text string | url string | crawl_date timestamp[ms] | label int64 | id string |
|---|---|---|---|---|
OCEAN CITY — With a wind power project proposed off the beach taking a big step forward this week, Mayor Jay Gillian on Thursday criticized the approval process and called offshore energy production “a crazy gamble.”
City officials have expressed skepticism about the Ocean Wind 1 project since its proposal, but at the City Council meeting, Gillian went farther than usual, offering a blunt assessment of the project, describing the approval process as rushed and suggesting most of the benefits would flow to a foreign company.
Ocean Wind 1, owned by the Danish energy company Ørsted, received its record of decision from the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Wednesday, clearing a major hurdle and opening the way for construction to begin.
The company expects to begin onshore work in the fall and start offshore work on 98 huge wind turbines starting about 15 miles off the beach in 2024. A recent projection indicates the turbines will begin generating power in 2025, and when completed the project is expected to power about 500,000 homes.
People are also reading…
An announcement from the company Wednesday included quotes from elected officials and environmental advocacy groups describing the project as a vital step toward a cleaner energy future, and stating the new wind industry will bring good-paying jobs to the state, in the construction phase and in the long term.
As proposed, it will be the largest offshore wind power project on the East Coast and the first such project in New Jersey, but many more projects are working through the planning and approval process.
Gov. Phil Murphy and company representatives celebrated the approval Wednesday.
“By preparing to begin onshore construction this fall, Ocean Wind 1 will help bring New Jersey one crucial step closer to achieving a 100% clean energy economy by 2035 and 11,000 MW of offshore wind power by 2040,” Murphy said.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has signed a bill giving a tax break to Danish offshore wind developer Orsted for the first of two energy projects it plans to place in the waters off the Jersey Shore. And he faces pressure from another offshore wind company looking for similar assistance. The governor’s office said he would sign the bill, allowing Orsted to keep federal tax credits that it otherwise would have been required to pass along to New Jersey utility ratepayers. Another offshore wind project, Atlantic Shores, also wants government aid for its own project off the southern New Jersey coast.
But the reaction was far different in Ocean City.
During his report to council, Gillian painted the project as reckless and the approval process as exceedingly fast, with the potential impacts and costs still largely unknown.
“Despite the thousands of pages of paper masquerading as a complete review of the project’s impact, we still have absolutely no idea what this will cost the state’s taxpayers and ratepayers, and what benefits we might see in return,” Gillian said, reading from a prepared statement. “One thing is certain, everyone’s electricity bill is going up.”
Ocean City and Cape May County held off on approving the route power lines will use to land wind turbine-generated electricity. As proposed, the lines will run under Ocean City at 35th Street and along Roosevelt Boulevard in Upper Township to reach a new substation at the former B.L. England power plant in the Beesleys Point section.
In 2021, a state law took the decision on the use of the right-of-ways from Ocean City and the county, instead giving it to the Board of Public Utilities. Local officials condemned the move as a significant erosion of New Jersey’s principal of home rule.
Both Gillian and city Administrator George Savastano alleged the approval process moved far too quickly. Gillian cited the extensive approval process required for beach replenishment projects and for a proposal to used dredged material to rebuild a marshy island in the bay known as Shooting Island.
“I can’t even move mud from Snug Harbor over to build up Shooting Island because of environmental issues,” Gillian said.
He criticized the recent state approval to transfer federal tax credits to Ocean Wind 1, money he said should have gone to ratepayers and taxpayers.
Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill Thursday giving a tax break to Danish offshore wind developer Ørsted for the first of two energy projects it plans to place in the waters off the Jersey Shore.
“That’s over $20 million out of our pockets into Ørsted’s,” Gillian said. “Instead of worrying about what the Kardashians are wearing, maybe we’ll worry about where the money is going.”
He added that the billions to be spent on offshore wind could be spent to help communities and residents deal with the effects of climate change, including raising homes and infrastructure above future flood levels.
“They’re scaring everybody with global warming,” he said.
Savastano, who is an engineer, argued the federal environmental impact statement and other documents compared the proposed project to the potential harm from climate change, as though the single project could reduce the impact of carbon in the atmosphere.
“Vague references to climate change replaced actual specifics across much of the documents,” Savastano said. He suggested that at thousands of pages, the federal environmental impact statement seemed designed to keep people from reading it all.
“Everyone here, I believe, here is for green energy. We all want to help with climate change,” Savastano said. But that does not mean he supports the offshore wind project. Gillian suggested nuclear power or solar energy as potentially better options for electricity without burning fossil fuels that release carbon into the atmosphere.
Council member Bob Barr said the federal decision infuriated him.
“Can we appeal? Can we challenge?” he asked. “To me, this is complete and utter nonsense.”
The federal government has given the go-ahead for New Jersey’s first offshore wind farm to begin construction. It cleared the way Wednesday for the first of at least three such projects in a state trying to become the East Coast leader in wind energy. The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management approved a construction and operations plan for Ocean Wind I, which would be built by Danish wind energy company Orsted off the coast of Atlantic City. The wind farm would power 500,000 homes. Other approvals remain to be granted, but Orsted plans to start construction this fall, The company hopes to have power flowing by 2025.
He asked city attorney Dottie McCrosson what could be done. She said she would be happy to speak with him outside of the public session.
“I don’t think this is the time or place,” she said.
Gillian compared the project approval process at the state and federal levels to the government’s pandemic response.
“If COVID taught us anything, it’s that they’re going to tell us what to do: The few,” Gillian said.
He also suggested that once the project reaches the end of its useful life, the huge monopiles could be left in the ocean.
“There are a lot of politicians who are desperate to see clean energy as a part of their legacy,” Gillian said. “It sure seems that in the rush to achieve green energy, the legacy will be an obstacle course of failed and wildly expensive structures running the length of the East Coast.”
Officials with Ocean Wind 1 said the project is expected to have an operational life of 35 years, after which the structures will be removed from the ocean.
In an emailed response to questions Friday, Ørsted spokesperson Stephanie Francoeur said, “It is anticipated that all structures above the seabed level or aboveground will be completely removed.”
Ocean Wind 1 announced it received its Record of Decision from the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, which falls under the U.S. Department of the Interior. Onshore work is expected to start this fall, while offshore construction is expected to start next year.
Citing federal law governing the offshore construction, she continued, “The decommissioning sequence will generally be the reverse of the construction sequence, will involve similar types and numbers of vessels, and will use similar equipment.”
Plans call for up to 98 wind turbine generators within the project lease area, which will be visible from the beach. The upper tip of the wind turbine blade will be more than 900 feet above the water, with each turbine describing a circle with a diameter of more than 500 feet, set on a monopile in an underwater foundation.
The structures will be visible from the beach, if built as proposed.
“Be assured, we will continue to fight,” Gillian said. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/ocean-city-calls-wind-power-plans-a-crazy-gamble/article_ca2d618e-1cf7-11ee-bd99-cf2d01a84900.html | 2023-07-10T04:14:28 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/ocean-city-calls-wind-power-plans-a-crazy-gamble/article_ca2d618e-1cf7-11ee-bd99-cf2d01a84900.html |
WILDWOOD — After going nearly two days without power, all customers in the Wilwoods had their electricity restored early Sunday morning, Atlantic City Electric announced.
"We thank our crews, operations teams and all the support personnel, including local contractors, who assisted in this effort," the electric company said in a news release. "We also know this has been a challenging event for our customers and those who are vacationing on the island, and we thank them for their patience and understanding as we worked to restore service.
WILDWOOD — Atlantic City Electric customers in the Wildwoods remained without power Saturday…
A fire originated in the small substation on Lake Avenue. Atlantic City Electric was forced to shut down the substation, which impacted electrical service to about 24,000 customers in Wildwood and Wildwood Crest. Parts of Lower Township were impacted, too.
The fire began about noon. Police alerted the public to the fire at 12:26 p.m., and it was contained shortly after 1 p.m.. The cause of the fire was under investigation. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/power-restored-for-all-customers-in-wildwoods-early-sunday-morning/article_e1ad8f30-1e7a-11ee-a425-27eaa73ebb85.html | 2023-07-10T04:14:35 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/power-restored-for-all-customers-in-wildwoods-early-sunday-morning/article_e1ad8f30-1e7a-11ee-a425-27eaa73ebb85.html |
STONE HARBOR — With a switch to a parking app instead of meters, the borough saw a huge increase in the number of tickets written.
In May 2022, police wrote 33 parking tickets.
This year, the number was 564 for the month. That’s just over 17 times the number of tickets compared to that month last year.
Police Chief Thomas Schutta had not mentioned the increase in a report to Borough Council at a recent meeting until Council member Frank Dallahan asked.
“Does that number suggest that we may have been too strict in our application of law?” Dallahan asked.
“Absolutely not,” responded Shutta.
Shutta said the department had previously issued warnings for parking violations, but also cited the new parking app as part of the increase.
People are also reading…
“This system allows us more seamlessly to enforce this. It really does,” Shutta said.
OCEAN CITY — Along the beaches and in the downtown, parking meters went into effect for the …
Stone Harbor switched to the new system over the winter. Meters go into effect in May.
In November, Public Works Director Manny Parada told council there were problems with the former system, which used parking kiosks, stating the system required overtime in his department to make even minor changes. Between the maintenance contract, overtime costs and routine operational costs, he estimated the former parking fee system cost more than $33,000 to operate, without factoring in the cost of collecting coins from meters or preparing the meter heads for storage each winter.
Stone Harbor already had an option for a parking fee app, but as Parada explained to council, no other community in Cape May County and few others in the state use that app, providing frustration for visitors who have one app for a visit to Sea Isle City or Cape May and previously needed a different app to park in Stone Harbor.
The switch to the Park Mobile app allowed contactless payment, zoned parking and improved enforcement, and there are options for payment for visitors who do not have a smartphone. There are no municipal maintenance costs for using the system.
The app charges 30 cents to users, and there is a cost to the consumer for the use of a credit card, according to Parada. Using an example of a $5 parking fee, the person would pay $5.30, including the Park Mobile charge. After the credit card fee, the borough would get $4.69.
Parking fees vary in different sections of Stone Harbor, and in some places there are no fees at all. In most places, the cost is $1 an hour, with some time limits imposed, including in the 96th Street downtown, and it costs $10 to park all day at the marina boat launch. Those without the app can pay their parking fees with a credit card by calling 877-727-5304.
Parada told council the borough could make about $15,000 selling their meter heads and kiosks.
Last year, the borough brought in $313,888 in parking fees, not including the coins used in its remaining parking meters, which are counted through the Finance Department.
Ocean City, North Wildwood and Wildwood also use the Park Mobile app.
According to the Stone Harbor Municipal Court, the normal fine for a parking meter violation is $34 if paid by the date on the ticket.
In the brief discussion, Dallahan asked Shutta if police would have done anything differently had they known the number of tickets issued would spike so significantly.
“Absolutely not,” the chief replied. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/stone-harbor-parking-app-switch-leads-to-1-600-increase-in-tickets/article_cf704e32-1d00-11ee-801c-c7777cef964c.html | 2023-07-10T04:14:41 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/stone-harbor-parking-app-switch-leads-to-1-600-increase-in-tickets/article_cf704e32-1d00-11ee-801c-c7777cef964c.html |
Note: This story was updated at 2:30 p.m. Sunday
Flash flooding will threaten Sunday night, as a low-pressure system moves through the area. Meanwhile, Sunday day looks to be more dry than not. Moving to the week ahead, expect to be drier and hotter than last week, with inland low to mid 90s.
The risk of roadway flood is high enough that a flood watch was issued for all of South Jersey and the Jersey Shore by the National Weather Service through midnight Sunday night.
If you don't have to drive, particularly when steadier reason occurs during the evening, don't.
A severe thunderstorm watch was also issued by the Storm Prediction Center, a government agency in Norman, Oklahoma, mainly to highlight the risk for 65 mph winds.
For Atlantic and Cumberland counties, the watch is in effect until 6 p.m., for Cape May County, it's until 8 p.m.
People are also reading…
Charge up your devices and take in objects that can become projectiles.
Rain and storms will develop between 5 and 7 p.m. from west to east across the state. The final rain will exit between 1 and 3 a.m. Monday.
Rain will be seen in Cumberland and Ocean counties in our corner of the state. As some of us may not be surprised this fact — Cape May County should be the driest.
Therefore, the highest potential for roadway flooding will be in Cumberland and Ocean counties. Any thunderstorm can drop a quick inch of rain, which will be focused on these two counties in southeastern New Jersey.
Severe weather is a low risk. That being said, a damaging wind gust or a tornado will not be ruled out. Flooding continues to be the bigger concern.
Remember, if you’re outside and within 8 miles of lightning, you should moves inside. Those forms of lightning can strike miles away.
After 3 a.m. Monday, we’ll still stay cloudy, but we will be dry. Morning lows Monday will be around 70 to 75 degrees.
For the first time in days, winds will be out of the northwest. This will get rid of that muggy weather and kick away that seabreeze, too.
Expected to clear out only slowly. We’ll go from cloudy to partly cloudy as the day goes on. The afternoon will still see a few showers inland as it uses up the residual moisture from Sunday. I do believe the majority of outdoor plans will be OK.
High temperatures Monday will be in the low to mid-80s everywhere, including the beaches.
Monday night could be a good night to leave the windows open and let the natural air conditioning do its thing. Temperatures during the evening will fall into the 70s and 60s. Lows should be in the lower 60s for Port Republica and inland towns, with upper 60s in Longport and the shore.
Following that, we’ll get increasingly hot. Tuesday will be in the 80s. However, Wednesday and Thursday will both be in the low and mid-90s inland. The shore will top out in the mid-80s as well.
Both days look to be dry, so cooling off by your favorite water spot will be good. It will get humid Thursday, with the heat index likely being over 100 inland. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/weather/sunday-july-9-nj-weather-forecast-with-flooding/article_bc32a20e-1dcb-11ee-bd6c-5f2c392fed7a.html | 2023-07-10T04:14:47 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/weather/sunday-july-9-nj-weather-forecast-with-flooding/article_bc32a20e-1dcb-11ee-bd6c-5f2c392fed7a.html |
FORT WORTH, Texas — Four days after a Fort Worth officer and a fire department arson investigator killed two men, police said they are not yet ready to release body camera video or answer several questions about the incident.
The officer and investigator, who have not been identified, shot and killed 30-year-old Bronshay Minter and 21-year-old Billy Smith just before 12:30 a.m. on July 5.
Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes said the two men had been tasked with illegal fireworks calls and were in the area of Ross Avenue and Northwest 32nd Street when they witnessed the two men in an argument.
“This was a very dynamic scene that just came out of nowhere,” Noakes said. “Officers weren’t even trying to respond to this scene when they came by.”
"They just came into our yard and started blatantly shooting,” Smith’s sister, Nicole Johnson, said.
Johnson said the annual block party had finished fireworks a half hour earlier.
The family said police never identified themselves or issued commands before firing. Fort Worth police were not able to respond to a question asking if the investigator and officer identified themselves.
“If you tell him to put his gun down, then my brother is going put his gun down,” Smith said.
Police said both Minter and Smith were armed but haven’t shared if they pointed weapons at police or anyone else at the scene.
Officers also found another man and woman shot but haven’t been able to say if they’re connected to the shootings of Minter and Smith, and police said Sunday they also weren’t able to share what condition the man and woman are in now.
On Wednesday, WFAA notified police of several shell casings left behind by investigators. It’s still unclear who fired them or if they’re part of the incident.
"They took my son away from me at an early age and no one seems to want to be accountable for it,” Smith’s mother, Cynthia Smith, said. “That is not how it’s supposed to be."
So far this year, Fort Worth police have shot eight people. On Friday, Noakes said they’re not yet ready to release video of the Wednesday shooting.
“We’re still compiling some information, but the plan is the early part of next week,” he said.
Smith’s family said they still have many questions and few answers from police and want the video released to fully understand what happened.
"They killed my little brother,” Johnson said. “He was still young he had a whole life to live ahead of him.” | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/family-of-man-killed-by-fort-worth-police-officers-asks-body-camera-video-release/287-9f9c245a-592a-4418-a3d1-36d3db65f7c2 | 2023-07-10T04:18:18 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/family-of-man-killed-by-fort-worth-police-officers-asks-body-camera-video-release/287-9f9c245a-592a-4418-a3d1-36d3db65f7c2 |
Skip to content
Main Navigation
Search
Search for:
Local
Weather
Responds
Investigations
Video
Sports
Entertainment
Newsletters
Live TV
Share
Close
Trending
Heat Advisory
Best Texas BBQ 🍴
July astronomy 🌓
Watch us 24/7 📺
Sign up for Good News 😊
Expand
Local
The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/1-killed-3-others-injured-at-house-party-shooting-in-southeast-dallas/3292492/ | 2023-07-10T04:18:39 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/1-killed-3-others-injured-at-house-party-shooting-in-southeast-dallas/3292492/ |
Skip to content
Main Navigation
Search
Search for:
Local
Weather
Responds
Investigations
Video
Sports
Entertainment
Newsletters
Live TV
Share
Close
Trending
Heat Advisory
Best Texas BBQ 🍴
July astronomy 🌓
Watch us 24/7 📺
Sign up for Good News 😊
Expand
Local
The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/arrest-made-after-a-body-was-found-in-grapevine-lake/3292497/ | 2023-07-10T04:18:46 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/arrest-made-after-a-body-was-found-in-grapevine-lake/3292497/ |
Grapevine Police said they've arrested the man accused of shooting and killing Jennifer Holmes whose body was found floating in Grapevine Lake last Thursday.
Police said a passerby spotted her body near the spillway on Thursday, July 6 in the afternoon. The police department said officers and detectives worked around the clock and once they identified Holmes, it led them to the suspect.
"It's a really sad story, but we're glad we're at least able to find the person responsible for killing Jennifer Holmes," said Amanda McNew the public information officer for Grapevine Police.
Detectives said Daniel Burch, 35, confessed to committing the crime. He was arrested on Saturday and has been charged with murder. He's currently in the Tarrant County jail with a $150,000 bond.
"She was actually staying at his house at the time, they were described as close friends. They had a fight on July 4 and early into the morning of July 5," described McNew.
Officers said the two were on their way to the lake when the incident happened on Fairway Drive.
"He told detectives they got into an argument in the car, pulled over and that's where she was shot and later taken into the water," said McNew.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
Police said Holmes was shot multiple times.
Investigators also found evidence tied to the case about a mile away from where her body was recovered.
"If you go on the spillway that's an intensive long stent of street and land, lots of weeds and grass, different things along the way and officers walked it, combed it up and down trying to find evidence and about a mile away they recovered casings, shell casings from the shooting," said McNew.
Loved ones have been paying tributes to Holmes on social media. Many are at a loss for the way her life came to an end.
One friend told NBC 5 that Holmes was a mother, daughter, sister and friend known for her kind heart.
"From the moment we met, we were inseparable. She had this loving, giving heart, and she was the biggest God-fearing woman. She would do anything for anyone and give the shirt off her back if it was the last one she had. Her love for Jesus was huge, her love for friends and family, and her kids was so loud and proud," said Brittney Clark who described Holmes as a best friend.
"When you met Jenn you knew that she was always going to be loyal to you, even if it was someone she just met. If a friend, family, or stranger needed her she would be there for you. It was just who she was. She always wanted to help and protect and save, and this was something she absolutely did not deserve. I will forever miss her infectious laugh and comedic personality," said Clark in a statement.
Police said the homicide was an isolated incident and that no one else is in danger.
The department said this case highlights why it's important that people speak up if they see something wrong.
"It's really important in this case that a passerby discovered her body and because of that passerby, we were able to identify Jennifer Holmes and get justice, so when you see something, say something, because it helped us solve a murder," said McNew. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/grapevine-police-arrest-man-accused-of-killing-woman-whose-body-was-found-in-grapevine-lake/3292450/ | 2023-07-10T04:18:53 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/grapevine-police-arrest-man-accused-of-killing-woman-whose-body-was-found-in-grapevine-lake/3292450/ |
One person is dead and three others are injured after a shooting took place at a house party in Southeast Dallas.
It happened around 11 p.m. on Saturday night officers responded to a shooting in the 1600 block of Pompano Beach Dr.
Jahcoria Green, 19, was identified as the person who died at the scene. Police said an 18-year-old man and two teen victims were taken to the hospital.
Police have not said if they've made any arrests or what led up to the shooting. They said it remains under investigation.
A neighbor said she was not home at the time, but her Ring camera captured the moment one of the victims asked for help.
"When I was on the phone I was like, 'Wait a minute, did he just tell me he had been shot?' It was like when I finally realized what was happening then I had my phone live, he was like crying desperate, laying there bleeding at my doorstop and then you see the other camera. You have people fleeing taking off in their cars running down the street, I’m like 'Oh my God, what’s going on?" said Melissa Vergara who shared the video with NBC 5. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/one-person-killed-three-others-injured-at-house-party-shooting-in-southeast-dallas/3292464/ | 2023-07-10T04:19:01 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/one-person-killed-three-others-injured-at-house-party-shooting-in-southeast-dallas/3292464/ |
A painting of Fort Worth’s Own “Grandmother of Juneteenth” will head to the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.
Ms. Opal Lee Joined local artist Sedrick Huckaby for a discussion about the portrait Sunday evening during its final hours on display at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. Huckaby has known Dr. Lee since childhood and became inspired by her tireless activism.
“What a lot of people won’t see is the year after year of commitment that was put in,” said Huckaby about Opal Lee. “And that’s what’s behind this portrait.”
The discussion and display were part of the painting’s last stop in Fort Worth before being transported to its permanent home at the nation’s capital.
“It won’t take long before the world sees what gift we have coming from our area,” Huckaby said.
Ms. Opal Lee is credited with placing Juneteenth on the National stage, which resulted in it becoming a federal holiday. As her portrait is set to make the trip, she reflected on her life’s work, and, in true Dr. Opal Lee fashion, she left her audience with a piece of history and a call to action
“The Fourth of July freed the land. Juneteenth freed the people,” said Lee. “And I want you to remember that, and I want you young people to make yourselves a committee of one to change somebody’s mind.” | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/opal-lee-portrait-headed-to-national-portrait-gallery/3292446/ | 2023-07-10T04:19:07 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/opal-lee-portrait-headed-to-national-portrait-gallery/3292446/ |
Skip to content
Main Navigation
Search
Search for:
Local
Weather
Responds
Investigations
Video
Sports
Entertainment
Newsletters
Live TV
Share
Close
Trending
Heat Advisory
Best Texas BBQ 🍴
July astronomy 🌓
Watch us 24/7 📺
Sign up for Good News 😊
Expand
Local
The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/opal-lee-portrait-headed-to-national-portrait-gallery/3292478/ | 2023-07-10T04:19:13 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/opal-lee-portrait-headed-to-national-portrait-gallery/3292478/ |
BALTIMORE — A global non-profit called Everytown for Gun Safety partnered with local streetwear designers to create anti-gun violence apparel.
Each of the designers hopes to spread a very important message.
"You don't have to shoot nobody; you don't have to kill; there’s always a better way of living life," said Messiah Jones.
They say having this type of event to release their merchandise is also a way of bringing people in the community together who have a common goal.
“Our city we really have a trend of supporting negativity over positivity, so once I seen when I pulled up and go in and see all of the people in the orange and supporting positivity, it just makes me smile," said Sampson Ashby Jr.
"Some people wear shirts that say things that’s disrespectful in nature, and that will send a message to somebody else that turn them off, and we’ll send a better message with a shirt, oh you're looking at it, oh it's a QR code on it; scan it, and a bigger message will be inside of what you see," said Chaquan Johnson.
16-year-old Messiah Jones created his own brand called Concept, and he tells WMAR-2 News it was important for him to be involved to represent his generation.
“I'm just trying to bring hope to the city, and then what better way to do it like from somebody like from the youth. So, it’s like I’m a young entrepreneur; I’m a teenager, so all I’m trying to do is inspire the youth to do better," said Jones.
Ashby Jr. said he has lost a childhood friend every year since 2014 and that it's time for something to change.
“Once we become numb to it, because I’m a victim of becoming numb to the violence and I don’t have a time, i don’t have the time to actually grieve on situations," said Sampson.
He hopes people will not only grieve but also help spread this message of ending gun violence in Baltimore.
The QR code found on the back of the shirts is linked to everystat.org, which has accurate date on gun deaths in Maryland and how this state compares to others in the U.S. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/local-streetwear-designers-create-t-shirts-to-spread-anti-gun-violence-message | 2023-07-10T04:19:21 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/local-streetwear-designers-create-t-shirts-to-spread-anti-gun-violence-message |
Contraptions made of various materials – including Lego bricks, bubble wrap, a swimming floatie and plush toys – tumbled from atop Science Central for about an hour Sunday as spectators awaited the official thumbs-up or thumbs-down.
Presented by Design Collaborative, the 24th annual Egg Drop attracted 39 entries that sought such titles as “most creative” and “most scientific.”
There was no fee to enter. Materials were provided Sunday for walk-up participants.
A thumbs-up indicated the contraption’s passenger – a raw egg – survived the five-story fall. The seconds-long journey sometimes included ricochets off the museum’s facade, and many ended outside the target – a metal container fashioned to look like a frying pan.
It’s fun to see what the participants think up, said Bobby Beuchel of Design Collaborative, a local architecture and engineering firm.
Some participants, including 7-year-old Cianna Ortiz, hoped for an unscathed shell.
“It didn’t crack! It didn’t crack!” Cianna repeated as she scampered back to her viewing spot after her cup-and-straw device passed the test.
Her 6-year-old brother, Ezekiel, also created a successful carrier.
His was made of foam.
Other participants – including Chad Elder and his 7-year-old daughter, Addison – expected destruction.
For an entry submitted under Addison’s name, the Elders hollowed out a watermelon and stuffed it with glitter, Hawaiian Punch and shaving cream. It burst on impact, splattering people even a few yards away with bits of watermelon and its contents.
The Elders captured three titles. Along with Addison winning “most devastating crash,” Elder won the 15 and older category and the Director’s Choice Award for his plastic foam replica of Science Central.
The event exemplifies the programming Science Central likes to offer, said Martin Fisher, the museum’s executive director.
When asked about his favorite part, Fisher said there’s an answer he should say: The phenomenon of testing and analyzing that occurs beforehand as participants develop an egg carrier that will survive Newton’s laws of motion.
But, Fisher said, what he really enjoys are the “spectacular messes.” | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/eggs-tumble-from-atop-science-central-in-annual-contest/article_ca1a4dea-1eac-11ee-98f5-0f8004811716.html | 2023-07-10T04:21:29 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/eggs-tumble-from-atop-science-central-in-annual-contest/article_ca1a4dea-1eac-11ee-98f5-0f8004811716.html |
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. — A woman was rescued after falling into a hole in Prescott Valley Sunday morning, according to authorities.
Central Arizona Fire and Medical said the woman fell into the 7-foot hole while checking her mail near Coyote Springs Road and Mummy View Drive.
A fire crew "performed a technical rope rescue" to get the woman out of the hole, according to authorities.
After being pulled from the hole the woman was taken to an area hospital for treatment. An update on her condition is not available.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
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.
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.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
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.
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/arizona/woman-rescued-from-hole-in-prescott-valley/75-4de9669f-6356-4cfa-905b-51ba57a9af1e | 2023-07-10T04:22:40 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/woman-rescued-from-hole-in-prescott-valley/75-4de9669f-6356-4cfa-905b-51ba57a9af1e |
Skip to content
Main Navigation
Search
Search for:
Weather
Local
Sports
Entertainment
Investigators
Videos
Newsletters
Live TV
Share
Close
Trending
Watch NBC10 24/7 on Streaming Platforms
Wawa Welcome America
First Alert Weather
Phillies baseball
Expand
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/sunday-storms-cause-widespread-flooding-across-the-philly-region/3600952/ | 2023-07-10T04:22:52 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/sunday-storms-cause-widespread-flooding-across-the-philly-region/3600952/ |
SAN MARCOS, Texas — Anyone visiting Downtown San Marcos will be able to park in certain areas for a longer period of time.
On July 3, city council members approved to extend parking restrictions in the general area of downtown to four hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Currently, there is a two-hour limit.
While some welcome the extension, others believe more time will lead to disruption.
"It's going to be difficult for students. They already have a difficult time getting parking spaces. You know, people trying to shop here, the same. It's going to be challenging," said Joe McAweeney, who is a tenant in the Downtown Square for the Atypical Apothecary.
McAweeney said during the week, he sees several cars constantly circling in search of parking with the current time restriction and worries by adding an extra two hours, people might start parking illegally.
"What will happen is people park illegally. They block people in. They go to the back alleys and they block tenants in," said McAweeney.
But for Amanda Shannon, who has two children living in the city, she believes there is a benefit.
"I like to leave my car where it's at. I like to look at the street and find out where we're at and then you know, do our whole scenic route and then come back and know that my car is safe there and I don't have to move it every two hours," said Shannon.
The City has not announced when the four-hour parking restriction will take effect. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/san-marcos-approves-four-hour-parking-restriction/269-4fecf9e9-5b19-4944-9040-fd3abad91a89 | 2023-07-10T04:25:21 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/san-marcos-approves-four-hour-parking-restriction/269-4fecf9e9-5b19-4944-9040-fd3abad91a89 |
AUSTIN, Texas — You're about to see even more driverless cars around Austin as Volkswagen is set to test its automated vehicles in town.
According to KVUE’s media partners at the Austin American-Statesman, Austin is first location in the U.S. for Volkswagen to test out its self-driving cars, monitored by real drivers.
The company will test its fleet of electric “ID. Buzz” vehicles, developed in collaboration with Mobileye.
The company will start with two cars on Austin’s roads, with plans to scale it up to 10 cars by the end of the year. Volkswagen will also expand the program to at least four cities over the next three years, the Statesman reported.
The self-driving vehicles will not be open to the public and Volkswagen said it is not developing its own ride-hailing service. The cars will operate within a geofenced area that includes East Austin and Downtown Austin, with plans to later expand.
See the full report on the Statesman’s website. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/volkswagen-autonomous-car-testing-austin/269-2031ec08-b605-4455-83a7-0eb003c78b37 | 2023-07-10T04:25:27 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/volkswagen-autonomous-car-testing-austin/269-2031ec08-b605-4455-83a7-0eb003c78b37 |
Skip to content
Breaking
Rare flash flood emergency issued in NY as pounding storms devastate communities
Main Navigation
Search
Search for:
Local
Weather
Investigations
Baquero
Video
TV Listings
Our Voices
Newsletters
Live TV
Share
Close
Trending
Peacock
Deadly Port Newark Fire
Storm Team 4
Meta
LI Shark Watch
Bill de Blasio
Watch 24/7
New York Live
Expand
Local | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/family-friends-remember-man-senselessly-killed-by-scooter-gunman-on-spree-ny-only/4490635/ | 2023-07-10T04:34:58 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/family-friends-remember-man-senselessly-killed-by-scooter-gunman-on-spree-ny-only/4490635/ |
INDIANAPOLIS — One person was found dead late Sunday inside a car off of Interstate 65 northwest of downtown Indianapolis.
IMPD believes the car went undiscovered for hours.
It is not yet known how the people who called police located the car.
According to an IMPD spokesperson, the car is well off the roadway, upside-down in a creek.
Officers are currently waiting for a wrecker to assist in the investigation. Police are asking motorists to avoid the area.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/impd-locates-fatal-crash-i-65-ditch-over-12-hours-later/531-db584951-f5e9-4a65-abbb-e09d775d0f7c | 2023-07-10T04:35:55 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/impd-locates-fatal-crash-i-65-ditch-over-12-hours-later/531-db584951-f5e9-4a65-abbb-e09d775d0f7c |
Friday night at Dacotah Speedway in Mandan was billed as Night of the Legends, a fitting title considering the track’s most successful INEX Legends driver make it look easy in winning the featured event.
Wishek’s Donavin Wiest has been the best Legends driver in the history of the class at the Mandan dirt track. He dominated again on Friday, surviving a few cautions and cornering nearly flawlessly to capture his sixth feature win of the season and the $1,500 top prize.
Wiest started on the pole and stayed there the whole way.
“This tops them all,” Wiest said. “We had the best of the best here tonight. I just can’t believe it.”
Nationally, INEX Legends is broken down into five classes -- Pro, Semi-Pro, Young Lions, Masters and Golden Masters. On Friday, less-experienced Young Lion drivers like 13-year-old Ty Olson ran with semi-pro drivers, while Pro veterans like Wiest competed against Masters and Golden Masters. The two feature winners and top placers from the other three divisions were considered feature winners and earned $1,500 apiece.
People are also reading…
Wiest drove his usual low line to the bank, not knowing for sure how close runner-up Austin Wiest or Preston Martin were getting.
“I couldn’t quite hear them (coming), but toward the end, instead of looking at the lap board after messing up corners 1 and 2 so bad, I knew somebody had to be coming,” Donavin said. “Luckily we were able to hold (Austin) off and it sounded like a dogfight behind me. I’m glad I was in front of it.”
Meanwhile, the Madler brothers -- Gage and older brother, Noah -- dominated the Young Lions/Semi-Pro feature. Six laps into the race, the New England drivers were running 1-2 with Gage leading the way. Despite a series of cautions from drivers well back in the pack, the Madlers held their positions until the end as Gage won his first feature in Mandan.
“We had a lot of nerves going into this race. There was a lot of competition and I knew it would be hard to beat my brother,” Gage said of his first feature win in Mandan. “We had a good battle going on.”
(Barely) teen-aged Olson was 17th but first among Young Lions.
“I knew (other Young Lions) were behind me so I figured I’d stay where I was at and not spin myself out and wreck someone else,” Olson said.
Don Hayes of Bismarck was the top-finishing Golden Masters driver.
“This is a dream come true. This is great. My goal this year was to finish on four wheels,” Hayes said.
Scott Richardson of Pelican Rapids, Minn., finished a Masters Class-best sixth in the feature to win it for the second straight year.
“This track really doesn’t suit my style, but it’s a fun track. I’ve never won $1,500. This really makes the year,” he said.
Some IMCA Modified drivers used Friday night as a tune-up for the six-night Dakota Classic Modified Tour, which started Saturday at Jamestown Speedway. Others, like feature winner Mark Dahl, planned to drive some of the tour, but not all.
“The track was beautiful. We made a couple of changes to the car and it’s been working pretty good the last few weeks,” Dahl said.
Dahl started the feature seventh, Shawn Strand eighth and Spencer Wilson 10th. Those three dueled for the top spot through most of the feature and ended up finishing 1-2-3.
Strand took the lead six laps into the race while Wilson and Dahl closed in. With eight laps left, Dahl and Strand found themselves side by side. Dahl took a low line out of turn 4 with four laps left to get the lead and kept it for his first points win since June 2.
Ricky Alvarado of Delta, Colo., finished fifth and opened the tour on Saturday with a seventh-place showing. The tour was in Minot Sunday night and continues with stops in Estevan, Saskatchewan, Monday, Williston on Tuesday, and Dickinson on Wednesday before wrapping up Thursday at Dacotah Speedway.
Mandan driver Geoff Hellman ended a frustrating run of three straight runner-up finishes with his first feature win of the year in WISSOTA Streets. Points leader Hunter Domagala’s car died on the first lap of the heat and had to be pushed to the pits. He was back for the feature but started tail end before working his way to sixth.
With his chief competitor out of the way, Hellman dueled with Kelly Hagel for several laps while chasing leader Chris Welk Jr. With five laps left, Hagel and Hellman made contact on the back stretch and Hagel spun out, leading to a caution. Hagel was determined to have caused the caution and went tail end.
“That caution helped there,” Hellman said. “I thought it could have gone either way, honestly. But I’ll take the luck, too, sometimes.”
Hellman got around Welk after the restart and went on to win.
Jamestown Hobby Stock driver Asher Williams also used a late move to pick up his first career feature win. He and Jeremy Herr went with Derrick Appert to the front on a restart with nine laps left. Then, with three laps to go, Williams took a low line out of turn 4 to take the lead and stayed out front.
“On the initial start I tried the bottom and it wasn’t quite ready yet but I kept it in the back of my mind,” Williams explained. “When the caution came out and I was back in sixth, I thought why not try it.
“I can’t believe it. Somebody’s going to have to pinch me. I’ve been running pretty good whenever I come down here but I can’t believe I got it done.” | https://bismarcktribune.com/sports/local/wiest-continues-legend-dominance/article_297ba676-1e71-11ee-ab0e-9f4b57331c90.html | 2023-07-10T04:41:21 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/sports/local/wiest-continues-legend-dominance/article_297ba676-1e71-11ee-ab0e-9f4b57331c90.html |
HOLLIS, Maine — Equestrians from all corners of New England flocked to Hollis to witness a display of skill and determination at the State of Maine Dressage Association's Annual Summer Breeze Show.
Among the talented participants, one remarkable woman stood out.
At 80 years old, Jean Murphy-Ashton defied expectations and overcame a devastating accident to showcase her passion for horse riding.
Her inspiring journey serves as a testament to her unwavering spirit and love for the sport.
The Summer Breeze Show holds deep significance for Murphy-Ashton.
"It's hard to describe; it means so much to me. I would be lost without it," she said.
Jean's presence at the show intrigued many, not just because of her age but due to her remarkable recovery.
"There were some of us who thought she would never ride again, but here she is in the saddle, on her own horse, at a show she's competing at, at 80 years old and her horse is 21 years old," Cindi Spear, Vice President of the State of Maine Dressage Association, said.
In 2021, Jean Murphy-Ashton experienced a tragic accident while riding a horse.
The horse fell backward, landing on her. Recounting the incident, Jean said, "I could hear the horse trying to get up with her feet, and then she landed on me again. I knew I had broken something, but I couldn't even move my legs."
The injuries she sustained included seven broken ribs on one side, six on the other, and a fractured pelvis, among others. However, after undergoing rehabilitation, she wasted no time getting back in the saddle.
Her commitment to her horses goes beyond simply riding them.
She takes care of her own horses and is involved in all aspects of their well-being.
"She does the work too. It's not like she has someone who's doing it for her," Spear added.
This level of dedication and hands-on involvement demonstrates Murphy-Ashton's deep love and connection with her equine companions.
Following her performance, Jean Murphy-Ashton became a member of the esteemed Century Club. This unique club celebrates the partnership between a horse and rider whose combined ages equal 100 years.
"It's special today with Geartsje; I've had her since she was two," she added.
The bond between Murphy-Ashton and her horse is clearly a special one that has withstood the test of time.
When asked about her future in riding, she confidently stated, "as long as I can get my leg over that horse, I'm riding."
In just two weeks, Jean will be back in the competition arena, ready to face new challenges and continue her equestrian journey. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/80-year-old-maine-equestrian-makes-a-remarkable-comeback/97-4f32a5c9-3857-4039-aa52-0807fdf42279 | 2023-07-10T04:46:50 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/80-year-old-maine-equestrian-makes-a-remarkable-comeback/97-4f32a5c9-3857-4039-aa52-0807fdf42279 |
NEW HAMPSHIRE, USA — A child and two adults died in three unrelated water incidents in New Hampshire Friday.
The first incident involved a boy scout who was on a boat with a group of campers at a boy scout camp. Officials responded at approximately 2:15 p.m., for a boating accident on Manning Lake in Gilmanton, said New Hampshire Department of Safety Public Information Officer Amber Lagace in a news release.
Lagace said the boy died during a boating accident while in the water.
The victim was in New Hampshire with his group from out of state for the week.
While emergency personnel were tending to the young victim, Marine Patrol got another call that boaters found a body on the Piscataquog River in Manchester, near the border of Goffstown, added Lagace.
Officials with Manchester Police and Fire Department arrived to investigate the second incident. Per the news release, the victim was identified as Shawn Barton, 40. Investigators are working to determine his cause of death.
The third incident happened around 8:45 p.m. Legace said officials received a call about a possible drowning on Middle Pea Porridge Pond in Madison.
Amy Posocco, 41, of Beverly, MA, was swimming with her family in front of their vacation rental when she didn’t come out of the water her family called for help.
Her family told police they immediately started searching for her but could not find her, according to the news release.
A dive team with the Ossipee emergency personnel found Posocco approximately 90 feet offshore.
Her death is considered accidental but Legace said officials are doing an investigation.
Officials with the New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol said they extend their condolences to the families of the three victims. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/a-child-and-two-adults-in-three-separate-water-related-incidents-in-new-hampshire/97-4deef105-cea7-420b-8573-3841238f55d8 | 2023-07-10T04:46:56 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/a-child-and-two-adults-in-three-separate-water-related-incidents-in-new-hampshire/97-4deef105-cea7-420b-8573-3841238f55d8 |
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A 31-year-old father of four who had been living in Alexandria, Virginia for less than a year was gunned down early Monday morning as he finished up a late Lyft shift.
Nasrat Ahmad Yar's wife wanted him to come home after a night out with friends, but he told her rent was due soon and he needed to keep working, right before he was shot and killed in his car.
DC Police officers responded to 11th Street Northeast, near D Street Northeast, just after midnight for a reported shooting, and found Ahmad Yar with a gunshot wound. He was taken to a hospital for treatment but died of his injuries.
"He was so happy he got a new car because he could take care of his family," his best friend Rahim Amini told WUSA9. "His wife asked him to stay home but he said, 'I have to pay rent. I don't have that much money. I have to work.'"
Ahmad Yar was the sole provider for his wife and four children, ages 13 years to 15 months, and was still sending money home to family overseas in Afghanistan. He served as an interpreter alongside U.S. Army Special Forces in Afghanistan. Ahmad Yar escaped with his family in 2021 after the fall of the Afghan government to the Taliban.
Amini said Ahmad Yar would often drive up to 12 hours a day for Lyft to make ends meet. A GoFundMe has been set up to provide help for Yar's family left behind. The local Afghan community also started a donation page.
Loved ones described him as hardworking, generous, diligent and positive.
"We need justice for Nasrat," his cousin Samim Amiri said. "That's all the family wants."
'He was always helping'
Ahmad Yar and his family first moved to Philadelphia, before relocating to Alexandria. He felt unsafe in Pennsylvania after being robbed at gunpoint, according to his friend Jeramie Malone.
"I can't emphasize enough how he was always helping," Malone added. "Leaving the house was very dangerous for him, but he was always eager to help somebody else who is a good guy. His children were the most important thing to him, and he brought them here so he could be safe."
Malone helped his family relocate to the U.S. through a volunteer organization. They fled to Abu Dhabi in 2021 from Mazar-i-Sharif, an evacuation site. Since he served as an interpreter for the U.S. government, Ahmad Yar was considered a target for the Taliban.
"He was most certainly a marked man if he stayed," Retired Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Butler told WUSA9. "He served this country a great deal more than I did. I did 42 months in combat but that was nowhere near what he had."
Butler, who was with the U.S. Army Special Forces, worked closely with Ahmad Yar in Camp Vance of the Bagram Airfield for two of his deployments. He last saw Ahmad Yar in Pennsylvania in 2022, and helped start his immigration process before the Taliban takeover.
"You just don't have words to describe how you feel about someone who had given so much to his country, not as a citizen, but then comes here and experiences some of the worst behavior our country has to offer," Butler said. "The irony is really thick here."
Home surveillance video captures gunshot
Nest camera footage on the night of the shooting was sent to WUSA9 by a neighbor who lived nearby. In the surveillance video, you hear a single gunshot and then see four boys running down an alley near the in the 400 block of 11th Street Northeast where Nasrat gunned down in his car. In the video you hear one of the boys shouting, "You killed him! He was about to get out" and another responds, "he was reaching, bro."
"There's like a lot of questions we should be asking like: Why do these kids have access to a gun," the woman who sent the Nest video to WUSA9, said. "Will they be held accountable? Why don't they comprehend life-altering consequences of pulling the trigger. Who is this person?"
Lyft confirmed that Nasrat was a driver for their platform.
"Our hearts are with Mr. Nasrat's loved ones as they confront this unspeakable tragedy," Lyft said in a statement after Nasrat's death. "We have reached out to his family to offer our support and are in contact with law enforcement to assist with their investigation."
According to DC Police stats, there have been 127 homicides so far this year, which is a 19% increase from the same period in 2022.
A $25,000 reward is being offered for anyone that can provide information that will result in an arrest in this case. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by sending a text message to 50411. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/lyft-driver-killed-dc-afghanistan-interpreter-us-army-special-forces-escaped-taliban-father-of-four/65-9210b742-2fc8-4292-a440-07b8cee60ef6 | 2023-07-10T04:47:02 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/lyft-driver-killed-dc-afghanistan-interpreter-us-army-special-forces-escaped-taliban-father-of-four/65-9210b742-2fc8-4292-a440-07b8cee60ef6 |
UNION, Maine — A Maine man has drowned in a pond while trying to rescue his daughters, the Maine Warden Service said.
Henry Brooks, 46, of Hope, was at Seven Tree Pond in Union on Saturday afternoon watching his 12- and 13-year-old daughters swim when one of them fell into deeper water where the river enters the pond, the warden service said. The other daughter also fell into the deeper water trying to rescue her sister and both were swept out to even deeper areas of the pond.
Brooks jumped into the water to rescue them, followed by his 27-year-old son, who grabbed a life jacket, the warden service said. The son swam to his sisters and brought them back to a nearby dock. When he looked back, he could not find his father, the warden service said.
Game wardens, fire and rescue crews, and the local sheriff's office searched the area by boat and foot but were unable to find Brooks. Three Maine Warden Service divers recovered Brooks' body at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday approximately 50 feet (15 meters) from shore, not far from the dock. The children were brought to PenBay Medical Center in Rockport where they stayed overnight for observation.
MORE NEWSCENTER MAINE STORIES: | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/maine-father-drowns-while-trying-to-rescue-his-daughters/97-e9a0606e-344b-4afb-bbac-ad891be9abd7 | 2023-07-10T04:47:09 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/maine-father-drowns-while-trying-to-rescue-his-daughters/97-e9a0606e-344b-4afb-bbac-ad891be9abd7 |
UNION, Maine — A man from Hope, Maine drowned Saturday afternoon while rescuing his two daughters who were swept out by currents to a deeper area of Seven Tree Pond in Union.
According to the Maine Warden Service, Henry Brooks was with his family at Ayer Park watching his 12-year-old and 13-year-old daughters swim.
The release states Brooks went into the water with his 27-year-old son to save both girls after the currents brought them to deeper water in the pond.
His son was able to bring his two sisters back to a nearby dock, but when he looked back for Brooks, he could not be found.
The Maine Warden Service Divers were called to the scene and found his body around 7:30 p.m. Saturday, according to the release.
The two girls were brought to Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport where they spent the night for observation. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/public-safety/a-46-year-old-man-drowned-after-saving-his-daughters-when-they-were-swept-out-by-currents/97-fc08e905-550b-42cb-a1f0-ce53dcbb50ee | 2023-07-10T04:47:15 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/public-safety/a-46-year-old-man-drowned-after-saving-his-daughters-when-they-were-swept-out-by-currents/97-fc08e905-550b-42cb-a1f0-ce53dcbb50ee |
CARNEGIE, Pa. — The Carnegie Farmers Market opened on Sunday.
The market will be open from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. every Sunday until Sept. 24. The market will be closed on Sept. 3.
Dozens of vendors will set up along East Main Street, starting at Broadway Street.
Artists and musicians will also join the market.
Food can be purchased with SNAP benefits.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
TRENDING NOW:
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/carnegie-farmers-market-holds-opening-day/BJYO5AQ355H3BHLU2T2NRCN3MY/ | 2023-07-10T04:49:18 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/carnegie-farmers-market-holds-opening-day/BJYO5AQ355H3BHLU2T2NRCN3MY/ |
PITTSBURGH — A “Kennywood Day” was held at the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh on Sunday.
The event celebrated the park’s 125th anniversary.
Visitors were able to relive Kennywood’s memories through six floors of the museum.
Kennywood was founded in 1898 as a trolley park. It is one of only two amusement parks in the U.S. to be designated as a national historic landmark.
“For an amusement park to last this long, its really important and, obviously, for a place like Pittsburgh, a big city with lots of little neighborhoods, it’s got a lot of connections to many generations and its still there today,” said Brian Butko, director of publications at Heinz History Center.
Butko said he was pleasantly surprised with the turnout.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
TRENDING NOW:
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/heinz-history-center-celebrates-kennywoods-125th-anniversary/3BCZUHCMYFBDVAQF57FDIKAZZI/ | 2023-07-10T04:49:24 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/heinz-history-center-celebrates-kennywoods-125th-anniversary/3BCZUHCMYFBDVAQF57FDIKAZZI/ |
MERIDIAN, Idaho — On New Year's Eve in 2022, Meridian High School senior Nicolas Roshto was in a horrible motorcycle accident.
"He lost control, came off the bike, and slammed into the guardrail." Joshua Roshto, Nicolas' dad said.
Nic's parents Joshua and Maia Roshto got the call every parent dreads. Nic was in the ICU at Saint Alphonsus, and things didn't look good.
"It's hard to explain in words seeing him there, and parts of him gone and other parts mangled, and he was in a coma," Joshua said.
Nic's condition was touch and go for days. His injuries were so severe, he had to have both of his legs amputated. He remembers waking up in the hospital, and having no idea where he was.
"I woke up, not sure where I was or why," Nic said. "Then, my dad walked in and said I lost my legs. I said you are messing with me that's not real, and I lifted the blanket off and saw my legs were gone, and it really messed with me."
18-year-old Nic was in so much pain, physically and emotionally. His dad refused to leave his bedside.
"He's the one person there the whole time I was in the hospital," Nic said. "He would sleep on an uncomfortable couch, and make sure that he was there the whole time I needed him. He was there all night, every night and all day too. "He told me we are going to make sure you walk again, and I said you can't be sure of that, there is no way you can promise that. I didn't think I was going to walk ever again."
Nic's dad, Joshua, kept that promise. He knew they had a long road ahead of them, and he started a GoFundMe to help pay for new prosthetic legs for Nic. Thousands of dollars poured in from the Treasure Valley community. People wanted to help. His mom and dad were overwhelmed by the support.
"I am very grateful and I am so touched," Nic's mom Maia said.
His dad said it gave him faith in the good of people again.
"To see love being poured out, and support and care, it really does something to you. It really starts to change your view of humanity," Joshua said. "To see that support is pretty awesome, so I want to thank everyone who reached out with letters, and texts and monetary support. It has been awesome, it's really going to help him get where he wants to go. You know and it's helped us a lot so thank you!"
In the lasts six months, Nic has made incredible strides. He finally has his prosthetic legs but learning to use them hasn't been easy.
"It's been pretty tough, but I'm getting it down, getting a lot better at it," Nic said.
One of his goals was to graduate from Meridian High School with his class. He finished his school work online. But, he had some setbacks physically, and wasn't feeling strong enough on his new legs to go to the ceremony in person. His dad had an idea.
"He and I sat for hours talking about it," Joshua said, "and I said how about we plan a private graduation?"
So, that's just what they did. The family held a private graduation ceremony just for Nic at home.
"It means a lot," Nic said.
The Meridian High School principal and vice principal arrived to deliver his diploma. His home room teacher came over too. It was emotional for everyone. There were a lot of hugs, and some tears.
"It's really special for him, yeah," Joshua said. "He wanted to do it, he wanted to graduate, and he did it!"
Nic is getting stronger physically and emotionally day by day. He's also back to doing many of the things he used to love to do before the accident. He's passionate about cars and the car community. He's even back behind the wheel, driving with hand controls and starting to work again, to earn money for the future. He has started a company called Prestige Auto Properties, doing professional restoration on high end homes and vehicles.
Nic says he is just blown away by all the support from our community. It means so much to him.
"I didn't expect it at all," Nic said. "I've had so many people come over and meet me and say they have seen me on the news or on social media. They say you've really inspired me, you've shown me that you can make it. That alone means the most to me. It's given me a lot of hope, too."
He also wants to thank the Garden City Police officers who responded to his accident. They played a major role in helping to save his life. They were first on the scene, and put tourniquets on his legs.
Nic is a true inspiration.
"He is," his mom said. "He's a fighter."
For more on Nic's story, click here.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download. | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/outreach/sevens-hero/local-7s-hero-meridian-high-school-senior-nic-roshtos-inspirational-healing-journey-after-losing-his-legs/277-8906cc13-7198-4c84-8973-dbe995e22362 | 2023-07-10T05:11:27 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/outreach/sevens-hero/local-7s-hero-meridian-high-school-senior-nic-roshtos-inspirational-healing-journey-after-losing-his-legs/277-8906cc13-7198-4c84-8973-dbe995e22362 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Police have launched an investigation after a deadly accident in Sacramento.
Few details surrounding the accident have been released, but Sacramento Police Department said they've closed Richard Boulevard and Jibboom Street in both directions for their investigation.
Police are calling on people to use other ways through the area.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/sacramento-deadly-accident/103-80922651-0a1e-41aa-8a97-1c063d4f666d | 2023-07-10T05:20:10 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/sacramento-deadly-accident/103-80922651-0a1e-41aa-8a97-1c063d4f666d |
STOCKTON, Calif. — A Stockton family, familiar with tragedy, is once again trying to hold themselves together.
Family members said 73-year-old Anita Leos died in a tragic accident while riding her bike along Lower Sacramento Road in Stockton on July 4.
“We're just all trying to live and survive without her being here,” her daughter Tina Atad told ABC10.
Anita Leos was the glue that held her family together, guiding them through adversity and teaching them life's lessons.
"She taught us almost everything a young woman should know as far as morals and dignity and love and loyalty, forgiveness," said Dominque Renteria, Anita's granddaughter.
It's a big loss for a family that was already too familiar with tragedy. Tina, her brother John Leos Jr., and Anita were all at Cleveland Elementary School on Jan. 17, 1989. Anita was a yard duty and her children were students on the day of the Stockton schoolyard shooting.
"That day was one of the scariest days of us being kids, of our lives, because we, (John) lost friends in his classroom. They were out and his class was outside playing when they started shooting at them. And his friends were just dropping in front of them; his friends passed away," said Tina.
It was a harrowing tragedy that caused Anita and her husband John Leos to hold their children all the closer. It was a closeness that echoes among the newer generations of the family.
"We're a close-knit family... We're here every day with both of them," said Alex, Anita's son-in-law.
Tina said Anita had gone to Walgreens on her bike when the tragedy happened. She learned from her mother's neighbor's that an accident with a bike happened nearby and called her mother to make sure she was alright but got no response.
"We pulled up on scene on Lower Sacramento Road, and I knew automatically that it was my mom,” Tina said.
According to Stockton Police Department, no charges have been issued in the accident. The investigation into the crash and what led up to it is ongoing.
The 73-year-old Anita was an avid bike rider, something she spread to her children and her grandchildren. Tina said her mother was not an elderly woman, emphasizing that her mother was young in mind and in life.
"My mom was strong. She was just built tough,” said Tina.
Her husband John Leos was known to make bikes from scratch, taking them apart and stripping them down. He also built them for his family.
"Every day, my mom or dad... my sister would always be riding bikes. It was just a big part of us. I mean, we're always going somewhere, going to an aunt's house, going to my grandma's house. We're always riding bikes," said John Leos Jr.
While Anita is gone, the family she left behind is still there along with the lessons she taught along the way.
"She always taught us to love and to love no matter what and to always be together and be there for one another, always," said Renteria.
“She was fun. She was our crazy grandma, life of the Party. Everybody knew her by her laugh, and she was so outgoing. She was our butterfly, our social butterfly,” she added.
The family set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for her memorial. It is available HERE.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/anita-leos-traffic-accident/103-fbdcfea6-f548-4556-bce4-88e2ef11b15d | 2023-07-10T05:20:16 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/anita-leos-traffic-accident/103-fbdcfea6-f548-4556-bce4-88e2ef11b15d |
On Sunday, a mural unveiling was held by Matt Brennan at the home of Chris Brugos. Brennan, an artist formerly based in Seattle, flew back to restore the Bettie Page/Divine mural that is painted on Brugos' home.
"I really just had to redo all the blackout lines. The faces had to be totally redone," Brennan said. This wasn't the first time he had to fix the mural. Back in 2016, he was tasked with restoring Bettie Page because vandals had targeted it. That's when Divine, a world-renowned drag queen, joined the 1950s pinup girl.
In the years since Divine was added, vandalism targeting the murals has become more extreme. Memorial Day weekend proved to be the worst incident yet.
"This one, for whatever reason seems to be like a lightning rod of people aggressively attacking it," Brennan said.
Red paint was splattered all over the home, destroying a mural that didn't have an anti-graffiti coating on it: Britney Spears posed as Laura Palmer from Twin Peaks.
"We have security cameras all over now," Brugos said. "It makes me feel good that at least we'll be able to have a chance catching the people that come back."
People continually ask Brugos why he thinks the mural is targeted.
"We don't know why they are doing what they did with the red paint but it happened after we put up Divine who is kind of an icon in that community," he said.
If Divine's connection to the LGBTQ+ community is the reason vandals are attacking, Brugos isn't backing down.
"That's what inspired us for the subject matter of the new mural."
That new mural, which replaced Britney Spears, is Marsha P. Johnson, a gay rights activist and trans woman. She's credited with helping start the modern gay rights movement, taking part in the Stone Wall Riots. She's dressed as the Statue of Liberty.
"I really hope people can just enjoy the mural and like the new one and don't hurt it," Brugos said.
More than $10,000 was raised to help create a new mural which Brugos said is the silver lining any time something like this happens: a massive amount of community support. However, his insurance company isn't so generous. Because they've filed so many claims over the years, their home insurance rates are going up. Brugos is hopeful the anti-graffiti coating used will mitigate any vandalism that may happen again, allowing for a quicker, cheaper cleanup that doesn't involve insurance. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/iconic-seattle-murals-restored-bettie-page-divine-marsha-p-johnson/281-43059a21-d60c-4f75-8e06-3bbefd8c9054 | 2023-07-10T05:43:52 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/iconic-seattle-murals-restored-bettie-page-divine-marsha-p-johnson/281-43059a21-d60c-4f75-8e06-3bbefd8c9054 |
SEATTLE, Wash. — Major League Baseball’s best won’t take the field in Seattle until Tuesday afternoon, but a different group of players met on the turf of Lumen Field Sunday morning.
More than thirty children participated in the Challenger All-Star Game, a match-up of players with special needs.
“All-Stars means being the best at your thing, and for these kids, this is their thing,” said Issaquah father and coach Ian Wilson.
His 14-year-old son, Michael Wilson, played for the American League team.
Mascots from several major league teams and former All-Star pitcher Dellin Betances helped players hit and run the bases.
“For these kids, the things they experience in this life, an opportunity to be here on the big stage, living their dream with the mascots and other great players, it was fantastic,” said Ian Wilson.
Matthew Winkel, a 13-year-old from Bothell, played shortstop for the National League’s team. His friend, Jax Price, helped prepare Winkel for handling ground balls.
“He (Matthew) was really excited for the game yesterday,” said Price. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/special-needs-players-challenger-all-star-game/281-50ba49c5-9d24-4c56-b412-bb896215c285 | 2023-07-10T05:43:58 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/special-needs-players-challenger-all-star-game/281-50ba49c5-9d24-4c56-b412-bb896215c285 |
TACOMA, Wash. — A 9-year-old girl was injured in a drive-by shooting at Point Defiance Park on Saturday night.
At around 9:20 p.m., police got a call that a suspect in a vehicle shot into the car the victim was in on the 6100 block of Owen Beach Road.
The girl had a non-life-threatening injury to her left arm. She was treated and released at a nearby hospital.
Officers responded both to Owen Beach and Mary Bridge Hospital to conduct a follow-up investigation. No other witnesses or bystanders were injured.
The suspects are still at large. At this point, police believe the shooting was an isolated incident. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/tacoma/9-year-old-shot-tacoma-point-defiance-park/281-adc780d8-8d39-4b55-b305-02cc50dfa355 | 2023-07-10T05:44:04 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/tacoma/9-year-old-shot-tacoma-point-defiance-park/281-adc780d8-8d39-4b55-b305-02cc50dfa355 |
FORT WORTH, Texas — Four days after a Fort Worth officer and a fire department arson investigator killed two men, police said they are not yet ready to release body camera video or answer several questions about the incident.
The officer and investigator, who have not been identified, shot and killed 30-year-old Bronshay Minter and 21-year-old Billy Smith just before 12:30 a.m. on July 5.
Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes said the two men had been tasked with illegal fireworks calls and were in the area of Ross Avenue and Northwest 32nd Street when they witnessed the two men in an argument.
“This was a very dynamic scene that just came out of nowhere,” Noakes said. “Officers weren’t even trying to respond to this scene when they came by.”
"They just came into our yard and started blatantly shooting,” Smith’s sister, Nicole Johnson, said.
Johnson said the annual block party had finished fireworks a half hour earlier.
The family said police never identified themselves or issued commands before firing. Fort Worth police were not able to respond to a question asking if the investigator and officer identified themselves.
“If you tell him to put his gun down, then my brother is going put his gun down,” Smith said.
Police said both Minter and Smith were armed but haven’t shared if they pointed weapons at police or anyone else at the scene.
Officers also found another man and woman shot but haven’t been able to say if they’re connected to the shootings of Minter and Smith, and police said Sunday they also weren’t able to share what condition the man and woman are in now.
On Wednesday, WFAA notified police of several shell casings left behind by investigators. It’s still unclear who fired them or if they’re part of the incident.
"They took my son away from me at an early age and no one seems to want to be accountable for it,” Smith’s mother, Cynthia Smith, said. “That is not how it’s supposed to be."
So far this year, Fort Worth police have shot eight people. On Friday, Noakes said they’re not yet ready to release video of the Wednesday shooting.
“We’re still compiling some information, but the plan is the early part of next week,” he said.
Smith’s family said they still have many questions and few answers from police and want the video released to fully understand what happened.
"They killed my little brother,” Johnson said. “He was still young he had a whole life to live ahead of him.” | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/family-of-man-killed-by-fort-worth-police-officers-asks-body-camera-video-release/287-9f9c245a-592a-4418-a3d1-36d3db65f7c2 | 2023-07-10T05:46:46 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/family-of-man-killed-by-fort-worth-police-officers-asks-body-camera-video-release/287-9f9c245a-592a-4418-a3d1-36d3db65f7c2 |
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Sinton community has another reason to celebrate their baseball team.
Former Sinton Pirate Blake Mitchell is now a Kansas City Royal. He is the highest Coastal Bend prospect since Burt Hooton was drafted in 1971.
Mitchell is also the seventh first round pick of the MLB draft in Coastal Bend history. He said he is happy to be one of those players, but ready to get back on the field.
"It means a lot, but the main thing right now, I just want to go play ball, you know. I haven't played in about a month, and it feels like forever," Blake Mitchell said. "So, I'm just ready to get back on the field and play."
More than 100 family and friends came to Back Street Restaurant in Sinton to watch the draft with Mitchell.
His mom Jennifer Mitchell said today's celebration was a culmination of everything he has accomplished so far in his baseball career.
"I think it is an understatement to say that I'm proud at this point, It really goes beyond that," Jennifer Mitchell said. "I'm proud of him, I love him, I cannot believe that we're here to this point, but I couldn't be more excited about it."
Mitchell was a state champion for the Sinton Pirates, part of his extensive winning experience in high school. His head coach Adrian Alaniz said that will prepare him for the next level as a pro.
"This is something that you, you want to be able to get paid to do what you love and dream to do and playing baseball's one of those things, and so, I think he's ready for that spotlight and that moment," Alaniz said.
Alaniz said Blake choosing to be with them in-person for the draft shows what kind of person he is and how he brings the Sinton community together.
Mitchell also said her son will forgo his scholarship to Louisiana State University and go pro.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- One killed, two injured when grain elevator collapses in Tynan
- Heat was a contributing factor in death of elderly couple in Beeville
- Parents of Rockport dog-mauling victim hire Thomas J. Henry's firm
- Sheriff: Inmate with mental health issues sent powder-filled envelope to Nueces County Courthouse
- Here's when you can watch the 2023 solar eclipse over Corpus Christi
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for your daily news and exclusive extended interviews.
Do you have a news tip? Tell 3!
Email tell3@kiiitv.com so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/sintons-blake-mitchell-celebrates-being-drafted-by-kansas-city-royals/503-b5c64693-dfb5-4231-bf82-a16899ebfe04 | 2023-07-10T05:46:52 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/sintons-blake-mitchell-celebrates-being-drafted-by-kansas-city-royals/503-b5c64693-dfb5-4231-bf82-a16899ebfe04 |
ORLANDO, Fla. — It was an emotional Sunday night as loved ones gathered to honor Derek Diaz, who was shot one week ago by Orlando police.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The family returned to the corner of Jefferson Street and Orange Avenue to hold a candlelight vigil and remember the 26-year-old father of one daughter.
The emotions ran high, from heartbreak to anger and confusion.
Read: Sheriff: Drug trafficking suspect arrested; connected to “Operation Daly Dose”
Diaz’s daughter’s mother remembers him as a loving father who would do anything to make their five-year-old little girl smile.
“His daughter had her first day of soccer today. He wasn’t there. She asked me for him, and we have nothing to tell her;,” said Yaneri Diaz Rodriguez, Diaz’s daughter’s mother.
On June 3rd, Orlando police said they were doing proactive patrols in the area known for drug activity in the early morning.
Authorities said they believed Diaz was in a car doing drugs, so they approached him.
According to investigators, Diaz quickly moved as if to retrieve a gun, so an officer shot him.
Read: Video: Suspect took deputies on a wild car chase after a traffic stop that ended up on TikTok
Orlando Police said they did find drugs on Diaz but not a gun. He later died at the hospital
While Orlando Police Department officers said it looked like Diaz was reaching for his gun when they approached him, his family said that answer wasn’t good enough.
His family is asking for transparency for closure, and that is why they are demanding the body camera footage of that night be released immediately.
Read: Deputies ask for public’s help in Orlando shooting death investigation
As Derek Diaz’s loved ones stand beside a small memorial where the shooting took place, they said they won’t stop pushing until they find out why they had to come there in the first place.
Yaneri Diaz questioned, “Why can’t we see the video.”
Read: SpaceX successfully launches European telescope into orbit
The Orlando police said they do plan to release the video eventually. The policy is to do so within 30 days of an officer-involved shooting.
But there’s no exact day when they’ll do so in that timeline.
The Orlando officers involved in the shooting are on paid leave while the investigation takes, which is police police also.
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/vigil-was-held-sunday-man-shot-killed-by-orlando-police/34AAQB6YMFHWHCDJWT3R252MIE/ | 2023-07-10T06:07:04 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/vigil-was-held-sunday-man-shot-killed-by-orlando-police/34AAQB6YMFHWHCDJWT3R252MIE/ |
PHOENIX — Fire crews across the Valley are busier than ever.
With persistent high triple-digit temperatures several fire departments have responded to multiple house fires and heat sickness related calls since the beginning of July.
Capt. Kimberly Ragsdale with the Phoenix Fire Department said within nine days, firefighters have been called out to 27 structure fires. Battling some of these blazes during the hottest parts of the day.
It's not just these types of fires Phoenix crews are responding to.
“We’re noticing more calls for heat-related emergencies,” Ragsdale said.
Calls related to heat stroke and heat exhaustion are also going up. Ragsdale said most of the calls deal with those who are living on the streets and seniors.
Rural Metro Fire which covers unincorporated areas in three different counties is also seeing more of these calls. Spokesperson Shawn Gilleland said Rural Metro also covers lakes and rivers. What their firefighters see deals a lot with people mixing alcohol and being out in the sun for hours.
“They don’t drink enough water and by the end of that say two or three hour float they are really sick,” Gilleland said.
Both departments said these calls are becoming more frequent because of Arizona's rising population growth. With so many new people living here, they aren't prepared for when our summer season starts.
“I would say there are lots of folks who aren’t experienced with the heat. Don’t understand what 110 means,” Gilleland said.
“We’re seeing a lot of individuals that are just not used to our temperatures and don’t know how to prepare for them," Ragsdale said.
They are encouraging people who are either going out to drink plenty of water and try to stay in the shade.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/fire-and-heat-sickness-calls-sky-rocket-during-excessive-heat-warning/75-ecb7248c-89c6-4717-ad72-caca1922418a | 2023-07-10T06:20:30 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/fire-and-heat-sickness-calls-sky-rocket-during-excessive-heat-warning/75-ecb7248c-89c6-4717-ad72-caca1922418a |
Committees are still taking shape in some Pennsylvania counties to determine how to spend opioid settlement money. Discussions at local meetings have dictated whether or not members of the community directly affected by the opioid epidemic will be involved.
Pennsylvania will receive more than $2.2 billion in settlements with opioid distributors, retailers and manufacturers over 18 years, the state Attorney General's Office announced in December. That total is meant to account for how hard Pa. has been hit by the opioid epidemic. More than 5,100 Pennsylvanians died from drug overdoses in 2021, per the AG.
Lawsuits claimed that drugmakers and other corporations mislead doctors and the public about the addictive nature of prescription pain medications.
The first settlement payments started coming to counties last year. Lackawanna County already has more than $1 million from a $9.7 million settlement agreement from Johnson & Johnson and distributors AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, McKesson. So far, Luzerne County has received $2.5 million out of more than $22 million from that first wave of settlements. Counties could see millions more in payouts from a second wave of settlements from manufacturers plus retailers CVS, Walmart and Walgreens.
Lackawanna County estimates nearly $7 million more could land in the county from those other agreements. Luzerne County Drug and Alcohol Administrator Ryan Hogan noted that exact totals for the additional settlement payouts have not yet been shared with counties.
Who decides in Lackawanna?
Since March, Lackawanna County has held three opioid settlement spending meetings. Members include the three county commissioners, the solicitor, chief financial officer, the chief public defender, and the drug and alcohol department director, plus representatives from the department of human services, the court of common pleas and the district attorney’s office.
The group may meet with families who have helped loved ones through court, prison and drug treatment for ideas on spending, according to May meeting minutes.
“We have only begun to identify subcommittees,” Durkin said in an email, “but once we identify them, we will reach out to the appropriate entities in the community to participate.”
To provide additional insights to the group, Lackawanna County also recently added someone with lived experience to their opioid committee, according to Barbara Durkin, director of the county’s drug and alcohol department.
Patrick Flynn, former candidate for the state House of Representatives, was named as a committee member in Lackawanna County last month. Flynn works with Project Manifesto, a company that provides mentorship and support for people in recovery from substance abuse. He’s been in recovery since 2014, according to a write-up by his employer.
Though no final decisions have been made on how to spend the money allocated to Lackawanna County so far, discussions have focused on housing for those in recovery as well as expanding treatment services for people who reenter the community from prison.
In an April meeting, the committee proposed using a portion of the settlement money for a dorm-style construction project in Mayfield, which would need approval from Pa.’s Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement Trust to ensure it meshes with remediation uses outlined in the settlement agreement. The building would “house a reentry population, primarily with substance use disorder” and add space for the department of human services, a courtroom and treatment providers.
The Lackawanna County opioid spending committee holds public meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at 11:30 a.m. in the Commissioners Conference Room, 5th floor, 123 Wyoming Avenue in Scranton. The next meeting is tomorrow, June 13.
Considerations in Luzerne
There’s still discussion in Luzerne County about if – and how many – people who have been impacted by opioid use disorder will serve on the decision-making committee, which has not officially formed.
In an April memo to county council, District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce proposed the formation of an opioid advisory committee: himself, one member of council, the county manager, the county drug and alcohol administrator, the human services division head, a provider or consumer representative and the court administrator.
On May 23, one member of council suggested that two people with firsthand experience in the opioid crisis serve on the board if only one council member is needed. Council had previously requested that three council members join the advisory group.
Sanguedolce also listed possible settlement money uses in the letter, including medication-assisted treatment in the county prison, prevention programs in schools, a 24-hour “warm hand off” system and additional staff to the Luzerne County Drug Task Force.
The state’s Opioid Trust would also need to approve any county spending on law enforcement agencies. Suitable types of prevention, according to the Attorney General, include law enforcement diversion programs, but not other agency spending.
Council is not expected to discuss the advisory group at Tuesday’s meeting, according to the agenda for June 13.
Wayne County
In Wayne County, a group has come together to discuss opioid settlement spending, but no decisions have been made, according to Chief Clerk Andrew Seder.
“We have an ad hoc committee of county management team members and it includes input from our Drug and Alcohol advisory board,” Seder said in an email. “But at this point we have not spent any of the money.”
Wayne County is expected to receive $2.2 million over 18 years from the first wave of opioid settlement agreements.
Representatives from several other local counties did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment on opioid settlement spending. | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-12/county-level-opioid-settlement-spending-and-who-decides-still-up-for-consideration | 2023-07-10T06:29:58 | 0 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-12/county-level-opioid-settlement-spending-and-who-decides-still-up-for-consideration |
Officials announced a Senior Advocacy Center to offer services for people 60 and older facing abuse. It will be a roughly 2,000 square foot addition to Telespond Senior Services, a senior day center in Scranton.
The center, expected to be completed in the next year, will offer health exams, legal counsel, and protective services for older adults experiencing abuse. A four-bed shelter will provide a safe place to stay. Telespond officials say they'll continue providing social programming and community resources.
Donna Sedor is President and CEO of Telespond Senior Services.
"Seniors who are experiencing abuse of any kind, financial, physical, homelessness, can come to get the resources they need," she said. "And also be able to take advantage of Telespond Services, our day center, our in-home care, our volunteer opportunities. So they would get the help they need, the connection to the community, and the goal is that the team... would be able to get them back into the community and safe."
The idea was born in 2016, when Jason Kavulich was the director of the Area Agency on Aging in Lackawanna County. Now, he’s the Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging.
“This is true partnership between government, and nonprofit and private funders, and municipalities, to make something that will change the lives of older adults," Kavulich said. "But not only that, it’ll be a model for the nation to look at, because it has not been done before.”
Although it’s in Lackawanna County, the regional center will offer access to people 60 and older in six counties in the Northeast.
Kavulich says Pennsylvania Agencies on Aging received 36,000 reports of abuse of older adults last year, but only 10% of cases are reported. | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-12/new-senior-advocacy-center-will-support-adults-facing-elder-abuse | 2023-07-10T06:30:05 | 0 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-12/new-senior-advocacy-center-will-support-adults-facing-elder-abuse |
Nay Aug Park in Scranton was in bloom Saturday, June 10, for the 2nd Electric City Flower Show. The event featured dozens of vendors selling plants, cut flowers, crafts and food. There was also live entertainment, free activities for kids and presentations on garden pests, vegetable gardening and bees, just to name a few. Exhibitors also competed for the best floral blooms, designs, succulents and fairy gardens. | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-13/electric-city-flower-show-photo-essay | 2023-07-10T06:30:11 | 0 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-13/electric-city-flower-show-photo-essay |
The Weatherly Hillclimb is one mile of nasty curves and some straightways.
“And it's a man against the road, against the clock," said Joe Cyburt, president of the Weatherly Hillclimb Association.
Last weekend, more than 90 drivers raced Hill Street into Buck Mountain Road, sometimes approaching those nasty curves at 100 miles per hour. Since 1961, drivers have come from across the country and locally to Carbon County to race at the Weatherly Hillclimb. The event began over 60 years ago as a fundraiser for the Weatherly Rotary Club. By 2001, its future was uncertain. However a group of community members, including Cyburt, saved the race.
Cyburt was among the community members who formed the nonprofit association to keep the race going. The Hillclimb is sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America.
On Saturday, gas and motor oil wafted through the air as the volume of conversations fluctuated over the roar of engines taking off.
Safety is the priority, said Cyburt. Drivers have to wear fire safety shoes and racing suits. The cars are all fitted with roll cages.
“They inspect every car and driver that comes here," he said. "They test their car, they make sure it's up to safety standards.”
EMS is on site and around every corner.
"They don't play around. They don't want you to get in the car and be a hero," Cyburt said. "We have an ambulance here and if we have our way that thing don't move.”
The cars, mostly sedans like Mazda Miatas and Subaru WRXs with racing numbers and both engine and body modifications, race up the hill one at a time. Walking through a lot full of tents and cars, Cyburt pointed out a modified BMW and Ford Mustang.
There’s no cash reward. The drivers race for a trophy.
From the starting line, drivers hit six curves. There’s the boomerang into the devil’s hook, the flying dutchman, hairpin, the chute and finally the mirage.
"It really takes a lot of skill and it takes a lot of courage," Cyburt said.
George Bowland is the race record holder at 47.592 seconds. Last weekend marked his 41st season racing.
Bowland is from South Carolina. He drives a custom-built BBR Shark that has a wide wing on the back and a snowmobile motor. He’s gotten close to 103 mph during the one-mile race.
He described the hill as 50 seconds of terror.
It took him around eight or nine runs to break the record, which he's proud to hold.
"I hope somebody breaks it one of these days," he said.
Hill climbs began with the creation of the automobile, said Bowland. He called it a pure form of racing.
Joe Whiteley, from York, has been racing in the Hillclimb for 50 years. Since 1972, he’s run an Austin-Healey Sprite, a rounded sports car from the United Kingdom with bulbous headlights.
"It's my favorite," he said. "People are nicest.”
At the starting line sits a pavilion. Underneath various community organizations fundraised with food and other items.
“Everybody in town loves it," said Cyburt. "They know what it means to nonprofits."
The Hillclimb brings business into not only Weatherly but also the surrounding area, he said. A sign for the event hung off the Jim Thorpe Train Station. Fairway Subaru of Hazle Twp. is the Hillclimb’s biggest sponsor.
“It's a quiet little town so a couple of weekends a year it gives people the opportunity to get out, mingle, socialize, forget about their problems and everything else," said Cyburt.
The Weatherly Hillclimb Association also holds a fall event and race scheduled for Sept. 15 to Sept. 17.
For more details, visit www.weatherlyhillclimb.com/ | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-14/one-mile-hill-climb-race-brings-drivers-to-weatherly | 2023-07-10T06:30:17 | 1 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-14/one-mile-hill-climb-race-brings-drivers-to-weatherly |
Tom McCabe knows exactly what he’s looking for under the tent at the Osterhout Free Library’s annual book sale.
“Biographies from some of the writers that I’ve read, so I can go back and see how their fiction came about,” he said while picking through the biography section at the sale this week. “You start with the biographies and then you work over to the fiction, find more fiction, and you come back for more biographies. It's a vicious cycle.”
Suzanna McCabe on the other hand, was just looking for:
“Treasures,” she said, clutching a stack of fiction novels she’d already plucked from the tables. “Just looking to find something that strikes me. I just love books.”
This is the 45th year the Friends of the Osterhout Free Library have set up their tent in downtown Wilkes-Barre to sell boxes upon boxes of donated books to benefit the library.
The sale lasts for a week, and sale co-chair Cynthia Baggot says some people show up every day to browse the long tables of books, DVDs and games.
“They’ll come and they’ll do one section,” she said. “Then come back the next day and do another section.”
Linda Kubiak, another co-chair for the sale, says they sold $27,000 worth of books last year and this year, they’ll rotate around 25,000 books into the tent for sale.
“As we sell down, we’ll fill up with other ones,” she said.
The book sale continues until Saturday, June 17, when Kubiak says it might get crowded for one of the sale’s most popular specials - that’s when visitors can pay $5 for a bag or $10 for a box to fill with as many books as possible.
“You can get at least 35 books into those boxes,” she said. “It’s a good deal.” | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-14/thousands-of-books-to-browse-at-library-sale | 2023-07-10T06:30:19 | 0 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-14/thousands-of-books-to-browse-at-library-sale |
Nine Northeast Pennsylvania residents allegedly conspired over almost two decades to break into multiple museums and other institutions.
Officials say they stole priceless works of art, including Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock paintings, sports memorabilia and other objects.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced on Thursday, June 15, that Nicholas Dombek, 53, of Thornhurst Twp.; Damien Boland, 47, of Moscow; Alfred Atsus, 47, of Covington Twp.; and Joseph Atsus, 48, of Roaring Brook Twp., were indicted by a federal grand jury on various charges. They include conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork and concealment or disposal of objects of cultural heritage.
Thomas Trotta, 48, of Moscow; Frank Tassiello, 50, of Scranton; Daryl Rinker, 50, of Thornhurst Twp.; Dawn Trotta, 51, of Covington Twp.; and Ralph Parry, 45, of Covington Twp., were also charged for the same conspiracy.
Eight of the nine suspects are in custody. Dombek is listed as a fugitive.
Over 19 years, between 1999 and 2018, investigators say they stole guns – including three antique firearms worth a combined $1 million from Space Farms: Zoo & Museum in New Jersey; nine world series rings and other memorabilia worth over $1 million from the Yogi Berra Museum; 12 trophies from the Scranton Country Club; a Christy Mathewson jersey and his contracts from Keystone College; and a Tiffany lamp from the Lackawanna Historical Society. Their alleged spree went as far as the Roger Maris Museum in Fargo, North Dakota.
The thieves often melted down the memorabilia including World Series rings, plaques and trophies to sell in the New York City area, according to officials.
“Le Grande Passion” by Warhol and “Springs Winter” by Pollock went missing from the Everhart Museum in Scranton on Nov. 18, 2005. The legitimacy of the Pollock painting has been questioned over the years.
Officials said they would transport the stolen goods back to the region, often to the residence of Dombek.
The whereabouts of many of the paintings and stolen objects are currently unknown, according to investigators.
The case involved the FBI as well as officers from across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Washington, D.C., Rhode Island and North Dakota.
The FBI is asking anyone who has information on Dombek’s whereabouts to 1-800-CALL-FBI and/or TIPS.FBI.GOV.
Items stolen, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of PA, include:
• Nine World Series rings, seven other championship rings and two MVP plaques awarded to Yogi Berra.
• Six championship belts, including four awarded to Carmen Basilio and two awarded to Tony Zale stolen from the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Canastota, New York
• The Hickok Belt and MVP Trophy awarded to Roger Maris, stolen from the Roger Maris Museum, Fargo, North Dakota
• The U.S. Amateur Trophy and a Hickok Belt awarded to Ben Hogan stolen from the USGA Golf Museum & Library, Liberty Corner, New Jersey
• Fourteen trophies and other awards worth over $300,000 stolen from the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, Goshen, New York
• Five trophies worth over $400,000, including the 1903 Belmont Stakes Trophy, from the National Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, Saratoga Springs, New York.
• Eleven trophies, including four awarded to Art Wall, Jr. stolen from the Scranton Country Club.
• “Upper Hudson” by Jasper Cropsey, worth around $500,000; and two antique firearms worth over $300,000, stolen from Ringwood Manor, Ringwood, New Jersey.
• Gold nuggets worth $400,000 stolen from the Sterling Hill Mining Museum, Ogdensburg, New Jersey.
• Various gems, minerals, and other items stolen from the Franklin Mineral Museum, Franklin, New Jersey.
• An antique shotgun worth over $30,000 stolen from Space Farms: Zoo & Museum, Wantage, New Jersey.
• Various jewelry, and other items from multiple antique and jewelry stores in New York, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania. | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-15/arrests-in-art-and-sports-memorabilia-theft-spree | 2023-07-10T06:30:25 | 1 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-15/arrests-in-art-and-sports-memorabilia-theft-spree |
The City of Scranton plans to unveil the results of a yearlong downtown connectivity study next week.
Details will be shared about improving pedestrian safety and traffic patterns at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21 at Lackawanna College, 501 N. Vine St.
Jeff Speck conducted the study in partnership with Boston-based transportation planning company, Nelson\Nygaard, and he’ll be in town to discuss his research.
Speck is an urban designer and city planner who has worked with cities across the country, including Lancaster, Pa., Oklahoma City, Okla. and Grand Rapids, Mich.
He’s also known for his book, Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time.
You can now read the full study here. | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-15/city-planner-shares-yearlong-study-on-scrantons-downtown-next-week | 2023-07-10T06:30:31 | 0 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-15/city-planner-shares-yearlong-study-on-scrantons-downtown-next-week |
Torn and tattered American flags were retired on June 14, Flag Day, at the Mountain Top American Legion. More than a dozen people attended including Boy Scouts and veterans.
An American flag showing wear, tears and fading is retired by burning it to ash over a modest fire.
Logan Chico, 7, was the youngest in attendance. He held a flag over his heart. The flag, folded into a triangle, represents the tricorne hats worn by soldiers in the Revolutionary War.
A World War II veteran also participated. Raymond Somalis, 96, held a small American flag to his face before tossing it into the flames to be retired. | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-15/retiring-old-glory-a-photo-essay | 2023-07-10T06:30:37 | 1 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-15/retiring-old-glory-a-photo-essay |
A ghastly scene took over a portion of downtown Nanticoke.
On East Main Street, zombies in street clothes with pale, ashy skin, dark veins and ice blue eyes lumbered towards the front door of the Luzerne County Community College Health Sciences Center this week. They banged on the glass, attempting to get in and terrorize those inside.
Luckily, inside was just the cast and crew of the horror film “Nanticoke.”
The horror film from Same World Productions is named after the Northeast Pennsylvania city. On Wednesday, June 14, extras took breaks in full zombie makeup while camera operators stood by waiting for director Rick Berry to call action. Producer Karen Metta lives in Nanticoke.
“We jumped at the idea to shoot in Nanticoke," said fellow producer Michael B. Judkins. "We wanted to bring something to this area."
Judkins said the film is a contemporary take on horror with zombies and vampires.
Hunter Kohl plays Brad Chase and Austin Monahan plays David, a doctor.
The movie is from Chase’s point of view. He’s a baseball player who got injured at the top of his game. He moves back home to Nanticoke and finds out something is wrong in his hometown. He becomes caught in a military experiment gone wrong.
"It's fun to play that character and as an actor to really suspend disbelief to the point of these unbelievable catastrophic things happening," said Kohl.
Monahan's character, David, works at a local hospital.
"He's been around for quite a bit and he’s been keeping his ear to the ground," he said. "When all this chaos starts he ends up helping."
A Dunmore High School graduate who lives in Scranton, Monahan has worked on short horror films before but “Nanticoke” is his first feature length horror movie.
"Everyone's just so into it," he said. "It makes you put your all into it. It's just so great having their support.”
The film has been in development since 2013. Same World executive producer John Smith and Metta developed the script.
“Between the mayor to the fire department, the city, the chief ... so many people ... just opened their arms to us," said Berry. "It's been an amazing ride." | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-15/zombies-plod-through-downtown-nanticoke | 2023-07-10T06:30:39 | 0 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-15/zombies-plod-through-downtown-nanticoke |
With a surface of black and white tiles, a disco ball and a shelf of skates in all sizes, the Black Scranton Project’s parking lot transformed into a roller skating rink for a day to celebrate Juneteenth.
“Historically, skating has been something that’s very popular in the Black culture,” said founder and CEO Glynis Johns. “I just thought, hey, I love to skate, why not skate with my community and friends?”
Johns spent most of Saturday’s Juneteenth Skate Party on wheels of her own, spinning and gliding on the pop-up rink that was the centerpiece of the party.
Food trucks and vendors surrounded the rink, and the block party was open all day.
Juneteenth has only been recognized as a federal holiday since 2021, but has been celebrated for decades. It commemorates the day in 1865 when news of emancipation and the Union’s victory over the Confederacy finally reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas.
For Johns, celebrating Juneteenth is about taking pride in her heritage and allowing others to do the same.
“As a Black, Scrantonian woman, I know there wasn’t a lot here that made me feel proud of my culture and my heritage,” she said. “So I’m excited that I can bring that to Scranton and instill a little bit of something for these kids.”
The party was busy throughout the day with people skating, eating, jumping rope and visiting the vendor tents from organizations such as the local NAACP and the NEPA Youth Shelter.
Malcolm Duncan sat at the edge of the festivities Saturday afternoon. He said he’s too old to skate, but the former Philadelphia resident was glad to see a busy Juneteenth event in his new hometown of Scranton.
“It’s good they’re giving this thing in Scranton,” he said. “The people got together, the NAACP and the Black Scranton Project got together and had Juneteenth.” | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-19/skating-in-scranton-to-celebrate-juneteenth | 2023-07-10T06:30:45 | 0 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-19/skating-in-scranton-to-celebrate-juneteenth |
Over a dozen breweries in North Central Pennsylvania collaborated to create a bright, tropical and citrusy hazy IPA.
"Someone said 'well for me every trail ends with a beer.' Why not tie those two together and they do it so naturally," said Britt Madera, communications manager for the PA Wilds Center.
New Trail Brewing Company in Williamsport collaborated with 17 breweries to create the PA Wilds Are Calling Hazy IPA. A portion of the beer sales go back to the Wilds Center. The nonprofit works to strengthen communities in 12 and a half counties that make up the PA Wilds through conservation and economic development.
The beer hit the shelves last month. It's available at New Trail, the partner breweries and other retail locations within the PA Wilds.
The Wilds is a state-designated conservation landscape that contains the largest concentration of public land in Pennsylvania. Only 4% of the state’s population live in the region.
"It's the biggest green space between Chicago and New York," said Hannah Brock, conservation shop and licensing manager.
Creating a beer takes not only hops and mash but also water. Seventy percent of Pennsylvania's headwaters begin in the PA Wilds, said Madera.
"So to know that this brew is truly locally rooted in the PA Wilds from its very most basic element is incredible," she said, adding. "The collaboration that took place between all of these breweries is something to be celebrated in and of itself."
Don Rieck from New Trail said they chose a hazy IPA for two reasons: it’s one of the fastest selling styles of craft beer and they also specialize in that style of beer.
Madera said the brewery and the center's missions align.
"They're not just interested in making beer that appeals to people that love the great outdoors, but also want to give back," Brock added.
New Trails brand is built on outdoor adventure and outdoor recreation.
"We knew that we couldn't do any of the things that we wanted to do without healthy forests, healthy water, just overall healthy land," said Rieck.
New Trail is committed to preserving the wild wonders of Pennsylvania.
“It's where we live. It's where we choose to make our beer. It's where we choose to sell our beer," said Rieck.
Williamsport in Lycoming County is the southern gateway to the PA Wilds.
"We love it here," he said. "So we want to share that with everybody.”
Breweries that contributed to the Wilds Are Calling Hazy IPA, include:
- Bald Birds Brewing of Jersey Shore
- Bent Run Brewing and Wicked Warren’s, both from Warren
- Boom City Brewing, Bullfrog Brewery, John Ryan Brewery, Riepstine’s Pub & Brewery and Rosko’s Brew House, all of Williamsport
- Boxcar Brew Works of DuBois
- Bradford Brew Station of Bradford
- Clarion River Brewing Company and Mechanistic Brewing, both of Clarion
- Floating Feathers Brewing Co. of Mill Hall
- Lost in the Wilds Brewing of Shippenville
- Robinhood Brewing of Bellefonte
- Therapy Brewing of Montoursville
- Yorkholo Brewing Co. of Mansfield | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-20/take-a-sip-of-the-pa-wilds | 2023-07-10T06:30:51 | 0 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-20/take-a-sip-of-the-pa-wilds |
PORTLAND, Ore. — Homicide detectives are investigating a Sunday afternoon death in East Portland.
Officers were called to Southeast 174th Avenue near Mill Street around 4:25 p.m. following a reported shooting.
A man was found dead at the scene. He has not yet been identified pending an autopsy by the medical examiner to determine cause of death and family notification.
Police say nobody was detained and there has not been an arrest.
This is the 46th homicide of the year reported by Portland police.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective William Winters at William.Winters@police.portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-0466, or Detective Jason Koenig at Jason.Koenig@police.portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-0889 and reference case number 23-180335.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Download the KGW News app: Download for iPhone here | Download for Android here
Stream newscasts for free on KGW+ on Roku and Amazon Fire: How to add app to your device here
See a typo in this article? Email web@kgw.com for corrections | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/man-dead-shooting-portland-centennial-neighborhood/283-f9c6d4bc-b766-4cc7-bd45-aa5fadf215ab | 2023-07-10T06:37:48 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/man-dead-shooting-portland-centennial-neighborhood/283-f9c6d4bc-b766-4cc7-bd45-aa5fadf215ab |
Pets of the week
Most Popular
-
Suspect has been identified after shooting at Glenbrook Square
-
Restaurateur suing Fort Wayne Plan Commission, calls decision arbitrary
-
Three Rivers Festival offers drag show despite national controversy
-
Doctor files lawsuit against Lutheran over noncompete clause
-
Woodhurst Fourth of July Parade attendees march on for 20th gathering | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/pets-of-the-week/article_82c5b668-1ce1-11ee-b2d5-ab92dcd3c7e5.html | 2023-07-10T06:45:53 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/pets-of-the-week/article_82c5b668-1ce1-11ee-b2d5-ab92dcd3c7e5.html |
A Northwest Allen County Schools teacher who strives to make students’ transition to middle school successful has been nominated for Teacher Honor Roll. His profile follows.
Stephen Yackley
School: Maple Creek Middle School
Grade or subject teaching: U.S. history (eighth) and geography (sixth)
Education: Bachelor of arts in history from the University of Michigan; graduate from University of Detroit Jesuit High School
Years teaching: 10
City born: Royal Oak, Mich.
Current hometown: Fort Wayne
Family: I am currently married with two young children – a son and a daughter.
Book you’d recommend: “The Way of Kings” by Brandon Sanderson
Favorite teachers: My wife, Katie, a third grade teacher at Perry Hill. She’s amazing at what she does and a source of inspiration for me. Professor Salesa from the University of Michigan – he is from Fiji and taught several amazing classes on the history of the Pacific Islands. I would say most of my high school teachers, but a few standouts would include Mr. Offer (AP history), Mr. Young (Latin), Mrs. Trudel (biology) and Mr. Hickey.
Favorite teaching memory: Seeing students’ creativity when it comes to projects. Over the years I have had students create spoof videos of their favorite songs, movies, games, or current events using what we are currently studying that have been amazing.
Hobbies: Hockey, video games, reading and board games
Interesting fact about yourself: I have coached hockey in Fort Wayne since moving here in 2013 – including Bishop Dwenger High School (three state titles), the Fort Wayne Vipers High School program and currently as an assistant coach with Indiana Tech’s American Collegiate Hockey Association D-I men’s team.
What advice would you give to your students as they plan for their future? As a sci-fi/fantasy fan, one of my favorite lines comes from Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings – “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” It resonates with me because each of us gets to decide what we want to be and become. The challenges and the learning throughout life never stops. It is up to us to make the best use of our time and opportunities.
Recommended by: Abbey Niebel
Reason for recommendation: “He’s phenomenal about communicating with parents and truly strives to make the transition to middle school successful. Having him as a teacher has made a profound difference in my middle schooler’s experience!”
EACS
Jennifer Sholl, a technology coach at East Allen County Schools, received the prestigious Candice Dodson award, which honors those who are driven toward improvement and innovation for positive change. Dodson was the director of the Office of eLearning at the Indiana Department of Education from 2011 to 2019 and died in 2020. The Office of Digital Learning started the award in 2022 to honor her memory.
Partnerships
Indiana Wesleyan University secured a partnership with the Indiana Manufacturers Association to offer training and development programs for Indiana manufacturers and their employees at discounted rates. Manufacturing companies in Indiana interested in using the university’s Talent Ladder can complete an online form at https://thetalentladder.com/ima/ to see how the partnership in training could help grow their employees and company.
Purdue Global and Ivy Tech Community College announced a new Pathways Partnership last month. Purdue Global will accept unrestricted transfer and stackability of students’ Ivy Tech associate degrees and credits toward a Purdue Global bachelor’s degree. Purdue Global will work with those students to maximize their credit for prior learning, including competencies gained in the workplace and Ivy Tech prior learning credits. Students who have completed an Ivy Tech associate degree will be awarded an Ivy Tech Achievement Scholarship for most Purdue Global programs.
Scholarships
Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne and Warsaw announced the recipients of the Mark M. Suedhoff Endowed Scholarship-Chancellor’s Merit Award last month. Abigail Cravens of Leo Junior-Senior High School and Mackensi Evans of Carroll High School received full-tuition scholarships. Half-tuition recipients included Alix Gonzalez of Northrop High School, Seraphim Kyaing of Indiana Academy and Natalie Lower of Eastside Junior-Senior High School.
The Monroeville Lions Club named Heritage Junior-Senior High School graduate Avril Litchfield as its scholarship winner this year. Litchfield will receive $1,000 after completing a semester at the University of Saint Francis.
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education awarded nearly 400 scholarships to the seventh class of Next Generation Hoosier Educators. The number of scholarships expanded significantly this year due to recent legislation. The Allen County recipients were Emma Tone, Lukas Alderdice, Georgia Gray, Adam Walls, Amelia Veith, Hannah Garman, Jillian Yoder, Kathryn Wenz, Thomas O’Neil, Elliot Mcbride, Paige Jackson, Kayden Wisehart, Logan Reece, Lydia Schultz, Kylie Jester, Abigail Johnson, Leah Frazier, Selah Kolpien, Amelia Fowerbaugh, Ellie Houtz, Madeline Hunter and Marissa Goodwin. Other recipients included Brianna Cook, Gracie Garwood, Ellie Johnson, Macie Morehouse, Adrienne Mckean, Allison Braun and Aubri Gerber of Adams County; Olivia Rigby and Quentin Penrod of DeKalb County; Hattie Brisco, Brooke Swaidner, Hailey Rains and Haley Newton of Huntington County; Haley Gamble, Grace Bishop, Macy Bonifield, Piper Ellis, Valeria Marquez-Martinez and Isabella Bartlett of Kosciusko County; Claire Fear, Kara Strong, Rachel Becker, Ashlyn Seigel and Benjamin Shaw of Noble County; Caroline Buskirk, Kaylee Triplett, Markis Crosbie, Emma Page, Olivia Oden, Raeann Stoppenhagen, Savanna Reynolds and Hailey Duncan of Wells County; and Hannah Harris, Megan Heuer and Olivia Woodward of Whitley County.
Two Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne students received scholarships from Indiana TRIO for the 2023-24 academic year. HninyuWin Kyawzin won the $1,000 Full-Time College Indiana TRIO Scholarship, and Rachel Geren received the $500 Textbook Scholarship. They were two of only nine students in Indiana who were awarded the college-level scholarships. Indiana TRIO advocates on behalf of first-generation students, low-income students and students with disabilities who participate in Indiana TRIO programs.
Summer study
Stephen Fosselman of Fort Wayne is traveling to Brazil this summer to study golden lion tamarins and the role of zoos in global conservation. He is a master’s student in the Global Field Program from Miami University’s Project Dragonfly.
Trine
Trine University has named Tony Kline as its new vice president for academic affairs. Megan Tolin replaces Kline as dean of the university’s Franks School of Education. Tolin has taught in the school since 2018.
Alumni Ken Ehinger and Andy Hein have joined Trine’s Board of Trustees. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/teacher-honor-roll-northwest-allen-educator-eases-transition-to-middle-school/article_2df84044-04b1-11ee-ad3e-0bb8512977e5.html | 2023-07-10T06:45:59 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/teacher-honor-roll-northwest-allen-educator-eases-transition-to-middle-school/article_2df84044-04b1-11ee-ad3e-0bb8512977e5.html |
The Friends of the Bismarck Public Library will hold a used book sale on Saturday on the plaza outside the building downtown.
Books will be for sale for $1 per pound, with other items priced separately. Proceeds benefit the programs and services of the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library.
Sale hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The library is at 515 N. Fifth St. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/used-book-sale-set-at-bismarck-library/article_ff64b81c-1cf6-11ee-979e-279fd4e03ae8.html | 2023-07-10T07:09:54 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/used-book-sale-set-at-bismarck-library/article_ff64b81c-1cf6-11ee-979e-279fd4e03ae8.html |
With 40 years of experience helping women and children, a nonprofit that runs an emergency shelter in Northeast Pennsylvania is expanding its services. The Catherine McAuley Center will soon be able to assist single fathers and families in Lackawanna County.
“In the last year we received calls from 200 people – either single dads or intact families – looking for shelter. It’s a service we don’t provide and people are still calling to ask us,” said Krista Murray, executive director at the nonprofit.
The sheer volume of calls told Murray there was a huge unmet need in the region. Murray said there hasn’t been a place for dads and their kids to seek temporary shelter for the last few years in Lackawanna County. One program ended about five years ago, she said.
The McAuley Center says it’s set to address that need next month in Scranton. The nonprofit will work with families to look at permanent housing options while they stay at the home. Their programs originally offered stays for up to 30 days, but Murray said “due to the housing market and the challenges in obtaining affordable housing,” the average stay for clients has increased to about 60 days.
She said people may have a stereotypical view of what they expect homeless families to look like, or where they might stay.
“When we think of our local area and we think of homeless families, it’s more of the ‘hidden homeless,’” Murray said, “especially when we’re talking about kids being involved… it’s finding places to stay for one or two nights and moving on… or sleeping in a car or being creative.”
In addition to emergency shelters, the nonprofit also offers community food pantries and medium- and long-term housing for women in scattered-site locations in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties.
“We’ve typically been able to serve about 60 individuals through our shelters per year too, so that’s kind of our target for the upcoming year for when we open in July,” Murray said.
More than 14,000 children in Pennsylvania received help from emergency housing programs in 2021, and 622 children were based in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties that year, according to a report from Nemours Children’s Health System. Both counties saw a decrease in the number of unhoused children served from 2019-2021.
The Catherine McAuley Center is named for the founder of the Catholic Sisters of Mercy who helped women through housing, education and medical care starting in Ireland in the 1830s. The Sisters of Mercy community in Scranton began serving women in need in the early 1980s and founded the center shortly thereafter. | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-21/housing-program-expands-to-help-single-dads-and-families | 2023-07-10T07:27:35 | 1 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-21/housing-program-expands-to-help-single-dads-and-families |
A prosecutor’s review of voting problems in a Pennsylvania swing county where ballot paper ran out last year found no evidence of criminal activity or purposeful efforts to prevent voting, according to a new report that blamed inexperienced supervisors.
Luzerne District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce’s 24-page review said only one Elections Bureau supervisor had more than a month’s experience when the November vote was held — and that person had only been there about a year. He said inexperience and inadequate training created a vicious cycle.
Luzerne was won by Democrat Josh Shapiro by barely one percentage point in the November contest for governor. In the most recent presidential contests in the northeastern Pennsylvania county, Donald Trump easily beat Hilary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020.
“As personnel and experience dwindles, the work is accumulated among the fewer and fewer remaining workers or new workers making the tasks on each person more voluminous, the job more stressful and the position less attractive to potential employees,” he wrote in the report, which was also signed by two of his deputy prosecutors and five county detectives.
Sanguedolce said Tuesday that meetings about the next steps are ongoing, including “how to move forward and prevent it from happening again.” That may include deploying county workers in other departments to help with elections as well as potentially hiring a consultant to improve procedures.
What Sanguedolce’s report called a “catastrophic oversight” resulting in the Election Day shortfall of paper for ballots in Luzerne, a swing county in northeastern Pennsylvania, was also the subject of a three-hour hearing in March by the U.S. House Administration Committee.
The ballot paper problems prompted a judge to keep polls open for two extra hours, contributed to a delay in reporting election results and was the topic of contentious public meetings, as well as Sanguedolce’s investigation. He blamed the lack of sufficient paper on incompetence and said he found no evidence of any sort of cover-up.
“Although a glaring mistake, the omission was not intentional,” the report concluded. “The parties involved were obviously distressed by the error and resulting effects.”
Ballot paper problems caused voting to stop, at least briefly, in 16 of the county’s 143 polling locations, in some cases just until they could turn to the use of emergency or provisional ballots, Sanguedolce’s investigative team found.
“The steps of ensuring the correct paper was on hand, ordering that paper if not on hand, and then loading sufficient quantities of that paper into the cabinets were missed by all officials tasked with such responsibilities throughout the process,” investigators concluded. In prior elections, that duty had been performed by the county’s elections director, who at the time of the November election was a woman in the position for just a couple months.
Sanguedolce, an elected Republican, said there was no basis for some claims that the problems were concentrated in GOP areas.
The review also found nothing to support claims that voting machines had been tampered with, that paper had been removed intentionally or that there was a deliberate effort to not order sufficient ballot paper.
“We find the allegation that the shortage was the result of a premeditated plan to be unsupported by any evidence,” according to the report.
The report said there was validity to a complaint aired during the congressional hearing -- that a voter arrived at a Hazleton polling place shortly after 8 p.m. but the doors were locked, even though a judge had extended voting until 10 p.m. In that case, the judge of elections told investigators no one was able to stay past 8 p.m. and they were unable to reach the county elections office, the report said. | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-22/probe-blames-luzerne-countys-november-ballot-paper-shortage-on-inexperience-poor-training | 2023-07-10T07:27:41 | 1 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-22/probe-blames-luzerne-countys-november-ballot-paper-shortage-on-inexperience-poor-training |
The City of Scranton has received recommendations for an ambitious overhaul to traffic patterns that an urban planning and design team says could make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
After a year of studying Scranton’s traffic patterns and 10 years of crash data, urban planner and author Jeff Speck said the city could take action and immediately make an impact on safety.
“Your typical street downtown, some are better than others,” he said, “but it feels like a place to go fast and not a place to go slower.”
Speck presented the results of a nearly 150-page study – The Downtown Scranton Connectivity Plan – in front of an audience Wednesday at Lackawanna College. He’s known for his 2012 book, Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time. The research was conducted by Speck & Associates and Nelson\Nygaard, a Boston-based transportation planning company.
The report suggests broad changes for Scranton, from more visible crosswalks to resized driving lanes. Many of those ideas should bring more people downtown, encourage them to drive slower and even visit more local shops, Speck said.
Slowing down traffic also means accidents with pedestrians are less likely to be fatal, he said.
“A car going 35 miles an hour is eight times as likely to kill you as a car going 25 miles an hour,” he said.
Changing some one-way streets into two-way streets is a quick fix to affect traffic. The city could even include bike lanes in several areas and add more parking with simple street restriping, according to the report.
Adjusting traffic patterns should also make it easier on first responders, he said. In talks with local police and fire departments, Speck said teams so far have been supportive of proposals.
The report also recommends replacing traffic signals at 22 intersections in Scranton with all-way stop signs. Drivers won’t have to wait at red lights and pedestrians won’t feel compelled to jaywalk, Speck said.
Other changes on state roads like Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street would require approval from PennDOT, but Speck said the transportation authority is already aware of some details in the study.
More elaborate plans are suggested for Lackawanna Avenue on the southern border of downtown. Speck would like to see a cobblestone median that can double as a turning lane, dozens of trees added along the road and a protected bike lane on the sidewalk.
“It’s nice to just hear these things from a professional and not feel crazy when it comes to… road use downtown, about lane width, about the ways people are incentivized to drive incredibly dangerously fast through some of these intersections,” said Kuba Jennes with the Anthracite Bicycle Coalition, a local advocacy group.
“I cycle everywhere down here and when you do that, you feel that out here on the roads very acutely,” Jennes said after the presentation.
The study also offers a grand revisioning of Penn Avenue leading up to the iconic Penn Paper building, made famous by the opening credits in “The Office.” Speck said it’s worth considering a park or “walk of fame” dedicated to the show nearby the landmark.
“‘The Office’ was the most streamed television show globally in 2020,” the report reads, “Yet its most postcard-worthy location goes uncelebrated.”
Another notable project would replace the parking lot in front of the Radisson Hotel at the Lackawanna Station. Speck said in its current state, it’s a missed opportunity. The gateway to the city could be a beautiful public square instead of “a K-Mart parking lot,” he said.
With the study results in hand, the city can more easily seek money for the projects.
In a brief speech before the study presentation, Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti said the city would “aggressively pursue” state and federal grants. City engineer Tom Reilly said the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All program is already on their radar.
During his talk Speck also paid tribute to Jane Jacobs, a journalist, activist and urban theorist born in Scranton in 1916. Speck said he made the decision to become an urban planner after reading her 1961 book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities.
Speck has some advice for diving into the study. The report is lengthy, “but I would definitely ask [residents] to focus on what makes walking and downtown safe, because that’s where we really focused most of our energy,” he said.
You can read the full study here. | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-22/study-reveals-ambitious-plan-for-downtown-scranton | 2023-07-10T07:27:47 | 0 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-22/study-reveals-ambitious-plan-for-downtown-scranton |
Suzanne Beck’s garden in Dallas sprawls across her property, a host of blooms, shoots and vines testifying to the yearly work that starts in her small greenhouse when the air is still cold.
“I start coming out here in February each year when it’s snowing and cold out. I spend hours out here starting my seeds,” she said. “It’s just really relaxing…I’m in here, nice and toasty with my plants, and then I can see them start very small and grow.”
Gardening can be a solitary pursuit, but this weekend the gardeners of the Back Mountain Area, like Beck, will have a chance to show off their work on the Back Mountain Bloomers 2023 Tour of the Back Mountain Gardens.
As Beck prepared for her first time as one of the featured gardens on the tour, the greenhouse was empty - everything that she started in here is now flourishing outside.
Of course, this year has not been without its challenges - she had seedlings in the greenhouse still when temperatures hit 90 degrees this April, then rushed to cover budding plants during a freeze in May.
“And then the drought, we were out there watering all the time,” she said. “So yeah, it’s been a lot of work.”
Saturday, June 24 will be the 10th biannual tour. Tour manager Lisa Lindquist says this year, all five gardens on the tour are owned by members of the Back Mountain Bloomers Garden Club like Beck, but that hasn’t always been the case.
“In years past we would solicit through the public, literally by driving by a really nice garden and knocking on the door and introducing ourselves,” she said.
That method has led to memorable finds.
“One time we were driving…when we saw really nice great garden,” she said. “We stopped, we knocked on the door, and the woman said, ‘Me? My garden to be on the Bloomers garden tour?’ And she was aghast and it turned out to be the hit of that next year’s garden tour.”
The tour starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Lindquist says not only will they stop at the five private gardens, they’ll also visit a pollinator garden maintained by the Luzerne County Master Gardeners and a flower show.
“Every garden to me is interesting… I want to see what everyone else does,” she said. “I almost cause accidents, you know, rubbernecking, looking at gardens. I shouldn’t do that.”
Beck’s garden features bright marigolds and daisies, deep purple delphinium, and in a raised bed like her other vegetables, her favorite thing to grow - garlic.
“I haven’t bought garlic in years because I just use the same garlic to reseed,” she said. “It’s just really fascinating to me to regrow the same garlic out of the garlic I’ve been growing for years.”
In Lindquist’s experience, most gardeners do have a few favorites. For her part, she admits to being a “perennial snob.”
“My favorite perennials are hardy geraniums and clematis, and I collect a lot of them,” she said. “It’s a passion…I have a friend who is nuts over hosta.”
Lindquist says tickets for the tour tend to sell out, and people come from well outside Northeastern Pennsylvania to see the gardens.
Tickets are available until the day of the tour - on Friday, June 23, they are available at the Dallas Township Municipal Building from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Then on Saturday, they're available for $25 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. The tour runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
When the crowd comes, Beck said she and her garden will be ready.
“I’m really excited to see what happens,” she said. | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-23/tour-gives-gardeners-a-chance-to-display-their-work | 2023-07-10T07:27:53 | 1 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-23/tour-gives-gardeners-a-chance-to-display-their-work |
Natural gas drillers paid more than $278 million in impact fees in 2022, their largest amount since the payments began in 2012.
The record high comes two years after drillers paid their record low amount, $146 million, in 2020. Previously, the highest amount was $251 million in 2018.
The impact fee is designed to offset the effects of natural gas drilling. The money goes to counties and municipalities affected by drilling, as well as to state agencies and the Marcellus Legacy Fund.
This year, 32 counties and over 1,200 municipalities received more than $157 million combined. They can use the money for projects related to public infrastructure construction, emergency preparedness and public safety, judicial services, or other approved uses.
Mike Belding, a county commissioner in Greene County, said the money is often used to meet funding match requirements on grants, and industry partners also contribute financially.
“We kind of dilute the requirements across several different municipalities, counties, and partners, and it makes it a more viable project financially,” Belding said.
In Washington County, impact fees have allowed for improvements to bridges and courthouse buildings, and upgrades to electronic records systems that improves communication between court offices.
“We deliver a better product and an easier product to access to the taxpayers,” Washington County Commissioner Diana Irey Vaughn said.
And, she said, Washington County hasn’t raised taxes for 13 years because of impact fee money.
State agencies, which include the state conservation commission, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Transportation, received $17 million. Money directed to the Marcellus Legacy Fund is used for highway improvement projects, water and sewer projects, county greenway rehabilitation projects, and funds for hazardous clean ups. Over $103 million of the 2022 impact fees were transferred to this fund.
Impact fees are collected based upon the number of wells in use, the price of natural gas, and the age of the well. The amount of gas produced by the wells is not taken into account or taxed.
Act 13 of 2012 determines where the money goes. Only counties and municipalities that have an unconventional well within their borders and pass an ordinance imposing the fee receive money directly. Counties must submit a usage report in April indicating how the funds were allocated.
The 2022 was influenced by a higher average price of natural gas ($6.64 per Metric Million British thermal units) and the addition of 574 wells in the reporting year.
The payments are expected to be distributed in early July, the Public Utility Commission said.
The counties receiving the most money and the amounts are:
- Washington: $9,079,189.32
- Susquehanna: $8,960,100.01
- Bradford: $7,103,603.24
- Greene: $6,497,384.76
- Lycoming: $4,803,191.99
- Tioga: $4,016,537.20
- Butler: $3,040,966.46 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-26/pa-gas-drillers-pay-record-amount-in-impact-fees | 2023-07-10T07:28:00 | 0 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-26/pa-gas-drillers-pay-record-amount-in-impact-fees |
People young and old wore the colors of the rainbow for PrideFest 2023 in downtown Wilkes-Barre. NEPA Rainbow Alliance hosted the parade and celebration Sunday, June 25. This year's theme was "Lead With Love." Supporters of LGBTQA+ rights turned out for the event along Public Square which included speakers, drag performances, entertainment and vendors.
PrideFest 2023: A Photo Essay
By
Aimee Dilger
Published June 26, 2023 at 4:02 PM EDT
1 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE006.jpg
The Rainbow Alliance leads the Pride Parade in Wilkes-Barre.
AIMEE DILGER
2 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE027.jpg
A man dressed in rainbow streamers started the Pride Parade with the Rainbow Coalition.
AIMEE DILGER
3 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE001.jpg
Derek Hilton and Deb Keller share a laugh. Keller painted her mohawk for Pride in Wilkes-Barre.
AIMEE DILGER
4 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE002.jpg
Drag queen Trixie Valentine shares a ride down Main Street in WilkesBarre.
AIMEE DILGER
5 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE003.jpg
Drag queen Trixie Valentine
AIMEE DILGER
6 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE004.jpg
Many people showed their pride by wearing rainbow clothes, makeup and waving flags.
AIMEE DILGER
7 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE005.jpg
Many people showed their pride by wearing rainbow clothes, makeup and waving flags.
AIMEE DILGER
8 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE007.jpg
A tiny supporter wears her rainbow best.
AIMEE DILGER
9 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE008.jpg
Revelers make their way to Public Square at the Pride Parade.
AIMEE DILGER
10 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE009.jpg
Some dressed in support of trans rights.
Aimee Dilger
11 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE010.jpg
Danny Howui of Taylor takes a rest in the shade.
Aimee Dilger
12 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE011.jpg
A young supporter hitches a piggyback ride down the parade route.
Aimee Dilger
13 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE012.jpg
Participants shout and carry signs in support of LGBTQ.
AIMEE DILGER
14 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE013.jpg
Many wore their pride at the parade.
AIMEE DILGER
15 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE015.jpg
Children gather candy at the parade.
AIMEE DILGER
16 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE016.jpg
Many stood in the crowd in support of LGBTQ pride.
AIMEE DILGER
17 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE017.jpg
Danny Howui of Taylor takes a rest in the shade.
AIMEE DILGER
18 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE018.jpg
Large crowds lined the street for the parade.
Aimee Dilger
19 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE019.jpg
Flags in support of LGBTQ were handed out along the parade route.
AIMEE DILGER
20 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE020.jpg
Members of the Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton Roller Derby turned out in support of Pride.
Aimee Dilger
21 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE021.jpg
Natalie Fox of Old Forge walked with her roller derby team wearing rainbow flags in her hair.
AIMEE DILGER
22 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE022.jpg
A young supporter carries a poster in the parade.
AIMEE DILGER
23 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE023.jpg
Marrisa Turner of Kingston wears rainbow glasses.
AIMEE DILGER
24 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE024.jpg
A crowd waits for the presentations at Pride.
AIMEE DILGER
25 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE025.jpg
A woman carries a sign in the parade.
Aimee Dilger
26 of 26
— 06252023_PRIDE026.jpg
Cy the one-eyed cat was decked out in rainbow attire.
AIMEE DILGER | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-26/pridefest-2023-a-photo-essay | 2023-07-10T07:28:06 | 1 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-26/pridefest-2023-a-photo-essay |
Multiple children in Lackawanna County were not only neglected by their families but also those assigned to protect them, according to details in multiple criminal complaints filed by the Lackawanna County District Attorney's Office.
On Tuesday, District Attorney Mark Powell charged five case workers from the Office of Youth and Family Services (OYFS) with endangering the welfare of children and failure to report or refer cases of suspected child abuse. They are Randy Ramik, 59, of Clarks Green; Bryan Scott Walker, 51, of Eynon; Erik Krauser, 45, of Dickson City; and Sadie O’Day, 34, and Amy Helcoski, 50, both of Scranton.
The children under the caseworkers' care are now between the ages of 2 and 13. They are from three different families involved with the county’s OYFS for more than 10 years. They endured various levels of abuse, according to criminal complaints. Some lived in now-condemned properties in deplorable conditions with multiple pets who were also not cared for.
In the court documents, officers say family, community members and neighbors reached out to officials for help. Yet, the cases persisted. An incident in one criminal complaints says the mother of two children repeatedly told caseworkers: “I need help.” The case workers denied multiple referrals from outside organizations, according to the criminal complaints. Powell alleges they falsified reports.
Officers were issued search warrants for the OYFS to investigate the neglect.
Lackawanna County would not comment on the arrests Tuesday.
However, on Friday, the child protection agency's license was downgraded from full to provisional for a six-month period by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, according to an email from the county.
William Browning, the county’s Director of Health & Human Services, responding to the license downgrade, said the department deals with over 9,000 cases annually. They have 40 open staff positions. He said the issue is systemic statewide.
The department will continue its plan of corrections to the best of its abilities, said Browning. They will meet with state personnel until the license is fully restored.
Powell’s office has been investigating the agency for the past year. The D.A. said the children in these cases didn’t fall through the cracks because the OYFS was understaffed. The cases were on the agency’s radar for a long time and the caseworkers responded many times, Powell said.
In one case involving Ramik, Walker and Krauser, multiple reports were issued between 2015 and 2016 that the children’s needs were not being met. Their mother was charged twice with endangering the welfare of children.
However, referrals continued to be invalidated by OYFS, according to police documents.
The children's mother died in their home in October 2022. When police arrived, they reported the an "overwhelming, strong, horrific odor." There were no clean items to meet basic needs like clothing, blankets or bedding. The three children were filthy. The Refrigerator and stove had spoiled, rotten food.
Scranton Police notified the OYFS about the situation and learned that the family already had a case open with the agency.
The investigation into the Office of Youth and Family Services is ongoing. Anyone with information should contact the Lackawanna County District Attorney's Office at 570-963-6717 or Scranton Police at 570-348-4130.
If you or someone you know suspects child abuse or neglect, contact the ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313. Caseworkers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-27/five-county-workers-charged-with-child-neglect | 2023-07-10T07:28:14 | 0 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-27/five-county-workers-charged-with-child-neglect |
Researchers have indicated that antisemitism and extremism is on the rise across the United States - and last week, people of the Luzerne County region and beyond gathered to hear from a panel of experts about how to identify and address it.
“I think this is incredibly timely. I hate what’s happening in the United States right now, and I wanted to hear what a panel had to say about what we can do,” said one audience member who did not provide their last name.
The Friedman Jewish Community Center in Kingston filled up on Thursday with people hoping to ask questions and hear from experts during Holocaust Warnings: American Antisemitism and Extremism.
The luncheon panel discussion, hosted by WVIA in partnership with Misericordia University, was a follow-up to a television program filmed at the WVIA Public Media Studios on Wednesday, June 20.
The panel discussed the origins of antisemitism, the history of the Holocaust, and the importance of remembering that history as antisemitic sentiment is on the rise.
Panelist Dr. David Myers, Chair of Jewish History at UCLA, said that rise is not surprising in the current political and social climate.
“Hate takes rising conditions of political, economic and social instability. That’s when the dormant or latent becomes manifest,” he said. “We happen to be living precisely in such a period of social, political and economic instability.”
Also on the panel were Dr. Alex Alvarez, professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northern Arizona University, Dr. Kelly McFall, a history professor at Newman University in Wichita, Kansas, and Dr. Carol Rittmer of the Sisters of Mercy and former professor of Holocaust studies at Stockton University in New Jersey.
Sister Rittmer was quick to agree with a point presented by Myers - that everyone, not just Jewish people, should speak out against antisemitism.
“I think it’s important that we have a panel that includes Jews and Christians and perhaps persons who do not religiously affiliate,” she said. “We’re talking about issues that cut across communities.”
The filmed discussion will air on WVIA-TV in the fall. | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-27/holocaust-warnings-starting-a-conversation-on-antisemitism-and-extremism | 2023-07-10T07:28:21 | 1 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-27/holocaust-warnings-starting-a-conversation-on-antisemitism-and-extremism |
Prosecutors say they are seeking the death penalty against a Pennsylvania man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death late last year.
Bryan Kohberger, 28, is charged with four counts of murder in connection with the deaths at a rental house near the Moscow, Idaho, university campus last November. Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson filed the notice of his intent to seek the death penalty in court on Monday.
A not-guilty plea was entered in the case on Kohberger’s behalf earlier this year. A hearing in the case is scheduled for Tuesday.
The bodies of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were found on Nov. 13, 2022, at a rental home across the street from the University of Idaho campus. The slayings shocked the rural Idaho community and neighboring Pullman, Washington, where Kohberger was a graduate student studying criminology at Washington State University.
Police released few details about the investigation until after Kohberger was arrested at his parents’ home in Monroe County, Pennsylvania early Dec. 30, 2022. Court documents detailed how police pieced together DNA evidence, cellphone data and surveillance video that they say links Kohberger to the slayings.
Investigators said traces of DNA found on a knife sheath inside the home where the students were killed matches Kohberger, and that a cellphone belonging to Kohberger was near the victims’ home on a dozen occasions before the killings. A white sedan allegedly matching one owned by Kohberger was caught on surveillance footage repeatedly cruising past the rental home around the time of the killings.
But defense attorneys have filed motions asking the court to order prosecutors to turn over more evidence about the DNA found during the investigation, the searches of Kohberger’s phone and social media records, and the surveillance footage used to identify the make and model of the car. The motions are among several that will be argued during the hearing Tuesday afternoon.
In an affidavit filed with the motions, defense attorney Anne Taylor said prosecutors have only provided the DNA profile that was taken from traces found on the knife sheath, not the DNA profiles belonging to three other unidentified males that were developed as part of the investigation.
Defense attorneys are also asking for additional time to meet case filing deadlines, noting that they have received thousands of pages of documents to examine, including thousands of photographs, hundreds of hours of recordings, and many gigabytes of electronic phone records and social media data.
Idaho law requires prosecutors to notify the court of their intent to seek the death penalty within 60 days of a plea being entered. In his notice of intent, Thompson listed five “aggravating circumstances” that he said could qualify for the crime for capital punishment under state law; including that more than one murder was committed during the crime, that it was especially heinous or showed exceptional depravity, that it was committed in the perpetration of a burglary or other crime, and that the defendant showed “utter disregard for human life.”
If a defendant is convicted in a death penalty case, defense attorneys are also given the opportunity to show that mitigating factors exist that would make the death penalty unjust. Mitigating factors sometimes include evidence that a defendant has mental problems, that they have shown remorse, that they are very young or that they suffered childhood abuse.
Idaho allows executions by lethal injection. But in recent months, prison officials have been unable to obtain the necessary chemicals, causing one planned execution to be repeatedly postponed. On July 1, death by firing squad will become an approved back-up method of execution under a law passed by the Legislature earlier this year, though the method is likely to be challenged in federal court. | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-27/prosecutors-seek-the-death-penalty-against-pa-man-accused-of-slaying-of-4-university-of-idaho-students | 2023-07-10T07:28:27 | 0 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-27/prosecutors-seek-the-death-penalty-against-pa-man-accused-of-slaying-of-4-university-of-idaho-students |
Members of refugee communities in Northeast Pennsylvania gathered at Nay Aug Park in Scranton in celebration of World Refugee Day. People who attended the free event on Saturday, June 24, enjoyed ethnic food, cultural music and dance. World Refugee Day is marked globally to honor the strength, courage and perseverance of millions of refugees.
This year's theme was "Home Away from Home" in recognition of refugees' resilience in rebuilding their lives. | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-27/world-refugee-day-a-photo-essay | 2023-07-10T07:28:33 | 0 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-27/world-refugee-day-a-photo-essay |
Counties in northeast and central Pennsylvania will receive some of the largest payments from natural gas producers from a record fee-collection year, in part due to the number of gas wells located there. The state Public Utility Commission shared details from 2022 earlier this month.
The PUC has collected fees from natural gas producers since 2012, when measures under Act 13 went into effect. The funds are distributed to counties and municipalities, state agencies and the Marcellus Legacy Fund to account in part for the impact that gas drilling has on communities. Funds will be distributed in early July, according to the PUC.
Natural gas companies paid $278.8 million in 2022 due to the rising cost of natural gas and the addition of 574 new wells across the state, according to the commission. That’s a more than 90% increase in payments from 2020 when fees totaled $146.2 million.
Susquehanna, Bradford, Lycoming and Tioga counties will soon collect between $4 million and nearly $9 million. They made up four of the top six counties to receive payments from 2022, with parts of southwestern Pennsylvania rounding out the list. Washington County will take in over $9 million and Greene County close to $6.5 million.
Counties can put the money toward a wide range of uses, including infrastructure upgrades, public safety, tax reduction and environmental projects. PUC reported county and municipality uses from 2021 when most of the money went into capital reserve funds and infrastructure construction.
Natural gas producers reported 1,968 wells in Susquehanna County, the highest number of drilled sites in the state in 2022. Bradford County had 1,586 wells last year.
Susquehanna County Commissioner Alan Hall said impact fees have been spent over the years on cellphone towers, 911 systems, fire and EMS departments and tax reductions. He added that the county hasn’t raised taxes since 2005. Hall also said the county would replenish its capital funds after the recent construction of a $15 million public safety building.
About $100,000 in Susquehanna will go toward replacing fire suppression foam that was found to be harmful to humans. The U.S. Fire Administration notes that exposure to the foam can lead to higher risk of cancer and thyroid diseases. Separate from the fee disbursement, Hall said oil and gas company Coterra Energy will also contribute $25,000 to help with old foam disposal. Coterra and its predecessor, Cabot Oil & Gas, have had a controversial past with the county.
Susquehanna’s Auburn Township is expected to receive the most of any municipality in the state from 2022 impact fees. Township Supervisor Dan Trivett said most of nearly $1.5 million will go toward tarring and chipping roads and updating equipment in Auburn.
The PUC has collected more than $2.5 billion from natural gas producers as of 2023.
Counties receiving the most in fees from 2022:
Washington - $9,079,189.32
Susquehanna - $8,960,100.01
Bradford - $7,103,603.24
Greene - $6,497,384.76
Lycoming - $4,803,191.99
Tioga - $4,016,537.20
Butler - $3,040,966.46
Top producer payments from 2022:
EQT Production Co. - $42.3 million
Chesapeake Appalachia LLC - $39 million
Range Resources Appalachia LLC - $33.7 million
Coterra Energy Inc. (formerly Cabot Oil & Gas) - $31.1 million | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-28/susquehanna-bradford-among-counties-receiving-top-payments-from-natural-gas-producers | 2023-07-10T07:28:39 | 1 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-28/susquehanna-bradford-among-counties-receiving-top-payments-from-natural-gas-producers |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — More than 500 athletes representing 50 countries are in Sacramento for the Homeless World Cup.
It marks the first time the United States has hosted the international event aimed at raising awareness about homelessness and the people who have overcome it.
The athletes consist of former refugees or people who experienced homelessness themselves. For Team USA Coach Reed Fox, it's about getting rid of the stigma surrounding the homeless as drug addicts and criminals.
"No, they’re people just like us, and they can be athletes just like us," said Fox.
Fox said his players come from all over the country, but at least one athlete on his team has called Sacramento home.
Sienna Jackson, 24, was once kicked out of her home.
"I was sleeping at parks, I was couch hopping. I was outside; I would just find anywhere that was a shelter. I would sleep in downtown Sacramento a lot, which isn’t the best -- a lot of roaches," said Jackson.
She's proud to be part of something bigger in the Homeless World Cup, representing her county.
"I’m proud of my team and everything, it represents a lot for me," said Jackson.
Sacramento State University President Robert Nelsen said the event shows it's possible for people to get out of homelessness.
"This is a day that’s going to stay in my mind for the rest of my life. This is a day that’s going to stay in the mind of Sacramento State for the rest of our lives," said Nelsen.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/homeless-world-cup-arrives-off-sacramento/103-a34ab166-32f2-4b93-b348-031720086a76 | 2023-07-10T07:36:09 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/homeless-world-cup-arrives-off-sacramento/103-a34ab166-32f2-4b93-b348-031720086a76 |
In 1793, the majority of African Americans were enslaved.
"Only 10% were free," said M. Denise Dennis. "And of that 10%, very, very few owned land.”
George Washington was in his second term as president and 72 years would still need to pass before slavery was abolished in the United States.
In Susquehanna County, Prince and Judith Perkins, free African Americans from Connecticut, were buying land.
“They owned property. And were not the property of someone else,” said Dennis.
Now, a permanent bronze bell marks the historical significance of the 153-acre Dennis Family Farm, a farm still owned by the family 230 years later.
“We are honored, my ancestors are honored," said Dennis, the oldest member of the seventh generation of her family.
The farm is the oldest African American owned farm in the country. The over five-foot-tall bell is the first of a handful that will be dedicated by the America250PA Commission across the state to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
Members of the family’s eighth generation joined Dennis Wednesday during the bell dedication on the property. Local, state and federal representatives were also at the ceremony which opened with gathering music played on a violin and renditions of the "National Anthem" and "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
In 1792, Prince Perkins was awarded 25 pounds, six shillings and four pence — around $2,500 — for his service as a solider in the Revolutionary War. A year later, he purchased the farm in what is now Kingsley for six pounds or around $500 in current currency.
Angeline Perkins, Prince and Judith's granddaughter, inherited the farm 1858. In the same year, her husband, Henry W. Dennis, sold his farm in Dimock and purchased 100 acres adjacent to the Perkins Farm. From that point on, the property was known as the Dennis Farm.
The family was always a part of the community.
A book about Susquehanna County's history, published in 1873, described Prince Perkins as "the soul of all the early dancing parties in the vicinity," said Dennis, who swung on a hammock on the lawn and ran in and out of the farmhouse as a kid.
When the Civil War began, fourth generations of the family had already lived on the farm.
"We're able to do something that is hard even now for African Americans to do, to have property to bequeath to future generations," said Dennis. "And it happened right here in Pennsylvania.”
The America250PA Commission is planning and coordinating upcoming events surrounding the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
“The American dream was realized through her ancestors' story and realized by free African Americans at a time when that was anything but common,” said Cassandra Coleman, executive director of the commission. “To highlight the grit that Denise and her family's ancestors had against such great odds. There was no question that this was the place that the first Semiquincentennial Bell must be placed."
Coleman said the goal of the bells is to highlight and recognize remarkable stories that were sometimes left out of the history books.
"As a local person ... to know that this historic gem is in our backyard and to not know about it," said Coleman. "That's where we're hoping American250PA can step in."
Before the bell dedication was over, U.S. Senator Bob Casey presented Dennis with a letter, reading: “The Dennis Farm has served for so many years as a symbol of resilience and prosperity throughout Pennsylvania and across the nation.”
That letter was signed by Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris.
"I can't imagine what our ancestors would think about being honored with the Commonwealth's first Semiquincentennial Bell to commemorate our nation's 250th birthday," said Dennis.
Her voice started to break as she held back tears.
"I'm usually a really cool character," she joked.
She said her ancestors are celebrating. They are proud of their descendants.
“Whenever I feel discouraged about the rancor of our times, I reflect on this beautiful green hillside farm, my ancestors and the trying times in which they lived," Dennis said. "They held fast to their faith in God and to the promise, the promise of America.” | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-29/historic-african-american-owned-farm-is-first-to-be-honored-by-state-commission | 2023-07-10T08:12:04 | 0 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-29/historic-african-american-owned-farm-is-first-to-be-honored-by-state-commission |
Amateur pyrotechnicians caught igniting firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets and consumer-grade fireworks could be fined up to $500 in Wilkes-Barre. In Scranton, that fine is as high as $1,000.
"This new law was actually necessary because over the last several years, we've had a lot of complaints," said Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown, during a press conference Thursday alongside Wilkes-Barre Fire Chief Jay Delaney.
A state law enacted almost one year ago tightened regulations around consumer-grade fireworks. It allows municipalities, like Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, to enact regulations. The state act also clarified that it's illegal to set off fireworks within 150 feet of any building or vehicle.
Pennsylvania legalized the sale of consumer-grade fireworks in 2017 for anyone over 18.
“Their expansion really should have never happened," said Delaney. "But now we're forced to deal with this.”
There’s not only the risk of fires but also trauma and injuries, said Delaney. Their use also impacts first responders, military veterans, pets and people.
Fireworks have caused multiple fires across Wilkes-Barre. Last year, a firework explosion displaced eight people. A 31-year-old man was killed instantly in Scranton in 2020 while setting off a consumer-grade firework.
Scranton City Council on June 27 made it illegal to set off consumer-grade fireworks anywhere in the city, according to a press release. There are exceptions on certain days on and around Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and New Year’s Eve.
“We’ve heard from countless residents that the excessive use of fireworks in neighborhoods is threatening their safety and their property and degrading their quality of life,” said Mayor Paige G. Cognetti. “There’s a time and place to celebrate. When it comes to dangerous and noisy fireworks in the City of Scranton, there will be very few times and very few places.”
Both Wilkes-Barre and Scranton are increasing the amount of officers and first responders working over the holiday weekend.
In Williamsport, Mayor Derek Slaughter said the city is working to update its fireworks ordinance. He anticipates that will include steeper fines. | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-30/igniting-consumer-grade-fireworks-could-result-in-steep-fines-in-some-local-cities | 2023-07-10T08:12:11 | 0 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-06-30/igniting-consumer-grade-fireworks-could-result-in-steep-fines-in-some-local-cities |
A prison watchdog group in central Pennsylvania has advocated for humane treatment in jails and affected change for 50 years.
What started in 1973 as a kitchen-table inquiry into conditions at a federal prison in Union County grew into the Lewisburg Prison Project, a nonprofit that has shared legal information with prisoners across the country and won lawsuits that altered prison practices in the commonwealth.
Over time, the Lewisburg Prison Project (LPP) put a spotlight on prisons throughout the Susquehanna Valley, including the U.S. Penitentiary at Allenwood and the women-only state prison at Muncy in Lycoming County. But it first homed in on its namesake, a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility built in Lewisburg in 1932.
Their advocacy later expanded to county jails and state prisons throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania. Volunteers attend prison board meetings in Columbia, Northumberland and Snyder counties. LPP also began working with the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project, an organization that provides free legal assistance to prisoners on civil matters.
“The only thing the Lewisburg Prison Project has ever focused on is the conditions of confinement,” said Angela Trop, president of LPP’s board. “We don’t say whether someone should be there or not, we don’t say how long they should be there or that they should get out. We really look at while you're in prison... you should be treated humanely while you serve that sentence.”
Most people in prisons return to society and treating them like second-class citizens does little for their rehabilitation, Trop said.
Founding members
Three women – Isabelle Patten, Brigitte Cooke and Sally Farber – founded the group in 1973 at Cooke’s home after hearing of troubling issues at USP Lewisburg. Trop said the women started writing letters to people incarcerated at the facility and soon received replies.
“What they were looking into was overcrowding, racial discrimination, mail tampering, that there were some punitive transfers – just all kinds of issues,” Trop said. “They were resourceful women.”
Soon, Trop said, the founders reached out to attorneys and in 1975 filed a class action lawsuit that pushed for changes in a restrictive housing unit at USP Lewisburg, namely improved ventilation, better access to running water and more opportunities to exercise and shower. LPP won their first lawsuit, Trop said.
“We prefer advocacy first… filing a lawsuit is always a last resort,” said Trop, who joined LPP in the early 2000s. She added that LPP reaches out to prison administrations directly and tries to address concerns before legal steps are taken.
By 1979, LPP finally had an office, one employee and several volunteers. Their reach grew when they began distributing legal bulletins and “know your rights” fact sheets by mail, breaking down legal jargon for people incarcerated throughout the U.S.
“They’re pieces of the law written in layman's terms, because most of us can’t read 'lawyer-speak,'” Trop said. “We still to this day send those out all over the country.”
But most of LPP’s efforts are focused on Pennsylvania prisons and the people incarcerated locally. In addition to Allenwood and Lewisburg complexes both in Union County, federal prisons also exist in Wayne and Schuylkill counties. The U.S. Middle District of Pennsylvania is home to one of the highest concentrations of federal prisoner populations in the country, according to the Department of Justice.
Keeping an eye on those institutions and corresponding with people incarcerated there has kept LPP busy for half a century. Between January and October 2022, the nonprofit responded to more than 2,100 letters from prisoners and their families.
“When we don’t question our government agencies, with some education behind it… then we become a lethargic nation,” Trop said.
Conditions affect more than the incarcerated
Now retired, Dave Sprout got involved with LPP in the mid-80s as a paralegal and currently sits on the board. He said county, state and federal prisons are large employers in the region and many residents in central Pa. either work at a facility or know someone who works at one.
While LPP petitions for the rights of people locked up in Pennsylvania prisons, Sprout said the organization does not see itself in opposition to those who work there. “People think it’s ‘us against them’ and it never really was that,” Sprout said.
Sprout said a settlement with Northumberland County stemming from a 2008 class action lawsuit recommended, among other things, more medical and mental health staffers at the institution. Sprout said more access to care at the county prison improved conditions for correctional workers, too.
“After we settled and I would still go to visit [Northumberland County Prison], I had many correctional officers come up to me and say ‘thank you, you made our job better by cleaning this place up a little bit,’” he said.
Stephanie Hoffa, president of American Federation of Government Employees Local 148, which represents correctional officers at USP Lewisburg, said the union hasn’t historically had much communication with LPP.
Hoffa said current employees have been fighting to fill staff vacancies. Lewisburg has about 40 less correctional officers than other institutions at the medium-security level, Hoffa said. As of April, about 170 officers worked at Lewisburg, she said.
There are currently 692 people incarcerated at USP Lewisburg, with 281 prisoners at an adjacent camp at the complex, according to the BOP.
Eyes on the SMU
A 2016 collaborative investigation from NPR and the Marshall Project delved into long-term restraining practices and allegations of violence resulting from solitary confinement at Lewisburg’s Special Management Unit. The Federal Bureau of Prisons created the SMU to house "defiant, antagonistic, and violent inmates," according to a review. Reporters reached out to Sprout and the Lewisburg Prison Project for insights.
“For 10 years at the project before I retired… my main focus was the SMU at Lewisburg because of how bad it was,” Sprout said.
Some men were required to share a cell meant for a single person due to overcrowding, the investigation found, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons said the practice was meant to teach inmates how to coexist.
But Sprout had heard from Sebastian Richardson, then-incarcerated at Lewisburg, who refused to share a cell with another man known by staff and inmates to be violent. Because he protested, guards shackled him for weeks at a time on two occasions, per reporting from NPR/Marshall Project.
Civil rights groups like the American Civil Liberties Union and Human Rights Watch asked the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate.
The Special Management Unit was moved from Lewisburg to another federal facility in Thomson, Illinois after the investigation. Many prisoners were also transferred. And earlier this year, NPR reported that the Bureau of Prisons would close the unit in Illinois. It's not clear if the unit would move to another federal prison.
“By losing your freedom, you shouldn’t lose all your rights,” Sprout said, “and that’s where the project comes in.” | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-07-05/50-years-of-advocacy-for-central-pa-prison-watchdog | 2023-07-10T08:44:11 | 0 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-07-05/50-years-of-advocacy-for-central-pa-prison-watchdog |
Jaya Yoga's Yoga on the Roof has become a Fourth of July tradition in Scranton.
"It's just a really ethereal way to start the day," said Hilary Steinberg, owner of the studio in Clarks Summit. "There's a peace in the city ... there's not as much noise and we're up so high and with the breeze and with the music."
Steinberg helped lead around 100 yogis on the rooftop of the Electric City Parking Garage in Scranton for the 10th year. The Fourth of July event is a fundraiser for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic.
The morning started with a mindfulness meditation with Lisa Romano Rigau. Teacher Janelle Tench started the asanas off.
Steinberg, during her time to teach, asked the yogis to be in the moment.
"Unhurried. Unrushed. Just take another breath in," she said.
Carol Nelson Dembert, vice president of marketing for the Philharmonic’s board of directors, and Steinberg were brainstorming ideas to bring more exposure to the Philharmonic. When Steinberg lived in Los Angeles, rooftop yoga events were popular.
“The Philharmonic is so proud of this event. It not only raises funds, but it raises friends for the Philharmonic," said Dembert.
That first year, Steinberg was expecting 30 to 40 people to show up. They had 114. The second year it rained — 92 people still showed up. The event now averages around 150 yogis of all ages and all levels, some being exposed to the Philharmonic for the first time.
Steinberg grew up in Northeast Pennsylvania. She said it feels good to have created something that people now think of as a Fourth of July tradition.
"It's an honor to be a piece of that," she said. | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-07-05/annual-yoga-tradition-celebrates-its-first-decade | 2023-07-10T08:44:17 | 0 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-07-05/annual-yoga-tradition-celebrates-its-first-decade |
Lackawanna County Commissioners say they are conducting an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding five county employees who were charged with child neglect.
During a meeting on Thursday, July 6, Commissioner Debi Domenick said the county is reviewing thousands of emails and documents from the Office of Youth and Family Services (OYFS). Their investigation also includes looking at the office's staffing levels.
"There are other facts and circumstances in about these cases that the public is not yet aware," she said.
On June 27, the employees from the county’s child protection agency were charged with endangering the welfare of children and failure to report or refer cases of suspected child abuse. They are Randy Ramik, 59, of Clarks Green; Bryan Scott Walker, 51, of Eynon; Erik Krauser, 45, of Dickson City; and Sadie O’Day, 34, and Amy Helcoski, 50, both of Scranton.
The charges are the result of an over one-year-long investigation by the Lackawanna County District Attorney's office into reports of various levels of abuse to children under the caseworkers’ care. The children — now between the ages of 2 and 13 — are from three different families who have been involved with the office for more than 10 years.
"We are doing a deep dive specifically into the three cases," said Domenick. "We are really looking at a timeline of what occurred from a very specific factual basis.”
Domenick said a plan of action will take time and it will amend or enhance policies and procedures already in place.
“We want to make sure that the public is aware of what was in place before and what is being changed," she said.
A reporter from the Times-Tribune newspaper asked commissioners if they have faith in William Browning, head of the county’s department of Health and Human Services.
“Up until this point, we have had zero reason to question the ability of Bill Browning," said Domenick.
Commissioner Chris Chermak added they are working tireless with Browning.
"If we feel that there is something that rises to the level of questioning that or changing that opinion, we will address it then," said Domenick. | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-07-06/lackawanna-county-commissioners-looking-into-recent-charges-against-employees | 2023-07-10T08:44:42 | 0 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-07-06/lackawanna-county-commissioners-looking-into-recent-charges-against-employees |
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol arrested Leslie Madeleine Gehret, 40, for multiple charges after a double fatal crash Sunday in Orlando.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Troopers said the crash happened around 1:05 p.m. at Lake Underhill Road and Rouse Road.
According to a news release, a Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by Gehret, was traveling westbound on Lake Underhill Road and approached Rouse Road in the outside lane.
A Kia Soul was traveling eastbound on Lake Underhill Road in the left turn lane.
Read: Troopers search for driver in fatal hit-and-run Volusia County crash
The driver of the Kia turned left at a green light and entered the intersection, but the Jeep driver did not stop at the red light.
Because of this, the Jeep hit the Kia and caused it to flip over.
Read: Man shot, killed in fight while walking to Sanford gas station, police say
Gehret was taken to Advent Health East Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Kia driver, a 50-year-old man, was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center and was pronounced dead. The passenger, a 19-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. Both victims were from Windsor, Colorado, per Troopers.
Gehret is facing two counts of DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, DUI 3rd violation within 10 years, which is a felony, driving with a suspended license causing death, and violation of probation.
She is expected to see an Orange County judge Monday afternoon.
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/fhp-arrest-40-year-old-double-fatal-crash-orange-county/PA3ZF5YJIBAPPEUJRXM26J4IOA/ | 2023-07-10T09:10:37 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/fhp-arrest-40-year-old-double-fatal-crash-orange-county/PA3ZF5YJIBAPPEUJRXM26J4IOA/ |
First responders face traumatic calls. These therapy dogs in central Pa. are here to help.
Meet Mickey.
He's a German Shorthaired Pointer with a Mickey Mouse emblem on his hindside. He likes to chase balls and play.
Mickey also has a job to do. He and his owner, Lynn Browne, recently completed training through the First Responder Therapy Dogs organization based in San Rafael, California, and he is now available to help police, firefighters, dispatchers and others if they need emotional support after a difficult emergency call.
He has met with firefighters at the Citizens Volunteer Fire Company in Fawn Grove, where Browne and her husband help with traffic control. But Mickey is available to go elsewhere for service, too.
"He's a great listener, and he doesn't tell a soul anything," Browne said recently at the fire station. "So you can tell him your deepest thoughts, and he'll keep it all to himself."
Two therapy dog teams are in south-central Pennsylvania
Mickey is one of two dogs in Pennsylvania that are part of the First Responder Therapy Dogs organization.
The other is Cali, a Catahoula Leopard Dog owned by Celena Welty in Mount Joy Township, Adams County. Welty takes Cali to work with her at the Carroll County Sheriff's Office in Maryland. She will be training her other dog, Rip, to become a therapy dog as well.
Cali, who turns 5 years old this month, is a cool and mellow dog that loves people, Welty said. She can pick up on the feelings of others and has helped with debriefings after stressful calls.
Welty recalled one day when Cali put her paws up on the shoulders of the warden and gave him a hug. Are you having a bad day, Welty asked the warden. Yep, he responded.
"Hopefully, it makes your day better," she told him.
Welty said she wanted to give back to the community, and that's why she became involved in the organization. She and Cali have been to the Littlestown carnival a couple of times and recently participated in the PTSD Ride by EMS Angels in Bucks County. Part of the proceeds went to the First Responder Therapy Dog organization.
"It makes my heart happy when my dog can put smiles on their faces," she said.
Nonprofit started with fires in California
The First Responder Therapy Dogs organization started during the 2020 fire season in California when Heidi Carman and her dog, Kerith, a golden retriever, started visiting first responders and firebase camps. Carman said she saw the need for therapy dogs to support emergency responders.
The organization started in California but has quickly grown to 28 states with 132 therapy dog teams, she said. Carman and her dog gained national media attention when they began visiting emergency responders, and nowadays people find out about the nonprofit through word of mouth as well as social media.
Carman's goal is to have every single first responder in the country have the opportunity to benefit from one of the therapy dogs so the organization needs many teams. A third team in Pennsylvania is working to be certified.
Any breed of dog can serve as a therapy dog, Carman said. The dogs must pass the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen test, which is done by a trainer in person. They must have good obedience, not get distracted by things and be OK around other canines.
The dogs also must pass a behavioral assessment where they are exposed to fire engines with flashing lights, sirens, and other emergency responses to make sure they are comfortable and will not react, Carman said.
A veterinarian must sign off that the dog is healthy and able to do the work.
The handlers must undergo a background check and complete online courses, she said. It helps to educate them about what they will be exposed to in traumatic situations and how they can care for themselves.
After a team becomes certified, the handler reaches out to emergency responder organizations in their community to offer their support. First Responder Therapy Dogs also helps to make connections.
First responders can pet the dogs to help lower their stress. The beauty of it is that they don't have to say anything to the dogs, Carman said.
"There's just so much conversation going on between that dog and the first responder without any words. It's just so healing and therapeutic, which is why it works because this population doesn't really like to talk about their feelings generally," she said.
Mickey is available to help emergency responders deal with trauma
Browne and Mickey recently became certified and they are now looking to serve their community.
"We're just kind of waiting for whoever needs support," Browne said.
She can be contacted at rangerbeauty@yahoo.com, or emergency responders can contact First Responder Therapy Dogs to be connected with her.
Browne knows how intense calls can be. She and her husband recently helped with traffic control on a serious crash in southeastern York County.
"When we go home we have Mickey," she said. "Mickey's a blessing for my husband and myself. ..."
Browne said she recently told firefighters that if they don't want to talk with her, they can hold Mickey while she walks away for five or 10 minutes. Then, she'll come back to see how they are doing.
"Who could resist Mickey?" she asked. "He's so fine."
How to volunteer with First Responder Therapy Dogs
If you are interested in having a dog certified as a therapy dog or you are interested in supporting the nonprofit organization, visit firstrespondertherapydogs.org. | https://www.ydr.com/story/news/local/2023/07/10/mickey-part-of-first-responder-therapy-dogs-will-serve-york-county/70273644007/ | 2023-07-10T09:11:44 | 1 | https://www.ydr.com/story/news/local/2023/07/10/mickey-part-of-first-responder-therapy-dogs-will-serve-york-county/70273644007/ |
Lawyers cite Knox News report in fighting settlement funds going to University of Tennessee
- In May, Knox News reported extensively on how attorney Gordon Ball used loopholes in the state's cy pres statute to direct millions to Tennessee universities.
- In a new case, a client of Ball's is hoping to direct leftover class action settlement funds to the University of Tennessee. Other attorneys involved with the case objected.
- The final decision on where the funds will go - if there are even funds to distribute - will be made by U.S. District Judge Thomas Varlan.
A law firm that prevailed in a class action lawsuit against an accounting company is fighting a prominent Tennessee attorney who worked on the case and is seeking to divert money from a Pennsylvania nonprofit consumer advocacy group to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
Attorney Gordon Ball, who has a long history of directing money awarded in class action lawsuits to Tennessee universities, asked a federal court in late June to send unclaimed dollars from a fraud lawsuit against KPMG, a national accounting firm, to UT's Neel Corporate Governance Center.
Ball is trying to send the money to UT through a legal procedure called cy pres, which allows plaintiffs’ attorneys to ask a judge to OK donations of unclaimed money from class action lawsuits to nonprofits and charitable causes.
Ball has repeatedly and successfully petitioned judges to award those leftover dollars to universities he is connected to, such as UT, Eastern Tennessee State University and the Memphis School of Law. Those schools have named facilities after him.
This time, the lawyers at Cohen, Milstein, Sellers and Toll, a national law firm, have pushed back, and have cited Knox News' extensive reporting about Ball's pattern of directing cy pres money to charities or organizations that are completely unrelated to those harmed in the suit.
“Just last month, detailed investigative news reports from the Knoxville News Sentinel reported on Gordon Ball’s repeated use of cy pres distributions in unrelated class actions ‘to make some $3 million in donations to universities and charities’ for the benefit of himself in Tennessee with absolutely ‘no connection to the class action lawsuits that secured the cash,’ including the University of Tennessee,” attorney Laura Posner wrote in a motion filed in federal court.
“These reports detail how, following the cy pres donations, the universities named rooms, spaces and buildings after Mr. Ball, and personally credited and honored Mr. Ball for the donations, rather than the cases from which they came,” she continued.
Attorneys for Cohen, Milstein, Sellers and Toll suggested the leftover money be given to the Institute for Law & Economic Policy, a public policy research and educational foundation that works to preserve, study and enhance investor and consumer access to the civil justice system.
In her filing with U.S. District Judge Thomas Varlan, Posner wrote she serves as a voluntary and unpaid officer for the organization. “Neither Ms. Posner nor Cohen Milstein gets any personal or financial benefit from their involvement with ILEP,” she wrote.
In July 2022, KPMG settled the fraud case for $35 million, with $11.6 million of the money being split between Ball and attorneys from Cohen, Milstein, Sellers and Toll. The two sides then fought bitterly over the allocation of that $11.6 million settlement, with Ball petitioning the court to split it down the middle. Knox News could not confirm how the final award was split and neither side would say.
Once the the amount of unclaimed money from the suit is settled – plaintiffs are still being identified – Varlan will decide who receives the cy pres awards.
What is cy pres and what’s the problem?
Ball's client, UT alum Lewis Cosby, asked the judge to send the money to his alma mater, saying “It would be my hope that these funds benefit the geographical area of many of the shareholders that were affected by this fraud.”
Class action rewards often include a pool of money that is not paid out to defendants because many plaintiffs in the suits never claim it. Cy pres provides a process to donate the leftover dollars to appropriate organizations that theoretically should be connected to the basis of the lawsuit. If there’s no obvious connection, a court often will award the money to a local charity or hospital, such as St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Ball, however, has a history of successfully petitioning judges to award those leftover dollars to universities he is connected to. Those schools have named facilities after him, including UT’s Gordon Ball Family Athletics Board Room, the Gordon Ball Scenic Reading Room at Memphis School of Law and the Gordon Ball Court at ETSU.
In 2007, for instance, after Ball won a rubber compound price-fixing case, he petitioned the judge in that case to give millions to the Lady Vols basketball program, but the judge declined. Instead, the judge directed nearly $5 million in leftover dollars to children’s hospitals and other charities.
One Tennessee circuit court judge called the cy pres system "a racket."
Cy pres reformer sees problems with both suggestions
Adam Schulman is a senior attorney at the Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute, formerly the Center for Class Action Fairness, which advocates for appropriate distribution of settlements. In an email to Knox News, he said this latest case is emblematic of the issues with cy pres awards.
On one hand, he said, Ball and his client are "fighting to donate to a local alma mater." On the other hand, Cohen, Milstein, Sellers and Toll are pushing to donate to the Institute for Law & Economic Policy. “ILEP is run by a bunch of plaintiffs' lawyers who have a vested stake in one pro-attorney view of securities litigation," Schulman said. "So, in one sense a cy pres distribution to them would be an indirect increase to class counsel's fee.”
For those reasons, Schulman suggested the money go to an unconnected third party, someplace like the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Fair Funds or Stanford Law’s School’s Securities Class Action Clearinghouse, a neutral entity that conducts nationwide research.
Neither Ball nor Cosby replied when asked by Knox News whether they agreed with Schulman’s suggestions. Posner said neither organization would be appropriate. The SEC never forced KPMG to pay out money to investors in decisions against KPMG, she said, and the Stanford clearinghouse is not focused on investor protection or investor interests.
Cosby said the decision on where the money ends up is the judge’s to make. Once that decision is made, checks can be sent to class members.
How we got here
The class action lawsuit against the now defunct Miller Energy Resources was filed in March 2016 by victims – mostly stockholders – when the company collapsed. Audit failures by KPMG were discovered after the collapse, and the SEC found fraud had been committed by the company, including overvaluing Alaskan oil properties by hundreds of millions of dollars.
At one point, company shares sold for pennies apiece but the price skyrocketed as high as $9 a share on the strength of the overpriced audits and it was listed on the New York Stock Exchange, according to Knox News archives.
Over the years the defendants were all removed except for KPMG, which has since been docked $6.2 million in federal fines for rubber stamping the faulty evaluations.
In his letter to the court June 29, Ball's client Cosby alluded to the “animosity” between Ball and Cohen, Milstein, Sellers and Toll, which likely extends to their combined work in the Gatlinburg wildfire case that is on life support before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals because of improper filings (Cohen, Milstein, Sellers and Toll joined after the original filing).
The Gatlinburg case also is being overseen by Varlan, who ruled last year it should be tossed. That decision has been appealed and will be decided by a panel of federal judges.
Tyler Whetstone is a Knox News investigative reporter focused on accountability journalism. Email tyler.whetstone@knoxnews.com. Twitter @tyler_whetstone.
Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2023/07/10/lawyers-cite-knox-news-report-in-fighting-funds-going-to-university-of-tennessee/70379531007/ | 2023-07-10T09:39:11 | 1 | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2023/07/10/lawyers-cite-knox-news-report-in-fighting-funds-going-to-university-of-tennessee/70379531007/ |
Prep your lists! Here are Tennessee's sales tax holiday dates for school supplies and food
Tennessee’s traditional sales tax holiday is the final weekend in July, bringing relief to households as students prepare for another school year. But the weekend is only the opening act to a three-month tax holiday beginning in August.
Tennessee's 7% sales tax will be eliminated for select items during this year’s back-to-school tax-free holiday July 28-30. Items such as clothing, school supplies and computers can be purchased without sales tax, with some stipulations according to the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
Though the clothing and school supplies tax holiday is only a few days, it will be followed by a tax holiday for groceries starting Aug. 1. And this one will last until Oct. 31. Tennessee’s 4% food tax will be dropped when buying most foods.
What's exempt from sales tax during Tennessee's tax holiday weekend?
The traditional tax-free holiday July 28-30 applies to clothing and school supplies $100 or less per item. Computers, laptops and tablets costing $1,500 or less are also exempt from sales tax. The tax for these items is dropped for all consumers, not just students.
What is exempt
- School and art supplies such as binders, backpacks, crayons, paper, pens, pencils, rulers, paints, drawing pads and artist paintbrushes.
- General apparel such as shirts, pants, jackets, socks, shoes and dresses.
- Computers, laptops and tablets such as iPads, for personal use.
- A list of exempt items is available at tn.gov/revenue/taxes/sales-and-use-tax/sales-tax-holiday.
What is not exempt
- Clothing items and school supplies costing more than $100 per item are not exempt from sales tax. Neither are personal computers over $1,500 or any electronics for business purposes.
- Cosmetics, jewelry, handbags, wallets and other clothing accessories.
- Sports and recreational equipment, including helmets, cleated and spiked shoes and skates.
- Computer supplies such as storage drives, printers and printer ink.
- Video consoles, electronic readers and smart phones, and household appliances.
- A full list of items not exempt is available at tn.gov/revenue/taxes/sales-and-use-tax/sales-tax-holiday.
What will be exempt from sales tax during Tennessee's three-month food tax holiday?
The Tennessee General Assembly earlier this year approved a three-month grocery tax holiday. There will be no sales tax on most foods Aug. 1-Oct. 31. The Tennessee Department of Revenue estimates each Tennessee family will save over $100 in taxes.
The tax suspension is meant to alleviate some of the recent financial burden on households amid a period of high food prices. The price of eggs, in one notable example, skyrocketed in late 2022 and early 2023, peaking at $5.30 a dozen, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Egg prices have dropped considerably, now costing between $0.99 and $1.39 recent USDA data showed.
But the cost of all food is still 6.7% higher than it was in 2022, according to the USDA’s June consumer price index report, making the three-month tax holiday a welcome relief.
What will be exempt
- Food and food ingredients sold at grocery stores and other food dealers will not have a sales tax.
- The Tennessee Department of Revenue defines food and food ingredients as “liquid, concentrated, solid, frozen, dried or dehydrated substances that are sold to be ingested or chewed by humans and are consumed for their taste or nutritional value.”
- A list of food and food ingredient examples is available at tn.gov/revenue/taxes/sales-and-use-tax/sales-tax-holiday.
What will not be exempt
- Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, candy, dietary supplements and food prepared by the seller will still be taxed.
- Food and food ingredients purchased from vending machines and other unmanned retail spaces where food and beverages can be purchased remain subject to sales tax.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. Twitter @dturner1208.
Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe. | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2023/07/10/tennessee-sales-tax-holiday-dates-school-supplies-and-groceries/70280794007/ | 2023-07-10T09:39:17 | 1 | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2023/07/10/tennessee-sales-tax-holiday-dates-school-supplies-and-groceries/70280794007/ |
The Regional Air Pollution Control Agency has responded in 2023 to an increased number of open burning complaints, which contributes to the overall degradation to air quality, the agency said.
“What we’re actually seeing a lot of are people actually kind of large scale for waste disposal purposes,” said, Eileen Moran, senior manager at RAPCA. “We’re seeing a lot of furniture burning, building materials. We’ve had a couple of tire fires.”
Some of the fires have also been spreading due to weather conditions the region has seen this summer, Moran said.
“We’re seeing a lot of illegal open burning,” Moran said.
The Regional Air Pollution Control Agency oversees Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery and Preble counties. The agency has seen a lot of issue in cities this year.
“In city limits, you cannot burn waste,” said Dan Suffoletto, public information manager for Public Health - Dayton and Montgomery County. “That includes yard waste, branches, leaves, grass, or any types of garbage.”
Burning garbage can release toxic chemicals into the air, Suffoletto said.
“It’s going into other people’s yards,” Suffoletto said.
Any type of petroleum product, including even a synthetic fabric or a coating on wood, can release toxic gases, Moran said. Even burning yard or green waste, like sticks or leaves, can release similar compounds, she said. Burning waste can also give off mold or fungus spores, which also pose a heath hazard.
RAPCA will either issue an informational packet or notices of violation if someone is found illegally burning waste. RAPCA did not have an estimate on how many of those notices have gone out, but they said they’ve seen more burnings this summer.
“We issue those fairly routinely,” Moran said.
Only clean, dry, seasoned firewood for recreational or cooking fires less than three feet in diameter and two feet high are allowed for open burning.
RAPCA also recommends avoiding open burnings, even recreational fires, for when the agency issues air quality alerts.
“Even on a small scale, these fires will have an impact on people potentially,” Moran said.
For air quality alerts, visit rapca.org or airnow.gov.
What open burning is never allowed?
Under Ohio law, these materials may not be burned anywhere in the state at any time:
• Garbage—any wastes created in the process of handling, preparing, cooking or consuming food;
• Materials containing rubber, grease and asphalt or made from petroleum, such as tires, cars and auto parts, plastics or plastic-coated wire; and,
• dead animals—unless approved for control of disease by a governing agency.
Other restrictions:
Open burning is not allowed when air pollution warnings, alerts, or emergencies are in effect. Fires cannot obscure visibility for roadways, railroad tracks, or air fields. No wastes generated off the premises may be burned. For example, a tree trimming contractor may not haul branches and limbs to another site to burn.
For more information, contact that Ohio EPA at (614) 644-2270 or visit epa.ohio.gov/openburning.
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/uptick-in-illegal-burning-complaints-in-6-area-counties-is-concerning-for-area-control-agency/RJILNTNN4VG3BKKVYONXO3VOTQ/ | 2023-07-10T09:40:28 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/uptick-in-illegal-burning-complaints-in-6-area-counties-is-concerning-for-area-control-agency/RJILNTNN4VG3BKKVYONXO3VOTQ/ |
On July 8, 2023, around 2:33 pm, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office and the Coquille Fire Department responded to a field off of North Bank Lane in response to a downed aircraft.
The pilot, and only soul onboard, Raymond Kimball (70s), survived the crash and was transported to Bay Area Hospital. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/ccso-responds-to-downed-aircraft-near-north-bank-lane/article_23b5445a-1e11-11ee-be2b-dba0e0b28120.html | 2023-07-10T09:40:34 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/ccso-responds-to-downed-aircraft-near-north-bank-lane/article_23b5445a-1e11-11ee-be2b-dba0e0b28120.html |
Douglas County Commissioners along with Douglas County Senior Services hosted a fifties themed volunteer appreciation BBQ on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at River Forks Park to honor volunteers from our Bistro Sixty senior dining sites and meals on wheels programs in Winston, Riddle, Yoncalla, Glide, Sutherlin, and Glendale. They plan to host a similar event honoring our senior volunteers in Reedsport in September.
Douglas County Senior Services currently has eighty-two volunteers that volunteer at one of our seven senior dining sites. In 2022, senior volunteers accrued a total of 17,065 volunteer hours, traveled over 50,052 miles delivering meals and served 78,209 meals. One of the highlights from the event was the presentation of awards in recognition of their service and volunteer hours including:
• Winston Bistro Sixty Senior Dining Site and Meals on Wheels Program Total of 2,403 volunteer hours - Top Volunteer: Judy Clark, 272 hours
• Riddle Bistro Sixty Senior Dining Site and Meals on Wheels Program Total of 3,146 volunteer hours - Top Volunteer: Suzanne Watson, 550 hours
• Yoncalla Bistro Sixty Senior Dining Site and Meals on Wheels Program Total of 915 volunteer hours - Top Volunteer: Mary Trump, 262 hours
• Glide Bistro Sixty Senior Dining Site and Meals on Wheels Program Total of 1,594 volunteer hours - Top Volunteer: Precilia Ortega, 402 hours
• Sutherlin Bistro Sixty Senior Dining Site and Meals on Wheels Program Total of 5,085 volunteer hours - Top Volunteer: Louise Christensen, 695 hours
• Glendale Bistro Sixty Senior Dining Site and Meals on Wheels Program Total of 1,716 volunteer hours - Top Volunteer: Sue Allen, 472 hours
“I am honored and humbled to be here to say thank you to our incredible senior volunteers. You are all a treasure to Douglas County and the seniors you serve. When you give that many hours to serve people, you know it makes all the difference in the world. We could not do it without you!” stated Commissioner Tom Kress.
Our Bistro Sixty Senior Dining Sites prepare meals on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at our seven rural dining site locations in Glide, Glendale, Reedsport, Riddle, Sutherlin, Winston, and Yoncalla. Senior Services staff know there are others in our communities who could benefit from their Meals on Wheels delivery program and/or meals at their Bistro Sixty Senior Dining Sites. If residents know of friends or family who are unable to drive, need assistance with daily living activities, would benefit from hot meal delivery, or need other assistance, they are encouraged to call the Aging & Disabilities Resource Connection in the Douglas County Senior Services Department at (541) 440-3677 or by sending an email to adrc@co.douglas.or.us. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/douglas-county-honors-senior-volunteers/article_e248aa76-1db0-11ee-8ecd-db863bf588b2.html | 2023-07-10T09:40:41 | 1 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/douglas-county-honors-senior-volunteers/article_e248aa76-1db0-11ee-8ecd-db863bf588b2.html |
Barbecue season has arrived, so soon people will be bonding in the backyard over hamburgers and hot dogs. Backyard barbecue season begins in spring and continues through summer and, where the weather allows, into fall. Barbecues are a perfect summertime soiree, as they’re usually laid back affairs and make use of the pleasant weather.
While it’s fun to expand your culinary horizons over the open flame of a grill, it’s important that you never forget the basics, especially when entertaining crowds who are no doubt looking forward to grilled burgers. Giving the masses what they want is good hosting, but you can still try your hand at a little experimentation when serving burgers at your next backyard barbecue. The following recipe for “Herb Cheese-Stuffed Garlic Burgers” from Andrew Schloss’ and David Joachim’s “Mastering the Grill” (Chronicle Books) provides the best of both worlds.
Herb Cheese-Stuffed Garlic Burgers
2 pounds ground beef chuck, 85 percent lean
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 tablespoons herbed garlic cream cheese, such as Boursin
Oil for coating grill grate
Gas: Direct heat, medium-high 425 F to 450 F; clean,
Charcoal: Direct heat, light ash; 12-by-12-inch charcoal
bed (about 3 dozen coals); clean, oiled grate on lowest
Wood: Direct heat, light ash; 12-by-12-inch bed, 3 to 4
inches deep; clean, oiled grate set 2 inches above the fire
1. Heat the grill as directed.
2. Using your hands, mix the beef, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well blended; do not overmix. Using a light touch, form into 12 patties no more than 1⁄2-inch thick.
3. Put a portion (about 11⁄2 teaspoons) of cream cheese in the center of each of the 6 patties; top with the remaining patties and press together, taking care to seal the edges well. Refrigerate the burgers until the grill is ready.
4. Brush the grill grate and coat it with oil. Put the burgers on the grill, cover and cook for 9 minutes, flipping after 5 minutes, for medium-done (150 F, slightly pink). Add a minute per side for well-done (160 F).
5. To toast the buns, put them cut-sides down directly over the fire for the last minute of cooking.
6. If serving the burgers directly from the grill, serve on the buns. If the burgers will sit, even for a few minutes, keep the buns and burgers separate until just before eating.
How to make grilling healthier
Grilling is a summertime tradition, but health-conscious grillmasters may want to marinate their meats before cooking them over an open flame. Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are compounds that can form when meats are cooked over an open flame. HAAs are suspected carcinogens, but a 2008 study published in the Journal of Food Science found that, with a few exceptions, spice-containing marinades inhibited the formation of heterocyclic amines, thus providing reduced exposure to some of the carcinogens formed during grilling. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/enjoy-stuffed-burgers-this-barbecue-season/article_3793cb50-1db1-11ee-9e0c-37592ab83e83.html | 2023-07-10T09:40:47 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/enjoy-stuffed-burgers-this-barbecue-season/article_3793cb50-1db1-11ee-9e0c-37592ab83e83.html |
You couldn't go wrong having fun at the 5th Street Chess Tournament with squirt guns, badminton, frisbees and of course, exciting chess. A picnic of hot dogs and doughnuts topped off the fun.
Congratulations to Frank Morse undefeated in the advanced section. Jordan Florez and Jeremiah Thompson tied for second and Gabe Dunn came in 3rd.
Congratulations to the Novice section that resulted in a four-way tie for first place. So had a round robin playoff and still have a tie for first. Great job Jack Taylor, Malichai Florez, George Philippeos and Blake Yeager. August Philippeos and August Davis both showed you can never be too young for chess.
July 20 is the next Chess Club event with a Live Chess Board at the Coos Bay Fire Hall at 6:30 p.m. You become the chess pieces and fight for your lives with balloon swords. A giant chess board and novelty chess boards will be available to play with. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/photos-chess-tourney-loads-of-fun/article_d5f6349a-1db1-11ee-a1dc-8b3d8a3660f5.html | 2023-07-10T09:40:53 | 1 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/photos-chess-tourney-loads-of-fun/article_d5f6349a-1db1-11ee-a1dc-8b3d8a3660f5.html |
INDIANAPOLIS — For twin sisters Kathleen Cheshier and Christina Collins, the past few days have been a nightmare.
They've watched water progressively flood into their building and their apartment at the Lakes at Crossbridge complex near North Franklin Road and East 38th Street on Indianapolis' northeast side.
"By Saturday we started to get little trickles in the living room," said Collins.
"It wasn't bad, bad yet. It was 4:30 this morning when I was woken up to a waterfall in here," said Cheshier.
Instead of being used to cook, pots and pans – along with fish tanks – are scattered across the women's apartment to catch water.
Outside their door, buckets and trash cans were being used to catch water leaking from the ceiling.
"We didn't know what was going on when this bad waterfall was happening in the living room, and out there in that hallway, it felt like the walls were coming down around us. We started worrying about things like the integrity of the building," Collins said. "Is the ceiling going to collapse on us? Are we safe?"
Cheshier is living with three serious lung conditions, and worries about what will happen if the apartment isn't properly cleaned and disinfected.
"That's my biggest worry is mold setting up in here," she said.
The sisters said tenants have been calling apartment management for help, but have not gotten any relief yet.
Cheshier said a staff member visited her apartment Sunday afternoon, but that person left without giving them answers on how they plan to fix the situation.
The sisters said they feel abandoned.
"Just please communicate with us," Cheshier said. "Let all of us in the building know that you care."
13News reached out to the Lakes at Crossbridge Apartments by phone and email. The office is closed on Sundays and we have not received a response yet.
13News also reached out to the Marion County Health Department about any past violations or open complaints against the complex. The request was forwarded to the housing division and we had not heard back as of Sunday night. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/severe-leak-northeast-indianapolis-apartment-building-causing-major-concerns/531-82862521-0a7c-4d77-bdb7-30cfccdb7156 | 2023-07-10T10:15:45 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/severe-leak-northeast-indianapolis-apartment-building-causing-major-concerns/531-82862521-0a7c-4d77-bdb7-30cfccdb7156 |
ODESSA, Texas — The Odessa District of the Texas Department of Transportation covers Ector County, Midland County, Winkler County, Andrews County, Martin County, Loving County, Ward County, Crane County, Upton County, Reeves County, Pecos County, and Terrell County.
According to the most recent data TxDOT could provide, there were 76 fatal crashes last year (1/1/22 - 6/20/22) in the entire Odessa District. But so far in 2023, that number has gone down to 57 fatal crashes (1/1/23 - 6/20/23).
So what could be behind this downward trend?
“It could be the police presence, people are getting cited for speeding, or different things," said Maryann Cedillo, the Public Information Officer for TxDOT Odessa District. "Maybe people are putting their phones down and maybe paying more attention to where we’re going and how we’re getting there. So it could have several different things that attribute to that number going down.”
So while the numbers are improving so far, we’re not out of the woods yet. There are still things you need to keep in mind while driving on the roads.
“You really need to be a defensive driver, not an offensive driver," Cedillo said. "And what I mean by that is that you really need to be looking out for things that are in the roadway. Pedestrians, work zones, high traffic areas; you really need to be paying attention to those things.”
TxDOT also says that besides distracted driving, people need to make sure that they’re not driving while tired as well. This could have just as deadly consequences as distracted driving. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/fatal-crash-numbers-trending-downward/513-a8020125-3d44-4e71-9dd7-2e142535b532 | 2023-07-10T10:37:34 | 0 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/fatal-crash-numbers-trending-downward/513-a8020125-3d44-4e71-9dd7-2e142535b532 |
ORLANDO, Fla. — Monday will be hot and humid, with another chance for afternoon storms.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The high will top out at 94 degrees, but the heat index will make it feel in the range of 100 to 103.
Brian Shields said to expect storm chances at around 50% today.
READ: Powerball: No winner as jackpot rises to $650M
Tonight, after an early storm, skies will be partly cloudy with temps dropping into the 70s.
The tropics are currently quiet, Shields said.
He said one spot in the North Atlantic could develop this week as it stays out to sea and over water.
READ: FDLE’s “Dog Days of Summer” campaign returns this summer
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/monday-hot-humid-storms-possible/2K2CZELV5JEW5CXRTEH42GYS5Q/ | 2023-07-10T10:42:14 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/monday-hot-humid-storms-possible/2K2CZELV5JEW5CXRTEH42GYS5Q/ |
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Late Sunday night, SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 22 Starlink satellites.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The rocket took off from Space Launch Complex 40 around 11:58 p.m.
SpaceX confirmed the Starlink satellites enter lower-earth orbit just after 1:00 a.m.
Read: SpaceX successfully launches European telescope into orbit
Starlink now has more than 4,000 satellites in orbit.
This is the 16th flight for the first-stage booster.
After stage separation, the first stage landed on the Just Read the Instructions droneship in the Atlantic Ocean.
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/spacex-sends-22-more-starlink-satellites-into-orbit/3EN3356G5BCHFPFHESTBH4OGQA/ | 2023-07-10T10:42:20 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/spacex-sends-22-more-starlink-satellites-into-orbit/3EN3356G5BCHFPFHESTBH4OGQA/ |
A group of ministers and former theological students is hoping to use a historic Dinwiddie County farm as a way to reimagine the way religious leaders are taught in central Virginia. It starts by turning Sophia Farms into a self-sustaining entity that can cover 100% of the costs of a seminary to be located with the farm.
Once that school is up and running, the students will provide the labor to run the farm and pay the bills for the school. They can then graduate with a three-year master’s degree, becoming a minister without having paid a dime in tuition payments or having student loan debt, which Sophia Farms leaders say is a significant issue in training more religious leaders.
Leaders behind the Sophia – separately incorporated Sophia Farms, and Sophia Theological Seminary – want the school to be a place for a paradigm shift in religious thinking.
People are also reading…
The small-scale intensive farming operation is currently about 20 acres. It bears summer crops, such as eggplant, cucumbers and tomatoes, plus winter vegetables, such as cauliflower, collards and kale.
It’s currently farmed by a core group of trustees and committee members. When the seminary opens, plans are for Sophia to have 36 students plus staff members working the dirt.
“Our aspiration is not to be huge; our aspiration is to have an impact,” said Melissa Jackson, a member of Sophia Farms’ steering committee.
Currently in a startup phase, the farm between Interstate 85 and Boydton Plank Road in Dinwiddie is just about four plots of rotated farmland. As the farm grows, Sophia leaders want to build other amenities, such as walking trails and three student housing buildings.
Sophia Farms is operating under a community-supported agriculture – or CSA – model in which the customers essentially subscribe to “shares” of the farm’s produce. Each customer gets a share, or multiple shares, each week when Sophia harvests its fields. Most of the shares are currently purchased by people in the Richmond area.
The bulk of the revenue is currently earned with typical farm crops, but could move into other products.
The most notable individual products now are a pair of “Sophia’s Pantry” branded hot sauces made with cayenne and serrano peppers farmed at the property. One is an old family recipe that one of the founders called “use wisely” because they couldn’t agree on how hot the sauce is. Some of the members say it has enough kick to make their eyes water; others don’t think it’s too spicy.
The second hot sauce is a combination of honey and peppers formed in conjunction with Virginia FoodWorks, a nonprofit cannery in Farmville. The sweet mixture also comes with a kick of spice.
Sophia staff members say they could branch into new products or markets for sale as the farm scales.
“If I had to guess what the future is, I would say it’s a cobbled link together of several different things that all are meaningful for us, but also taste good,” Jackson said. “The hot sauce tastes good. We’re not dabbling; it’s a proper hot sauce.”
The farm and its CSA model are designed as a way to combat a significant economic downfall that has been plaguing theological education over the past decade.
Sophia Farms is the brainchild of Mark E. Biddle, a former professor of the Old Testament at Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond. Most members of the current steering committee and board of trustees were once his students. He says he taught about 1,200 current ministers across central Virginia over his 26 years there.
That ministry closed in 2019, citing financial reasons.
Biddle said those reasons are a lopsided cost structure for ministers upon graduation. Religious schools and institutions have long relied heavily on donations to provide education and services. Biddle said that support from donations is starting to wane. That results in seminaries charging increased tuition, which is difficult for ministers to pay off.
“It’s just hard to go into $100,000 of debt, and then go into the ministry at a little small church out in the countryside and try to support your family,” Biddle said.
The Association of Theological Schools accredits Christian schools of all denominations. It found that the average theological student spent $53,800 per year on their education and that almost 60% graduated with student loans averaging $44,500.
According to ATS studies, 38% of graduates had to take an extra job within the first five years after graduation, 33% looked for a higher-paying job and 19% postponed health care to help make ends meet financially.
“A lot of really sharp, talented, wonderful former ministers who are former students of mine have left the ministry after three to five years simply because they can’t pay off their student debt. It’s a killer for the church,” Biddle said.
The closure of Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond gave Biddle the opportunity to take theological education in a different direction. First, he had to work out the cost and revenues.
Board chair Neil Zahradka, an ordained minister with experience working with the Department of Environmental Quality, crunched numbers in a spreadsheet. They were confident based on the results that the available farmland, plus incoming labor, is enough to support a theological school.
A former student of Biddle’s just happened to have the perfect piece of land.
Kathy Shereda purchased the farm, now called Sophia Farms, in 1987. She and her husband farmed the land for pumpkins, Indian corn, gourds and flowers before she eventually went to the seminary.
“I knew I couldn’t sustain the farm physically; I kind of wanted to sell, but I didn’t want to lose the property,” Shereda said.
The farm itself is the last parcel of a property that belonged to the family of Winfield Scott. Scott grew up there and eventually practiced law in Petersburg before joining the military and fighting in the Mexican-American War. He later was a Civil War general for the Union, as part of President Abraham Lincoln’s staff. The current 92 acres are all that remain from the historic 5,000-acre property.
“They called and said they were looking for a farm that was 100 acres, with about 20 acres open with some farmhouses, barns and water access. I said, ‘You just described my property.’”
She sold the farm to Sophia but will continue living there and working the fields with her decades of knowledge about the land.
“This means I still have my hands in the soil on the property that I love so much,” Shereda said. “A piece of property like this, you don’t own it, you borrow it. And now it can continue a legacy, a living legacy.” | https://richmond.com/news/local/business/sophia-farms-in-dinwiddie-looks-to-support-religious-school-with-crops/article_cc206a78-1c47-11ee-acba-a70c6d0c9a4e.html | 2023-07-10T10:42:43 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/business/sophia-farms-in-dinwiddie-looks-to-support-religious-school-with-crops/article_cc206a78-1c47-11ee-acba-a70c6d0c9a4e.html |
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Local artists staked their claim in Harrisburg on Thursday for the first-ever Fringe Festival.
The City of Harrisburg is hosting a four-day, multi-venue event that features original performances across multiple theatres and spaces all over the city.
These performances include a wide range of artistic specialties. The festival features dance, comedy, drag, music, film, improv comedy, theater, hip-hop and so many others.
“At its heart, a Fringe Festival is an event that makes space for all kinds of arts and artists and fosters inclusivity and diversity,” said Chris Gibson, the festival co-producer. “There are Fringe Festivals happening in cities all over the world, and the City of Harrisburg is packed with artistic talent of all kinds. Why not here?”
So they brought it here.
Multiple venues welcomed local artists, including the Gamut Theatre, Open Stage, The Midtown Cinema and Narcisse Theatre.
Each theater features performances anyone can enjoy. Gibson said the festival offers uncensored artistic experiences for artists and audiences, and also "kid-friendly" shows.
Gibson said the crux of this festival is giving back to the local artistic community. One hundred percent of each production’s ticket revenues return to the artists that created the production.
For a full schedule of shows, click here. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/artists-performances-harrisburg-fringe-festival/521-8b65c315-3acf-4f85-b488-1ff2666bdcc2 | 2023-07-10T10:57:02 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/artists-performances-harrisburg-fringe-festival/521-8b65c315-3acf-4f85-b488-1ff2666bdcc2 |
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. — We all scream for ice cream!
Saturday marked the beginning of ChambersFest 2023 with the 19th Annual Tim & Susan Cook Memorial 1-Mile Race/Walk and the popular Scoop-a-palooza event at Chambersburg Area Senior High School in Franklin County.
Event organizers estimate more than eight-hundred guests visited Scoop-a-palooza, bringing the greater Chambersburg community closer together.
“When we get people together and get them a little ice cream and they’re having fun and they’re seeing what this goes toward,” said Dan Bear, Board Member for Greater Chambersburg Chamber Foundation (GCCF).
Scoop-a-palooza offers just a small taste of what’s in store at this year’s ChambersFest. Organizers like Ginny Harriger, Executive Director of GCCF said the highly anticipated week of events has been going on since 1986.
“ChambersFest is a good way for us to kind of highlight what we already know about our area,” Harriger said.
The festival also highlights local businesses by giving them exposure. Restaurant Week and Old Market Day are a few other events offered throughout the week. Harriger said community partnerships make it all possible.
“It’s just a great way to bring all of those different entities within the organizations that’re already collaborating and then brining the community in as well," Harriger added.
Revenue earned from ChambersFest events goes right back to the foundation and its programs.
“You don’t realize what you’re doing to help impact our schools and our workforce development work, the leadership and the community leadership programs,” Harriger said.
“The foundation (GCCF) is primarily focused on education, grants, and workforce development,” Bear added.
ChambersFest runs through until Saturday, July 15th. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/chambersburg-chambersfest-community-festival-july-icecream/521-7e475113-0a93-4e3a-97ea-2e23adf19d8e | 2023-07-10T10:57:08 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/chambersburg-chambersfest-community-festival-july-icecream/521-7e475113-0a93-4e3a-97ea-2e23adf19d8e |
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Emergency responders battled a fire at a popular Harrisburg marketplace early Monday morning.
Chief Brian Enterline with the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire says crews responded to the Broad Street Market shortly before 1 a.m. on July 10. The fire was under control by 4:25 a.m.
The fire was focused on the roof of the building, Enterline said. No one was inside at the time of the fire and no one was injured.
A FOX43 crew at the scene reports that Verbeke Street is closed in both directions.
This is a developing story. FOX43 has a crew at the scene and will provide updates as information becomes available. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/fire-harrisburg-broad-street-market/521-62645272-2b9d-471c-9547-3ab63816516d | 2023-07-10T10:57:14 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/fire-harrisburg-broad-street-market/521-62645272-2b9d-471c-9547-3ab63816516d |
KINGSTON, Pa. — Bella Espinal is new to the neighborhood on North Welles Street.
“When I first moved here, my boyfriend Tyler said the rain wasn't a huge issue here,” she said.
But she learned today that's not always the case.
“We were like, let's just try to get through this rain, and so we pulled up the road and thought we could make it through that big puddle,” Espinal added.
“Yeah, and they got too deep at that point to turn around, and I think they hydro-locked,” Jeremiah Taylor from Kingston said.
“We got out the other end with a dead car,” Espinal mentioned.
“They ended up having to get the car towed, unfortunately,” said Taylor.
And while the streets are now completely clear for cars to pass through, earlier this morning at 11 p.m., North Welles Avenue was completely submerged in water.
“A lot of cars came through, it was only up at around three or four inches, but when you get in the middle of that intersection, it was far deeper,” added Taylor.
Deep enough for Larry Savage to take a special kind of stroll around the neighborhood.
“I thought it was a little deeper, but it was still deep enough to kayak,” he said.
He keeps his kayak on his front porch just in case the heavy rain turns his home into a waterfront property.
“Yeah, every summer, this area floods at least three to four times,” Savage said.
And the neighbors agree Bella Espinal's car isn't the first or the last that will find itself stuck.
“So if you don't know how deep the water is, just turn around. Like if you're not 100% sure that the water is less than two inches or so, just turn around,” Taylor explained.
Or perhaps another, safer alternative.
Check out severe weather tips on WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/heavy-rains-cause-flash-flooding-throughout-luzerne-county-bella-espinal-kingston-wnep/523-a3102344-c24a-4106-b5a9-4bbf358f6692 | 2023-07-10T10:57:20 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/heavy-rains-cause-flash-flooding-throughout-luzerne-county-bella-espinal-kingston-wnep/523-a3102344-c24a-4106-b5a9-4bbf358f6692 |
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — Update, 10:55 p.m.: The Manheim Township Fire Rescue Chief Scott Little confirmed that the three-car garage attached to the home started the fire, leaving at least one car destroyed.
The fire was marked as being under control in around 45 minutes, but the chief stated that six family members were home at the time and are now staying with relatives.
The cause and damage estimate of the fire is under investigation.
Previous: Crews with Manheim Township Fire Rescue are currently working to battle a big house fire on the 600 block of Integrity Drive in Lancaster County.
According to Lancaster County dispatch, firefighters were called to the scene around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday to work the house fire.
Additionally, dispatch confirmed the roof had partially collapsed as of 8:05 p.m.
There are no reported injuries at this time.
FOX43 has a crew on the way and will provide more updates as they become available. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county/firefighters-work-fire-manheim-township-fox43/521-26586964-a31c-47c0-af02-3f6e2bf89f1f | 2023-07-10T10:57:26 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county/firefighters-work-fire-manheim-township-fox43/521-26586964-a31c-47c0-af02-3f6e2bf89f1f |
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Downtown Harrisburg saw a different type of traffic, Saturday afternoon.
People throughout the area flocked to Second Street, as the city kicked off Second Saturdays for local restaurants.
“It’s nice to sit with your friends on such a gorgeous day and not have to worry about everyone driving on through here," said Scott Sealover, who came out to Harrisburg for drinks with his friends.
Parts of Second Street were blocked off for cars, which allowed people to park in seats and enjoy the best food and drinks local restaurants have to offer.
“All of the streets in Center City, Manhattan are like this, so why not bring that to Harrisburg as well," said Jennifer Starsinic, who was went out with her family for Second Saturdays. "I wish they would do this more often.”
What started as a way for businesses to stay open during the pandemic has taken on a life of its own, and has brought more money and foot traffic to Downtown Harrisburg during the summer.
Restaurant managers up and down Second Street said they were anticipating the crowds to make their way downtown.
“When you have outside seating like this, you can double what you’re selling at one point in time, both in alcohol sales and food sales," said Greg Dietrich, the executive chef at Lovedrafts.
Beyond helping boost revenue for their businesses, managers said Second Saturdays bring a unique atmosphere to Harrisburg.
“Even just sidewalk traffic and giving downtown a buzz is something that’s worth having, even if it doesn’t translate directly to your restaurant.”
Second Street will close for traffic again on August 12 and September 9. The last Second Saturday will help kick off Restaurant Week later in September. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/outdoor-street-dining-returns-to-harrisburg-for-second-saturdays-community-harrisburg-dauphin-county/521-3c41f2da-dc34-4922-869c-c7b08c304915 | 2023-07-10T10:57:32 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/outdoor-street-dining-returns-to-harrisburg-for-second-saturdays-community-harrisburg-dauphin-county/521-3c41f2da-dc34-4922-869c-c7b08c304915 |
Bishop Frank J. Dewane to ordain two priests at Epiphany Cathedral celebration on July 15
VENICE — Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Venice, will ordain Transitional Deacons Alejandro Giraldo Roldán and Daniel Scanlan to the priesthood July 15 at 11 a.m. at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., in Venice.
“This is one of the most beautiful and rarely seen sacraments in the Church,” Dewane said. “The Diocese of Venice relies on dedicated men who commit their lives to serving God; the diocese is blessed that these men have heard the call of the Lord, and responded.”
During the ceremony, Roldán and Scanlan will present themselves to serve God, the Church and the Bishop of the Diocese of Venice and his successors. They will also make a renewed commitment to celibacy and promise obedience.
Roldán: Born and raised in Colombia
Roldán, 29, a native of Colombia, has devoted nearly 11 years to discerning his vocation. A pivotal moment in his life was receiving his First Holy Communion. “It was at that moment and going forward that I experienced the love of God in a special way. That awakened my desire to become a priest.”
Roldán joined the Diocese of Venice as a seminarian in 2019. He studied at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami before going on to St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. As a seminarian, Roldán served in a pastoral assignment at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish on Longboat Key, and a pastoral year at St. Thomas More Parish in Sarasota.
Roldán will be vested during the ordination by the Parochial Vicar of St. Thomas More, Rev. Lawton Lang, and will also celebrate his first Mass as a priest at St. Thomas More on July 16 at noon.
Scanlan, 28, was born and raised in Fort Myers in a large family, the seventh of 11 children, before they moved to Ave Maria. When he was 13, he had his first thought about becoming a priest when he heard his oldest sibling tell the family about his own discernment to the priesthood.
“I think I was fascinated because I never considered how one became a priest," Scanlan said. "I didn’t even know what a seminary was … this was a big moment in my life because the thought that my own brother might become a priest made this vocation become real and personal to me.”
Scanlan: Bound for Washington, D.C.
Scanlan first studied at Ave Maria University before deciding to become a seminarian at St. John Vianney College Seminary. He later studied in Rome at the Pontifical North American College and received a degree in sacred theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University. Most recently, he initiated his studies in moral theology at the Pontifical University of Santa Croce.
Following his ordination, Scanlan will transfer to the Pontifical John Paul II Institute in Washington, D.C., to study for his licentiate of Sacred Theology of Marriage and Family.
Since joining the Diocese as a seminarian, Scanlan has served in pastoral assignments at St. Vincent de Paul in Fort Myers; Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles in Bradenton; St. Francis Xavier in Fort Myers; St. Joseph in Bradenton; and St. Katharine Drexel in Cape Coral.
Scanlan will be vested during the ordination by his eldest brother, Father Eric Scanlan, Pastor of Incarnation Parish in Sarasota, and will celebrate his first Mass as a priest on July 16 at 10 a.m. at Ave Maria Catholic Church in Ave Maria.
All are encouraged to attend the ordination, Dewane said. “It is important that the faithful support each ordination as the priests being ordained are a future link to the continuation of the sacraments,” Dewane said.
The ordination will also be livestreamed on facebook.com/epiphanycathedral and on the cathedral website, epiphanycathedral.org.
The Diocese of Venice includes 61 parishes, 15 schools and serves an estimated 250,000 Catholics in 10 counties. For more information, visit dioceseofvenice.org.
Submitted by Karen Barry Schwarz | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2023/07/10/bishop-dewane-to-ordain-two-priests-at-epiphany-cathedral-celebration/70378557007/ | 2023-07-10T11:21:14 | 1 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2023/07/10/bishop-dewane-to-ordain-two-priests-at-epiphany-cathedral-celebration/70378557007/ |
Sarasota-Manatee remains a 'pretty darn stable' real estate market
Despite the highest mortgage rates seen in more than 20 years, the collapse of three large banks last spring and a persistent belief the economy will experience a recession, the Sarasota-Manatee real estate market has not seen price decreases or a sharp drop-off in demand, according to local real estate professionals.
Craig Ceretta, managing broker with Premier Sotheby's International Realty in Sarasota, said over the past five quarters the median price of a home sold in the two-county area has stayed remarkably steady, hovering between $500,000 to $525,000 for a single-family home.
"That's pretty darn stable," he said.
Median prices have stayed near record highs for more than year, even as more homes came onto the market and the time it took to sell them sharply increased.
At the height of the real estate frenzy in the summer of 2021 the median time to contract for listed homes was less than a week. Now, that figure for a single-family home stands above 50 days.
Brian Tresidder, the president of the Realtors Association of Sarasota and Manatee and sales manager at William Raveis' Siesta Key office, called the current market "healthier" than the breakneck sales pace following the onset of the COVID pandemic.
Tredsidder, who obtained his real estate license in Sarasota in 2006, said the number of homes on the market has doubled, but because inventory had dropped so low, even doubling the number of properties for sale has left sellers with the advantage.
“The market resembles what we would consider a good real estate market before COVID,” he said. “Our numbers resemble what they were in 2019.”
'Give and take for buyers and sellers' in Sarasota-Manatee
He said during the heated market following COVID's onset, buyers and their agents often became frustrated after being repeatedly outbid on properties despite making offers above list price.
Now, for sale properties aren't being snatched up within a week, leading for a more normal process with some give and take between buyers and sellers.
"Right now, I would say it’s a healthier environment for all involved,” he said.
While the median price for a property has not changed significantly for more than 18 months, the average price has dropped about 9.4%, Cerreta said.
Cerreta said the average price for a home sold in Sarasota-Manatee came in at $669,461 in the second quarter of 2023 while the average price was $669,500 at the end of the first quarter of 2023.
Those two almost identical average price points were off from the peak when the area's average price came in at about $713,000 at the end of the second quarter of 2022.
In some ways, the local real estate market's success has become it's biggest challenge going forward.
Robert Goldman, a Realtor with Michael Saunders & Co., said that about 50% of all the properties in Sarasota County have had some form of price adjustment.
Stellar MLS data, the local multiple listing service used by Realtors, does not break down price adjustments by increase or decrease, but it is likely that the vast majority of those price adjustments were price decreases, Cerreta said.
Goldman said that 48% of properties had price decreases, while Cerreta was able to verify 54% of Sarasota County properties currently for sale have had a price adjustment at some point since being listed.
Goldman said that many sellers do not have a realistic outlook on the value of their home coming out of what had been the strongest sellers' market in years.
"The housing market is strong but pricing strategies need to be in accord with a more normative market," Goldman said. "Sellers need to align their expectations with current market conditions."
Realtors often don't want to anger their clients by suggesting a lower price, which can affect how quickly properties sell, he said.
Goldman said he recently took over a listing that had been sitting on the market for nine months.
Adjusting expectations
When property sits on the market for that long it becomes stigmatized as buyers start to wonder why the property has not sold. Goldman said there was nothing wrong with the property, other than that it had been listed too high.
Goldman said the first thing he did was slash the price to below its true market value, but advertised the sale as if there was a timer to go under contract within the next six days to generate buyer interest in possibly getting a discount.
"And then we had multiple offers — all of them above the list price — and close to the true market value of the property," Goldman said.
The property is now under contract.
Cerreta said that he believes that both sides of the table can have unrealistic price expectations, noting that all the news articles about an expected recession has buyers thinking prices have come down more than they actually have.
“The sellers aren’t believing that it did come down 10% from a year ago and the buyers aren’t believing it’s stabilized, and you’re ending up with maybe a 20% gap between buyer and seller expectations," Cerreta said.
Looking at the pace of sales compared to how many homes are for sale gives what industry professionals call months of supply.
Realtors consider a balanced market to be when the number of active listings would be exhausted after six months at the current sales pace.
Cerreta said there's just 1.9 months of supply available in Sarasota-Manatee for homes priced up to $500,000, 2.5 months of supply for homes priced $500,000 to $1 million and 3.9 months of supply for properties priced between $1 million to $2.5 million.
Those prices indicate sellers continue to have the advantage at the negotiating table for all properties below $2.5 million in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
However, there is a 9.2-month supply of homes from $2.5 million to $5 million and 23.2 month supply for homes priced above $5 million.
"The 1.9 months of supply for under $500,000 is typical," he said. "But $500,000 to $5 million are all below averages from the past."
He attributed some of the weakness in the $5 million and above market segment — which had 148 properties for sale at the end of the second quarter — to the spring bank collapses and uncertainty about the economy.
However, he said in recent weeks that several properties on the high-end of the luxury market have gone under contract, including several homes priced above $10 million, indicating the deep-pocketed buyer has fewer worries about the economy than in recent months.
"My Realtors are telling me that they are getting more action on the $10 million and above houses in the past two weeks as they had over the past two months,” he said. “It looks like things are less concerning than they were three or four months ago and the players are coming back into the market.”
The outlook for the status quo to continue looks strong for the remainder of 2023.
Cerreta pointed to the total number of properties sold during the second quarter, which was 4,522. Only the second quarter of 2021 and the fourth quarter of 2020 saw more closed sales in recent years, he said.
He said there were 4,255 closed sales during the second quarter of 2019, close to the same demand experienced this summer.
The only major difference is price. The average price in 2019 was more than $200,000 lower than this past summer at about $401,000.
Recent real estate coverage:Rents on the retreat? Sarasota metro posts another month of rent decreases
More:Benderson Development plan calls for "adaptive reuse" of Sarasota County headquarters | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2023/07/10/sarasota-manatee-real-estate-buyers-sellers-adjust-to-market/70356398007/ | 2023-07-10T11:21:21 | 0 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2023/07/10/sarasota-manatee-real-estate-buyers-sellers-adjust-to-market/70356398007/ |
North Port commissioners will weigh in on Warm Mineral Springs survey results at workshop
Latest results call back to 2018 meetings that pointed to low-intensity development
NORTH PORT – The question of how park land surrounding the 21.6-acre historic Warm Mineral Springs site should be developed takes center stage at a Monday morning workshop, where the North Port City Commission will discuss results of an independent survey again underscoring the public's desire to limit commercial development on the 61.4-acres of park land.n/ kkwjyy/
The survey, conducted by ETC Institute, an Olathe, Kansas-based firm that specializes in governmental market research, showed that more than 92% of the 666 people who responded online favored low-intensity development of the land surrounding the park.
In addition, the survey was mailed to a random sampling of city residents. ETC had anticipated at least 500 responses but 959 people responded overall.
Those results mirror that of the online survey, with 83% very supportive and 9% somewhat supportive of low-intensity development of the park land surrounding the historic site.
The complete ETC report is at https://bit.ly/45Ss52q.
The city has been negotiating with WMS Development Group on a public-private partnership to restore three buildings on the 21.6-acre historic site, as well as foster some sort of development on the 61.4 acres. Early proposals have included development of a hotel, wellness spa and condominium residences.
The workshop starts at 9 a.m. in commission chambers at North Port City Hall, 4970 City Hall Blvd. Board members cannot vote but they can give the staff direction.
Survey results mirror previous efforts
The results of the ETC survey effort are similar to those derived from a series of 2018 workshops hosted by the city and consultant Kimley-Horn & Associates that resulted in the city opting to take a low-intensity development path that was adopted in 2019.
The 21.6-acre Warm Mineral Springs property and three buildings that date back to the Florida Quadricentennial Celebration are on the National Register of Historical Places.
The city opted to pursue a public-private partnership after bids to restore those three structures – sales building, spa building, and one of only three cycloramas remaining in the United States – came in at about $18 million, roughly twice the $9 million the city had budgeted.
Representatives of WMS Development Group have sought ownership of the 61.4 acres of park land as part of their proposal though 73% of the survey respondents oppose any sale or transfer of land at the park.
A majority of the survey respondents favor the city redeveloping Warm Mineral Springs on its own.
While 88% prefer phased improvements with profits generated by Warm Mineral Springs covering the cost, 58% favor using property taxes and 57% prefer a tax supported bond issue as options to pay for improvements.
Only 13% favor a public-private partnership.
The next steps
North Port is contracting with the Gulf Coast Community Foundation to conduct a series of yet to be scheduled sessions to go over the survey results and suggest how the city should proceed in development and preservation of the Warm Mineral Springs Site.
Related for Subscribers:North Port picks partner for Warm Mineral Springs park development. Here’s what’s planned | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/venice/2023/07/10/north-port-residents-favor-minimal-development-at-warm-mineral-springs/70386470007/ | 2023-07-10T11:21:27 | 0 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/venice/2023/07/10/north-port-residents-favor-minimal-development-at-warm-mineral-springs/70386470007/ |
Final hearing set for map change to allow for shopping center in Northeast Venice
Other steps required prior to ultimate approval of controversial shopping center.
VENICE – The citizens group Venice Thrives plans an 8 a.m. Tuesday protest of the City Council’s final consideration of an ordinance to change a zoning map for the Milano Planned Unit Development and allow a Publix-anchored shopping center.
The center would be on 10.4 acres at the corner of Laurel Road and Jacaranda Boulevard.
Members of both Venice Thrives and the North Venice Neighborhood Alliance plan to demonstrate outside of City Hall and speak in opposition to the proposed map change for the proposed development.
The City Council meets at 9 a.m. in chambers at City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave., though the Milano item is last on the agenda.
Not a marathon hearing
The first public hearing took more than 24 hours of public testimony spread out over four days. Ultimately, the council approved the change on a 5-1 vote, with Mayor Nick Pachota dissenting and Council Member Rachel Frank absent.
City Attorney Kelly Fernandez is recommending the council adopt a format that would allow city staff, the affected parties – Cielo homeowners, North Venice Neighborhood Alliance, Venetian Golf and River Club Property Owners Association, Gary Scott and developer Pat Neal or his attorney Jeff Boone − a total of five minutes each to speak prior to council discussion and vote.
Venetian Golf and River Club resident Marshall Happer, has asked for 20 minutes to explain a his proposed draft ordinance that would, among other things, mandate that Neal install a traffic light at the intersection of Laurel Road and Veneto Boulevard before any building permits are issued.
Sarasota County currently has not allowed for a light at Veneto – which would be opposite the entrance to the shopping center – because it’s too close to a proposed light at Laurel Road and Jacaranda Boulevard.
What the neighbors argued
Residents in Northeast Venice have opposed the construction of the shopping center for a variety of reasons, including increased traffic and the potential destruction of a 6.6-acre wetland. Residents of Cielo pointed to the existence of the wetlands, designated a “preserve” on maps and sales materials, that influenced their purchase decisions.
Attorney Dan Lobeck, who represented all affected parties except Gary Scott, argued that Neal gave up unified control of the 10.4 acres for the proposed shopping center site as he sold homes within Cielo.
Neal, however, still holds the deed to the land.
Ed Vogler II, general counsel for Neal Communities also cited documents signed at time of purchase that specifically stated that the developer can change common property until it is turned over to the homeowners' association.
What’s next
Even if the City Council approves the zoning map change, that does not guarantee that the shopping center will be built.
The decision to approve or deny the proposed shopping center would be made at subsequent public hearings on the site plan. | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/venice/2023/07/10/venice-council-to-rule-on-map-change-to-allow-for-publix-center/70386482007/ | 2023-07-10T11:21:33 | 1 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/venice/2023/07/10/venice-council-to-rule-on-map-change-to-allow-for-publix-center/70386482007/ |
OCEAN CITY, Md. — At Sunrise Diner in Ocean City, owner Sam Delauter is serving up more than pancakes, eggs and French toast.
Last year, he started making bars of soap using leftover grease from his restaurant. He said he wanted to find an alternative source of revenue as inflation and rising costs were eating into his business.
Using a recipe from his great-grandmother, Delauter filters the lard several times before adding in scents and letting the mixture set. He then cuts it into bars and sells them on his website Bumble Soap. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/owner-of-sunrise-diner-in-ocean-city-creates-soap-out-of-leftover-grease | 2023-07-10T11:26:16 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/owner-of-sunrise-diner-in-ocean-city-creates-soap-out-of-leftover-grease |
BLUFF CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A car stuck on railroad tracks in Bluff City was hit by a train just after midnight on Monday.
According to a Bluff City Police Department release, officers responded to a car stuck on railroad tracks at Fleming Drive.
Bluff City PD stated the car went flying into a nearby fence once struck by the train. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Officers later spoke with a man, identified as Terry Vickers, who allegedly denied driving the car, the police department said.
Vickers was arrested and taken to the Sullivan County Detention Center on charges relating to the incident. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/watch-train-strikes-car-in-bluff-city/ | 2023-07-10T11:36:16 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/watch-train-strikes-car-in-bluff-city/ |
Missouri Slope Areawide United Way is still seeking volunteers for the annual Day of Caring in about a month.
The nonprofit has a goal of 685 volunteers and is about 150 short of that mark, according to Administrative Assistant Renae Walker.
The program helps local schools, parks, churches and nonprofit agencies save hundreds of thousands of dollars that they can then invest in programs and services, according to United Way. Projects can include minor remodels, painting, cleaning, yardwork, fix-up projects and school supply packing.
Last year, 701 volunteers invested a total of 3,129 hours and completed 42 projects. In addition, 98 businesses pitched in by providing employees to help and by giving sponsorships and in-kind donations for project materials and meals for volunteers.
"Day of Caring was established to promote the spirit and value of volunteerism, increase the awareness of local human service agencies and demonstrate how people working together for the good of the community can accomplish great things," United Way said in a statement.
People are also reading…
This year's 23rd Day of Caring is on Wednesday, Aug. 9. More information is at https://www.msaunitedway.org/day-caring-2023. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/msa-united-way-seeks-day-of-caring-volunteers/article_12e97940-1cf2-11ee-a2bd-a7741147fb3d.html | 2023-07-10T11:36:28 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/msa-united-way-seeks-day-of-caring-volunteers/article_12e97940-1cf2-11ee-a2bd-a7741147fb3d.html |
Heavy rain Monday brings risk of flooding in Rhode Island
As much as 3 inches of rain in some areas could cause flooding Monday, the National Weather Service says.
Heavy rain in Monday's forecast has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a flood watch for most of Rhode Island through Tuesday morning.
"Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas," the weather service says.
Showers and embedded thunderstorms are expected to develop this morning and continue through the day. Total rainfall of 1 to 2 inches is expected but localized amounts of up to 3 inches is possible, especially in areas hit by frequent thunderstorms, according to the weather service.
"Thunderstorms will have the potential to produce rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, which will elevate the risk of urban and street flooding along with localized flash flooding," the weather service says.
The weather service advises people to monitor forecasts and be prepared to take action if flash flood warnings are issued.
A flash flood warning is issued when flash flooding is imminent or happening; a watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding, according to the weather service. | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/07/10/heavy-rain-could-bring-flash-flooding-in-ri-what-to-know/70396712007/ | 2023-07-10T11:57:52 | 1 | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/07/10/heavy-rain-could-bring-flash-flooding-in-ri-what-to-know/70396712007/ |
Skip to content
Main Navigation
Search
Search for:
Local
Weather
Responds
Investigations
Video
Sports
Entertainment
Newsletters
Live TV
Share
Close
Trending
Heat Advisory
Best Texas BBQ 🍴
July astronomy 🌓
Watch us 24/7 📺
Sign up for Good News 😊
Expand
Local
The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-police-arrest-five-in-connection-with-street-takeover-saturday-night/3292586/ | 2023-07-10T11:59:53 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-police-arrest-five-in-connection-with-street-takeover-saturday-night/3292586/ |
Skip to content
Main Navigation
Search
Search for:
Local
Weather
Responds
Investigations
Video
Sports
Entertainment
Newsletters
Live TV
Share
Close
Trending
Heat Advisory
Best Texas BBQ 🍴
July astronomy 🌓
Watch us 24/7 📺
Sign up for Good News 😊
Expand
Local
The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-ffa-state-convention-takes-over-convention-center-in-dallas/3292590/ | 2023-07-10T11:59:59 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-ffa-state-convention-takes-over-convention-center-in-dallas/3292590/ |
Thousands of high school students are in Dallas this week for the 95th Texas FFA State Convention.
The annual convention Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center showcases the role of agriculture in solving real-world problems.
More than 15,000 students will connect with peers, industry pros and agriculture science teachers from across the Lone Star State to celebrate service, leadership and innovation in Texas' agricultural community.
It's not all about living on a farm.
"If you were to think about the definition of agriculture, a lot of people just think about the production of animals and crops for food, right? Agriculture touches every single thing that we eat, every single thing that we wear, what we drive, what we live in, what we build," said Texas FFA Association executive director Jennifer Jackson. "There's just so many aspects of agriculture. And so having students from every single part of Texas, whether it be rural or urban, gives us an opportunity to create advocates for ag education and the agricultural industry."
More than 140 scholarships totaling more than $2.3 million dollars will also be awarded to graduating seniors.
Dallas will host the Texas FFA state convention six out of the next 10 years - making it one of the first groups to have its event in the city's new convention center when it opens in 2028. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/thousands-of-high-school-students-in-dallas-this-week-for-texas-ffa-state-convention/3292570/ | 2023-07-10T12:00:05 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/thousands-of-high-school-students-in-dallas-this-week-for-texas-ffa-state-convention/3292570/ |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.