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Charges stemming from the 2020 civil unrest were dismissed Thursday against two Richmond police officers after they participated in a restorative justice process that Commonwealth’s Attorney Colette McEachin said fostered “collaborative, collective understanding on both sides.”
Officers Mark Janowski and Christopher Brown were accused of assaulting three young women, ages 17 to 19, with O.C. fogger, a chemical irritant, at about 3:45 a.m. on May 31, 2020. It was the second night of unrest following the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.
The three women were in a car stopped at a light on Belvidere Street yelling at the officers, who crossed two lanes of traffic and sprayed the irritant into the open window of the car hitting the victims in their faces, according to court documents.
The car that fled was described as a possible 2010 maroon sedan with a dirty appearance.
Only one of the three women participated in the restorative justice meetings with the officers and unidentified members of the community, according to McEachin. The other two were “unavailable,” she said, but wouldn’t elaborate further. McEachin said a series of meetings were facilitated by the Virginia Center for Restorative Justice, but said they were confidential so she couldn’t go into details about what was discussed, how many meetings occurred, or who attended them.
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“What I’m hoping this shows is that there can be conversations between community members and police in a neutral and safe place to build back that trust,” McEachin said after Thursday’s hearing. “She heard directly from the officers information she didn’t know before, and they heard directly from her.”
In court, McEachin said the young women apologized to the officers, and that she requested that their positions with the department be fully restored. But both officers remain on administrative leave, as they have since they were first charged in October 2020, according to RPD spokeswoman Tracey Walker.
An internal investigation, which examines whether an officer broke police procedure or policy, doesn’t typically begin until after criminal charges are resolved. In this case, internal affairs detectives brought the incident to the attention of prosecutors while reviewing body-worn camera footage from the protests, but still Walker said Thursday the internal investigation “will now being.”
In April, Janowski filed a grievance against the city for imposing a one-day suspension and remedial training for violating the department’s code of conduct and unsatisfactory performance on May 31, 2020 during the unrest, according to court records. It is unclear if this is related to this same incident or another; the department did not immediately respond to questions.
“Detective Janowski is relieved that these charges have been dismissed,” his attorney Peter B. Baruch said in an email. Brown’s attorney did not respond to a request for comment. “He is looking forward to returning to active duty to serve the City. Detective Janowski and his fellow officers were faced with unprecedented circumstances on May 30-31, 2020.”
After Thursday’s hearing, McEachin said that Janowski and Brown also apologized. They also completed 100 hours of community service, she said.
The hearing comes more than seven months after an agreement had been reached in the case, but details were not made public at the time. Because the charges were dismissed Thursday, the officers’ attorneys, Jacqueline M. Reiner, Edward K. Nickel and Baruch, asked that the documents be sealed and eligible for expungement. Richmond Circuit Court Judge Phillip L. Hairston granted the requests.
If the case had gone to trial, prosecutors intended to argue that the officers acted outside of police training and violated the department’s policy, which states that “O.C. Fogger should not be directed at a person’s face.” It goes on to say that the chemical irritant “can be very hazardous” in confined areas and “should only be considered as an option under the most extreme circumstances, after the officers have carefully considered all other options, including disengagement.”
The defense attorneys intended to argue that the officers’ actions were “reasonably necessary to disperse and quell the riot,” and thus immune from criminal prosecution, according to motions filed in the case and earlier arguments made. Prosecutors have said their “actions exceeded both legal and administrative authority” since the young women were neither rioting nor unlawfully assembled at the time.
An internal investigation, which examines whether an officer broke police procedure or policy, typically starts only after any criminal charges are resolved. In this case, internal affairs detectives brought the incident to the attention of prosecutors while reviewing body-worn camera footage from the protests, so it’s unclear where that process stands. | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/assault-charges-stemming-from-2020-unrest-dismissed-against-2-richmond-officers/article_8596fda8-fa9c-5337-83c8-b0d33ef3b902.html | 2022-06-30T22:58:58 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/assault-charges-stemming-from-2020-unrest-dismissed-against-2-richmond-officers/article_8596fda8-fa9c-5337-83c8-b0d33ef3b902.html |
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A Chesterfield County man has been charged with second-degree murder in a domestic-related stabbing assault that killed his adult sister Wednesday at a home they shared.
Christopher Hobson, 40, was also charged with stabbing in the commission of a felony in the slaying of Bonnie Hobson, 39. They both lived at a residence in the Edge Hill Condominiums in the 10200 block of Iron Mill Road.
According to police, Christopher Hobson stabbed his sister during a domestic dispute inside the condo about 12:25 p.m. Wednesday. Bonnie Hobson’s two children, 4 and 8, also lived at the residence and sustained non-life threatening injuries during the assault.
Chesterfield police Lt. Justin Aronson said investigators are still trying to determine what caused the children’s injuries. Police are consulting with the Chesterfield Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office on whether additional charges should be placed against Christopher Hobson related to the children.
Police said their investigation of the incident remains ongoing.
Charges stemming from the 2020 civil unrest were dismissed Thursday against two Richmond police officers after they participated in a restorative justice process that Commonwealth's Attorney Colette McEachin said fostered "collaborative, collective understanding on both sides." | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/chesterfield-man-faces-murder-charge-in-death-of-sister/article_7193df54-0ffb-504a-a9cb-70e4fe2b6ead.html | 2022-06-30T22:59:04 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/chesterfield-man-faces-murder-charge-in-death-of-sister/article_7193df54-0ffb-504a-a9cb-70e4fe2b6ead.html |
MAINE, USA — Portland Press Herald music writer Aimsel Ponti joined us on 207 to preview four upcoming music shows.
Please note that the Louis Prima Jr. show in Boothbay Harbor that Ponti mentioned on the air has been canceled. Prima Jr. said at the last minute that he can’t do it due to “logistical issues.”
Here’s the list of shows and some of Ponti's comments:
SHOW: Dar Williams
WHEN & WHERE: Friday, July 1 at the Vinegar Hill Music Theatre in Arundel
INFO: Singer-songwriter Dar Williams has been releasing thought-provoking albums since the early 90s and has also written a number of books. Kick-off July with a stirring performance by Williams in the magical barn that is Vinegar Hill Music Theatre, an intimate space with a lovely outdoor garden area for preshow merriment. Williams’ latest album is last year’s “I’ll Meet You Here,” home to songs like “Time, Be My Friend” and “Little Town.”
SHOW: Garbage
WHEN & WHERE: Thursday, July 7 at the State Theatre in Portland
INFO: Fronted by Scottish singer Shirley Manson, Garbage is a legendary act born in the 90s with albums like the 1995 self-titled debut, "Version 2.0," and "Beautiful Garbage." They released “No Gods No Masters” last year. Hits include “I’m Only Happy When It Rains,” “Paranoid,” and “Stupid Girl.”
SHOW: Start Making Sense
WHEN & WHERE: Friday, July 8 at the Head of Falls in downtown Waterville (the raindate venue is at the Waterville Opera House)
TICKETS: Free show! https://www.watervillecreates.org/shows/waterville-rocks-start-making-sense/
INFO: End-all, be-all ultimate Talking Heads tribute act. Keep in mind that Talking Heads' last album, "Naked," was released way back in 1988. Start Making Sense is fronted by Jon Braun, who truly embodies David Byrne.
SHOW: Sheryl Crow with Keb’ Mo’
WHEN & WHERE: Wednesday, July 13 at Thompson’s Point in Portland
INFO: Incredible live show with a stellar band and WOW! Blues LEGEND Keb’ Mo' is opening! | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/looking-for-a-good-concert-in-maine-over-the-next-couple-of-weeks-entertainment-life/97-307fe4d7-c5ca-458a-b559-f7ca40348c4b | 2022-06-30T23:01:14 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/looking-for-a-good-concert-in-maine-over-the-next-couple-of-weeks-entertainment-life/97-307fe4d7-c5ca-458a-b559-f7ca40348c4b |
PORTLAND, Maine — According to the Greater Portland Council of Governments, there are currently about 400 families seeking asylum in Maine that are being housed at hotels across southern Maine.
Now, GPCOG has announced a plan in hopes of creating new housing to support those arriving in Maine.
"Intentionally developed, permanent transitional housing will provide new arrivals in our communities with a safe and stable landing place," Belinda Ray, GPCOG Director of Strategic Partnerships, said. "It will also make much more efficient and effective use of limited taxpayers' dollars."
On Thursday, GPCOG announced its Safe in Maine fund, which will raise money to create 200 transitional housing that will provide asylum seekers with temporary housing that would be more affordable than costly hotel rooms.
Officials with GPCOG are hoping to raise more than $1.5 million through grants, private donations, and municipal funding for the project and use that money to supplement public and private dollars to create the housing.
The agency has been exploring housing solutions for asylum seekers, including new construction, quick-build modular units, and renovations of existing buildings. Ray says that it has not been decided where the transitional housing will be built, but that there are currently six locations in southern Maine being considered.
"We want this to be something that will be solidly and comprehensively established so it can serve us for decades," Ray said.
Ray says she hopes in the future this transitional housing can be used to allow new workers to relocate to the state for jobs while they seek permanent housing or to provide temporary accommodations for seasonal workers or people with H1-B visas.
According to GPCOG, it costs roughly $12,000 per month to house and provide meals for an asylum-seeking family in a hotel. Right now, that is paid for by the federal government, but FEMA funding for this could expire in October. Leaders are hopeful this housing solution can provide relief to municipalities that are using large portions of their budgets to support asylum seekers.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for the community at large to step in and say, we will help solve this problem," Portland Mayor Kate Snyder said.
"The creation of transitional housing to assist asylum seekers is a systemic and structural change that we have been advocating for that will allow Maine to fully ethically welcome and embrace them," Mufalo Chitam, executive director of the Maine Immigrants Rights Coalition, said. "Today, asylum seekers in hotels can feel heard."
Leaders with GPCOG hope for the transitional housing to be completed in the next two years. Ray says they plan to work with a local developer on the project, but the developer has not been chosen yet. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/maine-immigration/greater-portland-council-of-governments-announces-fundraising-effort-to-create-housing-for-asylum-seekers-maine/97-b9beb0f5-92ae-4fc4-af14-0bb87575d4d0 | 2022-06-30T23:01:20 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/maine-immigration/greater-portland-council-of-governments-announces-fundraising-effort-to-create-housing-for-asylum-seekers-maine/97-b9beb0f5-92ae-4fc4-af14-0bb87575d4d0 |
Child flown to Cook Hospital after almost drowning in Iowa Park swimming pool
Christopher Walker
Wichita Falls Times Record News
Wichita County deputies respond to a near drowning in Iowa Park.
According to a press release sent from the Wichita County Sheriff’s Office:
Around 9:30 Thursday morning, deputies responded to the Iowa Park Clinic for an 18-month-old that had almost drowned at a residential pool on Peterson Road.
More:A child's near drowning is reminder to stay vigilant when young ones are swimming
The deputies were told that the child was found unresponsive at the pool. A parent immediately began CPR and revived the child. The child was transported to the clinic before being care flighted to Cook Children’s Hospital for further observation.
Stay with the Times Record News for more information. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/child-flown-cook-after-almost-drowning-iowa-park-swimming-pool/7781288001/ | 2022-06-30T23:01:59 | 1 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/child-flown-cook-after-almost-drowning-iowa-park-swimming-pool/7781288001/ |
City warns of monkeypox spread in Texas
The Texas Department of State Health Services and some health departments across the state have identified multiple cases of monkeypox in Texas in people who did not travel outside the state, according to a release from the city of Wichita Falls.
Monkeypox testing has resulted in identifying 12 monkeypox cases in Texas. The first cases did involve international travel, but three patients reported that they did not travel outside of Texas.
Monkeypox is a viral illness that starts with symptoms like fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. Soon after, a rash that can look like pimples or blisters appears. The rash often appears first on the face and inside the mouth and then spreads to other parts of the body.
No cases have been reported in Wichita Falls.
Monkeypox can spread from person to person through direct contact with the rash, scabs, or bodily fluids like saliva.
Any suspected cases should be reported to the Wichita Falls-Wichita County Health District at at 940-761-7800. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/city-warns-monkeypox-spread-texas/7781651001/ | 2022-06-30T23:02:05 | 1 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/city-warns-monkeypox-spread-texas/7781651001/ |
Police, Texas Rangers enter City View ISD sex probe
Alleged victims' accounts differ from superintendent's comments
Wichita Falls Police and the Texas Rangers are entering the investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct at City View ISD.
"In light of recent events and disclosures by several former City View ISD students, the City View ISD Police Chief is working in conjunction with the Wichita Falls Police Department and the Texas Rangers to investigate the allegations that have been made against Bobby Morris and the District," Superintendent Tony Bushong said on the district's Facebook Page Thursday.
More:City View coach found dead in his home Monday
Several girls came forward on Facebook and television with allegations against Morris, the district's head basketball coach and a high school chemistry teacher. Morris was found dead in his home Monday; police suspect it was a suicide.
"There have been multiple changes in campus and district administration throughout the last five to six years, which seem to have resulted in some confusion with regard to whom these allegations were reported," Bushong said in the post.
He said during his tenure as superintendent since February of 2018, "the District has not ignored, covered up, or hidden anything, and we will not cover up or hide anything from the authorities. We want answers, just like you."
But at least two of the women who have come forward with allegations said Bushong was present when they were interviewed about complaints in 2018.
The Times Record News does not normally identify victims of alleged sexual assault, but in recent days, at least three women have chosen to come forward with their stories.
Angel Rodriguez said in an interview posted on social media with The Hub journalist Samuel Pak she was called in during her sophomore year, 2017-2018, because she and friends were talking about how Morris was having sexual relations with students. She said some parents overheard the conversations and contacted the school district.
Rodriguez said Bushong and City View High School Principal Daryl Frazier conducted the interview.
"During that interview I told them everything I knew. Tony Bushong sat in on the whole, entire thing. He heard everything I had to say. Frazier did most of the talking to me," she said.
Rodriguez also said neither she nor her parents were contacted for follow-up after the interview.
During the same interview with Pak, Samantha Brothers said she, too, met with Frazier and Bushong in her sophomore year.
"They told me they would talk to him (Morris) and figure out what was going on and they told me not to speak of it again," said another woman in the video.
Rodriguez also said video of drinking and sexual conduct involving students and coaches at a "party house" in the City View area had been turned over to administrators.
"That has been going on for years," she said.
The Wichita Falls Police Department released a statement Thursday confirming that they opened an investigation along with the Wichita County District Attorney's Office into the City View ISD allegations.
"In regard to the recent events related to the City View Independent School District, the WFPD has opened an investigation into the allegations of misconduct at the district. The investigation is a coordinated effort with the Wichita County District Attorney’s office," the statement said.
WFPD said if anyone has information about this investigation, they can call the non-emergency number at 940-720-5000 or call the WFPD Crime Stoppers number at 940-322-9888.
The women's comments came in a video interview posted online by Samuel Pak, a Wichita Falls businessman who had daughters who attended City View. The video includes allegations that are being investigated and portions of it are graphic.
You can see that interview that contains allegations and is graphic in some areas here: https://fb.watch/dZI1NStQUq/ | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/police-texas-rangers-enter-city-view-isd-sex-probe/7776831001/ | 2022-06-30T23:02:11 | 0 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/police-texas-rangers-enter-city-view-isd-sex-probe/7776831001/ |
Wichita Falls police release fatality accident report for 2022
Wichita Falls Police have released the number of fatality accidents involving motor vehicles in the city so far.
According to the report:
In 2022 as of June 30, the city has seen four fatal motorcycle crashes with five people killed, one crash involving a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, one crash involving a car, and one crash involving a bicyclist struck by a vehicle.
The first fatality accident was March 20. Suzan Driskill, 56, was riding her motorcycle in the 3200 block of Iowa Park Road when a SUV pulled out of a parking lot and the two collided. Driskill was transported to the hospital with serious injuries where she later died. She was not wearing a helmet.
More:Motorcyclist killed in Sunday night collision
On May 18, police responded to motorcycle crash in the 1500 block of Seymour Highway. They found a motorcycle crashed in the side of a building. Christopher Cardwell, 32, was transported to the URHCS from the scene. Cardwell was pronounced deceased a short time later. The investigation is ongoing. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
More:Motorcyclist killed in Wednesday morning wreck identified
On May 19, police and first responders went to the scene of an accident in the 6600 block of Southwest Parkway. Nancy Beaver, 65, was riding her bicycle on Southwest Parkway when she was hit by a truck. She was transported by ambulance to the hospital where she was later pronounced deceased. She was wearing a helmet.
More:Cyclist dies after Thursday morning accident
On June 4, police went to the scene of a motorcycle accident in the 2500 block of Kemp Boulevard. Justin Feliciano, 40, was thrown from the motorcycle after it struck a passenger vehicle as it was turning onto Avenue O. Feliciano was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. He was wearing a helmet.
More:Motorcyclist killed in Saturday crash
On June 18, emergency responders went to the scene of a crash on Central Freeway near Sixth Street. Danielle Davila, 23, was killed after she lost control of the vehicle she was driving and crashed into a concrete highway divider. She was rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.
More:Wichita Falls Police release victim’s name from weekend fatality crash
On June 22, police responded to an accident on Southwest Parkway at Fairway Boulevard. Amy Pool, 45, was killed after she was struck by a car while trying to cross Southwest Parkway.
More:One killed in early morning pedestrian-vehicle accident
On June 28, two people, David Ford Jr., 34, and Juanita Anderson, 27, were killed when the motorcycle they were on collided with a tree near Holliday Street and 15th Street. An officer saw the motorcycle run through a red light and attempted to stop it when it lost control and crashed into a tree. Ford was dead at the scene. Anderson was transported to the hospital but died from her injuries. Neither were wearing helmets. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/wichita-falls-police-release-fatality-crash-report-2022/7777961001/ | 2022-06-30T23:02:17 | 0 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/wichita-falls-police-release-fatality-crash-report-2022/7777961001/ |
ALTOONA, Iowa — The family of 11-year-old Michael Jaramillo is suing Adventureland, claiming the park is responsible for his 2021 death on the Raging River ride.
Sabrina and David Jaramillo Sr. filed the wrongful death lawsuit in Polk County on Thursday against a number of Adventureland managers for damages related to their son Michael, and injuries they and their other children sustained.
The Jaramillo family was on the Raging River ride back in July 2021 when the raft they were on overturned, trapping them under the water.
According to the lawsuit:
- David Sr. and Sabrina were able to escape from underneath the approximately 1,700-pound raft and tried to rescued their stuck children although they were injured.
- The parents claimed to have screamed for help, but the ride kept going, which sent more water and rafts down the river while the children were trapped. Michael and David Jr., who was critically injured, were under the water for over five minutes.
- Although other patrons and a fireworks crew who heard the parents' screams tried to help, no one from Adventureland came to their aid. There were also delays to get emergency responders to the scene due to the park's layout.
- Adventureland continued to keep the ride open that day even though they were aware of multiple issues, such as the rafts deflating or hitting the bottom of the ride and equipment failures.
- Multiple rafts, including the one used by the Jaramillos, were pulled out of service, repaired and sent back on the ride without being properly tested.
- The morning of the incident, the ride's water pumps, which are responsible for maintaining water levels, were experiencing power surges that would turn them off. Maintenance workers did not fix the issue, and the problems were not communicated to patrons.
- Multiple other patrons reported hitting the bottom of the ride while on their rafts that day, the same issue that overturned the Jaramillos' raft.
- The Raging River was staffed by employees who had not been trained on that particular ride and had never worked on it before the day of the incident.
- The state's Amusement Ride Safety Division investigated the ride after the incident, and deemed it posed an "imminent danger" to the public.
- The Jaramillo family is seeking reimbursement for their past and future medical expenses, physical and mental injuries, emotional distress, lost earnings and Michael's burial expenses.
An Iowa Division of Labor report showed the boat involved in the deadly incident was taken out for repairs just hours before the Jaramillos rode it.
The raft's bladders were removed, according to the report, and they put all but one of the boats back into service just over two and a half hours later.
The state investigator confirmed the boat, which "immediately began taking on water as the ride began," touched the bottom of the trough of the ride multiple times by seeing scrape marks in the concrete and fresh gouges in the wooden weirs.
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WATCH: Altoona Fire Department describes their response to Adventureland tragedy | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/adventureland-wrongful-death-lawsuit-michael-jaramillo-family/524-1e8d36c5-b980-4ebc-8f37-cbde34d4029f | 2022-06-30T23:06:16 | 1 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/adventureland-wrongful-death-lawsuit-michael-jaramillo-family/524-1e8d36c5-b980-4ebc-8f37-cbde34d4029f |
ANKENY, Iowa — There are kids all over the world looking for a happy, healthy home, But here in Iowa, foster care organizations say the system is strained. They worry the long-term effects of the overturning of Roe v. Wade could put further pressured on an already overworked system.
KellyMarie Meek and her wife have adopted four children and fostered many others over the course of a decade, but she still feels guilty she can't help out more kids.
"Our system is already overwhelmed, right? My home is theoretically closed at the moment, we really don't have space to take any more kids," Meek said. "And yet, I'm still getting calls for children on a regular basis. Calls not just for single children, but calls for sibling groups of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7."
This is a problem Four Oaks Family and Children Services has been facing for a long time, said Recruitment and Retention Director Kai McGee.
"There typically is a gap between the numbers of children who need an available foster home and the numbers of families available to provide foster care," McGee said. "That need is pressing and urgent, and it remains pretty consistent year after year."
With changing legislation surrounding the overturn of Roe v. Wade, Meek said she is worried for the potential influx of children in need of foster and adoptive homes.
"More kids in the system just means more struggle for a system that's already really overtaxed," Meek said.
McGee said she doesn't think the impact will be instant, but parents who bring a child into the world post-Roe have fewer options, leading to a need for the help that is still available.
"We could see a rise in the number of kids entering foster care," McGee said. "The impact that I'm hoping for is that I hope that it drives a discussion of the needs of vulnerable children, and the desire for people who want to help vulnerable children. I hope that this causes them to consider getting involved with foster care."
Meek said although they need more foster parents, they aren't just looking for anyone to fill that role.
"If you're interested in becoming a foster parent, we do need you, but we need you for the right reasons," Meek said.
Both Four Oaks and Meek said foster care is meant to be safe, stable, temporary care for children who have experienced abuse or neglect and need to be separated from their family of origin for a period of time. However, the goal of foster care is always reunification.
Four Oaks said the foster care system is not just struggling to find foster parents, they are also in need of caseworkers as overturn happens at a high rate in this career. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/iowa-foster-care-roe-v-wade/524-9f38850c-a8d8-43cd-b9be-be1e170cf5cc | 2022-06-30T23:06:16 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/iowa-foster-care-roe-v-wade/524-9f38850c-a8d8-43cd-b9be-be1e170cf5cc |
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Supreme Court on Thursday reversed a longstanding precedent that allowed landowners to sue for damages when a neighboring hog farm causes water pollution or odor problems that affect quality of life.
The court concluded, 4-3, that a 2004 decision was wrong.
The earlier ruling established that a portion of Iowa's law providing immunity to livestock farms from neighbors' nuisance lawsuits violated the inalienable rights clause of the Iowa Constitution. It also found neighbors could sue if they had lived in the area long before the farm began operating, had sustained significant hardship, and did not benefit from the nuisance immunity granted to the livestock farm.
Justice Thomas Waterman wrote in the Thursday decision that “protecting and promoting livestock production is a legitimate state interest, and granting partial immunity from nuisance suits is a proper means to that end.”
Iowa is the nation’s leading pork producer with 23 million pigs, most kept in large confinement buildings that collect nitrogen-rich manure from the animals and use it to fertilize fields.
The court said judges must use a rational basis to review future court challenges — a standard that will be difficult to overcome because it presumes state laws are passed for the benefit of the public.
The decision is a significant blow to property owners in rural areas who want to take legal action over expanding hog farms.
“Its going to make it more difficult. It was difficult anyway as it was,” said Wallace Taylor, the attorney representing landowner Gordon Garrison who bought 300 acres of land in Emmet County in northwest Iowa in 1972, built a home there in 1999, and was disturbed in 2015 when farmer Jay D. Moore built a 4,000-pig operation about half a mile away.
Garrison said he could smell its odor more than 100 days of the year, sometimes all day, and it caused him to experience nausea and dizziness that forced him to stop working outdoors. Other neighbors supported his complaints.
He also complained of water pollution caused by manure spread on adjacent farm fields.
Garrison sued in 2020, calling the hog farm a nuisance. A district court judge dismissed his lawsuit in May 2021 and he appealed.
Waterman wrote Thursday that balancing the competing interests of hog farmers and neighbors “is a quintessentially legislative function involving policy choices our constitution places with the elected branches.”
Under the ruling, property owners can sue when the damage results from a farm’s failure to comply with a federal or state law or regulation, or when the farmer failed to use prudent and generally accepted management practices.
“The Iowa Supreme Court restored the Iowa legislature’s role in striking a balance between the right to farm and the impact on those who choose to live in rural Iowa,” said James Pray, the lawyer who represented Moore.
The Iowa high court has six conservative justices appointed by Republican governors and one Democratic appointee. Last Friday, the court overturned its 2018 decision that guaranteed Iowans the fundamental right to abortion under the state constitution.
Justices Brent Appel and Christopher McDonald wrote in dissenting opinions that they would have upheld the 2004 case that provided for hog farm challenges. Justice Dana Oxley agreed.
Appel said the purpose of the inalienable rights clause in the bill of rights is to ensure that individual liberties are not subject to erosion by an aggressive legislative or executive branch.
“Are we telling the existing property owners that they are required to ‘take one for the team’ as the private owners next door emit nuisance odors under a scheme of statutory immunity?” he wrote.
McDonald said Iowa’s law immediately deprives a property owner of the right to assert a private nuisance action and seek full compensation, and that other states allow time for neighboring landowners to sue.
“In the end, the legal question presented in this case is a simple one: does the constitution mean what it says? Do the men and women of this state have the constitutional right to protect their property? The text of the constitution, precedent, and history say yes. The majority says no,” he wrote.
Taylor said Iowans need to elect legislators who will rein in the livestock industry, who will listen to their concerns and repeal the nuisance immunity law for hog farms. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/iowa-pig-farm-law-suit-supreme-court-reverses-precedent/524-d97f1ffa-3a54-495a-b006-14e9a8133407 | 2022-06-30T23:06:22 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/iowa-pig-farm-law-suit-supreme-court-reverses-precedent/524-d97f1ffa-3a54-495a-b006-14e9a8133407 |
DES MOINES, Iowa — Starting Friday, July 1, several new laws are going into effect in Iowa.
Here are three of the big ones to see how they may affect you and your family.
Unemployment benefits
Under HF2355, unemployed workers will get 10 fewer weeks of unemployment benefits. That's a decrease from 26 to 16 weeks.
It also lowers the threshold of what is considered "suitable work for that worker," which could mean the worker would be required to accept a job that pays less than their previous one.
Child care workers
In an effort to reduce staffing shortages in child care centers, HF2198 allows 16-and-17-year-olds to now work at day cares without adult supervision.
Lawmakers who supported the measure believe it will give these centers a relief when it comes to staffing issues, potentially allowing for more slots.
COVID-19 vaccines and schools
Schools in Iowa now cannot legally require a student get a COVID-19 vaccine, according to HF2298. The law applies to day cares, K-12 schools and colleges.
While Iowa law requires students to receive a number of immunizations at various ages, the COVID-19 vaccine is not on the list.
Other notable legislation from the session
- HF2416, which prohibits transgender girls and women from participating in female sports
- SF2378, which potentially scales back the longtime "bottle bill" long opposed by grocery retailers
- HF2317, which creates a 3.9% flat tax by 2026, eliminates taxes on retirement income and lowers taxes for corporations
The Associated Press contributed to this report | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/local-politics/new-iowa-laws-in-effec-july-1-unemployment-child-care-covid-vaccine/524-98440dda-24a6-40d4-827b-f3beda523dcc | 2022-06-30T23:06:31 | 1 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/local-politics/new-iowa-laws-in-effec-july-1-unemployment-child-care-covid-vaccine/524-98440dda-24a6-40d4-827b-f3beda523dcc |
The Finger Lakes land trust announced that is has received a donation of a historic 200 year-old fieldstone home and more than 140 acres of woodlands.
In the town of Enfield, adjacent to Robert H. Treman State Park, stands a house built in the 1820’s.
The donation was made by a Tompkins Country resident, Margaret Bald, who passed away in 2020.
The Land Trust listed the home for sale along with a three-and-a-half acre lot.
Over the next year, the land trust will work with state park officials, the Cayuga Trails Club, and the Finger Lakes Trail Conference to develop a plan to conserve the land and to create a hiking path that will connect to a nearby trail.
Here is a link to the property listing: https://carolbushberg.com/4-stone-house-road/. | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/local/finger-lakes-land-trust-receives-historic-donation/ | 2022-06-30T23:16:22 | 1 | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/local/finger-lakes-land-trust-receives-historic-donation/ |
RENTON, Wash — Editor's note: The above video on a father and two daughters who were found dead in a Renton apartment originally aired Dec. 13, 2021.
A father and his two daughters who were found dead in a Renton apartment last year died of starvation, the medical examiner found.
The King County Medical Examiner did not find an obvious cause of death when the bodies were found in December 2021 and held off on the manner and cause of death until a toxicological analysis was complete. The examiner released their findings Thursday.
The father, identified as Manuel Gil, and his 16- and 17-year-old daughters were emaciated, and there wasn’t any food in the home, according to the medical examiner. Investigators found written materials about fasting.
The cause of death was ruled as protein and calorie deprivation – more commonly known as starving – since there weren’t any other pathological or toxicological causes found.
Gil’s death was ruled a suicide due to the timing of the deaths. The manner of death for the girls was undetermined because there isn’t a way to determine their state of mind and intent, according to the medical examiner.
Gil and the two teens were found dead in an apartment in the 300 block of Factory Avenue North on Dec. 11, 2021.
There were no signs of foul play or visible trauma to the bodies. At the time, Renton police said the apartment was in “really good condition” and “unusually tidy.”
Renton Detective Robert Onishi said, "We don't see situations like this, generally.”
If anyone has facts about this incident that haven’t been provided to the police, they should contact Onishi at ronishi@rentonwa.gov and reference case 21-12197. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/renton/father-daughters-found-dead-apartment-starved/281-a26de94f-ce2b-4634-954a-f6c4280ded6c | 2022-06-30T23:16:28 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/renton/father-daughters-found-dead-apartment-starved/281-a26de94f-ce2b-4634-954a-f6c4280ded6c |
DALLAS — David Stewart, 27, and his girlfriend Jimena Nunez, 24, were the parents of two daughters, ages 3 years old and 8 months old. This weekend, they were getting ready to celebrate their little girl's 4th birthday.
Stewart's mother said he loved his two daughters.
"That was his life," his mother, Latoya Stewart said. "Those little girls and his girlfriend. He was a great dad."
Wednesday afternoon, Dallas police officers found the young couple shot to death. Their daughters were found safe at their Northeast Dallas apartment.
"I did hear where they said when someone got there, they were just in there playing with toys. You know, just saying mommy and daddy won’t wake up,” said Latoya.
The Dallas Police Department (DPD) said the couple may have been killed Sunday night.
WFAA has learned from sources that on Sunday a neighbor called 911 at 11:58 p.m. She told police she heard four shots, followed by banging and what sounded like fighting. But officers weren’t assigned the call until nearly two hours later at 1:45 a.m., and officers didn’t get to the apartment until nearly 2 a.m. Officers knocked on the door and left.
"I don’t know why they didn’t try to go in, or try. I just feel if you get a call like that and somebody heard shots, you should go in, and go in the apartment and go see,” said Latoya.
"Responding officers knocked on the door several times, and announced themselves as police. Officers also listened at the door for sounds coming from inside the apartment and didn’t hear anyone inside. There was no sign of a forced entry into the apartment,” said Dallas Police Department spokesperson Kristen Lowman.
Sources said police went back to the apartment on Wednesday, when a neighbor called and said the oldest child was walking around outside and they stopped to ask her where her parents were. She led them to the apartment.
David Stewart's mother wonders what if police had found them sooner.
"Did they just immediately pass away? Or did they suffer for a day? Or bleed to death? I don’t know. But I feel like if the police and ambulance would have gotten there, maybe they could have at least gotten them to the hospital,” said Latoya.
DPD said when the call came in Sunday night, they had more than a dozen other "priority 2" calls already holding and responded as soon as there were officers available.
The department has struggled with longer response times. Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia has previously said he needs more officers to respond to priority 1 and 2 calls like this one. So, Garcia is looking at creating a civilian group that would respond to lower priority non-emergency calls to free officers up for the more urgent calls.
Thursday, DPD said officers are still searching for Stewart and Nunez's car, which is missing from the apartment complex parking lot. Police asks if anyone spots the 2014 black Nissan with Texas license plate HNT9708 to contact Detective Yahir Perez at yahir.perez@dallascityhall.com or 214-671-4735.
Crime Stoppers will also pay up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest and indictment for this crime. If you have information and would like to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 214-373-8477, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-police-response-to-double-homicide-at-apartment-2-kids-found-alive/287-74ba97d2-684b-4cb0-990a-b8f178022455 | 2022-06-30T23:20:52 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-police-response-to-double-homicide-at-apartment-2-kids-found-alive/287-74ba97d2-684b-4cb0-990a-b8f178022455 |
DALLAS — It was a moment. A proud moment. It was a moment in history celebrated by many people in the legal field on Thursday as they were glued to their screens watching Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson sworn in to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.
“It is absolutely amazing. It’s something that I never thought I would never see in my lifetime,” Dallas County District Judge Stephanie Brown Huff said as she watched the ceremony in her courtroom.
Huff gathered with other judicial colleagues, some staff and attorneys to watch Justice Brown Jackson take her oath, becoming the first Black woman to sit on the Supreme Court.
“For little Black girls everywhere, Black women everywhere that dare to dream, you see that it’s possible now,” Huff explained.
Local judges in different courtrooms across North Texas took time to recognize the impact of Justice Brown Jackson’s groundbreaking moment.
“This is just an exciting moment. You know, not for just me. For my kids, for every Black female judge, the ceiling is open now. And we know that everything is possible,” said Judge Valencia Nash, Dallas County Justice of the Peace 1-2.
Judge Nash watched the ceremonial event, between cases, from her chambers in the South Dallas Government Center.
She knows a bit about making history. The longtime lawyer was the first Black female Justice of the Peace elected in Dallas County.
“She is going to be able to offer a perspective that hasn’t been there on the Supreme Court,” Nash explained as she reflected over Justice Brown Jackson’s historic role.
Justice Brown Jackson is taking the place of retiring Justice Stephen Breyer. She once served as his law clerk.
In the U.S. Supreme Court’s 233-year history, with Justice Brown Jackson’s swearing-in, it’s now the first time four women will serve on the Supreme Court at once.
“It almost brings me to tears, because I’m sitting here and I’m saying I always wanted to be a judge. To be a judge of the Supreme Court is something you can only dream of, and it’s never happened until now,” Judge Huff said.
Now, there is a host of people across the country waiting and watching to see what impact Justice Brown Jackson will have from the highest court in the land.
“We have hope that she will serve unapologetically. She will serve boldly,” Judge Nash said. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/judges-north-texas-watch-ketanji-brown-jackson-supreme-court-oath/287-447f9b15-b1a3-451f-90d8-2248869277f9 | 2022-06-30T23:20:58 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/judges-north-texas-watch-ketanji-brown-jackson-supreme-court-oath/287-447f9b15-b1a3-451f-90d8-2248869277f9 |
DALLAS — Sandra Avalos is one of America's DREAMERS. She is one of the young activists who has been watching and waiting on one of the most important decisions from the United States Supreme Court that will impact her life and many people she loves.
"It's something that we have continuously been fighting in the courts," Avalos said.
Immigration activist Sandra Avalos is celebrating Thursday’s Supreme Court decision. She and her family migrated to the United States and now fight for others.
Sandra views winning the Texas v. Biden case as the start of a bigger battle to reform immigration.
"It's something that we knew this was a possibility, and that's why we have always pushed for a permanent solution," said Avalos.
Sandra and other activists got a big win when the high court ruled that the Biden administration properly ended a Trump-era "Remain in Mexico" policy. That policy forced many asylum-seekers to stay in central America to await hearings.
Sandra believes today’s decision will also stop tragedies like the 53 migrants found dead in a tractor-trailer in south Texas.
Governor Greg Abbott mentioned the tragedy in his response to the high court decision, saying "fully enforcing Remain-in-Mexico would deter thousands more migrants from making that deadly trek, and President Biden should take that simple step to secure the border."
Domingo Garcia serves as National President of The League of United Latin American Citizens. He defends people wanting a better life.
"Legal immigration was closed," said Domingo Garcia, "All they're asking is a shot at the American dream, and they were not being given that because, in essence, both the legal immigration was closed and the only way to come across was illegally."
Garcia said he believes the Biden Administration should work hard to make sure people seeking a life in America should have a fair shot at it. Especially since, in many cases, they are fleeing from conditions no human being should have to endure no matter where you live.
"The politicians in Austin with Gov. Abbott's Lone Star failure to deal with a comprehensive immigration, warn this has driven people that are desperate. They're fleeing violence, they're fleeing poverty and misery," said Domingo Garcia.
The battle over the border and arguments over immigration are far from over.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a statement stating in part, 'Today's decision makes the border crisis worse. But it's not the end. I'll keep pressing forward. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/local-immigration-activists-celebrate-scotus-decision-ending-remain-mexico-policy/287-b87aae9e-94fb-4303-8c79-0dbe9ba9aef7 | 2022-06-30T23:21:04 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/local-immigration-activists-celebrate-scotus-decision-ending-remain-mexico-policy/287-b87aae9e-94fb-4303-8c79-0dbe9ba9aef7 |
FORT WORTH, Texas — At a special meeting Thursday, the Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD) board of directors distanced itself from a complaint filed by a TAD employee against a Fort Worth realtor, known for protesting peoples’ property taxes for free.
The TAD board of directors approved a letter to send to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), asking the organization to withdraw the complaint against Chandler Crouch’s property tax consultant license.
WFAA has interviewed Crouch over the years for his tips and tricks for protesting your property taxes. Crouch told WFAA he’s protested 90,000 properties over the past five years.
At the end of 2021, TAD's director of residential appraisal Randall “Randy” Armstrong authored a complaint to the state about Crouch, claiming the realtor misled the Tarrant Appraisal Review Board at a hearing.
The complaint also accused Crouch of "mockery of the current tax system," claiming he "will bring shame to the Texas Association of Property Tax Consultants, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Institute for Professionals in Taxation and the Texas Property Tax Industry as a whole."
RELATED: Property tax officials complained about a realtor protesting appraisals. Now they could be fired.
Over 70 speakers addressed the TAD board of directors at Thursday’s hearing.
“If it weren’t for Chandler Crouch, I wouldn’t have a house,” one speaker said.
“Mr. Randall Armstrong has also exercised his first amendment right,” another said. “Mr. Armstrong does not need to be chastised.”
The line of speakers wrapped around the TAD building early Thursday morning. The TAD board of directors said the room where Thursday’s hearing was held was the only available room, which only had space for about a dozen speakers to sit in at a time.
As a result, some speakers said they stood outside for over four hours, waiting for their turn to address the board, who apologized for the situation, saying it did not expect that large of a crowd.
The letter that the TAD board of directors approved to send to TDLR was read aloud during Thursday’s special meeting. It said the complaint about Crouch’s license was not authorized or filed by TAD, its board, or its chief appraiser.
Instead, the letter said the complaint was filed by a TAD employee, who “did not have the permission or authority of the Tarrant Appraisal District to file the TDLR complaint on its behalf.”
WFAA reached out to Armstrong for a comment after the board’s decision and is still waiting to hear back.
Here’s the statement Armstrong provided on Wednesday: “There is currently a review of this matter being conducted, I prefer to wait on the review process to be complete before offering any further comment on these issues.”
An investigation into Armstrong and his complaint against Crouch is ongoing, according to the TAD board of directors.
Many of the public speakers called for the firing of Armstrong and TAD chief appraiser Jeff Law Thursday.
The board of directors said it expects to take up personnel matters at their next meeting. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/tarrant-appraisal-district-says-employee-did-not-have-authority-file-complaint-against-realtor/287-872b37a2-cf3b-464a-80c0-ef7d685bdcc3 | 2022-06-30T23:21:11 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/tarrant-appraisal-district-says-employee-did-not-have-authority-file-complaint-against-realtor/287-872b37a2-cf3b-464a-80c0-ef7d685bdcc3 |
The City of Kenosha has announced numerous road closings and traffic adjustments for the July 4 weekend, as three days of live music and family entertainment, highlighted by a Festival Foods fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Monday, is expected to draw in a high volume of traffic.
Seventh Avenue will be closed between 54th Street and 55th Street through July 4 for the Rainbow Valley Carnival, along with a parking lot east of that area.
Beginning at noon on Friday, traffic will be directed one way only in a counter-clockwise loop east of Third Avenue, between 54th and 56th streets, along Calabria Way and continuing to Eighth Avenue. Sixth Avenue will be closed between 52nd Street and 54th Street and between 54th Street and 55th Street until 1 a.m. Tuesday.
Beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, 54th Street will be closed between Fifth and Eighth Avenues and westbound traffic will be redirected.
On Sunday, streets will be closed along the Civic Veterans Parade route from noon to approximately 3:30 p.m. Streets in the parade staging area will be closed beginning at 8 a.m. Sunday. The parade route will be identical to last year beginning on Seventh Avenue at Washington Road, then heading south through Sixth Avenue Downtown and ending on the west side of Library Park.
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The parade will travel only in the southbound lane on Seventh Avenue, and people are welcome to sit on the boulevard once the parade route is closed to traffic at noon. The best areas for viewing the parade are along Seventh Avenue and Sixth Avenue before the parade reaches Library Park and prepares for disbanding.
On Monday there will be no access to the east end of Celebration Place for pedestrians or vehicles, as it is closed for safety purposes for the fireworks display. No traffic will be allowed between 8:30 and 10 p.m. on Monday east of Third Avenue between 56th Street and 54th Street, including around Calabria Way. The road closure is prompted by safety concerns related to traffic in that area leading up to and during the fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
Due to heavy traffic in the HarborPark area on Monday, RVs will be directed to park in a less congested area. The vacant lot west of City Hall, 625 52nd St., has been designated for RV parking in marked parking spots, after 6 a.m. on Monday. The lot may be accessed from 54th Street, east of Sheridan Road. All vehicles must vacate the area by 7 a.m. on Tuesday.
Simmons Island vehicle access closed Monday
Consistent with the last several years and at the direction of Kenosha Police Chief Eric Larsen, there will be no vehicle access or parking on Simmons Island on Monday for the general public. The roadway will be barricaded at 50th Street and Seventh Avenue, and at Kennedy Drive and 45th Street to increase safety and enhance the event for Simmons Island visitors.
People are still welcome to access Simmons Island by walking to and from the park. Barricades will be staffed and vehicle access will be restricted. Only residents of Fourth Avenue, the Coast Guard, and those with business at the Kenosha Water Utility, Great Lakes Yacht Sales and Kenosha Yacht Club will be allowed on the island.
Kennedy Drive will follow a one-way traffic pattern northbound on Monday beginning at 8 a.m. One-way traffic will flow north beginning at 44th Street, continuing through Kennedy Park and Pennoyer Park and exiting at 35th Street. The one-way traffic pattern will help avoid congestion after the fireworks and will end at 1 a.m. Tuesday.
Free shuttles and streetcars
Residents are encouraged to park Downtown, including the parking ramp on Eighth Avenue and 56th Street, and ride a free shuttle or streetcar to points of interest.
The rubber tired trolley will not be running its regular lakefront route on Monday, instead shuttling people free of charge between the transit center and Carthage College, via Seventh Avenue, Alford Park Drive and Sheridan Road. Hours of operation are 2 to 11 p.m.
Another free shuttle service, the Simmons Island shuttle, will offer access to Simmons Island on Monday from 2 to 11 p.m. in a 15-minute loop form the transit center, 724 54th St., to a drop off point at Simmons Island Park.
Free streetcar service will operate from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Monday, passing the HarborPark area east of the museums, a popular spot for fireworks viewing, and along the harbor, where the Celebrate America Festival will take place. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/city-announces-road-closures-traffic-changes-for-fourth-of-july-weekend/article_4c864fc6-f894-11ec-b931-8f061e8d7dec.html | 2022-06-30T23:25:20 | 1 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/city-announces-road-closures-traffic-changes-for-fourth-of-july-weekend/article_4c864fc6-f894-11ec-b931-8f061e8d7dec.html |
BOISE, Idaho — Fireworks, the red, white and blue and spending time with loved ones are just some of the things that symbolize the Fourth of July, but for some, the sound of fireworks can trigger unpleasant memories.
“It does affect us, it affects a lot of people,” Dan Pugmire said.
Pugmire served in the United States Air Force. He's all too familiar with how the sound of fireworks can transport him back to his time overseas. Last year, a firework exploded in his yard while he was sleeping.
“That explosion triggered a crazy, crazy episode," Pugmire said. "I got in my car, took off and there was nowhere to get away from the fireworks."
Mark Heyne, the Chief of Psychology at the Boise VA Medical Center, said Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder impacts around 3-to-4% of our population. Veterans suffer at a higher rate because of their exposure to trauma, some of which is combat-related trauma.
“Veterans will certainly tell you that certain environmental cues are what are referred to as triggers for some of their post-traumatic stress symptoms,” Heyne said. “So, that can be a certain environment. That can be a certain type of sound, like loud bangs. That can be a certain smell - a lot of veterans will talk about burning rubber. It can be a certain type of traffic pattern, lots of veterans’ struggle with roundabouts, because there's lots of roundabouts in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Heyne also said if you know a veteran who lives near you, the best thing to do this Fourth of July weekend is be predictable and let them know what time you plan on setting off fireworks.
“Having said that, there's a lot of vets who struggle with fourth of July, but they really choose to kind of be present for it, because they feel like it helps them to better become habituated to the festivities and it allows them to enjoy it a little bit more each year as they become more comfortable doing it,” Heyne said.
As for Pugmire, he's not discouraging anyone from celebrating, he's just encouraging the community to be considerate.
“This is a very important day for us, you know," Pugmire said. "This is when the United States got its independence and be mindful of that. There's a lot of people who lost their lives for their freedom. Enjoy themselves, have a good time, have barbecue, and shoot your fireworks off, but do it in a respectful way."
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/fireworks-can-be-a-trigger-for-veterans-with-ptsd/277-bbfcb577-64d4-4853-95b9-89b3a6510a20 | 2022-06-30T23:25:21 | 1 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/fireworks-can-be-a-trigger-for-veterans-with-ptsd/277-bbfcb577-64d4-4853-95b9-89b3a6510a20 |
There will be no curbside garbage, recycling, brush, tire, or bulk collection on Monday in recognition of the Fourth of July holiday.
Collection will be delayed one day for the wee. For example, Monday’s route will be collected on Tuesday, and Friday’s route will be collected on Saturday. Regular collection schedules will resume the week of July 11.
The Bulk Drop-Off Site, 1001 50th Street, will be closed on Monday. It will reopen on Tuesday for its normal hours of operation from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Yard Waste Drop-Off Site, 4071 88th Avenue (Hwy. H), will be closed on Monday. It will reopen on Tuesday for its normal hours of operation from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Concrete/Brick Drop-off Site, 6415 35th Avenue, will be closed on Monday. It will reopen on Tuesday for normal hours of operation from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Call the Department of Public Works at 262-653-4050 if you have any questions. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/city-garbage-recycling-collection-to-be-delayed-next-week-for-fourth-of-july-holiday/article_3e00ea8c-f890-11ec-9764-f71e83dae029.html | 2022-06-30T23:25:26 | 0 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/city-garbage-recycling-collection-to-be-delayed-next-week-for-fourth-of-july-holiday/article_3e00ea8c-f890-11ec-9764-f71e83dae029.html |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Sunrays have certainly been heating things up since before the summer season officially began, and millions of people have had to adjust the A/C to make sure their homes feel comfortable.
Of course, doing such a thing has definitely increased the demand for electricity.
When the heat starts to really bear down, rolling blackouts can grow into a big concern.
Power outages that occur for even a brief amount of time can be inconvenient, but sometimes they could be the result of a deliberate blackout.
Rob Roedel with Electric Cooperative of Arkansas said that there shouldn't be too much of a concern of that possibly happening anytime soon.
"We have been assured that within the state of Arkansas, we have adequate capacity to get through this summer," said Roedel.
A blackout is what can happen when electricity is interrupted for a certain amount of time.
"Normally, that would occur if there's more demand for power than exists," Roedel said.
He adds that they haven't happened very often. In fact, the only time the utility company has done rolling blackouts was during 2021.
"It was during Winter Storm Uri and that was for less than 30 minutes for less than 24,000 customers in the state of Arkansas," Roedel said.
He emphasized that rolling blackouts are last resort options and in the event that the demand for electricity is higher than the capacity, there's a plan already set in place.
Roedel said larger companies are what are considered as "interruptible loads."
Which means electric companies, like AECC, are given the ability to shut off power to those buildings before shutting off your power at home.
But, the decision to reduce power is not up to them, but rather to electric organizations like Midcontinent Independent System Operator and Southwestern Power Pool who determine when the load reduction needs to occur.
Roedel said that the possibility of a power grid failure happening in Arkansas this summer is not much of a concern for them. And that there are multiple steps before you, the consumer, will be affected. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/how-rolling-blackouts-impact-arkansas/91-957027d8-2b23-441e-a52c-ee6e3548538f | 2022-06-30T23:25:28 | 1 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/how-rolling-blackouts-impact-arkansas/91-957027d8-2b23-441e-a52c-ee6e3548538f |
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On Tuesday, Midland Habitat for Humanity dedicated its 178th house, located at 814 Wolfberry Court, to a deserving homeowner.
The home was funded by the Permian Basin Area Foundation and the Moriah Foundation. Midland Habitat is one of the premier institutions responsible for constructing affordable housing in the Permian Basin. The organization’s partnership model offers deserving, hard-working families a hand-up.
Habitat uses a rigorous qualifying process that includes progress from the application through homeownership. Each participant contributes a minimum of 350 hours of “sweat equity” on the worksite and completes a homeownership education program.
Successful candidates are then awarded a 0% interest mortgage, making homeownership a reality for some of the neediest families in the Permian Basin.
Anyone interested in supporting Midland Habitat efforts in the Permian Basin can contact Jeff Meyers, chief of staff, at 432-686-8877.
Midland Habitat for Humanity is a Christian based non-profit organization that builds homes for
low-income families trapped in substandard housing. Homeowners make house payments to Habitat with a 0% interest, 25-year mortgage. These house payments go into a fund to build more homes. For more information visit www.habitatmidland.org or call 432-686-8877 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/Midland-Habitat-dedicates-house-No-178-17277568.php | 2022-06-30T23:25:31 | 1 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/Midland-Habitat-dedicates-house-No-178-17277568.php |
The triathlete victim who was found unresponsive in the water at Prairie Springs Park during the Race Day events on June 26 was identified by the Kenosha County Medical Examiner as 51-year-old William R. Harms of Oswego, Ill.
At approximately 7:50 a.m. Sunday, lifeguards were alerted by another racer who had found Harms in the water during the Race Day Events Pleasant Prairie Triathlon.
The lifeguard staff jumped in to help the racer and called Pleasant Prairie Fire & Rescue for assistance. Fire & Rescue staff were already on-site with a rescue boat that came to the aid of Harms.
Staff attempted life-saving efforts of CPR and rescue breathing while on the boat, which was met by additional EMS staff after making its way to shore. Further care, including applying a cardiac monitor/defibrillator and a mechanical CPR device, was also initiated.
Life-saving efforts continued in the ambulance and at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital, but were unsuccessful.
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An online obituary described Harms as a loving husband, father of two and a fishing enthusiast. He was born and raised in Illinois and attended Marmion Military Academy. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/prairie-springs-park-triathlete-who-was-found-unresponsive-and-later-died-identified/article_be0b250a-f7e4-11ec-a078-3fcc1854ea20.html | 2022-06-30T23:25:32 | 0 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/prairie-springs-park-triathlete-who-was-found-unresponsive-and-later-died-identified/article_be0b250a-f7e4-11ec-a078-3fcc1854ea20.html |
ARKANSAS, USA — Independence Day is this weekend and everyone's favorite—and admittedly loud— tradition will return to Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley.
While some may be excited to bring out the roman candles, sparklers or bottle rockets, others may want to watch out in case of an anxious pet or just make local ordinances are being followed.
Here's a reminder of when you (or your overly festive neighbor) are allowed to light fireworks, separated by county.
Washington County
Fayetteville
Residents can light fireworks on private property (with consent from the owner) on July 1 through July 3 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. On July 4, the window is extended by an hour to 11 p.m.
Fireworks cannot be lit at any other date or time, according to local authorities.
Prairie Grove
Residents can light fireworks only on July 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Bottle rockets are not allowed at all within city limits.
Farmington
Residents can light fireworks on July 3 and July 5 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
On Saturday, July 2, residents can discharge fireworks from 10 a.m. to midnight, and the same for July 4.
Westfork
Fireworks can be lit between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on July 3 and 4.
Greenland
Residents can light fireworks on July 1 through July 4 only during the hours of noon to midnight.
Benton County
Bentonville
Residents may not discharge bottle rockets, sky-rockets or any firework that is mounted to and/or flies on a stick, city officials said.
Fireworks are only allowed on private property on July 3 and July 4 between noon and midnight.
Rogers
Firework use is allowed in Rogers from July 2 to July 4 between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. Bottle rocket-type fireworks are not allowed and using fireworks on city property is not allowed.
Bella Vista
Fireworks are allowed to be set off from 6 p.m. to midnight July 3 through July 5 on private property (with permission) if there is no active burn ban. No fireworks attached to a stick, such as bottle rockets, are allowed.
Siloam Springs
Setting off fireworks is allowed on July 1 to July 3 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and July 4 from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. Sky lanterns, bottle rockets, or any aerial firework attached to a stick are not allowed.
Gravette
Residents may light fireworks on private property from June 29 through July 5 between 12 p.m. and midnight.
Sebastian County
In Fort Smith and Barling, fireworks are not allowed within city limits.
Greenwood
Residents can light fireworks from July 3 to July 5 until midnight.
Lavaca
Fireworks are allowed only on July 4 in Lavaca until 11 p.m.
Bonanza
Between July 1 through July 5, fireworks are allowed to be discharged between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Hackett
Residents in Hackett are allowed to light fireworks on July 4 only, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Hartford
Fireworks are allowed in the city limits of Hartford between July 1 and July 4 until midnight.
Mansfield
In Mansfield, residents are allowed to discharge fireworks from July 3 to July 5 until midnight.
Huntington
Residents in Huntington are allowed to light fireworks between July 1 and July from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursdays and from 8 a.m. until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
On July 4 however, residents are allowed to light fireworks until 1 a.m. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/what-nwa-river-valley-fireworks-laws/527-36f32130-6502-471e-b849-d3d8d5ce7022 | 2022-06-30T23:25:34 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/what-nwa-river-valley-fireworks-laws/527-36f32130-6502-471e-b849-d3d8d5ce7022 |
Polk County reports first case of monkeypox
The Florida Department of Health has reported the first probable case of monkeypox in Polk County.
The case was identified last weekend, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County reported. State records show the infected person is in the 45-to-49 age range. The department does not list the genders of those diagnosed with the disease.
The origin of the infection is listed as unknown and acquired either in Florida or another state or country. The case remains isolated, the local health department said on Thursday.
“DOH-Polk is conducting epidemiological investigations to notify possible exposures and offer potential post-exposure prophylaxis,” spokeswoman Pamela Acosta-Torres said by email.
What is monkeypox?:Should I be worried, other burning questions about rare disease
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Acosta-Torres said the department is communicating with local acute-care hospitals and medical providers to share information and guidance.
The Department of Health has recorded 39 cases of monkeypox, with 25 of them in Broward County.
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by a virus that occurs mostly in central and western Africa but also elsewhere, according to the Florida Department of Health. The virus can pass from animals to humans.
Transmission between humans generally requires prolonged, face-to-face contact, direct contact with an active rash or indirect contact with an active rash through contaminated items, such as contaminated clothing, the department says.
Monkeypox typically begins with flu-like symptoms and swelling of the lymph nodes and progresses to a rash on the body and face, according to the Department of Health. The duration of the illness is usually two to four weeks. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/monkeypox-polk-county-florida-health-department-reports-first-case/7781607001/ | 2022-06-30T23:30:22 | 0 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/monkeypox-polk-county-florida-health-department-reports-first-case/7781607001/ |
Polk County Fire Chief to depart at the end of July. Interim chief to be appointed
Polk County Fire Chief Robert Weech will leave his post July 29.
In a letter sent to Deputy County Manager Joe Halman and provided to The Ledger by Communications Director Mianne Nelson, Weech said he has thoroughly enjoyed his time with the county and that he feels the county has made "tremendous progress" during his tenure.
"My reasons for leaving are personal in nature and centers around my desire to spend more time with my family," Weech wrote in his resignation. "I wish the entire Polk County Family continued success in the future."
Weech is leaving to become fire chief for the City of Lighthouse Point, about 10 miles north of Fort Lauderdale in Broward County. On Tuesday, Lighthouse Point commissioners unanimously voted to confirm his appointment by the mayor.
Weech did not reply to multiple requests for comment. His department forwarded requests for comment to Nelson.
The new job is a return home for Weech. According to the resume he provided to Lighthouse Point that was included in the Tuesday agenda packet, Weech worked for Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue from 1999 to January 2017, when he left to join Polk County. Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue merged with the Broward Sheriff's Office Department of Fire and Rescue in 2011, according to Weech's resume.
PREVIOUS REPORTING ON POLK FIRE STAFFING PROBLEMS:
- 48-hour shifts. 89,434 hours of OT. Union says Polk's EMS workers ‘are getting destroyed’
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- Polk County to offer signing bonuses to new paramedics. Better pay could be next.
The Lighthouse Point fire chief position has been open since February. In his new position, Weech will earn $140,000 annually, according to the city's approved resolution. He's taking a pay cut from his current salary with the county: $155,138.10, according to Nelson.
Weech is leaving a fire department that has struggled to hold onto the necessary number of staff for years, a situation that was only worsened during COVID-19. The department's inability to fill vacancies has forced employees to pick up mandatory overtime.
The department's union — International Association of Fire Fighters Local 3531 — posts daily about the way mandated overtime stresses and overworks employees on its Facebook page, Polk County Professional Firefighters.
On Thursday, 24 firefighters were assigned mandatory overtime, according to the union's page.
'This is my heart and soul':Sheriff Grady Judd reflects on changes over the past 50 years
"Do you know the current state of Polk Fire staffing?? For too long the men and women of PCFR have been bearing the burden of staffing shortages that the County has failed to provide any actual resolution to," a post accompanying the daily number reads.
Nelson said that County Manager Bill Beasley will present county commissioners with a plan to name an interim fire chief at their county agenda study Friday afternoon. From there, the county will likely conduct a search for Weech's replacement and appoint an interim by the end of July, Nelson said.
Maya Lora can be reached with tips or questions at mlora@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @mayaklora.
Clarification
An earlier version of this article said that commissioners plan to appoint an interim fire chief at their agenda study Friday. Commissioners will be briefed on the interim selection process Friday but may not appoint an interim until the end of July. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/polk-fire-chief-robert-weech-resigns-interim-chief-appointed/7776538001/ | 2022-06-30T23:30:28 | 0 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/polk-fire-chief-robert-weech-resigns-interim-chief-appointed/7776538001/ |
Prescribed burns planned for Green Swamp from July through September
The Ledger
The Southwest Florida Water Management District will conduct prescribed burns from July through September at the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve. That includes the Green Swamp East Tract and the Hampton Tract in Polk County.
Setting prescribed fires in controlled settings can reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of control, the district said in a news release.
The Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve is located north of U.S. 98 along State Road 471 and Rockridge Road between Lakeland and Dade City. Approximately 5,450 acres will be burned in small, manageable units, the district said. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/water-district-plans-prescribed-burns-green-swamp-polk-county/7760869001/ | 2022-06-30T23:30:34 | 1 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/water-district-plans-prescribed-burns-green-swamp-polk-county/7760869001/ |
Haines City to pay $10,000 to get back into compliance with Florida sunshine laws
HAINES CITY — In a few months, Haines City should again be in compliance with Florida sunshine laws.
But it's going to cost some $10,000 to do so.
On June 23, City Manager Jim Elensky informed commissioners that based on their direction at the June 16 city commission meeting, he would be contracting outside help to transcribe 38 meetings worth of minutes.
The commission had previously directed Elensky to contract outside help at a May 31 special commission meeting, where commissioners discussed ongoing issues with the city clerk, Erica Anderson. At the end of that meeting, the commission agreed on a unanimous vote to direct Elensky, then the interim city manager, to obtain a quote from the agency that handles transcriptions for the police department on what it would cost to transcribe meetings that have not yet been handled by the city clerk's office.
Previously:Haines City to hire outside help for missing meeting minutes, discusses clerk's performance
Also:Haines City commission to discuss city clerk's job, including 'pattern of irresponsibility'
After that meeting, Interim Police Chief Loyd Stewart reached out to American High-Tech Transcription and Reporting, which is based in Palm Harbor. Elensky said he had Stewart call the company and explain "in better detail" what the commission would need.
American quoted the city $3.50 per recorded minute that would need to be transcribed. The company said it would provide a synopsis of the meeting and would conduct speaker identification — the Haines City meetings have audio recordings but no corresponding video recordings — at no extra charge.
The company said it anticipated completing the minutes "no later than four or five months from receipt of the recordings, probably sooner." Elensky confirmed in a phone call with The Ledger Wednesday that four or five months is "worst case scenario."
Elensky was supposed to present a proposal to the city commission for approval, although the city manager is technically able to authorize contracts up to $25,000. But after the May 31 meeting, Elensky got on the phone with Anderson, who rejected the outside assistance.
"We are doing them in house. It's about 20 or so meetings and we are just, we're working with my staff and team to get them completed," Anderson said in a phone call with The Ledger ahead of the June 16 meeting.
Other news:Haines City delays decision for youth football teams jockeying for use of a field
Moving up:Haines City police chief unanimously selected to take over as city manager
At the time, Anderson declined to say when the minutes would be done, saying it would be "as soon as possible."
Anderson said she discussed with Elensky "the need and cost" of using an outside agency and they decided to leave it to her office.
But on June 16, the commissioners reinforced their desire to see an outside agency handle the transcription and told Elensky to get a quote.
The issue was on the agenda for a special commission meeting June 23, but that meeting was canceled since Attorney Fred Reilly is on vacation — a fact that was known when the meeting was scheduled on June 16.
Missing minutes to cost city $10,000
In an email sent June 23, Elensky indicated that he would be moving forward with a quote for $10,080. That quote includes 38 missing meetings, including: five regular city commission meetings, three special city commission meetings, seven city commission workshops, 10 planning commission meetings and 13 community redevelopment agency meetings.
Each of the meetings were calculated at one hour of audio each, with the exception of the regular city commission meetings, which were estimated to be about three hours each.
Elensky said in the email that the final cost is flexible, as some meetings may be longer or shorter than estimated.
"My primary data has been obtained by Deputy City Clerk (Erica) Sanchez due to the fact there has been very little communication feedback from City Clerk Anderson," Elensky wrote to commissioners.
Elensky said he intends to move forward with getting the meetings transcribed Friday. He's waiting to receive the tapes of the meetings from Anderson. Elensky said there's been a "short delay" as he's working with Sanchez rather than Anderson.
At the June 16 meeting, Commissioner Morris West said he'd been informed that Anderson is out of office for the time being on family and medical leave.
An eligible employee can get up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, which can be used intermittently or all at once.
Human Resources Director Veronica Hairston would not say whether Anderson is already out on leave. However, Anderson sent an email to Sanchez, which was then forwarded to staff, on Tuesday saying that she would be out of office for an "undisclosed period of time" and that Sanchez would assume her duties in the meantime.
Elensky said that Sanchez provided the list of missing minutes to the best of her ability and believes the count to be accurate. The city will pay for the transcription service out of the city clerk's budget.
"She believes that it's an accurate number and she believes it's on the high side," Elensky said. "So we're not misleading people and putting that on the low side and it ends up being more."
Getting an accurate quote was difficult, as there was disagreement on just how many meetings needed to be transcribed.
A list compiled by IT Manager Brian Ross and last updated in May showed more than 80 meetings of the city commission, planning commission and CRA board that have not yet been uploaded to eScribe, the system the city has been using since January. Some of those meetings have minutes generated, they may just not be approved by the commission or uploaded. Of that total list, 49 instances of incomplete minutes were for city commission workshops, regular meetings or special meetings, and over half of those are recorded as not having minutes started at all.
Deputy City Clerk Sanchez had previously told The Ledger that some of the missing minutes would be handled by a temporary employee the clerk's office had hired. The employee, who was hired from Nesco Resource, is paid $23.75 an hour, according to an email sent by Sanchez to Mayor Anne Huffman. The employee spends half her day acting as a secretary for the office and the other half transcribing minutes. The employee is being paid out of the personnel budget.
Elensky said that the commission wanted all of the minutes handled by an outside source, so that's the plan he's moving forward with. He said that the temporary employee may be able to handle minutes at upcoming meetings if Sanchez needs assistance.
Of the 38 instances of missing minutes, 15 are related to the city commission. Minutes for the city commission are generated by the city clerk, while all other boards and commissions are handled by the deputy city clerk.
Sanchez said that before the previous city clerk, Linda Bourgeois, quit in 2020, all of her city commission meetings were caught up. What had fallen behind were meetings for the CRA, Planning Commission and other boards.
Under Bourgeois, Anderson served as deputy city clerk before being promoted in 2020.
In other news:In six months, Haines City racked up nearly $100,000 in credit card charges. Here's what that bought
'Part of my legacy':Haines City commissioners elect the city's first Black, female mayor
A lack of transparency?
While there's no official timeline, Florida law requires that the minutes of any board or commission of a state agency or authority be "promptly" recorded for open, public inspection.
According to Ross' list, there are lacking minutes for meetings dating back more than two years — September 2019. Most of the missing minutes are from 2021 and 2022. Elensky confirmed that the new list generated by Sanchez has minutes stretching back a couple of years.
Additionally, the minutes that do exist are not easily accessible by the public.
There is a public meetings section on the city's website that has documents for past meetings. There are 18 available city commission meetings, dating back to Jan. 6. Of those meetings, only one has accompanying minutes to its agenda — the May 19 meeting.
There are 10 available city commission workshop agendas dating back to Jan. 6; none have accompanying minutes. Three CRA and five Planning Commission meetings, all from this year, are missing minutes.
Sanchez said that the meeting minutes aren't being uploaded to eScribe, the system the city switched over to in January. Rather, the documents are being uploaded to a general records system where there's a host of other records from various departments.
"That's why there's so many minutes that were not found," Sanchez said.
The new minutes, once transcribed, also won't be uploaded to eScribe. Sanchez said they can't because eScribe is new and doesn't have the original agendas for the accompanying minutes.
In a phone call with The Ledger, Anderson said that the meeting minutes aren't uploaded to the website, either. Members of the public can call and request the minutes.
Anderson said if the request will take over 30 minutes of a staff member's time to complete, the person making the request will be charged.
The minutes not being independently accessible means other information cannot be verified without a public records request. For example, a Ledger reporter requested attendance records at city commission meetings for commissioners over the past two years, as that information is not readily available online. The Ledger was quoted $43.88 to fulfill that request.
Maya Lora can be reached with tips or questions at mlora@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @mayaklora. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/years-worth-missing-haines-city-minutes-transcribed-10-000/7697508001/ | 2022-06-30T23:30:40 | 0 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/years-worth-missing-haines-city-minutes-transcribed-10-000/7697508001/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – School’s out, and while it’s great for kids to get a break from class, educators often worry about something they call the “summer slide.”
It’s when students lose knowledge gained over the school year.
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And research shows at-risk students often fall behind at a greater rate because they don’t have the educational resources and opportunities available to them during the summer. This adds to the achievement gap, or the differences in scores between disadvantaged and advantaged children.
But when parents and educators team up, they can help prevent summer learning loss from affecting their students and that’s what’s happening at Impact Outreach Ministries in Orange County.
Lewis and Irene Taylor started the nonprofit in 2011 when they were both working. Lewis a chemist, Irene a biologist. Today, they say they’re retired but running their nonprofit seems like a full-time job.
The two work out of a small home on Rose Boulevard south of Orlando that was once a church rectory. The one-room classroom is filled with desktop computers that capture the kids’ attention.
“What’s unique about this sector we serve is that it’s one of nine zip codes in Orange County that are responsible for 90-plus percent of all the negative things that go on with youth,” said Lewis Taylor, looking around at the room full of students, all living in the surrounding 32839 zip code.
The Taylors are making use of an Orange County grant offered to nonprofits through the Citizen’s Commission for Children, a division of the Orange County Community and Family Services Department.
The Impact Outreach Community-Based Summer and School-Break Programming represents Sector 5.
The students get exposed to a variety of activities throughout the week including English, STEM projects, and volunteers even come in to teach music and photography lessons.
It’s all free of charge.
“We know kids learn differently,” said Irene Taylor. “Some kids have different strengths. Some kids are stronger in academic, some kids are stronger with sports, some kids are stronger when they’re given opportunities to interact with others. So we try to engage them in all those types of opportunities.”
“Someone invested in my life, someone encouraged me and they saw what education did for my life,” said Lewis Taylor. “Now we want to give back to those less fortunate in our community. We believe education matters. It’s a difference-maker.”
Irene Taylor says they’ve always been active volunteers but realized it was time to work a little closer to home. “We’ve always worked with our church and with nonprofits and organizations but then we asked ourselves what about our neighborhood? What about our community? Lets start here.”
The Taylors say about 26 kids are in the program.
Irene Taylor says she has a dream that one day she’ll be surprised to see one of her former students show up on her television making a major positive impact in the world.
“The next rocket scientist might be here,” Taylor said, looking around. “The first person to walk on another planet might be in this room. The one to come up with a cure for an ailment we didn’t think could be cured, if they’re just given the opportunity.”
The Taylors also offer an after-school tutoring program and a suspension prevention intervention program. They’re looking for volunteers. If you think you can help, more information can be found at their website: theimpactoutreach.org | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/30/school-is-out-but-this-nonprofit-helps-families-curb-the-summer-slide/ | 2022-06-30T23:31:34 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/30/school-is-out-but-this-nonprofit-helps-families-curb-the-summer-slide/ |
INDIANAPOLIS — Starting Friday, a permit is no longer required to carry a handgun outside your home or business in Indiana. The new law affects gun owners and the way police can question someone with a gun.
This new "constitutional carry" law was opposed by many in law enforcement, but ultimately passed by the Indiana General Assembly and signed by Governor Eric Holcomb earlier this year.
Hoosiers will have the right to bear arms in public without a piece of paper that says they can.
IMPD and Indiana State Police joined forces to release a public video this week reminding people that the new law still prohibits convicted felons, juveniles, and people with dangerous mental illness - among several other people - from carrying a handgun.
Anyone buying a gun from a dealer still has to go through a federal background check.
"As long as you're 18 or older and not prohibited, meaning convicted of a felony or some kind of domestic battery or any kind of the disqualifiers the state has, you now will not have to go through the tedious process of asking your government permission to actually exercise your constitutional right," said Greg Burge, owner of Beech Grove Firearms.
Someone carrying a gun in Indiana no longer has the burden to prove they are legally allowed to do so.
"We cannot just stop somebody on the street because they're in possession of a handgun and try to seek to prove that they're a prohibited person,” said IMPD Southwest District Commander Tonya Terry. “We have to have reasonable suspicion to stop somebody, reasonable suspicion that a crime is afoot."
"I'm simply worried about those aspects of this change in the law that will make it easier for people who truly have no business to obtain weapons to be carrying them around,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett.
Indiana will still issue free lifetime handgun permits, which are recognized by some other states. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/constitutional-carry-gun-law-takes-effect-in-indiana-guns-firearm-permit/531-222e0e18-17a5-4823-a1f6-b733fb0fcc02 | 2022-06-30T23:31:40 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/constitutional-carry-gun-law-takes-effect-in-indiana-guns-firearm-permit/531-222e0e18-17a5-4823-a1f6-b733fb0fcc02 |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/details-in-ruling-against-texas-over-immigration/3004821/ | 2022-06-30T23:32:09 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/details-in-ruling-against-texas-over-immigration/3004821/ |
Hundreds of homeowners showed their support at the Tarrant Appraisal District Thursday for a longtime North Texas real estate agent and property tax consultant currently under investigation by the TAD.
Chandler Crouch, the owner of Chandler Crouch Realtors, has been working in real estate since 2002. Over the past five years, Crouch has gained more recognition for helping at least 90,000 homeowners protest their protest tax appraisals free of charge. He has filed about 28,000 protests in the past year, he said.
In November 2021, Crouch learned he was under investigation by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation after TAD Director of Residential Appraisal Randy Armstrong filed complaints against Crouch using his TAD title.
The earliest complaint dates back to October 2021, when Armstrong alleged Crouch “intentionally misled members of the Tarrant Review Board (TARB) with his testimony in a “market value” protest hearing on June 16, 2021” through his "misrepresentation of facts and abuse of his dual positions as both a Property Tax Consultant and a Licensed Texas Realtor/Broker.”
“I’m standing up for helping the folks and doing something there’s largely not a lot of help for, so I’m grateful for the opportunity,” Crouch said Thursday. “I didn’t want this to happen ... but I’m also grateful for the opportunity to help expose some of the bigger issues that are going on.”
At a hearing before TAD’s Board of Directors Thursday, dozens spoke in support of Crouch and also called on the board for more transparency over high property appraisals.
“I’m so disappointed in how things are handled here,” one resident said. “The tax rate has gone up on my property, $30,000 one year, $40,000 the next year. I hadn’t done any repairs.”
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
Larry McFarland, of Arlington, was one of the first in line Thursday morning.
“They’re not in a bubble. We are watching what they’re doing. We’re paying attention, and we pay a ton of money in tax based on what they say,” McFarland said.
Board chairwoman Kathryn Wilemon had to interject more than once during public comments, which lasted about four hours. In some cases, Wilemon clarified the role of the board as residents explained their frustrations with the appraisal process.
“I can tell you’re all really passionate, and you all really care. I don’t want anybody to lose their home,” Wilemon said.
She added that the investigation into Crouch would not stop Thursday morning.
“There will be a future to this instance. It’s not over,” she said.
A number of residents also called for Armstrong and Jeff Law, executive director of TAD, to leave their positions. Crouch specifically pointed to Law during his comments before the board.
“This happened seven months ago. We’ve had every opportunity for something different to happen. I’m sorry. Mr. Law needs to not work here anymore. That’s the only solution for this. I hate that. I’ve defended you in public,” he said. “Unfortunately today, the only thing that needs to be helped for the culture in this building to change is for the leadership to change. It sucks. I don’t like it. I don’t like that I’ve said these bad things. That all of these people have said these bad things.”
This week, both Law and Armstrong have told NBC 5 they would not offer comments on the matter until the review is complete.
Prior to public comment on Thursday, the board met in an executive session for about an hour. It is unclear what was discussed or if personnel matters were brought up.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Aug. 12. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/hundreds-rally-at-tarrant-appraisal-meeting-for-dfw-realtor-under-investigation/3004764/ | 2022-06-30T23:32:16 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/hundreds-rally-at-tarrant-appraisal-meeting-for-dfw-realtor-under-investigation/3004764/ |
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton asked the Texas Supreme Court to consider an emergency motion Thursday to vacate a temporary restraining order blocking enforcement of the state's pre-Roe criminal prohibitions on elective abortions.
On Tuesday, a Harris County district court issued a temporary restraining order at the request of several abortion clinics to stop the state from enforcing any pre-Roe v. Wade abortion bans.
In the motion, Paxton argued the state legislature never repealed Texas' preexisting laws that prohibited abortion before Roe v. Wade existed and that now that it's been overturned by the Supreme Court those old laws will be enforced.
ABORTION LAWS
The attorney general said the Harris County court that issued the restraining order did so in a case where plaintiffs lack standing and on claims barred by sovereign immunity.
"Let there be no mistake: the lower court's unlawful order does not immunize criminal conduct, which can be punished at a later date once the temporary restraining order is lifted. My office will not hesitate to act in defense of unborn Texans put in jeopardy by plaintiffs' wrongful actions and the trial court's erroneous order," Paxton said in a statement, asserting he will prosecute abortions performed under the TRO once it's vacated.
Paxton asked the Texas Supreme Court to consider the motion by July 6. The Harris County court that granted the TRO has scheduled a hearing for July 12 in Houston where a more permanent injunction is to be considered. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/texas-ag-ken-paxton-files-motion-to-vacate-abortion-tro/3004794/ | 2022-06-30T23:32:22 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/texas-ag-ken-paxton-files-motion-to-vacate-abortion-tro/3004794/ |
CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – Neighbors, community members and our team here at 13 News are mourning the loss of a beloved parking attendant.
Edra Lou Johnson, 67, of Charleston, was struck by a car and killed on Tuesday.
Everyone here at 13 News had the pleasure of seeing Edra smile and wave when we came to work. Her neighbors agree she was the sweetest person and will be very missed.
“Edra was the best neighbor. Anything you needed she would be there,” Jessica Burnsed, a neighbor said.
Helpful, kind and nice. Three words that described Edra Johnson. Edra lived alone and didn’t have any children, so her neighborhood was her family.
“She treated us like family from holiday dinners to gifts for the kids, little treats and trinkets. They loved her,” Burnsed said.
Nobody understands that more than Bobbie Spry, who says Edra was like a grandmother to her daughter, Charlie. They would often sit on the porch, have snacks and fun.
“She was a mamaw to my daughter and just looked out for everyone. Everyone remembers her as the lady who wore flowers in her head in the parking garage where she worked,” Spry said.
On Tuesday morning, Edra was tragically stuck and killed on Lee St. in downtown Charleston. It left many people in shock.
“Half a block of all of us neighbors went over and sat on her porch and just reminisced because she just had been out there with us the night before and talked about how sad it was,” Spry said.
Besides her neighborhood family, Edra was a cat mom. She had 13 to be exact. Neighbors say they are taking turns taking care of them until they can find them new homes.
“Even though she wasn’t a dog person, any animal from the stray cats, the groundhog, we have a neighborhood groundhog, he was well, well fed last year,” Burnsed.
Spry says it’s always hard when it happens to someone you know.
“When things like that happen, you’re like ‘oh my god, I’m praying for those people,’ but then, it’s one of your people and you just don’t know what to do,” Spry said.
Edra Johnson will be missed by so many coworkers, friends and family, and of course all of us here at 13 News.
The driver who hit Edra was 26 years old and police will be charging him. Those charges haven’t been released yet. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/community-remembers-beloved-neighbor/ | 2022-06-30T23:36:03 | 1 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/community-remembers-beloved-neighbor/ |
CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – A man has been struck by a train on Charleston’s West Side.
According to Kanawha County Metro 911 dispatchers, the incident happened along the 1000 block of Madison Street in Charleston around 5:09 p.m. Thursday, June 30.
There is no word on the person’s condition at this time. Medics and the Charleston Police Department are on the scene.
A witness, Tarl Mick, tells WOWK 13 News Reporter Moriah Davis he helped the man until medical personnel arrived on scene.
“Well, he was bleeding pretty good and the only thing I had was a dog leash. So, I tied it around his leg and it stopped the bleeding a little bit. About five minutes later the ambulance showed up and they put a stronger tourniquet on it,” Mick said. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/pedestrian-hit-by-train-in-charleston-west-virginia/ | 2022-06-30T23:36:09 | 1 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/pedestrian-hit-by-train-in-charleston-west-virginia/ |
PHOENIX — The question of whether some or all abortions are currently legal in Arizona — and for how long — remains unresolved as the issue goes to judges here.
On Wednesday, Attorney General Mark Brnovich said he will ask Pima County Superior Court to dissolve a 49-year-old injunction it issued in 1973 blocking Arizona from enforcing its existing laws making it a crime to perform an abortion. He said that was effectively overruled by last Friday's ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court overturning the historic Roe v. Wade decision.
But in saying he wants to "vacate the injunction" of ARS 13-3603 — the state's pre-1973 law outlawing abortion except to save the life of the mother — Brnovich appears to be acknowledging that the court-ordered bar against the state enforcing the law remains in place unless, and until, the court acts.
So far, though, Planned Parenthood Arizona has chosen not to resume abortions, which it halted the morning of the Supreme Court decision.
"We are not going to put our patients, staff and communities at risk," Brittany Fonteno, the organization's president, told Capitol Media Services. Instead, Fonteno said, Planned Parenthood wants "actual clarity from a court of law."
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The organization plans to be involved when Brnovich finally does move to dissolve the injunction, Fonteno said.
"And we are hopeful that we will soon be able to block this law in court," she said.
Whether Pima County Attorney Laura Conover will be part of the litigation — and whose side she will be on — remains unclear.
The original case about the legality of the abortion ban was heard in Pima County Superior Court. And at that time the county attorney's office sided with the state and against what at the time was Planned Parenthood of Tucson.
Spokesman C.T. Revere said Wednesday that his boss was still looking at the issue.
"Given the gravity of the situation, attorneys across the state are working to decipher what happened 50 years ago," he said.
But Conover has taken a stance on what she thinks about outlawing abortion, vowing even before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that she would do what she can "to ensure that no person seeking or assisting in abortion will spend a night in jail."
Separately, the Supreme Court on Thursday vacated a stay that had been ordered against enforcing a separate 2021 law.
It makes it a crime for medical providers to perform an abortion if they know that the reason the woman is seeking the procedure is solely due to a genetic abnormality. That law carries a penalty of up to a year in prison for doctors and others. There is no punishment on the woman.
U.S. District Court Judge Douglas Rayes said the law imposes an undue burden on women. And he said that outweighs any interest the state claims in promoting the law.
In a Twitter post, Brnovich declared the ban "is now in effect."
In the order, though, the justices directed the case to go back to Rayes "for further consideration" of his injunction based on Friday's ruling overturning Roe. Rayes has not set a date for such a hearing.
But Cathi Herrod, president of the anti-abortion Center for Arizona Policy that helped craft the 2021 law, said she agrees with Brnovich. Action by the trial judge or not, Arizona now has an enforceable law against abortions based on genetic defects, she said.
"When you have the U.S. Supreme Court vacate an order that rules something unconstitutional, it means that order's no longer in effect," she said.
Brnovich also has sided with abortion foes — and against Gov. Doug Ducey — on what will be the law on abortion in Arizona on Sept. 24.
That's when Arizona's SB 1164 takes effect. It outlaws abortions after 15 weeks of gestation. And it was crafted to mirror the Mississippi statute that was before the Supreme Court just in case the justices would have decided to uphold that law, but leave Roe undisturbed.
With Roe overturned, however, proponents of that new law, including Herrod, contend that new statute is effectively irrelevant as the more restrictive — and prior existing — pre-Roe law takes precedence.
But Ducey has argued that the 15-week ban, which he signed, becomes the enforceable — and only — law on when women in Arizona can get an abortion.
His position is that the most recent law supersedes the older one, regardless of the fact that the new law has specific language saying it does not affect the pre-1973 law that remained on the books following the Roe ruling.
Brnovich said that language controls — and that the governor is wrong.
"Our office has concluded the Arizona Legislature has made its intentions clear regarding abortion laws," he said in a Twitter post. "ARS 13-3603 is back in effect and will not be repealed in 90 days by SB 1164."
Ducey, speaking Thursday on KVOI in Tucson, said he acknowledges that Brnovich, as the attorney general, is the chief legal adviser to the state. But that, he said, doesn't make it the last word.
"It seems that there is some challenge to what's happening here," the governor said. "And, likely, it'll have to be settled in the courts."
Howard Fischer is a veteran journalist who has been reporting since 1970 and covering state politics and the Legislature since 1982. Follow him on Twitter at @azcapmedia or email azcapmedia@gmail.com. | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/abortion-rules-in-arizona-remain-muddled/article_2fae4ef4-f898-11ec-a959-cb14710d1673.html | 2022-06-30T23:36:44 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/abortion-rules-in-arizona-remain-muddled/article_2fae4ef4-f898-11ec-a959-cb14710d1673.html |
Fort Wayne City Council President Jason Arp, R-4th, shut down talk during public comment about mayoral campaigns for next year’s election.
Eddie Ribel, local food truck owner, first said he’d like to address vending rules on city streets, and then his focus turned political. Ribel, who has said he’s running for the Republican nomination for mayor, said he’s been receiving a lot of threats because of his campaign.
Republican Councilman Tom Didier, R-3rd, announced his mayoral campaign more than a year ago and held a news conference last week after Mayor Tom Henry, a Democrat, announced his campaign. Didier has not discussed his campaign during council meetings.
Ribel mentioned negative comments about Didier on social media before moving on to a comment Henry made during his conference. Arp quickly redirected Ribel.
“Eddie, we’re not going to do campaign talk,” Arp said. “I appreciate your comments on the pop-up vendors, but we’re not going to do campaign talk.”
Candidates have until February to file for office. Didier and Henry submitted annual financial campaign reports this year, but Ribel has not yet established a political committee. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/city-council-president-says-no-to-campaign-talk-during-public-comment/article_76c15488-f8ae-11ec-b524-e3d9a3fc9773.html | 2022-06-30T23:41:01 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/city-council-president-says-no-to-campaign-talk-during-public-comment/article_76c15488-f8ae-11ec-b524-e3d9a3fc9773.html |
Art 321 leaders say that the basis for an ongoing lawsuit against them is invalid, according to new filings.
Several former board members filed the suit earlier this year. It includes allegations of improper leadership, wrongfully altered bylaws and administrative changes made without oversight from guild members.
In late May, the former members asked the court to rule that the guild must reinstate an annual meeting, allow board members to vote on elected officers and declare the guild’s most recent bylaw change as void.
“The current scheme ensures Defendants maintain control of the Guild and that the Guild Members have no voice in governance,” the plaintiffs allege in court documents.
In a response filed this week, counsel for Art 321 leadership says the bylaw change, which allowed the officers to be chosen by the board rather than by guild members, aren’t violating any active rules. They’ve previously said that past leadership has been “inconsistent, capricious and/or arbitrary” in enforcing the guild’s ruling documents.
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Many of the plaintiff’s claims rely on statutory requirements for Wyoming boards. But Art 321 says its members are “affiliated,” not statutory. That means, they argue, the court has no power to order an annual meeting or bylaw changes as the plaintiffs request.
“The Guild’s so-called members are merely affiliated members who receive some benefits by virtue of paying dues, but voting on officers or directors is not one of those benefits,” court filings say.
In other filings, the plaintiffs allege that the guild’s executive director, Tyler Cessor, engaged in “bullying, intimidation, physical threats.” Cessor, who was hired in January 2020, has denied those allegations to the Star-Tribune and in legal filings.
The guild was first founded in 1924, and incorporated in the late 70s. Motions filed by Art 321 leadership say the original governing documents cannot be found “despite a thorough search,” and the 1978 Articles of Incorporation aren’t specific enough to prove the current board has violated them.
More recent bylaw changes, from 1991 and 2010, are also in dispute. Art 321’s response maintains those aren’t valid because there is no record of how they were adopted, and the 2010 bylaws are unsigned and have handwritten notes that may or may not have been part of the final language.
In recent years, the guild has moved into a downtown space and become a hub for artists in Casper and Wyoming to take classes and showcase work.
Cessor says he has made a concerted effort to expand the guild’s offerings, catering to a younger, queerer crowd. But former members who’ve left in recent years say they’ve found leadership to be disorganized and exclusionary to older, longtime members.
The conflict came to light last summer. An open meeting was held at the Ash Street gallery in July 2020, where current and former members voiced both concern and praise for the guild’s new direction. Many older members said afterwards they felt they still weren’t heard, and didn’t get the answers they sought.
Now, both parties are waiting for an August hearing that should lay out a timeline for decisions in the case, Art 321 lawyer Anna Olson said Thursday.
Editor’s note: Cayla Nimmo, named as a defendant in this suit due to her time as an Art 321 board member, was the Star-Tribune’s staff photographer during the time of the allegations. Nimmo left the Star-Tribune and Wyoming in the fall and was not included in editorial decisions related to coverage of Art 321. | https://trib.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/art-321-leaders-basis-for-ongoing-lawsuit-is-invalid/article_c34956f6-f8aa-11ec-8940-5b0ac437fdda.html | 2022-06-30T23:41:04 | 0 | https://trib.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/art-321-leaders-basis-for-ongoing-lawsuit-is-invalid/article_c34956f6-f8aa-11ec-8940-5b0ac437fdda.html |
Community Transit Network next month will dedicate a new 15,000-square-foot garage for its vehicles in New Haven.
A private nonprofit organization, CTN provides rides to seniors, people with disabilities, low-income families and children. In a typical year, the service provides about 100,000 rides to about 9,000 people.
The new garage at 3401 Maplecrest Road can house up to 18 accessible vans, said Justin Clupper, CTN's executive director.
The new Memmer Family Garage will make a significant impact during colder months, he said.
"This will make service more reliable in the winter months for people with mobility challenges – cold temperatures can cause the vans' attached hydraulic lifts to freeze up overnight" if stored outdoors, he said.
The garage's location also is expected to help CTN save on fuel costs and provide more timely service for riders in southeast Fort Wayne and east Allen County, Clupper said.
He added there's room for expansion of the garage to 52,000 square feet, giving CTN the space to house triple its current fleet.
The Memmer family donated the 6 acres the garage sits on. The family owns Truck Maintenance Inc., CTN's vehicle maintenance service, which is located next door to the new garage.
CTN will continue to operate its current facility at 5601 Industrial Road in north Fort Wayne, giving the group the ability to dispatch vehicles from either location.
Lead donors for the garage's construction include the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, AWS Foundation and the McMillen Foundation. The cost of the facility was $2.1 million Clupper said.
Work on the project began in 2019. CTN broke ground in August. Felderman Design Build, a local firm, served as builder.
A ribbon-cutting for the new garage is scheduled for 4 p.m. July 12. Those wishing to attended are asked to email Molly Graves at mollyg@ridectn.org. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/new-bus-garage-aids-mobility-of-seniors-disabled-riders/article_1c4c7f52-f8b1-11ec-8495-ef8ea2db19fe.html | 2022-06-30T23:41:07 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/new-bus-garage-aids-mobility-of-seniors-disabled-riders/article_1c4c7f52-f8b1-11ec-8495-ef8ea2db19fe.html |
A local man facing drug charges was arrested Thursday after barricading himself in a home just north of downtown for about four hours.
Police arrested Mario R. Madrid, 59, after he surrendered without incident in the 1000 block of Huffman Street, near Spring and Sherman streets.
Madrid previously was arrested Saturday on preliminary charges of felony methamphetamine possession and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released from jail on his own recognizance Monday and his initial charges were dismissed Thursday. Officials didn’t specify whether the dismissal was before, during or after the barricade situation.
Prosecutors filed formal charges Thursday, giving police authority to arrest him again for the Saturday incident.
A woman called police about 10:30 a.m. Thursday, saying a man, later identified as Madrid, was walking around with knives and scissors and acting erratic, said Sgt. Jeremy Webb, Fort Wayne police public information officer.
Madrid had gone inside the Huffman Street home when officers arrived. The police department’s Emergency Services and Crisis Response teams were called as investigators tried for several hours to get Madrid to come out. Drones were also used to monitor his whereabouts, Webb said.
Madrid exited the house without incident about 2:30 p.m. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/suspect-arrested-after-barricading-himself/article_27c15f4e-f8aa-11ec-9990-379a48a0b193.html | 2022-06-30T23:41:14 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/suspect-arrested-after-barricading-himself/article_27c15f4e-f8aa-11ec-9990-379a48a0b193.html |
One group of teens brought environmental concerns to Fort Wayne City Council members Tuesday.
Allen County Councilwoman Sheila Curry-Campbell introduced the members of the Pilgrim Baptist Church Green Team, an eight-week summer employment program in which teens work on things like energy assessments and audits, financial literacy, job readiness training, cooking classes, chess club and life-skill training. Green Team members meet for about 12 hours a week and receive a $100 stipend weekly.
Council President Jason Arp gave the members five minutes for a presentation at the start of the meeting — a request Councilwoman Sharon Tucker.
Jevon Wilson, Daylen Jackson, Ayden Phifer, Isarel Chacon, all age 14, and Julian Holland, 15, took turns presenting the Green Team mission.
“Our goal is to be carbon neutral by 2050, but the city of Fort Wayne has yet to set a bold climate action goal so we can become carbon neutral by 2050,” Holland said.
Curry-Campbell and the group were also asking for the council to consider funding the group with some of the $50.8 million the city received in American Rescue Plan Act COVID-19 pandemic relief dollars. Later in the meeting, the council approved a $5.35 million grant program for nonprofits, small businesses and tourism. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/youth-program-members-share-environmental-concerns/article_d1651116-f8b5-11ec-b833-1b081d792cc0.html | 2022-06-30T23:41:20 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/youth-program-members-share-environmental-concerns/article_d1651116-f8b5-11ec-b833-1b081d792cc0.html |
DANVILLE, Va. – It’s going to be another month before the Danville Police Department can move into its new state-of-the-art headquarters at the former Dan River Mills building near Caesar’s Virginia Casino.
Weather and supply chain issues have pushed the date back a few times this year for the $18 million project. However, the new move-in date is still within the Aug. 1 deadline.
The department is using the delay to prepare and add more notches to the toolbelt.
“There are some other opportunities that we have been able to use in order to enhance and make the building more secure and more functional,” Lt. Col. Dean Hairston with Danville Police said.
This includes a real-time crime center, where authorities can monitor cameras throughout the city.
The system has been in the works for about five years and includes hundreds of cameras in the River District. This way authorities can monitor activities without having to have officers on the ground.
There’s also a space for a second dispatch center for when the main line gets overwhelmed or goes down. Otherwise, the department would have to switch to Pittsylvania County, which records a call and sends it back.
“We can spin this up, put two more dispatchers on and take some of the pressure off the main center,” Lt. Hairston added.
For decades, police have been working out of a small space inside City Hall.
The new headquarters provides four times the space of the department’s current offices, from about 12,000 to 48,000 square feet, and access to tools they’ve never had.
“We believe the headquarters will be an excellent tool for recruiting and retention,” Lt. Hairston said.
Lt. Hairston is starting to lose track of the number of times he’s taken folks the half-mile through the place he and his fellow officers will soon call home.
From soundproof interview rooms to firearm training, locker rooms and a vehicle processing room, the list of things to look forward to grows as police transition into their new home.
All while knowing it’s a place for them, it’s really a place for the community. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/06/30/danville-police-to-move-into-new-headquarters-in-august/ | 2022-06-30T23:46:13 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/06/30/danville-police-to-move-into-new-headquarters-in-august/ |
Despite high gas prices and inflation, it’s still one of the busiest weekends for travel.
“Even with the high gas prices, it’s not scaring people away from driving this year,” said Morgan Dean, AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesperson.
AAA expects about 42 million Americans to travel by car this weekend. In Virginia, more than 1 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles, and most of them plan to drive to their destination.
“We chose not to fly because of the delays,” said one traveler.
“I’m not a big fan of the crowds and stuff,” said another.
For some though, gas prices did impact their destination.
“We were thinking about heading toward California, but the prices out there are terrible, so we’re not doing that right now until things start to calm down,” one man explained.
One woman, who rented a van with her husband and dog from California to Virginia, attested to that.
“Better here than in California. In California, we were paying 6, close to 7, in some places $8 a gallon,” she said.
When you’re talking holiday travel, time is of the essence. Some travelers scheduled their vacation a week early.
“The airports when we came, it was a week ago so it was fine, but we’re concerned today because it’s an afternoon flight,” said one woman.
Others had a very early wake-up call.
“The roads really haven’t been that bad. We left early. It’s Thursday, I don’t think we’d want to do this tomorrow or Saturday,” one man said.
If you still plan on hitting the road on Friday, some times are better than others.
“If they’re leaving tomorrow, before 10 a.m. and after 9 p.m. If you’re sitting out in the middle of the day, that’s the time you tend to run into the biggest backups,” Dean added.
Being prepared can prevent a traveling headache ahead of the holiday. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/06/30/high-gas-prices-not-stopping-travelers-from-hitting-the-road-this-holiday-weekend/ | 2022-06-30T23:46:20 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/06/30/high-gas-prices-not-stopping-travelers-from-hitting-the-road-this-holiday-weekend/ |
BLACKSBURG, Va. – The chaotic aftermath of a Blacksburg crash is still fresh in the hospital personnel’s minds.
The Director of Emergency Services at LewisGale Hospital Montgomery, Devin Lapuasa, shared how it feels to work emergencies from the inside.
“It is chaotic. But in the emergency world, our world is chaotic,” said Lapuasa. “Twenty patients within a couple of minutes is intense, and it is for any hospital.”
Last Wednesday, 20 children came into the ER after their daycare vans crashed on Route 460.
“We recognized that this was going to be an abnormal event for our emergency department and so we created a plan, mobilized resources, and then just got ready for it to hit,” said Lapuasa.
The hospital separated children with minor injuries and treated them in a hallway to save beds for children with the worst injuries.
Dr. Brian Ekey is an emergency physician at the hospital, but it just so happened he was volunteering with the Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad the day of the crash.
“We were the first responders on scene,” said Ekey.
Staff held children’s hands, directed guardians at the hospital entrance, provided kids with snacks, and even went out to buy clothing and toys.
“As scary as the situation is and heartbreaking it is, the response from the community and from the hospital was really beautiful,” said Lapuasa.
Lapuasa said they have to prepare for any emergency. New employees go through trauma training, plus all staff goes through annual training and emergency drills.
“We’ve done drills that include, you know, a bus accident,” said Lapuasa. “You’re never prepared in the emergency department of what’s going to walk in the door, but you’re prepared with how you’re going to take care of anything that comes into the door.”
As a father himself, Ekey said he was glad to help the kids but for him, it’s “just another day.” | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/06/30/lewisgale-hospital-montgomery-emergency-preparedness-is-top-priority/ | 2022-06-30T23:46:26 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/06/30/lewisgale-hospital-montgomery-emergency-preparedness-is-top-priority/ |
ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, Va. – A 15-year-old girl is now safe with her family after being abducted and found in Michigan, but social media could have led to her disappearance.
On Monday, deputies were alerted that the teen was missing from the Goose Creek Road area of Rockbridge County. During the investigation, deputies and investigators were able to conduct several social media and internet service search warrants to locate her.
Chris Young, an investigator with the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office, said the collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the search warrants helped to determine where the teenager was.
“We were able to get some information from some social media accounts that could give us a better of the circumstances surrounding her disappearance,” Young said. “Ultimately through some partnerships with Virginia State Police, the FBI, and ultimately the Kalamazoo Police Department, we were able to locate that juvenile.”
While social media helped investigators locate the teen, Young warned parents to watch for suspicious behavior on their children’s phones to prevent more cases like this from happening.
“Parents need to be aware of what their kids are doing on these social media platforms because this was an instance where it originated from social media,” Young said.
Being a parent himself, Young said he knows his team works countless hours to solve cases, especially when it comes to a child.
“I hope if something like this were to ever happen to my kid, I’d have a team like this working to find him,” Young said.
The investigation is still ongoing and there could be more charges filed. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/06/30/rockbridge-county-authorities-warn-against-social-media-use-after-teen-goes-missing/ | 2022-06-30T23:46:32 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/06/30/rockbridge-county-authorities-warn-against-social-media-use-after-teen-goes-missing/ |
LYNCHBURG, Va. – There’s a chance you made a donation to the Lynchburg Humane Society and didn’t realize it.
The nonprofit received a $50,000 grant from Petco Thursday.
We’re told those funds come from customers opting to “save a pet’s life” when they check out at the register.
The no-kill shelter is a direct recipient of that money to support their lifesaving efforts for animals in Central Virginia.
“It’s [for] medical care, its vaccines, its food, it’s [for] the staff that care for the pets every single day. It’s everything that you could think that you would need to care for a pet,” said Jill Mollohan, associate director of the Lynchburg Humane Society.
Mollohan said Petco’s donated $680,000 to their humane society since 2014. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/06/30/thanks-to-your-donations-lynchburg-humane-society-receives-50000-grant-from-petco/ | 2022-06-30T23:46:38 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/06/30/thanks-to-your-donations-lynchburg-humane-society-receives-50000-grant-from-petco/ |
You will now get to see data regarding people who visit the emergency room with firearm injuries here in the state.
The Virginia Department of Health launched its Firearm Injuries in Virginia: Emergency Department Visits Dashboard on Thursday.
“The misuse and mishandling of firearms constitute a significant cause of injury in Virginia,” said State Health Commissioner Colin M. Greene in a press release. “This data set, obtained from emergency department records, will assist in the assessment of proximate causes of firearm-related injury, with an eye toward prevention of future injuries.”
Lauren Yerkes, an injury and violence prevention epidemiologist with the Virginia Department of Health, said firearm injuries are increasing across the state and something needs to be done.
“There are more emergency department visits for firearm injuries, and so we really need to work together to look at prevention measures so that doesn’t continue to be the increasing trend,” Yerkes said.
The dashboard shows firearm injury data by year, health district, age group, sex and race/ethnicity across Virginia.
It also uses real-time data and is updated regularly to show the latest statistics of firearm injuries in the state.
“When someone goes into the emergency room with a firearm injury, the next day that information will be present on the dashboard,” Yerkes said.
The number of ED visits for firearm injury increased 72% from 2018 (1,635 visits per year) to 2021 (2,815 visits per year), according to the press release.
In the next year, VDH hopes to expand the firearm injury dashboard to include data on firearm injury hospitalizations and deaths. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/06/30/vdh-launches-its-firearm-injuries-in-virginia-emergency-department-visits-dashboard/ | 2022-06-30T23:46:44 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/06/30/vdh-launches-its-firearm-injuries-in-virginia-emergency-department-visits-dashboard/ |
BLACKSBURG, Va. – A new online service will help Hokies with their mental health.
Virginia Tech is launching a tele-mental health service with TimelyMD.
Students can have access to virtual on-demand mental health support or appointment-based mental health counseling at no additional cost.
University spokesperson Mark Owczarski said the pandemic brought the need for mental health support to the forefront.
“Our goal is to provide that support and help so that students can get the assistance and support that they need, so that they’ll be more successful academically,” said Owczarski.
James Madison University and Virginia Commonwealth University are also launching the new service. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/06/30/vt-launching-new-virtual-mental-health-services-for-students/ | 2022-06-30T23:46:51 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/06/30/vt-launching-new-virtual-mental-health-services-for-students/ |
GOVERNMENT CAMP, Oregon. (KOIN) — A wooden cabins tour is giving an inside look into a unique part of Oregon history, but organizers say tickets can sell out quickly.
The Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum hosts an annual Steiner Cabins tour honoring Henry Steiner, a craftsman who built 100 log cabins in the Mt. Hood area from Government Camp to Sandy. The museum says the cabins were built between 1927 to 1953.
Steiner’s cabins also have “artistic touches” to them.
“All of a sudden, people discovered works of art they were as well as housing, so they started restoring them,” Lloyd Musser, a Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum volunteer curator said. “There’s tremendous interest in them. We’ve been doing this tour for 17 years, and it’s always sold out.”
When asked why there’s continuous interest in the tour, Musser said, “We have some Steiner groupies.”
With a chuckle, he added, “They come every year because we have different cabins. It’s also a nice time of the year to come to the mountain and roam around.”
This year, the St. John Catholic Church will be featured on the two-hour Steiner Cabin tour. The church was built in 1937 by Steiner.
This is the first time the church will be on the tour since recent restoration work has been completed.
Event tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. on Friday, July 1 on the museum’s website. Tickets are $35 each for museum members and $40 for non-members.
The museum says all ticket sales are final and no refunds will be offered. However, ticket holders can transfer their tickets if they cannot attend.
“Tour guests should bring their printed receipt and claim their eligibility wristband within the first hour of their chosen start time,” the museum added.
A limited number of 300 tickets will be sold for three starting times: 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The tour can be finished in two to three hours and will conclude at 4 p.m.
One hundred tickets will be sold for each time slot to prevent traffic back-ups and allow for parking on the self-guided driving tour. | https://www.koin.com/local/mt-hood-museum-to-soon-offer-steiner-cabin-tour-tickets/ | 2022-06-30T23:48:45 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/mt-hood-museum-to-soon-offer-steiner-cabin-tour-tickets/ |
Fireworks displays, parades and patriotic flare will highlight the Fourth of July in the Treasure Valley.
Boise, Caldwell, Meridian and Star are among the towns hosting Independence Day celebrations on Monday. Here's a rundown of what's going on around you.
BOISE
Fireworks celebration
A free fireworks show at Ann Morrison Park will begin at dusk (approximately 10:15 p.m.). The show will be synced to music on 107.1 FM.
Ann Morrison Park will be closed to vehicles all of Monday; people who plan to watch the fireworks show may walk or ride bikes into the park. Outside food and drinks are permitted in the park, but glass bottles are not allowed. Neither are drones, pets or personal fireworks.
Following the fireworks show, Americana Boulevard will be closed for about 45 minutes to allow pedestrians to exit Ann Morrison Park.
“Boise’s Fourth of July fireworks celebration is an important community tradition that brings our residents together,” Boise Mayor Lauren McLean said in a press release. “Bring a blanket, some chairs and enjoy the holiday safely while watching a world-class show in Boise’s backyard.”
Other festivities, including food and drink vendors, will begin at Ann Morrison Park at 6 p.m.
River float
A pick-up and drop-off loading area will be available for Boise River floaters from sunrise until 7 p.m. on Monday. The loading zone is located in the large parking lot at 1104 Royal Blvd.
The Barber Park shuttle service will also be in service from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. That shuttle will pick up floaters and equipment every 20 minutes at Ann Morrison Park. The Americana Boulevard entrance will be closed all day.
More information is available on the city of Boise's website.
CALDWELL
Fourth of July at Memorial Park
Memorial Park will be Canyon County's Independence Day hub.
An array of events will take place beginning with a 5K run at 7 a.m. and ending with fireworks at Brothers Park at sundown.
There will also be a 1K run (7:15 a.m.), parade (9 a.m.), car show (11 a.m.-3 p.m.), kids activities (11 a.m.-3 p.m.), watermelon contest (11:30 a.m.), and live music (noon-3 p.m.), among other activities.
More information is available on the city of Caldwell's website.
MERIDIAN
Fireworks, food trucks and music
Storey Park and the Meridian Speedway are home to this year's Fourth of July celebration in Meridian.
Food trucks featuring corn dogs, tacos and frozen custard, among other treats, will be onsite from 4 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
The Billy Blues Band Featuring Michele Eastland & Becky B will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. and play until 10:30 p.m.
And to end the night, fireworks will be set off from the back (east) side of Meridian Speedway at approximately 10:20 p.m.
No personal fireworks or glass containers are allowed in the park. The limited parking within Storey Park will be reserved for people with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) needs; there will be a drop-off zone off of Franklin Road.
More information is available on the city of Meridian's website, or by calling 208-888-3579.
STAR
Hometown Celebration
Independence Day goings-on can be seen all over Star on Monday.
The day will start with the Firecracker Fun Run at Hunter's Creek Park 7 a.m. and include a parade at 10 a.m., a pie auction at noon, a Yankee Doodle kid's zone at 3 p.m., and will conclude with a fireworks show at 10:15 p.m. at Hunter's Creek Park.
No smoking or pets will be allowed in the park. Additionally, the park's west parking lot will be closed to vehicle traffic; the park bathrooms and south parking lot will also be closed. Porta potties will be available throughout the park.
Outside food and drink is permitted, but food trucks and refreshment vendors will be available beginning at 3 p.m. and throughout the evening in the west parking lot.
More information is available at the city of Star's website. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/4th-of-july-event-roundup-heres-where-when-to-celebrate-independence-day-in-the-treasure/article_16377b49-07d4-5600-a8b3-ef893db466c7.html | 2022-06-30T23:48:49 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/4th-of-july-event-roundup-heres-where-when-to-celebrate-independence-day-in-the-treasure/article_16377b49-07d4-5600-a8b3-ef893db466c7.html |
Boise State University has repeatedly succumbed to conservative political pressures, from canceling a student speech to removing references to “diversity” and “inclusion” from campus planning documents, ProPublica and the Chronicle for Higher Education reported Wednesday.
ProPublica reporters Daniel Golden and Kirsten Berg note that Boise State receives only 18% of its budget from the state’s general fund, while its private fundraising has increased, and its nationally prominent football program enhances the university’s profile. “But for all its seeming clout and independence, Boise State has yielded again and again.”
Among the examples cited by Golden and Berg:
Boise State abruptly canceled an August 2020 convocation speech on “land acknowledgement” that was to be delivered by Melanie Fillmore, a doctoral student in public policy who is part Indigenous. The speech would have occurred within days of a brief, and contentious, special session of the Legislature.
Amidst political pressure, Boise State abruptly halted a 2020 search for a vice provost for equity and inclusion, never filling the post.
University president Marlene Tromp asked a university planning committee to avoid using “diversity” and “inclusion,” words legislators would look for. Neither word appears in Boise State’s 2022-26 strategic plan. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/propublica-boise-state-has-yielded-again-and-again-to-conservative-pressures/article_002e3725-4413-5088-9e67-bdb01a2b9b88.html | 2022-06-30T23:48:51 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/propublica-boise-state-has-yielded-again-and-again-to-conservative-pressures/article_002e3725-4413-5088-9e67-bdb01a2b9b88.html |
Even though I’ve done my best to forget, I remember playing a season of organized baseball when I was 11 years old. It was — for lack of a better word and because it was the truth — traumatizing. I played on the Wolves in the Rhode Island Little League, although that might have been the name of the Boy Scout patrol I was in at the time. Like I said, there are some things I’d rather forget.
Occasionally, however, there are things that will leave an emotional scar that just won’t heal. Little League is one of them.
I was the farthest thing from a “natural” than you’ll ever see. I couldn’t hit, throw or catch. Not only that, I was the only boy on the team that didn’t chew sunflower seeds in the dugout. The only place I fit on a baseball diamond was in my uniform, although in all honesty it was a little snug.
The first time I went to bat, I struck out on three straight pitches. The first two bounced in front of the plate, and the third was so far over my head that I couldn’t have touched it with a 10-foot bat.
Over the course of the season, however, I grew more selective at choosing my pitches. I even got lucky once and hit a triple. According to my dad, had I run a little bit faster it would have been an inside-the-park home run. I told him the reason I only got to third base was that I had trouble running because my uniform was too tight. (I was a chubby, pint-sized Babe Ruth. A chubby, pint-sized Babe Ruth who couldn’t hit, throw or catch.)
I wasn’t the slowest player on the team, not by a long shot. That distinction went to a boy named — and I am not making this up — Johnny Speed, who once hit a ball into the left field corner and was thrown out at first base. Thrown out on a relay, no less, from left field to shortstop to first — which in Little League, takes about as long as it takes to sing the Star-Spangled Banner.
When our team took the field for the first time, I played center field. That is up until the third game, when I failed to move a muscle as a ball went flying directly over my head. I told the team in the dugout after the inning was over that I lost the ball in the sun, which was my way of saying that when the ball was hit, I was actually looking at the concession stand behind the first base dugout, wondering if there would be any funnel cakes left when the game was over.
Eventually the coach moved me over to right field. He called it a strategic maneuver, which was his way of saying putting me where I would do the least harm. I guess that’s why he was the coach, because for the rest of the season, not a single ball was hit to right field.
At the end of the season, one player from each of the 10 teams in the league was selected for the All-Star team. To be eligible, a player had to be going into the sixth grade in September. For the Wolves representative, that meant the selection was limited to one player: me.
The coach of the All-Star team had a bona fide star from the other nine teams for every position on the field except third base. That meant his selection was limited to one player: me.
It didn’t take long for me to realize why third base is called the “hot corner.” Decades before Bill Buckner became a household name, I allowed a ground ball to go through my legs. During the second inning, after two more ground balls snuck through my legs and into left field, the coach stormed out of the dugout, literally on fire. Not so surprisingly, I was banished once again to right field for the rest of the game. It didn’t even hurt my feelings that our 10th player, who was the relief pitcher, pinch hit for me. Twice. (Coach had the player wear a jersey with a different number the second time so no one would notice him batting twice).
After the season was over, I received a trophy. More than 50 years later, I have no idea where that trophy is now. I can’t even remember how or why I got it. Maybe our team won the league championship. Maybe I won an individual award. Maybe it was for being the oldest player on the team and making it to the All-Star game (don’t laugh).
In hindsight, it was probably just a trophy for participating. That makes the most sense, since I distinctly remember it sitting on a shelf in my room along with the participation trophies I received for several other sports I wasn’t good at.
In the future, should you happen to tell someone this story, be sure to mention I was faster than Johnny Speed.
You and I know that doesn’t mean much, but at least it sounds impressive. | https://www.albanyherald.com/local/scott-ludwig-take-me-out-of-the-ball-game-please/article_707329ce-f879-11ec-b7ad-13c19aed91ed.html | 2022-06-30T23:48:58 | 1 | https://www.albanyherald.com/local/scott-ludwig-take-me-out-of-the-ball-game-please/article_707329ce-f879-11ec-b7ad-13c19aed91ed.html |
BOISE — The state of Idaho has filed a response to Planned Parenthood's motion for speeded-up consideration of its lawsuit challenging Idaho's abortion "trigger" law, arguing that because the law hasn't yet taken effect, it's not legally appropriate for it to be challenged at the Idaho Supreme Court.
The trigger law, passed in 2020, takes effect 30 days after a judgment overturning Roe v. Wade. The U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion last Friday overturning the landmark 1973 case, but hasn't yet issued its judgment formalizing the ruling. The law would make all abortions a felony in Idaho except for narrow exceptions to prevent the death of the mother or in rape or incest cases documented with a police report provided to the doctor.
The Planned Parenthood lawsuit, filed directly with the Idaho Supreme Court, contends the trigger law violates the Idaho Constitution and the Idaho Human Rights Act.
The Attorney General's office argues the case isn't "ripe" for consideration by the state's highest court, because it hasn't taken effect. Once it's taken effect and someone alleges they've been harmed by it, the proper venue for a potential lawsuit would be local district court, they say.
"They envision the Court acting less like a court, and more like a legislature or executive officer," writes Deputy Idaho Attorney General Dayton Reed, "vetoing a law that has never been applied based on their opinions of what makes good public policy. But this Court decides concrete legal disputes, not ideological disagreements."
The state urges the court to reject the motion for expedited consideration, but also says that if the court grants the motion, the state wouldn't object to submitting its response brief by July 18 and setting arguments for Aug. 3.
Reed also writes that the U.S. Supreme Court in its Friday ruling "expressly left the question of the legality of abortion to the state legislatures," and says, "The remedy sought by petitioners should be sought in the legislature or at the ballot box."
The Planned Parenthood lawsuit charges that the trigger law — so called because it was “triggered” to take effect if the U.S. Supreme Court overruled Roe vs. Wade — violates the Idaho Constitution’s “guarantee of the fundamental right to privacy in making intimate familial decisions;” violates the Idaho Constitution’s equal protection clause, along with the Idaho Human Rights Act’s prohibition on sex discrimination; and violates the Idaho Constitution’s due process clause due to unconstitutional vagueness.
The lawsuit is one of a wave across the country, including cases already pending challenging trigger laws in Louisiana, Florida, Utah and Arizona, the AP reports. At least one of those, in Florida, argues that that state’s trigger law violates the Florida Constitution.
A Florida judge on Thursday ruled that state's new law, which would ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, is an unconstitutional violation of the privacy provision of the state’s Constitution, the Washington Post reported, and said he'll issue a temporary injunction blocking it.
The Florida Constitution, unlike Idaho's, has a specific section guaranteeing a right to privacy. Idaho's Constitution does, however, have a clause stating, "This enumeration of rights shall not be construed to impair or deny other rights retained by the people."
On privacy, the Idaho lawsuit cites Article I, Section 1 of the Idaho Constitution, which says, “INALIENABLE RIGHTS OF MAN. All men are by nature free and equal, and have certain inalienable rights, among which are enjoying and defending life and liberty; acquiring, possessing and protecting property; pursuing happiness and securing safety.”
Citing a string of Idaho Supreme Court cases stretching back to 1971, the lawsuit says, “As this Court has recognized for almost 50 years, the right to decide whether to procreate is a fundamental right under the Idaho Constitution.”
The constitutional section is expansive, the lawsuit says, and therefore protects the right to privacy in making “intimate familial decisions” as an “inalienable right.”
In the state filing, Reed argues that that argument is the same one the U.S. Supreme Court rejected in its decision overturning Roe v. Wade, and that the Idaho Constitution was modeled on the U.S. Constitution.
Louisiana’s trigger law was temporarily blocked Monday, pending a July 8 court hearing. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/state-argues-lawsuit-against-trigger-law-isnt-ripe-for-idaho-supreme-court-consideration/article_80e32f4c-8a3a-59a8-824c-5597817595c0.html | 2022-06-30T23:49:06 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/state-argues-lawsuit-against-trigger-law-isnt-ripe-for-idaho-supreme-court-consideration/article_80e32f4c-8a3a-59a8-824c-5597817595c0.html |
Bally's Twin River Casino, union delay possible strike at least two weeks. Here's why.
LINCOLN — Bally's Twin River Casino won't be hit by a strike during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, but it's not because a union threatening to strike and management have agreed on a new contract.
Instead, Local 26 of UNITE HERE and Bally's have agreed to a two-week contract extension to allow for further negotiations.
The contract, for 200 mainly food-service workers, was set to expire Friday.
Rhode Island casinos:Elsewhere, casinos are having their best year ever. So why are they struggling in RI?
More Twin River news:Rhode Island casinos ban smoking at table games after worker protests
Bally's has about 1,900 employees at its Lincoln casino. Workers at the company's Tiverton casino are not represented by Local 26, which approved a strike-authorization on Tuesday, with 92% of the local's membership voting in favor of letting union leadership call for a strike as soon as the contract expired. | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/local-26-unite-here-union-ballys-twin-river-casino-lincoln-ri-delay-strike/7779869001/ | 2022-06-30T23:50:00 | 0 | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/local-26-unite-here-union-ballys-twin-river-casino-lincoln-ri-delay-strike/7779869001/ |
Rhode Island efforts to curb emissions not expected to change with Supreme Court ruling
PROVIDENCE – A Supreme Court ruling that limits the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate planet-warming carbon emissions from power plants is expected to have little effect on Rhode Island’s ongoing efforts to clean up its energy sector.
So said the state’s top environmental official on Thursday after the court’s ruling was released.
“It reinforces the fact that with the EPA not being able to do as much, it’s up to the states to respond,” said Terrence Gray, director of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.
Rhode Island working toward net-zero emissions
The state government has already made commitments to curb greenhouse gas emissions, said Gray, who also leads the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council, the group of state agencies that directs climate policy in Rhode Island. He pointed to passage last year of the Act on Climate, which requires that Rhode Island get to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Reaching net-zero:Bill would require RI to get all electricity from renewable sources by 2030
The General Assembly has followed up in the session that just wrapped up with an extension of a key renewable energy law that will require the state to offset all of its electric usage with power from wind, solar and other clean sources by 2033. Gov. Dan McKee signed the update to the Renewable Energy Standard into law on Wednesday. He’s expected to follow up next week by signing a bill to procure up to 1,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy.
RI now has nation's boldest renewable energy law:Here's what it does, and doesn't, do
Those recent moves follow longstanding efforts in the Northeast to regulate emissions from power plants. Rhode Island is a founding member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a 17-year-old cap-and-trade partnership with 10 other states that requires power-plant owners to buy allowances to emit carbon dioxide. The revenues from the program are divvied up by the states and invested in such things as renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Supreme Court:Ruling against EPA effort to regulate power plant emissions in major climate suit
Effect on regional efforts to regulate greenhouse gases
The Supreme Court ruling won’t have any impact on the regional program or the other work in Rhode Island. Individual states are free to regulate emissions as they see fit.
What the decision does mean, however, is that any unified response across the nation to power plant emissions will be more difficult.
While Republicans applauded the ruling, critics said it relied on an obscure legal doctrine that could be used to undermine other regulations that affect the public.
“While this ruling does not entirely foreclose EPA from regulating greenhouse gases in the power sector – and indeed, I redouble my calls for EPA to move at warp speed to do exactly that – it is a cause for alarm for all Americans who are rightly concerned about clean air and water and safe medicines, food, consumer products, and working conditions,” U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-Rhode Island, said in a statement.
Gray argued that a problem as big as climate change needs a national strategy.
“If you’re only dealing with half the states, that’s not going to be as effective as the EPA doing it across the country,” he said. | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/supreme-court-ruling-not-expected-affect-ri-efforts-curb-greenhouse-gas-emissions/7779268001/ | 2022-06-30T23:50:06 | 1 | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/supreme-court-ruling-not-expected-affect-ri-efforts-curb-greenhouse-gas-emissions/7779268001/ |
Floyd N.Y. – A truck caught fire following a two-vehicle crash on Route 49 in Floyd Thursday evening.
Authorities were called to the scene just after 5 p.m.
As of 6 p.m., one westbound lane has opened to traffic as crews continue working to clear the scene.
It is not yet clear how many people were involved or the extent of any injuries.
NEWSChannel 2 is at the scene working on getting more information.
This is a developing story and will be updated. | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/two-car-crash-on-route-49-westbound-traffic-slow-in-the-area/article_6da08ae2-f8c0-11ec-9263-2bb796148d98.html | 2022-06-30T23:55:46 | 0 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/two-car-crash-on-route-49-westbound-traffic-slow-in-the-area/article_6da08ae2-f8c0-11ec-9263-2bb796148d98.html |
There are 4 main factors that determine the retail price of gasoline. 1st The cost of crude oil. This is probably the most significant reason of how gas prices are determined. It can account for more than half of what we pay at the pump. Oil Producers can drive the cost up by simply slowing production. Then there’s the cost to refine that crude oil. There are 2 blends of gasoline. One for the winter months, and one for the summer months. The winter blend require mix that help engines start and operate properly in colder temperatures. The summer blend uses additives to help reduce evaporation, but this also adds to the refinement process and adds additional costs to the end user.
Taxes are another factor. The State and Federal Government have a number of taxes attached to every drop of fuel you pump out. President Biden talked about teh Federal Gas Tax.
"Every time you go to the gas station to fill your tank, the Federal Government charges an 18 cent tax per gallon of gas that you purchase, and a 24 cent tax per gallon of diesel that you purchase. It’s a tax that’s been around for 90 years."
It’s not the only tax. New York has a 17.3 cent petroleum business tax, an 8 cent fuel tax, and an additional 8 cent sales tax.
Then there’s Marketing and distribution. Since most refineries use pipelines to transport gasoline to terminals, shutting down those pipelines will add a cost to transport gasoline, and the consumer is stuck paying that price.
There’s also a markup for independent gas stations, market competition, and business overhead, like the cost of employee wages, insurance, equipment, and operational costs. Those are the main factors, but there are additional dynamics, like the war in Ukraine, that influence the price of gas.
President Biden spoke about the influence Russia has on gas prices.
"Russia’s also the largest…one of the largest oil producers in the world. We cut off Russian oil into the United States, and our partners in Europe did the same knowing that we would see higher gas prices."
AAA estimates 42 million people will be hitting the road this holiday weekend. | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/what-determines-the-price-of-gas/article_7f5b4bfc-f8b4-11ec-9b27-1bc5097847fe.html | 2022-06-30T23:55:46 | 1 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/what-determines-the-price-of-gas/article_7f5b4bfc-f8b4-11ec-9b27-1bc5097847fe.html |
One killed in crash near Hatch
HATCH - New Mexico State Police are investigating a crash that left one person dead Thursday morning.
An NMSP spokesperson said that Jean Hedwig Gregory, 65, of Buckhorn, was killed when her vehicle collided with another on New Mexico Highway 26 southwest of Hatch around 5:56 a.m. on June 30.
The spokesperson said that a 37-year-old driver of a 2022 Dodge Ram pulling a camping trailer drifted into the eastbound lanes of traffic and struck Gregory’s 2006 Toyota Minivan.
“Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in this crash, and both drivers appear to have been wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash,” the spokesperson said.
The 37-year-old driver was transported to an area hospital to be treated for their injuries. Their condition is unknown.
Justin Garcia is a public safety reporter covering police, crime, and legal proceedings in Doña Ana County. He can be reached via email at JEGarcia@lcsun-news.com.
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- Can I still buy Plan B? Where can I get it? What to know after SCOTUS overturns Roe v. Wade | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/one-killed-in-crash-near-hatch/65365773007/ | 2022-06-30T23:58:27 | 0 | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/one-killed-in-crash-near-hatch/65365773007/ |
BLM Las Cruces District lifts fire restrictions across public lands
LAS CRUCES - Following recent precipitation that has reduced fire danger in New Mexico, the Bureau of Land Management on Thursday joined other federal agencies in lifting fire restrictions. While monsoonal moisture has largely reduced fire danger, the agency reminded residents it is important to always be aware of the conditions of the area you are visiting, go prepared to put your campfire out completely and have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of a vehicle fire that could spread to wildlands. The agency reminded visitors to continue to park only in areas free of flammable vegetation.
“We appreciate the cooperation of everyone in preventing unwanted wildfires within the district,” BLM District Manager William Childress stated in the news release. “With the upcoming national Independence Day celebrations around the corner, we want to remind everyone about the policy of fireworks on public lands.”
The use of exploding targets and fireworks is prohibited year-round on all BLM lands in New Mexico by statewide order. All BLM New Mexico prevention orders can be found at the BLM NM Fire Restrictions site.
The BLM stated that the agency appreciates the public’s cooperation in helping to minimize the number of human-caused wildfires. For information, contact the BLM Las Cruces District Office at 575-525-4300 or the BLM NM Fire Restrictions site. Additional fire restrictions information can be found at www.nmfireinfo.com.
Others are reading: | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/new-mexico/2022/06/30/blm-las-cruces-district-lifts-fire-restrictions-across-public-lands/65365717007/ | 2022-06-30T23:58:33 | 1 | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/new-mexico/2022/06/30/blm-las-cruces-district-lifts-fire-restrictions-across-public-lands/65365717007/ |
COVID-19 case rates continue upward slope in New Mexico
As June came to a close, reported cases of COVID-19 continued to rise in New Mexico as vaccines for children younger than 5 were distributed and national health experts predicted a new surge late in the year, a pattern seen during the previous two years.
Reported daily cases from the New Mexico Department of Health account only for positive results in lab-confirmed PCR tests and not from home tests. How much of an undercount it represents is not known but a month ago New Mexico's acting Health Secretary Dr. David Scrase said actual cases could be at least three times the reported number.
From June 20 to 27, the state reported 6,874 new cases, while the average through June has been 6,400 per week, compared to 2,933 in May ― a 50 percent increase.
Over the past week, the densest rate of transmission was in Sierra County with 82.5 new cases per 100,000 population, a way of scaling infection rates to adjust for different population sizes.
Besides adjacent Grant County, infections were densest across a swath of northern New Mexico from San Juan and McKinley counties in the northwest to San Miguel County.
The heat map maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday showed all of New Mexico's 33 counties at substantial to high rates of transmission, based on known daily case rates and test positivity. That map has grown progressively red and orange, representing the highest thresholds of community spread, over the spring and summer.
The percentage of emergency department visits for symptoms consistent with COVID-19 that included positive diagnosis for the disease has essentially plateaued during June, topping 6 percent.
The state's hospital network reported another week-over-week increase to 155 hospitalizations, from 122 the previous week. From June 20 to 26, hospitalizations for COVID-19 were densest in Rio Arriba County when adjusted for age and population, at 14.8 per 100,000. In the southern part of the state, Luna County led in hospitalizations at 9.3 per 100,000.
On Wednesday, the health department said 188 were currently hospitalized in New Mexico for COVID-19, with 22 patients on ventilators.
The latest week's data came as the state distributed supplies of newly authorized vaccines for children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years.
Want a COVID shot in New Mexico? Here's a refresher on vaccines and boosters.
The state health department last updated its vaccine data portal on June 7, at which point over 1.3 million New Mexico adults had completed a primary course of vaccine, or 79 percent of those ages 18 and over. However, despite rising cases being attributed in part to waning immunity, only 71 percent had received at least one booster shot.
Vaccines against COVID-19 continue to be available for free and distribution locations can be found online at https://vaccinenm.org.
Besides vaccines, which have proven effective against hospitalization and death due to SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection, health officials have recommended regular handwashing, physical distance from non-household members and wearing a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask in public indoor settings as ways to slow community spread and protect others.
While recommended, indoor mask mandates were lifted in most public spaces in New Mexico in February, and state health officials have not indicated any move toward reinstituting mask mandates.
The day's reported cases were 1,129. While the majority of positive cases recover with mild to moderate symptoms of disease, 7,928 cases (1.4 percent of the total) had proven fatal as of Wednesday.
Algernon D'Ammassa can be reached at 575-541-5451, adammassa@lcsun-news.com or @AlgernonWrites on Twitter. | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/new-mexico/2022/06/30/covid-19-case-rates-continue-upward-slope-in-new-mexico/65365595007/ | 2022-06-30T23:58:39 | 0 | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/new-mexico/2022/06/30/covid-19-case-rates-continue-upward-slope-in-new-mexico/65365595007/ |
Jury begins deliberation in auditor's criminal corruption trial
The criminal corruption case against Delaware state Auditor Kathy McGuiness is in the hands of the jury.
In closing arguments Thursday, Deputy Attorney General Mark Denney stated that McGuiness “ruled with iron fist,” ran the office like a “family business” and tried to conceal state payments to a political consultant.
“The public official designed to ensure compliance with Delaware’s fiscal rules was instead the one breaking those rules,” said Denney, who heads the Department of Justice office responsible for policing corrupt politicians.
Steve Wood, McGuiness’ defense attorney, spent a large part of his closing statements focusing on the misstatements by investigators, questions prosecutors didn’t ask of witnesses and evidence he said the state tried to conceal in an investigation he called “biased, incompetent and incomplete.”
“It was not an investigation designed to ferret out the truth,” said Wood, who worked for decades as a Delaware prosecutor before moving into private practice. “Early on, the state decided Kathy McGuiness was guilty.”
Jurors deliberated for about two hours after closing arguments Thursday. The trial saw nearly 30 witnesses testify over three weeks at a Kent County courthouse just steps away from the state offices occupied by McGuiness, a Democrat who is the first statewide-elected official ever indicted in Delaware's history.
She faces three public corruption misdemeanors and two felonies that together carry a maximum of 13 years in prison. McGuiness entered court Thursday with Wood and her daughter at her side.
She is charged with a conflict-of-interest misdemeanor as well as felony theft based on hiring her daughter to a part-time position and, prosecutors allege, affording her special treatment compared to other employees. Her daughter signed what prosecutors have referred to as an “immunity agreement” and has not been accused of any crime.
Her daughter testified that she began work in May 2020, continued to work remotely while enrolled in college and continues to work there as of last week when she testified.
In his closing, Denney emphasized that the auditor’s daughter was hired with no public job listing, no legitimate interview, was allowed to work more hours than some other employees and was allowed to work while she was at college in South Carolina. He noted the auditor also signed employment paperwork as her daughter’s supervisor and acted on complaints by her daughter regarding how other employees treated her.
Wood emphasized that email evidence showed the auditor’s daughter did indeed work in the office and evidence showed that workload decreased while she was in school.
To convict McGuiness of conflict of interest, prosecutors must convince a jury that her daughter received benefits not available to similar employees.
Prosecutors called two other part-time employees to the stand. They described having similar job tasks as the daughter, though they split weekly workloads and indicated their jobs also included staffing the public front desk of the office. They were paid slightly less than McGuiness’ daughter and, unlike the daughter, were not allowed to work over their weekly limit and charge the state for that time in subsequent weeks and months.
Both left around in Spring 2020, as their work hours were reduced because of the pandemic. Both said they left the office because of family reasons and a lack of available work factored into that.
RECENT: McGuiness trial: Prosecutors and defense rest their cases; auditor will not testify
Wood leaned on the possibility that other part-time employees who were not called to testify or questioned by prosecutors received similar benefits.
“You know nothing about them,” Wood told the jury. “Is that the whole truth if you don’t know how much they made, how they were hired or what they did?”
He also argued that there is “zero” evidence that McGuiness shared in the paychecks that her daughter received. Those checks were deposited into a bank account jointly controlled by the auditor and her daughter that was set up when the daughter was a child.
Denney argued it is only necessary that prosecutors show McGuiness intentionally exercised control of state money in order to find her guilty of felony theft.
McGuiness also faces a felony charge of witness intimidation.
Much of the trial was spent hearing testimony from former employees who described an office that Wood conceded had “a lot of tension” and did “not sound like a fun place to work.”
Some of these employees raised concerns to investigators about potential misconduct as early as Spring 2020.
Records introduced into evidence show McGuiness requested access to review and monitor some employees’ emails and other electronic media from state technology officials that summer. Denney called it an “overwhelming pattern of email surveillance of key people who knew key things.”
Wood noted that McGuiness had reason to believe confidential work information was leaking from the office.
“Is it creepy to think your boss is reading your email? Yes,” Wood said. “Is it a crime? No.”
Other evidence showed McGuiness pulling emails for the deputy attorney general responsible for representing the auditor’s office in civil matters and being granted access to monitor communications for some employees in real time.
To convict McGuiness of witness intimidation, the jury must be convinced that McGuiness at some point knew she was under investigation and maliciously took action against witnesses for the purpose of preventing their cooperation in the investigation.
Denney’s closing arguments largely focused on alleged acts of intimidation following a June 2021 phone call investigator Frank Robinson made to Virginia Bateman, the childhood friend and coworker of McGuiness’ daughter.
RECENT: An embarrassing day for the prosecution in McGuiness' criminal trial
Denney said the phone call set off a “flurry of activity,” including McGuiness trying to call the lead investigator by blocking the number on her cell phone. In the months after, McGuiness submitted requests to review two employees' emails, Skype messages and other files for two employees who had been speaking to investigators.
Officials in the auditor's office recirculated its social media policy barring the posting of photos with current or former employees after whistleblowers were pictured together with employees still working at the office during a day at the beach, Denney said.
At some point before the Bateman call, one of those employees was put on a performance improvement plan and the other was reprimanded. Both testified that they felt those actions were not necessary. Called by the defense, the official who oversaw those employment actions said they were necessary.
Wood said such employment actions shouldn’t be seen as intimidation.
“She intimidated (the employee) by putting a piece of paper in her employee file,” Wood stated with sarcasm.
McGuiness also faces the misdemeanor charge of structuring based on prosecutors’ allegation she improperly routed payments tied to a $45,000 no-bid contract the auditor's office awarded to political consultant and issues strategist Christie Gross in 2020.
In closing arguments, Denney pointed to two payments Gross received in September 2020 that Jane Cole, the director of the State’s Division of Accounting, testified were not made in compliance with the state’s budget and accounting manual. Emails show Gross asking for her past due payment for an $11,250 invoice and finance officials trying to pay the full amount, but having that payment pushed back because the budgeted total for the contract would have been eclipsed by the payment.
Emails show McGuiness asking if they can pay a portion of the total, which prosecutors contend is structuring. Other emails show officials noting after-the-fact approval paperwork, referred to as a waiver, would be necessary and McGuiness asking if one would be necessary. Eventually, part of the bill is paid in a way that didn’t comport with the budgeting handbook and was mistakenly approved by Department of Accounting regulators, Cole testified.
Another series of emails shows McGuiness ordering a staffer to pay the rest of the bill with a state credit card to Gross’ PayPal account, a payment which was later budgeted to a subsequent contract that Gross had competitively bid with the auditor’s office. Cole said this was also a violation.
The employee who incorrectly assigned that payment to Gross’ contract was called by the defense, testified she was not directed to do so and said it was a mistake. The employee was not interviewed by prosecutors during the investigation.
“Is that an incompetent or incomplete investigator or is it a biased investigation that is afraid of the truth?” Wood asked the jury.
Cole said waivers would have made both of the payments in compliance.
In closing, Wood emphasized that the employee responsible for filing after-the-fact waivers had gone on vacation and, at the time, McGuiness and other officials didn’t know she would quit her job and never return. He said the infractions were paperwork mistakes caused by ignorance and haste in paying the past-due bill.
Wood pointed to waivers that showed similar accounting errors made by Delaware Department of Justice officials that involved more money. One, involving the Delaware Department of Correction, was for a $7.6 million contract.
Denney told the jury this was not a “simple paperwork error." He said the lack of a waiver filing for the payments was an attempt to conceal, noting that copies of such waiver paperwork are shared with the Delaware Department of Justice.
“Kathy McGuiness knew just how to play the system and she did,” Denney said. "The fact that it would have been simple to do it the right way, tells you what you need to know."
Leading up to trial, prosecutors made multiple conflicting statements about what the auditor did and why they think it is a crime related to the structuring charge. Some incorrect statements were included in a search warrant affidavit made under oath and later in McGuiness' initial indictment.
Wood has used those mistakes to batter the credibility of the entire investigation.
"We tell you with reservation and with a tinge of sadness that when the state tells you she is guilty, you simply cannot trust what they say," Wood told the jury.
Denney admitted mistakes, but implored jurors to look at the evidence.
"The state was wrong," Denney said. "That does not mean this entire prosecution is based on a falsehood."
Contact Xerxes Wilson at (302) 324-2787 or xwilson@delawareonline.com. Follow @Ber_Xerxes on Twitter. | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/how-will-jury-weigh-prosecutors-mistakes-in-mcguiness-trial/65365181007/ | 2022-06-30T23:59:00 | 1 | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/how-will-jury-weigh-prosecutors-mistakes-in-mcguiness-trial/65365181007/ |
WYSOX, Pa. — Guthrie's Good Grief Day Camp in Wysox has seen more than twenty years of campers with life-altering stories to tell.
Its mission is to help children who have experienced grief due to a death in the family.
"My dad passed away in 2018 and it was really hard time. Then, I think, a year or two after, my mom heard about the camp through the hospital and was like, 'I think I want you guys to go make new friends,'" said Mackenzie Kolbeck of Wyalusing. "Now there are other people that I've been through the same thing."
The campers spend three days surrounded by others who share similar stories.
They play games, do arts and crafts, and listen to music.
The camp is free thanks to financial support from the Bradford/Sullivan Counties Office of Mental Health and Guthrie Hospice.
"Bringing the children together really helps them understand that they are not alone. There's people here for support they can talk to other children talk about what they're feeling," said Anja Miller, Guthrie Hospice Director.
"For the past years we've been reaching out to guidance counselors teachers in school districts as well as local companies and just letting them know that this is out there," added Krystal Jennings, Guthrie Hospice Social Worker.
Abigail Rice came to the Grief camp 10 years ago after the death of her great grandfather.
Since then she has returned as a Junior Grief Counselor to support other young people who are just beginning to take the first steps to understanding their emotions.
"I think we even kids need a community that relates to them and can also help them through those feelings and I think a big part is expressing feelings," Rice said.
If you're interested in learning more about the Good Grief Day Camp run through Guthrie Hospice CLICK HERE.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/bradford-county/grief-camp-helps-kids-deal-with-loss-guthries-good-grief-day-camp-wysox/523-0f9d57ff-6e06-43fe-8c00-e32f095c6515 | 2022-06-30T23:59:24 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/bradford-county/grief-camp-helps-kids-deal-with-loss-guthries-good-grief-day-camp-wysox/523-0f9d57ff-6e06-43fe-8c00-e32f095c6515 |
TANNERSVILLE, Pa. — The Sharpe family from Rochester has been visiting Great Wolf Lodge near Tannersville for the past 12 years.
"We feel like family. You know, like we got the vacation but never feels like leaving home because everybody, just everybody here, is wonderful," Lori Sharpe said.
The family's been around for many changes at the resort throughout the years, but they are most excited about the upcoming one.
Officials with Great Wolf Lodge unveiled the next phase of a big expansion project. It includes increasing the indoor water park by 40,000 square feet with two new slides, a new restaurant, and a 200-room tower.
"This probably has been a few years in the making, from pencil to what's happening. It's super exciting because we are literally touching every single part of our physical plant from outside to inside," Bill Colavito, the general manager of Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains, said.
The announcement comes on the heels of another expansion the lodge spoke about in March. Thirty villas will be added, hoping to bring more jobs and people to the resort.
"The guests really want to revisit us. They want to keep coming back year after year, and properties like Great Wolf Lodge attract generations. So you have generations of families that are revisiting us, and it's really a staple to our local economy," Chris Barrett, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau president and CEO, said.
"We're super excited and can't wait to see it all," Sharpe said.
The lodge expects the new expansions to add 300 full-time jobs. Officials hope to have all the work completed by next summer.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/great-wolf-lodge-announces-phase-two-of-expansion-tannersville-rochester-monroe-county/523-0ec923c6-d433-4854-9476-ef2341434f82 | 2022-06-30T23:59:30 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/great-wolf-lodge-announces-phase-two-of-expansion-tannersville-rochester-monroe-county/523-0ec923c6-d433-4854-9476-ef2341434f82 |
Salem Police will no longer respond to certain lower-level calls
Salem police will no longer respond to lower-level calls for service, including complaints over barking dogs, loud parties, delayed crash reports and complaints of homeless encampments on public property.
Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack said in a memo to Salem City Council that "staffing shortages require the department to make difficult decisions concerning how to best deploy its limited resources."
He stressed that the reduction in service would not impact the police's response to emergencies, violence and property damage.
"I can't emphasize enough that this has nothing to do with emergency call response," he told the Statesman Journal.
Womack said the reduction in response to non-emergency, low-level calls has already been happening as police have struggled to respond to emergency calls and engage with the community during what police and auditors have called a severe staffing shortage.
Callers have been and will continue to be referred to online reporting systems already in place.
The goal, Womack said, is to not send a patrol officer immediately out to every noise complaint and civil dispute. Those issues can be handled by the civil court system or by non-sworn employees, freeing patrol officers to promptly respond to emergencies or focus on building trust in the community.
Request for more officers
Police officials said at this time, Salem Police Department budgeted for 193 sworn officers and 51.5 professional staff, or non-sworn positions, which comprise duties such as records management, evidence and forensics technicians, and community service officers.
Due to turnover, 180 officers and 44 non-sworn staff are currently employed with the department.
Womack said an independent audit and subsequent staffing review recommended 60 to 80 additional staff to adequately respond to the thousands of calls Salem Police receives every year while giving officers enough time to connect with residents.
"The idea is — if you're running from emergency call to emergency call, there's actually no time to stop and build relationships or to engage their community in different ways because you're just handling calls," he said.
While Salem's population has grown, the city isn't seeing the dramatic increase in crime being reported in Portland and other larger communities, according to a Statesman Journal analysis of crime data.
Salem crime data reported in the annual FBI crime reports indicate Salem's violent crime rate rose 10% in 2021, following slight decreases in the two years prior.
Homicides have significantly fluctuated on a yearly basis. Police recorded nine homicides in 2021 — a 50% jump from the previous year but tied with the number of murders in 2019.
Aggravated assaults account for the largest portion of violent crime in Salem, with 620 cases in 2021. Reports of rape remained the same last year, while robbery. And overall, property crime rates have decreased by 20% since 2018.
Womack acknowledged that the number of additional officers was a big ask and would take "sustainable revenue that just doesn't exist."
With training, salaries, benefits and equipment, 80 additional officers would cost the department an estimated $12 million a year.
The entire Police Department budget for Fiscal Year 2022 was $51.7 million.
Salem councilors were largely supportive of the programs and service changes Womack presented. The council did not vote on any action. As chief of police, Womack has already begun implementing the changes and was just providing an informational report to the council.
Salem City Council had already approved funding for six additional officers starting in January. Earlier this year, the council approved adding two officers to respond specifically to homeless encampments beginning in July.
Not every resident has been supportive of hiring more offers, with some activists suggesting police should rethink how they respond to calls instead of spending millions on bolstering the force.
Councilor Vanessa Nordyke said she would like to see more of a shift to non-police responses to issues like homelessness, mental health crises and low-level concerns.
Nordyke has long been a proponent of a CAHOOTS-like program similar to Eugene's that diverts behavioral health calls from police to community health partners. Council has discussed a similar program for Salem, but has never voted on a formal proposal or any funding.
More:Salem advances effort to create mobile unit for people in crisis, experiencing homelessness
What officers will and won't respond to
Patrol officers will not be dispatched to unmanaged encampments on public property, but the public will be directed to use Salem’s online Homeless Camping Complaint Form.
The department’s newly formed Homeless Outreach Services Team, also known as HOST, will have two officers provide follow-up coordinated through Salem’s multi-department response team.
Womack said the thought of police no longerresponding to noise complaints has concerned some, but he clarified officers would still respond to such a complaint if laws were being broken, like underage drinking or drug use.
He also said a tracking system would allow the department to respond to repeated complaints at the same address.
Womack ticked off the emergencies police will continue to respond to: shootings, break-ins, assaults, active property damage and traffic crashes.
"The safety of our community is paramount, and officers will continue to respond to any call type if other criminal activity is involved or there is an immediate danger or threat to the public," he said.
And hopefully, he added, with less time spent on the lower level calls, officers will be able to quickly and adequately respond to these emergencies.
"We're at a point where you have to either grow your organization, or you have to cut back or become more efficient," Womack said. "We're trying to do both."
More:Salem's new Police Chief Trevor Womack shares his vision for the department
Vision for the department
In the 18 months since Womack was appointed Salem's police chief, he said he's worked to focus on community policing, data-based results and bringing "21st century policing" into the city. He aims to have a more diverse force, body cameras and trust in law enforcement.
Womack said this means listening to resident feedback on how people want to connect to law enforcement, which includes things like Coffee with a Cop and allowing time for officers to visit neighborhoods and get to know businesses and residents in their district.
Many officers already try to do these things, but need more time to truly focus on continuing to build relationships and engage in dialogues with residents, Womack said.
More:One year in, Police Chief Trevor Womack talks trust, staffing, data and body cameras
"We've cast this new vision for policing in Salem," he said. "We've really shifted the paradigm here. That's going to take additional staff and resources to make that happen."
Targeting illegal guns, violent crime
The announcement of the reduction in service was paired with news of a joint task force between Salem police and federal law enforcement to focus on violent crime in the city.
While cities across the U.S. have experienced dramatic spikes in homicide rates over the past few years, data shows Salem's violent crime rates have climbed at a more gradual pace.
Homicides in Salem have significantly fluctuated on a yearly basis. Police recorded nine homicides in 2021 — a 50% jump from the previous year but tied with the number of murders in 2019.
The Safe Streets Task Force connects through the Salem Police Criminal Investigations Section’s Strategic Investigations Unit, a team of five detectives that handles investigations into major narcotics trafficking and violent crime, like shootings, homicides and illegal firearm manufacturing and trafficking.
Womack said police are already seeing results from the partnership.
Since the recent formalization of the task force, officers successfully handled a major gun-trafficking case, investigated several drug overdose deaths and seized thousands of fentanyl pills and more than 100 illegal firearms.
Last year, Salem police seize about 100 firearms. Womack said they are on track to double that amount in 2022.
"It's already playing out," he said. "Already, more illegal guns are being removed."
Fixing it over tickets
Womack also announced Salem was joining the Oregon Car Care Program starting June 28.
The project focuses on improving traffic safety by helping drivers correct minor equipment violations, like lighting, rearview mirrors, windshield wipers and fenders, with a 20% discount voucher at local businesses.
“With the Car Care program, we have an opportunity to address equipment violations through education and cooperation, rather than a citation,” Womack said.
A bill to prevent police from stopping people for minor lighting infractions like a broken taillight was passed by the Oregon Legislature this year and goes into effect in January.
Salem police officials said that by implementing the Oregon Car Care program, they are applying the Legislature's philosophy to all equipment violations, effectively immediately.
They clarified that officers will not be out looking for the minor equipment violations just to issue a voucher.
Some of the nation's most high-profile police shootings have begun with small citations, and Black community leaders have long said Black drivers are targeted for such stops.
The Car Care Program was developed by the Oregon State Police in 2016 with the focus of assisting drivers who defer automobile maintenance costs. In 2019, the program was centralized through the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police as a way to extend the benefits to agencies throughout the state.
Womack told the Statesman Journal that the idea was born out of conversations with Dr. Reginald Richardson, the president of the Salem-Keizer NAACP, on how to build trust in the community by helping drivers with repair costs.
The program allows police to improve traffic safety without ticketing people who might struggle to afford needed repairs, Womack said, adding:
“Having a conversation without a citation can go a long way to increased understanding, as well as building trust with the community."
Reporter Virginia Barreda contributed to this article. For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-910-6616 or follow on Twitter @wmwoodworth. | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/salem-police-respond-911-dogs-noise-crash-homeless/65364565007/ | 2022-07-01T00:03:11 | 0 | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2022/06/30/salem-police-respond-911-dogs-noise-crash-homeless/65364565007/ |
When Ryan Long arrived at the Lancaster County Courthouse from the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution for his latest sentencing hearing Thursday morning, the 32-year-old Lincoln man was already serving a 27-year sentence for a fatal shooting.
Now, Long will tack close to another decade onto his stint in Tecumseh after Judge Jodi Nelson sentenced him to 18 to 50 years in prison for shooting his then-girlfriend during a Halloween-night fight in 2019 near 21st and Garfield streets.
A jury in April found Long guilty of second-degree assault, use of a firearm to commit a felony and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person for his role in the shooting, which transpired about 4 a.m. Nov. 1, 2019, when Long got into an argument with his then-girlfriend Champaynne King, now 23, according to prosecutors.
Long was standing near the driver's side of a Nissan Pathfinder parked near 21st and Garfield when he fired a gun into the car as King sat in the front passenger seat.
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The bullet pierced through King's right thigh and exited the passenger side door, according to police. The woman didn't report the shooting for six weeks.
At trial, Long's attorney Nancy Peterson cast King as unreliable after she admitted in testimony she tried to bribe Long after, telling him for $10,000 she could "make it go away."
"This is a woman you would not trust to walk your dog," Peterson said at the April trial. "How can you trust this woman with the verdict?"
Long denied shooting King and told the court he had "no idea" how she suffered in the injures. But jurors rejected that defense, finding Long guilty beyond a reasonable doubt on all three counts.
On Thursday, Nelson sentenced Long to 10 to 20 years for the second-degree assault and a combined eight to 30 years for the two firearms charges. He received credit for serving four days in jail.
Long would be parole eligible in as few as nine years if not for his previous conviction. A jury in October found the 32-year-old guilty of manslaughter for the fatal 2020 shooting of Michael Whitemagpie in an alley near 33rd and T streets. He will serve at least 27 years in that shooting.
Both sentences will run consecutively, Nelson ruled Thursday. Long won't be parole eligible for nearly 38 years.
Tom Casady's list of the 10 most infamous crimes in Lincoln history
Crimes of the times
This is simply one man’s perspective from the early 21st century (first written in 2010). I had to make a decision about crimes that occurred at locations that are inside the city today, but were outside our corporate limits at the time they occurred. I chose the latter.
Before beginning, though, I have to deal with three crimes that stand apart: the murders of three police officers in Lincoln. I’m not quite sure how to place them in a list. They all had huge impacts on the community, and on the police department in particular. Because these are my colleagues, I deal with them separately and in chronological order.
Patrolman Marion Francis Marshall
Shot in the shadow of the new Nebraska State Capital, Gov. Charles Bryan came to his aid and summoned additional help.
Lt. Frank Soukup
Marion Marshall was technically not a Lincoln police officer, so Lt. Soukup was actually the first Lincoln police officer killed on duty. One of his colleagues who was present at the motel and involved in the gunbattle, Paul Jacobsen, went on to enjoy a long career and command rank at LPD, influencing many young charges (like me) and leaving his mark on the culture of the agency.
Lt. Paul Whitehead
In the space of a few months, three LPD officers died in the line of duty. Frank Soukup had been murdered, and George Welter had died in a motorcycle crash. Paul Whitehead's partner, Paul Merritt, went on to command rank, and like Paul Jacobsen left an indelible mark at LPD and the community.
No. 1: Starkweather
The subject of several thinly disguised movie plots and a Springsteen album, the Starkweather murders are clearly the most infamous crime in Lincoln’s history — so far. One of the first mass murderers of the mass media age, six of Charles Starkweather’s 11 victims were killed inside the city of Lincoln, and the first was just on the outskirts of town. I didn’t live in Lincoln at the time, but my wife was a first-grader at Riley Elementary School and has vivid memories of the city gripped by fear in the days between the discovery of the Bartlett murders and Starkweather’s capture in Wyoming.
The case caused quite an uproar. There was intense criticism of the police department and sheriff’s office for not capturing Starkweather earlier in the week after the discovery of the Bartletts' bodies. Ultimately, Mayor Bennett Martin and the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners retained a retired FBI agent, Harold G. Robinson, to investigate the performance of local law enforcement. His report essentially exonerated the local law officers and made a few vanilla recommendations for improving inter-agency communication and training.
Now I know that many readers are mumbling to themselves “how obvious.” Hold your horses, though. It’s not quite as obvious as you might think. I had two experiences that drove this fact home to me. The first was a visit by a small group of journalism students. Only one member of the class had any idea, and her idea was pretty vague. You need to remember that the Starkweather murders were in 1957 and 1958 — before the parents of many college students were even born.
The second experience was a visit by a Cub Scout den. I was giving the kids a tour of the police station one evening. We were in the front lobby waiting for everyone to arrive. As I entertained the boys, I told the moms and dads that they might enjoy looking in the corner of the Sheriff’s Office display case to see the contents of Starkweather’s wallet — discovered a couple of years ago locked up in the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office safe. After a few minutes, one of the confused fathers asked me who Starkweather was, and why it was significant.
No. 2: Lincoln National Bank
On the morning of Sept. 17, 1930, a dark blue Buick carrying six men pulled up in front of the Lincoln National Bank at the northwest corner of 12th and O streets. Five of the men entered the bank, while a sixth stood outside by the Buick, cradling a machine gun. Observing the unusual events, a passerby called the police. The officer who responded, Forrest Shappaugh, was casually instructed by the machine-gun-toting lookout to just keep going, which he wisely did. Returning with reinforcements, he found that the robbers had already made good on their getaway, netting $2.7 million in cash and negotiable securities.
Ultimately, three of the six suspects were arrested. Tommy O’Connor and Howard Lee were convicted and sentenced. Jack Britt was tried twice but not convicted by a hung jury. Gus Winkeler, a member of Al Capone’s gang, winged a deal with County Attorney Max Towle to avoid prosecution in exchange for orchestrating the recovery of $600,000 in bearer bonds. The following year, Winkeler was murdered in Chicago, the victim of a gangland slaying. The final two robbers were never identified.
The Lincoln National Bank robbery stood as the largest cash bank robbery in the United States for many decades. It precipitated major changes at the Lincoln Police Department. Chief Peter Johnstone was rapidly “retired” after the robbery, the department’s fleet was upgraded to add the first official patrol cars, the full force was armed and a shotgun squad was organized. Forty-four years later when I was hired at LPD, the echo of the Lincoln National Bank robbery was still evident in daily bank opening details, and in the Thomspon submachine guns and Reising rifles that detectives grabbed whenever the robbery alarm sounded at headquarters.
No. 3: The Last Posse
My first inkling about this crime came when I was the chief deputy sheriff. One of my interns, a young man named Ron Boden (who became a veteran deputy sheriff), had been doing some research on Lancaster County’s only known lynching, in 1884. I came across a reference in the biography of the sheriff at the time, Sam Melick, to the murder of the Nebraska Penitentiary warden and subsequent prison break. Melick had been appointed interim warden after the murder and instituted several reforms.
Several years later, a colleague, Sgt. Geoff Marti, loaned me a great book, Gale Christianson’s "Last Posse," that told the story of the 1912 prison break in gory, haunting and glorious detail.
To make a long story short, convict Shorty Gray and his co-conspirators shot and killed Warden James Delahunty, a deputy warden and a guard on Wednesday, March 13, 1912. They then made their break — right into the teeth of a brutal Nebraska spring blizzard. Over the course to the next few days, a posse pursued. During the pursuit, the escapees carjacked a young farmer with his team and wagon. As the posse closed in, a gunfight broke out and the hostage was shot and killed in the exchange, along with two of the three escapees.
There was plenty of anger among the locals in the Gretna-Springfield vicinity about the death of their native son, and a controversy raged over the law enforcement tactics that brought about his demise. Lancaster County Sheriff Gus Hyers was not unsullied by the inquiry, although it appears from my prospect a century later that the fog of war led to the tragedy.
Christianson, a professor of history at Indiana State University who died earlier this year, notes the following on the flyleaf:
“For anyone living west of the Mississippi in 1912, the biggest news that fateful year was a violent escape from the Nebraska state penitentiary planned and carried out by a trio of notorious robbers and safe blowers.”
Bigger news on half the continent than the sinking of the Titanic during the same year would certainly qualify this murder-escape as one of the most infamous Lincoln crimes in history.
No. 4: Rock Island wreck
The Aug. 10, 1894, wreck of a Rock Island train on the southwest outskirts of Lincoln was almost lost in the mist of time until it was resurrected in the public consciousness by author Joel Williams, who came across the story while conducting research for his historical novel, "Barrelhouse Boys."
The wreck was determined to be the result of sabotage to the tracks, perhaps an attempt to derail the train as a prelude to robbery. Eleven people died in the crash and ensuing fire, making this a mass murder, to be sure. G.W. Davis was arrested and convicted of the crime but later received a full pardon. The story was told in greater detail earlier this year by the Lincoln Journal Star.
A historical marker is along the Rock Island Trail in Wilderness Park, accessible only by foot or bike from the nearest trail access points about a half-mile away at Old Cheney Road on the north, or 14th Street on the south.
Here’s the big question that remains unanswered: Was there really significant evidence to prove that George Washington Davis committed the crime, or was he just a convenient scapegoat? The fact that he received a gubernatorial pardon 10 years later leads me to believe that the evidence must have been unusually weak. If he was railroaded, then my second question is this: who really pried loose the tracks with the 40-pound crowbar found at the scene?
No. 5: Commonwealth
On Nov. 1, 1983, the doors to Nebraska’s largest industrial savings and loan company were closed and Commonwealth was declared insolvent. The 6,700 depositors with $65 million at stake would never be fully compensated for their loss, ultimately receiving about 59 cents on the dollar for their deposits, which they all mistakenly believed were insured up to $30,000 through the Nebraska Depository Insurance Guaranty Corporation, which was essentially an insurance pool with assets of only $3 million.
The case dominated Nebraska news for months. The investigation ultimately led to the conviction of three members of the prominent Lincoln family that owned the institution, the resignation of the director of the State Department of Banking and the impeachment of the Nebraska attorney general and the suspension of his license to practice law. State and federal litigation arising from the failure of Commonwealth drug on for years.
At the Lincoln Police Department, the Commonwealth failure led to the formation of a specialized white-collar crime detail, now known as the Technical Investigations Unit. At the time, municipal police departments in the United States had virtually no capacity for investigating financial crime and fraud of this magnitude, and we quickly became well known for our expertise in this area. The early experience served LPD very well in the ensuring years.
No. 6: Candice Harms
Candi Harms never came home from visiting her boyfriend on Sept. 22, 1992. Her parents reported her as a missing person the following morning, and her car was found abandoned in a cornfield north of Lincoln later in the day. Weeks went by before her remains were found southeast of Lincoln.
Scott Barney and Roger Bjorklund were convicted in her abduction and murder. Barney is in prison serving a life term. Bjorklund died in prison in 2001. Intense media attention surrounded the lengthy trial of Roger Bjorklund, for which a jury was brought in from Cheyenne County as an alternative to a change of venue. I have no doubt that the trial was a life-changing event for a group of good citizens from Sidney, who did their civic duty.
I was the Lancaster County sheriff at the time, involved both in the investigation and in the trial security. It was at about this time that the cellular telephone was becoming a consumer product, and I have often thought that this brutal crime probably spurred a lot of purchases. During my career, this is probably the second-most-prominent Lincoln crime in terms of the sheer volume of media coverage.
No. 7: Jon Simpson and Jacob Surber
A parent’s worst nightmare unfolded in September 1975 when these two boys, ages 12 and 13, failed to return from the Nebraska State Fair. The boys were the victims of abduction and murder. The case was similar to a string of other murders of young boys in the Midwest, and many thought that these cases were related -- the work of a serial killer. Although an arrest was made in the case here in Lincoln, the charges were eventually dismissed. William Guatney was released and has since died.
No. 8: John Sheedy
Saloon and gambling house owner John Sheedy was gunned down outside his home at 1211 P St. in January 1891. The case of Sheedy, prominent in Lincoln’s demiworld, became the talk of the town when his wife, Mary, and her alleged lover and accomplice, Monday McFarland, were arrested. Both were acquitted at trial. The Sheedy murder is chronicled in a great interactive multimedia website, Gilded Age Plains City, an online version that builds upon an article published in 2001 by Timothy Mahoney of the University of Nebraska.
No. 9: Patricia McGarry and Catherine Brooks
The bodies of these two friends were found in a Northeast Lincoln duplex in August 1977. Their murderer, Robert E. Williams, was the subject of a massive Midwest manhunt during the following week. Before his capture, he committed a third murder in Sioux Rapids, Iowa, and raped, shot and left for dead a victim who survived in Minnesota. He is the last man to be executed in Nebraska, sent to the electric chair in 1997.
No. 10: Judge William M. Morning
District Court Judge William Morning was murdered in February 1924. He was shot on the bench by an unhappy litigant in a divorce case. His court reporter, Minor Bacon, was also shot, but a notebook in his breast pocket deflected the bullet and saved his life.
Many other crimes
Choosing Lincoln's 10 most infamous crimes was a challenge. Although the top two were easy, the picture quickly became clouded. We tend, of course, to forget our history rather quickly. Many of the crimes I felt were among the most significant are barely remembered today, if not completely forgotten.
Some readers will take issue with my list. In choosing 10, here are the others I considered, in no particular order. They are all murders:
-- Mary O'Shea
-- Nancy Parker
-- Charles Mulholland
-- Victoria Lamm and Janet Mesner
-- Martina McMenamin
-- Regina Bos (presumably murdered)
-- Patty Webb
-- Marianne Mitzner
I also thought about the five murder-suicides in which a mother or father killed multiple family members before taking their own life. Though tragic, these crimes did not command the same kind of attention as the others, perhaps because there was no lengthy investigation, no tantalizing whodunit, no stranger-killer, nor any of the details that come out in the coverage of a major trial.
Reach the writer at 402-473-7223 or awegley@journalstar.com.
On Twitter @andrewwegley | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lincoln-man-gets-prison-time-for-shooting-girlfriend-on-halloween-in-2019/article_9104877a-ada5-53ec-a0f0-0067401afd68.html | 2022-07-01T00:08:37 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lincoln-man-gets-prison-time-for-shooting-girlfriend-on-halloween-in-2019/article_9104877a-ada5-53ec-a0f0-0067401afd68.html |
Faculty members at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) have said no to the school’s latest contract offer.
Faculty members have overwhelmingly rejected an offer that called for no raises this year and just a 2% pay raise next school year 2022-2023 and a $1,500 bonus not based on merit.
The union sent the school’s president 250 scathing comments from faculty members outraged at the offer.
One professor called the offer “professionally insulting and personally demoralizing”.
The comment went on to say, “The administration seemingly ignores market conditions and disrespects its faculty.”
Another professor called the offer a de-motivator while others said morale at the university is low and others said they’re looking for jobs at other schools.
FGCU responded with: “We are engaged in good-faith negotiations, but the university does not comment on active negotiations.”
Fall classes are slated to begin August 19.
Below is a link to comments made by faculty. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/06/30/fgcu-faculty-members-reject-schools-latest-pay-raise-offer/ | 2022-07-01T00:08:43 | 1 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/06/30/fgcu-faculty-members-reject-schools-latest-pay-raise-offer/ |
FORT MYERS, Fla. – As Russia continues to level Ukraine one mother is recalling her escape from the country along with her three young daughters.
Victoria Tokonoh recalls jumping on board an evacuation train as it took off and people were running alongside in an effort to get in. She and her girls watched in horror as they were being transported away from their home.
The family made it out with only a few belongings after living what she described as a normal ordinary life before the bombs started falling.
“After the war started it was so terrible,” Victoria said.
She recalled how she and her daughters sprinted for the train as they were loaded down with all of their belongings they could gather.
“Women with very small children tried to knock on the door,” she recalls
Their exodus began after a bomb hit their apartment complex forcing them to leave since they had nowhere to live.
Her 17 year old daughter Sophia and her sisters were traumatized by what they witnessed.
“My mother is a psychologist and she helped us very much to feel more safe and more comfortable,” Sofia said.
Their mother led them to Poland and ultimately to U.S. soil thanks to a sponsor family in Fort Myers who offered them a temporary home.
Sofia said she understands that life isn’t fair and that she needs to move forward.
Her 10 year old sister Evana enjoys drawing. Her recent artwork since settling in Fort Myers depicts Russians with guns firing on her country and the rest of the world. She draws pictures of her family wearing bandages and scratched up from the war.
Her mother believes the pictures will soon be part of the past and Evana will reflect on brighter days ahead.
Sofia wants to enter medical school and become a dentist while her 14 year old sister Maria has dreams of continuing as a circus performer.
Until then their future is uncertain in a land they’re trying to call home.
“Every morning when I wake up I wish that I could take my phone and see the message that the war has stopped,” Sofia concluded with a smile.
If you would like to help the family, the nonprofit group Angelink has set up a fund to help the family recover in the United States. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/06/30/ukrainian-family-adjusts-to-life-in-fort-myers/ | 2022-07-01T00:08:49 | 0 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/06/30/ukrainian-family-adjusts-to-life-in-fort-myers/ |
BOISE, Idaho —
The Boise Police Department (BPD) hosted a four week-long summer program for students called SHIELD Academy.
The program was created by BPD and led by local School Resource officers (BPD) who helped recruit students to attend.
"We had high hopes for the Shield Academy but one thing we didn't expect was how strong of a bond the kids created with each other and with individual officers," said Officer Jessica Knarr.
According to BPD, each day the officers took students on field trips that included, fishing, hiking Table Rock, obstacle courses, and tours of the Old Penitentiary, the Anne Frank Memorial, and Boise State University to name a few.
The classroom portion of the program included guest speakers, goal setting, leadership development, storytelling, team building and life skill exercises. According to BPD, overall, the curriculum focused on the acronyms of SHIELD (Success, Helping, Innovation, Empowerment, Leadership, and Discovery).
"In addition to having a lot of fun, the students involved learned a lot about themselves, each other, and our community," Knarr said.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/shield-academy-summer-program-students-hosted-boise-police-department/277-9df6050f-1ed3-46b7-bb5e-55722237efcb | 2022-07-01T00:09:32 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/shield-academy-summer-program-students-hosted-boise-police-department/277-9df6050f-1ed3-46b7-bb5e-55722237efcb |
That ringing reverberating through the hallways is the sound of celebration.
Patients at the Franciscan Health Infusion Center in Munster now clang a brass bell to celebrate the end of their cancer treatments in a newly launched tradition funded through donations to the Franciscan Health Foundation .
Patient Jacqueline Frabotta recently was the first to ring the bell after she finished her chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
“Everyone was emotional. We are so thankful that she was our first patient to ring the new bell,” said Gail Blackburn, director of outpatient services for Franciscan.
Patients had requested the bell as a way to celebrate the accomplishment of wrapping up treatment.
“Ring this bell three times well to celebrate this day," a plaque by the bell reads. "This course is run, my treatment done, now I am on my way.”
It's located on the second floor of the Franciscan Health Cancer Center Munster at 701 Superior Ave.
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“Thank you very much to the foundation and all of our generous donors. The bell is a wonderful addition to our department and the patients will be ringing it loudly to celebrate their accomplishment,” Blackburn said.
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Parlor Doughuts, Domino's, Gyros Bar and Grill and Captain's Seafood opening
Open
Craft doughtnuts and coffee
Coming soon
Open
Coming soon
New owners
Focus on nutrition
'Trying to make a difference'
Open
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Nothing Bundt Cakes, Basecamp Fitness, Northwest Health doctor's office opening; Fresh to Order closed | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/franciscan-health-infusion-center-cancer-patients-ringing-bells-after-completing-treatment/article_37753c54-4af5-570f-98af-1b85b6cead18.html | 2022-07-01T00:14:45 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/franciscan-health-infusion-center-cancer-patients-ringing-bells-after-completing-treatment/article_37753c54-4af5-570f-98af-1b85b6cead18.html |
Franciscan Health Michigan City hospital recently presented St. Luke and St. Camillus awards to staff members.
The hospital at 9300 Franciscan Way honored three employees "for their team approach to patient care and rapport with staff and patients."
Hospitalist and internal medicine physician Elias Salloum won the 2022 St. Luke Award from Franciscan Health Michigan City.
"The winner of the St. Luke Award, named for the patron saint of physicians and surgeons, is chosen each year by the patient care staff," Franciscan Health said in a news release. "The award recognizes physicians who have an outstanding rapport with nurses, patients and their families; show respect for the nursing profession; provide education and act as a resource to staff; serve as a role model; and exhibit a team approach to care."
Nurses Abby Knoll and Jill Ross received the 2022 St. Camillus Award from Franciscan Health Michigan City.
"The St. Camillus Award is named for St. Camillus, who, despite having an incurable wound on his leg, was dedicated to the care of the sick," Franciscan Health said in a news release. "It is chosen by the medical staff and recognizes a nurse who is an ambassador in the community; is a patient advocate; shows respect for the nursing profession; reflects our mission and values; promotes service and hospitality; has good rapport with fellow staff; and exhibits a team approach to care."
People are also reading…
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Parlor Doughuts, Domino's, Gyros Bar and Grill and Captain's Seafood opening
Open
Craft doughtnuts and coffee
Coming soon
Open
Coming soon
New owners
Focus on nutrition
'Trying to make a difference'
Open
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Nothing Bundt Cakes, Basecamp Fitness, Northwest Health doctor's office opening; Fresh to Order closed | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/franciscan-health-michigan-city-gives-employees-awards/article_8a895509-8a8a-58cd-9d03-b13317060001.html | 2022-07-01T00:14:46 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/franciscan-health-michigan-city-gives-employees-awards/article_8a895509-8a8a-58cd-9d03-b13317060001.html |
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Dr. Bethany Cataldi’s Center for Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery
Hammond Walmart associate Erika Ramirez got a big surprise when she was recently promoted on stage at the Walmart shareholders meeting in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Walmart Chief Operations Officer Chris Nicholas brought Ramirez on stage at the annual shareholders meeting, which drew thousands of people from around the world and featured a concert by Christina Aguilera.
"That's the whole point of this bit — that it's unexpected," she said. "Because of her ability to solve problems and willingness to listen, she was promoted twice in a year. Isn't that amazing? I understand from your team you really stand out as a servant leader. You love teaching and training people. You've really grabbed the whole connected device and really driven that to make your associates' lives better."
Ramirez started as a maintenance associate at the Walmart supercenter by Cabela's in south Hammond. She was promoted twice within in a year after impressing management with her work ethic and drive to learn the store's operations.
She was promoted to frozen foods manager and then to a stocking team lead position. Nicholas promoted her to stocking team coach as the assembled crowd roared at Walmart's corporate headquarters.
It caught her completely unawares.
"I was in a front row seat and was a little confused why I was down there, and then they called my name, went over my history with the company and promoted," she said. "I got to be all over Walmart channels. I was Walmart famous."
It was the Hammond resident's first time on a plane to visit Northwest Arkansas for the shareholders meeting that hosts employees from even-numbered stores and odd-numbered stores in alternating years. They were briefed on new and upcoming happenings with the company.
"It's the world's largest pep rally," she said. "People come in from Walmarts internationally and for all walks of life for meetings and different activities like a minor league baseball game and a Christina Aguilera concert. It was definitely more than I ever imagined."
Ramirez started part-time at the store to get some extra cash and soon got promoted to a manager.
"I just enjoy the people," she said. "I really love it."
She's been preparing for her new managerial role.
"I've been training at the academy," she said. "It's challenging, I'm not going to lie. But it's rewarding. It's definitely something I'll remember for life."
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Crumbl Cookies, Southlake Mall stores and StretchLab opening; Chop House on Wicker site slated for redevelopment
Joseph S. Pete is a Lisagor Award-winning business reporter who covers steel, industry, unions, the ports, retail, banking and more. The Indiana University grad has been with The Times since 2013 and blogs about craft beer, culture and the military.
"It is another tale in a long string of betrayals by the company, which now has permanently closed nearly two thirds of the assets it acquired from National Steel along with other acquisitions."
The 12/20 landscape of Dunes Highway and the largely parallel U.S. 20 highway in Gary's Miller neighborhood have been undergoing a major transformation as many decrepit old buildings get demolished.
“Disney was dealt a tough hand by the pandemic, yet with Bob at the helm, our businesses—from parks to streaming—not only weathered the storm, but emerged in a position of strength." | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/hammond-walmart-worker-surprised-with-promotion-at-shareholders-meeting-in-arkansas/article_201978cb-d9bc-5747-8e53-c7e6203611bb.html | 2022-07-01T00:14:48 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/hammond-walmart-worker-surprised-with-promotion-at-shareholders-meeting-in-arkansas/article_201978cb-d9bc-5747-8e53-c7e6203611bb.html |
In honor of Independence Day, The Times is providing unlimited access to all of our content from June 28th-July 4th!
Presented by
Dr. Bethany Cataldi’s Center for Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery
Strack & Van Til is asking customers to "round up" for The Salvation Army over the next few weeks, including during the Fourth of July holiday that's typically one of the busiest grocery shopping periods of the year.
The Highland-based grocery store chain will ask customers through July 10 to round up to the nearest dollar to contribute to The Salvation Army of Lake and Porter Counties. The money will help people who need assistance to feed their families, pay the rent or cover utilities bills.
“The fabulous customers of Strack & Van Til raised over $26,000 in just two weeks to support the good work of The Salvation Army during last year’s ‘Checkout Challenge,’” said Captain Brian Clark, Lake County Coordinator for The Salvation Army. “This year our goal is to raise $30,000 — all of the funds staying in your community to help individuals and families experiencing emergency needs."
The Salvation Army uses the money to provide various services, such as emergency food assistance, senior programs, activities for children and youth and help with bills. The Salvation Army's East Chicago Community Center, for instance, provides lunch and food pantry services to the community, serving the homeless and other people in need.
People can chip in at the 22 Strack & Van Til Food Markets in Lake, Porter and Jasper Counties in Northwest Indiana. Cashiers will ask customers at checkout if they want to round up their bill to help out with the cause.
Joseph S. Pete is a Lisagor Award-winning business reporter who covers steel, industry, unions, the ports, retail, banking and more. The Indiana University grad has been with The Times since 2013 and blogs about craft beer, culture and the military.
"It is another tale in a long string of betrayals by the company, which now has permanently closed nearly two thirds of the assets it acquired from National Steel along with other acquisitions."
The 12/20 landscape of Dunes Highway and the largely parallel U.S. 20 highway in Gary's Miller neighborhood have been undergoing a major transformation as many decrepit old buildings get demolished.
“Disney was dealt a tough hand by the pandemic, yet with Bob at the helm, our businesses—from parks to streaming—not only weathered the storm, but emerged in a position of strength." | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/strack-van-til-stores-doing-checkout-challenge-to-raise-funds-for-salvation-army/article_1f171cd1-e2de-5817-9760-1c237a3afc8d.html | 2022-07-01T00:14:49 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/strack-van-til-stores-doing-checkout-challenge-to-raise-funds-for-salvation-army/article_1f171cd1-e2de-5817-9760-1c237a3afc8d.html |
CROWN POINT — A judge sentenced a Chicago man Thursday to 73 years in prison for fatally shooting his friend while they argued during a car ride in 2020, robbing an elderly woman of her vehicle and leading police on a high-speed chase to Chicago.
Larry Boston, 21, was convicted by a Lake Criminal Court jury in May of murder, armed robbery and auto theft. He subsequently admitted to a firearm enhancement.
Judge Salvador Vasquez refused defense attorney John Cantrell's suggestion that Boston should be shown some leniency for admitting during his testimony at trial that he carjacked a woman and led police on a pursuit.
Boston, who had a juvenile adjudication for battery in summer 2019, shot 20-year-old Charles Golden in the face July 8, 2020, and committed a series of other crimes in his effort to get away, the judge said.
Golden's grandmother, Vanessa Gordon, said he was a charismatic, intelligent and respectful man who loved his child with all his heart.
Gordon raised Golden, who often talked about wanting to be a great man, she said.
"I guess I will never, never, never have peace, because I'll never forgive you," she told Boston. "You killed my baby for nothing."
Gordon said Golden called Boston his brother, fed Boston steaks and invited Boston to spend time with his family. They often argued, but Golden never would have hurt Boston, she said.
Golden's mother, Danielle Wicks, said she would not let her heart be hardened by her son's murder.
Golden left behind a young daughter, whom she referred to an an angel.
"Let me keep my head up and still love people," Wicks said, as if she were praying.
Boston declined to make a statement.
Cantrell said Boston was still young — just 19 years old — when the shooting occurred and still maintains he acted in self-defense.
He recommended a minimum sentence of 53 years.
Boston testified at trial he fired his gun when he saw Golden reach for a gun on the center console of a Nissan Altima driven by a third man in the area of 47th Avenue and Adams Street in Gary.
Golden, who was in the front passenger seat, was shot in the forehead. Boston and the driver each jumped from the moving car.
Police found two guns after the shooting: Boston's gun, which he threw from a carjacked vehicle during a police pursuit, and the driver's gun, which was discovered in the driver's underwear when he was patted down by a Gary officer.
Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Keith Anderson said Boston lied to the jury when he testified he saw a gun on the Nissan's center console. Photos showed the console was mostly covered in blood spatter.
Boston showed no remorse during a presentence investigation, when he told a probation officer he felt bad because the judicial system didn't work in his favor, Anderson said.
The jury also listened to Boston's phone calls in the jail, which showed he began fashioning a self-defense claim after his arrest, Anderson said.
"This family took him in, and he shot his friend. Over what?" he asked.
One of Golden's family members said, "Nothing."
The deputy prosecutor said, "An argument over who got their hair cut first."
Anderson recommended a total sentence of 75 years.
Vasquez said he found Boston to be manipulative, violent and deceitful.
He sentenced Boston to consecutive sentences of 57 years for murder, 11 years for armed robbery and five years for the firearm enhancement. The judge also granted Boston's request to appoint an appellate public defender.
After Vasquez pronounced Boston's sentence, Boston turned and smirked at Golden's family.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail
Bradley Warmac
Age : 31
Residence: Lansing, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205415
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING - W/NO INTENT OF FELONY THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Timothy Watkins
Age : 26
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205422
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: FRAUD - FORGERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ronald Woods
Age : 33
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205429
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: DEALING - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Robert Talley
Age : 34
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205441
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Nathan Thomas
Age : 32
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205424
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Randall Valle
Age : 29
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205418
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jason Mosqueda
Age : 21
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205411
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jamey Oskins
Age : 35
Residence: Indianapolis, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205442
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Freddie Meeks III
Age : 37
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205426
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: FRAUD - DECEPTION - IDENTITY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kevin Haywood
Age : 45
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205423
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: FRAUD - OBTAINING PROPERTY - BY CREDIT CARD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Dontrell Henderson Jr.
Age : 24
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205444
Arrest Date: June 24, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Cortez Henley
Age : 18
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205437
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
James Kelly III
Age : 27
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205421
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - POCKET-PICKING - W/PRIOR CONVICTION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Alison Cook
Age : 32
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205434
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Justin Davis
Age : 34
Residence: Blue Island, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205432
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Maria Dorsey
Age : 31
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205416
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: PUBLIC INDECENCY - PROMOTING PROSTITUTION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Roger Burrell
Age : 52
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205425
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: ROBBERY; POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Kevin Ballard
Age : 61
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205410
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: STRANGULATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Nicole Bottoms
Age : 45
Residence: Whiting, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205428
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL; DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
Thomas Mason
Age : 27
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205394
Arrest Date: June 22, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT - VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Lauren Milby
Age : 23
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205377
Arrest Date: June 22, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING - ESCAPE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
William Montgomery
Age : 40
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205400
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Paris Spencer
Age : 38
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205388
Arrest Date: June 22, 2022
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jamale Henderson
Age : 34
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205376
Arrest Date: June 22, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Rahmere Dunn
Age : 23
Residence: Whiting, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205379
Arrest Date: June 22, 2022
Offense Description: HOMICIDE - MURDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Prince Elston II
Age : 19
Residence: Markham, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205393
Arrest Date: June 22, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT - VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Josigha Coleman
Age : 25
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205399
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Corey Brewer
Age : 23
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205401
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT - VEHICLE; FAMILY OFFENSE- NEGLECT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Antrell Blissett Jr.
Age : 24
Residence: Lima, OH
Booking Number(s): 2205387
Arrest Date: June 22, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - FIREARM - BY A SERIOUS VIOLENT FELON; BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
Alexis Robinson
Age : 36
Residence: Calumet City, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205347
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Brian Stafford
Age : 46
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205371
Arrest Date: June 22, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Brian Stotts
Age : 49
Residence: New Lenox, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205364
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kyle Turnquist
Age : 28
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205374
Arrest Date: June 22, 2022
Offense Description: CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE - POSSESSION - SCHEDULE I
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Joshua Vargo
Age : 38
Residence: Lowell, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205363
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE; POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Jeremiah Perez
Age : 42
Residence: Grand Rapids, MI
Booking Number(s): 2205355
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: FRAUD - FORGERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Cody Qualls
Age : 33
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205360
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Anthony Paglis
Age : 40
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205373
Arrest Date: June 22, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Desmond Lewis
Age : 32
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205348
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - AGAINST A PREGNANT PERSON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Cecilia Marines
Age : 30
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205346
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Anthony Moss
Age : 52
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205344
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - < $750; MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Jeffrey Jackson
Age : 30
Residence: Westminster, CO
Booking Number(s): 2205350
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
James Ellis Jr.
Age : 58
Residence: South Bend, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205354
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - AGAINST A PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Lloyd Grant III
Age : 51
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205345
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Mykia Green
Age : 26
Residence: Schererville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205358
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Isaiah Cross Sr.
Age : 42
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205356
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - SERIOUS BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Diandre Cassidy
Age : 33
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205369
Arrest Date: June 22, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Donte Paulk
Age : 40
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205341
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING - INTERFERING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT DEF. USES A VEHICLE; PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION - OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Randall Wingis
Age : 59
Residence: Cedar Lake, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205340
Arrest Date: June 20, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Alexia Brown
Age : 26
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205333
Arrest Date: June 20, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Elijah Dillon-Bombin
Age : 21
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205335
Arrest Date: June 20, 2022
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION; BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
Laron Major
Age : 19
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205321
Arrest Date: June 20, 2022
Offense Description: ROBBERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Eric Blain
Age : 27
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205334
Arrest Date: June 20, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
David Toler
Age : 56
Residence: Frankfort, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205298
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: OPERATE VEHICLE AFTER BEING HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Porshaue Shelley
Age : 31
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205303
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - $750 TO $50,000; FALSE IDENTIFICATION TO POLICE or FALSE INFO OF EMERGENCY
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Ivan Santillan Popoca
Age : 20
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205300
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Adam Summers
Age : 37
Residence: Dyer, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205314
Arrest Date: June 20, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kenneth McCammon
Age : 42
Residence: Schneider, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205309
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Terry Millender
Age : 54
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205301
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: FAMILY OFFENSE- INVASION OF PRIVACY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Gerald Purkey
Age : 34
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205299
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - METHAMPHETAMINE; POSSESSION HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Damontae Reed
Age : 21
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205297
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: CRIMINAL RECKLESSNESS - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Deon Hayes
Age : 30
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205312
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: OPERATE VEHICLE AFTER BEING HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Gilbert Herrera
Age : 63
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205313
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jason Fisher
Age : 39
Residence: Aurora, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205304
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Danielle Vann
Age : 29
Residence: Hebron, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205275
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Carl Payne
Age : 30
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205270
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Joshua Serrano
Age : 28
Residence: South Holland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205279
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Lamont Murdaugh
Age : 22
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205272
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: 2205272
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Daron Lynch
Age : 40
Residence: Wheatfield, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205287
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Michael Hitchcock
Age : 43
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205257
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Felix DeLeon
Age : 46
Residence: South Bend, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205274
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
JeJuan Graham
Age : 36
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205276
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Chauncey Hackett Jr.
Age : 31
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205294
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT - VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Shahid Coleman
Age : 31
Residence: Hammond, iN
Booking Number(s): 2205285
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: WEAPON - USE - FIREARM - POINTING A FIREARM
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Curtis
Age : 41
Residence: St. John, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205280
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Katie Birks
Age : 27
Residence: Colbert, GA
Booking Number(s): 2205258
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Marcus Clay
Age : 34
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205264
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Kathleen Clayton
Age : 66
Residence: Sheldon, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205282
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Richard Wisniewski Jr.
Age : 50
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205213
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Lakissa Taylor
Age : 41
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205244
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Tavarrus Wilson
Age : 44
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205227
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: ROBBERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
William Watts III
Age : 22
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205246
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - SEXUAL BATTERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kevin Rosolowski Jr.
Age : 31
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205215
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: RAPE - INTERCOURSE; CONFINEMENT - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Eliseo Pena Jr.
Age : 42
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205219
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Sothan Pickett
Age : 48
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205238
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jose Torres Oquendo
Age : 51
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205230
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: DEALING - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Angel Morales
Age : 41
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205217
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Darius Nelson
Age : 29
Residence: Lynwood, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205224
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - FROM BUILDING - $750 TO $50,000
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Shefiu Ogunlana
Age : 39
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205220
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - FIREARM - BY A SERIOUS VIOLENT FELON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Nathan Lunford IV
Age : 41
Residence: Calumet City, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205226
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: DEALING - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Melvin Macon Jr.
Age : 32
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205218
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Deja Miller
Age : 26
Residence: Whiting, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205242
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Devan Landfair
Age : 27
Residence: Calumet City, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205228
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD; BURGLARY
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Ronald Kelley Jr.
Age : 48
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205212
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: OPERATE VEHICLE AFTER BEING HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Timothy Lane
Age : 23
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205222
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: PUBLIC INDECENCY - INDECENT EXPOSURE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Arturo Gurrola
Age : 22
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205241
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Untonise Harper
Age : 49
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205247
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: DEALING - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ruben Herrera
Age : 38
Residence: Elgin, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205245
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Demetrius Brown
Age : 27
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205229
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - $750 TO $50,000
Highest Offense Class: Felony
David Coley
Age : 55
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205236
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Isaiah Escutia
Age : 23
Residence: Calumet City, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205232
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY RESULTING IN BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Benjamen Baso
Age : 44
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205251
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Kewuan Allen
Age : 24
Residence: Chicago Heights, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205225
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
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Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-sentenced-to-73-years-for-fatally-shooting-friend-in-face-during-argument/article_e5be5cec-db41-53ca-9e11-52805de5b054.html | 2022-07-01T00:14:55 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-sentenced-to-73-years-for-fatally-shooting-friend-in-face-during-argument/article_e5be5cec-db41-53ca-9e11-52805de5b054.html |
In honor of Independence Day, The Times is providing unlimited access to all of our content from June 28th-July 4th!
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Dr. Bethany Cataldi’s Center for Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery
The State Budget Committee has green-lighted spending on two major projects aimed at improving public safety and election security in Northwest Indiana.
The financial oversight panel on Wednesday authorized the Indiana Department of Correction to pay up to $25 million for the schematic design of the new Westville Correctional Facility in LaPorte County.
The current Westville prison houses some 3,700 medium security offenders in a 76-year-old, 1 million square foot compound originally designed as a state mental health facility.
It does not meet modern safety and security standards or the operational needs of staff and offenders, and due to the age and weathering of the facility it cannot be satisfactorily renovated, state records show.
The $25 million Westville schematic design will produce the blueprint and other detailed specifications for the new facility, including inmate capacity, utility placement, site surveys, and cell dimensions and layouts.
Hoosier lawmakers last year appropriated $400 million in the 2022-23 state budget to demolish and rebuild the prison on the same 117-acre property in Westville, including new inmate housing, administration, programming and treatment facilities. The newer high-security unit will be retained.
The State Budget Committee also authorized the release of $12.3 million to the secretary of state's office to purchase Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) equipment in 45 counties, including Lake and LaPorte, that currently use some electronic voting devices without a paper backup.
House Enrolled Act 1116, enacted in March, requires all counties with electronic voting machines have VVPATs in place by July 1, 2024, instead of the prior deadline of Dec. 31, 2029.
VVPATs function similar to an internal cash register receipt by creating a paper record of electronically recorded votes if needed in case of malfunction, recount or post-election audit.
"Being able to guarantee a paper trail for every vote cast in our state is a win for Hoosiers," said Secretary of State Holli Sullivan. "We know voters want a paper record attached to their vote, and VVPATs help further build confidence in our elections process."
The budget committee additionally approved $3.2 million to enhance cybersecurity protection for the secretary of state and county elections offices by proactively hunting for threats and preparing to respond to critical attacks.
Here are the new Indiana laws to know before they take effect July 1
Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Thursday his grant of "medical clemency" to Charles Calhoun, 83, and Jerome Maclin, 70, in accordance with the recommendation of the Indiana Parole Board.
"Despite our challenges, this is a time of unprecedented growth, connections, momentum, and opportunity for all Hoosiers," proclaimed Gov. Eric Holcomb in his State of the State address Tuesday.
"Under our tax cut plan, we would put about $1.3 billion back in Hoosiers' pockets while continuing to protect Indiana's financial future," said House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers.
The state of Indiana has an unprecedented opportunity to invest billions of dollars in its citizens and infrastructure, permanently reduce taxes, or possibly all of the above.
The State Budget Committee has authorized spending on two Northwest Indiana public safety projects that together will contribute nearly a half-billion dollars to the Region's economy in the years ahead.
State lawmakers approved Indiana’s new, two-year spending plan Thursday with unprecedented bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate, and left the Statehouse until fall.
The new state budget will boost education funding to record-setting levels, cash fund long-sought infrastructure projects, and pay off more than $1 billion in state debt and other obligations.
The Senate Republican budget proposal increases K-12 tuition support by a total of $408 million during the two-year budget period, a 1.2% increase in 2022, and a 4.2% increase in 2023.
The state has halted visitation at seven state prisons, including three facilities in LaPorte County, to prevent any possible inmate infections of the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
The State Budget Committee on Wednesday authorized the Indiana Department of Correction to pay up to $25 million for the schematic design of the new Westville Correctional Facility in LaPorte County. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/indiana-moving-forward-on-new-westville-prison-election-security-projects/article_c98da641-8f91-5a6b-95a1-3e8aca7bcbb0.html | 2022-07-01T00:15:05 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/indiana-moving-forward-on-new-westville-prison-election-security-projects/article_c98da641-8f91-5a6b-95a1-3e8aca7bcbb0.html |
MADISON COUNTY, Ga. — The Madison County Sheriff's Office said a 1-year-old has died after being left in a hot car outside a Walgreens in Danielsville Thursday afternoon.
Authorities said it happened at the Walgreens Pharmacy at 380 General Daniel Avenue North around 1:30 p.m.
According to the sheriff's office, the mother of the child was a Walgreens employee, who went inside the store for "an underdetermined amount of time before she discovered the child in the vehicle." The sheriff's office said the 1-year-old was given emergency aid and was taken to the Piedmont Regional Hospital in Athens, where the child was pronounced dead.
The sheriff's office said this is an active investigation and it's working with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to process evidence. It has also been in touch with the Northern Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office.
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
Also download the 11Alive News app and sign up to receive alerts for the latest on this story and other breaking news in Atlanta and north Georgia. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/child-dies-left-hot-car-walgreens-madison-county/85-24676722-9fe9-469d-9661-19f125494a94 | 2022-07-01T00:15:33 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/child-dies-left-hot-car-walgreens-madison-county/85-24676722-9fe9-469d-9661-19f125494a94 |
SAN ANTONIO — A memorial mass will be held to remember the victims and survivors following the deadliest smuggling incident in U.S. history Monday.
The mass is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at the San Fernando Cathedral, and will be livestreamed on this page by KENS 5.
On Monday, 48 people were found dead in the back of a semitrailer in southwest San Antonio that was involved in a human smuggling scheme. Several people were taken to area hospitals where five more people died. Of the victims, 40 were men and 13 were women.
Related story: 53 migrants dead of heat-related sickness after being found in semitruck in San Antonio
On Wednesday, the Department of Justice confirmed four men are arrested and charged in connection with the event, including two Texas men charged with human-smuggling resulting in death.
The Justice Department has identified those two as Homero Zamorano Jr., 45, and Christian Martinez, 28.
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said that while migrants and asylum-seekers from other nations tend to pass through San Antonio en route to their next destinations, Monday night's discovery was "a far different situation than what we see."
The San Fernando Cathedral is located at 115 Main Plaza.
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Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/migrant-deaths-memorial-mass-san-antonio-texas-smuggling/273-4a1f896d-e909-4ba9-a3ae-ac06a3262059 | 2022-07-01T00:15:39 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/migrant-deaths-memorial-mass-san-antonio-texas-smuggling/273-4a1f896d-e909-4ba9-a3ae-ac06a3262059 |
TEXAS, USA — In a setback for President Joe Biden’s climate agenda, the Supreme Court limited the power of the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.
The 6-3 conservative majority ruling is being celebrated by Republican state leaders, while Texas environmental groups are raising the alarm.
“The Citizens' Environmental Coalition is appalled by this Supreme Court ruling,” Paige Powell, the deputy director for Citizens' Environmental Coalition said.
Climate change groups in Texas are speaking out against the ruling by the high court.
“When it comes to air pollution, climate and public health, time is not exactly what we have right now,” Jennifer Hadayia, executive director of Air Alliance Houston said.
The decision to prevent the EPA’s regulation of air pollutants is a win for Republican-led states, including Texas.
Attorney General Ken Paxton joined suit in fighting against the agency’s guidelines.
“We have a coal fire power plant about an hour outside of Houston,” Hadayia said.
Rice University researchers in 2018 found that the W.A. Parish coal-fired power plant southwest of Houston contributes an average of more than 100 excess deaths of Texans per year from the health impacts of air pollutants.
“Those are deaths that didn’t have to happen,” Hadayia said.
Climate activists say if nothing is changed to minimize harmful pollutants there will be a warming planet, extreme weather events and more chronic health issues.
“The attention now turns to a strong legislature and strong legislation of Congress can grant EPA the authority to regulate future carbon admissions then we need a congress that has the political will to do that,” Hadayia added.
KHOU 11 energy expert Ed Hirs says despite the ruling, it won’t matter much in the near term because of lower reliance and affordability, but if lawmakers want to act, “the tools have been there they just haven’t been picked up by congress.”
Senator Ted Cruz praised the decision in a tweet,
“We can have a clean environment and affordable energy through innovation and competition, not through executive overreach and burdensome government regulation," he said. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/climate-change-groups-react-to-scotus-ruling/285-e65b37e3-8f52-4353-83eb-0d14bf771b6b | 2022-07-01T00:15:46 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/climate-change-groups-react-to-scotus-ruling/285-e65b37e3-8f52-4353-83eb-0d14bf771b6b |
Citing 'tumultuous' elections, Maricopa County sheriff restricts personal leave
Citing security concerns, Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone issued a directive on Thursday restricting personal leave during the upcoming primary and general elections.
In an email sent to all MCSO employees, Penzone admitted it was uncommon to issue a such a directive regarding requests for time off.
"Due to the current climate of our elections and to maintain a safe environment for both our community and county employees, I feel it is important to do so," Penzone wrote.
Penzone said the personal leave restrictions, effective Aug. 1-7 and Nov. 7-13, would be during "these unpredictable and tumultuous Primary and General Elections."
MCSO spokesperson Norma Gutierrez-Deorta said the directive was issued "based on situations we've encountered in the past, the volatile environment during elections, like what happened on January 6 at the Capitol."
Gutierrez-Deorta would not comment on whether any specific threat had spurred the directive. Sheriff Penzone would not comment on the directive.
Department of Public Safety spokesman Bart Graves said "we never comment on another agency's security measures."
In response to questions about DPS plans regarding election security, or whether the department was aware of election related threats in Maricopa County, Graves said, "We never comment on security intelligence information."
Phoenix police spokesperson Vincent Cole would not comment on his agency's awareness of any potential election threats.
"The Phoenix Police Department works cooperatively with local, county and state agencies to ensure the safety of our community," Cole said. "We monitor activity related to current events and respond based on intelligence-driven information."
Maricopa County, the County Elections Department and the County Recorder did not immediately respond to a request to respond the directive.
Have a news tip on the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office? Reach the reporter at jjenkins@arizonarepublic.com or at 812-243-5582. Follow him on Twitter @JimmyJenkins.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2022/06/30/maricopa-county-sheriff-restricts-leave-during-elections-security-concerns/7783121001/ | 2022-07-01T00:15:51 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2022/06/30/maricopa-county-sheriff-restricts-leave-during-elections-security-concerns/7783121001/ |
Phoenix police mourn retired K-9 Officers Ronin and Murphy
Phoenix police were mourning the loss of two K-9 officers this week, both having retired after years of service.
Retired Phoenix Police Department K-9 Officer Ronin died after serving the community for eight years, Phoenix police shared on Twitter on Thursday.
Ronin was born in 2008, making him around 14 years old when he died. He came to the department in 2010, where he served until retirement in 2018, according to the post.
“Our thoughts are with his family this week,” Phoenix police said.
The official Phoenix Twitter account replied to the post, thanking the K-9 officer for his service.
Ronin’s death comes just three days after another retired K-9 officer’s death.
Murphy, who also served for around 8 years, died Monday after battling an advanced medical condition, according to a Phoenix police tweet memorializing him.
“Our hearts go out to his handler, Andrew, and his family,” Phoenix police said in the tweet.
Reach breaking news reporter Sam Burdette at sburdette@gannett.com or on Twitter @SuperSafetySam
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2022/06/30/phoenix-police-mourn-2-retired-k-9-officers-who-passed-week/7783820001/ | 2022-07-01T00:15:57 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2022/06/30/phoenix-police-mourn-2-retired-k-9-officers-who-passed-week/7783820001/ |
The West Flagstaff Little League Juniors All-Stars are heading to the state tournament following a 13-5 win over Payson in the District I championship game Wednesday at Continental Park.
WFLL -- a squad mixed between kids who played in the Juniors division of both WFLL and Continental Little League during the regular season -- went undefeated in the double-elimination tournament and beat Payson twice to claim the district title.
Down 3-2 after three innings, WFLL's bats came alive in the later portion of the seven-inning championship game. With two outs, two WFLL runners got on base and scored on an error. Outfielder DJ Faust drove in two more with a hit and gave WFLL a 6-3 lead that WFLL would never relinquish.
WFLL tacked on six more runs in the bottom of the fifth and one more in the sixth to take a commanding advantage. After 4 2/3 innings from pitcher Caleb Begay, Abiu Chairez came in to close out the contest. He struck out six batters and gave up just one hit and one run in the final 2 1/3 innings to secure the win.
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All 11 players on the WFLL roster reached base at least once and combined for just one strikeout.
WFLL will now be facing Arizona's other top programs. The state tournament will begin in Tucson on July 8. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/west-flagstaff-little-league-juniors-win-all-stars-district-title/article_d1289ca4-f88d-11ec-9eb7-cf92defcb3b3.html | 2022-07-01T00:19:11 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/west-flagstaff-little-league-juniors-win-all-stars-district-title/article_d1289ca4-f88d-11ec-9eb7-cf92defcb3b3.html |
PHOENIX — Not that you need an excuse to crack open a cold one, but monsoon is here and if you're looking to celebrate some much-needed Arizona rain, PHX Beer Co. has a "pitcher perfect" solution.
Now through the end of September, every time Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport records measurable rainfall, head to PHX Beer Co. and your first pint of their Monsoon IPA is only $1.
The offer is valid at both their Phoenix location, located at 3002 E. Washington St., and Scottsdale restaurant, located at 8300 N. Hayden Road.
To stay updated about PHX Beer Co. follow the brewery on Facebook and Instagram or visit their website.
And don't forget to drink safely. Too much alcohol can lead to injury, accidents, and long-term health problems.
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12 News is the Official Home of the Arizona Cardinals and the proud recipient of the 2018 Rocky Mountain Emmy Award for Overall Excellence. Stay connected by downloading the 12 News app, available on Google Play and the Apple Store. Catch up on any stories you missed on the show on the 12 News Youtube channel. Read content curated for our Spanish-speaking audience on the Español page. Or see us on the 12 News Plus app available on Roku or Amazon Fire. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/celebrate-monsoon-season-with-beer-phx-beer-co/75-2ffee3fc-fe1c-40b1-9e89-e789d1227991 | 2022-07-01T00:19:46 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/celebrate-monsoon-season-with-beer-phx-beer-co/75-2ffee3fc-fe1c-40b1-9e89-e789d1227991 |
ARIZONA, USA — The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday allowed enforcement of a 2021 Arizona law that lets prosecutors bring felony charges against doctors who knowingly terminate pregnancies solely because the fetuses have a genetic abnormality such as Down syndrome.
The decision comes in the wake of the high court's June 24 decision that said women have no constitutional right to obtain an abortion. It has no immediate effect because Arizona providers stopped all abortions following last Friday's Supreme Court ruling.
Providers, including Planned Parenthood Arizona, stopped performing abortions immediately because they were worried about a pre-statehood law making it a crime to perform an abortion or assist in any way, unless the life of the mother is threatened. It was unclear if that law could be enforced, but Republican Attorney General Mark Brnovich said Wednesday that it can be.
That decision puts him at odds with GOP Gov. Doug Ducey, who has repeatedly said that a ban on abortions after 15 weeks' pregnancy that he signed in March takes precedence. His spokesman, C.J. Karamargin, said Wednesday night that the governor's office is reviewing that decision and had no immediate comment.
The 2021 law specifically said it did not overturn the total abortion ban in place since at least 11 years before Arizona became a state in 1912. The Republican-controlled Legislature did remove another part of that law allowing women to be sentenced to one to five years in prison if convicted of having an abortion.
Democrats and abortion rights advocates slammed Brnovich's decision.
“Mark Brnovich just took us back to 1901,” Democratic attorney general candidate Kris Mayes said Thursday. “And I think it should outrage everyone. It's way outside of where most Arizonans stand on this issue.
"And it's also unconstitutional," she added. "I believe all of these laws violate Arizona's privacy clause."
Mayes said she's unaware of anyone challenging abortion restrictions under that part of the state constitution. But she vowed never to prosecute women in Arizona for violating laws restricting abortion if she is elected in November.
In Thursday's genetic abnormality ruling, the Supreme Court sent the case back to the federal judge in Phoenix who had blocked it last September. U.S. District Judge Douglas Rayes said in his ruling that the law’s criminal provisions were likely unconstitutionally vague, explaining it’s unclear at what point in the process doctors can be deemed to be aware that fetal genetic abnormality exists.
When the law was being debated last year, Republican state Sen. Nancy Barto said children with Down syndrome and other genetic abnormalities deserve to be protected and can live “productive, wonderful lives.”
“There are incredible numbers of people that appreciate those children that have come into the world with a genetic abnormality like Down (syndrome) or other serious issues that are genetic,” said Barto, a Phoenix Republican who sponsored the bill.
“And once they were born, they’ve meant so much to their families, to the world. They’ve gone on to live productive, wonderful lives. That’s what we’re protecting here.”
Dr. Jill Gibson, the medical director at Planned Parenthood Arizona, said in an interview Thursday that the law puts parents in a quandary. A woman may feel compelled to lie to her abortion provider about her reasons for obtaining the procedure, Gibson said.
“Anytime there is that breach in a patient's ability to speak openly and honestly with their physician, bad things are going to happen,” she said. “Really bad things are going to happen — we're not going to be able to care for the patients the way that we need to care for them.”
And families caring for badly disabled children face Arizona's poorly funded social service programs, Gibson said.
“These fetuses that are born with major anomalies and abnormalities and require lifelong medical care, who’s going to provide that care?”
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12 News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/high-court-says-arizona-can-enforce-genetic-issue-abortion-ban/75-9ea666f7-18f3-4aa3-b21c-1c33216b64c2 | 2022-07-01T00:19:52 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/high-court-says-arizona-can-enforce-genetic-issue-abortion-ban/75-9ea666f7-18f3-4aa3-b21c-1c33216b64c2 |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/travelers-grin-and-bear-gas-prices-as-they-plan-holiday-weekend-trips/3287332/ | 2022-07-01T00:21:03 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/travelers-grin-and-bear-gas-prices-as-they-plan-holiday-weekend-trips/3287332/ |
BURLEY — Cassia Regional Hospital has received a Level IV trauma designation by the state’s emergency management services.
The designation comes from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Bureau of Emergency Management Services and Preparedness and is a major milestone for the hospital and community, according to a press release.
“I’m proud of all hard work our team has put in to receive this certification, and to have the tools and protocols in place to give the best care possible,” Maria Hoggan, RN, emergency department nurse manager at Cassia Regional Hospital said. “It’s another step in the quality of care we bring to the community.”
The designation means that CRH, which is part of Intermountain Healthcare, can provide advanced trauma life-support to patients while evaluating and stabilizing them prior to transfer. When patients need specialized advanced care, the hospital will rapidly assess and stabilize patients prior to getting them ready for transport to a higher-level trauma center.
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“In an emergency every second counts and this designation shows Cassia Regional is ready to handle a patient’s care when they need it,” Bowen Harris, nurse administrator at Cassia Regional Hospital, said.
A Level IV trauma center meets strict criteria and has to be equipped to always provide advanced trauma life support by trained staff. It also means Mini-Cassia residents will have access to key resources and better trauma care closer to home.
There are five trauma level designations for hospitals. Higher level hospitals, including I, II and III treat more complex patient cases and high acuity. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/cassia-regional-hospital-moves-to-level-iv-trauma-center/article_dbba3948-f8a6-11ec-a9b4-67f863ac2511.html | 2022-07-01T00:26:26 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/cassia-regional-hospital-moves-to-level-iv-trauma-center/article_dbba3948-f8a6-11ec-a9b4-67f863ac2511.html |
On her way to a Richmond Public Schools maintenance facility early Wednesday morning Judy Deichman received a call. She quickly learned that a two-alarm fire had damaged a few RPS buses damaged beyond repair, including the “Lit Limo.”
Two summers ago, Deichman, the instructional specialist for library media in RPS, jump started the mobile library bus, first aimed at tackling learning loss for students during the summer months. But once RPS announced the 2020-2021 school year would be virtual, the Lit Limo stayed in commission, driving around to children each and every day.
The bus is “very personal. It's actually what's gotten me through the pandemic because I was able to see kids five days a week and give them books, so it was kind of like a godsend,” Deichman said in an interview Thursday. Deichman facilitated a similar program in a previous school district.
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The bus provides brand-new books for children of all ages. The children keep the books which include picture books, chapter books, bilingual books, and books for middle- and high school students. Popular requests include graphic novels, the "Nate the Great" series and the "Magic Tree House" series.
“When they start asking for a particular book, that love [for reading] is starting to be fostered,” Deichman said.
The newly renovated Lit Limo began its summer schedule only two days before the fire at a repairs and maintenance warehouse at 1903 Chamberlayne Ave., a facility the school division has leased for nearly 25 years.
The Lit Limo will continue its summer schedule with the old bus, Deichman said.
At least four school buses and two vehicles inside the facility and a bus outside of the garage were damaged beyond repair in the blaze at approximately 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to fire officials.
The school system originally leased the facility in February 1997. The School Board unanimously approved a one-year lease extension in May. TRP Chamberlayne, LLC., owner of the facility, agreed to the one-year extension with RPS for roughly $113,000, an increase of 4% from the prior year.
A May 2014 RPS transportation audit conducted by the city auditor’s office recommended the division stop leasing the Chamberlayne Avenue site, in order to save money.
In 2004, the division purchased property at 3501 Belt Blvd. for $1.1 million with the intent of remolding it as a repair and maintenance facility.
Last month, the RPS administration recommended that the School Board approve the one-year-lease extension so the division could have more time to “identify a suitable replacement location,” according to the May presentation.
The Lit Limo Twitter account confirmed the fate of the new bus Thursday afternoon: “Yes, it is sad but true that the new Lit Limo was in the fire yesterday! We will regroup and we hope to have a wheelchair accessible and air conditioned bus soon!!”
Renovations to a new Lit Limo began back in October, but after money ran out, work stalled until recently, when WRIC stepped in during its annual Founder’s Day. Donations were received from the division’s education association and the public. On June 17, employees of WRIC, the Richmond ABC TV affiliate, worked on the new bus and put in brand new flooring, cabinets and countertops.
On Wednesday, Deichman was on her way to the facility to go over the final details for the new bus, including a donated sound system for the bus. The new bus also had a wheelchair lift and air conditioning.
A spokesperson for Richmond Public Schools did not respond to a list of questions by press time Thursday.
Around 11 a.m. Thursday, in response to questions, a Richmond Fire & Emergency Services spokesperson said the investigation is ongoing. | https://richmond.com/news/local/education/lit-limo-among-rps-buses-damaged-in-wednesdays-chamberlayne-avenue-fire/article_13874960-d537-5c2a-807e-df45bb4873a1.html | 2022-07-01T00:41:38 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/education/lit-limo-among-rps-buses-damaged-in-wednesdays-chamberlayne-avenue-fire/article_13874960-d537-5c2a-807e-df45bb4873a1.html |
GREENSBORO — Newly reported COVID-19 cases have increased slightly across North Carolina although other state data shows possible signs the spread of the highly contagious respiratory disease may be slowing.
Officials say there were 22,917 newly reported cases during the week ending June 25 — up from 22,621 the previous week, according to a report released Wednesday by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
Guilford County's "community level" has returned to a "low" classification as determined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC uses several different metrics to classify the impact of COVID-19 illness on health and health care systems in a county.
Locally, public health officials reported 167 new infections for a total of 1,834 active cases on Thursday and no new deaths.
In Cone Health hospitals on Thursday, 49 patients were hospitalized with the coronavirus. Of those patients, 29 are unvaccinated and 20 are fully vaccinated. The data on Cone Health's website does not indicate whether fully vaccinated patients have received booster shots.
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Statewide, at least 831 COVID-19 patients were admitted to hospitals during the week ending June 25. That’s down from 841 the previous week, according to the DHHS report.
The percentage of all emergency room visits statewide for patients with coronavirus symptoms was 5% during the week ending June 25 — the same percentage from the previous week, according to the state report.
Another metric that health experts are watching closely is the number of COVID-19 virus particles found in wastewater, which has been shown to be an early indicator of how quickly the virus may spread without relying on individual test results.
In the state’s latest report, 16.7 million coronavirus particles were found in wastewater samples during the week ending June 22 — down from 19 million the week prior.
By comparison, 100 million COVID-19 particles were found in wastewater samples in late January during the peak of the omicron surge.
Contact Annette Ayres at 336-373-7019. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/state-officials-newly-reported-covid-19-cases-slightly-up-across-north-carolina/article_6f3b7bce-f8a6-11ec-8a99-d38888307965.html | 2022-07-01T00:41:39 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/state-officials-newly-reported-covid-19-cases-slightly-up-across-north-carolina/article_6f3b7bce-f8a6-11ec-8a99-d38888307965.html |
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Public schools in Texas would describe slavery to second graders as “involuntary relocation” under new social studies standards proposed to the state’s education board.
A group of nine educators submitted the idea to the State Board of Education as part of Texas’ efforts to develop new social studies curriculum, according to the Texas Tribune. The once-a-decade process updates what children learn in the state’s nearly 8,900 public schools.
The board is considering curriculum changes one year after Texas passed a law to eliminate topics from schools that make students “feel discomfort.”
Board member Aicha Davis, a Democrat who represents Dallas and Fort Worth, raised concerns during a June 15 meeting that the term wasn’t a fair representation of the slave trade. The board sent the draft back for revision, urging the educator group to “carefully examine the language used to describe events.”
“I can’t say what their intention was, but that’s not going to be acceptable,” Davis told The Texas Tribune on Thursday.
Part of the proposed draft standards obtained by The Texas Tribune say students should “compare journeys to America, including voluntary Irish immigration and involuntary relocation of African people during colonial times.”
Texas’ public education system has become heavily politicized in recent years, with lawmakers passing legislation to dictate how race and slavery should be taught in schools and conservative groups pouring large amounts of money into school board races.
Texas News
News from around the state of Texas.
Texas drew attention for a similar situation in 2015, when a student noticed wording in a textbook that referred to slaves who were brought to America as “workers.” The book’s publisher apologized and promised to increase the number of textbook reviewers it uses. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/texas-educators-propose-describing-slavery-as-involuntary-relocation/3004871/ | 2022-07-01T00:42:06 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/texas-educators-propose-describing-slavery-as-involuntary-relocation/3004871/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/what-we-know-police-fatally-shoot-armed-patient-in-irving-hospital/3004877/ | 2022-07-01T00:42:12 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/what-we-know-police-fatally-shoot-armed-patient-in-irving-hospital/3004877/ |
KILLEEN, Texas — The City of Killeen and Fort Hood will collaborate their efforts in animal services for the city, according to reports.
On June 29, representatives from the city and Fort Hood gathered at the III Corps Headquarters to formally sign the Intergovernmental Support Agreement (IGSA), as stated by the city.
Services will include Fort Hood facility operations, reaction times, stray animal pickup, patrol, adoption and owner return.
The signing ceremony was attended by the city manager, Kent Cagle, the mayor, Debbie Nash-King, the executive director of recreation services, Joseph Brown, the garrison commander, Col. Chad Foster and other city and military employee.
As a result of the cooperation, Fort Hood's Killeen Animal Services section will be responsible for all animal care and will benefit from increased staffing and facility upgrades, as stated by the city.
Related Stories: | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/the-city-of-killeen-fort-hood/500-d34a5ac3-f9e9-4d51-bd0f-1978473d7492 | 2022-07-01T00:44:40 | 0 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/the-city-of-killeen-fort-hood/500-d34a5ac3-f9e9-4d51-bd0f-1978473d7492 |
California advances bid to create legal drug injection sites as opioid crisis deepens
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California state Assembly on Thursday approved a controversial bill allowing Los Angeles, Oakland and San Francisco to set up places where opioid users could legally inject drugs in supervised settings.
The move follows more than a year of legislative consideration, with proponents saying it would save lives and detractors saying it would enable drug addiction.
The Assembly’s approval sends the bill back to the state Senate for final consideration in August, after lawmakers return from a monthlong summer recess. Senators approved a slightly different version more than a year ago, with no votes to spare.
The idea is to give people who would use drugs anyway a location to inject them while trained staff are available to help if they suffer accidental overdoses.
The move comes amid a national opioid crisis and spike in overdose deaths particularly if users inadvertently ingest drugs spiked with fentanyl.
Overdose surge:Drug overdoses surged amid COVID lockdowns; more deaths in one year than ever before
New York City in December opened the first two publicly recognized overdose prevention sites in the United States, intervening in more than 150 overdoses, although its operation does not have federal approval to operate. Rhode Island approved testing such centers for two years.
The U.S. Justice Department under the Biden administration recently signaled it might be open to allowing the sites with “appropriate guardrails,” a turnaround from the Trump administration that won a lawsuit blocking a safe consumption site in Philadelphia.
Debate over drug sites:As Biden administration fights opioid overdoses, harm reduction groups face opposition
The measure passed the Assembly on a 42-28 vote, one more vote than needed.
But it had bipartisan opposition amid a sometimes personal debate. Two members, Carlos Villapudua and Freddie Rodriguez, disclosed that their brothers had each died of complications from drug abuse, and they were among Democrats who spoke against the proposal.
“This is not the one thing that is going to stop the fentanyl or opioid epidemic in our state, but it will help. It will help, and it will save lives,” said Democratic Assemblyman Matt Haney, a former San Francisco supervisor who represented the troubled Tenderloin neighborhood and carried the bill in the Assembly.
But some members of each party said the sites only make things worse, as lawmakers cited dueling statistics from locations in other nations.
“Sending our kids the message that ‘Hey, we’re going to help you manage your drug addiction’ is not the answer,” said GOP Assemblyman Kelly Seyarto.
About 700 San Franciscans died of accidental drug overdoses in 2020, a record. Those deaths “far exceeded the number of individuals who died of COVID-19” in 2020, when 261 deaths from the coronavirus were recorded, San Francisco Mayor London Breed noted. She cited skyrocketing drug overdose rates in her declaration of an emergency in the Tenderloin neighborhood.
Los Angeles County was on pace to have 1,000 opioid deaths last year, though not all such deaths come from injections.
Across the nation, drug overdose deaths exceeded 100,000 from April 2020 to April 2021, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including about 10,000 Californians. | https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/california/2022/06/30/fentanyl-opioid-deaths-fuel-california-push-for-legal-drug-injection-sites-senate-bill-57-advances/7782614001/ | 2022-07-01T00:49:03 | 0 | https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/california/2022/06/30/fentanyl-opioid-deaths-fuel-california-push-for-legal-drug-injection-sites-senate-bill-57-advances/7782614001/ |
ATLANTIC CITY — The city's $235 million budget passed unanimously and without comment at a special meeting Thursday, but the potential lease of the historic Carnegie Library to a Newark nonprofit for $1 a year motivated debate.
Council voted 7-1 to introduce an ordinance to rent the first floor and half of the second floor to the National Action Network's NAN Newark Tech World for five years at $1 per year for use as a community and education center for youth in Atlantic City.
Council will conduct a public hearing and final vote at a future meeting.
"There is only a certain amount of Carnegie Libraries in the state. Ours is one of the most renowned," said Councilman Bruce Weekes, the only no vote. "Only in Atlantic City would we be giving this away to someone for $1 a year."
Weekes asked whether the administration looked at local nonprofits to see if they could use the building for $1 a year to "propel their mission forward."
"It's a beautiful building ... and it's going to be used for kids to offer programs that are not necessarily the same as the city (offers)," said Business Administrator Anthony Swan. "That's due diligence. It's a good fit for the city."
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ATLANTIC CITY — The $235 million city budget for 2022 will be voted on during a special meet…
Swan also said the lessee will pay half of the utility bill for the building, which has run about $100,000 a year.
"They will be paying about $50,000," Swan said.
Council Vice President Kaleem Shabazz, who represents the 3rd Ward where the library is located, sponsored the ordinance. He said the building will continue to house some municipal offices.
Shabazz also said NAN has already been involved in the Leaders in Training program in Atlantic City, which employs and works with young people during the summer.
"They have a background and track record helping youngsters from high school to age 24," Shabazz said. "We need to focus on them to get them career skills."
"I have said I was going to work with the National Action Network," said Mayor Marty Small Sr. "I have visited Newark with members of the Attorney General's Office for my anti-violence program, and we went to the (NAN) center. It's cutting edge and state of the art."
ATLANTIC CITY — City Council will consider at a special meeting Thursday an ordinance to lea…
"Do we have an escape clause if (NAN) doesn’t live up to expectations?" asked Council President George Tibbitt.
Swan said there was such a clause in the lease.
"If they don’t do what they said they would, we can end it. We have to give notice, but we can end it," Swan said.
The budget raises $38.6 million from local taxpayers, down 3.7% from the $40 million collected from property taxes last year, resulting in a 2.9% tax rate decrease.
It uses $15 million in surplus to increase spending on city employee salaries by 10% and on debt service by 7%, even as the state will provide $5.7 million less in aid.
The municipal tax rate will fall roughly 5 cents, from $1.6480 to $1.5997 per $100 of assessed property value, Chief Financial Officer Toro Aboderin has said.
“For the average household with a $125,000 assessment, that’s a decrease of the local tax of $60.43,” Aboderin has said. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/atlantic-city-passes-budget-debates-leasing-carnegie-library/article_9c4ee862-f8c4-11ec-b1da-bbff7e68ce85.html | 2022-07-01T00:57:33 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/atlantic-city-passes-budget-debates-leasing-carnegie-library/article_9c4ee862-f8c4-11ec-b1da-bbff7e68ce85.html |
ATLANTIC CITY — Two people, one of whom was found to have an illegal weapon, were arrested during a drug bust in the city Tuesday, police said.
Officers surveying the 2600 block of Pacific Avenue following reports of drug activity in the area spotted David Nesbitt and Gregory Kinash in an alleged drug deal, police said Thursday in a news release.
Nesbitt, 22, of Atlantic City, was found to be in possession of 19.6 grams of heroin, or about 80 wax folds, 1.9 grams of crack cocaine, one crushed white-and-blue pill, a black scale and 50 grams of marijuana.
Kinash, 51, of Millville, was carrying about 1 gram of crack cocaine, police said. Both men were taken into custody.
The investigation led police to a motel in the 3000 block of Pacific Avenue, where Nesbitt rented a room. After being given a search warrant, authorities exploring the room found a loaded semi-automatic handgun — later identified as a "ghost gun" without a serial number — with a high-capacity magazine, 100 wax folds of heroin and 122 grams of marijuana packaged for street sale, police said.
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Additionally, police said they found about $2,510 believed to be proceeds from illegal drug sales.
Nesbitt was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon during a drug offense, possession of a "ghost gun," possession of a high-capacity magazine, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute, distribution within 1,000 feet of a public school, distribution within 500 feet of a public park, money laundering and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was taken to the Atlantic County jail.
Kinash was charged with possession of a CDS and was released on a summons pending court. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/atlantic-city-police-arrest-two-in-drug-bust/article_b895f1d6-f875-11ec-b661-83e35dae9236.html | 2022-07-01T00:57:39 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/atlantic-city-police-arrest-two-in-drug-bust/article_b895f1d6-f875-11ec-b661-83e35dae9236.html |
LOWER TOWNSHIP — An Essex County man is charged with carjacking after leading police on a 90 mph chase while the car's owner was hanging off the roof, police said.
Woodrow Gibson, 19, of East Orange, was spotted by police officers leaving the North Cape May Wawa about 10:45 p.m. June 20 driving a Ford Edge, with the vehicle's owner on top of the car.
A second vehicle also left the parking lot quickly, in an attempt to run down the Ford, police said.
Police pursued the vehicles, which were traveling at high speeds. Both were found at Bayshore and Fishing Creek roads, where the second vehicle tried blocking the first, all while the owner was still on the roof, police said.
The Ford rammed the other vehicle, clearing space to continue fleeing while police chased it.
LOWER TOWNSHIP — Two cars collided Wednesday night on Fulling Mill Road in the township’s Vi…
Police did not say what prompted the second vehicle to chase the Ford.
The owner was eventually thrown off the vehicle's roof at Bayshore and Fulling Mill roads. Officers stopped their pursuit to tend to the owner. He said he was attempting to stop the theft, police said.
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The car eventually was recovered in Camden and returned, police said.
Gibson was charged with carjacking, robbery, aggravated assault, eluding, aggravated assault while eluding police, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, theft of means of conveyance, theft of movable property and assault by auto.
He was arrested on unrelated charges in Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania, and is currently in the Bucks County jail. He will be extradited to New Jersey, police said. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/car-owner-thrown-from-vehicles-roof-during-police-chase-suspect-arrested/article_170dd8f0-f8ad-11ec-a450-4b791a02708d.html | 2022-07-01T00:57:45 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/car-owner-thrown-from-vehicles-roof-during-police-chase-suspect-arrested/article_170dd8f0-f8ad-11ec-a450-4b791a02708d.html |
Michael Suleiman, of Galloway Township, was unanimously re-elected Thursday night to another two-year term as Chairman of the Atlantic County Democratic Committee.
After six years, Suleiman, 31, is still the youngest county chairperson in New Jersey, Atlantic Democrats said in a press release. He was first elected chair in 2016 at age 25, and was re-elected in 2018 and 2020.
"It's been an honor and privilege to serve as the Chairman," said Suleiman. "Under our leadership, we've doubled-down on fair election districts, outreach to disadvantaged communities, and promoting candidates who want to make Atlantic County affordable again. I look forward to working with our members over the next two years to continue growing our party."
Thelma Witherspoon, of Mays Landing, was unanimously elected Vice Chairwoman of the Atlantic County Democratic Committee. She succeeds Audrey Miles, who resigned as Vice Chair to become the Deputy Superintendent of Elections in Atlantic County.
Witherspoon has run for county commission, and narrowly lost to Republican Andrew Parker, of Egg Harbor Township, after a special election last year.
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"I'm thankful to the county committee members for putting their faith in me," said Witherspoon. "I've been involved in the Atlantic County Democratic Committee since the late 1980s. While much has changed during that time, my passion for helping families in Atlantic County has not."
Also elected or re-elected to their posts were: Secretary Walead Abdrabouh, Treasurer Don "Butch" Burroughs, Assistant Secretary Melissa Goldsborough, Deputy Treasurer Wick Ward, and Sergeants-at-Arms Yolanda Cooper and Creed Pogue.
Witherspoon, who has a doctorate in education, worked for the City of Atlantic City for 35 years and served on the Atlantic City Board of Education. An ordained minister, she serves on the Hamilton Township Historic Preservation Committee. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/suleiman-re-elected-chairman-of-atlantic-democrats-witherspoon-vice-chair/article_f7b1d890-f8c9-11ec-82d9-73bcfd616fbe.html | 2022-07-01T00:57:51 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/suleiman-re-elected-chairman-of-atlantic-democrats-witherspoon-vice-chair/article_f7b1d890-f8c9-11ec-82d9-73bcfd616fbe.html |
Here comes the boom.
With Independence Day on Monday, local law enforcement are preparing for the fireworks calls to come throughout the weekend and past the holiday. Some are curious to see if the new state law, which loosened restrictions on firework vendors to sell, will have an impact on the number of calls.
"I hope that maybe the novelty of (lighting fireworks) has worn off. We are five or six years into this now since they have been legalized again," said Mason City Police Chief Jeff Brinkley. "I hope we can show some maturity as a community in terms of when people use them."
In 2017, the state adopted laws permitting sales and use of consumer fireworks. The original legislation allowed cities and counties to regulate the use of fireworks but not their sale.
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During the last legislative session, the Legislature passed and Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill allowing the sale of fireworks in any location in the state zoned for commercial or industrial purposes.
City and county boards have had to amend their ordinances to be in compliance with the new state law. But with the amendments, the rules of when and if an individual can light fireworks are still in place.
July 3 and July 4, between 6 and 11 p.m., remains the time frame in Mason City when people can light fireworks. Fireworks must be 200 yards away from hospitals, hospices, and nursing homes. In addition, lighting fireworks on public property, in parks or at schools is not permitted.
Those in Mason City will be given a warning if in violation. A second violation will result in a $250 fine that MCPD can cite as a misdemeanor.
"I think this change in the law this year is making things far more accessible than I think we've seen in the last two or three years because of the zoning that was allowed before. I think that helped us see fewer complaints," said Brinkley.
MCPD is sitting at 45 firework calls between June 13 and June 28. Brinkley said this is around the same number as last year's stats, but he was curious to see what the numbers would be after the weekend.
Despite all of the fun and festivities this past Fourth of July weekend, law enforcement in Cerro Gordo County accumulated quite a few fireworks complaints.
"Have fun with it but be reasonable. Be respectful of your neighbors," said Brinkley.
Those who live in the rural areas of Cerro Gordo county must receive a permit before lighting fireworks. Cerro Gordo County Sheriff Kevin Pals recommended that people check what jurisdiction they are in, since they could be considered in Mason City or Clear Lake.
"We would like everyone to comply with local and state law," said Pals.
Pals said the new law hasn't affected the county complain calls but he is expecting the number to rise this year.
"Our job is not to give citations but to keep people safe," said Pals.
Consumer fireworks are prohibited within the cities of Clear Lake and Ventura according to city ordinances. Because of the law and the prohibition of fireworks, Clear Lake Police Captain Mike Colby said it gives out mixed messages and problematic with some municipalities.
"We have had to push out a lot of information on our social media and our newsletter. But if you are not following those things, you are not getting that information," said Colby.
Colby expects more firework complaint calls this year, especially on individuals who are not from Clear Lake. Colby added he encourages to not test the boundaries with fireworks.
"I encourage everyone to be safe this Fourth of July," said Colby. "Leave the fireworks to the professionals."
Abby covers education and entertainment for the Globe Gazette. Follow her on Twitter at @MkayAbby. Email her at Abby.Koch@GlobeGazette.com | https://globegazette.com/news/local/here-comes-the-boom-local-law-enforcement-prepare-for-july-4-celebrations/article_72285010-0ea6-5aea-a89a-e3c7bc7b75b7.html | 2022-07-01T00:59:22 | 1 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/here-comes-the-boom-local-law-enforcement-prepare-for-july-4-celebrations/article_72285010-0ea6-5aea-a89a-e3c7bc7b75b7.html |
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