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COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – The longest documented Burmese python in Florida was captured in Big Cypress National Reserve on Monday.
The snake measured exactly 19 feet and weighed about 125 pounds, according to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
The previous record holder, also found in Florida, was 18 feet, 9 inches long.
22-year-old Jake Waleri donated the snake to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida after finding it alongside his hunting partner, Steve Guata, early Monday morning.
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Waleri is one half of the Glades Boys, a duo that leads guided tours through South Florida where participants have the opportunity to hunt invasive Burmese pythons.
“It’s awesome to be able to make an impact on South Florida’s environment,” Waleri said. “We love this ecosystem and try to preserve it as much as possible.”
Biologists from the conservancy say that the research conducted on this snake will be valuable to understanding the founding population of Burmese pythons in South Florida.
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida removal team holds the record for the heaviest Burmese python. That snake, found in June 2022, weighed 215 pounds.
More photos of the record-holding python can be found online, posted by @Gladesboys on Tiktok and Instagram.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/07/13/floridas-longest-ever-burmese-python-captured-near-everglades/ | 2023-07-13T19:11:52 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/07/13/floridas-longest-ever-burmese-python-captured-near-everglades/ |
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – The girlfriend of a Brevard County father accused of beating his 12-year-old son to death was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in prison.
A judge sentenced Samarial Dubose nearly two years after Noah Godleski’s death. Dubose was adjudicated guilty on charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child, aggravated child abuse with torture and failing to report death.
The boy’s father, Jason Godleski, and Dubose had three children together apart from Noah Godleski, whose biological mother had not been a part of his life for some time, according to police.
Police said they found the boy’s body still in the laundry room in October 2021 with “evidence of trauma.” Investigators also believed the boy had been dead for some time.
Jason Godleski and Dubose fled the state, though the boy’s father later returned to report his son’s death to police. Dubose was found in Vermont.
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When questioned by police, Dubose told them the 12-year-old was misbehaving on Oct. 17 and was forced into the laundry room of the home, records show. Dubose also said she heard the boy’s father go into the laundry room as well, yelling at Noah Godleski and beating him, investigators said.
Jason Godleski was subsequently arrested on charges of aggravated manslaughter and failure to report a death.
He is expected to be sentenced next month.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/07/13/girlfriend-of-brevard-county-father-accused-of-beating-12-year-old-son-to-death-sentenced-to-prison/ | 2023-07-13T19:11:58 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/07/13/girlfriend-of-brevard-county-father-accused-of-beating-12-year-old-son-to-death-sentenced-to-prison/ |
MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Marion County firefighters responded to a burning mobile home Wednesday night, reporting it had completely gone up in flames.
Units were dispatched shortly after 9 p.m. to the fire, located along NE 147th Terrace near Silver Springs. The person who called 911 had advised most of the mobile home was already on fire, the county said in a statement on social media.
Multiple hose lines were deployed in a defensive attack of the fire, which was called under control within 30 minutes, according to the county.
No findings were reported in two searches of the structure, as were no injuries to civilians or firefighters, the statement reads.
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The cause of the fire is still under investigation, according to the county.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/07/13/marion-county-mobile-home-destroyed-in-fire/ | 2023-07-13T19:12:04 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/07/13/marion-county-mobile-home-destroyed-in-fire/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – Why wait till December to get in the Christmas spirit?
The Christmas in July Parking Lot Party will ring in the holidays a tad bit early on Friday at Wally’s Bar and Liquors.
There will be a “The Holidays on Wheels” show, lots of food trucks and a special appearance from the man himself, Santa Claus.
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Here are the food trucks you can check out:
- Cholo Dogs
- Royal-T Tapas
- Red Panda Noodle
- Chill’in Tacos
- Pudding Queen
- The Pass Kitchen
- Phat Ash Bakes
- Smokemade Meats
- Hot Asian Buns
- ATL Peach Wings
- The Bruja’s Table
The party starts at 6:30 p.m.
Check out the Florida Foodie podcast. You can find every episode in the media player below: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/07/13/rockin-around-the-parking-lot-christmas-in-july-bash-brings-holiday-spirit-to-orlando/ | 2023-07-13T19:12:11 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/07/13/rockin-around-the-parking-lot-christmas-in-july-bash-brings-holiday-spirit-to-orlando/ |
LONGWOOD, Fla. – Dozens of UPS employees gathered outside a facility in Longwood on Thursday morning for what’s called a practice picket.
Those who participated said the point of the demonstration was to show the company they’re serious about the contract negotiations that are underway.
“It’s time this company took care of us,” UPS employee Chris Loulan said. “I mean, we were heroes five years ago, you know, essential workers. And now they can’t seem to find enough money to take care of it.”
Loulan has been working for UPS for 37 years. He said he remembers the last time employees went on strike 25 years ago. He said they’re fighting for better pay, especially for part-time workers.
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“They’re very underpaid,” Loulan said. “The stats are out there. With the inflation as it is, they’re not making a lot of money. They need to be taken care of. And the turnover is high too because they’re not making what they’re making at Burger King or McDonald’s.”
This all comes as contract negotiations between the Teamsters union and UPS broke down last Wednesday. Both sides are blaming each other from walking away from the table.
“They’re not saying what the details are, but it’s close but not close enough,” said Sean Mason, UPS employee and Teamsters Local Union 385 trustee. “Our company really wants us to get it done.”
Mason has been with UPS for 27 years. While the employee contracts aren’t up until July 31, they’re making their message clear weeks in advance.
“We’re sending a message nationwide,” Mason said. “This picketing is going across the nation, this practice picketing to let the company know we’re serious about this and this is what they can see on August 1 if they don’t give us a fair contract.”
The current contract is set to expire on July 31 at midnight.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/07/13/ups-workers-picket-outside-longwood-facility-after-stalemate-in-contract-negotiations/ | 2023-07-13T19:12:17 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/07/13/ups-workers-picket-outside-longwood-facility-after-stalemate-in-contract-negotiations/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – The future of virtual reality experiences can be found in a holographic garden in the Lake Nona neighborhood of Orlando.
“Unreal Garden: Escape the Metaverse” is an augmented reality experience where participants walk through an interactive landscape as characters in the Unreal Garden storyline, all while interacting with imaginary animals and solving puzzles.
The VR headsets used are completely transparent and safe for use by anyone ages 7 and older.
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Verse Immersive, the creator of Unreal Garden, describes the experience as a combination of Alice in Wonderland and Avatar, but with a completely unique storyline and never-before-seen animals.
Verse Immersive said that the Unreal Garden experience is perfect for people with limited virtual reality experience.
Tickets start at $34.99 each and are available for purchase now. For more information or to buy tickets, click here.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/07/13/virtual-reality-garden-experience-opens-in-lake-nona/ | 2023-07-13T19:12:23 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/07/13/virtual-reality-garden-experience-opens-in-lake-nona/ |
WINTER PARK, Fla. – Winter Park residents can grab some free sandbags Thursday afternoon to have on hand for hurricane season.
The city will provide up to eight sandbags per business or household at an event in the parking lot of Ward Park, located along Perth Lane.
The event runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and proof of residency within city limits is required.
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Colorado State University researchers recently increased their predictions for the number of named storms this hurricane season, now expecting 18 named storms. Nine of the storms are expected to become hurricanes, with four of those reaching major status, i.e. Category 3 or above.
At latest, an area of low pressure expected to develop over the sext several days northwest of Bermuda is not a threat to Florida.
Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30.
For more resources and information about what to do before, during and after a storm, visit ClickOrlando.com/hurricane.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/07/13/winter-park-hands-out-sandbags-to-residents-for-hurricane-season/ | 2023-07-13T19:12:29 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/07/13/winter-park-hands-out-sandbags-to-residents-for-hurricane-season/ |
Detroit Police Commissioner resigns in wake of prostitution scandal
Detroit — A day after he was ticketed for allegedly having sex with a prostitute inside his truck on the city's northwest side and trying to use his position to curry favor with the officers who'd busted him, Detroit Police Commissioner Bryan Ferguson Thursday announced his resignation.
Late Wednesday, hours after news broke of the incident in which Ferguson reportedly asked a Wayne County Sheriff's deputy "can you help me out?" the former commissioner sent out a statement denying wrongdoing, and saying he intended to remain on the board but would not attend the next few meetings.
But on Thursday, the board released a second Ferguson statement announcing his resignation.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of Detroit in police oversight," the statement said. "After further consideration of the best interests of my family and the board, I am choosing to resign. Again, I admonish the board and the public to remain focused on the important work of oversight, transparency and accountability."
The resignation takes effect immediately, Ferguson said in the statement.
The incident involving the prostitute happened at about 7 a.m. Wednesday, when an undercover narcotics and morality squad spotted Ferguson sitting in his truck in the Happy Homes neighborhood near Schoolcraft and Sorrento on Detroit's northwest side, said Wayne County Sheriff's Capt. Jason Bates.
After Ferguson and the woman exited the truck and sheriff's deputies began issuing the citations, the former police commissioner told the deputies that he was on the police board and asked "Can you help me out?" Bates said.
Ferguson was given a misdemeanor citation for indecent obscene conduct, and his truck was towed, Bates said.
He denied the allegations in a statement Wednesday night.
"The allegation is untrue and the situation is a big misunderstanding," he said. "I do not want this personal matter to become a distraction from the important oversight work this board has to do," he said. "For that reason, I am making the decision to step back from the board meetings for a time."
Ferguson is married, according to his biography on the city's website.
ghunter@detroitnews.com
(313) 222-2134
Twitter: @GeorgeHunter_DN | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/07/13/detroit-police-commissioner-resigns-in-wake-of-prostitution-scandal/70410447007/ | 2023-07-13T19:17:15 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/07/13/detroit-police-commissioner-resigns-in-wake-of-prostitution-scandal/70410447007/ |
Contracted emergency doctors at Ascension St. John vote to unionize
A group of 43 healthcare workers at the Ascension St. John Emergency Department have voted to unionize, according to the National Labor Relations Board.
The union includes doctors, advanced practice clinicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners.
The group petitioned the national labor board in early May and held a secret ballot election by mail in June, according to documents filed by the board. A total of 39 ballots were cast, one of which was declared void and seven others challenged, according to the NLRB. The other 31 were all in favor of unionizing.
The Ascension St. John Emergency Department is managed and staffed by TeamHealth, a private physicians and hospital management company based in Tennessee.
"Team Health physicians are not employees of St. John Hospital," Ascension spokesman Nick Ragone said Thursday. "We respect their right to choose to be represented by a union in their relationship with TeamHealth."
TeamHealth has been notified by the NLRB that the emergency department clinicians at St. John Hospital in Detroit voted for union representation on Tuesday, TeamHealth spokesman Josh Hopson said. Patients and the community will see no impact as a result of the vote, Hopson said.
"TeamHealth’s focus remains working with our hospital partners on serving patients and supporting our frontline clinicians," Hopson said. "For more than 40 years, TeamHealth has ensured that each of our clinicians has the resources available to deliver the highest quality care to patients. The outcome of the election does not change that commitment."
Staffing issues have led to long wait times in the emergency department, sometimes exceeding 12 hours, Emergency Department physician Michelle Wiener said.
"If the nurses are short, what happens is even if there are 50 people sitting in the waiting room, half of the ER's closed down and we can't see those patients," Wiener said. "So we're trying to go out into the waiting room and just put a patch on the problem. And then Team Health sees that we're seeing less patients per hour so their solution to that problem is to decrease the physician staffing."
Better communication is needed on all fronts, she said.
"A lot of the issues we were having come from just a lack of communication between the hospital and Team Health and us," Wiener said. "All of us just want to get back to what we love to do, which is patient care."
Ascension St. John is the site of several residency programs, including one in emergency medicine. Physicians' ability to teach the residents is heavily affected by staffing levels, Wiener said. She hopes the issues can get resolved quickly and help reduce physician burnout.
"If we, as physicians, have less stress, we're less burned out," Wiener said. "It allows us to take care of patients better."
TeamHealth said the company is committed to working with the union and bargaining in good faith on issues that are within the company's control, Hopson said.
hmackay@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/07/13/contracted-emergency-doctors-at-ascension-st-john-hospital-vote-to-unionize-nlrb/70409871007/ | 2023-07-13T19:17:21 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/07/13/contracted-emergency-doctors-at-ascension-st-john-hospital-vote-to-unionize-nlrb/70409871007/ |
Taylor Animal Shelter temporarily closes after dog tests positive for parvo
The Taylor Animal Shelter has temporarily closed for at least a week after one of its dogs tested positive for a highly contagious viral disease, the city said Wednesday.
The shelter, located on Northline Road, east of Beech Daly Road, will be closed for up to two weeks while it's cleaned and visitors or new animals are prohibited. The city made the announcement on its website Wednesday afternoon, citing a dog being held there who tested positive for canine parvovirus (CPV) or parvo, a highly contagious viral disease of dogs that commonly causes acute gastrointestinal illness in puppies.
"The shelter will be closed from 10 to 14 days – no visitors or new animals will be allowed. The vet will return in seven days to evaluate the situation," the city said in a statement. "The disease most often strikes in pups between six and 20 weeks old, but older animals are sometimes also affected."
The dog, according to shelter officials, had been acting acting lethargic and had blood in its stool, prompting caregivers to place it into quarantine after tests returned positive for the virus. The shelter was then shut down and all residents and volunteers were mandated to leave the building immediately.
"With the animal in question isolated, the entire building is being cleaned. The animal has been removed from the shelter by the veterinarian for care," shelter officials said.
An intake process that ensures all dogs taken into the shelter are vaccinated against parvo with the canine distemper-adenovirus type 2-parainfluenza parvovirus vaccine was implemented after a similar situation occured a few years ago when a dog with parvo made its way into the shelter, according to Karl Ziomek, director of marketing and communications for the city of Taylor.
"We're not seeing any spreading of that disease currently among the other animals," Ziomek told The Detroit News.
Ziomek didn't have details on where the animals at the shelter would be housed during the closure or if they'd stay in place. It also unclear how the afflicted dog contracted the virus.
The Taylor Animal Shelter, according to its website, provides services, including animal adoptions, lost and found animal intaking, licensing, animal rescue within the city and responding to residential complaints of neglected and loose animals.
jaimery@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @wordsbyjakkar | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/07/13/taylor-animal-shelter-closes-after-dog-tests-positive-for-parvo/70409565007/ | 2023-07-13T19:17:27 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/07/13/taylor-animal-shelter-closes-after-dog-tests-positive-for-parvo/70409565007/ |
MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. — "Nearly all" animals died after a "tragic" fire ripped through the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center and another business in Madeira Beach, the center's owner said.
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deputies say the blaze was reported around 2 a.m. Thursday and impacted both the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center and Beach Bites & Burgers. The fire has since been put out but the resulting damage has been done.
Sonny Flynn, the owner of Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center said all mammals at the refuge died in the fire. Many of the reptiles there were also hurt.
"They didn't deserve this, this is my whole life," Flynn said. "They all have names, they all have personality; I come in every morning and talk to them like Dr. Dolittle."
On Facebook, the center posted the following statement, "We suffered from a tragic fire last night. Nearly all of the animals are gone. We are devastated."
"95% of these animals were pet surrenders because people didn't know how to take care of them, or they weren't able to take care of them," she continued.
According to the center's website, it was home to more than 250 exotic animals, most of them rescues or surrendered.
Madeira Beach Fire Chief Clint Belk said crews arrived at the scene just after 3 a.m. but couldn't get inside. Once the fire was controlled, firefighters were faced with a scene they hadn't dealt with before.
"We keep oxygen masks on the fire truck for dogs and cats, but this is just such a rare occasion," Belk said. "They're all exotic animals."
No other details on the fire have been released at this time. The investigation has been turned over to the Pinellas County Arson Unit and State Fire Marshal's Office. Traffic delays have been reported, too.
Representatives with the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber have set up a link for people to donate to the wildlife center. Those who wish to do so can click here for more information and how to donate funds. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/fire-alligator-wildlife-discovery-center-madeira-beach/67-e6c8f832-4ff1-4dca-a5a7-7e1d7297c66f | 2023-07-13T19:18:48 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/fire-alligator-wildlife-discovery-center-madeira-beach/67-e6c8f832-4ff1-4dca-a5a7-7e1d7297c66f |
PUYALLUP, Wash. — A driver suspected to have been under the influence drove into a Puyallup home and struck an 81-year-old woman, the Puyallup Police Department said in a tweet Thursday morning.
The house, located at the 2100 block of 23rd Street Place Southeast, had Puyallup PD and Central Pierce Fire and Rescue at the scene Thursday morning investigating.
No information was immediately available on the condition of the 81-year-old woman who was struck, and it is unclear whether she was the only person in the house at the time of the crash.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/house-hit-suspected-dui-driver-puyallup/281-91cda77c-3c0c-4aca-9487-06d25139899a | 2023-07-13T19:20:35 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/house-hit-suspected-dui-driver-puyallup/281-91cda77c-3c0c-4aca-9487-06d25139899a |
SEATTLE — A corpse flower is blooming this week for the second time ever at the Amazon Spheres in Seattle.
Morticia the corpse flower began blooming Wednesday night, and the peak viewing of the bloom is during the first 24 hours, according to the Spheres. Blooms last 48 hours.
Public viewing is expected to be open Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., although all reservations were booked as of Thursday morning. People can also watch Morticia’s bloom on a Twitch livestream from the Spheres.
Morticia first bloomed in late October 2018 when thousands of visitors witnessed the event at the Spheres and online, according to Amazon.
Corpse flowers, which are native to Indonesia, have the largest unbranched flowering structure and can grow over 9 feet tall, according to Amazon.
It can take at least seven years before corpse flowers bloom for the first time, according to Amazon. When corpse flowers bloom, they smell like rotting flesh, giving them their name. The plant also heats up to 98 degrees to help the smell travel even further, attracting pollinators like carrion beetles and flies.
When they aren’t in bloom, Amazon said corpse flowers produce one leaf that can grow 15 feet tall, resembling a small tree.
Corpse flowers are rare. There are fewer than 1,000 of them left in the wild, and their population has declined more than 50% in the last 150 years, according to the U.S. Botanic Garden.
The Spheres received their second corpse flower, Bellatrix, in 2019. Bellatrix was 6 feet tall during her bloom. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/morticia-corpse-flower-amazon-spheres-blooms/281-6ce86268-5dea-4eef-bc77-50066de42b65 | 2023-07-13T19:20:41 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/morticia-corpse-flower-amazon-spheres-blooms/281-6ce86268-5dea-4eef-bc77-50066de42b65 |
Neurotoxins in this fish are deadlier than cyanide. DEM is warning fisherman to be careful
Smooth puffer fish are becoming more common in RI waters, but they can be a deadly catch
Anglers are again being warned about a poisonous fish in Rhode Island waters.
Smooth puffer fish, which have deadly toxins, are becoming more common in Rhode Island waters, and fishermen are catching more of them, according to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management's division of marine fisheries and the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association.
Some people eat smooth puffer fish, and some consider them a delicacy, but they're "a serious threat to your health if not cleaned properly," the DEM and anglers association said in a joint news release.
The agencies advise anglers who catch one to "take the fish off the hook carefully and release it."
The neurotoxins in smooth puffer fish, tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin, are deadlier than cyanide and have no known antidotes, the agencies said, attributing the information to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Toxins can be found in all organs of the fish, its intestines and skin, they said.
Anglers should not even use the fish for bait or chum, the agencies said.
Smooth puffer fish are usually gray to olive-gray, darker on top than bottom and "somewhat silvery," the agencies said. The bodies aren't scaled, but the belly and underside of the head are prickly.
The fish inhabit inshore and near-shore areas, over sand or mud bottoms, the agencies said.
Another type of puffer fish, the northern puffer, is more common in Rhode Island waters. Some scientists believe there are low levels of toxins in the skin and organs of the northern puffer fish, and anglers are advised to clean the northern puffer fish of all skin and viscera before eating. | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/ri-anglers-warned-about-catching-poisonous-smooth-puffer-fish-by-dem/70409752007/ | 2023-07-13T19:25:57 | 0 | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/ri-anglers-warned-about-catching-poisonous-smooth-puffer-fish-by-dem/70409752007/ |
Originally published July 12 on KTVB.COM.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho (ACLU) released its "Proud to be Brown: Punishing Latine Culture in Idaho Schools" report on Monday, which scrutinizes dress codes within some Canyon County schools.
The report is nearly 40 pages long and details how dress codes within Nampa and Caldwell school districts may or may not "disproportionally" discriminate against Latino and Hispanic students.
"Schools have these policies where they don't allow gang-related clothing," ACLU legal fellow Erica Rodarte said. "But in practice, we see that the policy is not race-neutral. So, Latine students are the ones being mostly disciplined, and Latine clothing items that are related to the Latine community are the ones being punished and targeted."
Rodarte started research for the report last fall, compiling data from both school districts and stories from parents and students in the community. She said students often get in trouble for wearing clothes that honor their culture.
Those items include Catholic rosaries, clothing displaying La Huelga Bird — a symbol historically associated with the United Farm Workers — and the words "Brown Pride," Rodarte said.
"It's really not about a fight to wear gang-related clothing," Rodarte said. "It's about students' ability to express themselves and to not be discriminated against in their school when they want to express themselves."
Caldwell School District's dress code policy states, "The wearing, using, carrying, or displaying any other gang clothing or attire, or style, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign, codes, tattoos, or other things or items which evidence membership or affiliation in any gang is prohibited on any school premises or at any school sponsored activity at any time."
Marisela Pesina, Caldwell School Board chair, said the dress code is pretty comparable to other codes across Idaho. She feels like the ACLU singled out Canyon County with its report.
She said Caldwell does have a gang problem, and the school district's policies are in place to try and keep all students safe and on track.
"We're focused on making sure that our kids have education instructional time in the classrooms," Pesina said. "Anything that takes away from it, we have to address."
Pesina said there is some room for improvement within the dress code, although she believes Latino and Hispanic students can honor their culture in other ways aside from the way they dress or the items they bring to school.
But many people, including Nampa School District parent Chandra Reyna — who ran to be on Nampa's school board in 2021 but was defeated — believe school districts have had enough time to write fair and equal dress codes.
"This has been an issue for a really long time, and it's kind of operating kind of silently," Reyna said. "And unless you're particularly coming into contact with things like color contracts, you wouldn't even know that's something that the school district has."
Reyna said school administrators spend too much time labeling students by what they wear. She believes staff should instead spend their time fostering a safe environment for everyone.
ACLU's report also touched on police surveillance and expulsion rates for Latino and Hispanic students. It states Latine students are consistently suspected and expelled more often than white students.
In Caldwell, Pesina said the numbers are high because there are more Hispanic and Latino students. Administrators also do not take taking students out of class for a long period of time lightly.
"A lot of the expulsion hearings are because we have to keep our kids safe, and there was some type of attack or something," Pesina said.
Reyna believes suspensions and expulsions are not an appropriate response for students involved in gangs or students that come to school with gang-related clothing.
Oftentimes, she said, severe punishment pushes those students further away from education.
"They showed up to school today, and they're trying to be ready to learn," Reyna said. "So, we should take all that energy and figure out how to keep them there and keep them engaged."
Pesina said the Caldwell School District will review the report and the suggestions within it. A Nampa School District spokesperson told KTVB they are not commenting on the report right now.
More from KTVB.COM: | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/aclu-report-highlights-discriminatory-dress-codes-at-caldwell-nampa-schools/article_b794e43e-21a2-11ee-8bd0-1b712f2668fb.html | 2023-07-13T19:26:06 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/aclu-report-highlights-discriminatory-dress-codes-at-caldwell-nampa-schools/article_b794e43e-21a2-11ee-8bd0-1b712f2668fb.html |
...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT MDT /11 PM PDT/ SATURDAY
NIGHT TO MIDNIGHT MDT /11 PM PDT/ SUNDAY NIGHT...
* WHAT...Temperatures from 101 to 109 expected.
* WHERE...Portions of south central, southwest and west central
Idaho and southeast Oregon.
* WHEN...From midnight MDT /11 PM PDT/ Saturday night to
midnight MDT /11 PM PDT/ Sunday night.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses to occur.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Take extra precautions, if you work or
spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous
activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and
symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight
and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of
water.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
&&
Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District biologist Nadja Reissen examines a mosquito in Salt Lake City in this 2019 file photo.
A third Canyon County mosquito collection site has yielded positive results for West Nile virus.
The mosquitoes were collected this week south of Middleton. Last week, mosquitoes collected south of Nampa — near Lake Lowell — and at the confluence of the Boise and Snake rivers west of Parma, produced positive results.
“Surveillance data suggests low levels of virus circulation throughout Canyon County,” Jim Lunders, Director of Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District, said in a news release.
The Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District routinely sets gravid traps and dry ice-baited EVS traps at over 100 locations throughout Canyon County to monitor for adult mosquito populations and the presence of vector borne diseases, the release said. To date, the district has tested over 225 mosquito pools this season for West Nile virus.
“We encourage the public to help us reduce the mosquito population by eliminating larval habitat around your homes,” Lunders said. He offered the following suggestions to reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile virus:
• Eliminate or treat all sources of standing water that can be a breeding ground for biting mosquitoes, such as flooded fields, birdbaths, wading and swimming pools not in use, clogged gutters and old tires. If it holds water for seven days, it can produce mosquitoes.
• Wear repellents while outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito-infested areas.
• Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, Picaridin or 2-undecanone, making sure to follow the directions on the container.
• Make sure all screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.
• Vaccinate horses for WNv, WEE, and other diseases.
• Use EPA-registered residual insect sprays on horses, making sure to follow the directions on the container.
• Have your livestock watering troughs stocked with mosquitofish for free by submitting a service request to CCMAD.
• Notify the District at 208-461-8633 if you have a site that is too large to be eliminated so it can be properly treated. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/more-west-nile-virus-detected-in-canyon-county/article_e973fc6e-2194-11ee-b3e5-833fb4eec5ea.html | 2023-07-13T19:26:08 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/more-west-nile-virus-detected-in-canyon-county/article_e973fc6e-2194-11ee-b3e5-833fb4eec5ea.html |
Originally published July 11 by the Spokesman-Review.
WASHINGTON — As leaders from NATO countries kicked off a two-day summit in Lithuania’s capital Tuesday, with the annual meeting dominated by the war in Ukraine, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee called the alliance “the most successful political and defensive organization that’s ever been on the face of the planet.”
In an interview at the Capitol, Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho said the North Atlantic Treaty Organization — formed by countries in North America and Europe for their mutual defense in the wake of World War II — is as essential as ever, even to his constituents half a world away in the Inland Northwest.
“NATO is important because the national security of the United States of America is the most important issue that the federal government exists for,” he said. “And there is nothing that gives us better security than the NATO organization.”
President Joe Biden and the leaders of other NATO member countries arrived in Vilnius on Tuesday with a packed schedule, including talks on Sweden becoming the alliance’s 32nd member and a path for Ukraine to one day join the pact.
Biden and other leaders have ruled out Kyiv’s immediate accession — to the frustration of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — largely because doing so would force all of NATO into a direct war with Russia. The North Atlantic Treaty requires each of the alliance’s members to treat an attack on any NATO member as an attack on all of them.
In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Finland and Sweden — two nations that had maintained neutrality — opted to join NATO. Finland officially acceded in April, but Turkey blocked Sweden’s membership, saying the Scandinavian nation was harboring Kurdish groups that Turkey’s government considers terrorists, even after Stockholm made membership in the groups illegal.
Hungary followed suit, drawing the ire of Risch, who used his powerful committee role to block a U.S. arms sale to the country until its government allowed Sweden to join NATO. On the eve of the summit, the leaders of both Hungary and Turkey relented, saying they would support Sweden’s accession.
Risch said that Turkey — which has been part of NATO since 1952, just three years after the alliance was founded — has long used its membership in NATO as leverage to achieve domestic goals. Since joining the pact in 1999, Hungary has often followed Turkey’s example, he said.
“They’re not autocracies, but they kind of lean that way,” he said of Turkey and Hungary. “They’re different than the rest of the allies there and they hang together on these kinds of things, but they’ll do what’s right.”
Risch said the addition of Sweden and Finland “changes things dramatically,” including by expanding NATO’s border with Russia.
“They bring a lot to the table,” he said of the two Nordic countries. “Their military abilities are very good. They know Russia about as well as anybody does, being right across the border from and sparring with them over the years.”
Despite the drama over NATO expansion and the high stakes of the Ukraine war, Risch said the NATO summit is first and foremost a chance for the member nations’ leaders to hash out their differences.
“Do we always agree? Of course we don’t,” he said. “To get 32 countries to agree on anything is very difficult. What we all agree on is that Russia is a problem and that Russia has got to be stopped from its imperial ambitions.”
As Ukraine has ramped up a counteroffensive in recent months to retake Russian-occupied territory in the southeast, the Ukrainian military has run dangerously low on the munitions supplied by the United States and other NATO members. On Friday, the Biden administration announced it would give Kyiv cluster munitions — controversial weapons that many nations have scrapped because of the risk they pose to civilians.
While some progressive Democrats, including Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Seattle, have criticized the move, Risch said Biden should have supplied cluster munitions to Ukraine earlier. The Idaho Republican criticized the administration’s reluctance to send certain weapons and military vehicles, which the White House has said may escalate the war by provoking Russia to use more destructive weapons — perhaps even nuclear arms.
“If you don’t escalate, you’re not going to win,” Risch said. “I’ve said from the beginning, give them everything that shoots, except nuclear.”
As the war stretches well into its second year, a vocal minority of Republicans in Congress have voiced skepticism about U.S. support to Ukraine, but Risch says he doesn’t anticipate their ranks growing large enough to stop the billions in military aid.
His message for those GOP lawmakers has a few parts, Risch said. First, he points to the Budapest Memorandum, a 1994 agreement in which Ukraine agreed to give up what was then the world’s third-largest nuclear arsenal, which it had inherited from the Soviet Union, in exchange for security guarantees.
“We said to them, ‘Give up your nuclear weapons. We’ll take care of you,’ ” Risch said. “And so we have a legal obligation and we’ve got a moral obligation. It’s the right thing to do.”
Second, Risch argued that if the United States and its allies allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to win the war, he won’t stop there. Finally, he said Chinese Premier Xi Jinping is watching what the United States does in Ukraine and could be emboldened by a withdrawal of U.S. support to Ukraine.
“If we turn tail right now and run,” he said, “the die is cast in China, I believe. I think Taiwan is in grave, grave danger.”
The NATO summit will continue Wednesday with a packed agenda, including meetings between Zelenskyy and several NATO heads of state. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/risch-hails-nato-as-successful-alliance-in-face-of-ukraine-war/article_9e7c9cea-2101-11ee-9eb1-e37351b8bb89.html | 2023-07-13T19:26:10 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/risch-hails-nato-as-successful-alliance-in-face-of-ukraine-war/article_9e7c9cea-2101-11ee-9eb1-e37351b8bb89.html |
Check out our roundup of the latest special events, music, theater, nightlife and kids events.
To submit an item, send an email to features@pantagraph.com.
Special events
Bloomington-Normal
Blue Kids Breakfast featuring Erin Merryn; 6:30-8 a.m., July 13, DoubleTree Hotel and Conference Center, 10 Brickyard Drive, Bloomington.
27th Annual Glorious Garden Festival; 1-7 p.m., July 14 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m., July 15, David Davis Mansion, 1000 Monroe Drive, Bloomington; $10-$20.
Farmers Market; 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m., July 15, downtown Bloomington square, 200 N. Main St., Bloomington.
Flapjacks and Flamingos at the Zoo!; 8-9:30 a.m., July 15, Miller Park Zoo, 1020 S. Morris Ave., Bloomington; $15.
Adult Golf Skills Challenge; all day, July 15, Ironwood Golf Course, 1901 N. Towanda Ave., Normal.
Kite Fest 2023; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., July 15, Grove Elementary School, 1101 Airport Road, Normal.
ISU Quad: Gateway to the Wider World; 11 a.m.-1 p.m., July 15, Normal Theater, 209 W. North St., Normal.
Christmas in July Open Skate; 1:30-3:30 p.m., July 15, Bloomington Ice Center, 201 S. Roosevelt Ave., Bloomington.
3rd Sunday Market; 8 a.m.-4 p.m., July 16, Interstate Center, 1106 Interstate Drive, Bloomington.
Superhero Day; 12-3 p.m., July 16, Fairview Family Aquatic Center, 801 N. Main St., Normal.
Crafts and Drafts; 12-4 p.m., July 16, Keg Grove Brewing Company, 712 E. Empire St., Bloomington.
Gundam Build Night; July 18, Red Raccoon Games, 309 N. Main St., Bloomington; $5.
Central Illinois
4th Annual Honey Festival; 10 a.m.-4 p.m., July 15, Wild Harvest, 9122 Bucks Road, Heyworth.
Miss Illinois Earth Pageant Competition; 11 a.m., July 16, Peoria Civic Center Ballroom, 201 SW. Jefferson Ave., Peoria; $40.
Evergreen Lake Knap-In Arrowhead Making & Artifact Identification; 8 a.m.-8 p.m., July 20-22, Comlara County Park, 13001 Recreation Area Drive, Hudson.
Music
Bloomington-Normal
Free Franklin Park Concerts; 7-8:30 p.m., July 13 and 20, Corner of Walnut and McLean, Bloomington.
Scotty Austin, The Lion Within, The Sly; 7-10:30 p.m., July 13, Nightshop, 517 N. Main St., Bloomington; $14.
Karaoke w/ Joel Johnson; 8 p.m., July 13, Jazz Upfront, 107 W. Front St., Bloomington.
Fox Crossing Stringband; 6-9 p.m., July 14, Destihl Brewery, 1200 Greenbriar Drive, Normal.
Prairie Fire Theatre presents "An Evening of Opera Under the Stars III"; 7:30-9:30 p.m., July 14, Connie Link Amphitheatre, 621 S. Linden St., Normal.
Sunny Sweeney with Lauren Morrow; 8 p.m., July 14, The Castle Theatre, 209 E. Washington St., Bloomington; 18+; $20.
Dexter O'Neal & Funk Yard; 8 p.m., July 14, Jazz Upfront, 107 W. Front St., Bloomington.
Seventh Day Slumber, Magdalene Rose, Roxy Lane; 9 p.m.-12 a.m., July 14, Nightshop, 517 N. Main St., Bloomington; $14.
Merry Travelers; 6-9 p.m., July 15, Destihl Brewery, 1200 Greenbriar Drive, Normal.
Saturday's on the Square: Dan Hubbard (full band) with Kayla Brown; 7 p.m., July 15, downtown Bloomington; free.
Viola Day at the Illinois Chamber Music Festival; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., July 16, Illinois Wesleyan University, 1210 Park St., Presser Hall School of Music, Bloomington.
Summer 2023 Faculty and Guest Artist Performance 1; 7:30-9 p.m., Illinois Wesleyan University, 1210 Park St., Presser Hall School of Music, Bloomington.
Tim 'Magic Man' Barnes; 8 p.m., July 15 and July 20, Jazz Upfront, 107 W. Front St., Bloomington.
Open State w/ Allison Thabit; 8 p.m., July 19, Jazz Upfront, 107 W. Front St., Bloomington.
RAIN - A Tribute to the Beatles: Songs from Abbey Road and the Rooftop Concert Live!; 7:30-9:30 p.m., July 20, Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, 600 N. East St., Bloomington; $40-$69.
Central Illinois
Krannert Uncorked With Haki N'Dem; 5 p.m., July 13, Stage 5 at Krannert Center, 500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana; free.
The Cult; 8 p.m., July 13, Peoria Civic Center Theater, 201 SW. Jefferson Ave., Peoria; $45+.
Five Points Fridays with Black Velvet; 5-9 p.m., July 14, Five Points Washington, 360 N. Wilmor Road, Washington.
Krannert Uncorked with Silverweed; 5 p.m., July 20, Stage 5 at Krannert Center, 500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana; free.
Theater
Bloomington-Normal
Biosphere; 7 p.m., July 13-16 and 3 p.m., July 15-16, Normal Theater, 209 W. North St., Normal.
Disney's Newsies; 7 p.m., July 13-15 and 20; 2:30 p.m., July 16, Community Players Theatre, 201 Robinhood Lane, Bloomington; $10-$20.
New Plays from the Heartland; 7:30 p.m., July 13-15 and 2 p.m., July 16, Heartland Theatre Company, 1110 Douglas St., Normal; $10-$19.
Illinois Shakespeare Festival presents: The Tempest; 8-10:30 p.m., July 14-16, Ewing Cultural Center, 48 Sunset Road, Bloomington.
Neil Simon's Rumors Auditions; 7 p.m., July 17-18, Community Players Theatre, 201 Robinhood Lane, Bloomington.
The Comedy of Errors; 7:30-10 p.m., July 18, Ewing Manor, 48 Sunset Road, Bloomington.
The Book of Will by Lauren Gunderson; 7:30-10 p.m., July 19-20, Ewing Manor, 48 Sunset Road, Bloomington.
Last Action Hero; 7 p.m., July 20, Normal Theater, 209 W. North St., Normal.
Central Illinois
The Sunshine Boys; through Aug. 6; 5:30-9:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays; 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sundays; The Barn III, 1451 Timberline Road, Goodfield; $25.
For Kids
Bloomington-Normal
ECK: Time Travelers (Pickup); 9 a.m., July 13, Children's Discovery Museum, 101 E. Beaufort St., Normal; ages 2-5.
Master Gardener/Master Naturalist Program: What plants need to grow; 10 a.m.-12 p.m., July 13, Children's Discovery Museum,1 01 E. Beaufort St., Normal.
PLG: Time Travelers; 4-5 p.m. and 6-7 p.m., July 13; 9-10 a.m., July 14; 11 a.m.-12 p.m., July 17 (members only), Children's Discovery Museum, 101 E. Beaufort St., Normal; ages 2-4.
Early Explorers: Time Travelers; 9-10:30 a.m., July 15, Children's Discovery Museum, 101 E. Beaufort St., Normal; ages 4-5.
Camp Discovery: Cardboard Construction; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., July 17-21, Children's Discovery Museum, 101 E. Beaufort St., Normal; grades 1-6.
The Little Mermen: The Ultimate Disney Tribute Band; 7-8:30 p.m., July 19, Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, 600 N. East St., Bloomington; $11-$29.
Master Gardeners/Master Naturalist Program - Bird sounds & Feeders; 10 a.m.-12 p.m., July 20, Children's Discovery Museum, 101 E. Beaufort St., Normal.
Central Illinois
Five Points Kids - Creative Writing; 11-11:45 a.m., through Aug. 8, Five Points Washington, 360 N. Wilmor Road, Washington; $50.
Five Points Kids - Beginner Ballet; 5 p.m., through Aug. 8, Five Points Washington, 360 N. Wilmor Road, Washington.
Five Points Kids - Canvas Painting; 9-11 a.m., July 18, Five Points Washington, 360 N. Wilmor Road, Washington; free for members. | https://pantagraph.com/life-entertainment/local/looking-for-something-to-do-this-weekend-in-central-illinois-heres-the-list/article_1dadecb8-2020-11ee-9719-8380d747dc21.html | 2023-07-13T19:30:59 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/life-entertainment/local/looking-for-something-to-do-this-weekend-in-central-illinois-heres-the-list/article_1dadecb8-2020-11ee-9719-8380d747dc21.html |
BLOOMINGTON — The McLean County Museum of History will dedicate a new historical marker at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 20.
The marker is to share the stories of Normal's early African American residents and mark the location of the Simon Malone home on the southeast corner of Kingsley Junior High, 303 Kingsley St.
Malone was one of the first African American residents in Normal and the first Black man to build a home in the area. He built his home in 1865 at 405 Kingsley Ave., the same year the township was founded.
The home burned down in a fire in 1981 and Normal's Human Relations Committee memorialized it the following year. Changes in Illinois Department of Transportation regulations led to the marker's removal.
The re-creation of the marker was named a priority by the museum in its 2022 Historic Marker Matching Gift Initiative. The marker is in collaboration with the Illinois State Historical Society, the Town of Normal and McLean County Unit 5.
Visit mchistory.org for more information.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias visited the McLean County Museum of History to explore its exhibits, library and archives
Clay Jackson
Photos: 2023 History Makers Gala
Tom Eder, left, and Carolyn Yockey close out the 2023 History Makers Gala on Wednesday. The event marked the end of Eder's tenure as president of the McLean County Museum of History Board, a role now filled by Yockey.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Charles Halbert, left, and Willie Halbert speak to the crowd after being honored on Wednesday during the 2023 History Makers Gala in the Brown Ballroom on the campus of Illinois State University.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Charles Halbert, left, and Willie Halbert speak to the crowd after being honored on Wednesday during the 2023 History Makers Gala in the Brown Ballroom on the campus of Illinois State University.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Sarah McManus, left, holds the microphone for her mother, Dottie Bushnell, on Wednesday during the 2023 History Makers Gala in the Brown Ballroom on the campus of Illinois State University.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Sarah McManus, left, holds the microphone for her mother, Dottie Bushnell, on Wednesday during the 2023 History Makers Gala in the Brown Ballroom on the campus of Illinois State University.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Bob Lenz, left, introduces Guy Fraker on Wednesday during the 2023 History Makers Gala in the Brown Ballroom on the campus of Illinois State University.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Bob Lenz, left, and Guy Fraker pose with the award on Wednesday during the 2023 History Makers Gala in the Brown Ballroom on the campus of Illinois State University.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Bob Lenz, left, introduces Guy Fraker on Wednesday during the 2023 History Makers Gala in the Brown Ballroom on the campus of Illinois State University.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Hank and Mary Campbell are recognized on Wednesday during the 2023 History Makers Gala in the Brown Ballroom on the campus of Illinois State University.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Hank and Mary Campbell on Wednesday during the 2023 History Makers Gala in the Brown Ballroom on the campus of Illinois State University.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Hank Campbell speaks after being honored on Wednesday during the 2023 History Makers Gala in the Brown Ballroom on the campus of Illinois State University.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Hank Campbell speaks after being honored on Wednesday during the 2023 History Makers Gala in the Brown Ballroom on the campus of Illinois State University.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Illinois Voices Theatre's Cristen Monson, left, and Eden Susong perform on Wednesday during the 2023 History Makers Gala in the Brown Ballroom on the campus of Illinois State University.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Illinois Voices Theatre's Jennifer Rusk, left to right, Cristen Monson and Eden Susong on Wednesday during the 2023 History Makers Gala in the Brown Ballroom on the campus of Illinois State University.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Julie Emig, executive director of the McLean County Museum of History, speaks on Wednesday during the 2023 History Makers Gala in the Brown Ballroom on the campus of Illinois State University.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Mary Campbell on Wednesday during the 2023 History Makers Gala in the Brown Ballroom on the campus of Illinois State University.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Timothy Mark Harris, left, introduces Charles Halbert on Wednesday during the 2023 History Makers Gala. Halbert and his wife, Willie, were recognized for long efforts to advocate for justice and equality in Bloomington-Normal.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
McLean County Museum of History Board President Tom Eder, left, and Executive Director Julie Emig address the hundreds of attendees at the 2023 History Makers Gala.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Willie and Charles Halbert smile on Wednesday as they are honored during the 2023 History Makers Gala in the Brown Ballroom at Illinois State University.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Charles and Willie Halbert, center, pose for a photo with Timothy Mark Harris and Karin Harris on Wednesday at the 2023 History Makers Gala. The Harrises delivered remarks honoring the Halberts during the event, held at Illinois State University's Brown Ballroom.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Charles and Willie Halbert, center, pose for a photo with Timothy Mark Harris and Karin Harris on Wednesday at the 2023 History Makers Gala. The Harrises delivered remarks honoring the Halberts during the event, held at Illinois State University's Brown Ballroom.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Willie Halbert reacts on Wednesday during the 2023 History Makers Gala, where she and her husband were recognized for their contributions to the Bloomington-Normal community.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Willie Halbert reacts Wednesday during the 2023 History Makers Gala, where she and her husband Charles were among those recognized.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
Contact Olivia Jacobs at 309-820-3352. Follow Olivia on Twitter: @olivia___jacobs
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Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/mclean-county-to-dedicate-historical-marker-in-normal/article_edc936e6-219c-11ee-9c3a-536d3a018577.html | 2023-07-13T19:31:12 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/mclean-county-to-dedicate-historical-marker-in-normal/article_edc936e6-219c-11ee-9c3a-536d3a018577.html |
EUREKA — The Wall That Heals has arrived in Eureka.
The three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and accompanying education center are set to be open 24 hours a day Thursday through Sunday at Maple Lawn Homes, a 102-cottage retirement community spread over 60 acres at 221 S. Clinton Drive on the north side of the city.
This is the first time the wall has been in Woodford County since it debuted in 1996 and it's the only stop for the wall in Illinois this year.
Mary Hinrichsen, president of American Legion Post 466 Auxiliary in Eureka and the wife of a Vietnam War veteran, spearheaded the two-year effort to bring the wall to town.
After gathering pledges of monetary and in-kind support from individuals, businesses and the city of Eureka, she applied for a visit in May 2022 and learned in October that Eureka was approved.
"Our Vietnam War veterans are getting older. Many won't be able to see the memorial in Washington. So we're glad to bring it to them," said Hinrichsen, who returned last week from the 40th annual Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association reunion in San Antonio, Texas, which she attended with her husband.
Dozens of volunteers will contribute their time as Eureka hosts the wall, serving in four-hour shifts.
Some of the volunteers plan to work during the overnight hours. Eureka Mayor Eric Lind said the city's police department will provide security at the wall during that time.
"We've been told to expect many visitors between midnight and 4 a.m., when it's dark and quiet," he said. "It's a good time to cry and grieve in peace.
"It's a honor to have the wall in Eureka. I look forward to welcoming all who visit to learn, remember and heal."
The wall was brought to Eureka from Fairbury on Tuesday by motorcycle escort along westbound U.S. Route 24 and northbound Illinois Route 117. The escort was led by ride captain Mike Ackley, Goodfield State Bank vice president.
An opening ceremony is set for 10 a.m. Thursday with a C-130 flyover at noon.
A closing ceremony is planned for 1:45 p.m. Sunday.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors the more than 3 million Americans who served in the U.S. armed forces in the Vietnam War, and bears the names of the 58,281 American men and women who died fighting.
The replica wall is 375 feet long and 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Names on the wall are engraved so family and friends can trace the names of service members.
The wall is transported from community to community in a 53-foot trailer.
When parked, the trailer has sides that open into an education center that tells the story of the Vietnam War, the wall and one of the most divisive eras in American history.
The education center also includes digital photo displays of "Hometown Heroes," service members from the area being visited whose names are on the wall, and "In Memory," digital photo displays of area veterans who returned home from the war and later died.
The wall is a project of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, a not-for-profit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Two fund staff members will lead the volunteers at the Eureka site, educate visitors and ensure the reflective atmosphere.
The wall has been to more than 700 U.S. communities, Canada and Ireland. It's the only replica affiliated with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and it is the largest replica.
The wall's 2023 national tour is sponsored by USAA, which offers financial products and services exclusively for the military community. A partnership with the Truckload Carriers Association, trucking industry, and Blue Beacon Truck Wash paves the way for the wall to travel throughout the country.
For more information about the wall's Eureka visit and to learn about volunteer opportunities, go to thewallthatheals-eureka.com. The website also has a list of visit sponsors.
James Hinrichsen, Mary Hinrichsen's husband, enlisted in the Army on Sept. 27, 1966, shortly after he was drafted. Less than four years later, in April 1970, he was in Vietnam piloting Cobra helicopters.
His tour ended in April 1971 and he went to Fort Riley in Kansas. After leaving active duty in May 1972, he joined the reserves and retired as a lieutenant colonel in October 1995. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/the-wall-that-heals-arrives-in-eureka/article_db728790-20e3-11ee-a725-a39272a54cff.html | 2023-07-13T19:31:18 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/the-wall-that-heals-arrives-in-eureka/article_db728790-20e3-11ee-a725-a39272a54cff.html |
BANGOR -- Two men from New York were arrested in Bangor Wednesday as part of an investigation into the sale of drugs.
The Bangor Police Tactical Team, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and Homeland Security responded to a multi-unit apartment building at the corner of Parker and Third streets.
A standoff ensued as law enforcement executed a search warrant.
MDEA Commander Peter Arno says 34-year-old Sheldon Wray and 32-year-old Tiquali Bracey - both from Bronx , New York were arrested and charged with aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs.
Arno says for the past several months, they have been investigating individuals believed to be involved in the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Bangor.
According to Arno, during the search law enforcement recovered over 18 thousand dollars in suspected drug proceeds along with other evidence of drug trafficking.
Both Wray and Bracey are being held at the Penobscot County Jail.
They are expected to appear in court on Friday. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/two-men-arrested-in-connection-with-bangor-drug-investigation/article_a75ebbe6-21a0-11ee-a6ff-67f2d7582eea.html | 2023-07-13T19:32:50 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/two-men-arrested-in-connection-with-bangor-drug-investigation/article_a75ebbe6-21a0-11ee-a6ff-67f2d7582eea.html |
PLEASANT PRAIRIE – A more than $2 million headache between Fiduciary Real Estate Development and the Village of Pleasant Prairie reached its conclusion this week.
Included in$45 million in general obligation promissory notes the Village Board approved during Monday’s meeting was $2.5 million for Fiduciary, the developers of tax incremental financing district No. 8, which generally sits west of JCPenney and Target along Hwy 50.
The district includes the Seasons at River View apartment complex, 10906 Seasons Place.
Issues arose because the project’s original development agreement had incorrectly sourced funding for certain public improvement work, allegedly due to a mistake by former Village Administrator Nathan Thiel.
“It was even stated by staff at the Jan. 9 board meeting that Fiduciary was, ‘misled by the former village administrator,’” said Fiduciary Vice President of Development Tony DeRosa during the June 9 board meeting.
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As village staff described it, there are several funding “buckets” that projects can draw from. The error meant that work on 77th Street and the development’s Ring Road water and sewer could not be funded from the original “bucket.”
The development agreement would have to be amended to correct the mistake, although the overall cost of the project would remain unchanged.
The amendment met resistance during the June 9 board meeting, with Trustee Mike Pollocoff saying he could not approve any bonds until the village had received proper documentation and itemization of work completed.
Fiduciary representatives expressed their frustrations during a lengthy discussion that followed.
“They’re entitled to payment,” Pollocoff said afterwards. “But I can’t support releasing the bonds to them until then. They’re frustrated, but I’m frustrated too.”
During the June 26 meeting, the amendment was approved, moving $2.5 million into funding from G.O. promissory notes, which were than approved during the July 10 meeting. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/village-promissory-notes-includes-2-5-million-for-developer-of-pleasant-prairie-project/article_6888c118-20f7-11ee-be39-5b057819d5e2.html | 2023-07-13T19:37:33 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/village-promissory-notes-includes-2-5-million-for-developer-of-pleasant-prairie-project/article_6888c118-20f7-11ee-be39-5b057819d5e2.html |
Ron DeSantis and Bob Iger Disney CEO Bob Iger dismissed as “preposterous” arguments by Gov. Ron DeSantis that the company is “sexualizing children” or experiencing a drop in attendance at its Florida resorts because of a long-running fight with the governor. (Associated Press) | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/disney-ceo-bob-iger-desantis-claim-that-company-is-sexualizing-children-is-preposterous/QEJKZ25KORAWNLX2J7BFJDYLWE/ | 2023-07-13T19:42:06 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/disney-ceo-bob-iger-desantis-claim-that-company-is-sexualizing-children-is-preposterous/QEJKZ25KORAWNLX2J7BFJDYLWE/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — Driving around downtown Orlando you might be greeted to a furry face stopped beside you in traffic.
A LYMMO bus wrapped in an advertisement for Orange County Animal Services recently hit the road.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The bus features dogs and cats appearing to “ride” the bus, and with phrasing urging people to adopt and “get them home.”
“This is a highly visible bus that will be running seven days a week on three separate routes around the downtown Orlando area,” shelter officials said. “This means millions of people will see our messaging, and maybe, just maybe, this will translate into more adoptions. More fosters. More volunteers.”
Read: Book buddies: Orange County shelter launches program for kids to read to adoptable pets
Shelter officials said the bus came to be thanks to a partnership with Vector Media.
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/dogs-cats-ride-lymmo-bus-downtown-orlando-promote-orange-county-animal-services/TEC3ZIATVZFGHKPCAX56HK2X54/ | 2023-07-13T19:42:12 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/dogs-cats-ride-lymmo-bus-downtown-orlando-promote-orange-county-animal-services/TEC3ZIATVZFGHKPCAX56HK2X54/ |
MIDDLETON, Idaho — West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected for the first time this year in the area south of Middleton.
According to a press release from Canyon County, the mosquitoes tested positive for the virus when they were collected the week of July 10th.
This is the third time this year that WNV has been reported in Idaho in 2023. There have also been positive populations of mosquitoes found near Parma and Lake Lowell.
A district press release said that the areas have been treated for both larval and adult mosquitoes.
"Surveillance data suggests low levels of virus circulation throughout Canyon County," Director of Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District Jim Lunders said.
Lunders said that they routinely set gravid traps and dry ice baited EVS Traps at over 100 locations throughout Canyon County to control the public threat presented by West Nile virus.
CCMAD reports that it has tested over 225 mosquito pools this season for West Nile virus. Now there are six total positive pools, up from three.
In order to help prevent exposure to West Nile virus, Lunders said that people should find and dispose of any sources of standing water, including old tires, unused swimming pools, flooded fields and clogged drains.
He urges the public to remember that anything that holds still water for more than seven days can become a larval habitat for mosquitoes.
The District also offers some recommendations to stay safe when near mosquito infested areas:
- Stay indoors during the times when most mosquitoes are most active, including dawn and dusk.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants when near any area where mosquitoes are likely to be present.
- Use bug repellents containing DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus and Picaridin. Make sure to follow the directions on the container.
- All horses should be vaccinated for WNV and sprayed with EPA registered insect sprays.
- Notify the abatement district at 208-461-8633 if there is a site that is too large to be eliminated so it can be properly treated.
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See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/middleton-mosquitoes-positive-test-west-nile-virus/277-4df3ef5e-9d3e-4ca5-b879-6147af629d96 | 2023-07-13T19:45:39 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/middleton-mosquitoes-positive-test-west-nile-virus/277-4df3ef5e-9d3e-4ca5-b879-6147af629d96 |
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. — One in four Californians will soon be over the age of 60 and affording food isn’t always easy for those on fixed incomes, especially with inflation.
Experts ABC10 spoke with say there are programs and strategies to help people make and meet their food budget.
“People are living longer. California has one of the longest life expectancies in the nation,” said Susan DeMarois, the director of the California Department of Aging.
The department says nearly a quarter of California’s population will be over the age of 65 by 2030, exceeding the 18 and under population for the first time.
“Many older adults are on a fixed income, they might rely on Social Security, a small pension, so they really are paying close attention to their dollars and cents,” said DeMarois.
Many of them are struggling to afford healthy food, too.
“Typically, in California, one in 10 households are food insecure. But if there's somebody 65 or older in that household, it tends to be one in five households are food insecure,” said Pam Miller, the executive director of the Area 4 Agency on Aging.
Being food insecure means you don’t have enough nutrition in your daily life to really be healthy.
“Groceries have gone up, like I think something like 13% in the last year in terms of inflation, but the increase for Social Security was only about 8%... so that leaves that 5% disparity,” said Miller.
CalFresh, California’s version of food stamps or SNAP, helps fill the gap.
“What we're finding is that older adults feel there's a real stigma because there was always a stigma to food stamps, so only about one-third of older adults who could be receiving CalFresh are receiving CalFresh,” said Miller.
CalFresh can provide $23-281 in benefits each month to supplement food budgets, helping individuals, older adults and families afford nutritious food.
The amount of benefits a household receives is dependent on household size, income and monthly expenses like housing and utilities.
The benefits of CalFresh can help families put food on the table and pay for basic living expenses during tough times. Every $1 of CalFresh money spent returns $1.79 to the local economy.
Another program, Meals on Wheels, offers seniors free meals delivered right to their homes.
“Someone might retire and be financially secure, but as they age, their resources and assets dwindle and they have more financial needs,” said DeMarois.
You can figure out an accurate budget that meets your needs in just a few seconds. Each month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture publishes a food budget detailed and tailored for age, gender and spending level.
THIS WEBSITE does all the math for you, just fill out the age and gender of your household, how many times you eat out and hit GO.
Another money-saving move? Growing your own food.
Communities like the Lavender Courtyard apartments in Sacramento have spaces where residents can grow their own gardens. It’s one way to supplement a healthy diet if you’re on a fixed income.
RESOURCES:
California Aging and Adult Info Line: 800-510-2020
CalFresh program: 1-800-211-6565 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/affording-food-on-a-fixed-budget-in-california/103-f6b65161-2f9d-4550-b482-b61c38b6063a | 2023-07-13T19:45:45 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/affording-food-on-a-fixed-budget-in-california/103-f6b65161-2f9d-4550-b482-b61c38b6063a |
SALIDA, Calif. — Three men from Modesto are in custody after they allegedly kidnapped a Wisconsin man on a business trip to California.
According to a news release from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, it happened Monday.
The release says a deputy was on patrol in Salida when he stopped a vehicle for code violations and one of the people inside seemed scared.
The deputy asked the man to get out of the car so he could talk to him at which time the man said he was being held hostage by the other people in the vehicle, who were immediately detained.
The man told the deputy he flew to California from Wisconsin for business. Upon his arrival in Modesto, he met with 21-year-old Luis Ceballos and they started driving around.
The release says Ceballos drove the victim to a dead-end road in the county and then a second vehicle arrived. Two men allegedly chased him down, beat him and demanded money from him.
At some point, the group called his family and demanded ransom money, which they received via an electronic transfer.
The victim was taken to the doctor where he was treated for bruising and a fractured nose. He is now back home in Wisconsin.
Meanwhile, Ceballos and two other men – 25-year-old Jesus Garcia and 21-year-old Luis Garcia – were booked on suspicion of kidnapping, false imprisonment, conspiracy, extortion and battery with bodily injury. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/deputy-saves-man-from-alleged-kidnappers-in-salida/103-ca25bd97-3e42-4814-8d9e-d1ef132c9825 | 2023-07-13T19:45:51 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/deputy-saves-man-from-alleged-kidnappers-in-salida/103-ca25bd97-3e42-4814-8d9e-d1ef132c9825 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif — Democrats in the California Legislature on Thursday revived a bill that would increase penalties for child traffickers following pressure from the public and Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The bill by Republican state Sen. Shannon Grove would add child trafficking to a list of serious felonies in California. Anyone convicted of at least three serious felonies faces a prison sentence of between 25 years to life in prison under the state’s three strikes law.
Earlier this week, Democrats on the Assembly Public Safety Committee chose not to advance the bill because they opposed longer prison sentences, which they say is not an effective deterrent of crime.
But Democrats quickly changed course on Thursday amid a chorus of concern from the public and Newsom, who took the unusual step of publicly supporting the proposal against members of his own political party.
The Assembly Public Safety Committee met Thursday morning to advance the bill with no amendments. Four Democratic committee members, including committee chair Reggie Jones-Sawyer, joined Republicans in supporting the bill after they voted down the bill earlier this week. The bill must now be vetted by the Appropriations Committee before heading to vote on the Assembly floor.
Even with the reversal, Republicans were still not happy. The Appropriations Committee process is mysterious, where even bills with lots of support are often gutted or rejected. Republicans attempted to bypass the Appropriations Committee on Thursday by forcing the full Assembly to vote on the bill.
“Today we have a choice to make. You can choose a team, pick pedophiles or children,” Republican Assemblymember Heath Flora said.
Democrats rejected the Republican request, with Assembly Majority Leader Isaac Bryan, a Democrat from Los Angeles, chastising Flora for insinuating some Democrats supported pedophiles.
Watch more on ABC10: California Heat Wave | Dangerous heat peaking this weekend in Sacramento area | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sb14-latest-california-bill-child-trafficking-public-pressure/103-3c11da22-0eb6-48ca-8d5f-b9d71debeb47 | 2023-07-13T19:45:57 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sb14-latest-california-bill-child-trafficking-public-pressure/103-3c11da22-0eb6-48ca-8d5f-b9d71debeb47 |
PORTLAND, Maine — Our public libraries have always offered more than just books, but in this digital age, what are the services they provide that aren't physical loans?
We sat down with Rich Brooks from Flyte New Media to learn more.
Q. First off, why focus on libraries for this segment?
Rich: Libraries are one of our most incredible institutions. You can understand why the gov't puts tax dollars toward police, fire, and education. But the idea that we also have these spaces in almost every town in America where anyone can educate, inform, or entertain themselves regardless of their financial status at no direct cost to themselves in just next level, IMO.
For those of us who grew up where books and the occasional record was all we ever borrowed from the library, I thought we should look at all the services they're offering today.
Q. And what did you find?
Rich: You can download ebooks and audiobooks directly through the CloudLibrary app that's available for iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, and other mobile devices that accept apps.
Once you've downloaded it and connected it to your library card, which took me all of a minute, then you're free to scroll through the libraries collection of ebooks and audiobooks.
While they don't have every book or audiobook you'll find in the actual library, they do have a lot of new releases and popular books. When I went in, they were also highlighting books from Maine authors, the Scarborough schools summer reading list, and my personal favorite: banned and challenged books.
Another app, called Libby, also allows you to borrow ebooks, but not only can you read them on your mobile device, you can read them on all Kindle devices including the Paperwhite, which a lot of true readers prefer.
To learn more, watch the full segment above. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/maine-libraries-tech-digital-rental/97-8000e6fd-2187-4dfe-9bec-5709494fac61 | 2023-07-13T19:49:49 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/maine-libraries-tech-digital-rental/97-8000e6fd-2187-4dfe-9bec-5709494fac61 |
PORTLAND, Maine — From an early age the dream was to become a rock star, and to make that happen Cindy Bullens moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s.
“I was 23 years old, skinny and wide-eyed,” Bullens writes. “I had a hundred bucks in my pocket, a backpack, and my guitar. I had a reel-to-reel demo tape of my songs. What I had most of all were dreams.”
What followed is a life that is anything but ordinary, defined by dizzying highs (performing with Elton John in Boston in front of 80,000 fans) and crushing lows (drugs, booze, busted record deals), all of them recounted in Bullens’ compelling new memoir, “TransElectric—My Life as a Cosmic Rock Star.”
The cruelest blow came when Bullens’ younger daughter, Jessie, died of cancer at the age of 11. A journal entry reflects the unfathomable pain: “Sixteen days since Jessie died. I’m feeling horror, emptiness. I gasp for breath disbelieving. I cry. And I cry. My baby is dead. How could it have happened? So suddenly. So fast.”
Through the years, in good times and bad, one thing remained constant. Bullens never felt at home in a body that just didn’t seem right.
“No one would ever understand that even though I didn’t have guy parts, I was a guy,” he said.
Finally, at the age of 61, Bullens decided to transition from female to male and became Cidny Bullens.
“Transitioning is hard,” he writes. “No, brutal.”
Yet it was also liberating. He added, “I am not only alive, but I am once again being reborn.”
Bullens, who has lived in Maine off and on for years, tells his story with honesty, humor, sadness, and passion.
After finishing the book, Carl Bernstein — the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter of Watergate fame — called Cidny to share his thoughts.
For Bullens, it was a bit of a surreal moment as he stood in the frozen food section of a supermarket, listening to one of the most influential journalists of his generation tell him how much he loved “TransElectric.”
One could talk for days with Bullens about all he has been through, and as our conversation came to an end, I asked a straightforward question: How’s your life now?
“My life is a life that I could never have imagined,” he said, mentioning just some of the things for which he’s grateful.
“The book. New music’s coming. I’ve got four beautiful grandkids. I’ve got a great wife," he said. “I’ve got a great life.” | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/musician-cidny-bullens-tells-a-powerful-story-of-love-loss-and-rock-and-roll-207/97-b64facf1-a666-4455-a1bd-2fab38d8267a | 2023-07-13T19:49:55 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/musician-cidny-bullens-tells-a-powerful-story-of-love-loss-and-rock-and-roll-207/97-b64facf1-a666-4455-a1bd-2fab38d8267a |
ANDERSON, Ind. — Anderson police are looking for two people in a homicide investigation after a man was found dead in a home last month.
Around 10:30 p.m. on June 27, officers responded to the 1000 block of West 13th Street, near Madison Avenue, to investigate after a man, identified by police as 41-year-old Timothy E. Kates, was found dead inside a home.
Anderson police have identified 38-year-old Roger Rodriguez Jr. and 30-year-old Demarcus S. Davis as persons of interest in the death of Kates.
Police said Rodriguez and Davis should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information on the incident or the whereabouts of Roger Rodriguez is asked to contact Anderson Police Department Detective Travis Thompson at 765-648-6743. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/police-looking-for-2-people-in-anderson-homicide-investigation-persons-of-interest-timothy-kates/531-5ea27ddd-0706-4014-bae9-88c99d24ae67 | 2023-07-13T19:52:06 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/police-looking-for-2-people-in-anderson-homicide-investigation-persons-of-interest-timothy-kates/531-5ea27ddd-0706-4014-bae9-88c99d24ae67 |
Things to do in Bloomington: pups, opossums and parties, oh my!
Summer Lovin' and furry friends
Are you yearning for something soft and loving waiting for you to come home? Visit the City of Bloomington Animal Care and Control on Friday, July 14, from 6-8 p.m. for an after-hours adoption event. Cats and kittens can be adopted free of charge. There is a $20 adoption fee for rabbits and dogs, but fees will be waived for long-term dogs.
Adopters must be 18 or older. The shelter is at 3410 S. Walnut St. in Bloomington. You can view adoptable animals here.
It's Barbie's world, and we're just living in it
Step one: pick something pink to wear. Step two: put on your dancing shoes. Step three: grab your gal pals, and get to the Backdoor. Friday night from 10-11:30, Barbie fans can join a dance party in anticipation of the new film's upcoming release. You'll pay a $5 cover, but bring some money for drinks from the bar and snacks at the patio's food truck.
Rev your engines and get ready to gamble
Get up early Saturday so you can attend the Annual Charity Poker Run and Car Show from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Monroe County Fairgrounds in Bloomington. The July 15 fundraising event is family friendly. It includes music, food, raffles and prizes, face painting and, of course, Monroe County's largest annual Stone Belt Shrine Car Show.
Admission is free, but it's $20 a bike and $10 a passenger to participate in the 10 a.m. motorcycle ride hosted by Solomon's Riders. Registration is from 9-10 a.m. Find the fairgrounds at 5700 W. Airport Road in Bloomington.
Meet-and-greet with whiskers and feathers
Kids, teens, adults. An opossum, a bird. An hour and a half of meet-and-greet and education at Monroe County Public Library this Saturday, July 15.
From 2-3:30 p.m., a volunteer from WildCare Inc., a local wildlife rehabilitation facility, will give a presentation. Accompanying him are Potato the opossum and Felix the American kestrel. WildCare volunteers treat more than 1,000 injured animals each year and release them back into the wild once they are healed.
Dancing in the Street block party
Take the streets of downtown Bloomington Saturday evening at Switchyard Brewing Company's summer block party from 6-11 p.m. It's open to all ages, with no entry fee. Attendees are encouraged to head to the corner of Ninth and Walnut streets wearing their best retro outfit.
You can expect a live DJ, tasty food and beer, local artisans and a vinyl swap. Switchyard Brewing is partnering with My Sister's Closet, a local nonprofit providing clothes to women in need. For every five items you donate, you'll get a $5 brewery gift card.
Saturday, '70s style
Keep it retro and swing by '70s night at the Root Cellar Lounge at 10 p.m. Saturday. Monthly guest DJ Bongo will rouse the crowd with favorite '70s hits. There's no cover, and anyone 21 or older can get down to punk, funk, pop and disco.
The Root Cellar Lounge is a speakeasy located at 108 E. Kirkwood Ave. as part of FARMbloomington. Weekend hours are 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Get tickets soon! The theater is selling out
Starting Sunday, July 16, and ending Tuesday, July 18, Off-Night Productions will put on three shows of David Auburn's Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Proof." The show is at 7 each night, and doors open at 6:30. Sunday is already sold out, so buy your tickets now at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater for Monday and Tuesday. They're $18.
The story follows a 25-year-old woman navigating grief and love. You can read more about the play at https://www.pulitzer.org/winners/david-auburn. Get ready to laugh, ponder, even cry in the Waldron Firebay Theater at The John Waldron Arts Center, 122 S. Walnut St. in Bloomington. | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2023/07/13/things-to-do-this-weekend-in-bloomington-indiana/70398259007/ | 2023-07-13T20:00:58 | 0 | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2023/07/13/things-to-do-this-weekend-in-bloomington-indiana/70398259007/ |
It's Your Business: Ellettsville Chamber of Commerce fuels growth and collaboration
The Greater Ellettsville Area Chamber of Commerce office sits nestled near the corner in Richland Plaza. Many don’t even know it’s there. But from this small office with one employee, an exemplary board of directors and numerous volunteers, the chamber has a multitude of accomplishments.
The chamber is comprised of members who are eager to connect, collaborate and contribute to the growth of their businesses and the betterment of our community. These members represent a diverse range of industries and expertise. They are united by their shared goal of fostering economic prosperity and creating a vibrant business environment. Through their collective efforts, they bring value to themselves and the entire community, fueling innovation, attracting investment and driving progress.
As a professional organization, the Ellettsville Chamber understands the value of strong relationships and collaboration with government at all levels. Through regular meetings, policymaker events and advocacy campaigns, the chamber provides a platform for businesses to express their opinions, ask questions and influence key decisions. In this way, the chamber acts as a vital conduit, bringing together government leaders and the business community for the benefit of all. Some of our policymaker events have featured Gov. Eric Halcomb, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch; U.S. Senators Mike Braun and Todd Young; state Rep. Bob Heaton; state Sen. Shelli Yoder and Congresswoman Erin Houchin. By actively engaging with local, state and federal government officials, we ensure the needs and concerns of our members are effectively communicated.
The growth in Ellettsville is undeniable. Envision Ellettsville, the initiative to help guide this growth using public input, sprung from a discussion at a town hall meeting in 2019. The Ellettsville Chamber created a subcommittee to identify the next steps and key stakeholders. It was immediately evident that a partnership with Ellettsville Main Street Inc. was critical to the success of the project. With a grant from the Community Foundation of Bloomington Monroe County, Envision Ellettsville took wings. You can learn more at envisionellettsville.org.
The chamber supports our future community leaders through collaborative projects with Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corp. Every spring the Ellettsville Chamber donates scholarships to two outstanding Edgewood High School seniors through Dollars for Scholars. For the past few years, Edgemedia, the media production class made up of seventh and eighth graders at Edgewood Junior High, has created stellar videos for the winners of our annual awards.
Each October, the chamber celebrates the work, leadership, and impact that chamber members have on our community by recognizing an outstanding business, a visionary leader, and an inspirational educator. Nominations are being accepted now from chamber and community members and can be submitted on the chamber’s website at EllettsvilleChamber.org.
Some of our other events for 2023 include our annual golf scramble, Picnic in the Park, monthly power luncheons, candidate forum, holiday open house and a cookie crawl. You can learn more about these events and our members on our website and our Facebook page.
We are excited about the future of Ellettsville and the chamber as we grow in tandem to help make our community a place where businesses and residents thrive.
Jill Thurman is office administrator with the Greater Ellettsville Area Chamber of Commerce. | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/ellettsville-chamber-of-commerce-fuels-growth-collaboration/70401662007/ | 2023-07-13T20:00:59 | 0 | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/ellettsville-chamber-of-commerce-fuels-growth-collaboration/70401662007/ |
LOCAL
It's National French Fry Day. McDonald's is giving them away for free.
Maya Gray
The Herald-Times
It's July 13. More specifically, it's National French Fry Day. If you've been itching for a hot, salty snack, look no further than the world's largest fast food chain.
Today, you can get one free order of any size McDonald's fries by ordering ahead through the mobile app. No other purchase is necessary to score your free fries. Just go to the app and head toward the "deals" section.
McDonald's has been serving fries since 1955. They were some of the first items on the original menu.
Wendy's is also celebrating National French Fry Day with a week of deals. Today, get a free fry of any size with a mobile order purchase from the Wendy's smartphone app.
Free fast food french fries. Say that five times fast — just don't do it while you're munching. | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/july-13-is-national-french-fry-day-get-free-fries-at-local-mcdonalds/70409533007/ | 2023-07-13T20:01:02 | 0 | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/july-13-is-national-french-fry-day-get-free-fries-at-local-mcdonalds/70409533007/ |
The city of Lincoln will have to pay a woman $5,973 for her injuries after a streetlight pole fell onto A street, hitting the front fender of the car she was driving in 2018.
Angela Nnadozie had sought $35,000 in medical expenses in the lawsuit she filed against Lincoln Electric System over it in 2020.
At a bench trial in January, the city admitted it was negligent in its maintenance of the streetlight pole between South 18th and 19th streets, which crews had been seen working on earlier in the day. But they denied Nnadozie was injured or that any alleged injury was caused by an act or omission of LES.
In a recent order, Lancaster County District Judge Lori Maret said that when a Lincoln officer responded to the crash on Sept. 6, 2018, Nnadozie didn't report any injuries and didn't seek any professional medical treatment until five days later.
In a handwritten narrative 11 days after the crash, Nnadozie also didn't mention any symptoms in her left knee, shoulder or upper arm, but did mention back pain.
Prior to the crash, she was undergoing treatment for her injuries in a crash in 2016.
Maret said that, based on the circumstances of the 2018 accident, she found that Nnadozie had suffered a minor soft tissue back injury, which took 10 doctor visits, costing $973. She awarded her an additional $5,000 for pain and suffering. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/judge-awards-lincoln-woman-nearly-6k-over-streetlight-pole-that-fell/article_1ba7e8a4-218f-11ee-9690-0fd7b73f43fe.html | 2023-07-13T20:08:28 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/judge-awards-lincoln-woman-nearly-6k-over-streetlight-pole-that-fell/article_1ba7e8a4-218f-11ee-9690-0fd7b73f43fe.html |
LAUREL, Md. — Long before the Chesapeake Bay or I-95 corridor etched the land that would be Maryland, an enormous carnivorous dinosaur lived and died here.
Officials announced this week that the recovery of the fossil and others nearby elevate the park’s classification to a bone bed, the first discovered in Maryland since 1887. Paleontologists define a bone bed as containing one or more species within a geological layer.
Scientists and volunteers have gently pried fossilized teeth, vertebrae and scales belonging to a variety of dinosaur species from the iron-rich bone bed in Laurel since 2018.
Paleontologist J.P. Hodnett, a program coordinator for the park, was among the group that initially discovered the tibia during a dig on April 22. He believes it belonged to an Acrocanthosaurus, making it the largest therapod fossil discovered in eastern North America.
“This is something paleontologists pray for,” Hodnett said. “To find them (bones) in a concentration like this is fantastic.”
The fossils will be cleaned, examined and cataloged into the museum system for the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation.
While dinosaur fossils are considered exceptionally rare in the eastern United States, the Dinosaur Park in Laurel has been considered one of the most important dig sites east of the Mississippi River.
Ancient channels of water flowing into the Atlantic Ocean likely swept the bones and other debris, like fossilized wood, depositing them in an area known as the Arundel clays. The land is rich in iron ore and attracted mining operations in the 1800s and 1900s.
Black miners working in open pit mines discovered Maryland’s first dinosaur fossils in 1858. Although the region’s iron furnaces have long since cooled, interest in the site increased in the 1980s.
In 2009, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission opened the park to the public, allowing visitors to dig alongside experts. Hodnett used to joke the site should be renamed “Cretaceous Tree Park” because fossils discovered there often turned out to be the remains of ancient vegetation.
Hodnett and other scientists gathered at the aptly-named Dinosaur Park on Wednesday to present their findings publicly. The discoveries, they said, could help humans gain insights into the diversity of animals and plants during a crucial time in the planet’s geological history.
“Typically, only one or two bones are found at a time, so this new discovery of a bonebed of fossils is extremely important,” said Matthew Carrano, a paleontologist with the Smithsonian, in a news release. “It is certainly the most significant collection of dinosaur bones discovered along the eastern seaboard in the last hundred years.”
The discovery is also likely to attract a bevy of visitors and volunteers to the park, where the public can excavate the orange and black patches of soil alongside experts.
Staff often tell visitors to keep their eyes peeled for anything small, ranging in size from a pinky to a thumbnail, that doesn’t seem to fit in with its surroundings. Dinosaur bone encased in rock for millions of years may take on a blueish hue when exposed to oxygen. Some of the best fossilized teeth have been found by children, Hodnett said.
“They have sharper eyes and are closer to the ground,” he said.
Madison Mateo was volunteering at the site when the tibia was unearthed. The 21-year-old, who is studying paleontology at George Mason University, excitedly showed off photos of the rock-encased bones to her parents.
“When we began to speculate, I started to get more excited,” Mateo said.
After Mateo’s classes wrapped up the following day, she rushed back to the site to be a part of the action.
The scientific community’s knowledge of dinosaurs in the eastern United States is lacking, said Thomas R. Holtz Jr., a paleontologist working for the University of Maryland’s Department of Geology.
Holtz, who verified the therapod discovery in the park, said a new bone bed could prove to be extremely important — especially if it produces a complete skeleton rather than fragments.
The bed is located at the base of a rocky hill within the park, meaning scientists will have to dig deeper into the iron-rich shelf to learn if more dinosaurs are buried beneath.
“Chances are looking really good,” Holtz said. “There are more discoveries to come.” | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2023/07/13/exchange-dinosaur-discovery/f00a6dce-21b7-11ee-8994-4b2d0b694a34_story.html | 2023-07-13T20:09:29 | 1 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2023/07/13/exchange-dinosaur-discovery/f00a6dce-21b7-11ee-8994-4b2d0b694a34_story.html |
BALTIMORE — Maryland announced the first heat-related death of the year in the state on Thursday.
Temperatures hit the mid to upper 90s in Maryland on Thursday. From May through September, Maryland’s health department monitors temperature conditions and incidents of heat-related illness and death. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2023/07/13/hot-weather-death/82425674-21b4-11ee-8994-4b2d0b694a34_story.html | 2023-07-13T20:09:36 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2023/07/13/hot-weather-death/82425674-21b4-11ee-8994-4b2d0b694a34_story.html |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A custom art bench painted by a local artist has been stolen, the City of Wichita said.
A Facebook post says the bench was installed in May and was painted by Heather Byers, depicting Black Bear Bosin in South Riverside Park.
Wichita grounds crews discovered the slats of the bench had been removed.
The City says it would like to have the one-of-a-kind piece returned, no questions asked. If you have any information, you are asked to call the city at 316-268-4361. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/custom-art-bench-at-riverside-park-stolen/ | 2023-07-13T20:11:36 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/custom-art-bench-at-riverside-park-stolen/ |
ABILENE, Texas — A Taylor County outside work crew trustee is facing new charges after walking away from the Taylor County Law Enforcement Center Thursday morning.
The Taylor County Sheriff's Office said inmate Angela Trueblood was found approximately 20 minutes after she escaped, just two blocks east of the Law Enforcement Center.
Female trustees are low-risk inmates and allowed to leave the jail to work. They are rewarded with good time towards their sentence so they can get out of jail sooner.
The TCSO said Trueblood took advantage of a reward system intended to help inmates get out of jail and return to society.
She was initially being held for theft, and now faces an additional charge of escape while in custody, a third-degree felony. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/inmate-found-after-walking-away-from-taylor-county-work-crew/504-2969f2da-93a3-4dc1-b2fb-7a870d8840d0 | 2023-07-13T20:15:05 | 0 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/inmate-found-after-walking-away-from-taylor-county-work-crew/504-2969f2da-93a3-4dc1-b2fb-7a870d8840d0 |
ECTOR COUNTY, Texas — An Odessa man has been charged with multiple counts of Intoxicated Manslaughter after a fatal crash on July 12 in Ector County.
43-year-old Gerad Raymond Sandate has been booked int Ector County Jail after leaving the scene of the crash that led to the death of two people, 31-year-old Cynthia Fernandez and a minor, both from Donna, Texas.
All of the other people involved in the crash were taken to Medical Center Hospital and have since been treated and released.
The initial investigation revealed that Sandate was traveling westbound on FM 1787, while the second vehicle, a 2017 Nissan Frontier with Fernandez and the minor as passengers, was traveling northbound on US 385. Sandate disregarded the red light at the intersection and crashed into the Nissan Frontier. After the crash, Sandate fled the scene of the crash on foot and was later arrested in the 400 block of East Sundown.
As of July 13, Sandate has not been released from jail and has multiple bonds of $250,000.
The investigation is still ongoing, and we will continue to update this story as we receive more information. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/odessa-man-charged-with-intoxicated-manslaughter-after-fatal-crash-in-ector-county/513-30edfb66-efd3-486a-945d-055b8bacdb35 | 2023-07-13T20:15:11 | 0 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/odessa-man-charged-with-intoxicated-manslaughter-after-fatal-crash-in-ector-county/513-30edfb66-efd3-486a-945d-055b8bacdb35 |
TEXAS, USA — You've heard people say, "There's nothing to do in town." Here is a list of events happening in San Angelo, Abilene and beyond to do with your friends and family.
BIG COUNTRY
FRIDAY
10 a.m. - Master Gardeners Series: Planting Fall Veggies, Abilene Public Library Main Branch, 202 Cedar St.
11 a.m. - Super Storytime: Splish Splash, Abilene Public Library South Branch, 4310 Buffalo Gap Road
2:30 p.m. - Big Country Master Naturalists: All About Bats, Abilene Public Library Main Branch, 202 Cedar St.
3 p.m. - Read to a Dog Day, Abilene Public Library, Mockingbird Branch, 1326 N. Mockingbird Lane
3:30 p.m. - Tween Summer Camp Series, Abilene Public Library Main Branch, 202 Cedar St.
4:30 p.m. - CHC Summer Buckle Series, Cowboy Heritage Church, 8468 County Road 112N - CLYDE
5 p.m. - Dining at Doc's: Fish Fry Friday, Doc's Bar and Grill, 2042 FM 1750
6 p.m. - Shayne Porter, Potosi Live, 897 FM 1750
8 p.m. - Flight of the Keys - Dueling Pianos, Wild Duck Marina, 320 High Top St. - BROWNWOOD
SATURDAY
9 a.m. - Moose Mountain Mornings with Christy, 3365 S. 14th St.
9 a.m. - Best 42 Club in Texas 2023 Tournament, Rose Park Senior Activity Center, 2625 S. 7th St.
9:30 a.m. - Dino Day!, Brown County Museum of History, 209 N. Broadway St. - BROWNWOOD
10 a.m. - Kids' DIY-U Workshop: Tic-Tac-Toe Grill Game, Lowe's Home Improvement, 1634 Musgrave Blvd.
10 a.m. - Kids' DIY-U Workshop: Tic-Tac-Toe Grill Game, Lowe's Home Improvement, 4134 Ridgemont Drive
10:30 a.m. - Yo-Yo Club Meetup, Abilene Public Library South Branch, 4310 Buffalo Gap Road
11 a.m. - Christian Business Women's Network Christmas in July, Mall of Abilene, 4310 Buffalo Gap Road
11:30 a.m. - Friends of Lake Brownwood State Park member meeting, Lake Brownwood State Park, 200 State Hwy Park Road 15 - LAKE BROWNWOOD
1 p.m. - Adult Dungeons and Dragons Club, Abilene Public Library, Mockingbird Branch, 1326 N. Mockingbird Lane
2:30 p.m. - Retro Flix: "Batman and Robin", Abilene Public Library Main Branch, 202 Cedar St.
2:30 p.m. - Making & Marketing Art, The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St.
3 p.m. - July Family Fun Day, Adventure Cove, 2742 S. 9th St.
6 p.m. - Four-year Celebration, Pioneer Tap House, 112 E. Baker St. - BROWNWOOD
6 p.m. - The Remedy and Sun City, Pioneer Tap House, 112 E. Baker St. - BROWNWOOD
8 p.m. - Jamie Richards, Blue Agave Cattle Company, 107 Main St. - BLACKWELL
8 p.m. - Flight of the Keys - Dueling Pianos, Wild Duck Marina, 320 High Top St. - BROWNWOOD
8:30 p.m. - Free Ride Band, Heff's Burgers, 4310 Buffalo Gap Road
8:30 p.m. - Star Party, Lake Brownwood State Park, 200 State Hwy Park Road 15 - LAKE BROWNWOOD
9 p.m. - Seth Merritt Band, Doc's Bar and Grill, 2042 FM 1750
9 p.m. - Star Party, Abilene State Park, 150 Park Road 32 - TUSCOLA
SUNDAY
1:30 p.m. - Pokemon Meet-up, Abilene Public Library Main Branch, 202 Cedar St.
2:30 p.m. - Sunday Fun Day: Bat Puppets, Abilene Public Library South Branch, 4310 Buffalo Gap Road
7 p.m. - Advanced Stage Combat Workshop with David Ainsworth, Abilene Community Theatre, 809 Barrow St.
CONCHO VALLEY
FRIDAY
10 a.m. - Snakes of the Concho Valley, San Angelo State Park, 362 FM 2288
11 a.m. - Illustrated Melodies: A Summer of Musical Storytimes - Music in Literature with the San Angelo Symphony, Old Town Books, 506 S. Chadbourne St.
SATURDAY
8:30 a.m. - Sand Fest 2023!, Fair Weather Farm, 2200 County Road 116 - BRADY
9 a.m. - San Angelo Gun Exposition, Foster Communications Coliseum, 50 E. 43rd St.
10 a.m. - Kids' DIY-U Workshop: Tic-Tac-Toe Grill Game, Lowe's Home Improvement, 5301 Sherwood Way
2 p.m. - Saturday Story-time and Crafts, Stephens Central Library, 33 W. Beauregard Ave.
2 p.m. - Tom Green County Libraries Teen Republic Draw Together, Stephens Central Library, 33 W. Beauregard Ave.
2 p.m. - Wandering Mind Brewery Grand Opening Bash, 130 S. Oakes St.
3 p.m. - Out of This World Elementary Dance Party, Prep Academy, LLC, 2430 Sherwood Way
4 p.m. - Warehouse 150 and Soco Tap House and Brew Co. annual pig roast, 113 E. Concho Ave.
5:30 p.m. - SuSan at Twisted Root Burger Co., 333 S. Chadbourne St.
6 p.m. - New Reign concert, Johnson Street Church of Christ, 2200 Johnson Ave.
6 p.m. - El Corazon Paint Fiesta, De Nada, 3038 W. Beauregard Ave.
7 p.m. - Guy Forsyth Blues Band, The Odeon Theater, 122 Moody St. - MASON
8 p.m. - Liverpool Legends, San Angelo Performing Arts Center, 82 Gillis St.
8 p.m. - Grupo Duelo, Erick y su Grupo Massore, Club El Patron, 1616 S. Chadbourne St.
8:30 p.m. - Mike and the Moonpies: The Solo & Steel Tour, The House of FiFi DuBois, 123 S. Chadbourne St.
9 p.m. - KhantraVersey, The Penny Tap House, 2412 College Hills Blvd.
SUNDAY
10 a.m. - San Angelo Gun Exposition, Foster Communications Coliseum, 50 E. 43rd St.
11 a.m. - "Brunch is for Lovers" Emo Brunch, Zero One Taproom, 59 N. Koenigheim St.
Want your event(s) listed? Email them to srojas@foxsanangelo.com by noon Wednesdays. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/west-texas-weekend-events-july-14-16/504-2b78dd7a-11f3-4ab1-90b8-dd7695747828 | 2023-07-13T20:15:17 | 1 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/west-texas-weekend-events-july-14-16/504-2b78dd7a-11f3-4ab1-90b8-dd7695747828 |
Four of the 27 new electric vehicle fast charging stations along Ohio interstates will be in Butler, Miami, Preble and Warren counties.
Ohio is the first state in the country to announce charging station sites to be developed as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, Gov. Mike DeWine said Thursday during a joint media briefing with Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jack Marchbanks, Drive Ohio Executive Director Preeti Choudhary and Federal Highway Administration Deputy Administrator Andrew Rogers.
“This is an exciting time for Ohio as we continue to lead the charge in electric mobility,” DeWine said. “As more Ohioans purchase EVs, this statewide network of chargers will ensure that our transportation infrastructure is prepared to accommodate these drivers, as well as visitors who travel to Ohio to see all that our great state has to offer.”
The state will award more than $18 million in program funds for the 27 fast charging stations along seven of Ohio’s interstate corridors, including interstates 70 and 75, DeWine said.
Funds will be matched with nearly $6 million from the private entities selected to install and operate the new EV fast charging stations, including Pilot Travel Centers, Meijer Stores, EVgo Services, Equilon/Shell, TH Midwest, Francis Energy and ChargeNet Stations.
Following are the four regional locations:
- Butler County: I-75, Exit 22, Tylersville Road in West Chester Twp. at Meijer in cooperation with EVGo/Delta Electronics. Award $751,493
- Miami County: I-75, Exit 74, at state Route 41 (Main Street) in Troy at Meijer with EVGo/Delta Electronics. Award $737,883
- Preble County: I-70, Exit 10, at U.S. 127 near Lewisburg at Pilot Travel Center with EVGo/Delta Electronics. Award $656,177
- Warren County; I-75, Exit 36, at state Route 123 in Franklin at Pilot Travel Center with EVGo/Delta Electronics. Award $670,341
“As the mix of automobiles on the road changes, we must adapt our infrastructure, and EV charging stations are a part of improving customer service for Ohio drivers and businesses,” said Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. “The automobile industry is a proud part of our history, and with new investments in battery plants and EVs, the auto industry can be a source of jobs and prosperity for our future.”
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/dewine-announces-sites-of-27-new-ev-fast-charging-stations-along-ohio-interstates/7JJ7JAXWAVG27JX43Q5ZNGCVVI/ | 2023-07-13T20:18:07 | 0 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/dewine-announces-sites-of-27-new-ev-fast-charging-stations-along-ohio-interstates/7JJ7JAXWAVG27JX43Q5ZNGCVVI/ |
Water district to host sessions on minimum flows for Peace River tributaries
The Southwest Florida Water Management District will hold an independent, scientific peer review of recommended minimum flows for Horse Creek and Charlie Creek beginning this month.
Horse Creek and Charlie Creek, tributaries of the Peace River, cover portions of DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands and Polk counties.
A minimum flow sets a limit on how much water can be withdrawn from various water resources to prevent significant harm occurring to those resources or the ecology of the area, the district said in a news release. The review will be conducted by a three-member panel virtually via Microsoft Teams, teleconference and a web board established specifically for the peer review.
The meetings will take place July 17 at 12:30 p.m.; July 24 at 1 p.m.; July 31 at 1 p.m.; Aug. 7 at 1 p.m.; Sept. 25 at 1 p.m.; and Oct. 2 at 1 p.m.
Clear SpringsGovernor approves special district to manage massive development in Bartow
Members of the public can join the meetings virtually and register to use the web board to post comments regarding the peer review process. Links to the Teams meetings can be found on the District’s Boards, Meetings and Events calendar at WaterMatters.org/calendar. The web board will be open for posting comments through Oct. 9 and open for viewing through June 30, 2024. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/district-to-host-sessions-on-minimum-flows-for-peace-river-tributaries/70406561007/ | 2023-07-13T20:18:36 | 0 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/district-to-host-sessions-on-minimum-flows-for-peace-river-tributaries/70406561007/ |
Bikes and pedestrians are a major focus of public forum on Downtown West improvements
LAKELAND — More than 60 Lakeland residents gathered at the RP Funding Center on Tuesday night eager to see what major moves are being recommended for the future of Downtown West.
The city-hired GAI Consultants Inc. gave an overview of the proposed Downtown West Action Plan with a strong emphasis on rebuilding connectivity and improving the area's infrastructure to reconnect Downtown West to the city.Downtown West is an area defined as south of Memorial Boulevard, spanning from North Florida Avenue west to Brunell Parkway and south to North Ruby Street/Palmetto along the edge of Lake Hunter. It is roughly 1,140 acres.
Blake Drury of GAI Consultants recognized the broad area includes seven distinct neighborhoods ‒ North Lake Wire, Lake Wire, Crescent Heights, George Jenkins Boulevard, Downtown, Lake Beulah and Westgate-Central Avenue.
The area is close to zones the city has targeted for major redevelopment incentives, Drury said, but often has not been the direct beneficiary.
"It's truly an area that falls between the cracks," he said.
At the core of GAI Consultants' plans are transformative changes to the structure of George Jenkins Boulevard and Martin L King Jr. Avenue, two major roadways dividing and creating barriers within the community.
Lakeland resident Palm Schumacher said she appreciated focus on roads and connectivity, an area many feel is often overlooked.
"This whole emphasis on pedestrians and bikes is very refreshing for me to see," Schumacher said. "I thought it was going to be where do we put businesses, where do be put high-end homes, where do we put luxury apartments. Yes, those will come, but they are planning for how we get around."
Others said it's a good start, but raised concerns about suggested changes and the extent of the plan.
"Let's just say there's room for improvement," said Lorenzo Robinson, president of the Paul A. Diggs Neighborhood Association.
GAI Consultants presented ideas specific to each of the neighborhoods, and residents were asked to provide feedback and prioritize.
Bonnet Springs Park and George Jenkins Boulevard
A major concern previously expressed by residents is ease of access to Bonnet Springs Park, a free public park that opened in October.
The park has one main entrance off George Jenkins Boulevard, opposite Sloan Avenue. There is no easy way to cross the four-lane highway by bike or on foot.
Real estate developer David Bunch, a co-founder who envisioned Bonnet Springs Park, said Lakeland officials need to "wake up" to recognizing the park needs to be made easily accessible not only by car but pedestrians and bicyclists.
"You can't build a park like that in the middle of the city that you have to drive to," he said.
Bunch said most Lakeland's core downtown area is encircled by major highways, limiting the walkability and accessibility. There's one exception which is the Lake Morton community in the southeast quadrant of the city.
Lakeland officials need to take whatever action necessary to improve overall walkability across the city, including accessibility for pedestrians and bicyclists to Bonnet Springs Park, Bunch said. He's often heard the excuse the city doesn't have the money necessary in its budget to take on a project like a pedestrian overpass.
"The city has been gifted this enormous project that has transformed half the city," he said. "It now has a park where it used to be a rail yard. You need to connect it, if it means a big bond issue to do it — then do it."
GAI Consultants have suggested George Jenkins Boulevard could be reconfigured to allow a pedestrian overpass to be built, and the westbound lanes reduced to allow a 10-12 foot wide multiuse trail to be build north of the roadway.
North Lake Wire
One of the more dramatic changes recommended for the North Lake Wire Neighborhood by GAI Consultants is reducing Martin L King Jr. Avenue from four lanes to two, one travel lane each direction, to allow room for a pedestrian path and make it easier to cross.
"It sounds good, but It's not going to work," Robinson said. "We have traffic there now."
Jaqueline Speed said there is heavy traffic during school days on Martin L King Jr. as parents and students travel to Lincoln Avenue Academy and Rochelle School of the Arts, even if located just north of the official parameters of Downtown West.
Claudia Ray, GAI's senior planner and urban designer, said area residents were widely opposed to a four-to-two lane reduction of the roadway Tuesday night, but said they may be willing to consider going to three lanes. There is solid support for pedestrian improvements.
Robinson said he's very happy to see an effort to beautify the road and make it more accessible, but GAI's suggestions don't go far enough.
"Now that we have a park, they want to make the entrance nice," he said. "But you also make it conducive to everyone in the neighborhood."Residents expressed a desire to see the Downtown West Action Plan address conditions of North Lake Wire's residential streets on either side of Martin L. King Jr. Ave. The area's roads are in poor condition and in need of pothole repair, Robinson said, and existing sidewalks are badly damaged and cracked, obscured by low-hanging tree limbs.
There's a desire for the city to better maintain the existing roads and sidewalks. Robinson asked for residential roads used by the community's children to be wider were possible, or alternatively narrowed with a bike path, and added street lights to improve safety.
"Take the plan a step further," he said. "Do the areas on both sides of MLK."
Community leaders pushed GAI to recommend a property tax incentive program for existing owners, Ray said. This ideally would include money for homeowners to make exterior improvements, ranging from paint and fences to landscaping, or interior renovations to key plumbing and electrical systems in older houses.
Area residents are widely supportive of a suggested infill development program, but want the city to offer a program to offset any kind of increase in property values — and thus taxes — to seniors and longtime homeowners. Robinson said many longtime residents wouldn't be able to handle a significant increase in taxes as property values rise.
Residents have asked city officials to provide more widespread notification when a business seeks a change of zoning or approvals to open. Community members do not want to see more smoke shops, bars, liquor stores, 24/7 lounges or used car lots, Ray said based on feedback gather. There is a strong desire for local, non-chain restaurants and a grocery store.
Crescent Heights
GAI Consultants has found a small but actively engaged group of residents in Crescent Heights — a small community north of George Jenkins Boulevard adjacent to Bonnet Springs Park.
Residents placed a high priority on GAI's recommendations for safety and infrastructural improvements. One proposed a roundabout at Sloan Avenue and George Jenkins Boulevard, the entrance to Bonnet Springs Park, to force drivers to slow down.
Other general notes include safety improvements to George Jenkins Boulevard, where have said trying to make a left-hand turn off the roadway is difficult and dangerous. One suggestion is reducing the road from four to three lanes, one travel lane each direction with a central turn lane.
Top priority was also given to bringing sewers to the residential homes. The city's sewers were extended to Bonnet Springs Park, bringing pipelines within close proximity to many residences, but the residences remain unconnected. Many say a sewer system would further encourage development of vacant properties in the area and add value.
The consultants have also recommended this is an area where infill development could be incentivized by the city. GAI Consultants has recommended an "Arts Gateway" be built along George Jenkins Boulevard as a possible multi-story, mixed-use building where the ground level is for retail or commercial uses.
Westgate-Central Avenue and Lake Beulah
A study of the Westgate-Central Avenue and Lake Beulah neighborhoods led the consultants to strongly recommend that the city invest in sidewalk improvements to make it more pedestrian and bicyclist friendly.
Drury said the goal is not to have sidewalks on both sides of every street, but rather make sure no one has to walk more than a block to find a sidewalk and make sure the existing system is connected. This would hopefully allow residents to use the railroad underpass to make their way to George Jenkins Boulevard and ultimately, Bonnet Springs Park.
In existing industrial areas bordering the tracks, Drury said the city should consider allowing a specific industrial mixed-use concept to happen, blending light industrial uses that aren't so offensive in smells and materials with residential.
'These are beacons of light'Lakeland developer building modern homes in city's Northwest
Lake Wire
There are major residential developments approved near the Lake Wire district that could have significant impacts on the surrounding community. These projects include Peachtree Flats , adding 84 apartments at the former retirement home, and increased density on the existing parking lots of The Ledger's property, approved to add high-rise complexes containing up to 500 apartments.
With the anticipated development, Drury said GAI Consultants will recommend the city upgrade its existing pathways around Lake Wire. It currently has about a 5-foot sidewalk, Drury said, that could be expanded to 10 to 12 feet and include features such as benches and bike racks, as seen around Lake Beulah.
This trail could be connected to pathways at the RP Funding Center, Orange Street, the New York Avenue cycle path and over to Hollis Gardens. This combined pathway has been tentatively name "The Arts Loop Pathway."
GAI Consultants also said municipal-owned property near the RP Funding Center and its retaining ponds could be improved to serve as a passive parks with trails, perhaps attracting greater opportunity for development. New York Avenue also has a number of surface parking lots the study found could be redesigned with wider sidewalks to become home to multi-story, mixed-use buildings.
The full 71-slide presentation can be viewed on Lakeland CRA's website at www.lakelandcra.net/cra-feature-downtownwest
Sara-Megan Walsh can be reached at swalsh@theledger.com or 863-802-7545. Follow on Twitter @SaraWalshFl. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/downtown-west-improvement-plans-are-heavy-on-bikes-and-pedestrians/70397312007/ | 2023-07-13T20:18:42 | 1 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/downtown-west-improvement-plans-are-heavy-on-bikes-and-pedestrians/70397312007/ |
Florida Polytechnic Foundation in Lakeland adds pair to Board of Directors
Johnnie Curls Jr. and Alen Tomczak have been appointed to the Florida Polytechnic University Foundation Board of Directors.
Curls is owner and CEO of Barney’s Pumps in Lakeland. Established in 1950, the company provides pump solutions and technical services for the water, wastewater, industrial, municipal and food industries, Florida Poly said in a news release. The business, which has locations in Jacksonville and Coral Springs, has hired three University alumni as engineers, the release said.
“I think Florida Poly is great and can do so much for the city of Lakeland, and I’ll do anything I can to support that,” Curls said. “I love growing young people, and so I support anything that’s geared toward that.”
Tomczak is director for the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community for Cellebrite, a leader in digital intelligence and investigative analytics for public and private organizations, the release said.
“I’m very excited to be part of the board,” Tomczak said in the release. “It’s very exciting to see what the University is doing, and I want to be part of showing that Florida Poly is and will be the leading school for graduate and undergraduate STEM education.”
The Foundation’s mission is to “partner with Florida Poly to engage the community, inspire investment, and steward resources to build a world-class university.” | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/florida-poly-foundation-in-lakeland-names-two-to-board-of-directors/70405151007/ | 2023-07-13T20:18:48 | 1 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/florida-poly-foundation-in-lakeland-names-two-to-board-of-directors/70405151007/ |
Polk County vital statistics office moving to new Lake Alfred center on July 24
The Florida Department of Health in Polk County will operate its Office of Vital Statistics in the new Northeast Government Center in Lake Alfred beginning July 24. The Vital Statistics office in Bartow will close permanently on July 21.
The office maintains records of births and deaths that occur in Florida. The office issues Florida death certificates from 2009 to the present as well as birth certificates. Completed applications, proof of identification, and payment can be mailed, submitted in person or completed online.
'Enough is enough'Polk rescinds $6.5 million pledge for Fort Meade equestrian center
The Northeast Government Center is located at 200 Government Center Blvd., Lake Alfred, 33850. Business hours will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 863-519-8466. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/polk-county-vital-statistics-office-moving-to-lake-alfred-on-july-24/70406489007/ | 2023-07-13T20:18:54 | 1 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/polk-county-vital-statistics-office-moving-to-lake-alfred-on-july-24/70406489007/ |
'She's worried sick': Fort Meade may be on verge of selling low-rent mobile home park
Fort Meade may be unique among Florida cities in owning a mobile-home community.
But that distinction could soon end.
The city has received an offer to buy the Fort Meade Mobile Home Park, which dates to at least the 1950s.
The Fort Meade City Commission voted unanimously in April to approve the sale, as long as the prospective buyer, Wildflower Communities, adheres to the primary conditions of the offer, which carries a price tag of $4.85 million.
Wildflower Communities, a New York company, began a 60-day “due diligence” period on May 19. Closing on the sale is tentatively set for Aug. 17, City Manager Jan Bagnall said.
The park, which abuts U.S. 98 just west of the Peace River, originated as a tourist camp in the 1940s, according to a city staff report. The city has owned the 23-acre facility since at least 1956, records from the Polk County Property Appraiser’s Office show.
The Ledger could not determine whether any other cities in Florida own mobile home parks. The Florida League of Cities does not keep such records.
Small city, big dramaCity manager's withdrawn resignation highlights tumult in Fort Meade
Of the facility’s 180 dwellings, about 100 are used by seasonal residents and 80 by year-round residents, the city staff report said.
The community, open to residents 55 and older, is showing its age. The park contains a mixture of single- and double-wide homes, and many appear to be several decades old.
Why is Fort Meade entertaining an offer on the park it has owned for decades? Bagnall said the city loses about $70,000 a year on the property, and he provided records to support that assertion.
Bagnall said that lot rents in the park have remained well below market rates for decades. (Seasonal and full-time residents pay the same rents.)
Bagnall said the city had instituted only one small increase in rent rates over nearly two decades before his hiring as city manager in 2021. At that point, some tenants were paying only $145 a month, and the rent covered water, sewer service and a fire assessment, he said.
“It was probably the lowest cost mobile home park in the southeast United States,” Bagnall said.
A city staff report from last August listed rent rates for what it labeled comparable parks in the area. Those ranged from $325 to $525 per month.
Under an agreement signed in 1993, the city may raise rents only 10% per year. Bagnall said that past city managers have also opted to defer adding amenities in favor of avoiding rent hikes.
Bagnall said that Fort Meade’s expenses for running the park have risen significantly in recent years. He said the Florida Rural Water Association conducted a study in 2020 of the city’s water and sewer funding and recommended increases over two years of 50% for water rates and 25% for sewer rates.
That would make the programs self-sustaining, so that the city did not have to use general funds to subsidize the services, Bagnall said.
The 2022 staff report contained charts showing the city’s costs for operating the park, covering water and sewage, property taxes, management, insurance, amenities and other expenses. The report indicated that the city lost money on two of four rent categories in 2021, three of four in 2022 and projected to lose on all four in 2023.
Fort Meade received an offer for the mobile home park last year, and Bagnall took it to the City Commission. The proposed buyer offered $4.825 million, only slightly less than Wildwood Properties is now willing to pay. City commissioners voted against the sale after some residents raised questions about the condition of other properties owned by the prospective buyer.
But commissioners said they would leave open the door to selling the park later.
Move follows rent increase
At Bagnall’s direction, the city and the park’s HOA signed a Memorandum of Understanding in August. Under the agreement, the city planned to raise rents 10% per year for five years, yielding an overall hike of 61% by 2027.
At that date, monthly rents would range from $235 to $317, a city chart showed.
Though a previous president of the homeowners’ association signed the MOU, the residents’ group filed a request for mediation less than five months later, on Jan. 4. In the petition, the HOA listed four points of dispute. It said the lot rent increase was unreasonable; the increase had made lot rent rates unreasonable; a decrease in services or utilities was not matched by a reduction in rent; and a change in the rules and regulations was unreasonable.
The mediation was delayed because the lawyer for the HOA, Daniel Perry of Orlando, was suspended for 60 days earlier this year after The Florida Bar reviewed a complaint against him. The Bar found that Perry “engaged in a pattern of misconduct during his representation of several mobile park homeowners’ associations,” reporting that he filed frivolous lawsuits, violated the confidentiality provisions of the Florida Mediation Act and engaged in conflicts of interest.
Perry’s suspension has been lifted, and the two sides are scheduled for a first mediation meeting later this month.
Mike Marchand, the HOA’s president, had little to say about the possible sale of the park when reached by phone.
“The park belongs to the city, so they can do what they like,” said Marchand, a seasonal resident. “Other than that, I don’t have any comment at this time.”
Potential buyer promises upgrades
Karen Fan, founder and principal of Wildflower Communities, said her company is looking to satisfy the need for quality, affordable housing.
"I made an unsolicited offer for (the) Mobile Home Park, as I was following how this small, historic city of Fort Meade had big plans for future economic growth, and I wanted to contribute to making a difference in this community by way of responsibly owning and operating a manufactured housing community here," Fan said by email.
Bagnall shared an overview the company provided in making its offer to buy the Fort Meade facility. The packet says that Wildflower owns at least three parks in Florida — in Jacksonville, Belleview (Marion County) and Sebastian (Indian River County).
A website for Whispering Palms in Sebastian shows the community has a mixture of manufactured homes and recreational vehicles. The facility offers swimming pools, tennis courts, a putting green and three activities centers.
Over purchase of fire engineFort Meade city manager survives vote on possible firing
The packet says that Wildflower Communities would upgrade amenities at Fort Meade Mobile Home Park by building a pickleball court, would increase events at the community center and would repair roads in the community. The company also plans to hire a professional property manager and to bring in new manufactured homes for any vacant lots.
Fan said her company would also bring in a handyman "trained to our highest standards" and replace the current, utilitarian sign with a sandblasted entrance sign.
Residents might wonder if a private buyer would be bound by the agreements that Fort Meade previously reached with the HOA. William Cruse, first vice president of the HOA, said he would expect the mediation process to continue with Wildflower replacing the city, if a sale is reached.
Would the limits on rent increases remain in place?
“My understanding is that the new buyer, first of all, will be able to institute rules that are what they want to do,” Bagnall said. “Now, they may be bound by some previous agreements, but they're also very much aware of those agreements, and they're doing their due diligence on the legalities of those agreements – and/or, what I would call a legal strategy to counter those agreements. That's up to them. I had a legal strategy ready, if we had to go that route.”
Residents: Park neglected for years
Residents expressed a range of complaints about the city’s handling of the park.
Terry Booker, the past president of the HOA, sat on the porch of his 1989 home Tuesday morning as goldfish swam in a plastic pond and a fountain bubbled. Booker, 75, said he opposed the sale, even as he harshly criticized the city’s management of the facility.
“Well, I wish they wouldn't sell it,” said Booker, a resident of 13 years. “But they really don't have a clue how to operate it.”
He added: “I have called them slumlords, and that's probably not nice to say. But I’ve had past city managers look me in the eye and shake my hand and tell me they were going to do something. And the very next month, someone from the city says, ‘He lied to you.’”
As an example, Booker said that when the loan for construction of the activities center was paid off in 2015, residents suggested that the city devote money equivalent to the past loan payments to build a new recreation hall. He said city commissioners agreed to do that but never followed through.
Booker cited a decline in amenities at the park. A recreation hall, which was used for dart tournaments and luncheons when the park hosted shuffleboard tournaments, decayed to the point the county condemned it and the building was demolished last year, he said.
Booker said the city built a 4,800-square-foot activities center specifically for residents but now rents it out regularly, limiting its use by park dwellers. He said residents previously had exclusive use of a golf course, but a few years ago city leaders made it a municipal course.
Booker questioned Bagnall’s assertion that Fort Meade loses money on its ownership of the park.
“It's always kind of been a moneymaker for them,” he said. “We've checked the past budgets, and no matter how much they may cry about it, they always transfer money into the general fund after all the bills are paid, after everything, they transfer money into the general fund. So you can't lose money and keep doing that year after year.”
Rather than selling the park, Booker suggested that the city install a competent manager to run the community.
Betsy Humphreys, a former snowbird who became a full-time resident this year, also lamented Fort Meade’s failure to maintain the community. She said many streets are in poor condition, and the city recently repaved only a few. She also complained about a failure to trim trees near homes and she and a neighbor had to pay $3,000 for tree work after a branch fell on her home during a storm.
Humphreys, 66, resides in the oldest section of the community, occupying a structure built in 1969. She pays the lowest level of rent, $145 monthly before the increases agreed to last year, but she isn’t happy about the prospect of rent increases over five consecutive years.
“Most people in here are on a very fixed income,” she said. “Like my neighbor – if they raise the rent, she won't be able to afford to live in here. She doesn't know where she's going to go, and she’s worried sick. Well, all of us are.”
Humphreys isn’t persuaded by the notion that Fort Meade is overdue for increasing rents at the park. She said past city managers are to blame.
“That's not our fault, though,” she said. “Why are they trying to recuperate it all at once?”
Humphreys also objected to what she considered unfair financial burdens on top of the rent increases. She said that early this year the city demanded that residents pay deposits amounting to two months of rent.
Booker said he failed to understand that surprise bill. Security deposits are common in apartment complexes, providing the owners with a financial cushion against possible damage left behind by tenants. But he said residents of the park own their homes and rent only the lots.
Bagnall said Fort Meade ordered the payments for two reasons. The city has traditionally collected rent two months late, and some residents have departed without paying their remaining balance. He said some have also left behind mobile homes in such bad condition that the city had to clean or demolish them, accruing costs written off as bad debt.
Residents were given the option of spreading the security payments over the course of the year, Bagnall said.
Humphreys also complained about a fire assessment fee passed along this year to park residents. Bagnall said that Fort Meade enacted a fire assessment fee in 2019 and only this year began enforcing it for residents of the mobile home park.
Equestrian centerFort Meade deflects blame as agreement with Polk County falls apart
The city manager said all the changes were presented in a changed prospectus after Fort Meade received approval from the state.
'We would prefer to have kept it local'
Cruse said he hopes the city will retain ownership of the park.
“I'm not happy with the fact that the park is being sold,” Cruse said. “We would have preferred to negotiate and resolve our issues. At this time, we were unable to do that. I would have preferred just to see some way to work it out with the city, that they could remain the owner of the park rather than sell it to an outsider, someone from out of state. We would prefer to have kept it local.”
Cruse, 73, is a seasonal resident from Ohio. He said he has lived part-time at the Fort Meade facility for about a decade.
Cruse acknowledged that rents in the park are unusually low. He said he would be willing to pay more in rent if it meant the city would improve amenities.
“I think this is the general consensus of the whole HOA, that they are more concerned with the amenities than they are the actual raising of the rent,” Cruse said.
Gary White can be reached at gary.white@theledger.com or 863-802-7518. Follow on Twitter @garywhite13. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/residents-nervous-as-fort-meade-considers-selling-its-mobile-home-park/70397549007/ | 2023-07-13T20:19:00 | 1 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/residents-nervous-as-fort-meade-considers-selling-its-mobile-home-park/70397549007/ |
Woman convicted of killing Lakeland lottery winner Abraham Shakespeare seeks new trial
The woman convicted in 2012 of killing a Lakeland man who had won millions in the lottery is seeking to be released from prison or given a new trial.
Dorice “Dee Dee” Moore, serving a sentence of life without parole for the murder of Abraham Shakespeare, filed a motion for post-conviction relief in 2017 and has submitted amended motions since then. Moore’s quest mainly rests upon claims that she received ineffective council during her trial, held in Hillsborough County Circuit Court.
Circuit Judge Michelle Sisco has denied some of Moore’s claims and dismissed others while allowing Moore to modify and refile them. The case has proceeded for years, and continued with an evidentiary hearing Wednesday in Tampa.
Shakespeare won a $17 million payment from the Florida Lottery in 2006. Prosecutors said that Moore befriended him in 2008, after Shakespeare had given away or loaned most of his winnings.
Fraud, bankruptcies, murder: These 7 top Florida lottery winners lost everything
Moore, then the owner of a nurse-staffing company, gained control of Shakespeare’s remaining money and killed him after he realized he could not get access to his money and became suspicious, prosecutors said.
Investigators found Shakespeare’s body in January 2010, buried behind a Plant City home that Moore owned. He had been shot twice in the chest, and a concrete slab covered the grave. Shakespeare had been reported missing the previous year, and authorities determined that he was murdered on April 6, 2009, at age 43.
The Lakeland Police Department played a key role in the investigation and the search for Shakespeare. Officers said that Moore conducted an elaborate plan to mislead police and make it seem that Shakespeare was still alive long after she had allegedly killed him. Moore claimed that others were involved in the killing, such as a drug dealer named “Ronald,” whom prosecutors called a fictitious character.
During sentencing at Moore’s trial, Circuit Judge Emmett Lamar Battles called her "the most manipulative person" he had seen and described the murder as "cold," "calculated" and "cruel."
In her initial filing from 2017, Moore made four claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, three based on her trial and one citing alleged failures of her appellate attorney. In April 2019, Moore expanded on those claims in a 48-page amended motion, which included a 10-page, handwritten addendum.
In that filing, Moore listed 12 grounds for seeking either a nullification of her sentence or a new trial. All involved claims that her lawyer, Byron Hileman, was ineffective in defending her during her trial. (Hileman, who operated a Bartow practice, died in January.)
Moore, now 50, claimed that evidence showed Shakespeare was alive months after the date prosecutors asserted that she had killed him, and she wrote that Hileman failed to investigate and present supporting evidence. She wrote that her lawyer failed to call witnesses who could have refuted the prosecution’s narrative.
Previously, from 2012:Jury Convicts Dorice 'DeeDee' Moore of Murdering Lottery Winner Abraham Shakespeare
Among other points, Moore claimed that her lawyer should have filed a motion to block “highly prejudicial” statements from a detective who said she had offered to get him a free room at the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa and perform sex acts for him.
Moore wrote that her lawyer failed to present a “reasonable hypothesis of innocence” to the jury.
In the amended motion, Moore also alleged prosecutorial misconduct, claiming that the state manipulated evidence during the trial and failed to share evidence favorable to her. She asserted that prosecutors allowed false testimony from witnesses.
Andrew Warren, then the state attorney for the 13th Judicial Circuit, filed a detailed response in 2020 rebutting Moore’s claims. Warren conceded that an evidentiary hearing was needed to resolve parts of two claims involving blood and DNA evidence.
Moore appeared Wednesday at an evidentiary hearing in Tampa. Christopher Bolt, Moore’s former lawyer, testified for the prosecution and said the defense team had done nothing wrong, TV station WTVT reported.
At the hearing, Moore claimed that Lakeland police officers were taking bribes from drug dealers, WTVT reported. Robin Tillett, a spokesperson for the Lakeland Police Department, said that LPD had no comment on that allegation.
More:Mother of slain lottery winner Abraham Shakespeare's son wins $1 million jackpot in Lakeland
Sisco is expected to issue a ruling next month, WTVT reported.
The Shakespeare case attracted national attention as Moore went to trial. His murder has been the subject of documentaries and episodes of such TV programs as “Snapped” and “Web of Death.”
Gary White can be reached at gary.white@theledger.com or 863-802-7518. Follow on Twitter @garywhite13. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/woman-convicted-of-killing-lottery-winner-abraham-shakespeare-seeks-new-trial/70409263007/ | 2023-07-13T20:19:06 | 1 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/woman-convicted-of-killing-lottery-winner-abraham-shakespeare-seeks-new-trial/70409263007/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The suspect in a Fourth of July carjacking had a checkered criminal past in Multnomah County, with one arrest dating back to 2008.
According to court documents, A Portland police officer responded to a stolen vehicle report on Monday, July 3. In the report, Joseph Gerrans accused 43-year-old Donald Ray Livingston of stealing his white 2003 GMC tow truck.
Gerrans also said that he and Livingston were previously friends, and had been living together since Livingston’s release from prison. But, according to the court documents, Livingston was “no longer welcome” in Gerrans’ home after stealing an acquaintance’s vehicle.
On the morning of July 3, the affidavit alleges that Livingston was seen attaching a tow strap to his former friend’s truck. Gerrans said he questioned the Livingston, who shouted “I’m taking it!” and pulled the trigger on a handgun that misfired.
One day after Livingston was accused of stealing the tow truck, Portland police responded to a report of another armed carjacking in Southeast Portland.
A woman said she was driving southbound on Southeast 122nd Avenue when a woman driving in the opposite direction cut her off. According to documents, two passengers exited the vehicle and one held a gun to her head as he urged her to hand over her keys.
This suspect was described as a white male in his mid-30s to early-40s with face tattoos, while the other passenger was described as a 12-to-13-year-old child. Cruz added that the older passenger also demanded the necklaces that she wore, before yanking them off himself.
Haagenson and fellow PPB officers believed that the suspect was Livingston, who wore a GPS-tracking device while on probation. Livingston’s probation officer checked the GPS monitor and learned the suspect was in the same Southeast Portland area at the time of the crime, according to court documents.
The affidavit said Livingston was found in the driver’s seat of Cruz’s stolen vehicle and arrested later that day.
Documents from an arrest of Livingston in April allege he led a PPB officer on a chase. Officers deployed spike strips and Livingston allegedly, eventually, pulled the car into a driveway where it burst into flames.
According to the report, Livingston then attempted to escape on foot. An officer said he advised him to surrender, but instead, Livingston hid in a dryer in a nearby delivery truck. A K9 unit eventually located him and he was arrested.
Livingston was also convicted on a robbery charge in December 2018.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office also confirmed Livingston was the same suspect from a 2008 case, in which the Anti-Defamation League reports he was arrested along with men believed to be in the racist prison gang, European Kindred.
According to ADL, Livingston and another individual robbed and beat a man who was scheduled to testify against gang members in front of a Multnomah County grand jury. ADL says the other individual had a European Kindred tattoo, and new members have to attack “enemies” in order to join the gang.
Following his most recent arrest, Livingston faces several charges including robbery, unlawful use of a vehicle, and attempted murder. | https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/court-documents-carjacking-suspect-once-tried-to-hide-from-portland-police-in-dryer/ | 2023-07-13T20:23:16 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/court-documents-carjacking-suspect-once-tried-to-hide-from-portland-police-in-dryer/ |
MIDLAND, Texas — Midland College is hosting Veterans Game Night on July 18 at the Scharbauer Student Center Hub.
The event is hosted by the Midland College Military Resource Center and will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.
There will be free games, food and community resources.
The evening will include a special presentation about home purchasing and ownership for veterans.
The event is open to all military veterans in the West Texas community.
If you're interested in attending, you can complete the online registration form. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/midland-college-to-host-veterans-game-night-on-july-18/513-57bdeba7-7548-4dc2-b3d7-a715d530ce84 | 2023-07-13T20:24:52 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/midland-college-to-host-veterans-game-night-on-july-18/513-57bdeba7-7548-4dc2-b3d7-a715d530ce84 |
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro believes being connected to the internet isn't a luxury.
"It really is a necessity," he said.
Shapiro was at the Pittston Memorial Library Wednesday to discuss the state's $1.16 billion in funding for broadband improvements from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Job Acts.
During the event, he said there are 276,000 Pennsylvania households, businesses and other establishments that do not have access to broadband. Another 52,000 establishments have unreliable access, he added. With the federal funding from the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, the state hopes to change that.
Studies show that when people are connected to high speed internet, they have better education, health care, economic and job outcomes, he said.
"Connecting people to high speed, affordable internet right now is going to help grow our economy and help strengthen our communities," Shapiro said. "I also think it's just common sense.”
In Luzerne County, 7,000 households, businesses, schools and libraries are underserved or unserved, said State Sen. Marty Flynn.
In 2021, while still under some pandemic restrictions, Luzerne County libraries public computers were used 34,000 times and its wireless broadband connections accessed well over 40,000 times, said Pittston Memorial Library Director Jessica Lane.
That number has only risen in the past 18 months, she said.
"I speak for all of the libraries in Luzerne County when I say we truly understand the importance and ultimate human right that it is, that it has become in the 21st century to have sufficient access to broadband services," Lane said.
Pennsylvania’s Broadband Development Authority is working on a five-year plan to deploy the resources and make internet affordable, said Shapiro. That plan must first be approved by the federal government. Once the funding is in hand, crews could then start laying cables, putting up towers and making the state’s new broadband infrastructure a reality, the governor said.
"If you are one of those hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians who lack internet access, you will begin to see activity in communities across Pennsylvania later this year, and then really ramping up early next year," he said.
The impact of no or slow connections holds the entire state back, Shapiro said.
"It really is important to state the obvious that broadband connectivity or lack thereof, it's not an urban issue or a rural issue, it really is a Pennsylvania issue," he said.
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority also received an additional $200 million, said Brandon Carson, director. That funding will be awarded to local governments, businesses and nonprofits that are working to expand internet service, he said.
"We're committed to finally closing the digital divide," Carson said. | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-07-13/pa-governor-discusses-broadband-expansion-while-in-pittston | 2023-07-13T20:29:09 | 1 | https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-07-13/pa-governor-discusses-broadband-expansion-while-in-pittston |
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MITCHELL — The four Mitchell High School students who attended the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America national conference earlier this month didn’t just perform well.
They were perfect.
“I don’t even know the words. It’s beyond amazing,” said Suzanne Skinner, FCCLA adviser for Mitchell High School. “It’s such a proud moment when all four of them in three events took first in the nation. Only one other time in my career did I have 100% (student first-place finishes) at a national conference.”
And Skinner has been advising FCCLA students for 43 years.
The Mitchell quartet of Emily Gelderman, Hope Baysinger, Alexis Daley and Jordyn Wilson all brought home first-place finishes in their respective competition categories. Baysinger and Daley together finished on top in the Chapter in Review Display category, Gelderman placed first with her Say Yes to FCS project portfolio and Wilson came in first with her Hawaiian Luau for Girl Scouts that was part of her Event Management Project.
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The national conference was held July 2-6 in Denver, Colorado. The four from Mitchell were among about 100 middle and high school FCCLA members from South Dakota and 4,300 nationwide to participate in competitive events at the conference.
Skinner said the sweep of first-place finishes for the Mitchell chapter was the only such occurrence in South Dakota this year, and it’s only the second time it’s happened for the Mitchell High School program. The last time was in 2009.
“Earning such high honors with these projects exemplifies their dedication, creativity and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others,” Skinner said in a press release announcing the wins. “Their accomplishment at the national level is a testament to their proficiency, hard work and unwavering passion.”
To qualify for the national competition, the Mitchell group first had to win at the state level with their Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) events. That conference was held in April in Sioux Falls.
And then it was off to Denver, where projects were pored over and rehearsed again before being presented to the judges. The conference, which more than 7,900 FCCLA members, advisers, alumni and guests from across the nation attended, sported a superhero theme titled “incREDible.” While there, students took the opportunity to attend workshops as well as hear from national officer candidates and speakers.
But the highlight for the Mitchell students was the STAR competition. Baysinger and Daley teamed up for their presentation, which provided judges with an overview of the Mitchell FCCLA chapter specifically, covering nine different categories from finances to meeting attendance.
“We talked about these nine different categories and discussed participation and some of the events our chapter does,” said Baysinger, who serves as president for the local chapter. “We gave a 15-minute speech on it and made this big display board with pictures of all our events. We explained our budget, our participation and meetings, and we referred to that throughout the speech.”
With all the practice they had put in during the year, their presentation was well-polished and resonated with the judges.
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“The judges really liked our speech and enjoyed listening. They were very impressed,” Baysinger said.
Daley said there was a good pool of information to draw from, given the busy schedule the Mitchell FCCLA chapter follows. She also said she felt the presentation went well, but was a little surprised by the first-place finish, though the judges’ reaction offered a glimmer of what was to some when they stopped to admire their display.
“It was just a lot of what we did as a chapter, like community service and leadership,” Daley said. “After we presented, the judges started taking pictures of our display.”
Skinner said all four students were exceptional and represented Mitchell and South Dakota well. Baysinger and Daley had a particular challenge by working as a team, she said.
“The teamwork in making a project come together. They had not been partners before in a competition event, and were learning to work with each other and being open to suggestions from each other. That’s definitely strong teamwork,” Skinner said.
All four Mitchell students will be sophomores starting in the 2023-24 school year, and Skinner expects she will see more success in FCCLA from all of them. The four will hopefully serve as a source of inspiration for other members, some of whom just missed the cut for nationals this year by a few percentage points.
And they’re already looking forward to nationals next year. The Mitchell FCCLA chapter will begin their new year soon with officer meetings, and then the year of activities will begin again in earnest. One project on the to-do list is to establish an interactive website for the Mitchell group.
“We kick off next week with our officer meeting and it will go right through to the next national conference,” Skinner said.
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The Mitchell FCCLA chapter has about 19 members, and Baysinger and Daley said they were always ready to welcome new participants. FCCLA offers many opportunities, and they know that other students can find new knowledge and skills if they jump on board.
“I think it’s a great learning experience and it can really help develop skills such as public speaking and lots of leadership skills. It gives you amazing opportunities like traveling and all kinds of amazing experiences,” Baysinger said. “I’ve learned a lot from it.”
Daley agreed.
“It’s a great experience and it gives you a better sense of community service. And it gives you better communication skills and leadership,” Daley said.
Students can join FCCLA beginning in 7th grade. Skinner encouraged students interested in the program to reach out to her at suzanne.skinner@k12.sd.us or watch for announcements about the club issued by the school. | https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/local/mitchell-high-school-fccla-students-perfect-at-national-conference | 2023-07-13T20:33:01 | 1 | https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/local/mitchell-high-school-fccla-students-perfect-at-national-conference |
LAYHILL, Md. — An overnight argument inside a Montgomery County restaurant leads to gunfire leaving five injured.
It happened just after midnight at Sole D’italia in the Norbeck-Layhill community.
Police say the altercation spilled out into the parking lot.
Things soon turned violent when gunshots rang out.
On scene officers located at least four people suffering from gunshot wounds. All are expected to survive, although one victim's injuries are considered serious.
A fifth person sustained minor injuries, but it's unclear if they were shot.
No arrests have been made thus far, as police are still working to determine who exactly was involved.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the shooter(s).
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-8477. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/five-injured-in-shooting-outside-montgomery-county-restaurant | 2023-07-13T20:39:19 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/five-injured-in-shooting-outside-montgomery-county-restaurant |
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The city announced that utility rates in St. Petersburg are expected to rise come October.
As utility rates and charges are reviewed each year, St. Pete City Council is considering adjustments to water, wastewater, reclaimed water, stormwater and sanitation utility rates and charges for the upcoming fiscal year.
Residents could see a $1.32 increase for sanitation, a $2.64 increase for potable water and a $7.04 increase for wastewater. Based on where residents fall in the tier system St. Pete created, rates could increase by $14.29 to $16.41 per month for stormwater.
- Stormwater Tier 1 Customers: $14.29 increase
- Stormwater Tier 2 Customers: $14.84 increase
- Stormwater Tier 3 Customers: $15.51 increase
- Stormwater Tier 4 Customers: $16.41 increase
The dollar amounts are not set in stone at this time. The official changes would take effect on Oct. 1, 2023.
Residents who are interested in learning more about the proposed rate change should look out for the following dates.
The city council will have its first reading to formally set the date of the public hearing on Aug. 17. The public hearing for a presentation on the rates and consideration of the proposed utility rates for final adoption is set for 5 p.m. on Sept. 7, 2023, at City Hall and Oct. 1 is when the new rates will take effect, pending approval from City Council.
St. Pete residents unable to attend the public hearing will be able to tune in on St. Pete TV. In addition, St. Pete has a Utility Rate Changes Toolkit to keep people up to date on what's going on. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/st-petersburg-utility-rates/67-d299795c-99bf-4a5e-9785-0a66ed5dca32 | 2023-07-13T20:50:37 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/st-petersburg-utility-rates/67-d299795c-99bf-4a5e-9785-0a66ed5dca32 |
KINGSTON, Pa. — Nearly a year after closing its doors, First Hospital in Kingston will reopen as Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health Hospital.
First Hospital opened in 1983, the hospital in Kingston offered inpatient psychiatric treatment for children, adolescents, and adults, as well as counseling services and other outpatient programs.
First Hospital closed in October of 2022.
Commonwealth Health cites an incident in June of 2022 as one reason for closing First Hospital. Police had to be called, several people were hurt. After the incident, new admissions were put on hold, leading to more staff members leaving.
The new facility will begin treating patients in October on the former First Hospital grounds, according to state Rep. Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne).
Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health Hospital purchased the vacant building on Wyoming Avenue in Kingston and is in the process of filing for state licensure with the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services within the Department of Human Services.
Signet Health, a behavioral health management company, is consulting with Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health Hospital to help secure licensure, set up hospital operations, and recruit staff.
Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health plans to begin accepting patients in October 2023. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/first-hospital-set-to-reopen-wyoming-valley-behavioral-services/523-3264477b-3364-48c0-bdd9-657c165bd03a | 2023-07-13T20:52:45 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/first-hospital-set-to-reopen-wyoming-valley-behavioral-services/523-3264477b-3364-48c0-bdd9-657c165bd03a |
HAZLETON, Pa. — A college in Luzerne County unveiled a new area for students.
Newswatch 16 stopped by LCCC Hazleton to check out the new Pasco L. Schiavo Student Learning Commons.
What used to be an area with tables and chairs is now a space for students to relax between classes and work on projects.
It has a classroom, a student lounge, computer workstations, and charging stations.
"This new room that we have is differently beneficial for me and other students. I feel like It would be better to help students focus and do much better, perform much better, and study a lot more effectively," said Colton Miller, a professional writing major.
The new space is named after an attorney from the Hazleton area.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/lccc-hazleton-unveils-new-space-for-students-pasco-l-schiavo-student-learning-commons-wnep/523-4efe9f6a-7c40-4ffc-81c2-43c3b164eb1c | 2023-07-13T20:52:51 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/lccc-hazleton-unveils-new-space-for-students-pasco-l-schiavo-student-learning-commons-wnep/523-4efe9f6a-7c40-4ffc-81c2-43c3b164eb1c |
RED ROCK, Pa. — State police in Luzerne County are looking for the person who scammed an elderly man out of more than $100,000.
Troopers say the man from Fairmount Township said he received a call in 2022 and was told he won the Megamillions jackpot, a new pickup truck, and $5,000 a week for life.
The victim was instructed to send payments through wire transfers to collect his winnings.
In all, the scammers stole about $110,000 dollars.
Want to see what Newswatch 16's newscast was like in 1976? Head on over to WNEP's YouTube. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/troopers-elderly-man-scammed-out-of-110000-fairmount-township-wnep/523-7926619c-8898-4b2b-a18d-2d1bc4c1cde1 | 2023-07-13T20:52:57 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/troopers-elderly-man-scammed-out-of-110000-fairmount-township-wnep/523-7926619c-8898-4b2b-a18d-2d1bc4c1cde1 |
LACEYVILLE, Pa. — Through the fifty acres of fruit trees at Jaynes Orchard in West Auburn, the family roots run five generations deep for Roger Jayne.
"First two generations I don't know too much about, but my grandfather graduated from Cornell in 1910 and started planting apples, so it's been an apple orchard since 1910," said owner Roger Jayne.
The sign on the front door now reads closed for the remainder of 2023.
The fruit trees were blossoming with this year's harvest, only to be destroyed by freezing temperatures on May 18.
"It's never happened before, we've had small crops where they were frosted, and we lost some, but this year, this is the first that I ever knew with a total freeze. It killed everything," said Roger.
"This was hard, I was kind of glad I was away for a few days. When I got back, I could see the cherries had turned black, it's hard on the heart," said Jeannie Jayne.
The Jayne's won't be able to make their 5,000 gallons of cider for customers because the apples were also destroyed.
The produce on their shelves reflects the fruits of their labor.
"If it's not ours, we don't sell it. Some places may buy to supplement, but if it's not ours and we don't grow it, we won't sell it," said Jeannie.
Even though the farm is closed, that doesn't mean the work stops.
The trees will need to be pruned to keep them healthy, as Roger and Jeannie are looking ahead to the next growing season to re-open.
"Every orchard will be able to say this, you have certain people who are only going to come to your orchard for their product, but when we can put out a nice looking fruit, that's what we want," said Jeannie.
The Jayne's say they're hopeful Mother Nature will be kinder next year.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/susquehanna-county/orchard-closes-for-season-after-freeze-in-may-jaynes-orchard-in-west-auburn-laceyville-wnep/523-540efab2-f58c-4670-935e-f068e699e488 | 2023-07-13T20:53:03 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/susquehanna-county/orchard-closes-for-season-after-freeze-in-may-jaynes-orchard-in-west-auburn-laceyville-wnep/523-540efab2-f58c-4670-935e-f068e699e488 |
ALLENWOOD, Pa. — A man faces charges after allegedly assaulting a woman at a treatment center in Union County.
Troopers say a man followed the victim into her room at the White Deer Treatment Center near Allenwood last week.
Once inside, he began kissing her and then assaulted her.
He's locked up on indecent assault charges.
Want to see what Newswatch 16's newscast was like in 1976? Head on over to WNEP's YouTube. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/union-county/man-allegedly-assaulted-woman-at-treatment-center-white-deer-treatment-center-near-allenwood-wnep/523-6a1163ab-9279-4782-b1bd-17049bf56195 | 2023-07-13T20:53:09 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/union-county/man-allegedly-assaulted-woman-at-treatment-center-white-deer-treatment-center-near-allenwood-wnep/523-6a1163ab-9279-4782-b1bd-17049bf56195 |
BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas — A ruptured pipeline caused a huge fire at a private oil field in Brazoria County on Thursday, authorities said.
The owner of the pipeline is INEOS Oligomers, according to the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office. The address for INEOS Oligomers is near FM 2004 and FM 2917.
Galveston residents near Chocolate Bay said they felt an explosion. When they walked outside, they were able to snap pictures of the fire from the oil field.
Picture below is from Air 11
Officials have not been able to tell us what exactly is burning, but they did say no injuries have been reported.
Multiple first responders were called to the scene to investigate.
Below is video from Air 11 on the fire.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/brazoria-county-ruptured-pipeline-fire/285-456b7b78-3958-401d-92c7-c53953c48be3 | 2023-07-13T20:59:26 | 1 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/brazoria-county-ruptured-pipeline-fire/285-456b7b78-3958-401d-92c7-c53953c48be3 |
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Soon people in North Little Rock will be seeing a new glass recycling plant in the area. Arkansas-based non-profit, EPIC Glass Recycling is partnering with ACE Glass and Plastics Recycling to build the plant just east of I-440.
The first phase of the operation is scheduled to be operational in early 2024 and it will involve the installation of different types of processing equipment to create cullet from the collected glass.
Glass cullet can be used in many ways, from being remanufactured into glass containers, repurposed for fiberglass products, turned into road striping, and more.
The second phase of the operation includes the production of ultra-lightweight foamed glass that can be used in road construction projects across the Natural State. The foamed glass allows for cost and weight savings in road construction by replacing the traditional fill behind retaining walls.
Those savings are important and beneficial not only to tax-payers but to local governments too.
“We’re very excited to be able to offer an in-state recycling option for cities, counties, and solid waste agencies that currently collect glass, ramp up collections where not currently offered, and add additional services where needed. By being able to collect, recycle and manufacture products from glass in an end-to-end process, Epic Glass Recycling will now be able to productively repurpose what was once waste into viable products or raw materials rather than sending it to landfills or out-of-state,” said Courtney Little, Founder of Epic Glass Recycling.
The addition of a plant in Central Arkansas will make glass recycling more cost-effective for communities across the state as well as in surrounding states.
North Little Rock Mayor, Terry Hartwick expressed his excitement for the plant to join other recycling developments in the city.
"With aluminum, metal, and now glass and plastic, our city is moving forward with the newest technologies in recycling and is fast becoming the center of recycling for the state.” shared Mayor Terry Hartwick. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/glass-recycling-plant-north-little-rock/91-36854e4c-90d8-4bc7-b51c-f3c8110e71c6 | 2023-07-13T20:59:32 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/glass-recycling-plant-north-little-rock/91-36854e4c-90d8-4bc7-b51c-f3c8110e71c6 |
When NAZ Elite and Krissy Gear were putting together her race schedule in the early parts of 2023, Gear pitched the idea of running a steeplechase.
A few months later in Eugene, Oregon, Gear -- who is still in her rookie year -- won the gold in the event at the USATF Outdoor Championships, setting a PR at 9:12.81, punching a ticket to the World Athletics Championships and becoming the sixth-fastest American woman all-time in the discipline.
Gear's impressive victory on Saturday, July 8, provided NAZ Elite its first-ever gold medal at the national outdoor championship meet.
“Her athleticism is a big part of it, her strength as in like her structure and core strength, and her comfort level. She enjoys hurdles and the obstacles," said former NAZ Elite head coach Alan Culpepper.
Culpepper and NAZ Elite parted ways officially on Monday. Before the split, however, he got to see a group of young track athletes he's coached for nearly a year compete on the big stage and gain crucial experience.
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NAZ Elite's Olin Hacker finished seventh at his first outdoor national championship meet in the men's 5,000-meter race on Sunday, clocking a 13:28.16. The rookie's performance, for Culpepper, showed that he's just outside the bubble of competing with the highest level of athletes at the distance.
“It’s that next little gear -- during the last 600 meters, really. So afterward, it was like, ‘Man, on a great day he could have been fourth,’ and to me, that was right in that zone," Culpepper said.
Former Northern Arizona University 5K standout Abdihamid Nur won the men's 5000m with a time of 13:24.37.
The team also experienced some hiccups at outdoors. Rookie Abby Nichols finished 10th in the 5000m in 15:27.02, and teammate Katie Wasserman, who was battling issues with her breathing during Sunday's outing, finished 19th in 15:44.47.
So now the team will assess the performances further with the hopes of developing more athletes into champions. It will have to do so with a new coach, as NAZ Elite is now searching to fill the coaching vacancy left open by parting ways with Culpepper, who was the team's second-ever head coach behind Executive Director Ben Rosario.
Finding success for Gear, however, didn't take much of a search.
When Gear was early in the process of deciding how to approach the national outdoor meet mentioned the steeplechase, NAZ Elite's coaching staff was all for it.
“I knew that she had run 9:38 while just kind of like dabbling in it," Culpepper said.
Gear ran a 9:38.62 while in college with the Arkansas Razorbacks, and she placed fourth in the event SEC outdoor championship meet in May of 2022.
Gear went on to win the steeplechase that she and NAZ Elite placed on her schedule at the ON Track Fest in early May, beating steeplechase standout Courtney Wayment with a time of 9:23.55. Upon that victory, NAZ Elite and Gear had a more clear picture of her future.
“It just came so natural. It was pretty clear at that point -- which was in early May -- that the steeple would be her event for nationals," Culpepper said.
It was the first time in her green professional career that Gear had to run prelims before finals. Again, she showed maturity beyond her years.
"She tactically did great in the prelim in that she just went to the front to stay out of trouble,” Culpepper said.
It was a smart move, as the race was slower and she kept danger out of her path. Gear ran 9:48.81 in the prelims on Thursday, July 6, for second place, and then turned on the burners for Sunday's title race. She hit the gas hard late to push for the gold, sparking a kick that New Balance's Emma Coburn couldn't keep up with.
Coburn placed second in 9:13.60, and Wayment placed third in 9:14.63.
“She’s really good about keeping her mind in a good place and really trying to decompress and not stress," Culpepper said of Gear.
On the road again
Two other NAZ Elite runners were getting themselves into better places as well over the weekend -- but on the road.
Aliphine Tuliamuk was at the Boilermaker 15K in Utica, New York, where the seasoned NAZ Elite runner finished fifth in 49:16.
The early race on Sunday was meant to give Tuliamuk a boost early in her training. The coaching staff said they liked the idea of an early race -- mostly because it gets Tuliamuk engaged and more ready to attack her marathon training block.
Alex Masai finished seventh at the Athletics Kenya World Championship Trials on Saturday, using the race to build confidence and his fitness for his half-marathon debut.
“It was a very quality showing," Culpepper said. "And honestly, all of this is going to set him up wonderfully for his half-marathon coming up in the fall."
Running in the Kenya race was a late decision, but NAZ Elite and Masai wanted to see how it would go, especially considering his recent upward trajectory in fitness and racing.
Culpepper said there's many more miles for Masai in the future as well.
“I think he can be world-class at the half and full marathon, so this is an exciting shift for him,” he said.
Mike Hartman can be reached at 556-2255 or at mhartman@azdailysun.com. Follow him on Twitter @AZDS_Hartman. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/naz-elite-this-week-gear-wins-gold-in-steeplechase-at-outdoor-national-meet/article_f3638e84-20fd-11ee-a228-d7557575a76a.html | 2023-07-13T21:06:21 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/naz-elite-this-week-gear-wins-gold-in-steeplechase-at-outdoor-national-meet/article_f3638e84-20fd-11ee-a228-d7557575a76a.html |
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — Fun Fest 2023 kicks off Friday, and it’ll begin as it always does with the festival’s signature parade through downtown Kingsport.
A notice from Kingsport officials states that the parade will begin on Clinchfield Street by the Kingsport Center for Higher Education. From there, the parade will go down Center Street and then onto Sullivan Street. The parade concludes back on Clinchfield Street.
The parade is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.
Clinchfield Street will be closed from Market Street to Clay Street on Friday. That closure begins at 8 a.m. in order to allow the parade lineup to prepare.
According to the city, all side streets leading into Center Street between Clinchfield and Sullivan will be closed starting at 4 p.m.
Center and Clinchfield Street will be closed roughly a half hour before the parade begins.
Ahead of the parade, detour signs will be placed. All closures will be lifted after the parade concludes. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/road-closures-planned-for-fun-fest-2023-parade/ | 2023-07-13T21:09:05 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/road-closures-planned-for-fun-fest-2023-parade/ |
American Airlines will offer direct flights from Wichita to Miami
American Airlines will start nonstop service from Wichita to Miami starting in November.
The planes will fly from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport to Miami International Airport beginning Saturday, Nov. 11. The service will operate on Saturdays only through March 30, 2024. The flights will be operated by a 76-seat Embraer-175 aircraft.
The flights will leave Wichita at 6:45 a.m. Central and arrive at 11:20 a.m. Eastern in Miami. Return flights will leave Miami at 7:30 p.m. Eastern and arrive in Wichita at 10:30 p.m. Central.
American Arlines’ Miami hub currently serves 133 destinations and offers connections to the Caribbean, South America and Europe.
“American Airlines is excited to offer new nonstop service between Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport and Miami International Airport starting this November,” said Philippe Puech, American Airlines director of short-haul network planning. “As our fourth nonstop destination from ICT, American is thrilled to offer local residents the most convenient access to all that Miami has to offer and one-stop access to the largest network of destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean.”
“We’re excited to add this attractive destination to our route map for the winter, and very grateful to American Airlines for expanding service in Wichita,” said Jesse R. Romo, director of airports.
Flights may be booked at aa.com beginning Saturday, July 15. | https://www.hutchnews.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/american-airlines-will-offer-direct-flights-from-wichita-to-miami/70409221007/ | 2023-07-13T21:10:22 | 1 | https://www.hutchnews.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/american-airlines-will-offer-direct-flights-from-wichita-to-miami/70409221007/ |
BLOOMINGTON — A Bloomington man faces up to 60 years in prison after entering a guilty plea Thursday in a McLean County sexual assault case .
Ryan S. Godsil, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of predatory criminal sexual assault of a minor under 13 years old (Class X felony).
Ryan S. Godsil, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of predatory criminal sexual assault of a minor under 13 years old (Class X felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Godsil was previously charged with three additional counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a minor under 13 years old, but the charges were dismissed by the state.
Assistant State's Attorney Mary Lawson said the offense occurred Nov. 6, 2021, and sometime between Nov. 7 and Dec. 1, 2021.
Officers from the Normal Police Department were dispatched to Godsil's residence Dec. 8, 2021, and a warrant for his arrest was issued Dec. 16, when a judge found probable cause, Lawson said.
Godsil entered an open plea to the charge and Judge Jason Chambers will decide his sentence.
The charge is eligible for mandatory supervised release of at least three years or up to life after he serves 85% of his prison sentence. He faces a minimum of six or a maximum 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
He also is ordered not to have contact with any person under 18 years old and to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
His sentencing hearing is set for Oct. 10 at 2:30 p.m.
Former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar has been stabbed at least 10 times by another inmate at a Florida prison. Nassar, 59, suffered stab wounds to his neck, back and chest, resulting in a collapsed lung, and is currently in stable condition. The assault occurred at the United States Penitentiary Coleman, with responding staff providing immediate life-saving measures. An internal investigation has been launched, and no staff or other inmates were harmed in the incident. Nassar was convicted of sexually assaulting athletes and possessing child pornography, with over 330 accusing him of abuse. Olympians Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and McKayla Maroney were among those who testified against Nassar. USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University have reached settlements with Nassar's victims.
Updated mug shots from The Pantagraph
Bryant Lewis
Bryant Lewis, 28, of Bloomington, is charged with home invasion causing injury, a Class X felony. His next appearance is Dec. 30.
Connor Wood
Derek Roesch
Derek Roesch of Saybrook was charged Thursday, Nov. 10 in McLean County Law and Justice Center with several counts, including:
-Two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, Class 2 felonies
-One count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon while on parole, Class 2 felony
-Two counts of unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a felon, class 2 felonies
-One count of unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a felon while on parole, class 2 felony
-Unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver (greater than 2000 grams but less than 5000 grams), a class 1 felony
-Unlawful possession of cannabis (greater than 2000 grams but less than 5000 grams), a class 2 felony
-Unlawful possession of a controlled substance, psylocibin less than 15 grams, a class 4 felony
-Unlawful possession of methamphetamine, less than five grams, a class 3 felony.
-Unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, a class A misdemeanor
Justin M. Mata
Justin M. Mata, 28, no address given, is charged with possession of less than five grams of meth with intent to deliver, a Class 2 felony, and possession of less than five grams of meth, a Class 3 felony. He was released on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond and his next appearance is Dec. 30.
Connor Wood
Marcus D. Wesley
Marcus D. Wesley, 36, is charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon in a vehicle (Class 4 felony), unlawful possession of cannabis (Class 3 felony) and unlawful possession of cannabis with the intent to deliver (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Phillip Tinch
Phillip Tinch of Normal was charged Thursday, Nov. 10 at the McLean County Law and Justice Center with several felonies including:
- Five counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, more than one but less than 15 grams of a substance containing cocaine, a Class 1 felony.
-One count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, less than one gram of a substance containing cocaine, a Class 2 felony.
Trisha L. Hanke
Trisha L. Hanke, 36, is charged with theft of over $10,000 (Class 2 felony). Court documents indicate she knowingly took $14,000 belonging to a Love's Travel Stop, in LeRoy, where she was employed.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
William B. Givens
William B. Givens, 49, no address given, is charged with unlawful possession of five to 15 grams of meth with intent to deliver, a Class 1 felony, possession of less than five grams of meth with intent to deliver, a Class 2 felony, possession of five to 15 grams of meth, a Class 2 felony, and possession of less than five grams of meth, a Class 3 felony. His next appearance is Dec. 30.
Connor Wood
David L. Oliver
David L. Oliver, 51, of Bloomington, is charged with predatory criminal sexual assault.
Kenneth E. Funk
Kenneth E. Funk, 27, is charged with residential burglary (Class 1 felony) involving an apartment in Lexington on Dec. 31, 2022.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jordan R. King
Charges have been filed against Jordan R. King, 34, for violation of the Illinois Violent Offender Against Youth Act.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Holly M. Isaacson
Isaacson
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kenneth L. Minton
Kenneth L. Minton, 51, is charged with aggravated home repair fraud (Class 2 felony) and theft (Class 3 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tony L. Jackson
Tony L. Jackson, 50, is charged for violation of the Illinois Violent Offender Against Youth Act (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Britley L. Hilger
Britley L. Hilger, 32, is charged with aggravated battery (Class 2 felony) after she supposedly punched a McLean County Detention Facility officer in the chest.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jasmine L. Smith
Jasmine L. Smith, 31, is charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol (Class 2 felony) and five counts of endangering the life or health of a child (Class A misdemeanors).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jackie S. Claypool
Jackie S. Claypool, 46, appeared for a Friday bond court hearing for two new cases which charged her for one count of burglary (Class 2 felony), four counts of forgery (Class 3) and one count of deceptive practices (Class 4 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Noah R. Demuth
Noah R. Demuth, 22, of Evanston, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer, a Class 2 felony, aggravated battery in a public way, a Class 3 felony, mob action, a Class 4 felony, and obstructing a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor. His next court date is Feb. 17.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Brandon L. Parsano
Brandon L. Parsano, 39, is charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, a Class 2 felony. His next appearance is Feb. 17 for an arraignment.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Alexander N. Williams
Alexander N. Williams, 24, was charged Feb. 2 with the following:
3 counts of unlawful delivery of cannabis between 30 and 500 grams - Class 3 felonies. 2 counts of armed violence - Class X felonies. 1 count of unlawful possession of cannabis between 2,000 and 5,000 grams with the intent to sell - a Class 1 felony. 1 count of unlawful possession of cannabis between 500 and 2,000 grams with the intent to sell - a Class 2 felony. 3 counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon - Class 3 felonies. 1 count of unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a felon - a Class 3 felony 3 counts of violating the Illinois FOID act - Class 3 felonies.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Carlos Sanchez-Solozarzano
Carlos H. Sanchez-Solozarzano, 22, was charged with 1 count of criminal sexual assault, a Class 1 felony.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jaylin S. Bones
Jaylin S. Bones was charged with four counts of first-degree murder stemming from a homicide in Bloomington last year. A McLean County grand jury also returned a bill of indictment charging him with attempted first degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm (Class X felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jordan R. King
Jordan R. King, 34, was charged with violating the Illinois Violent Offender Against Youth Act (Class 2 felony) a second time in under a month.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Dominique M. Banks
Dominique M. Banks, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery involving strangulation (Class 2 felony). The incident happened in October 2022 and involved one victim.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Austin T. Daugherty
Austin T. Daugherty, 29, was charged with burglary (Class 2 felony) after he entered an Avis Car Rental, 3201 Cira Drive, in Bloomington, without permission and with the intent to commit theft.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Sandra M. Lewis
Sandra M. Lewis, 77, is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance containing MDMB-4E-PINACA, a synthetic cannabinoid, with the intent to deliver (Class X felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Samantha E. Morris
Samantha E. Morris, 40, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer (Class 2 felony) after supposedly spitting on a Colfax police officer.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Nolan C. Love
Nolan C. Love, 46, appeared in court Friday for a bond review hearing after being charged with aggravated domestic battery involving strangulation (Class 2 felony) on Feb. 26.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Nikkita L. Sandefur
Nikkita L. Sandefur, 36, is charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance (Class 2 felony) containing cocaine.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Katlin M.B. Wilson
Katlin M.B. Wilson, 32, is charged with aggravated identity theft (Class 2 felony) after being accused of fraudulently obtaining money exceeding $300 but not exceeding $10,000 from a 60 year old man.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Eli C. Garozzo
Eli C. Garozzo, 20, is charged with two counts of home invasion, a Class X felony, two counts of attempted armed robbery, a Class 1 felony, and two counts of residential burglary, a Class 1 felony. His bond was set at $200,000 as a 10% bond, meaning he must pay $20,000 plus fees to be released. His next appearance is an arraignment on April 13.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tysean T. Townsend
Tysean T. Townsend, 35, is charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle (Class 2 felony), three counts of child abduction, aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer and obstructing justice (Class 4 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Curtis J. Byrd
Curtis J. Byrd, 31, is charged with two counts of burglary (Class 2 felony), two counts of fraud and two counts of financial institution fraud (Class 3 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Noral K. Nelson
Noral K. Nelson, 31, was charged with reckless discharge of a firearm (Class 4 felony) after he was arrested in connection to a shooting along the 1500 block of S. Main Street.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Charles J. Tankson
Charles J. Tankson, 23, was charged with burglary (Class 2 felony), theft and two counts of unlawful use of a debit card (Class 3 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Davis, Micah S
Davis was charged with 3 counts of arson, Class 2 felonies, and 3 counts of criminal damage to property, Class 4 felonies.
His next court date is May 5 at 9 a.m.
PROVIDED BY THE MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Livingston, Joshua D.
Livingston was charged with 2 counts of possessing stolen vehicles, Class 2 felonies, possession of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony, and criminal damage to government property, a Class 4 felony.
His next court date is May 5 at 9 a.m.
PROVIDED BY THE MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kevin L. Ewen
Kevin L. Ewen, 42, appeared in a Thursday bond court hearing and was charged with aggravated battery (Class 2 felony), obstructing a peace officer (Class 4 felony) and two counts of resisting a peace officer (Class A misdemeanor).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Emmanuel K. Mpay
Emmanuel K. Mpay, 23, appeared in a Thursday bond court hearing following a grand jury indictment for two counts of criminal sexual assault (Class 1 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Ahmad S. Manns
Ahmad S. Manns, 19, appeared in a Friday bond court hearing and was charged with cannabis trafficking (Class X felony), unlawful possession of cannabis with the intent to deliver (Class 1 felony) and unlawful possession of cannabis (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Dylan R Mann
Dylan R Mann, 31, appeared Friday in bond court following four grand jury indictments for two separate cases relating to aggravated assault and battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tony L. Jackson
Tony L. Jackson, 50, was charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle (Class 2 felony), domestic battery, violation of an order of protection and driving while license revoked or suspended (Class 4 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
William R. Linden
William R. Linden, 79, was released Tuesday on felony burglary charges for trying to pass a forged check at Busey Bank.
Zadek U. Moen
Zadek U. Moen, 20, is facing six felony drug charges after being arrested by the Illinois State Police on Thursday.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Zachary T. Willis
Zachary T. Willis, 27, is charged with aggravated domestic battery by strangulation (Class 2 felony) and domestic battery subsequent offense (Class 4 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Cecily M. Sexton
Cecily M. Sexton, 39, was charged with two counts of burglary, a Class 2 felony; one count of forgery, a Class 3 felony; financial institution fraud, a Class 3 felony, and possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tonisha A. Jackson
Tonisha A. Jackson, 27, was charged with aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, a Class 3 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
James A. McConnaughay
James A. McConnaughay, 53, appeared in a Friday bond court hearing before Judge Amy McFarland. McConnaughay is charged with unlawful possession of 5-15 grams of methamphetamine (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jessica M. Longberry
Jessica M. Longberry, 38, appeared in a Friday bond court hearing before Judge Amy McFarland. Longberry is charged with burglary (Class 2 felony) and forgery (Class 3 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Barry D. Guyton
Barry D. Guyton, 26, was charged with two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon (Class 2 felonies) two counts of unlawful possession of 15-100 of cocaine with the intent to deliver with one being a Class X felony and the other being a Class 1 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Keon E. Spiller
Keon E. Spiller, 22, appeared in a Friday bond court hearing before Judge Amy McFarland and was charged with attempted escape after his jury trial reached a verdict.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Melina Aguilar
Melina Aguilar, 32, was charged with harassment of witnesses (Class 2 felonies) after asking a witness to lie on the record.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Carlos D. Cregan
Carlos D. Cregan, 35, was charged with harassment of witnesses (Class 2 felonies) after asking a witness to lie on the record.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Wayne M. Damron
Wayne M. Damron, 52, is charged with one count of violation of the Illinois Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Terrance L. Ford
Terrance L. Ford, 25, is charged with two counts of burglary (Class 2 felony) and two counts of retail theft (Class 3 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Stanley M. Miller
Stanley M. Miller, 61, was charged Friday with aggravated driving while under the influence of alcohol (Class X felony) and driving while driver's license revoked (Class 4 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Darryl R. Vinson
Darryl R. Vinson, 60, is charged with violation of the sex offender registration act (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Contact Mateusz Janik at (309) 820-3234. Follow Mateusz on Twitter:@mjanik99
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Get local news delivered to your inbox! | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-courts/bloomington-man-pleads-guilty-to-sexual-assault-of-child/article_eb2269e0-21a0-11ee-90b6-3bb2fa6e9446.html | 2023-07-13T21:10:35 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-courts/bloomington-man-pleads-guilty-to-sexual-assault-of-child/article_eb2269e0-21a0-11ee-90b6-3bb2fa6e9446.html |
BLOOMINGTON — The Bloomington City Council's committee of the whole meeting planned for Monday has been canceled.
The City Council will meet again during its regular meeting at 6 p.m. July 24. Due to renovations in the McLean County Government Center's council chambers, this meeting will take place at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, 600 N. East St.
The next committee of the whole meeting will be 6 p.m. Aug. 21 and also will be held at the BCPA. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/government-politics/bloomington-cancels-committee-of-the-whole-meeting/article_6fc7f334-21ad-11ee-9f22-4b735dd78b88.html | 2023-07-13T21:10:36 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/government-politics/bloomington-cancels-committee-of-the-whole-meeting/article_6fc7f334-21ad-11ee-9f22-4b735dd78b88.html |
Man, woman die in apparent murder-suicide in upscale east Orange County subdivisionHollywood actors strike; what does that mean for your favorite TV show, movies?Disney CEO Bob Iger: DeSantis’ claim that company is sexualizing children is ‘preposterous’Animation explaining Titan sub’s implosion has more than 6 million viewsBodycam videos show Orlando police officer fatally shoot man seated in parked car in downtown | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/florida-man-sentenced-role-jan-6-capitol-attack/V33QCKNO4ZFO7AD4XCT4QYO6RM/ | 2023-07-13T21:13:47 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/florida-man-sentenced-role-jan-6-capitol-attack/V33QCKNO4ZFO7AD4XCT4QYO6RM/ |
A recording-breaking invasive Burmese python nest with 111 eggs in it was removed from the Florida Everglades, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Wildlife officials said the nest was removed by one of its contractors.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Officials said the previous record number of eggs found in a free-range Burmese python nest was 96 found in Big Cypress in 2022.
Officials said Burmese pythons and other nonnative reptiles can be humanely killed on private lands at any time with landowner permission, as well as on 32 Commission-managed lands year-round with no permits or hunting license needed.
Read: 15-foot Burmese python slithers across road in Everglades National Park
Members of the public can also register for the 2023 Florida Python Challenge, which will run from Aug. 4 to 13.
“Burmese pythons negatively impact the Everglades ecosystem by preying upon and competing with native wildlife,” wildlife officials said. “The removal of this python and the 111 unhatched eggs helps to prevent future negative impacts to our native wildlife.”
Read: Florida Python Challenge: How catching an invasive species could net you $10K
You can learn more about the Python Challenge and python removal efforts here.
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/record-breaking-invasive-python-nest-with-111-eggs-removed-florida-everglades/I4CUU4MCIVHEVGEDBK6WJUD6FA/ | 2023-07-13T21:13:50 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/record-breaking-invasive-python-nest-with-111-eggs-removed-florida-everglades/I4CUU4MCIVHEVGEDBK6WJUD6FA/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — Weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court shot down a plan to forgive student loan debt, the White House is out with a new program to ease the burden on those struggling with thousands of dollars in loans.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
President Joe Biden’s administration is calling the program the Saving on a Valuable Education plan, or simply SAVE.
The plan calculates a monthly payment amount based on the borrower’s income and family size, providing the lowest monthly payments possible.
READ: Disney CEO Bob Iger: DeSantis’ claim that company is sexualizing children is ‘preposterous’
The Biden-Harris Administration is taking three new actions to support students and borrowers in the wake of the Supreme Court’s disappointing decision on student debt relief. Watch as @SecCardona explains: pic.twitter.com/p2IKd258rp
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 7, 2023
Borrowers who are single earning $32,800 per year or less, or a family of four earning $67,500 per year will not owe loan payments.
Borrowers earning more than those amounts will save at least $1,000 a year on payments.
The SAVE plan regulations will go fully into effect on July 1, 2024, but the Department of Education is planning to implement three critical benefits by September 1 of this year.
Those benefits include an increase in the income protection threshold from 150 percent to 225 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, meaning more borrowers will qualify for no monthly payment.
READ: Man, woman discovered dead in shooting at east Orange County home
The second critical benefit reduces the payment cap for undergraduate loans from 10 percent to 5 percent of discretionary income, saving borrowers money on their monthly payments.
The third critical benefit the Biden Administration hopes to implement as soon as September is an elimination of all remaining interest after a scheduled payment is made under the SAVE plan, which will help borrowers pay off their loans faster.
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s disappointing decision on student debt relief, the Biden-Harris Administration is taking action to support students and borrowers. pic.twitter.com/xWFmPOK9OB
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 3, 2023
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/student-loans-what-president-bidens-new-save-plan-means-borrowers/2MJKY2LXQVAWVMLT3FWYNBDUY4/ | 2023-07-13T21:14:05 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/student-loans-what-president-bidens-new-save-plan-means-borrowers/2MJKY2LXQVAWVMLT3FWYNBDUY4/ |
Man, woman die in apparent murder-suicide in upscale east Orange County subdivisionDisney CEO Bob Iger: DeSantis’ claim that company is sexualizing children is ‘preposterous’Hollywood actors strike; what does that mean for your favorite TV show, movies?Bodycam videos show Orlando police officer fatally shoot man seated in parked car in downtownFBI: Kissimmee man caught flying into OIA with 3 kilos of cocaine hidden in portable speaker | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/this-is-call-action-daytona-beach-leaders-call-change-following-uptick-gun-violence/BIAYINQYUZFW5J3DCNTWBFICJA/ | 2023-07-13T21:14:11 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/this-is-call-action-daytona-beach-leaders-call-change-following-uptick-gun-violence/BIAYINQYUZFW5J3DCNTWBFICJA/ |
BANGOR -- Have the travel bug? If you're expecting to be traveling in the upcoming weeks, now is the time to prepare.
"In Maine typically, August seems to be the busiest month of the year. So we're getting ready for a big influx of passengers who are going to be traveling in the month of August," said Dan Valez, TSA Spokesman for the New England Region.
Nationwide, TSA officers are currently screening nearly 2.4 million people daily, an increase from 2.1 million the year prior.
"We're expecting to probably screen close to 5,000 people in Portland on the busiest days and maybe 1,800 to 2,000 here [at Bangor International Airport]," said Valez.
Florida native Olivia Isaac and her family are returning home after spending time at their summer home in Maine.
After traveling roughly an hour to board their flight, Isaac says you need to account for everything that could go wrong.
"In our family, on-time is early because you never know something could happen or the line could be longer than expected or the traffic. So you have to have that extra period of time so just in case you have any of that struggle or speed bumps and solve that in that extra hour," said Isaac.
Before departing, Velez recommends you should arrive a few hours early before your flight. He also recommends putting liquids, gels and aerosols into containers of 3.4 ounces or less and bring no more than two carry-on bags. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/tsa-expects-summer-travel-season-to-be-busiest-since-2019/article_b00c122e-21b5-11ee-9894-8f4e21f17a1b.html | 2023-07-13T21:17:23 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/tsa-expects-summer-travel-season-to-be-busiest-since-2019/article_b00c122e-21b5-11ee-9894-8f4e21f17a1b.html |
BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas — A ruptured pipeline caused a huge fire at a private oil field in Brazoria County on Thursday, authorities said.
The owner of the pipeline is INEOS Oligomers, according to the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office. The address for INEOS Oligomers is near FM 2004 and FM 2917.
Galveston residents near Chocolate Bay said they felt an explosion. When they walked outside, they were able to snap pictures of the fire from the oil field.
Picture below is from Air 11
The fire burned for more than two hours before it went out.
Officials have not been able to tell us what exactly was burning, but they did say no one was injured.
Multiple first responders were called to the scene to investigate.
Below is video from Air 11 on the fire.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/brazoria-county-ruptured-pipeline-fire/285-456b7b78-3958-401d-92c7-c53953c48be3 | 2023-07-13T21:20:34 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/brazoria-county-ruptured-pipeline-fire/285-456b7b78-3958-401d-92c7-c53953c48be3 |
AUSTIN, Texas — Emergency officials in Llano County are working to contain a brush fire that's burned nearly 100 acres of land near East State Highway 71.
Officials said the fire was sparked by an excavator.
Llano County emergency officials said that 10 agencies, including the Texas Forestry with air support and a number of local fire departments, are on scene battling the blaze, which as of 4 p.m. Thursday is not at all contained.
Country Road 307 is currently closed as a result of the fire.
As of July 11, Mason, Llano, Hays, Burnet, Blanco, Caldwell and Fayette counties are under burn bans indefinitely. Fines of up to $500 could be issued for burning. Burn ban information is updated daily on the Texas A&M Forest Service website. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/llano-county-brush-fire/269-e5c0430c-b4b9-475d-ab22-ffd70ca19d9f | 2023-07-13T21:20:40 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/llano-county-brush-fire/269-e5c0430c-b4b9-475d-ab22-ffd70ca19d9f |
AUSTIN, Texas — Harriet O’Neill, a Republican former justice on the Texas Supreme Court, has joined the team of lawyers who will be prosecuting suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton during his Senate impeachment trial.
O’Neill, who served 12 years on the state’s highest civil court before stepping down in 2010, is an accomplished attorney who also served as a state district judge and as a justice on the Houston-based 14th Court of Appeals. In 2002 and 2006, she was named the appellate justice of the year by the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists.
O’Neill said she was proud to join the legal team, which also includes prominent Houston lawyers Dick DeGuerin and Rusty Hardin, assembled by House impeachment managers to present the legal case for impeachment in a trial before the Texas Senate to begin Sept. 5.
“The facts in this case are clear, compelling and decisive, and I look forward to presenting them before the members of the Texas Senate,” she said in a statement.
State Rep. Andrew Murr, R-Junction, who leads the House General Investigating Committee and the Board of Impeachment Managers, called O’Neill a “respected, conservative jurist.”
“As a longtime judge and elected official, she understands the gravity of this matter and its importance to the state of Texas,” Murr said in a statement.
O’Neill returned to private practice in 2010 and often works as an arbitrator and mediator in complex, multiparty cases, according to her Austin law firm’s website.
In a separate development in the impeachment case, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick — who presides over the Senate and is serving the role of judge in the impeachment trial — issued a discovery order Wednesday requiring House impeachment managers to share relevant information and documents with Paxton’s legal team.
The order was requested by Paxton’s lead defense lawyer, Tony Buzbee, who had accused the impeachment team of withholding information vital to the defense.
The discovery order requires impeachment lawyers to turn over documents, including business records and law enforcement reports, that are relevant to the impeachment proceedings. It also ordered impeachment lawyers to turn over physical evidence, photographs, and government and business records that will be used in the trial.
Impeachment lawyers will also have to disclose to Paxton’s defense team any known convictions of people they plan to call as witnesses and the names and addresses of expert witnesses.
After receiving Patrick’s order, House impeachment lawyers said they had already planned on submitting the information to Buzbee.
“Paxton’s lawyers ignored our efforts to cooperate, instead filing their unauthorized demands and trying to create a spectacle in the media,” DeGuerin and Hardin wrote in a statement. “The Lieutenant Governor has ordered us to produce exactly what we intended to produce from the beginning and we are happy to comply.”
Patrick Svitek contributed to this report.
This story comes from The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans - and engages with them - about public policy, politics, government, and statewide issues. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/ken-paxton-impeachment-harriet-oneill/285-33b5e373-8d1f-4c88-81d0-38c9e3d9036f | 2023-07-13T21:20:46 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/ken-paxton-impeachment-harriet-oneill/285-33b5e373-8d1f-4c88-81d0-38c9e3d9036f |
PITTSBURGH — Budweiser Clydesdales will be in Pittsburgh next week while Anheuser-Busch recognizes a nonprofit that helps families of U.S. service members get an education.
Anheuser-Busch is a founding partner of Folds of Honor, which provides families of fallen or disabled U.S. service members with scholarships. On July 22, the company is presenting a check to representatives of the Pittsburgh chapter of Folds of Honor during an event at Meadows Racetrack & Casino.
In the days leading up to the check presentation, the Budweiser Clydesdales will be in town. Here’s where they can be seen:
· Wednesday, July 19: Duffy’s Beer and Much More from 4-6 p.m.
· Thursday, July 20: Dunbar Distributor Co from 4-6 p.m.
· Friday, July 21: Meadows Racetrack & Casino from 6-8 p.m.
· Saturday, July 22: Meadows Racetrack & Casino from 12-2 p.m.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/budweiser-clydesdales-making-several-stops-pittsburgh-while-recognizing-nonprofit/3HULQ7GZEVHB3N7JLWNJX34E4A/ | 2023-07-13T21:25:25 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/budweiser-clydesdales-making-several-stops-pittsburgh-while-recognizing-nonprofit/3HULQ7GZEVHB3N7JLWNJX34E4A/ |
FORWAD TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Emergency crews are responding to a house fire in Forward Township.
According to Butler County 911, crews were called to the 1100 block off Three Degree Road at 3:02 p.m.
We’re working to learn more. Check back for updates on Channel 11 News starting at 4 p.m.
It’s not clear at this time if anyone was hurt.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/heavy-smoke-billows-house-fire-forward-township/2UNO2SR6ENCC7EEWADKTBQ6XIM/ | 2023-07-13T21:25:31 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/heavy-smoke-billows-house-fire-forward-township/2UNO2SR6ENCC7EEWADKTBQ6XIM/ |
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Pa. — At least one person was killed in a crash on Interstate 70 in Washington County on Thursday afternoon.
Washington County 911 said the crash happened between the Murtland Avenue and Jefferson Avenue exits.
We’re working to learn more. Check back for updates on Channel 11 News through 6:30 p.m.
No other injuries have been reported.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/least-1-person-dead-after-crash-i-70-washington-county/S3IYP6RQIJEVZLCIGMVGHJRDDY/ | 2023-07-13T21:25:37 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/least-1-person-dead-after-crash-i-70-washington-county/S3IYP6RQIJEVZLCIGMVGHJRDDY/ |
Four people were transported to area hospitals after a two-vehicle crash in the intersection of 88th Avenue and 104th Street Thursday morning according to Pleasant Prairie Police.
Sgt. Chad Brown said they received a call about the incident, between an Acura and a Dodge, at about 5:58 a.m.
According to Brown, a female was reportedly trapped in her vehicle and had to be extricated after the crash.
Pleasant Prairie Fire Chief Craig Roepke said that several area departments assisted during the call to help transport the injured.
We Energies was also contacted to deactivate power to the traffic pedestals after a traffic control box was damaged, Roepke said, and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation was working to restore the traffic signals.
According to Roepke, one of the vehicles ended up in the ditch after the collision. Both vehicles suffered “significant” damage.
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There were two occupants in each vehicle, all of whom were sent to area hospitals. One person suffered “serious but non-life threatening” injuries, Roepke said.
Roepke reminded drivers to slow down and be aware of their surroundings, especially at the 88th Avenue and 104th Street intersection, which has seen several serious crashes.
Both vehicles were towed from the scene and the intersection was reopened by 7:37 a.m according to Brown.
An investigation into the incident is underway. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/pleasant-prairie-crash-leaves-woman-trapped-in-car-four-taken-to-hospital/article_08410788-218e-11ee-9494-bf1d7c98bdbe.html | 2023-07-13T21:26:51 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/pleasant-prairie-crash-leaves-woman-trapped-in-car-four-taken-to-hospital/article_08410788-218e-11ee-9494-bf1d7c98bdbe.html |
BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas — A ruptured pipeline caused a huge fire at a private oil field in Brazoria County on Thursday, authorities said.
The owner of the pipeline is INEOS Oligomers, according to the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office. The address for INEOS Oligomers is near FM 2004 and FM 2917.
Galveston residents near Chocolate Bay said they felt an explosion. When they walked outside, they were able to snap pictures of the fire from the oil field.
Picture below is from Air 11
The fire burned for more than two hours before it went out.
Officials have not been able to tell us what exactly was burning, but they did say no one was injured.
Multiple first responders were called to the scene to investigate.
Below is video from Air 11 on the fire.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/brazoria-county-ruptured-pipeline-fire/285-456b7b78-3958-401d-92c7-c53953c48be3 | 2023-07-13T21:31:50 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/brazoria-county-ruptured-pipeline-fire/285-456b7b78-3958-401d-92c7-c53953c48be3 |
DALLAS — If you're a parent, you know the importance of one-on-one time.
The little boy you're about to meet needs this kind of attention.
Kendrick thrives when someone makes the time for him. He is tonight's Wednesday's Child.
During our special adventure to Pure Swing Golf in Dallas, the 10-year-old found himself in the perfect scenario. He got one-on-one attention from founder Anthony Broussard.
"He didn't have to do that," said Kendrick.
Kendrick needs people to invest in him, and he's willing to do the same. He makes people feel warm and loved.
During the taping, Broussard presented Kendrick with his own set of golf clubs, and Kendrick was ecstatic.
He told us the whole experience made him happy.
"Just being here with Mr. Anthony and everybody coming here and me having fun felt good," he said.
Mr. Anthony really lifted Kendrick's spirits by teaching him all about golf.
"He taught me about my form and how to swing [the club]," he said.
Of all the lessons Kendrick learned today, the biggest one had nothing to do with golf -- it was about kindness.
Kendrick said Mr. Anthony didn't have to make time for him, but he did.
"Because he wants me to get a home," he said.
Kendrick is very intuitive and knows when people have good intentions. He wants a family filled with love to adopt him.
When we asked him the kind of family he wants, his answer was simple: "A good family."
If that family likes cats, even better. Kendrick listed all the cats he enjoys learning about: "Leopard, a jaguar and a snow leopard."
Although Kendrick felt a little sad today, we cheered each other up and he promised me that he'll lean on the angels around him to help him find his forever family.
You're an amazing kid, Kendrick. Thank you for making us smile and especially for being you!
For more information on how to adopt Kendrick, please send all approved home studies to LaQueena Warren at LaQueena.Warren@dfps.texas.gov
Please remember to include Kendrick's name within the subject line. If you're not licensed, please visit adoptchildren.org to find out more information on how to become licensed to foster and/or adopt or contact LaQueena Warren at (817)-304-1272.
Click here to read more Wednesday's Child stories. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/outreach/wednesdays-child-kendrick-seeks-forever-family-texas-adoption/287-3466b7fb-aa10-432d-b06d-7e174d783fdd | 2023-07-13T21:31:57 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/outreach/wednesdays-child-kendrick-seeks-forever-family-texas-adoption/287-3466b7fb-aa10-432d-b06d-7e174d783fdd |
A man facing 30 years in prison for allegedly slicing his girlfriend with a knife multiple times faces up to six years after a Tuesday hearing.
Joseph Teders, 33, signed a plea agreement in June that offered to dismiss three of his charges – aggravated battery, domestic battery and criminal recklessness – in exchange for him pleading guilty to one domestic battery charge. Allen Superior Court Magistrate Samuel Keirns accepted the offered agreement Thursday.
If Allen Superior Court Judge David Zent also accepts the plea, he will have discretion to sentence Teders to any amount of time allowed in the sentencing range, which is one to six years. The advisory sentence is three years.
Teders is accused of cutting his girlfriend with a knife twice in the back, hand, and twice in the face, according to a probable cause affidavit written by Fort Wayne Police Officer Shane Carrier. The woman attempted to call 911 when it happened Jan. 24 battery, but she passed out from the pain.
The woman called eight hours later after regaining consciousness and was able to be helped by first responders for her "extreme pain and bloss loss," court records show.
Teders will not be allowed to possess a firearm if convicted, per state law as outlined in the agreement. He will also be ordered to not contact the woman he has admitted to battering.
Zent will determine whether to impose any fines, standard or special probation conditions and restitution if the agreement is accepted. Teders is set to be sentenced Aug. 7. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/man-facing-more-than-30-years-signs-plea-agreement-in-january-battery-with-knife/article_3bc50972-219a-11ee-aceb-7f2a3f86805b.html | 2023-07-13T21:33:54 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/man-facing-more-than-30-years-signs-plea-agreement-in-january-battery-with-knife/article_3bc50972-219a-11ee-aceb-7f2a3f86805b.html |
Jennifer Norris-Hale said she thinks it's important for the community to be educated on mental health – a need that is fulfilled with training.
"Breaking the stigma starts with us," said Norris-Hale, training coordinator for the Allen County Drug and Alcohol Consortium. "Programs are able to break the stigma surrounding mental health, and the more resources we have, the better our support is."
Norris-Hale said the Allen County Drug and Alcohol Consortium works with Stop Suicide Northeast Indiana to educate more people. The organization is also looking at expanding their partners. One group they may work with in the future is Prevention Insights.
Prevention Insights, located at the Indiana University Bloomington School of Public Health, works with prevention and treatment professionals to deliver evidence-based programs, policies and practices to Indiana communities.
The organization is providing free mental health and suicide prevention training in 13 Indiana counties, including Allen County. Prevention Insights received a two-year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to pay for the trainings.
"We previously only had this in Monroe County, but we wanted to expand," said Heather Todd, project director for Prevention Insights. "We want to help get the public aware of mental health training. ... People do CPR or first aid training for physical concerns, and we should put the same emphasis on mental health concerns."
The Mental Health First Aid training will teach participants how to help someone experiencing a mental health concern and how to provide aid before a professional arrives. The course, which can accommodate up to 30 participants, is approximately two hours of online pre-work and eight hours of live online training.
The Question Persuade Refer course teaches individuals the warning signs of suicide and what to do in a crisis. The training can take up to 35 participants and is a two-hour virtual course.
"There is no doubt the state and the nation have seen a serious decline in the population's mental health in the past few years," Todd said. "We hope these trainings will provide individuals with valuable knowledge and the skills to empower themselves in their daily lives to help those in need."
Todd said Prevention Insights is still promoting these trainings and looking for partner organizations in Allen County. The trainings are county-specific, and more information will be available once they find partner organizations.
People appreciate the trainings, Todd said, and they find it helpful to walk through different words and phrases to use when someone is struggling. She said people also appreciate the different formats they use to complete training.
Fort Wayne's National Alliance on Mental Illness also provides mental health resources and training. David Seagly, the organization's acting president, said they hold family-to-family classes through a free, eight-week course for adults with family members with a mental illness.
"We want to educate everyone on mental health and teach them how to communicate with those who are struggling," Seagly said.
Seagly is an instructor for this course and said the organization expects about 10 to 20 participants each session. The next course begins Aug. 17 and runs through Oct. 5 and meets in-person.
"Mental health touches all aspects of our life," Seagly said. "It's important for society to understand there are resources for people who need them." | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/organizations-offer-mental-health-training-in-northeast-indiana/article_6520da4a-21b7-11ee-acc9-0b1b53f0bccd.html | 2023-07-13T21:34:00 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/organizations-offer-mental-health-training-in-northeast-indiana/article_6520da4a-21b7-11ee-acc9-0b1b53f0bccd.html |
East Allen County Schools should soon know how many students to anticipate in the next decade.
That information will be compiled at the same time the 10,100-student district undergoes a strategic plan process.
Together, the efforts approved Tuesday will cost more than $100,000.
The bulk of the payments will go to Education Elements, a California-based K-12 education consulting firm that will work with the district's central office staff on comprehensive strategic planning. It is expected to survey the community, identify the district's priorities and host virtual and on-site sessions, among other activities, Superintendent Marilyn Hissong told the school board.
"It's going to be a good thing for us strategically moving forward," she said.
Hissong added the work will complement a previous climate audit. Approved in September, that initiative cost about $23,000 and was conducted at each school by Compass-Keynote Consulting of central Indiana.
The Education Elements contract is $98,700 – an amount similar to the fee Northwest Allen County Schools paid for the firm's strategic plan services. Hissong said federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief dollars will support the cost.
Ron Turpin, EACS board secretary, described the expense as reasonable for the "massive amount of work" required.
"It's a critical next step," Turpin said, noting the climate audit and upcoming demographic study. "As we look at the future of the district and for our 15 schools and five attendance areas, how do we keep planning for the future?"
McKibben Demographic Research of South Carolina will provide a 10-year enrollment forecast for $9,800, a cost that includes all travel and materials expenses. The firm is expected to share its findings as early as this fall.
District officials told the board in June that Jerome McKibben's forecast will consider information including data collected on the statewide Oct. 2 student count day and local observations. He plans to visit the area this summer to study the housing developments in EACS.
McKibben provided similar services for NACS last year. His work forecast that district as having 8,996 students in the 2032-33 academic year – a 10.6% enrollment increase.
Following McKibben's advice, NACS is planning to build a third middle school and expand its high school. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/east-allen-county-schools-hires-consultants-as-it-looks-to-the-future/article_cbdd598a-218e-11ee-a8f9-1fc17e2968b3.html | 2023-07-13T21:34:07 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/east-allen-county-schools-hires-consultants-as-it-looks-to-the-future/article_cbdd598a-218e-11ee-a8f9-1fc17e2968b3.html |
PHOENIX — Since it's summertime and "school's out" in the Valley, now would be a good time to install Alice Cooper's special license plate.
Drivers in Arizona can get the face of the legendary rock star on their vehicles for a price of only $25.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Valley resident is the inspiration for one of five new license plate designs recently unveiled by the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Dozens of specialty plates are offered by ADOT but none have before paid tribute to the Godfather of Shock Rock.
"We hope that many of my fellow Arizona neighbors will get this specialty plate for their cars and motorcycles to support teens in Arizona,” Cooper said in a statement.
Up to $17 of the $25 cost for specialty plates is donated to nonprofit organizations and the money raised from Cooper's plate will be given to the musician's Solid Rock Teen Centers in Phoenix and Mesa, where kids can learn to play music.
Cooper spent much of his youth living in the Valley and notably formed his first band, The Spiders, with his classmates at Phoenix's Cortez High School.
Cooper's plate was made possible after lawmakers passed a bill last year authorizing ADOT to create the design.
The four other new plate designs honor Arizona Realtors® Homes for All, Cancer Support for Families, Diné College Warriors, and the U.S. Army.
Information on purchasing a specialty plate can be found here.
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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/adot-unveils-specialty-alice-cooper-license-plate-arizona-july/75-29690d9c-a676-46a2-a1a2-4c1d6501db18 | 2023-07-13T21:34:29 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/adot-unveils-specialty-alice-cooper-license-plate-arizona-july/75-29690d9c-a676-46a2-a1a2-4c1d6501db18 |
GRESHAM, Ore. — A 28-year-old Gresham woman has been missing since June 30 and Gresham police has asked the public to help find her.
Kaitlin Barber's family told police she usually checks in with them, but they haven't heard from her since June 30. They tried to reach her by phone on July 1 but were unsuccessful. The family filed a missing person report on Wednesday and told police they believe Barber may need medical care.
Police said Barber's last known location was a hotel in the 2300 block of Northeast 178th Avenue in Gresham, slightly south of the Interstate 84 interchange with Northeast 181st Avenue.
Police said Barber is 5-foot-7 and weighs about 160 pounds. She has blue eyes and her hair is brown, though police said she often dyes it different colors. Barber has two tattoos: letters above her right eye and a teardrop below the same eye.
Anyone with information about Barber's location is asked to call the Gresham police tip line at 503-618-2719 or the non-emergency line at 503-823-3333. Gresham police also has an online form to file police reports.
This is a developing story and may be updated when more information is made available.
___
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VIDEO PLAYLIST: The latest headlines from KGW | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/missing/missing-gresham-woman-kaitlin-barber/283-9b312902-f56a-473d-b5ed-032af0333a53 | 2023-07-13T21:34:29 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/missing/missing-gresham-woman-kaitlin-barber/283-9b312902-f56a-473d-b5ed-032af0333a53 |
Shasta supervisor calls county counsel's retirement 'suspicious,' as departures continue
The pace of departures among top Shasta County officials sped up recently, with two more department heads leaving and one of them quitting a month earlier than planned ― creating what one supervisor called a “suspicious” situation.
The two newest departures bring the number of county department heads and executives who have either quit, retired or been fired to at least 10 over the past year-and-a-half.
Director of Public Works Al Cathey said he is retiring and his last day on the job is Friday. He had been public works director for a little more than a year. Before taking the top public works job, he had worked for the county 28 years, he said.
County Counsel James Ross, who was appointed to the post less than four months ago, had planned to work until Aug. 11. But he notified supervisors Monday he intended to leave the job sooner.
Supervisor Tim Garman said he was not happy with the way Ross was treated.
“He was tired of being mistreated. That’s my guess,” Garman said. He declined to be more specific about the reasons behind Ross’ early departure.
Ross sent out an email Monday to county supervisors announcing that he was quitting that day, Garman said. Supervisors Patrick Jones and Kevin Crye asked County Executive Officer David Rickert to have Ross leave his office immediately, rather than at the end of the workday, he said.
The two supervisors did not follow proper Board of Supervisors protocol, Garman said.
“I have a problem with that because, as you know, you can't have two supervisors going to speak for our entire board,” Garman said. “Two supervisors don’t get to make a decision like that.”
Board of Supervisors Chairman Patrick Jones said he contacted Rickert after he got the email from Ross.
“So I talked to Supervisor Crye. He was concerned about certain documents. And so I went down, met with CEO Rickert and Supervisor Crye, and by that time it was 3 o'clock,” Jones said. “We had a brief discussion and decided that we would ask him to leave a little early at 3 o’clock as opposed to five, but he only said he's going to stay until the 10th. So he may have already left by then. I do not know. IT (information technology employees) just went over to recover computer laptops, cell phones and such, to retain anything that's county property.”
Why was Jones and Crye concerned about county computers and documents?
“Well, we're always concerned with documents from any employee that's leaving, particularly in county counsel, where you have a lot of sensitive documents. We just wanted to make sure that all was left behind,” Jones said.
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Jones also said the board was set to meet in closed session Tuesday to discuss Ross and his department.
“We did have a closed session on the 11th that was concerning him and the office. And it was unusual, it was somewhat suspicious, that he would retire the day before,” when he had originally said he would retire in August, Jones said.
“So the day before we have a closed session regarding the office, it was a little unusual in that regard. So we just wanted to make sure that all computers and all cell phones would remain in county hands,” he said.
Attempts to reach Ross this week for comment were unsuccessful.
Garman said he wanted to discuss further among board members how only two supervisors were able to direct the CEO to have Ross leave work early.
The departures of Ross and Cathey are just the latest among a spate of departures among top county staff since last year.
Administrators who have left include former County Executive Officer Matt Pontes; former Health and Human Services Agency Director Donnell Ewert; former Director of Adult Services Paige Green; and former Support Services Director Shelley Forbes.
In May 2022, supervisors fired by a 3-2 vote former Health Officer Dr. Karen Ramstrom.
Her dismissal came around the time that public health workers were reporting threats and leaving their jobs due to the stress from the COVID-19 pandemic. It received statewide attention and might have played a role in the county's ability to quickly hire her replacement.
Rubin Cruse retired as county counsel in April, leading to Ross’ appointment.
Ewert said the political climate surrounding the Board of Supervisors was part of the reason he chose to retire last year.
Mary Williams, a former deputy county CEO and acting CEO quit her job in June. She told the Record Searchlight it was getting more difficult to do her job when she feels some of the work "is something that I don’t believe in and things I don’t feel are best for the community.” She wasn’t more specific.
Williams, though, emphasized that her departure was not a reflection on new CEO Rickert.
Vacancies and employee turnover with the county haven’t been limited to upper management. County Health and Human Services Agency officials have reported there are more than 225 unfilled positions in that department.
Reporter Damon Arthur welcomes story tips at 530-338-8834, by email at damon.arthur@redding.com and on Twitter at @damonarthur_RS. Help local journalism thrive by subscribing today! | https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/shasta-supervisor-calls-retirement-suspicious-as-departures-persist/70411031007/ | 2023-07-13T21:34:35 | 0 | https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/shasta-supervisor-calls-retirement-suspicious-as-departures-persist/70411031007/ |
MESA, Ariz. — A Mesa woman pleaded guilty in federal court this week to fraudulently large sums of public benefits for health care services that were never provided.
Diana M. Moore admitted to committing wire fraud and money laundering for crimes that collected over $22 million in payments from Arizona's Medicaid system between 2020 and 2021, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office of Arizona.
As part of her plea deal, the defendant has agreed to forfeit four homes, seven luxury cars, jewelry, artwork, designer clothing, and several other items bought through the fraudulent practices.
Moore admitted to engaging in deceptive billing practices that targeted members enrolled in the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, which subsidizes health care for low-income residents.
Prosecutors said Moore would pay to have AHCCCS members transported to her behavioral health centers. After these individuals left within a single day, Moore allegedly billed AHCCCS for up to 90 days of treatment.
Moore's facilities would sometimes bill the state for services given to members who were dead or in prison at the time the treatment was allegedly provided, prosecutors said.
The defendant additionally failed to disclose her prior felony convictions when she applied for her firms to be AHCCCS providers.
The case against Moore's facilities is one of several that Arizona officials have been recently investigating for crimes involving AHCCCS fraud. Gov. Katie Hobbs announced earlier this year the state was suspending AHCCCS payments to many providers suspected of fraud.
Previous reporting done by 12News suggests Indigenous residents were possibly targeted by some providers seeking to allegedly profit off of them.
Moore is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 18. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/mesa-woman-forfeit-homes-cars-jewelry-ahcccs-fraud-arizona-scam-guilty/75-6685e522-fc35-4207-8919-21652c4ceae7 | 2023-07-13T21:34:35 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/mesa-woman-forfeit-homes-cars-jewelry-ahcccs-fraud-arizona-scam-guilty/75-6685e522-fc35-4207-8919-21652c4ceae7 |
A 28-year-old Nebraska man was treated for a "minor injury" that he suffered Wednesday night while trying to run from investigators with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force, police officials said.
Kennith Smith, of Greenwood, sustained a "small cut to his forehead" after an investigator knocked him to the ground as he tried to run from the trailer that task force members were converging on shortly before 9 p.m. Wednesday, Lincoln Police Capt. Todd Kocian said in an email.
The investigators, who Kocian did not identify, had gone to the trailer near North 37th Street and Cornhusker Highway to arrest Smith, who was wanted for his alleged involvement in an Ashland car theft, Kocian said in the email.
Smith ran from the trailer as investigators tried to make contact, Kocian said. As he neared a fence gate surrounding the property, Kocian said, an officer grabbed his arm to prevent him from running through the gate before both Smith and the investigator fell to the ground.
The 28-year-old was taken by ambulance to Bryan West Campus with a laceration and head pain, according to emergency scanner traffic. Kocian said he was treated for the injury before he was taken to the Lancaster County jail.
Police arrested Smith on suspicion of theft by receiving stolen property and fleeing to avoid arrest. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/greenwood-man-treated-for-minor-injury-after-run-in-with-narcotics-task-force/article_2d665dc2-21a4-11ee-a53c-1fed66b463c7.html | 2023-07-13T21:40:26 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/greenwood-man-treated-for-minor-injury-after-run-in-with-narcotics-task-force/article_2d665dc2-21a4-11ee-a53c-1fed66b463c7.html |
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More information here: https://www.doddroofs.com/ | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-today/idaho-today-solar-energy-with-dodd-roofing/277-b3f092d9-6486-4010-bb60-0d2b338fac01 | 2023-07-13T21:40:53 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-today/idaho-today-solar-energy-with-dodd-roofing/277-b3f092d9-6486-4010-bb60-0d2b338fac01 |
Jeanne Huff shares with us what's coming up this Summer in Boise!
Idaho Today: This week's inside scoop with Boise Weekly
Don't miss these events coming up in the Treasure Valley
Jeanne Huff shares with us what's coming up this Summer in Boise! | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-today/idaho-today-this-weeks-inside-scoop-with-boise-weekly/277-3ef7897d-79b4-4a8e-9e1a-5adf792710be | 2023-07-13T21:40:56 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-today/idaho-today-this-weeks-inside-scoop-with-boise-weekly/277-3ef7897d-79b4-4a8e-9e1a-5adf792710be |
Air Quality Alert
Areas Affected: Dodge; Fillmore; Houston; Mower; Olmsted; Wabasha; Winona
...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM FRIDAY TO 3 PM CDT SATURDAY...
* WHAT...The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for fine particle pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category.
* WHERE...Southeast Minnesota.
* WHEN...From 8 AM CDT Friday through 3 PM CDT Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, may experience health effects.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Smoke from wildfires in Alberta and British Columbia will move south across Minnesota following a cold front on Friday. The sinking air associated with the cold front will push smoke elevated in the atmosphere down to the surface. This will result in poor air quality. Air quality will gradually improve on Saturday with gradual clearing across Minnesota from north to south. This alert may need to be locally extended depending on how fast the smoke dissipates. For information on current air quality conditions in your area and to sign up for daily air quality forecasts and alert notifications by email, text message, phone, or the EPA AirNow mobile app, visit https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/current-air- quality-conditions. You can find additional information about health and air quality at https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land- climate/air-quality-and-health.
Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should limit prolonged or heavy exertion. Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning, and use of residential wood burning devices. Reduce vehicle trips and vehicle idling as much as possible. Keep windows closed to prevent smoke from getting indoors.
Air Quality Alert
Areas Affected: Anoka; Benton; Blue Earth; Brown; Carver; Chippewa; Chisago; Dakota; Douglas; Faribault; Freeborn; Goodhue; Hennepin; Isanti; Kanabec; Kandiyohi; Lac Qui Parle; Le Sueur; Martin; McLeod; Meeker; Mille Lacs; Morrison; Nicollet; Pope; Ramsey; Redwood; Renville; Rice; Scott; Sherburne; Sibley; Stearns; Steele; Stevens; Swift; Todd; Waseca; Washington; Watonwan; Wright; Yellow Medicine
...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM CDT FRIDAY THROUGH 3 PM CDT SATURDAY...
* WHAT...The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for fine particle pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category.
* WHERE...Central and southern Minnesota.
* WHEN...From 8 AM CDT Friday through 3 PM CDT Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, may experience health effects.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Smoke from wildfires in Alberta and British Columbia will move south across Minnesota following a cold front on Friday. The sinking air associated with the cold front will push smoke elevated in the atmosphere down to the surface. This will result in poor air quality. Air quality will gradually improve on Saturday with gradual clearing across Minnesota from north to south. This alert may need to be locally extended depending on how fast the smoke dissipates. For information on current air quality conditions in your area and to sign up for daily air quality forecasts and alert notifications by email, text message, phone, or the EPA AirNow mobile app, visit https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land- climate/current-air-quality-conditions. You can find additional information about health and air quality at https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/air-quality- and-health.
Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should limit prolonged or heavy exertion. Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning, and use of residential wood burning devices. Reduce vehicle trips and vehicle idling as much as possible. Keep windows closed to prevent smoke from getting indoors. | https://www.kimt.com/news/local/air-quality-alert-issued-for-friday-saturday-in-se-minnesota/article_49fa7292-21af-11ee-9e2c-030ecf5fc6a9.html | 2023-07-13T21:45:08 | 1 | https://www.kimt.com/news/local/air-quality-alert-issued-for-friday-saturday-in-se-minnesota/article_49fa7292-21af-11ee-9e2c-030ecf5fc6a9.html |
CALIFORNIA, USA — Tents, makeshift shacks, and broken-down RVs crowded both sidewalks under a U.S. Highway 101 overpass in Hollywood seven months ago.
More than two dozen people lived in the squalid encampment, feet from cars flying past. Neighbors and nearby businesses fumed, saying they and their customers felt unsafe.
On a Wednesday afternoon last month, all traces of the tents – and the people who lived in them – were gone. The sidewalks were spotless, without even a speck of trash.
What happened?
The site was part of a Los Angeles homeless program called Inside Safe – Mayor Karen Bass’ answer to the city’s staggering homelessness crisis. Under the new initiative, outreach workers move from encampment to encampment, offering everyone at each targeted camp a hotel room. From there, the goal is to move everyone quickly from the hotel into permanent housing.
There’s a lot riding on its success at a local, state and even national level. Bass has all but staked her tenure as mayor on fighting Los Angeles’ homelessness crisis. And President Joe Biden’s administration picked L.A. as one of six places to focus its homelessness efforts.
Inside Safe already has been a godsend for people like Tim and Sandy, who live in a condo about two blocks from the overpass and are relieved to see the now-spotless sidewalks.
“It’s absolutely wonderful,” said Tim, who declined to provide his last name to protect his privacy. “I just hope it stays that way.”
Inside Safe has clear advantages over previous efforts to make a dent in L.A.’s homeless crisis. It removes the sprawling encampments that, as the city’s most visible symptom of homelessness, spark never-ending complaints. Advocates say it’s much easier to find long-term housing for people in hotel rooms than for people still in tents. Hotel rooms provide a safe place where residents can heal from the trauma of the street, get their documents in order and relearn how to live indoors. And it means their case workers don’t have to trek all over the city looking for them.
But while Inside Safe has succeeded in putting a temporary roof over the heads of many of Los Angeles’ most vulnerable residents, the program has obvious shortcomings. Now in its seventh month, Inside Safe has moved very few people from hotels into permanent housing – and the city is struggling to produce data on the program’s impact. Access to much-needed services, such as mental and physical health care, have been lacking. And renting the hotel rooms is far too expensive for Los Angeles to keep it up indefinitely, leading some activists to worry participants may end up back on the street when the funding runs out.
The 101 overpass at Cahuenga Boulevard, cleared in December, was the first Inside Safe operation. Since then, the city has completed close to two-dozen – moving 1,373 people into hotels as of earlier this month. But only about 77 of those people – less than 6% – have moved from the hotels into permanent housing, frustrating officials as the number of unhoused people in the city continues to skyrocket.
“We have a real problem if the folks aren’t getting housed,” Councilman Bob Blumenfield, vice chair of the Housing and Homelessness Committee, said during a recent meeting.
Inside Safe was a major piece of the newly elected Bass’ campaign for mayor. And it has the potential to serve as a model for other cities throughout California. She has outsized influence beyond Los Angeles as chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ homelessness task force. And, home to more than 46,000 unhoused people per the city’s recently released point-in-time count, L.A. is the epicenter of California’s homelessness crisis, accounting for about a quarter of the state’s homeless population.
“It was not acceptable to me to say, you know what, we’re not going to get people off the streets until we have figured out all of the issues,” Bass said in a phone interview. “As we have found problems, we are aggressively moving to address them.”
Despite concerns about the low number of people housed through the program, the City Council allocated $250 million to continue and expand Inside Safe over the next year. Los Angeles County is also launching a copycat program.
Bass agreed the Inside Safe data is “extremely disappointing.”
“Make no mistake — We are not satisfied with the amount of people in housing,” she said in an emailed statement.
Bass blames the issue partly on bureaucracy. People have to jump through a series of hurdles to prove they qualify for subsidized housing, including obtaining the right form of identification. She says she’s attempting to streamline the process. The city’s lack of affordable housing is another major factor. But 3,200 new units are expected to open this year thanks to Proposition HHH (the $1.2 billion housing bond L.A. voters passed in 2016), according to Va Lecia Adams Kellum, CEO of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.
Pete Wales, 65, is one of the few Inside Safe participants who found permanent housing. But Wales already was working with a nonprofit on getting into housing before he moved into one of the program’s hotels in February.
At the time he was interviewed by a reporter late last month, Wales was preparing to move into a subsidized studio apartment in a new building near Echo Park.
“I consider myself lucky,” he said.
Gaps in Los Angeles homeless services
For many people who spent years on the street, simply getting a roof over their head is far from enough – they may need additional support including counseling, medical care, job training or help getting a new ID. Access to those services has been lacking in the motels, according to Inside Safe participants, outreach workers and even the mayor herself.
“That is a major concern of mine,” said Bass, who says the service providers simply don’t have the capacity to meet everyone’s needs. She wants to bring in doctors, nurses, dentists and social workers in-training from local universities to help fill the gap.
When Shayne Smith, 53, got into an Inside Safe hotel after seven years on the street, she thought it was a dream.
“It feels really good,” she said. “I can take a shower. I can sleep. I have electricity. I have hot water.”
Smith, a former interior designer, ended up homeless after a devastating seizure put her in a coma and caused her to lose her income. She had to relearn how to do basic tasks like reading and speaking. During her time on the street, Smith said she was the victim of multiple sexual and physical assaults. One beating knocked the veneers off her teeth, leaving her with what she has today – worn down stumps of teeth with exposed nerves and receding gums that have resulted in abscesses and infections.
She has received two 10-minute counseling sessions and a prescription for Zoloft since arriving at the hotel. But she says she needs ongoing, in-depth mental health treatment and medical care for her teeth, and she’s not getting either.
“I’m still not getting treatment and I have massive headaches every day so bad that I feel like I’m going to throw up,” she said. “I can’t eat. I’ve lost a lot of weight. I’m in pain. Really bad pain all the time.”
Kris Rehl, an organizer with outreach group L.A. Street Care who works with Smith and others at that motel, said Smith isn’t the only one whose needs aren’t being met. Another guest at the hotel has a hernia so severe that she’s forced to use a wheelchair, Rehl said.
“The thing that really just destroys me is I will talk to people every week, like Shayne, who says ‘I’m in chronic pain,’” Rehl said. “Or people who are like I have debilitating panic attacks or debilitating depression or PTSD or some sort of urgent medical issue.”
Cost is another worry. The city is leasing rooms in about three-dozen motels, paying between $100 and $125 a night, per room. So far, Inside Safe has burned through nearly $40 million, city staff said during a committee meeting earlier this month. To make the program more affordable, the city is trying to buy some of the hotels. The mayor’s office said it is close to purchasing one 300-room motel, which would drop the nightly cost of sheltering people in those rooms from $135 down to $50, said Mercedes Márquez, the mayor’s chief of housing and homelessness solutions.
L.A. homeless encampment returns
Inside Safe has had mixed success when it comes to its goal of completely eliminating the encampments it targets. The city attempted to close a camp earlier this year at North Spring and Arcadia streets, two blocks from City Hall. On a recent afternoon, about 15 tents still dotted the sidewalks around that intersection.
Bass said that was one of a small number of Inside Safe sites the city wasn’t able to completely clear because some people at the encampment declined a hotel room . She suspects heavy drug use in the area is a factor – one woman overdosed during that Inside Safe operation, and a medic had to administer the overdose reversing drug Narcan four times to bring her back.
Skid Row, the infamous center of Los Angeles’ homeless community, is another area where any progress Inside Safe made is scarcely visible. The program moved 175 people from encampments in that neighborhood into hotel rooms, but it barely made a dent. The streets remain lined with tents and make-shift camps, where as many as 2,000 people are estimated to live.
But for those living and working near the U.S. 101 overpass that was the site of the city’s first Inside Safe operation, the difference is night and day.
For more than five years, passersby were forced to walk in the road to get around the encampment taking up the sidewalk, said Glenn Burroughs, who owns a gym called Sweat Equity Fitness down the street. Sometimes, people pitched tents right outside the gym’s door and it took months for the city to remove them, he said.
“I know I lost a lot of customers,” Burroughs said. “People would tell me all the time that they saw the gym and it had good reviews but they didn’t feel comfortable or safe parking their car or being in that neighborhood.”
Now, Burroughs is in “complete shock” that the sidewalks have remained so clean after the Inside Safe operation.
“It’s been extremely nice,” he said.
Homeless man returns to streets
But it hasn’t been a success story for everyone. About a block from the overpass, one small green and silver tent sits alone on the sidewalk. Inside, a 47-year-old man who goes by Selene, was reading an X-Men comic book on a recent afternoon. He had been part of the Inside Safe operation, and moved from the encampment into a hotel in December.
His reprieve from living outdoors lasted only about six months.
After getting into a disagreement with the hotel manager over his malfunctioning keycard, Selene kicked in the door to his room so he could get inside. As a result, he said, he was told to move out.
Now, he’s back on the street. After dropping him from the hotel, outreach workers gave him a tent and drove him back to the overpass, he said. After he pitched his tent, police quickly came and told him he could no longer camp there. So he moved a block down the road.
After living on the street for nearly three decades, Selene has multiple mental health symptoms, including anger issues and anxiety attacks that make his whole body shake. He said he could have used counseling, but never got it while in the hotel. It’s possible that could have prevented the outburst that got him kicked out, he said.
The situation makes him feel useless and worthless, like “a waste of space and a waste of time.” Still, he insists he deserves a chance. “I’m a good person,” he said, a tear running down his cheek.
Despite stories like Selene’s, Inside Safe seems like a “really promising model,” said Nichole Fiore, who studies homeless encampments and solutions as a principal associate with research firm Abt Associates. People are much more willing to move from encampments into hotels than into traditional shelters, she said, as hotels offer a private space with a locking door and the ability to bring more possessions.
But people have so many needs beyond the simple solution of a temporary hotel room – including mental and physical health care and other services, as well as permanent housing.
“Inside Safe has a hard job,” said Lauren Dunton, another associate at Abt. “It’s a very hard thing. It’s not simple.”
WATCH RELATED: Chula Vista bulldozes homeless encampment near Plaza Bonita mall | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/calmatters/homeless-solution-clears-camps-but-struggles-to-house-people/509-d27b231f-9340-4666-8047-8fb7facae57f | 2023-07-13T21:45:10 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/calmatters/homeless-solution-clears-camps-but-struggles-to-house-people/509-d27b231f-9340-4666-8047-8fb7facae57f |
SACRAMENTO, Calif —
Widespread major heat risk is on the way to California this weekend.
Valley high temperatures will push into near record territory Saturday and Sunday. Sacramento is forecast to hit 110 Saturday and Sunday, and overnight lows will be in the 70s and 80s across the region.
The extreme daytime heat along with very warm overnight lows will increase the risk of heat illness.
Although everyone is at risk when exposed to extreme heat, some groups are more susceptible to heat-related illness and should consider taking extra precaution during triple-digit temperatures.
"There are some conditions that have put us at higher risk for heat-related illness," said UC Davis medical expert Dr. Sheri Belafski. "For example, some underlying health conditions such as heart disease and kidney disease, conditions that affect your circulation."
Knowing the signs of heat illness is vital during times like this.
"Early heat signs of dehydration, feeling very thirsty, nausea, headaches, sweating, muscle cramps. Now, that being said, as your body gets more dehydrated, it can get confused and you start losing the ability to react to those signs," said Dr. Malini Nadadur, a cardiologist at Kaiser Permanente in the Central Valley.
During heat events, the heart has to work harder to shed heat and cool off, raising the risk for heart attacks, irregular heart rhythms and heart failure, according to Nadadur. The EPA says the interaction between heat and cardiovascular disease contributes to about a quarter of heat-related deaths.
In order to avoid heat illness, hydration and keeping up with the latest weather information is essential. If the signs of heat illness are becoming apparent, Nadadur has some tips.
"As soon as you feel those signs, maybe you see someone that doesn't look right, maybe they're getting a little tired, maybe they're getting flushed hot, then take them into shade. One really good tip that a lot of EMTs have told me is that you take ice, make a cold compress with ice, put on your forehead, because the whole goal is to get your temperature back down."
She recommends taking immediate action and calling 911 if things take a turn for the worse. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/heatwave-increase-risk-heat-illness-this-weekend-heres-how-to-stay-safe-california/103-8b878147-73eb-4696-ae68-ae9c7142a1d4 | 2023-07-13T21:45:16 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/heatwave-increase-risk-heat-illness-this-weekend-heres-how-to-stay-safe-california/103-8b878147-73eb-4696-ae68-ae9c7142a1d4 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The IRONMAN triathlon and Visit Sacramento have partnered together to extend hosting the event in the city until 2028.
Event organizers expect over 3,000 athletes to participate in the combined 140 mile long swim, bike and run race.
This year's race is scheduled for Oct. 22 and will take place throughout Sacramento.
“IRONMAN is the ideal fit for Sacramento,” said Mike Testa, Visit Sacramento President & CEO. “Our region’s hospitality community and the IRONMAN organization are aligned in our shared commitments to excellence and providing an unforgettable experience, and so we’re thrilled to have cemented this partnership to bring thousands of athletes, families and fans to the city for years to come.”
General registration for the 2023 edition of the event is sold out and limited entries remain available through The IRONMAN Foundation.
“The Kaiser Permanente IRONMAN California triathlon is a great event for athletes looking for a fast race and looking for their next personal best,” said Tim Brosious, Northwest Regional Director for The IRONMAN Group. “We are honored to work with our partners at Visit Sacramento to bring an amazing IRONMAN race experience to athletes from around the globe here in beautiful Northern California.”
Find more information about the upcoming event HERE. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/ironman-held-in-sacramento/103-146b2769-032f-4c74-b1fd-c364903b900d | 2023-07-13T21:45:23 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/ironman-held-in-sacramento/103-146b2769-032f-4c74-b1fd-c364903b900d |
Paying homage to Aunt Charlotte
Charlotte McClee was a key figure in Gastonia before the city was incorporated. Now, the city and two local museums are remembering her legacy.
Who was she?
"Aunt Charlotte" McClee was a former slave and a midwife who delivered hundreds of babies in Gaston County. She came to the area that is now Gastonia in the 1870s and worked as a midwife for both Black and white families. Her niece, Stella Antley, has worked to raise awareness of McClee's contributions to Gaston County history, and recently, Antley's efforts came to fruition.
What happened?
The city of Gastonia renamed the Highland Community Garden and dedicated it to McClee.
The garden, located in the heart of the Highland community, is now called the Aunt Charlotte McClee Community Garden.
Juliann Lehman, the administrator for Keep Gastonia Beautiful, said that she and others have been working with Antley for several years on a dedication, but the work was significantly delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Aunt Charlotte helped grow the community basically before Gastonia was even here," Lehman said. "This is now a living memorial for her and her family."
Other displays
The Gaston County Museum of Art and History has an exhibit titled "Aunt Charlotte: Legacy, Freedom and Healing" open until Aug. 12.
"I began talks with Stella Antley back in 2019 about the museum honoring Charlotte McClee with an exhibit," said museum director Ali Pizza. "COVID shutdowns set our timeline back, but we were able to begin conversations again in 2022. Stella Antley's dedication to her great great grandmother largely contributed to the success of the exhibit."
"The exhibit focuses on her life, her work as a midwife, and the efforts of her family to promote her legacy," Pizza added. "There are several objects on display, including an iron like the one she would have used during her time as a laundress, and an early pair of forceps used by the first African American doctor in Gastonia, Dr. Erwin."
Eventually, the museum plans to incorporate Charlotte McClee's story into its permanent exhibitions.
The African American Museum of History and Culture also has an exhibit dedicated to McClee.
Cofounder and Curator Dot Guthrie said there is a PowerPoint about McClee, as well as a portrait of the midwife hanging in the museum.
Guthrie is also working with Antley on a lesson plan to teach Gaston County schoolchildren about McClee.
"We're doing a lesson plan so that the children will know how important her contribution was and the importance of her legacy. That will be embedded in our lesson plans that we will actually share with our middle and high school students," Guthrie said. "So the impact that she's made is important for not only children and people of color. It's important for all."
Stella Antley
Stella Antley said that she has been working to raise awareness about McClee for 35 years.
What the city and the museums have done "means a tremendous amount to me," she said.
"It's finally like history has finally caught up with its own past," she added. "I don't think she was hidden as much as she was forgotten. People just didn't know."
Antley is trying to raise funds for a monument for McClee. Donations can be mailed to Riverhill Monument Company, 1113 Polkville Road, Shelby, NC 28150.
"She held me as an infant. That's why I've always advocated for her," Antley said. "I'm the baby that she's holding. She held me and now I'm holding her up." | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/honoring-aunt-charlotte-former-slave-who-delivered-hundreds-babies/70402297007/ | 2023-07-13T21:45:25 | 0 | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/07/13/honoring-aunt-charlotte-former-slave-who-delivered-hundreds-babies/70402297007/ |
FOLSOM, Calif — Folsom foodies get egg-cited to gather your brunch bunch!
What many know as Placer County's favorite breakfast and brunch spot is officially coming back to Folsom.
Mario's Early Toast announced they will be taking over the space previously occupied by Limon E Sal Taqueria Bar located at 6693 Folsom-Auburn Road.
The eatery is across from the Folsom Pavilions and is set to open later this summer.
The brunch eatery was originally born in Folsom in 2008 but closed in 2017 for unknown reasons. Mario Astorga, the owner of Mario's Early Toast, then expanded to Granite Bay, Rocklin and Roseville.
Coming from a Mexican and Hawaiian background, Astorga said there is a story behind everything on the menu.
Mario's Early Toast offers Mexican breakfast, Maui waffles, French toast, benedicts, crepes and more. Check out the full menu HERE.
Astorga told ABC10 he's happy to be back in Folsom where it all began.
"I'm grateful to this city and I'm grateful that I've been given an opportunity to come back here," said Astorga. "I think people are ready and they know what to try on our menus."
The brunch spot will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Watch more from ABC10: Wake Island Waterpark near Roseville preparing for triple-digit heat | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/marios-early-toast-returns-to-folsom/103-ab38fef6-6d8a-4f4d-9f52-9d6fb6d4d0b9 | 2023-07-13T21:45:29 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/marios-early-toast-returns-to-folsom/103-ab38fef6-6d8a-4f4d-9f52-9d6fb6d4d0b9 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif — Cooling centers are scheduled to open this weekend with temperatures reaching triple digits in the Greater Sacramento area.
Significant heat is on the way to California, with highs pushing above 110 in the Valley and overnight lows in the 70s and 80s.
Major heat risk is forecast across the state due to the extremely hot daytime highs paired with the lack of relief overnight. A very strong ridge of high pressure is migrating north and west and will be centered over Southern Nevada by this weekend, putting much of the west at risk for near-record heat.
The location of the high pressure will help push temperatures into dangerous territories through the weekend. Check below for a list of cooling centers in the region and tips on how to stay cool during the heat.
Here are the cooling center open in the Greater Sacramento area.
Cooling center locations
Amador County
Find cooling centers open in Amador County HERE.
Calaveras County
Find cooling centers open in Calaveras County HERE.
Nevada County
Find cooling centers open in Nevada County HERE.
Sacramento County
Sacramento County
- 1725 28th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816 — Thursday, July 13 and Friday, July 14 - Offices are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., extended hours for weather respite are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- 5747 Watt Avenue, North Highlands, CA 95660 — Thursday, July 13 and Friday, July 14 - Offices are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., extended hours for weather respite are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- 2450 Florin Road, Sacramento, CA 95822 —Thursday, July 13 and Friday, July 14 - Offices are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., extended hours for weather respite are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sacramento
Outreach and Engagement Center (3615 Auburn Blvd) — Friday, July 14 – Sunday, July 16, 2 p.m. to 7 a.m. Accepts pets.
Sam & Bonnie Pannell Community Center (2450 Meadowview Rd) — Friday, July 14 – Sunday, July 16, noon – 8 p.m. Allows service animals but does not accept pets.
La Familia's Maple Neighborhood Center (3301 37th Avenue) — Friday, July 14 – Sunday, July 16, 2 – 8 p.m. Accepts pets.
Rancho Cordova
- City Hall (2729 Prospect Park Dr., Rancho Cordova) — Friday, July 14 – Sunday, July 16, noon – 8 p.m. Allows service animals but does not accept pets.
Citrus Heights
- Police Station Lobby (6315 Fountain Square Dr., Citrus Heights) If the high temperature exceeds 100F — Friday, July 14 – Monday, July 17, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Allows service animals but does not accept pets.
Elk Grove
- Wackford Community Center (9014 Bruceville Rd., Elk Grove) — Friday, July 14 – Monday, July 17, noon – 8 p.m. Accepts pets.
Galt
- Police Station Lobby (455 Industrial Dr., Galt) — Friday, July 14 – Monday, July 17, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. Accepts pets.
Folsom
- Folsom Public Library (411 Stafford Street) — Saturday, July 15 – Monday, July 17, 1 – 7 p.m. Accepts pets.
San Joaquin County
Escalon
- Escalon Community Center 1055 Escalon Ave, Escalon, CA — Friday, July 14 -15 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Lathrop
- Lathrop Police Department Community Room 940 River Islands Parkway, Lathrop —Friday, July 14 -15 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Lathrop Generations Center 450 Spartan Way, Lathrop — Friday, July 15 -16 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Stockton
- Arnold Rue Community Center 5758 Lorraine Ave., Stockton 95210 — Friday, Saturday and Monday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Stribley Community Center 1760 E. Sonora St., Stockton 95205 — Friday, Saturday and Monday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Seifert Community Center 128 W. Benjamin Holt Dr., Stockton 95207 — Friday, Saturday and Monday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Van Buskirk Community Center 734 Houston Ave., Stockton 95206 — Friday, Saturday and Monday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tracy
- Tracy Branch Library 20 E Eaton Ave, Tracy, CA, 95376 — Sun: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Mon: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Tue: 10 a.m.- 7 p.m., Wed: 1 p.m.- 6 p.m., Thu: 10 a.m.- 7p.m., Fri: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sat: 12 AM - 5 p.m. Free Tracer Fixed Route Bus Rides On Days Forecast To Be 100+ Degrees.
- Lolly Hansen Senior Center (50+) 375 E 9th St, Tracy, CA, 95376 — Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Larch Clover Community Center 11157 W Larch Rd, Tracy, CA, 95304 — Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- West Valley Mall 3200 N Naglee Rd, Tracy, CA, 95304 — Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Transit Station 50 E 6th St, Tracy, CA, 95376 — Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Stanislaus County
Find cooling centers in Stanislaus County HERE.
Yolo County
Find a map of cooling centers below.
Watch more on ABC10: California Heat Wave | Dangerous heat peaking this weekend in Sacramento area | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/cooling-centers-sacramento-area-triple-digit-heat/103-fb21b74d-16f0-4407-95c8-a43c88b7f2dd | 2023-07-13T21:45:35 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/cooling-centers-sacramento-area-triple-digit-heat/103-fb21b74d-16f0-4407-95c8-a43c88b7f2dd |
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. — A 21-year-old man wanted in connection with a San Jose homicide was arrested Tuesday after a standoff in Sacramento.
According to a news release, the deadly shooting happened the night of June 29 in San Jose.
Officers arrived at the scene and found a man with life-threatening injuries. He died from those injuries on July 7.
The suspect, 21-year-old Tyrese Burse of San Jose, was found in Sacramento on Tuesday, July 11.
San Jose police say Burse was barricaded in a home and was taken into custody around 6 p.m. with help from Sacramento police officers.
Burse was arrested on suspicion of homicide and taken to the Santa Clara County jail. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/san-jose-homicide-suspect-arrested-sacramento-standoff/103-a93ce44d-793e-45b0-8098-46968d368048 | 2023-07-13T21:45:41 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/san-jose-homicide-suspect-arrested-sacramento-standoff/103-a93ce44d-793e-45b0-8098-46968d368048 |
ANTIOCH, Calif. — Angelo Quinto had many titles; a beloved big brother and son, a United States Navy veteran, an artist.
But one title his family never thought he'd have is victim.
A 911 call for help in Dec. 2020 led to his mother — the woman who brought him into the world — watching as he was taken out of it.
A series of events led to the 30-year-old's death. One was 12 months earlier at the start of 2020.
"He was assaulted at the Berkeley-Oakland border in January 2020," said his father, Robert Collins. "He woke up in the hospital and had no memory of that day. He was in really bad shape... after that he had some instances of being really paranoid."
Angelo decided to move home to Antioch with his mother and sister.
"I left the Bay Area because I was dealing with a lot of my own stuff. My own personal issues. It got too intense for me," Angelo said in a self-blog video he recorded during that time period. "Now I feel like I'm coming back to my own, in a way."
He continued to infrequently struggle with intense bouts of paranoia after moving back home. His family describes them as "episodes."
"It was maybe four times in the entire year," said his sister, Bella Quinto-Collins.
Angelo began experiencing an episode on Dec. 23, 2020.
"There was only my mom and I," Bella recalled. "He kept holding us together with his arms (interlinked) and looking around, wondering what's happening."
In a recording of the 911 call, Bella is heard telling the operator her brother was being aggressive.
"I was just thinking, 'He doesn't know what's going on. What if he accidentally hurts us and then he's so afraid so he doesn't call anybody for help?'" Bella said.
So Bella called 911, asking for help.
By the time Antioch police officers arrived at the home, his mother Cassandra Quinto-Collins, said she was able to both comfort and control Angelo.
"His head was on my shoulder, (I had him in a) bear hug," described Cassandra.
"When the officers came in they asked, 'Who was the call even for?'" Bella said.
Yet Antioch police officers took Angelo from his mother and held him down in a prone position with their weight on top of him, the family said.
Prone is a position where the individual is lying flat, chest down and back up.
"He said, 'Please don't kill me. Please don't kill me,'" said Bella.
Cassandra began recording towards the end of the incident, leaving her phone on the bed. In our report, ABC10 showed portions of the video with the family's permission.
"Well that recording only caught at least the last 4.5 minutes of the restraint," said Bella. "And that's the point after he was already unresponsive."
They're unsure exactly how long officers stayed on top of Angelo, but Cassandra and Bella said it was so long officers had to do it in shifts.
"One officer that was kneeling on the back of his neck got tired and was replaced, the same position, even after I asked them if he (Angelo) was asleep," Cassandra said.
Angelo was still being held down even as he fell silent.
In the cell phone video, an officer can be heard noting Angelo "calmed down a lot" and asking, "Angelo, are you going to be calm still?"
Officers flipped Angelo over, noticing blood pooled beneath his face.
"I knew when I saw him, when they flipped him over... when they flipped him on his side... I knew he was dead," said Cassandra.
While Angelo wasn't technically brain dead, he was no longer the man his family knew. It took 72 hours for him to be officially pronounced dead at the hospital.
"A day later we heard for the first time the term 'excited delirium,'" said Robert.
It's what the Contra Costa County Coroner determined was Angelo's cause of death.
"At that time I was like, 'What is that?'" Cassandra recalled.
To believers, excited delirium can be marked by agitation, aggression, high body temperature and, on occasion, sudden death. In short, the body can get so worked up, so excited, that it shuts down, the heart stops and the person dies.
ABC10's sister station in Denver, 9News (KUSA), has led the nationwide investigation into excited delirium. Our joint investigation found excited delirium has been named as the cause of death for a number of cases just like Angelo's.
"Why is excited delirium coming up almost exclusively in the context of restraint deaths?" asked Physicians for Human Rights researcher and attorney, Joanna Naples-Mitchell. "It's got to be more than a coincidence."
After studying excited delirium, the Nobel Peace Prize winning organization Physicians for Human Rights called it "scientifically meaningless" and a way to "justify aggressive police tactics."
"Excited delirium is not a valid medical or psychiatric diagnosis and should not be used as a cause of death," said Naples-Mitchell.
They're not alone in this opinion. In fact, leading medical organizations like the American Psychiatric Association, World Health Organization and American Medical Association do not even recognize excited delirium as a condition.
California Assemblymember and former law enforcement officer Mike Gipson (D-65) agrees.
"I would have to conclude that it's made up to cover up," said Gipson.
While death by excited delirium is not all that common, it is happening across the nation.
"There's been some research done that about 166 people who have been characterized as dying from excited delirium," said Gipson.
Some are right here in Northern California.
Public records requests filed by PRA uncovered there have been two excited delirium deaths in Sacramento County in the last 10 years, one in Stanislaus County, and six in Contra Costa County — one of those is Angelo's.
In Contra Costa County, the sheriff also acts as the coroner. His office determined Angelo died from excited delirium. However, when the family commissioned a separate autopsy from private forensic pathologist Dr. Bennett Omalu, he determined Angelo died from positional asphyxia.
Positional asphyxia became widely known after the murder of George Floyd in 2020 when a police officer in Minnesota kept his weight on Floyd in a prone restraint for over nine minutes.
This restraint has also killed others, including here in Northern California, as well as across the nation.
Nearly two decades ago, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a warning officers should get suspects off their stomachs after handcuffing them because of the risk of positional asphyxia.
It's an alarming practice that has lead to deaths nationwide, according to a finding from an investigation led by our sister station KUSA in Denver. One of these cases, his family said, is Angelo's.
"It seemed to us clear this was an asphyxiation death, even then," said Robert.
"When they have nothing else, they say excited delirium," said Cassandra.
Because of Angelo, Bella and her parents set their minds to ending excited delirium as an accepted cause of death.
"I want Angelo's case to be the last excited delirium case," said Cassandra.
Assemblymember Gipson and Angelo's family partnered to create the bill AB 360.
"If someone dies at the hands of police officers (or) any law enforcement, that the cause of death is actually what the medical examiner's office has concluded without any fabrication, without any undue influence to cover something up," said Gipson. "Let the chips fall where they may. If it's the police's fault, let's call for it."
It would be a first. No city or state has outlawed excited delirium.
"California leads the way," said Gipson. "We hope that this will be a trendsetter for other states to follow."
While the bill has a long journey to become law, it's received bipartisan support. Gipson hopes Governor Newsom signs it later this year.
Angelo's family still lives in the same house where the incident that led to his death occurred. They use his room as a place to remember him. The altar set up in his room has his artwork and photos of him.
"This is also a place where he had a new beginning. He felt very hopeful and inspired and that's the energy we feel here, not from his death," said Bella.
"Angelo's not here to tell his story," said Cassandra. "So we're here to tell his story. We are his voice." | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/what-is-excited-delirium-cause-of-death-for-many-restrained-by-police/103-5fe9aad0-8036-4012-a5e5-9d66f2ec1747 | 2023-07-13T21:45:47 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/what-is-excited-delirium-cause-of-death-for-many-restrained-by-police/103-5fe9aad0-8036-4012-a5e5-9d66f2ec1747 |
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