buckeye Elementary School District requested funding from the state for at least three new schools over the next six years.
Laveen Elementary, which is expecting to see a growth of around 2,100 students over the next decade, is in the process of acquiring land for two new schools, according to Superintendent Jeff Sprout.
Liberty Elementary, which has seven schools across Buckeye and Goodyear, will need two additional schools in the next six years to accommodate its projected growth, according to Superintendent Cort Monroe. The district has been allocated about $23 million from the state for its eighth school and is putting a bond proposal on the November ballot to fund the remaining $14.5 million needed to construct it. The bond includes an additional $16.7 million for a ninth school.
Increasing physical space isn’t the only challenge that comes with rising enrollment.
Hiring teachers has been a challenge for all school districts, said Nuanez, the spokesperson for Litchfield Elementary.
“We’re trying to fill all the existing positions first," Nuanez said.
Sivertson, the principal of Youngker High School in Buckeye, said they will need more teachers as they grow as a school.
“But the competition is very tough, and the volume of available teachers is tight right now," he said. “It’s very challenging.”
Sprout said Laveen Elementary is planning not just for the construction of two new schools but for the need for additional buses, technology and staffing that will come along with it.
Madeleine Parrish covers K-12 education. Do you have news to share about your school or school district? Reach her at mparrish@arizonarepublic.com and follow her on Twitter at @maddieparrish61. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/southwest-valley/2023/07/08/southwest-phoenix-area-school-districts-scramble-to-handle-rapid-growth-buckeye-avondale-goodyear/70361973007/ | 2023-07-08T14:46:30 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/southwest-valley/2023/07/08/southwest-phoenix-area-school-districts-scramble-to-handle-rapid-growth-buckeye-avondale-goodyear/70361973007/ |
Glendale residents can get rebates for conserving water at home
Financial rebates will be offered as a way to encourage water conservation in Glendale.
The city’s conservation and sustainable living team has expanded its water efficiency rebate program, according to a news release.
The purpose of the rebates is to encourage community water conservation efforts and encourage water-efficiency upgrades, which are proven to save water during droughts, the news release said.
Who can apply for Glendale water service rebates?
All single-family residential properties that receive water services from the City of Glendale are eligible for the following rebates: landscape conversion, landscape irrigation technology, WaterSense toilet, ENERGY STAR clothes washer, and pool/spa removal.
Multi-family, HOA, commercial, and school properties that receive their water services from the City are eligible to receive the following water-efficiency rebates: landscape conversion, landscape irrigation technology, WaterSense toilet, and water-efficient cooling tower technology.
Rebates will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis from the date and time the application is received.
How to apply for rebates on Glendale water services
Applications may be filed either online or in-person. In order for an application to be complete, all required information must be filled out, all required documents need to be attached, and the application must be signed and dated.
Rebates are subject to the availability of funding.
For more information or to apply, visit the city’s website at glendaleaz.com/. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/glendale/2023/07/08/glendale-encourages-water-conservation-with-rebates/70393605007/ | 2023-07-08T15:03:35 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/glendale/2023/07/08/glendale-encourages-water-conservation-with-rebates/70393605007/ |
CARROLL COUNTY, Va. – The United States Geological Survey confirmed an earthquake in Carroll County.
The 2.6 magnitude earthquake happened at 9:09 a.m. on Saturday.
This marks the fifth earthquake in Southwest Virginia in less than a month.
BREAKING NEWS
CARROLL COUNTY, Va. – The United States Geological Survey confirmed an earthquake in Carroll County.
The 2.6 magnitude earthquake happened at 9:09 a.m. on Saturday.
This marks the fifth earthquake in Southwest Virginia in less than a month.
Copyright 2023 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/08/26-magnitude-earthquake-confirmed-in-carroll-county/ | 2023-07-08T15:16:16 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/08/26-magnitude-earthquake-confirmed-in-carroll-county/ |
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Sullivan County Commission had an informal meeting with Sullivan County Sheriff Jeff Cassidy about a potential pay raise for sheriff’s office employees.
Sheriff Cassidy said they are understaffed in about every single department.
“I’m shorted [in] corrections, k-9, my drug officers, criminal investigations division and patrol,” said Cassidy. “So, it’s pretty much everywhere…and courts.”
Cassidy said the department is currently short 28 officers and is having trouble retaining employees. He said many officers are considering other law enforcement jobs.
“Tennessee Highway Patrol and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, they’re starting out at $65,000 [annually],” said Cassidy. “So, we’ve got four that’s doing background checks with Tennessee Highway Patrol and I’ve already lost one.”
The Sullivan County Commission passed the fiscal year 2023-24 budget last week. It included a 5% increase for the sheriff’s office, which raised the pay from $17.64 to $18.52.
Sheriff Cassidy said he looked at other East Tennessee counties and believes the pay needs to be more competitive than that.
“$20 an hour, $20.50, something like that would be competitive and attract employees,” said Cassidy.
Sullivan County Commissioner Gary Stidham said this shortage of officers causes a public safety concern.
“When you look at being down 11 patrolmen, it increases the response time out in the community,” said Stidham.
Another concern brought up was having enough employees for the new jail being built.
“The applications coming in now is very minimal,” said Cassidy. “So if we need say 20, 25 officers to staff that new jail, how are we going to do it?”
Stidham said the commission will need to think about the new jail employment before it’s too late. Cassidy said he expects the jail to be done in December of 2024.
A possible solution that was discussed at the meeting is using money from the School Resource Officers (SRO) grant given by the State of Tennessee. The funds are for School Resource Officers to be in every school. Sullivan County is allotted $1.125 million through the grant.
“Putting that money into the sheriff’s department as a pay raise, since we’re going to have the $75,000 per school resource officer coming back to us,” said Stidham.
Other commissioners expressed concerns that raising sheriff’s employees’ pay would result in a potential tax increase in the future.
“Every commissioner’s mind is making sure that we’re being great stewards of the county’s money,” said Stidham. “Some are concerned we had to shift funding from the schools this year and that may be something that continuously happens. And, they didn’t feel good about increasing the sheriff’s pay department pay after we just shifted funding from the schools.”
Stidham said the commission will take the information they received from Sheriff Cassidy to work on a solution.
“I see it coming up in the next few months in front of the commission, some form of a resolution to get the issue fixed,” said Stidham. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/sullivan-co-sheriff-and-commissioners-meet-discuss-potential-employee-pay-raise/ | 2023-07-08T15:19:15 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/sullivan-co-sheriff-and-commissioners-meet-discuss-potential-employee-pay-raise/ |
Brevard Housing Authority faces city and state fines for hand sanitizer dumping
Brevard Housing Authority might prefer to wash their hands of this.
After trying to get rid off jugs of donated, expired hand sanitizer, the housing authority faces fines from the city of Melbourne and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for allegedly "pouring large quantities of hand sanitizer into a plastic tarp lined open pit," on the back south corner of the 3.5-acre vacant property owned by the authority, just east of Stone Magnet Middle School, according to city code enforcement documents.
Code Enforcement was notified Wednesday of the disposal activities, visited the site and "observed an ongoing operation where several pallets of hand sanitizer had been poured into the pit. The code enforcement officer directed all operations to immediately cease. City Engineering Department staff reported the discharge/spill to the State Watch Office on July 6.
A phone message to Housing Authority CEO Mike Bean and emails to other Housing Authority officials were not immediately returned Friday.
A worker at the site said they were disposing of hand sanitizer into an evaporation pool, to allow it to evaporate, according to the city code enforcement officer. The worker said the donated hand sanitizer had expired, and they believed this is a proper method for disposal.
City officials did not have specific volume estimates this early in the investigation but in the notice of violation cited "large quantities of hand sanitizer disposed of at residentially zoned property, creating potential for chemical runoff to affect stormwater systems."
"I saw they had a large plastic membrane with product in it, Michelle German, a code enforcement officer, wrote in an email to a city building official.
According to the initial code enforcement inspection notes:
- On July 5, the code enforcement officer observed large piles of cardboard boxes, separated product containers, a large membrane held down by concrete blocks, and product "jugs."
- The code enforcement officer spoke with two workers on site, notified them of the complaint.
- The "Sea & Ski" brand hand sanitizer has "ethyl alcohol" listed as its main ingredient, which is flammable.
- After a reinspection on July 6, city code enforcement notified DEP of the incident and the City Engineer contacted representatives for the property owner, notifying them that the dumping and disposal activities must be ceased immediately, and that they should self-report the incident to DEP.
- The property has no permits for the cargo containers as accessory structures on site.
The property was multi-family residential but the buildings have been demolished, with the demolition permits being completed April 3, city officials said.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection agency, risks of dumping ethyl alcohol in the ground include fire hazard, contaminating soil and groundwater, and health risks to humans and animals. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer typically contains at least 60% alcohol and is an ignitable hazardous waste when discarded.
Manufacturers produced large quantities of hand sanitizer during the COVID-19 pandemic, EPA says, leaving many organizations with excess sanitizer now reaching or exceeding its expiration date. Hand sanitizers manufactured before or on Dec. 31, 2021 and produced under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration temporary guidance, could no longer be sold or distributed by manufacturers after March 31, 2022.
According to its website, the Housing Authority of Brevard County, and the Melbourne Housing Authority, work together to provide housing opportunities for low-income and homeless individuals and families in Brevard County. City Council appoints board members to the Melbourne Housing Authority board but the city is not involved with their day-to-day function.
Contact Environment reporter Jim Waymer at jwaymer@floridatoday.com. | https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/environment/2023/07/08/brevard-housing-authority-might-prefer-to-wash-their-hands-of-this-one/70388985007/ | 2023-07-08T15:25:50 | 0 | https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/environment/2023/07/08/brevard-housing-authority-might-prefer-to-wash-their-hands-of-this-one/70388985007/ |
Lubbock entertainment in brief: Moonlight Musical, classic movies and more
Eady, Wilson bring tour to Cactus
Jason Eady and Jamie Lin Wilson bring their Old Friends Tour to the Cactus Theater at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 9.The elite due of Texas singer/songwriters is making their Cactus Theater debut.
All floor and standard balcony seats are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the show; balcony box seats are $40 in advance and $50 the day of the show and include concessions.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit cactustheater.com
Moonlight Musicals presents 'Little Mermaid Jr.'
Get ready to go under the sea this July and join Moonlight Musicals for our Academy production of Disney’s "The Little Mermaid Jr."
The production is scheduled for July 13, 14 and 15 at the Moonlight Musicals Amphitheater, 413 E. Broadway.
"The Little Mermaid", tells the tale of Ariel, the youngest daughter of King Triton, who wishes to be part of the human world above and pursue the human Prince Eric.
Ariel bargains with the evil sea witch Ursula and trades her tail for legs. Ariel soon finds out this bargain is not what it seems and will need the help of her friends Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull, and Sebastian the crab to help restore order under the sea.
"The Little Mermaid" is based on the beloved fairy tale and animated film and features the songs we all know and love, “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.”
General admission tickets are $21 (plus taxes and fees) and available by calling the Select-a-Seat Box Office at (806) 770-2000, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or visiting selectaseatlubbock.com
High Noon Concert Series continues
Lubbock County presents its annual High Noon Summer Concert series 2023 every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. at the courthouse gazebo and lawn.
This free event includes $50 cash drawings. It is free to enter, but you must be present to win. Only one ticket is allowed per person.
Performance schedule includes:
July 12: Dustin and Kristi Garrett
July 19: Amber Pennington
July 26: Mariachi Mi Tierra
Aug. 2: D.G. Flewellyn
Aug. 9: Jenni Dale Lord
In addition, there will be various food trucks available including Chilly Lily's, J&D Bar-B-Que and Catering, Mi Cocina, and Grub Gauntlet.
For more information, email commissionerscourt@lubbockcounty.gov or call (806) 775-1335.
Buddy Holly Center hosting Summer Showcase
The Buddy Holly Center, 1801 Crickets Ave., is hosting its Summer Showcase at 5:30 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 17.
In addition to viewing the concerts, guests are encouraged to visit Buddy Holly exhibitions and the Fine Arts Gallery during Summer Showcase hours with free admission.
This week's entertainment will feature Jeremy Coture and his band.
Upcoming performances include:
July 13: Cameron James Smith and the Band Monarch
July 20: Alma Quartet
July 27: Mark Wallney
Aug. 3: Marco's Crew
Aug. 10: Mouse Shadow
Aug. 17: Phlip Coggins
For more information, visit https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/buddy-holly-center/summer-showcase-2023
CATS presents 'Snow White and the Wicked Queen'
Children and Adults Theatrical Studio, 2257 34th St., will present "Snow White and the Wicked Queen" at 7:30 p.m. on July 14 and 15.
Take one beautiful girl, one handsome prince, one evil queen, seven little dwarfs and you have a spin on a classic tale.
The play is written by the theater's founder Tim McIntire and directed by Lisa DeClerk and Tyson Lemasters.
General admission tickets are $10 each and available online at https://catsplayhouse.ludus.com/
ZZ Top tribute band to rock Cactus
AZ-Z Top, an acclaimed tribute to the "Little Ol' Band from Texas" is set to take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 14, at the Cactus Theater.
The music and showmanship of that Little Ol’ band from Texas is captured by this Arizona trio that loves the music just as much as anyone! All three members have been playing ZZ songs for years and were just waiting for the right combination of talents to fall into place to create this top touring tribute to the original legends - creating a spot-on show that makes you feel like you're right there at a live ZZ Top concert.
Tickets for this show are $27.50 for floor roas A-F; $25 for floor rows G-M; $22.50 for standard balcony seats; and $50 for balcony box seats, which includes concessions.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit cactustheater.com
Ragtown Gospel Theater presents 'Fire Drill'
Ragtown Gospel Theater in Post presents an all-new production for six performances only.
Scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturdays, July 15, 22 and 29 and Aug. 5, 12 and 19, "Fire Drill in Nashville" tells the story of Thee Hallelujahs taking the coast-to-coast Holy Ghost Revival Crusade to Music City, USA.
Tickets for this production are $22 for adults and $10 for children. Veterans and active military are admitted for free.
For more information, to purchase tickets or for directions to the theater, visit https://ragtown.com/ or call 1-877-RAGTOWN (877-724-8696, during regular business hours.
Sweeney to perform at Cactus
Sunny Sweeney, a genre-bending, songwriting spitfire who has spent equal time in the rich musical traditions of Texas and Tennessee, is set to take the Cactus Theater stage at 7:3 p.m. on Saturday, July 22.
Sweeney returns with "Married Alone", the celebrated singer-songwriter’s fifth studio album and the follow-up to 2017’s critically acclaimed Trophy.
All floor and standard balcony seats for this show are $20 in advance or $25 the day of the show; balcony box seats are $40 in advance and $50 the day of the show.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit cactustheater.com
'National Lampoon's Vacation' marks 40 years
Cinemark Movies 16 and XD, 5721 58th St., is hosting Fathom's Big Screen Classic presentation of "National Lampoon's Vacation" 40th anniversary at 4 and 7 p.m. July 16 and at pm. on July 19.
The all-American Griswold family just wants to go on an all-American vacation. Everyone is packed. The route is planned … And absolutely everything goes wrong as a simple trip quickly becomes a madcap cross-country odyssey and heroic quest in search of National Lampoon's Vacation.
For the Clark W. Griswolds of Chicago, 50 weeks of work and routine will soon be rewarded with a fortnight of frenzied freedom. Mom and the kids would rather fly, but Dad (Chevy Chase) insists on driving west to Walley World. He's programmed everything on the family's PC--from tire wear to best routes, from choice sights to the finest AAA-recommended lodgings. With such planning everything should go right … wrong!! From director Harold Ramis and screenwriter John Hughes.
Tickets for this special screening are $12.45 and available online at fathomevents.com
Bryan brings Country on Tour 2023 to USA
Country music superstar Luke Bryan will be taking the stage on July 27 at the United Supermarkets Arena as he brings Country on Tour 2023 to the Hub City.
Special guests will be Tyler Braden, Ashley Cooke and Jackson Dean.
Bryan has been named Entertainer of the Year five times, awarded by the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. In 2019, his 2013 album "Crash My Party" received the first Album of the Decade award from the ACM. Worldwide, he has sold more than 75 million records.
Some of Bryan's biggest hits include "Do I" "Rain is a Good Thing" "Someone Else Calling You Baby" "Country Girl (Shake it for Me)" and "Drunk On You", among many others. He has had nearly 30 No. 1 hits.
Tickets for this concert range start at $35 and up depending on seating and VIP package features.For more information or to purchase tickets, visit selectaseatlubbock.com
Ranching Heritage Center to host inaugural Ranch Verse
Join cowboy songster Andy Hedges and special guests, Boots O’Neal, Randy Rieman, Dave Stamey, Red Steagall, and Andy Wilkinson, for a day of Western storytelling, song and poetry at the inaugural Ranch Verse on Saturday, Aug. 5.
"Ranch Verse will feature a variety of programming that will include working cowboy stories, cowboy poetry, western music, and discussions of ranch culture,” host Andy Hedges shared.
Daytime events will be free to the public and take place from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the National Ranching Heritage Center (NRHC) in Lubbock. A special welcome performance of cowboy poetry, range ballads, and storytelling by Red Steagall, Andy Wilkinson, Randy Rieman, and Dave Stamey will kick off the day from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
From 1 to 2 p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to hear a live, onstage interview with Four Sixes Ranch cowboy and Ranching Heritage Association Working Cowboy Award recipient Boots O’Neal for broadcast on the Cowboy Crossroads podcast with Andy Hedges.
Randy Reiman will take the stage from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. to present the illustrated letters of cowboy artist Charles M. Russell through slides, commentary, and the spoken word.
Daytime events will conclude with a discussion from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. featuring Red Steagall, Andy Hedges and Dave Stamey on the poetry, music, and art emerging out of Western culture.
An evening performance will follow from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the historic Cactus Theater with cowboy songster Andy Hedges, western songwriter Dave Stamey, and the legendary Red Steagall. Tickets for the evening performance start at $25 and are on sale on the Cactus Theater website.
To learn more about Ranch Verse, visit bit.ly/ranchverse. For questions, contact (806) 742-0498.
Jelly Roll coming to USA
Jelly Roll has announced a 44-date headlining tour and will be taking the stage at the United Supermarkets Arena at 7 p.m. on Aug. 29, with his Backroad Baptism Tour 2023.
Jason Bradley DeFord, known professionally as Jelly Roll, is an American singer, rapper, and songwriter known for his collaborations with Lil Wyte, Struggle Jennings, and Tech N9ne In 2023, he won three CMT Music Awards for the song "Son of a Sinner".
Before his transition into country music with 2023's Whitsitt Chapel album, Jelly Roll launched his career in hip hop.
Tickets for this show range from $21 to $650 (plus taxes and fees), depending on seating and VIP package features.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit selectaseatlubbock.com | https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2023/07/08/lubbock-entertainment-in-brief-moonlight-musical-classic-movies-and-more/70386730007/ | 2023-07-08T15:35:45 | 0 | https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2023/07/08/lubbock-entertainment-in-brief-moonlight-musical-classic-movies-and-more/70386730007/ |
SAN ANTONIO — A man was killed after his car fell off a San Antonio highway early Saturday morning.
The accident happened on Steves Avenue at I-37 around 2:25 a.m.
Witnesses told police they saw the car fall off the bridge, but no other vehicles appeared to be involved. Officials did not know what led up to the accident.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Another incident at the same location sent two firefighters to the hospital. Officials say, as a firetruck was leaving the scene of the previous accident, it ran over the some debris on the road. The debris flew out from under the tire and hit the two firefighters in the legs.
Their conditions are not known.
This is a developing story and further details will be added as they are received.
Learn more about KENS 5:
Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.
KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.
Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/man-killed-after-his-car-falls-off-san-antonio-highway-san-antonio-texas/273-0530c422-edaa-47e9-a928-d318be6cd08f | 2023-07-08T15:42:26 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/man-killed-after-his-car-falls-off-san-antonio-highway-san-antonio-texas/273-0530c422-edaa-47e9-a928-d318be6cd08f |
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Zoo will kick off the first of its series of "date night" events for parents to drop off their little ones.
The Kids Wild Night Out series starts Saturday, July 8. Parents can drop off their kids ages 3-12 on select Saturday evenings the next few months. The program runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., just enough time for parents to grab dinner or possibly a movie.
During that time, the kids will be treated to a pizza dinner, guided zoo tours, up-close animal encounters, and live music.
The upcoming dates include:
- Saturday, July 8
- Saturday, July 22
- Saturday, July 29
- Saturday, August 5
- Saturday, August 26
- Saturday, September 2
- Saturday, September 23
Learn more about KENS 5:
Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.
KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.
Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/san-antonio-zoo-offering-kids-wild-night-out-texas-date-night/273-9c09f14d-5e9e-4baf-9a6c-f5f6431d9f48 | 2023-07-08T15:42:32 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/san-antonio-zoo-offering-kids-wild-night-out-texas-date-night/273-9c09f14d-5e9e-4baf-9a6c-f5f6431d9f48 |
SAN ANGELO, Texas — An Abilene residence caught fire July 8 resulting in an estimated $60,000 in damages.
The Abilene Fire Department responded to a call at approximately 3:55 a.m. to find smoke and fire coming from a structure on the 200 block of Arnold Boulevard.
There were two individuals inside the residence but they were able to escape unharmed and were taken to a hospital for further assessment.
AFD has determined the fire to be a total loss and the cause is still unknown. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/abilene-residence-a-total-loss-after-structure-fire-results-in-estimated-60000-in-damages/504-f6c74648-675c-49eb-b8e5-3cfa28a25c55 | 2023-07-08T15:47:47 | 0 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/abilene-residence-a-total-loss-after-structure-fire-results-in-estimated-60000-in-damages/504-f6c74648-675c-49eb-b8e5-3cfa28a25c55 |
Lakeshore Coffee & Specialties has joined the Michigan City ArtWalk.
The Michigan City Art League works with local merchants to display the work of its members in storefronts across town.
"The Michigan City Art League is excited to announce the newest addition to their ArtWalk, a program in which businesses display and sell artwork from member artists. Lakeshore Coffee & Specialties, located at 444 Wabash St. in Michigan City, is now displaying the wide variety of artwork in all areas of the store," said Kadie O'Connor with the Michigan City Art League.
The program started with Swingbelly's Restaurant on Route 12 in Michigan City. The restaurant invited Michigan City Art League members to hang and sell their art there years.
The program became a successful way to showcase its members' art to the public.
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RS Physical Therapy, Base Camp Marina Cafe and Provisions, Unsalted, No Sharks and the Old Lighthouse Museum Shop all display the work of emerging and established artists, which is usually for sale.
"ArtWalk is an idea developed by the oldest art group in Michigan City, the Michigan City Art League, which was established in 1932," O'Connor said. "Over the years it has provided art instruction, a place to meet and paint, and encouraged the development of beginning artists. Newer students are given the opportunity to learn from artists who have been painting for many years and are very open and encouraging. As ArtWalk grows, pamphlets will be available at participating businesses so that anyone interested in following this floating gallery' in nearby locations can easily do so."
The Art League offers classes year-round at the Queen of All Saints School, where its members also exhibit their work at the Legacy Center Gallery.
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/lakeshore-coffee-joins-michigan-city-art-walk/article_954c7004-1c98-11ee-96f7-df5ae6dd35ab.html | 2023-07-08T15:51:02 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lakeshore-coffee-joins-michigan-city-art-walk/article_954c7004-1c98-11ee-96f7-df5ae6dd35ab.html |
U.S. steel mills shipped 7.72 million tons of steel in May, the most recent month for which data is available, according to Washington, D.C.-based trade association American Iron and Steel Institute.
Gary Works is shown.
That's a 2.4% decrease as compared to the 7.91 million tons shipped in May 2022 and a 3% increase from the 7.49 million tons shipped the previous month.
In 2022, steel mills in the United States shipped 89.46 million tons of steel, down 5.5% as compared to the 94.7 million tons shipped the previous year, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute. Steel shipments had fallen by 6.6% the previous year.
Through the first five months of 2023, steel shipments have totaled 36.66 million, which is down 4.4% as compared to 38.36 million tons shipped during the first five months of 2021.
Steel shipments are a key metric of the financial health of the steel industry, as they reflect the amount of steel actually sold to customers, such as automakers, appliance manufacturers, construction firms and service centers that process the steel for a wide variety of end uses.
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In the first give months of 2022, shipments of of rolled sheet were unchanged, cold rolled sheet were down 2% and corrosion-resistant sheet and strip were down 4%, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute.
Steel prices soared to record highs in 2021, came back down to earth last year, started 2023 strong but lately have been dipping again.
In the United States, the price of hot-rolled band recently fell 6% to $903 a ton and cold-rolled coil dropped 12% to $1,004 a ton, according to the steel pricing website SteelBenchmarker. Standard plate fell 1% to $1,576 a ton. Shredded scrap stayed steady at $413 a ton, heavy melting scrap dipped 2% to $317 a ton and busheling scrap ticked up by 2% to $482 a ton, reducing steelmakers' input costs.
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/steel-shipments-rise-3-month-over-month/article_926c7c6e-1ce1-11ee-88c0-57d89c90cadc.html | 2023-07-08T15:51:08 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/steel-shipments-rise-3-month-over-month/article_926c7c6e-1ce1-11ee-88c0-57d89c90cadc.html |
CHICAGO — For decades in the late 19th century, U.S. Steel's South Works was the largest steel mill in the world.
Tucked between U.S. 41 and Lake Michigan, the mill ended up operating for more than a century, drawing in many immigrant workers and cracking out tons of steel for cars, railroads and the skyscrapers that rose up in the Loop.
Field Museum Chicago Region program Director Mark Bouman (left) and Calumet Heritage Partnership board Chairman Gary Johnson lead a tour at St…
Thousands of workers made steel along the shore of Lake Michigan and the banks of the Calumet River on Chicago's Southeast Side.
But South Works and the Southeast Side's other mills suffered amid a glut of foreign imports in the 1970s and never truly recovered.
Hobbled by steel dumping and stuck with aging machinery, they downsized and cut back over the years. Steelmakers invested elsewhere, like the larger and newer integrated mills just across the state line in Northwest Indiana, as the industry consolidated. Fewer and fewer ore boats docked with payloads of the iron ore that once kept the blast furnaces burning and bread on the table for many steelworker families.
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The South Works mill that was once 20,000 workers strong shuttered in 1992. Wisconsin Steel, Republic Steel and Iroquois Steel are long gone.
"The decade of the 1980s was really bad. Something like 25,000 jobs were lost in Chicago in steel manufacturing alone," Field Museum Chicago Region program Director Mark Bouman said. "That's not to say anything about the related industry. All the sites have gone through questions of what happens next. There's still questions about the future uses of all of these sites."
Only the massive ore walls of South Works remain, looming like ancient ruins over an flat expanse of grass and prairie plants along the lakefront.
Chicago has been looking to redevelop much of the site for years, even extending DuSable Lake Shore Drive to make it more accessible. Developers and politicians have pitched ideas like a city-within-a-city, a prefabricated-home factory, a marina, a casino and an outdoor concert venue for what's believed to be the largest vacant site in city limits and one of the largest waterfront sites in the country.
None ever got off the ground, as evidenced by the long-standing faded sign with the empty promise that a Mariano's was coming soon.
It's hosted Shakespeare in the Park and a Dave Matthews Band concert — the group did to make amends with the city after dumping waste from its tour bus onto unsuspecting tour boats below on the Chicago River.
"There's been a lot of dissension over whether it should be upscale living with beautiful views of downtown Chicago or industry to create jobs for the neighborhood," said Gary Johnson, chairman of the Calumet Heritage Partnership board. "There's been questions of luxury housing versus affordable housing. Not to mention, it's an enormous site. It's more than 300 acres. It's a massive site and it's been difficult to come to any kind of consensus."
Part of the sprawling former steel mill grounds is a 16.5-acre lakefront park.
Steelworkers Park, near the mouth of the Calumet River at East 87th Street in South Chicago, is a place were people come to stroll in relative seclusion in a prairie-like setting, fish in the river flowing into one of the Great Lakes or scale a climbing wall on the side of the ore walls. It's also a tribute to the generations of steelworkers who tailed there.
"It was called South Works because North Works was long the North Branch of the Chicago River in downtown Chicago," Bouman said. "There were four integrated steel mills in Chicago. The trend in the steel industry since it started here in 1875 was to move east. Ultimately, it moved out of Chicago for the most part. When it started here in 1882, it was part of the movement of heavy industry into the Calumet Region."
Trees, wildflowers and native flora now blossom on what was a landfill made of molten slag. It had to be capped to make it a park.
"They dredged the Illinois River down by Peoria and brought the mud up here to amend the soil," Bouman said. "About half this park is fill in Lake Michigan. You can imagine what the fill is. It's slag and whatever else."
Visitors are greeted by the "Tribute to the Past" sculpture by a self-taught artist and former steelworker who lived in the neighborhood.
"He said at a conference at South Shore Arts that art is the new steel," Bouman said.
The Calumet Heritage Partnership that's leading the charge to make the bistate Calumet Region into a National Heritage Area hopes the site of the former steel mill can blossom into a gateway for visitors.
Calumet Heritage Partnership board Chairman Gary Johnson leads a tour at Steelworkers Park.
"One of the questions is how do we help people find these places on a regular basis and how does art become the new steel as an economic generator?" he said. "We need a thousand flowers blooming all across the Region, and I think that's the character of it. We all know what our favorite places are. Coordinating it and selling it are a big piece."
Steelworkers Park displays blast-furnace bells from the long-bygone Acme Steel, a memento of how the Southeast Side used to be steel country.
South Works once had 11 blast furnaces, eight electric furnaces and 12 rolling mills.
"You put iron ore, coke and limestone is a blast furnace, get it hot and have a reaction — a reducing reaction — that takes the oxygen away from basically the iron ore. You take the oxygen away and you're left with iron in the blast furnace, which is operating in a very low oxygen environment," Johnson said.
"Think about why you don't do charcoal grilling inside. It's because charcoal creates carbon dioxide in a very low oxygen environment. It's kind of the same thing inside the blast furnace."
The blast furnace burned around the clock and had to be fed so it could operate continuously. The two bells and tube on display at the park allowed steelworkers to pour raw materials into the raging hot furnace to keep it burning.
The historic ironmaking equipment, donated by the Calumet Heritage Partnership to the Chicago Park District, is positioned precisely on the site to draw the eye across Lake Michigan to Blast Furnace No. 9 at Cleveland-Cliffs Indiana Harbor Works in East Chicago, on a manmade peninsula that juts into the lake.
"These need to be here because we're looking at the largest-capacity blast furnace in the Western Hemisphere," Bouman said.
The steel industry chugs along in Northwest Indiana, but it had to innovate and no longer employees tens of thousands of workers at each mill.
"Northwest Indiana is producing more steel than ever before," Johnson said. "But they're making more and more steel with fewer and fewer people. It's difficult to find an industry that's been so technologically changed."
Plans also call for displaying a steel sculpture a steelmaker made along the 1-mile bike trail at Steelworkers Park. The partnership donated it to the Park District, which is working to restore it before it's displayed.
"It will be right across the way from the actual coke plant, so you'll be able to see the story of it," Bouman said.
The park and surrounding neighborhood is rife with industrial and labor history, including the Memorial Day Massacre outside Republic Steel, Johnson said. Workers on the Southeast Side long had to struggle for fair hours, decent pay and safe working conditions.
"Surrounding neighborhoods have names like Slag Valley and Irondale, which tells you what was happening here," Bouman said. "The lakefront site here is owned by the Park District. The rest of the 300 acres is still subject to the next energy, whatever it's going to be."
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/steelworkers-park-a-monument-to-regions-industrial-history-envisioned-as-gateway-for-national-heritage-area/article_71b7a870-1c16-11ee-80f1-5734c240c185.html | 2023-07-08T15:51:14 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/steelworkers-park-a-monument-to-regions-industrial-history-envisioned-as-gateway-for-national-heritage-area/article_71b7a870-1c16-11ee-80f1-5734c240c185.html |
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Legoland Florida has announced they’re building toward something spooky for the whole family this Halloween.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The Polk County theme park has officially announced dates for this year’s Brick-or-Treat presents Monster Party event.
The time has come 🎃 Brick-or-Treat presents Monster Party is roaring back to life on select Saturdays & Sundays the...
Posted by LEGOLAND Florida on Thursday, July 6, 2023
READ: A Lego-inspired burger pop-up is headed to town
The event runs Sept. 16, 23 and 30, and Saturdays and Sundays in October.
This year, Brick or Treat will feature new shows, more candy and other surprises. Costumes are encouraged.
READ: Rise and shine: Enjoy breakfast with Peppa Pig this summer
The event is included with general park admission and select annual passes.
Click here for more details.
SEE: New boat ride opens at Legoland Florida
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/legoland-announces-dates-details-brick-or-treat/KNWLC5TYVFEGVBL2TYVVUSUPDY/ | 2023-07-08T15:56:39 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/legoland-announces-dates-details-brick-or-treat/KNWLC5TYVFEGVBL2TYVVUSUPDY/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Pride are making a habit of beating NWSL teams at the top of the table with a 1-0 win against OL Reign Friday night at Exploria Stadium.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Minus Marta and Adrianna, who are out for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Pride played an aggressive, pressing offense to score early and hold on for a win.
OL Reign started quickly on the attack and their first and best opportunity of the game came in the opening minute.
The Reign’s Elyse Bennett received a pass inside the Prides box and, from a tight angle, tried to shoot the ball to the far post, but it carried wide and out for a Pride goal kick.
After a first minute threat, the Pride controlled most of the first half, with the midfielders maintaining possession and finding escape routes out of tight spaces.
The Pride’s first chance came off a corner kick early in the game. Erika Tymrak sent the ball into the box and, as a Reign defender tried to clear with a header, almost put the ball in the goal, but the ball came off the post and back out of the box and cleared by a Reign defender.
In the 16-minute, Tymrak started a transition with a pass to Kerry Abello, who was able to find Julie Doyle running up the outside.
Doyle took the Reign defender towards the end line and cut back for a cross in the box to find Messiah Bright in full stride to head the ball past the Reign goalkeeper, Pride up 1-0.
The Pride had multiple changes throughout the game, with 16 total shots on goal for the night.
The most promising came in the 85-minute when Bright was able to dribble between two defenders, aimed for the near post and off the side netting.
For the rest of the evening, with the threat and speed of Bright, Doyle, Tymrak and 62-minute substitute Ally Watt up top, possession by the midfield and the defense able to eliminate any potential threats in the Pride’s defensive third, the Pride kept a clean sheet and picked up back-to-back wins against another top table teams.
The Pride have extended time off and will return to Exploria Stadium on July 23 to make up a Challenge Cup game with NJ/NY Gotham FC, postponed from June due to weather and travel difficulties out of the northeast.
Next Match:
When: July 23 at 7 p.m.
Where: Exploria Stadium, Orlando
Tickets: https://www.orlandocitysc.com/pride/tickets/
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/orlando-pride-knocked-off-another-top-nwsl-team-friday-night/I6BIB5PJ7RC3TPSGLIRG75A32M/ | 2023-07-08T15:56:46 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/orlando-pride-knocked-off-another-top-nwsl-team-friday-night/I6BIB5PJ7RC3TPSGLIRG75A32M/ |
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership is hiring staff for Picklesburgh 2023.
Help is needed for all three days, July 21, 22 and 23. Positions pay $16 an hour.
>>> 2nd pickle, Christmas in July added to Picklesburgh 2023
Each staff member gets a T-shirt for each day they’re scheduled, staff parking and more.
>>> Picklesburgh’s popularity prompts move to larger area downtown
The PDP says staff could be expected to do any of the following:
- Merchandise sales clerk – conducts basic transactions for official Picklesburgh merchandise sales
- ID Checker/ Wristbander - This position requires RAMP Certification to ensure the legal drinking age for 21+ wristbands
- Info Tent Ambassador - Be a resource for patrons, and help with directions
- Kids Area Activity Assistant - Have fun in the kids’ tent, making crafts with the kids and overseeing a fun environment. (Clearances needed)
- Production Assistant - Assist with duties as needed in the production of the festival
🗣Calling all Picklesburgh fanatics 🗣
— Downtown Pittsburgh (@DowntownPitt) July 5, 2023
WE'RE HIRING!! Join our part-time staff to help make Picklesburgh the BIGGEST DILL this year 🥒 😋 #Picklesburgh2023
For more information and how to register:
🔗 https://t.co/OjxkvK4cwh pic.twitter.com/72sxjb0MVO
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/pittsburgh-downtown-partnership-hiring-event-staff-picklesburgh-heres-how-apply/3G3HIY2KQJCSNKAOZSICWFJ77A/ | 2023-07-08T16:02:25 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/pittsburgh-downtown-partnership-hiring-event-staff-picklesburgh-heres-how-apply/3G3HIY2KQJCSNKAOZSICWFJ77A/ |
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INDIANAPOLIS — Investigators believe lightning is to blame for multiple fires that displaced residents and caused significant damage to buildings Saturday morning in central Indiana.
Brownsburg house fire
Shortly after 7 a.m., Brownsburg Fire Territory crews responded to a house fire in the 700 block of Hummingbird Drive, on the west side of Brownsburg. The family that lives there had working smoke alarms and was able to safely evacuate.
Fire officials said they believe a lightning strike likely sparked the fire, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
Marian University apartment fire
Around 7:45 a.m., Indianapolis Fire Department crews were called to the campus of Marian University for a fire at an apartment building. There they found heavy fire and smoke coming from the two-story building.
After initially entering the building to fight the fire, firefighters were quickly ordered to evacuate and battle the fire from outside.
Crews battled heavy rain and lightning in the area while fighting the fire, which was brought under control in roughly 45 minutes.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries, IFD said. One injury was heat-related, while another firefighter had ceiling debris fall on his head, knocking him to the ground.
Four Marian University students were displaced by the fire, and apartment management will relocate them, IFD said. One of them was home at the time and woke up to firefighters in the building. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/lightning-believed-blame-multiple-fires-saturday-morning-central-indiana-marian-unversity-brownsburg/531-50382091-dd8d-43bc-b825-d8e9d761e4f0 | 2023-07-08T16:19:24 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/lightning-believed-blame-multiple-fires-saturday-morning-central-indiana-marian-unversity-brownsburg/531-50382091-dd8d-43bc-b825-d8e9d761e4f0 |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — From churches, graveyards to dark alleys there’s a lot of ghosts roaming the city.
“You never know what you’re going to see on these tours,” said Edward Wolfgang Poe, the owner of the Birmingham Historic Tourist Company. “We strive to show people the interesting history that Birmingham has and it’s right under your nose and people don’t know it.”
This tour focuses on the hauntings of Sloss furnace, First Presbyterian Church along with many other historical sites.
Frightening tales scary enough to make any one stay awake at night.
Though frightening, it’s also fascinating taking a deeper look into what could be on the other side.
The tours with the Birmingham Historic Touring Company run all year around.
Tour dates can be found on their website at Bhamhistory.com. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/birmingham-historic-touring-company-offering-ghost-tours/ | 2023-07-08T16:28:18 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/birmingham-historic-touring-company-offering-ghost-tours/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation after a Hillsboro police officer and a K-9 were involved in a car crash around 11:38 p.m. on Thursday night.
According to the Hillsboro Police Department, a driver was speeding eastbound on Southeast Oak Street when he crashed into the K-9 and officer who drove northbound on Southeast 12th Avenue.
Police say both vehicles were significantly damaged.
HPD reports that the officer was released from a medical facility with minor injuries, and the K-9 was left uninjured.
Both people in the other vehicle were taken to a nearby hospital with ‘unknown injuries,’ according to police.
Officials say WCSO’s investigation on the crash is still ongoing. | https://www.koin.com/local/washington-county/no-major-injuries-reported-after-hillsboro-officer-k-9-experience-high-speed-crash/ | 2023-07-08T16:30:12 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/washington-county/no-major-injuries-reported-after-hillsboro-officer-k-9-experience-high-speed-crash/ |
Families came to Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy (FALA) last Friday to watch a performance marking the end of the first session of Camp Llama.
The free camp is meant to help students catch up on their academic skills and interpersonal relationships in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with daily sessions in both core subjects and the performing arts. It’s aimed at students in grades six through 12, and it is open to anyone in the area, regardless of whether they attend FALA.
While school has been mostly in-person for the last two academic years, the camp is intended to respond to the pandemic's effects on students.
“Children’s learning, their development, their academics, their interpersonal relationships are greatly impacted by those couple of years of online learning, navigating more isolating experiences during those times when they’re developing as humans,” said camp coordinator Jay Mercado, who's also an educator at FALA during the school year.
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One of Camp Llama’s main goals is to help students "be more confident and comfortable in the classroom."
“Our hope is to create a space where students have a no-pressure environment to re-enter the classroom and regain some comfortability and some confidence in themselves, who they are and who they’re becoming and also their academics, their lives as students,” Mercado said.
FALA is hosting two three-week sessions this summer, with students attending camp from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Each day at Camp Llama includes time for social and emotional learning, an hour each of math and English classes, followed by theater and dance lessons (both get a 45-minute afternoon session). There’s also some time scheduled in for students to go outside and play.
Mercado and theatre teacher Takalay Hamill both said they’d seen the students grow during the camp’s first session.
Hamill told the story of one student responding to a meditation exercise called liminal space, where participants follow a “guided daydream” through a hallway before imagining themselves suspended in space. During the exercise, he said, he saw an increased focus from the campers, with one, who’s usually an outgoing leader, seeming particularly affected.
“I hadn’t seen anything like that from her,” he said. “ ... But I saw this other layer of her, and that liminal space allowed her to feel something that she otherwise wouldn’t have felt. It was a really beautiful moment.”
“On a micro level, [that’s] the exact reason we’re here,” Mercado added. “Students have been bearing the load of so much weight as the world around them is changing. They’re trying to make sense of it, and they feel a lot of pressure to continue being kiddos, to continue being students, to continue being members of their family units."
Mercado continued: "To just be in that moment and to feel some of that decompression and that weight, where they were allowed to set that down for a second and touch base with themselves, that’s really powerful.”
The first session ended on June 30, with family members visiting the school to see their students perform in a showcase of what they’d learned in the dance and theater sessions. After an introduction from camp leaders, the students performed a hula dance routine and showed off some acting exercises and scenes they'd learned in camp.
The next session will take place July 10-28, with a similar daily schedule. Students returning from the first session will also have "areas of integration" to help them continue their progress.
“With the pandemic, we’re really moving into this technological world,” Hamill said. “The thing I was focusing on was reconnecting students to their heart and their mind, so getting them comfortable on stage but also just comfortable in their own bodies."
Hamill added: "Something that’s really valuable for students right now is finding that place inside themselves that is peaceful. That’s something that a lot of kids have gotten disconnected from ... and it was really beautiful to see a lot of them come back into their own or experience emotions or feelings that they hadn’t experienced before.”
Registration is still open for the camp’s second session. To learn more, visit flagarts.com/camp-llama or email jmercado@flagarts.com. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/education/camp-llama-using-arts-and-academics-to-help-students-catch-up-after-pandemic/article_71ef504a-1c57-11ee-aac8-9f08ed61cd4e.html | 2023-07-08T16:34:27 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/education/camp-llama-using-arts-and-academics-to-help-students-catch-up-after-pandemic/article_71ef504a-1c57-11ee-aac8-9f08ed61cd4e.html |
The West Flagstaff Little League Majors baseball team is going to state.
West Flagstaff won the Arizona District 1 championship in style Friday at Continental Park, defeating city rival Continental 16-1. As the undefeated team in the double-elimination bracket, it needed to win just one of two games to claim the title. It took only one contest to claim the crown, though, and the victory came in style.
WFLL poses with its district championship banner pic.twitter.com/HOeNSp81Z1
— Eric Newman (@enewmanwrites) July 8, 2023
The reward is a trip -- albeit a short one -- to the state tournament, which is set to be held in Flagstaff. Success in that bracket would mean a trip to regionals, and, if they can put together a historic run, the Little League World Series.
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“I think, with our defense and our pitching, we can beat anybody,” West Flagstaff manager Shane Burcar said. “We’re not going to be outclassed. It’s a blessing, we get to play for another two weeks guaranteed, and we’re a few games away from maybe being on ESPN.”
West Flagstaff’s bats were hot, and each of the 12 batters reached base at least once in the contest. The team got particularly impressive efforts from the bottom portion of its lineup.
Murph Keck, the 11th hitter in the order, led the way by going 3 for 3 with four RBIs and two runs. Ben Clonts, batting eighth, went 3 for 3 with three runs and an RBI, among a few players who had solid days at the plate.
Most of West Flagstaff’s production came from small ball. Michael Rodriguez and Adrian Crockett both hit RBI doubles at different spots, but all of the other runs came from singles, passed balls from Continental and aggressive running on the bases. It was a style of offense Burcar was proud of.
“We preached to be accountable in their at-bats. Our kids did a good job to get the pitch count up and get the ball into the outfield, and we had good baserunning so guys could score from second base,” he said.
Despite the lopsided score at the end, the game was close for a good portion of the six innings. Continental’s Austin Clouse scored on a passed ball in the bottom of the first inning to give Continental a brief 1-0 lead.
West Flagstaff responded with three runs in the top of the second to take a 3-1 lead, and never looked back. Drake Shafor hit an RBI single in the top of the third to extend the lead to 4-1. Then West Flagstaff added four more in the next frame to go ahead 8-1 after four innings.
Meanwhile, West Flagstaff’s Brisson Burcar was cruising through the game on the mound. After giving up a single and a run in the first inning, he went until the bottom of the fifth without allowing another hit.
But Continental battled back. With two outs, Continental had the bases loaded, and a big hit to drive in a few runs would have cut into the deficit. Meanwhile, Shane Burcar had to pull his son off the mound as Brisson reached his pitch limit. Carson Abbey came in to relieve, throwing a clutch strikeout.
“It's 8-1 and you’ve got an 11-year-old in that situation, and he came in and pumped strikes. The game still could have swung and he did a great job to get that out,” Shane Burcar said.
Getting out of a jam, West Flagstaff blew the game away with eight more runs in the top of the sixth inning. Abbey got through the bottom of the sixth inning cleanly to secure the victory.
West Flagstaff Little League wins the District 1 Majors championship with a 16-1 win over its city rival in Continental Little League pic.twitter.com/pywcKKkFXv
— Eric Newman (@enewmanwrites) July 8, 2023
The loss ends the district tournament run and season for Continental. Despite a disappointing loss, though, Continental manager Josh Clouse was proud of his team’s efforts.
West Flagstaff beat Continental in the tournament’s opening round on June 28. From there, it won six consecutive elimination games to reach the championship round.
“Hats off to West Flagstaff. They’re well coached and they’re rolling and doing some great things. But our boys battled. They got down and got through that elimination bracket and competed all week. There’s nothing more I can ask for,” Clouse said.
The end of the run also constitutes Clouse’s final child in the Little League all-stars games going back several years. He’s seen four Clouse kids go through the system -- three in baseball and one in softball -- and has appreciated what his family has experienced in the process.
“It’s been amazing. It’s hard to believe that it’s our last kid’s 12-year-old year. We’re looking at some intermediate play where they’re not going straight to juniors, but we’ll see what the future holds at Continental. If not there, it’s travel ball, juniors and high school right around the corner,” he said.
West Flagstaff will serve as the de facto host for the state tournament beginning July 17. For the first time in over 10 years, the competition is being held in Flagstaff. Though he would have liked to be playing at state one more time, Josh Clouse is excited that Flagstaff will have a hometown team at the next level.
“I’m glad West Flagstaff is representing Flagstaff in the tournament,” he said. “We’ve got some of our local kids in the tournament. It’s going to be an incredible event. We want to put on a show for Flagstaff and Little League baseball in Arizona.”
West Flagstaff will play the winner of the District 3 tournament on July 17 in the first round. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/west-flagstaff-little-league-wins-district-1-championship-with-victory-over-continental/article_19a86562-1d46-11ee-b0b7-4fa993fd8166.html | 2023-07-08T16:34:29 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/west-flagstaff-little-league-wins-district-1-championship-with-victory-over-continental/article_19a86562-1d46-11ee-b0b7-4fa993fd8166.html |
Q. My husband of 40 years just died without a will. We had nothing when we got married. Everything we own was acquired during our marriage through our joint efforts. When we bought our home, it was titled only in his name. What do I have to do to protect my home?
A. Everything you own is the community property of you and your husband since it was acquired during your marriage and wasn’t an inheritance or gift. Therefore, you each own one-half of all the assets. The house is community property even though it is only titled in your husband’s name.
Under Idaho law when there is no will, you inherit all the community property as surviving spouse.
Therefore, you inherit his interest in the house and already own the other half of it even though it was only in his name. Therefore, it will be completely owned by you. You can establish this through a probate proceeding but it may not be necessary.
If you plan to sell or mortgage the house within three years, a probate may be necessary to verify your ownership. However, if you intend to continue living in the house, then decide to sell it more than three years after the death of your husband, you probably will not need a probate but instead an affidavit of heirship should suffice to verify your ownership.
If you own the house at your death, a joint probate could be used to administer all of the assets, including the house, under your will or if you have no will, to your heirs as determined under Idaho law.
If you have other financial assets, it may be necessary to have probate proceedings to establish your ownership. This will depend upon the name in which they are held. Note that life insurance, retirement plans and other assets with beneficiary designations will pass to the named beneficiary without the need of a probate. If your name is included on joint accounts, you can claim them without a probate. Also, a pay on death or transfer on death designation will transfer ownership to the named party without a probate.
It would be wise for you to consult an attorney to complete your own estate planning to make sure the property is distributed at your death in the manner you choose.
You also should consider a power of attorney so some trusted individual can handle your assets if you become unable to do so. It is also important to have a living will and durable power of attorney for health care to set forth your desires on life support and to appoint an individual to make life support and other medical decisions.
Robert E. Farnam is an attorney practicing in Idaho Falls.
This column is provided by the 7th District Bar Association as a public service. Submit questions to "It's the Law," P.O. Box 50130, Idaho Falls, ID 83405, or by email to rfarnam@holdenlegal.com. This column is for general information. Readers with specific legal questions should consult an attorney. A lawyer referral service is provided by calling the Idaho State Bar Association in Boise at 208-334- 4500.
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A 58-year-old Lincoln woman is in jail after she tried to con her mother, who was recently diagnosed with dementia, into transferring more than $80,000 into an account in her name, police alleged in court filings.
Shari Donnan drove her mother to Liberty First Credit Union on March 28 and accompanied the 84-year-old as she directed the transfer of $81,864 from two joint accounts owned by her and her husband to a trust account with Donnan’s name on it, Lincoln Police Investigator Cynthia Koenig-Warnke said in the affidavit for Donnan’s arrest.
The 84-year-old told the Liberty First teller she wanted the cash immediately available so she could make an offer on a condo that she was considering moving into with her husband, Koenig-Warnke said in the affidavit.
Donnan told the teller that she would be handling the condo purchase on behalf of her parents, according to the affidavit. Donnan’s name was one of three on the trust account that received the transfer, which also included her parents as account holders.
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Two weeks later, Donnan’s parents called Liberty First to have the money transferred back into their joint accounts after opting not to buy the condo, Koenig-Warnke said in the affidavit.
But a week after that— on April 18 — Donnan called the credit union and disputed the second transfer, saying that she had been the sole owner of the trust account that now housed the $81,864 for more than a year, but the bank had failed to update its records, Koenig-Warnke said.
Liberty First ultimately obliged with Donnan’s dispute and again shifted the funds back into the trust account April 28, credit union officials told police.
The credit union “secured” the funds after police began investigating the transfer and Donnan’s parents have suffered “no loss,” even though Donnan never willingly released the money despite repeated attempts from her parents and bank officials to contact her, Koenig-Warnke said.
A Lancaster County judge signed a warrant for Donnan’s arrest Monday, when prosecutors charged her with felony theft of lost property and abuse of a vulnerable adult, according to court filings.
Police arrested the 58-year-old Thursday and took her to the Lancaster County jail.
Tom Casady's list of the 10 most infamous crimes in Lincoln history
Crimes of the times
This is simply one man’s perspective from the early 21st century (first written in 2010). I had to make a decision about crimes that occurred at locations that are inside the city today, but were outside our corporate limits at the time they occurred. I chose the latter.
Before beginning, though, I have to deal with three crimes that stand apart: the murders of three police officers in Lincoln. I’m not quite sure how to place them in a list. They all had huge impacts on the community, and on the police department in particular. Because these are my colleagues, I deal with them separately and in chronological order.
Patrolman Marion Francis Marshall
Shot in the shadow of the new Nebraska State Capital, Gov. Charles Bryan came to his aid and summoned additional help.
Lt. Frank Soukup
Marion Marshall was technically not a Lincoln police officer, so Lt. Soukup was actually the first Lincoln police officer killed on duty. One of his colleagues who was present at the motel and involved in the gunbattle, Paul Jacobsen, went on to enjoy a long career and command rank at LPD, influencing many young charges (like me) and leaving his mark on the culture of the agency.
Lt. Paul Whitehead
In the space of a few months, three LPD officers died in the line of duty. Frank Soukup had been murdered, and George Welter had died in a motorcycle crash. Paul Whitehead's partner, Paul Merritt, went on to command rank, and like Paul Jacobsen left an indelible mark at LPD and the community.
No. 1: Starkweather
The subject of several thinly disguised movie plots and a Springsteen album, the Starkweather murders are clearly the most infamous crime in Lincoln’s history — so far. One of the first mass murderers of the mass media age, six of Charles Starkweather’s 11 victims were killed inside the city of Lincoln, and the first was just on the outskirts of town. I didn’t live in Lincoln at the time, but my wife was a first-grader at Riley Elementary School and has vivid memories of the city gripped by fear in the days between the discovery of the Bartlett murders and Starkweather’s capture in Wyoming.
The case caused quite an uproar. There was intense criticism of the police department and sheriff’s office for not capturing Starkweather earlier in the week after the discovery of the Bartletts' bodies. Ultimately, Mayor Bennett Martin and the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners retained a retired FBI agent, Harold G. Robinson, to investigate the performance of local law enforcement. His report essentially exonerated the local law officers and made a few vanilla recommendations for improving inter-agency communication and training.
Now I know that many readers are mumbling to themselves “how obvious.” Hold your horses, though. It’s not quite as obvious as you might think. I had two experiences that drove this fact home to me. The first was a visit by a small group of journalism students. Only one member of the class had any idea, and her idea was pretty vague. You need to remember that the Starkweather murders were in 1957 and 1958 — before the parents of many college students were even born.
The second experience was a visit by a Cub Scout den. I was giving the kids a tour of the police station one evening. We were in the front lobby waiting for everyone to arrive. As I entertained the boys, I told the moms and dads that they might enjoy looking in the corner of the Sheriff’s Office display case to see the contents of Starkweather’s wallet — discovered a couple of years ago locked up in the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office safe. After a few minutes, one of the confused fathers asked me who Starkweather was, and why it was significant.
No. 2: Lincoln National Bank
On the morning of Sept. 17, 1930, a dark blue Buick carrying six men pulled up in front of the Lincoln National Bank at the northwest corner of 12th and O streets. Five of the men entered the bank, while a sixth stood outside by the Buick, cradling a machine gun. Observing the unusual events, a passerby called the police. The officer who responded, Forrest Shappaugh, was casually instructed by the machine-gun-toting lookout to just keep going, which he wisely did. Returning with reinforcements, he found that the robbers had already made good on their getaway, netting $2.7 million in cash and negotiable securities.
Ultimately, three of the six suspects were arrested. Tommy O’Connor and Howard Lee were convicted and sentenced. Jack Britt was tried twice but not convicted by a hung jury. Gus Winkeler, a member of Al Capone’s gang, winged a deal with County Attorney Max Towle to avoid prosecution in exchange for orchestrating the recovery of $600,000 in bearer bonds. The following year, Winkeler was murdered in Chicago, the victim of a gangland slaying. The final two robbers were never identified.
The Lincoln National Bank robbery stood as the largest cash bank robbery in the United States for many decades. It precipitated major changes at the Lincoln Police Department. Chief Peter Johnstone was rapidly “retired” after the robbery, the department’s fleet was upgraded to add the first official patrol cars, the full force was armed and a shotgun squad was organized. Forty-four years later when I was hired at LPD, the echo of the Lincoln National Bank robbery was still evident in daily bank opening details, and in the Thomspon submachine guns and Reising rifles that detectives grabbed whenever the robbery alarm sounded at headquarters.
No. 3: The Last Posse
My first inkling about this crime came when I was the chief deputy sheriff. One of my interns, a young man named Ron Boden (who became a veteran deputy sheriff), had been doing some research on Lancaster County’s only known lynching, in 1884. I came across a reference in the biography of the sheriff at the time, Sam Melick, to the murder of the Nebraska Penitentiary warden and subsequent prison break. Melick had been appointed interim warden after the murder and instituted several reforms.
Several years later, a colleague, Sgt. Geoff Marti, loaned me a great book, Gale Christianson’s "Last Posse," that told the story of the 1912 prison break in gory, haunting and glorious detail.
To make a long story short, convict Shorty Gray and his co-conspirators shot and killed Warden James Delahunty, a deputy warden and a guard on Wednesday, March 13, 1912. They then made their break — right into the teeth of a brutal Nebraska spring blizzard. Over the course to the next few days, a posse pursued. During the pursuit, the escapees carjacked a young farmer with his team and wagon. As the posse closed in, a gunfight broke out and the hostage was shot and killed in the exchange, along with two of the three escapees.
There was plenty of anger among the locals in the Gretna-Springfield vicinity about the death of their native son, and a controversy raged over the law enforcement tactics that brought about his demise. Lancaster County Sheriff Gus Hyers was not unsullied by the inquiry, although it appears from my prospect a century later that the fog of war led to the tragedy.
Christianson, a professor of history at Indiana State University who died earlier this year, notes the following on the flyleaf:
“For anyone living west of the Mississippi in 1912, the biggest news that fateful year was a violent escape from the Nebraska state penitentiary planned and carried out by a trio of notorious robbers and safe blowers.”
Bigger news on half the continent than the sinking of the Titanic during the same year would certainly qualify this murder-escape as one of the most infamous Lincoln crimes in history.
No. 4: Rock Island wreck
The Aug. 10, 1894, wreck of a Rock Island train on the southwest outskirts of Lincoln was almost lost in the mist of time until it was resurrected in the public consciousness by author Joel Williams, who came across the story while conducting research for his historical novel, "Barrelhouse Boys."
The wreck was determined to be the result of sabotage to the tracks, perhaps an attempt to derail the train as a prelude to robbery. Eleven people died in the crash and ensuing fire, making this a mass murder, to be sure. G.W. Davis was arrested and convicted of the crime but later received a full pardon. The story was told in greater detail earlier this year by the Lincoln Journal Star.
A historical marker is along the Rock Island Trail in Wilderness Park, accessible only by foot or bike from the nearest trail access points about a half-mile away at Old Cheney Road on the north, or 14th Street on the south.
Here’s the big question that remains unanswered: Was there really significant evidence to prove that George Washington Davis committed the crime, or was he just a convenient scapegoat? The fact that he received a gubernatorial pardon 10 years later leads me to believe that the evidence must have been unusually weak. If he was railroaded, then my second question is this: who really pried loose the tracks with the 40-pound crowbar found at the scene?
No. 5: Commonwealth
On Nov. 1, 1983, the doors to Nebraska’s largest industrial savings and loan company were closed and Commonwealth was declared insolvent. The 6,700 depositors with $65 million at stake would never be fully compensated for their loss, ultimately receiving about 59 cents on the dollar for their deposits, which they all mistakenly believed were insured up to $30,000 through the Nebraska Depository Insurance Guaranty Corporation, which was essentially an insurance pool with assets of only $3 million.
The case dominated Nebraska news for months. The investigation ultimately led to the conviction of three members of the prominent Lincoln family that owned the institution, the resignation of the director of the State Department of Banking and the impeachment of the Nebraska attorney general and the suspension of his license to practice law. State and federal litigation arising from the failure of Commonwealth drug on for years.
At the Lincoln Police Department, the Commonwealth failure led to the formation of a specialized white-collar crime detail, now known as the Technical Investigations Unit. At the time, municipal police departments in the United States had virtually no capacity for investigating financial crime and fraud of this magnitude, and we quickly became well known for our expertise in this area. The early experience served LPD very well in the ensuring years.
No. 6: Candice Harms
Candi Harms never came home from visiting her boyfriend on Sept. 22, 1992. Her parents reported her as a missing person the following morning, and her car was found abandoned in a cornfield north of Lincoln later in the day. Weeks went by before her remains were found southeast of Lincoln.
Scott Barney and Roger Bjorklund were convicted in her abduction and murder. Barney is in prison serving a life term. Bjorklund died in prison in 2001. Intense media attention surrounded the lengthy trial of Roger Bjorklund, for which a jury was brought in from Cheyenne County as an alternative to a change of venue. I have no doubt that the trial was a life-changing event for a group of good citizens from Sidney, who did their civic duty.
I was the Lancaster County sheriff at the time, involved both in the investigation and in the trial security. It was at about this time that the cellular telephone was becoming a consumer product, and I have often thought that this brutal crime probably spurred a lot of purchases. During my career, this is probably the second-most-prominent Lincoln crime in terms of the sheer volume of media coverage.
No. 7: Jon Simpson and Jacob Surber
A parent’s worst nightmare unfolded in September 1975 when these two boys, ages 12 and 13, failed to return from the Nebraska State Fair. The boys were the victims of abduction and murder. The case was similar to a string of other murders of young boys in the Midwest, and many thought that these cases were related -- the work of a serial killer. Although an arrest was made in the case here in Lincoln, the charges were eventually dismissed. William Guatney was released and has since died.
No. 8: John Sheedy
Saloon and gambling house owner John Sheedy was gunned down outside his home at 1211 P St. in January 1891. The case of Sheedy, prominent in Lincoln’s demiworld, became the talk of the town when his wife, Mary, and her alleged lover and accomplice, Monday McFarland, were arrested. Both were acquitted at trial. The Sheedy murder is chronicled in a great interactive multimedia website, Gilded Age Plains City, an online version that builds upon an article published in 2001 by Timothy Mahoney of the University of Nebraska.
No. 9: Patricia McGarry and Catherine Brooks
The bodies of these two friends were found in a Northeast Lincoln duplex in August 1977. Their murderer, Robert E. Williams, was the subject of a massive Midwest manhunt during the following week. Before his capture, he committed a third murder in Sioux Rapids, Iowa, and raped, shot and left for dead a victim who survived in Minnesota. He is the last man to be executed in Nebraska, sent to the electric chair in 1997.
No. 10: Judge William M. Morning
District Court Judge William Morning was murdered in February 1924. He was shot on the bench by an unhappy litigant in a divorce case. His court reporter, Minor Bacon, was also shot, but a notebook in his breast pocket deflected the bullet and saved his life.
Many other crimes
Choosing Lincoln's 10 most infamous crimes was a challenge. Although the top two were easy, the picture quickly became clouded. We tend, of course, to forget our history rather quickly. Many of the crimes I felt were among the most significant are barely remembered today, if not completely forgotten.
Some readers will take issue with my list. In choosing 10, here are the others I considered, in no particular order. They are all murders:
-- Mary O'Shea
-- Nancy Parker
-- Charles Mulholland
-- Victoria Lamm and Janet Mesner
-- Martina McMenamin
-- Regina Bos (presumably murdered)
-- Patty Webb
-- Marianne Mitzner
I also thought about the five murder-suicides in which a mother or father killed multiple family members before taking their own life. Though tragic, these crimes did not command the same kind of attention as the others, perhaps because there was no lengthy investigation, no tantalizing whodunit, no stranger-killer, nor any of the details that come out in the coverage of a major trial. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/lincoln-woman-tried-to-steal-81-864-from-parents-police-allege/article_5fc2d22a-1cf7-11ee-8242-1b542f1aeb4f.html | 2023-07-08T16:52:32 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/lincoln-woman-tried-to-steal-81-864-from-parents-police-allege/article_5fc2d22a-1cf7-11ee-8242-1b542f1aeb4f.html |
SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — The mayor of the City of South Fulton is wanted for arrest, according to the Fulton County Sheriff's Office.
While the office has confirmed khalid kamau's arrest, it added that he had not turned himself in. Specific charges against the mayor have not yet been disclosed.
11Alive will provide updates as more information is available. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/mayor-south-fulton-arrested-officials/85-c87c96a9-5e7e-450a-91c4-a653a0ca2995 | 2023-07-08T16:52:49 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/mayor-south-fulton-arrested-officials/85-c87c96a9-5e7e-450a-91c4-a653a0ca2995 |
Gas prices continued their steady descent across Arizona this week while remaining mostly flat on a nationwide basis, AAA says.
The statewide average gas price dropped nearly 9 cents in a week to $3.81 per gallon of regular on Friday, while the national average was virtually flat at $3.54 per gallon.
Tucson's average gas price dropped more than a dime this week to $3.60 per gallon.
The Sierra Vista-Douglas area had the state's lowest average gas price at $3.51 per gallon, while Scottsdale had the priciest gas at an average $4.12 per gallon.
Tucson's average gas price is down about 60 cents in a month, after prices remained stubbornly high through much of the spring amid supply issues.
Arizona's average price is about 50 cents lower than last month. But prices remain highest in the Phoenix area after a required annual spring switch to a cleaner-burning, but more costly, summer gas blend.
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Nationally, rising demand and falling supplies could start pushing prices up in the coming weeks, AAA said.
Find current local gas prices at the crowdsourced tracking website Gasbuddy.com.
Track average gas prices at gasprices.aaa.com;
Contact senior reporter David Wichner at dwichner@tucson.com or 520-573-4181. On Twitter: @dwichner. On Facebook: Facebook.com/DailyStarBiz | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/tucson-gas-prices-consumer-inflation-automotive/article_8b0630e4-1d1f-11ee-8a77-53d0cab14c02.html | 2023-07-08T16:52:55 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/tucson-gas-prices-consumer-inflation-automotive/article_8b0630e4-1d1f-11ee-8a77-53d0cab14c02.html |
RIO RICO — Andrew Jackson's plans are huge, even by the big-city standards of Tucson or Phoenix.
The major Santa Cruz County landowner is pushing a 9-mile-long, mixed-use project on both sides of Interstate 19 that could spur commercial and industrial investment across this unincorporated community 60 miles south of Tucson.
His transformative plan includes 18 separate parcels and more than 3,550 acres strung along the Santa Cruz River, much of it currently zoned for ranching and covered with emerald green farm fields and thickets of mesquite.
Jackson wants the property rezoned to allow for “a major economic center providing education, employment, commercial and housing opportunities,” including hotel rooms, restaurants, retail stores, offices, railroad facilities and even a community college with student housing.
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But a growing group of residents is rallying against the project, in large part because of who they think it’s really going to benefit: South32, an Australian mining giant with plans for a $1.7 billion zinc and manganese mine in the mountains outside of Patagonia.
“We're about to lose everything. If we let them in one inch, they're going to take 500 miles,” said Catherine Itule, a third-generation resident of Southern Arizona who has lived in Rio Rico most of her life. “This whole place will become a complete disaster area. I know what happens to mining towns.”
South32 officials have not yet said where they might build the support facilities for their proposed “next-generation” Hermosa mine, only that they are committed to locating them somewhere in the rural county to “maximize the benefits of the project” for the people living there.
“We are currently evaluating multiple commercial locations along the I-19 corridor in Santa Cruz County for our planned Integrated Remote Operating Center,” from which the mine’s automated equipment will be run, said South32 Hermosa Project President Pat Risner in a written statement.
The company has also chosen the county for a production facility to make battery-grade manganese, Risner said.
Jackson’s original zoning proposal referenced Rio Rico possibly hosting a training center and operation facilities for one or more mines, without mentioning South32 by name. At recent public meetings about his plans, he has talked about a major employer looking to set up shop in the area, but he has declined to say who that might be.
His sweeping proposal was first submitted to the county in March, then resubmitted in May, but many Rio Rico residents didn’t find out about it until mid-June, when public notices began appearing on fences and in the mailboxes of homes immediately adjacent to the proposed development.
Itule thinks that was done by design.
“Those (notices) were so low to the ground, the cockroaches couldn't even read them,” she said. “I don’t like how shady and in the dark and opaque this is. They're trying to pull a fast one, really.”
Of course, almost any county effort to spur development along the I-19 corridor would have to be made with Jackson in mind, since he owns nearly all of the vacant land adjacent to the highway.
“Believe it or not, he pretty much owns all of Rio Rico,” said Santa Cruz County Supervisor Rudy Molera.
Even the San Cayetano Mountains that loom over the eastern edge of the community belong to Jackson’s company, Baca Float #3, LLC.
Sudden surprise
Two days before the county’s Planning and Zoning Commission met in Nogales on June 22 to review his proposal, Jackson hosted an informational meeting for residents at the community center in Rio Rico.
So many people showed up that he had to move the event outside to a nearby ramada, where a portable sound system was brought in so people could hear what he had to say.
“I think it just took people by surprise,” said local resident Beth Pirl, who first heard about the proposal less than a week before the planning commissioners were set to vote on it. “What is this and why is it moving so quickly?”
Jackson could not be reached for comment.
During his presentation to the planning commission last month, he indicated that the plans for his land along I-19 grew out of a meeting he was invited to several years ago with county leaders, school district officials and that major employer he has so far declined to name.
“We think it’s a fantastic project, and we’re very proud of it,” Jackson said of his proposal, though he admitted to making some “unforced errors” while rolling it out to the public.
Their recent hours-long question-and-answer session outside the community center went especially poorly.
“The meeting we had was not the one we prepared for, and we were not at all prepared for the meeting we had,” Jackson told the planning commissioners. “Nobody understood it, and we didn't explain it very well. But we stood up for four hours and heard everybody's concerns.”
The result was a flurry of last-minute changes to the proposal. Jackson eliminated any reference to mining and agreed to establish an open-space easement through the entire project to preserve the Santa Cruz River and the riparian area surrounding it, which is bracketed by the interstate and an important rail corridor between the U.S. and Mexico.
“I think you'll find that all of the people that reached out to us, called us, emailed us and asked for a meeting we met with and we have adopted all their concerns,” Jackson said. “I think that's going to satisfy most of the criticism, unless the criticism is just no growth at all.”
Digging in
The endless, small-town tug-of-war over the virtues of growing is certainly part of the fight now unfolding in Rio Rico, but the loudest concerns seem to revolve around a potential mining operation.
Opponents of the idea are already painting nightmarish visions of heavy ore trucks and rock-filled train cars rumbling through town to a processing facility that is belching smoke into the air and chemicals into the river.
“That’s a big concern to a lot of us,” Ed Pirl said.
He and Beth are still pretty new to Rio Rico. They moved to the community from Florida in 2021, after a nationwide search led them to the natural beauty, favorable weather, rural lifestyle and seemingly secure water supply of the Santa Cruz Valley.
“We didn’t want to live in a big city or suburbia,” Beth Pirl explained. “I certainly don’t want the character and nature of this area changed.”
But she acknowledged that there are “different constituencies” in Rio Rico, including some who would welcome almost any project that might bring some revenue and better-paying jobs to the community.
South32 is promising the single largest investment in the history of Santa Cruz County, assuming its mine gets approved.
The proposed Hermosa project is now under federal review as part of an Obama-era program aimed at streamlining the permitting process for critical infrastructure. It's the first mine to be accepted into that program, because it will produce two minerals crucial to the production of large-capacity batteries for renewable-energy storage.
But even with a fast-tracked process, federal regulators do not expect to wrap up their review of Hermosa until mid 2026, according to a timetable announced on Wednesday.
In the meantime, a coalition of environmental groups is already suing to block the mine and several other mineral exploration projects in the Patagonia Mountains.
On the Float
The Rio Rico property has a tangled and controversial history of its own.
Jackson’s holdings are the remnants of a 100,000-acre grant made to the Baca family in 1863 in exchange for an older Spanish land grant in northern New Mexico that was taken from them before the Mexican-American War.
Baca Float No. 3, as the 100,000-acre square came to be known, covered most of the Santa Cruz Valley from Tubac to the southern edge of present-day Rio Rico, but its legal status remained unsettled for decades even as its ownership changed hands.
It took a 1914 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court to cement the legitimacy of the grant and several more years of litigation to sort out its exact location and rightful owners, none of whom actually lived there.
By then, homesteaders occupied the property, some of them for a generation. Evictions were ordered for almost 250 settlers and their families, most of them Hispanic and many of them immigrants from Sonora.
Among those forced off the land were Opata and Yaqui Indians who had fled north to escape the genocidal policies of the Mexican government, according to a Tumacacori historic resource study by the National Park Service.
Jackson and his wife, Colleen, acquired the remnants of the land grant and moved onto the property in Rio Rico about 9 years ago, registering the enterprise with state under the name Baca Float #3, LLC.
“Owning a Spanish and Mexican land grant is a mixed blessing,” Jackson told the planning commissioners with a laugh. “It has a lot of history, it has a lot of legal rights, it has a lot of legal obligations, and it costs a lot to maintain it.”
As it turns out, controlling such a large and vital slice of Rio Rico also comes with an outsized role in planning for the future of the entire town.
“We have tried to be good stewards all along the way,” Jackson said during last month’s planning meeting. “There's a fine line (between) protecting these private property rights and also doing what's in the best interest of the community and the growth in the community.”
Some assurances
The rezoning plan for I-19 in Rio Rico was originally scheduled for a vote by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors this Tuesday.
That hearing has since been canceled for “further consideration of the request in light of public comments received,” according to an email from Frank Dillon, the county’s community development director.
Though the board is slated to meet again on July 18, Supervisor Molera does not expect the zoning proposal to show up on an agenda again until August at the earliest.
Frankly, he said, they could all use the extra time. Based on the reaction so far in Rio Rico, it’s clear that the county needs to take a closer look at the proposal and “proceed with caution,” Molera said.
Efforts to encourage development along I-19 are nothing new, according to the Nogales-born, four-term supervisor. Molera said that part of Rio Rico was identified as a retail, commercial and industrial corridor in a comprehensive plan first adopted by the county in 2004 and renewed in 2016.
In December, the county’s three-member board of supervisors approved a resolution “promoting economic development and land use” along the interstate in Rio Rico.
Then on June 6, the supervisors unanimously adopted a new code that seemed tailor-made for Jackson and his proposal: Henceforth, the county would allow so-called “specific zoning plans,” through which wholesale changes could be made to existing land-use designations, but only for projects within Rio Rico’s I-19 corridor.
Molera said he would like to see the community continue to grow, especially if it leads to new career options beyond the Border Patrol, local government or the produce distribution warehouses that now represent the county’s largest source of private employment. He thinks they can make it easier to “keep families together” by giving young people more educational and employment opportunities close to home.
As for South32, Molera said, “we want those good jobs to go here, not Pima County,” but only if the project is safe.
“If it’s going to be something that’s going to jeopardize our health and safety, I’m not going to want it. I will not allow our health and safety to be put in danger,” he said.
Incoming County Manager Jesus Valdez offered similar assurances.
“We won’t support any mining along the Santa Cruz River or near our residents,” and that includes the processing of ore, he said. “As a county, we have to protect our residents and our river.”
From the top
Devin Randolph has lived in the hills overlooking the Santa Cruz Valley for 42 years.
During that time, he and his wife, Gail, have seen the view from their front yard change as Rio Rico more than doubled in size. Where there used to be open desert and a few scattered buildings trailing south into Mexico, now they look out over a jumble of produce warehouses that form the backbone of the county’s economy, at least for the moment.
“We're not totally against growth, but it's got to be the right kind of growth,” the retired Nogales art teacher said. “They're trying to turn this community into a sacrificial lamb on the altar of green energy. This is all about the mine that's going in in Patagonia.”
Randolph accused those pushing that project of trying to “put a pretty picture on it” by promising new restaurants and retail development, more money for the schools and “six-figure jobs” he said would probably just end up going to mine workers from out of town anyway.
As far as he's concerned, no amount of perks are worth the price.
“We don't want to see our community polluted. We don't want to see it ravaged,” Randolph said. “We are primarily a country agrarian area, and we want to keep it that way.”
Contact reporter Henry Brean at hbrean@tucson.com or 573-4283. On Twitter: @RefriedBrean | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/rio-rico-development-draws-opposition/article_d0cce732-1b5b-11ee-aff2-37a00fa6e30a.html | 2023-07-08T16:53:01 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/rio-rico-development-draws-opposition/article_d0cce732-1b5b-11ee-aff2-37a00fa6e30a.html |
Self-driving truck developer TuSimple is looking to sell off its U.S. operations, including a major research center and freight terminal in Tucson where it laid off most employees not long after a major expansion just last year.
And now, the city of Tucson is trying to claw back more than $100,000 in construction sales-tax breaks TuSimple got as incentive for constructing a new building and hiring more than 100 people as part of its short-lived expansion.
The publicly traded TuSimple Holdings said in a June 28 news release that it is “evaluating strategic alternatives for its U.S. business with a goal to maximize shareholder value.”
The San Diego-based company, which is already selling off many of its idle trucks and trailers, says it has engaged an investment banking firm as a financial advisor “to explore possible transactions for the U.S.-based portion of its business.”
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TuSimple has laid off most of its U.S. employees in Tucson, San Diego and Fort Worth, Texas, after an executive shakeup last fall and a subsequent decision to drop its nascent autonomous freight network and instead seek a partner to commercialize its self-driving truck technology.
In a notice to the state under the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act in May, TuSimple said it would lay off 108 workers at its location on East Vail Road, after laying off 135 workers in December as part of a prior restructuring.
The company said last fall that hiring since 2021 had grown its local workforce to about 300.
The WARN Act requires most employers of 100 or more workers to notify state authorities 60 days ahead of mass layoffs or plant closings.
TuSimple said the layoffs would drop its total U.S. workforce to 220 from 550 employees.
"We believe this is the right number of employees to work toward achieving our goals while preserving the cash on our balance sheet as well as retain strong publicly listed company capabilities,” the company said in a statement.
The company did not respond to the Star’s inquiries about the cuts.
Clawing back
Amid the mass layoffs, TuSimple is in apparent violation of a February 2021 incentive agreement based on job creation.
Under the city's Primary Jobs Incentive program, TuSimple was reimbursed $110,247 for city construction sales taxes it paid, based on its capital investment of $8.5 million to construct a 35,000-square-foot building and creating 104 new jobs at an average annual salary of nearly $99,000, said Barbra Coffee, the city's director of economic initiatives.
But under the agreement, the new jobs must be retained for five years from the effective date of the agreement, and if the conditions of the agreement are not met, TuSimple would be required to pay back the financial incentive, with interest, she said.
City officials are awaiting more information from TuSimple, Coffee said.
“The city is in regular communication with TuSimple and has requested a report from the company detailing the impact of their recent restructuring on the Tucson community,” she said.
Executive shuffle
Last November, about a month after a ribbon-cutting at its new Tucson digs featuring then-Gov. Doug Ducey, TuSimple co-founder and CEO Xiaodi Hou was fired by the company's board and co-founder Mo Chen was removed as chairman, amid an investigation of TuSimple employees improperly working with a startup founded by Chen in June 2022 to develop hydrogen-powered, autonomous trucks.
In December, the company said it had decided to drop its “unprofitable” truck routes, and focus on providing industry partners with its self-driving truck technology.
TuSimple had an agreement with truckmaker Navistar to build autonomous driving technology into its trucks, but the companies ended that pact in December.
The company also was considering selling off its Asian operations, which include offices in Beijing, Shanghai, China and Japan, where it recently began testing its self-driving trucks.
In May, the company said it would lay off 30% of its global workforce, cutting mostly its U.S. operations in San Diego and Tucson, but it said it planned to set up an autonomous trucking route between Tucson and Phoenix by late 2024.
TuSimple had been carrying paid loads on trucks with its self-driving systems, monitored by human drivers aboard, since 2017 with shipping partners including UPS and the U.S. Postal Service.
The company opened a new truck terminal in the Fort Worth area last year and in March marked 10 million miles driven by its rigs for research, testing and freight loads.
In 2021 and 2022, the company demonstrated more than 500 miles of completely autonomous, “driver-out” test runs between Tucson and Phoenix in cooperation with transportation and law-enforcement agencies.
In June, TuSimple announced it had successfully completed China's first fully autonomous semi-truck run on open public roads in the Shanghai area, without a human in the vehicle or human intervention.
Regulatory woes
But the company has run afoul of regulators over its links with China and its financial reporting.
The company has faced federal probes into possible violations of restrictions on sharing technology important to national security.
TuSimple’s initial major investors included an affiliate of Sina Corp., a major Chinese technology firm.
In February 2022, TuSimple said it signed a National Security Agreement with the U.S. government, agreeing to limit access to certain data and adopt a technology-control plan, and to drop a board member from a Chinese investor group, among other measures.
TuSimple also faces possible delisting of its shares on the Nasdaq Stock Market after failing to file its 2022 fourth quarter financial report with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission.
The company, which raised more than $1 billion in an initial public offering of stock in 2021, said its reporting was delayed because it had retained a new auditing firm.
TuSimple’s stock remains listed pending a decision on the company’s appeal of the delisting to Nasdaq.
The company in its most recent financial report posted a net loss of $220 million on revenues of $4.9 million for the first six months of 2022.
But the company doesn’t appear to be in any immediate danger of running out of cash, after reporting in an interim SEC filing in March that it still had about $1 billion of cash and short-term investments on hand.
Meanwhile, TuSimple’s stock, which once topped $60 per share in 2021, dropped to as low as 80 cents in May before rebounding to the $2 range recently.
Contact senior reporter David Wichner at dwichner@tucson.com or 520-573-4181. On Twitter: @dwichner. On Facebook: Facebook.com/DailyStarBiz | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/tucson-technology-tusimple-self-driving-incentives/article_40a1dfba-1c5e-11ee-b9e2-e30ebdc1c3d2.html | 2023-07-08T16:53:07 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/tucson-technology-tusimple-self-driving-incentives/article_40a1dfba-1c5e-11ee-b9e2-e30ebdc1c3d2.html |
Two people are dead and three are in the hospital following an early Saturday morning crash in South Philadelphia.
At approximately 3:26 a.m. police were called to the intersection of Pattison and Penrose Avenue for a crash with people trapped.
When police arrived they saw that a car had crashed into a parked front-end loader, a tractor, in a construction zone.
The driver and front passenger, a man and a woman, were pronounced dead at the scene by medics, according to police.
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Three people were extracted from the back of the car and transported to the hospital, police said. Their conditions at this time are unknown, police believe they are in their 20s.
Police say the car was going westbound on Pattison Avenue and made a left turn onto Penrose Avenue where it crashed into the parked tractor.
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There is no identification for any of the victims.
AID is investigating this crash and at this time they are unsure what led to the crash.
This is a developing story. Check back for details. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/2-dead-3-injured-in-crash-with-tractor-in-south-philly/3600590/ | 2023-07-08T17:00:51 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/2-dead-3-injured-in-crash-with-tractor-in-south-philly/3600590/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/deadly-night-on-the-roads-in-philly/3600597/ | 2023-07-08T17:00:57 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/deadly-night-on-the-roads-in-philly/3600597/ |
NEVADA CITY, Calif. — The Nevada County Sheriff's Office is searching for an overdue hiker, identified as 33-year-old Samantha Dees.
According to deputies, Dees was last seen on foot around 9 a.m. Friday. They are searching for her in the area of Willow Valley Road and Highway 20 near Nevada City.
Dees is described as a 5'10", 120-pound white female last seen wearing an orange tank top and yoga shorts. She has brown hair and hazel eyes.
People who see her are asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 530-265-7880.
Watch more from ABC10: California River Safety: Tips for spending summer near the waterways | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/grass-valley-nevada-city/nevada-sheriff-search-hiker/103-775abbf5-e6a2-4c5c-88f2-13eefd6df05c | 2023-07-08T17:16:58 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/grass-valley-nevada-city/nevada-sheriff-search-hiker/103-775abbf5-e6a2-4c5c-88f2-13eefd6df05c |
GLENDALE, Ariz. — One person has been taken to the hospital after sustaining injuries from a house fire in Glendale, officials said.
The fire started early Saturday morning at a residence near 51st and Olive avenues. Heavy smoke could be seen from throughout the neighborhood.
The Glendale Fire Department said firefighters initially encountered a significant amount of flames both in and around the residence. At least two people sustained injuries but only one was taken to the hospital.
No firefighters were harmed.
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MESA, Ariz. — The SWAT team had to be deployed Friday night in Mesa after two brothers got into a violent brawl over video games, police said.
The brothers were fighting over an Xbox and the dispute escalated to one of them pulling out a gun and allegedly shooting the other brother's foot, Mesa police said.
The suspect then allegedly barricaded himself inside a storage shed. Mesa police said the Tempe SWAT team was sent out to Central and Brown roads and help apprehend the suspect.
The wounded brother was taken to the hospital for a non-life-threatening injury. Police said the suspect was also taken to the hospital as a precaution due to the excessive heat.
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On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
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The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
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12News is the Official Home of the Arizona Cardinals and the proud recipient of the 2018 Rocky Mountain Emmy Award for Overall Excellence.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/police-brothers-fighting-xbox-ends-swat-mesa-tempe-july/75-9d54569e-1cfe-4e9c-93aa-e6e36d64400b | 2023-07-08T17:27:28 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/police-brothers-fighting-xbox-ends-swat-mesa-tempe-july/75-9d54569e-1cfe-4e9c-93aa-e6e36d64400b |
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TAMPA, Fla. — Two people including a 9-year-old girl are in the hospital after being injured by a lightning strike in the area at a USF Track & Field event, according to a news release.
The incident happened Saturday morning during a weather delay, Tampa Fire Rescue said.
The 40-year-old woman and 9-year-old were not directly hit by the lightning that struck a pole in close proximity.
Tampa Fire Rescue said both individuals were taken to the hospital and are in stable condition.
This is a developing story. Stay with 10 Tampa Bay for updates. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/woman-9-year-old-injured-lightning-strike-near-usf/67-67e4f99b-1b29-4867-95ea-59e094e697fe | 2023-07-08T17:31:40 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/woman-9-year-old-injured-lightning-strike-near-usf/67-67e4f99b-1b29-4867-95ea-59e094e697fe |
Kenosha County’s Brookside Care Center is actively recruiting for a variety of employee positions.
Administrator Lynda Bogdala said Friday that positions available include certified nursing assistants, nurses of all experience levels and environmental service workers.
All positions come with competitive wages and benefits including the Wisconsin Retirement System pension program and access to health insurance for full- and part-time employees. Wages were increased recently with a new county pay schedule that took effect July 2.
“Now is a great time to begin a career at Brookside — Kenosha County’s award-winning skilled nursing facility,” Bogdala said. “Our wage and benefit packages set us apart from other employers in the community, and working here provides the opportunity to be a part of a team of compassionate caregivers that’s second to none.”
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For those aspiring to become a certified nursing assistant, Brookside participates in a state program that offers educational support and cash incentives to applicants. WisCaregiver provides free training, no-cost admission to be placed on the Wisconsin CNA registry, and a $500 retention bonus after six months on the job.
Separately from the WisCaregiver program, current Brookside employees are eligible to receive a referral bonus of $400 to $500 if they refer a new CNA, resident assistant or environmental services worker who remains on the job for six months.
Interested applicants may view available job postings and apply online at https://www.kenoshacounty.org/jobs.
Honored by national publications in recent years, Brookside is a 154-bed facility offering long-term skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation care. Its neighboring facility, Willowbrook Assisted Living, provides assisted living and respite stay services, with staff on site 24 hours a day and 24/7 on-call licensed nursing services.
More information about the facilities is available at brooksidecarecenter.com and willowbrookofkenosha.com. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-countys-brookside-care-center-actively-recruiting-new-employees/article_5a775eca-1da7-11ee-bfe3-637be6f6b18b.html | 2023-07-08T17:37:02 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-countys-brookside-care-center-actively-recruiting-new-employees/article_5a775eca-1da7-11ee-bfe3-637be6f6b18b.html |
Law forcing the convicted to pay Michigan court costs stays alive
Detroit – After hearing two rounds of arguments, the Michigan Supreme Court has declined to upset a law that forces people convicted of crimes to pay a share of everyday operating costs in local courts.
The law, which raises millions of dollars a year for local governments, has been widely criticized. It mostly affects low-income people and doesn't apply to others who use court services. Many judges find the practice unsavory but say they're under pressure to bring in cash.
The state Supreme Court on Friday let stand an appeals court decision that found the law constitutional. The two-sentence order was not a formal opinion, though some justices added postscripts.
The law has been extended twice by the Legislature and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and now expires in May 2024. Justice Megan Cavanagh said she was in favor of striking it down as unconstitutional but freezing the decision for 18 months, presumably to muscle the Legislature to come up with a different way to fund courts.
Judges determining guilt or innocence and subsequent punishment shouldn't also be deciding how much a person should pay to keep the lights on in the courthouse, Justice Elizabeth Welch said.
From 2018 through 2020, Michigan courts collected $108 million statewide, 75% of it in district courts, which handle traffic tickets, drunken driving cases and other misdemeanors mostly committed by people who can least afford to pay.
The law has “turned Michigan’s trial courts into self-funding tax assessors and collectors by requiring the courts, and the courts alone, to decide which convicted individuals pay a tax and how much they must pay to help fund the judiciary’s operations,” Welch said.
The Supreme Court heard appeals in two cases, including one from Alpena County in which a man was ordered to pay $1,200 on top of other fines. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/07/08/michigan-law-forcing-convicts-pay-michigan-court-costs/70394359007/ | 2023-07-08T17:40:07 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/07/08/michigan-law-forcing-convicts-pay-michigan-court-costs/70394359007/ |
BALTIMORE — Baltimore County homicide detectives are investigating after a person's body was discovered in the parking lot of Pikesville High School on Friday.
At around 6:50 p.m., officers responded to the 7600 block of Labyrinth Road, where they discovered the body of an adult woman suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
That woman was identified as 45-year-old Lakisha Wheeler.
Police say it is unclear how long the body was at the scene. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
Detective are asking anyone with information to contact 410-307-2020.
Stay tuned to WMAR for more updates.
At approximately 6:50 p.m., officers responded to the 7600 block of Labyrinth Road. Once on scene they discovered an individual who was has been pronounced deceased. The circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation. #BCoPD pic.twitter.com/PyT7fbm8s9
— Baltimore County Police Department (@BaltCoPolice) July 7, 2023 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/police-investigate-a-body-found-in-the-parking-lot-of-pikesville-high-school | 2023-07-08T17:40:23 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/police-investigate-a-body-found-in-the-parking-lot-of-pikesville-high-school |
BALTIMORE — A verbal dispute turned into a quadruple shooting, leaving two people dead and one in critical condition Saturday.
Police say that just before 3 a.m., officers responded to the 900 block of Greenmount Avenue to investigate reports of shots fired.
When officers arrived, they found three men, ranging in ages from 20 to 29, suffering from gunshot wounds. All three victims were taken to area hospitals, where the 29-year-old and the 21-year-old male died a short time later.
The 20-year-old male had sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Officers later received a call about a walk-in shooting victim, a 19-year-old man suffering from life-threatening injuries. He is currently in critical condition.
A preliminary investigation revealed that there was a verbal dispute that led to a physical altercation, at which time gunshots were fired.
Homicide detectives responded and assumed control over this Investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at 410-396-2100. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/quadruple-shooting-leaves-two-people-dead-and-one-in-critical-condition | 2023-07-08T17:40:29 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/quadruple-shooting-leaves-two-people-dead-and-one-in-critical-condition |
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Police and the SWAT team took a man into custody at the Toyota plant guard station after a standoff that lasted several hours.
Police say officers responded around 2 a.m. for a disturbance involving a security guard at the plant's guard shack.
When officer arrived, they were told a man drove to the area and parked on the curb near the guard shack. He then entered the shack and was told by the security guard to leave, but he refused.
That's when the suspect took the security guard's phone, police said. The security guard left the shack and called for police. The suspect then barricaded himself inside the guard shack. The guard saw the suspect was brandishing a lock blade knife.
SWAT and the Negotiations Teams were called out to try to get the suspect to surrender. They did successfully take the suspect into custody several hours later without anyone getting hurt, police said.
A San Antonio Police report says the incident took place entirely at the guard station area, and the suspect never entered the Toyota plant's property except for the shack.
The suspect will be charged with Aggravated Robbery, Criminal Trespass and Criminal Mischief.
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Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/armed-man-barricades-himself-at-toyota-plant-guard-station-san-antonio-texas/273-901eba5b-b6f5-4337-9b6d-523f94eec37e | 2023-07-08T17:50:40 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/armed-man-barricades-himself-at-toyota-plant-guard-station-san-antonio-texas/273-901eba5b-b6f5-4337-9b6d-523f94eec37e |
PALO PINTO COUNTY, Texas — In Palo Pinto County, nearly 1,000 acres have burned in a wildfire.
As of July 4, the fire was 100% contained. Officials said on July 7 ember blew across containment lines and the fire rekindled on the east flank. The fire dropped back down to 50% contained. Ground crews and aircraft responded to contain the additional growth, and forward progression was stopped.
The Texas A&M Forest Service said the fire was called the “storage fire” because it started behind a storage unit off TX-16 in Strawn.
“We’ve ruled out any natural causes, so it is a human-caused fire,” said Adam Turner, the public information officer for Texas A&M Forest Service.
On June 30, Black Hawk helicopters and large air tankers dropped water and fire retardant from sunrise to sunset.
Every year, wildfires spread in Palo Pinto County. Turner said Texas A&M Forest Service are constantly preparing for it. It takes first responders and resources from in and out of the state to save people and property.
The Texas A&M Forest Service says not using fireworks, not dragging chains on trailers and keeping vehicle tires fully inflated are the easiest ways to prevent such fires.
Human-started fires like this one leave Billy Horton frustrated. His family has owned a property in the Sportsman’s World neighborhood since 1976.
“I don’t know when people are going to learn, y'know, to quit doing things that start fires this time of year,” said Horton.
Someone else’s mistake leaves Horton with a destroyed barn and equipment that will cost him more than $100,000 to replace. Horton said this isn’t the first time he’s had property damaged by fire.
“It brings back memories from 2012," he said. "We had a really bad fire from 2012, and it burned a lot of this."
The fire started on June 28. Horton saw it get worse the afternoon of June 29 when the flames took over his property. He said firefighters saved his house.
"They never thought twice,” Horton said with tears in his eyes on Friday. "We’re standing here talking right now, but yesterday, there were flames about fifty feet in the air here. It was an inferno and these guys were fighting it."
For Craig Elliott, an Arlington resident who owns a cabin near Possum Kingdom Lake, Friday was wait-and-see. Elliott, who decided not to evacuate, watched the fire approach his cabin on Thursday.
“Everything went bad,” Elliott said. "It came through around the corner like a firestorm. It was just an inferno. I just prayed."
Elliott credited the work of firefighters for working around the clock to contain the fire.
"The trees will come back," Elliott said. "They saved everyone." | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/possum-kingdom-storage-fire-determined-human-caused/287-8956bdd4-eb35-4103-8286-d7e0cbc221a4 | 2023-07-08T17:50:46 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/possum-kingdom-storage-fire-determined-human-caused/287-8956bdd4-eb35-4103-8286-d7e0cbc221a4 |
Lowell Animal Hospital has built a new, larger building next to its current one.
It plans to move into the expanded space later this month. The animal hospital at 17645 Morse St. in Lowell is doubling its size with a new 7,000-square-foot veterinary clinic.
Just north of the current location on the same property, the new building features eight exam rooms, two surgery suites, a dental suite, an ultrasound machine and a digital X-ray. It will tentatively open on the third week of July on July 19 if all goes according to plan.
"It's right next door," said Becky Palm, a registered veterinary technician and veterinary manager. "We'll have a lot more space. We'll be able to see more patients. They'll be able to wait in more enjoyable private areas. It should lessen wait times and maybe increase volume but clients should have a more pleasant wait where they're not just in one big room."
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Lowell Animal Clinic opened in 2017 and took off, which the owners attributed to being the only clinic in the area to offer walk-in veterinary service. It ran out of room and sought more space to facilitate more veterinary care.
"People are drawn by being able to walk in instead of schedule an appointment to see their own vet," she said. "We're newer, nice and tidy. We offer the same quality of care. We offer excellent patient care above all."
It provides services like spaying, neutering, wellness exams, vaccines, soft tissue surgeries, dental work and ultrasounds to dogs and cats. It also has a feral cat program.
The clinic offers endoscopy and laparoscopic surgeries usually only provided at universities and specialized hospitals. It draws patients from Crown Point, Rensselaer, Roselawn, DeMotte, Gary, Highland, Merrillville, Munster and Grant Pak in Illinois.
The expansion will allow it to do more surgeries, including dental surgeries. It will be able to see eight patients at a time instead of just three.
"We'll have more room to offer our services," she said. "We focus on quality of care."
In the future, Lowell Animal Hospital is considering expanding services, adding offerings like orthopedics and more specialized advanced dentistry.
"We're at the tail end of construction," she said. "They're finishing up."
For more information, call 219-300-2148, visit lowellanimalhospital.com or find the business on Facebook or Instagram.
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/business/lowell-animal-hospital-about-to-move-into-new-larger-space/article_bf578cfa-1ce6-11ee-9ec6-37cf21291301.html | 2023-07-08T18:01:59 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/business/lowell-animal-hospital-about-to-move-into-new-larger-space/article_bf578cfa-1ce6-11ee-9ec6-37cf21291301.html |
MERRILLVILLE — Police have issued an arrest warrant for a Gary man in connection with gunshots at a moving vehicle in the 4100 block of 21st Avenue in Gary.
Jonathan Taylor, 37, was charged Thursday with criminal recklessness and three counts of battery, an offense punishable up to 16 years in prison.
The gunshot victim said he received incoherent, drunk phone calls from Taylor on June 18, according to charging documents. The victim attempted to talk to Taylor in person but was unable to reach him.
When driving with his son later that night, the victim's son said they were approached by three men carrying rifles. Two of the men were unknown and one was recognized as Taylor.
Taylor reportedly began to make an "ugly grin" through the victim's window as he began to shoot at the vehicle. The victim and his son ducked, but a bullet grazed his right arm, as stated in police reports.
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The two immediately drove to Methodist Hospital in the 600 block of Grant Street and called police. When officers arrived at the hospital, they reportedly saw a black Jeep Cherokee with shattered rear window and apparent bullet holes in the trunk and passenger door, as well as the windshield. The Jeep also had a flat tire.
At the crime scene, police said they found spent cartridge casings before securing the area.
Taylor remains at large as of Friday. His next court date has not been set.
What you missed this week in notable Northwest Indiana crimes and court cases
This week's local crime and court updates from The Times.
CROWN POINT — A Gary man was charged with inappropriately touching a pair of preteen girls.
Khalil Gipson, 17, was charged Saturday with attempted murder and robbery resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted, Gipson faces up to 70 years in prison.
Lake Criminal Court Magistrate Mark Watson recommended bail be granted for Marcus Mathis but not Cordero Miller. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/gary-aggravated-battery-gunshot-guns-jonathan-taylor/article_5ec9869a-1cfa-11ee-aba7-b331496f0301.html | 2023-07-08T18:02:05 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/gary-aggravated-battery-gunshot-guns-jonathan-taylor/article_5ec9869a-1cfa-11ee-aba7-b331496f0301.html |
A new Miller-based design firm helps clients create gardens, living spaces and working spaces attuned to the natural world.
The local artist Corey Hagelberg, whose work often depicts the Calumet Region and addresses ecological themes, started Natures Intentions Regenerative Design LLC.
It specializes in regenerative designs, which aim to mimic the natural world and create resilient low maintenance spaces that can last for generations. It also does permaculture design, an ethical design style Bill Mollison and David Holgrem created in Australia with a mission of "Earth Care, People Care and Future Care." It follows 12 design principles like "observe and interact," "catch and store energy" and "integrate, don't segregate."
"What inspired me is that I've been practicing permaculture on my own property for about six years now and have been kind of learning about it. It's just something I've dedicated more time to," he said. "It's a natural fit. I started a food forest at My Brother's Keeper. It's a design form or art that can be useful in people's everyday lives, which is what inspired me to do it more and more."
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Natures Intentions offers custom designs that are tailored to clients, spaces and budgets. Hagelberg will work with them to develop a timeline and work schedule.
"More people are looking to grow their own food and are worried about climate or having a climate resilient business," he said. "This business focuses on helping them with design work. I saw a niche I thought I could fill. I want to help bring these ideas to the fore in the Region. I saw a need for people to bring regenerative agriculture into their own lives in a meaningful way. I think as time goes on and people see more of these crazy weather patterns, they see supply systems being more stressed, so they're looking to get more food from their backdoors."
The firm designs native gardens, food gardens, food forests and rain gardens. It also offers services like foodscaping, biochar, climate resilience planning and project management.
"Designing with native and perennial food plants is often a major part of the plant design, but with regenerative design, water flow and storage, how energy can be captured and stored on the design site and zero waste building design can all be integrated to create a system that works together in an eco-friendly way," Hagelberg said.
"It is important to note that much of what we have to say about creating spaces that are in tune with nature can be directly linked to the practices of the indigenous people who lived in this area pre-European colonization: the Bodwéwadmi (Potawatomi), Myaamia, Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), Kaskaskia, Peoria, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ people, communities who lived off the land for tens of thousands of years. Many aspects of regenerative design draw upon the process of ancestors and previous generations. Growing plants, growing food is in all our DNA and a few generations ago, plant knowledge was more common knowledge."
Hagelberg also incorporates new technologies like rocket mass and charcoal making stoves.
"We live in a unique region, ecologically, where there is incredible biodiversity around us. If you don’t mow your lawn for a couple weeks, many plants will come up that are as healthy or healthier than what you can find in the supermarket. If you walk through Miller Woods in Indiana Dunes National Park, close to where I live, you will find wild blueberries, strawberries, cherries, elderberries, raspberries, rose hips, mushrooms and scores of other edible plants," he said. "What I’m hoping to accomplish with Nature's Intentions is to bring elements of the national parks back into our yards, in our spaces, so we can walk out our doors and pick blueberries and elderberries, and have spaces where we observe, interact, celebrate and support nature where it is most accessible."
He's already worked with seven clients, including Faith Farms in Gary.
"I help them with the first steps and try to maintain a relationship with clients," he said. "I like to keep in touch and follow up to check in our their projects."
The design firm works with residential, commercial, institutional and educational customers — anyone interested in restoring nature and natural landscapes on their properties.
"The long-term goal is to get these practices more widely accepted," he said. "I want to give people the opportunity to have nature in the background. There are benefits like returning to agriculture, catching and storing energy, having more efficient energy and making things more local, which can only save time and money and be more efficient."
For more information, email naturesintentiondesign@gmail.com, call 219-713-4594 or visit naturesintentionsdesign.com.
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/getting-back-to-nature-natures-intentions-firm-offers-permaculture-and-regenerative-design/article_b525e29a-1ce6-11ee-9745-33b451030d53.html | 2023-07-08T18:02:11 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/getting-back-to-nature-natures-intentions-firm-offers-permaculture-and-regenerative-design/article_b525e29a-1ce6-11ee-9745-33b451030d53.html |
AMHERST, Va. – One person sustained life-threatening injuries after a shooting in Amherst Friday, according to the Amherst Police Department.
Authorities said at around 4:33 p.m., police were dispatched to the area of South Main Street and East Court Street for a report of an individual with a gunshot wound.
The Amherst Police Department, Amherst County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, and Amherst County Public Safety all responded to the scene.
Police said an individual was located in the area with life-threatening injuries. We’re told officers immediately began providing first aid before the Amherst County Public Safety took over providing first aid.
According to authorities, officers determined that the suspect was still on the scene and he was immediately detained.
The department said at this time, the incident is believed to be isolated and there is no active threat to the community.
Police said this is an ongoing investigation and asks anyone with information about this incident to reach out to Captain Watts or Investigator Floyd with the Amherst Police Department at 434-946-9300. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/08/one-with-life-threatening-injuries-after-shooting-in-amherst/ | 2023-07-08T18:19:30 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/08/one-with-life-threatening-injuries-after-shooting-in-amherst/ |
ILION, N.Y. -- Emergency crews spent a couple of hours outside of the Dollar General in Central Plaza in Ilion Friday evening for what appeared to be a suspicious package on the roof.
The building was evacuated.
Ilion Police said that a contractor on the roof of the building found a package near the air conditioning system. The discovery was reported to employees of Dollar General. Police were called.
Firefighters from the Ilion Fire Department were called in, confirming the item was suspicious.
Bomb squad technicians from New York State Police responded. They found the package to be something left behind on the roof from previous work.
Ilion Police Chief Laurie DeVaul said what was found looked to be a sort of speaker device.
When the scene was cleared, the store reopened. | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/updated-suspicious-package-was-reported-at-dollar-general-in-ilion-on-friday/article_5f45afb2-1d0f-11ee-b75c-77d6965220d0.html | 2023-07-08T18:20:56 | 1 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/updated-suspicious-package-was-reported-at-dollar-general-in-ilion-on-friday/article_5f45afb2-1d0f-11ee-b75c-77d6965220d0.html |
A passerby notified authorities of a house on fire at 309 E. Second St. shortly before 7 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 19, 2022. Firefighters pulled one person from the home.
WATERLOO — Attorneys for a man convicted of setting a fatal fire in 2022 have hired an expert to take a second look at the blaze.
Tony Grider, 60, died when his home at 309 E. Second St. caught fire on the morning of Aug. 19, 2022.
Police arrested his long-time acquaintance, John Walter Spooner, one of the people who had spent the prior night at the house. He was convicted of arson during a November 2022 trial and is awaiting trial for murder charges.
Prosecutors allege Spooner, 60, lit a fire on the front porch using fuel from a gas can. Grider died of burns and smoke inhalation in his upstairs bedroom.
But the defense said it has an expert who will likely determine the fire started another way.
“The expert believes there would be tremendous value in examining the basement of the residence,” defense attorney Nichole Watt said in court records. Watt is urging the court to preserve the site to keep any potential evidence from being destroyed.
Doug Carpenter, an engineer with Combustion Science and Engineering Inc. of Columbia, Maryland, plans to review the remnants of the house, which remains standing and unrepaired.
His findings may be used in the upcoming murder trial or used to appeal the arson verdict.
The house has been released to Grider’s estate, and the city of Waterloo has shown interest in taking possession of site and tearing down the house because of the threat it poses to the community, according to court records. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-courts/defense-wants-to-revisit-fatal-fire-scene/article_ea8017f6-1c34-11ee-9483-a32c9c18994a.html | 2023-07-08T18:25:46 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-courts/defense-wants-to-revisit-fatal-fire-scene/article_ea8017f6-1c34-11ee-9483-a32c9c18994a.html |
WATERLOO — More than two years after he was shot by police, a Waterloo man has been arrested for allegedly pointing a BB gun at officers and chasing them, which prompted the shooting.
Marcelino Alvarez-Victoriano, 46, was arrested Thursday for two misdemeanor counts of assault on an officer. He was released to pretrial supervision pending trial.
Authorities allege Alvarez pointed what appeared to be a rifle at Black Hawk County sheriff’s deputies who responded to a call about a man walking at night with a weapon on April 7, 2021.
One deputy attempted to run him over, and Officer C.J. Nichols with the Waterloo Police Department shot him as he pulled up on the scene. Alvarez survived but was left paralyzed from the waist down.
Following the shooting, authorities realized Alvarez’s weapon was a Red Ryder BB gun.
Agents with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, which reviewed the shooting as part of normal protocol, filed the charges against Alvarez two days after the incident. But the arrest warrant remained unserved for more than two years, until Thursday.
Alvarez also filed suit against the city of Waterloo and Nichols alleging negligence and excessive force.
Attorneys for the city are challenging the lawsuit, arguing that Nichols reasonably believed Alvarez would have used deadly force against others unless he was immediately apprehended.
The defense transferred the case to U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids in April.
PHOTOS: Officer-involved shooting, Waterloo, April 7, 2021
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Stills images from officer-involved shooting April 7, 2021
Still image from Deputy Matt Isley’s dashboard camera shows Marcelino Alvarez-Victoriano, left, approach while Deputy Blake Dodd takes cover. Isley attempted to strike Alvarez with his squad car. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-courts/man-shot-by-police-arrested-pointing-bb-gun/article_9564bf3c-1cdf-11ee-8f73-6357dabc0bc4.html | 2023-07-08T18:25:52 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-courts/man-shot-by-police-arrested-pointing-bb-gun/article_9564bf3c-1cdf-11ee-8f73-6357dabc0bc4.html |
CEDAR FALLS — Following an evaluation of Superintendent Andy Pattee last month, the Board of Education will consider his salary and benefits for the upcoming school year.
The board convenes at 5:30 p.m. Monday in City Hall, 220 Clay St. No information on Pattee’s pay adjustment was provided in meeting materials. That is typically revealed during the session.
Last year, the board was unanimous in approving a raise of slightly more than 3%, from $210,000 to $216,426. Pattee has been superintendent of Cedar Falls Community Schools since 2013.
Also up for consideration will be ending the district’s virtual school campus introduced at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Later, in 2021, it began accepting enrollments from anywhere in the state.
A lack of interest from families is why administration is recommending the program be terminated, according to Janelle Darst, director of communications and community relations.
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In other business, the board will vote on approving:
- The low bid of $1.81 million from Affinitech, of Chanhassen, Minnesota for audio-visual equipment at the new high school being built on West 27th Street.
A 28E agreement with the city of Cedar Falls regarding the use of the new swimming facility being built on the campus of the new school.
- The “500 Series” board policies on first reading of which several revisions are being made to the subsections addressing attendance area boundaries, student record access, freedom of expression and prescription administration. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/school-board-cedar-falls-superintendent-raise/article_12c128be-1c25-11ee-9bff-eb8ee1dae14c.html | 2023-07-08T18:25:58 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/school-board-cedar-falls-superintendent-raise/article_12c128be-1c25-11ee-9bff-eb8ee1dae14c.html |
WATERLOO — Waterloo Community Schools is looking toward election season in hopes of renewing a voter-approved levy.
The physical plant and equipment levy, used to maintain and repair buildings, is a 10-year levy set to expire in June 2027 but it can be renewed for an additional 10 years in a special election on Sept. 12.
Apart from fixing buildings, PPEL funds can be used to purchase grounds, construct buildings and to pay debts for construction of school buildings.
The proposed ballot language states the tax would not exceed $1.34 per $1,000 of assessed valuation of the taxable property within the school district. The current tax rate is 67 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. In 2015, the PPEL passed with 81% of voters approving it.
The board could also approve professional learning materials for elementary teachers at a cost of $310,362 for three years.
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Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling would provide teachers with literacy and language knowledge. The focus of the program is phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and written language.
Professional learning will be provided by Central Rivers Area Education Agency for no additional cost and the district will provide each teacher with the LETRS materials. The cost of the materials is $798 per teacher.
Training will be provided in three phases from this coming school year until 2026-27.
The board will also consider approving:
- A quote from the district’s insurance committee to participate in the Iowa Association of School Boards Safety Group Plan with a total estimated premium of $2.8 million.
- A change order for the Sloane Wallace Stadium Park project for an additional $9,858 to relocate existing handholes and provide new wiring for the existing parking lot on West Sixth Street and to connect the existing light pole to the new circuit.
- A memorandum of understanding with the Wartburg College Music Therapy Department to provide on-site music therapy. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/waterloo-school-board-to-consider-levy-renewal/article_14087450-1ce5-11ee-810e-8331679f3e10.html | 2023-07-08T18:26:05 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/waterloo-school-board-to-consider-levy-renewal/article_14087450-1ce5-11ee-810e-8331679f3e10.html |
WATERLOO — Dave Boesen is running for reelection to the City Council, but in a different seat.
Boesen currently holds one of the council’s at-large seats. This year, he will be running for the Ward 2 seat.
Current Ward 2 Councilmember Jonathan Grieder announced he will be running for the at-large seat. So, if both runs are successful, they would be flip-flopping the two positions. Boesen said he and Grieder had discussions about each other’s personal preferences and mutually agreed to run for each other’s seat.
Ward 2 spans the area from Interstate Highway 380 west to Ansborough Avenue and from East Ridgeway Avenue south to the border of Waterloo at East Orange Road. Parts of East Ridgeway to East Mitchell Avenue are also included.
If Boesen wins this would be his second term on the council.
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If re-elected, he will continue his work to see projects through to completion, such as the municipal internet project. Other goals include continuing his support for the fire and police departments, promoting the leisure services department, supporting the Waterloo Public Library and supporting the growth of the downtown district.
He also has goals related to Waterloo’s housing market. He wants to continue working on the city’s plans to address older and dilapidated houses as well as promote new construction in housing, infill development and businesses.
Boesen regularly asks questions at council meetings. He wants to continue to be a “voice of reason,” asking questions regarding Tax Increment Financing districts and development agreements as well as other items that affect the city’s ability to hold or lower property taxes for city residents.
Councilmembers are required to serve as liaisons for different city boards or commissions. He is the liaison for leisure services, Waterloo Water Works, the Waterloo Public Library, planning and zoning, the Board of Adjustment, the Black Hawk Gaming Association and the Emergency Management Agency. He also assists the Grout Museum’s board on its building and grounds projects.
He notes that in his first term he has only missed one board or commission meeting.
Boesen retired after 28 years with Waterloo Fire Rescue and an additional six years as the property and evidence coordinator for the Waterloo Police Department. He said, at the age of 66, he has dedicated more than half of his life to the citizens of Waterloo.
“Waterloo has given me so much throughout the years (and) I want to continue to give back in any capacity I can,” Boesen said in a news release. “The work of this council isn’t over and I will continue to contribute each day not just for the citizens of Ward 2 but for this entire city.”
He is married to Robin Boesen. They have three children and six grandsons. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/government-politics/boesen-switches-runs-ward-2-waterloo-council/article_c5d8c558-1c28-11ee-b3b3-23b3d52142f8.html | 2023-07-08T18:26:11 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/government-politics/boesen-switches-runs-ward-2-waterloo-council/article_c5d8c558-1c28-11ee-b3b3-23b3d52142f8.html |
WATERLOO — Mayor Quentin Hart hopes to continue his leadership after seven years at the city’s helm.
Hart announced he is running for his fifth term as mayor on Nov. 7. He was first elected in 2015 after serving for eight years as the Ward 4 representative on the City Council. He is the city’s first Black mayor.
In a news release, Hart trumpeted $250 million in improvement projects since 2021, the year he was last on the ballot. These include new housing developments, neighborhood revitalizations, and road and bridge reconstructions. He also highlighted the Fourth Street Bridge river light project and the transformation projects at Gates and Byrnes parks.
At the start of his fourth term, Hart unveiled the “2030 Community Vision Plan,” which includes eight goals he wants to meet by 2030. These include developing a sense of pride, developing or renovating 800 houses in the city, uniting neighborhoods, growing the city’s workforce, focusing on the Crossroads Mall and Lost Island area to create a sports and recreation center, showcasing downtown, becoming a recreational- and sports-focused town, and eliminating barriers faced by Waterloo residents.
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Hart said he wants to continue his leadership to meet these goals.
“As mayor, I am proud of what we have collectively accomplished in the past seven years but there is still endless amount of growth and opportunity on the horizon for Waterloo,” Hart said in the release. “I’m honored by the trust Waterloo has placed in me and I look forward to continuing to help transform and develop our great city into a community of opportunity for all people.”
In his current term, Hart has helped launch the new city owned and managed fiber optic broadband network called Waterloo Fiber.
Earlier this year, he was appointed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors to the National Advisory Board. As one of nine mayors across the country, he will further the organization’s agenda to combat gun violence, address the mental health crisis and fight back against state legislature preempting city authority.
He is also on more than 30 boards or councils across the country.
Before becoming mayor, Hart was the associate director of multicultural affairs for Hawkeye Community College. He received his master of arts in education from the University of Northern Iowa and is a 2013 graduate of the Thomas Lakin Institute for Mentored Leadership.
He is married to Cassandra Hart and they have three children.
Waterloo and Cedar Falls’s most affordable starter homes
3 Bedroom Home in Waterloo - $89,900
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2 Bedroom Home in Laporte - $90,000
Great home or investment property. This property is currently Tenant occupied for $749/month. Lease expires 8/2023. PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB THE TENANT! PLEASE VIEW THE EXTERIOR OF THE PROPERTY PRIOR TO MAKING AN OFFER! This home is being sold ''as is''. The seller will not offer financing or a land contract.
3 Bedroom Home in Waterloo - $82,900
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Say hello to this charming house, perfectly suited for both first-time homebuyers and savvy investors seeking a promising opportunity. Bursting with potential, this residence offers a multitude of possibilities. Boasting 2 bedrooms and showcasing original hardwood floors, this home serves as a blank canvas awaiting your creative touch to transform it into the envy of the entire neighborhood. Step inside and discover the numerous features that make this house a remarkable find. The updated windows flood the interiors with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout. Imagine yourself cooking in the well-appointed kitchen, complete with a sleek gas cooktop that allows for effortless culinary experiences. With your unique vision and personal touch, this house has the potential to be transformed into a true gem. Let your imagination run wild as you envision the endless possibilities for each room, maximizing the space to suit your individual needs and desires. Whether it's creating a cozy reading nook, a home office, or a stylish entertainment area, the freedom to customize this dwelling to your exact specifications is at your fingertips. Additionally, this house presents a fantastic investment opportunity, ensuring potential long-term financial gains. Take advantage of the favorable market conditions and unlock the hidden value within this property. Don't miss out on the chance to make this house your own. Embrace the excitement and potential that this residence holds, as you embark on a journey of homeownership or seize the opportunity to cultivate a lucrative investment portfolio. With its abundance of opportunities and desirable features, this house is a rare find that awaits your creative vision and personal touch.
3 Bedroom Home in Waterloo - $49,900
In an up-and-coming neighborhood begging to be gentrified! This 3-bedroom, 1.75 bathroom abode could be your fixer-upper dream home or a great investment property near Unity Point Hospital, Hy-Vee, and more businesses to come! Has a 3-stall garage, french doors leading out to the large back deck, two stairways to the upper-level, sunroom full of light, huge main bedroom, new siding and windows throughout, how could you turn this opportunity down? With beautiful detailed woodwork and hardwood flooring, this home has potential!
4 Bedroom Home in Waterloo - $84,950
This huge 2,365 square foot home with 4 bedrooms and 2 baths sits on a corner lot with fenced yard. Good curb appeal with the low maintenance permanent siding and replacement windows. Mudroom/drop zone area to catch all the things as you come in from the carport and cute sunroom off the living area to relax. It's central location makes getting to everything quick and easy. Perfect for a large family at a great price or an investor looking to add to their portfolio. Schedule your showing today! | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/government-politics/hart-runs-for-fifth-term-waterloo-mayor/article_430199dc-1c34-11ee-9710-7fbe038007e2.html | 2023-07-08T18:26:17 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/government-politics/hart-runs-for-fifth-term-waterloo-mayor/article_430199dc-1c34-11ee-9710-7fbe038007e2.html |
WATERLOO — The city of Waterloo is taking the next step in its march toward high speed internet for all residents as the Waterloo Fiber website, www.waterloofiber.com, is rolled out.
Waterloo citizens are invited to sign up on the website to receive updates as the service launch date approaches this fall.
Waterloo Fiber, as the new broadband utility is called, will create a network encompassing hundreds of miles of fiber internet that offers ultra-high-speed service. The voter-supported locally owned and operated utility will be available citywide, offer up to 10 gigabyte speeds and provide Waterloo-based customer service. With Waterloo Fiber, customers' internet bills will be bundled with their existing utility bills. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/waterloo-fiber-internet-website-launches-updates/article_64a9771c-1b53-11ee-94de-7b0d929c54ab.html | 2023-07-08T18:26:23 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/waterloo-fiber-internet-website-launches-updates/article_64a9771c-1b53-11ee-94de-7b0d929c54ab.html |
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