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BERWICK, Pa. — Lined up inside the gym at Berwick Middle School in Columbia County are special gifts for families in the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit 16.
The Hollenbach family from Milton is one of nine families receiving a new bike or stroller.
Their 16-year-old son Ethan has autism.
He's getting a bike.
"We were looking at buying one, but we couldn't afford it, and when we found out this place, they also gave us an iPad with what we call his 'voice' and the bike, so it is very exciting in all aspects of it," said Faron Hollenbach of Milton.
Each bike or stroller is custom-made for children with special needs, free of charge.
It's all thanks to a non-profit organization called Variety, based in Pittsburgh.
A bike like this means the Hollenbach family can enjoy a ride together.
"We're hoping we can all go bike riding now because everybody has their own bikes. We used to have a wee-hoo, which he would be attached to the bike I rode, and he outgrew that one," said Hollenbach.
All of the families got a demonstration of the features of their new wheels. Beth Scheesley of Lewisburg is receiving a stroller for her four-year-old son, Andrew.
"Andrew was born with a lot of abnormalities on his brain which makes movement and speech very difficult for him. He does go short distances with a walker, but he does tire easily," said Scheesley.
Now with his new stroller, more family outings will be possible.
"Just getting out more, doing more fun things where you have to walk farther like Knoebels or something fun like that we can go and do because we have more ability to move around," said Scheesley.
The families all agree these wheels are priceless.
"It's opening up a new window or a new door for him, and you never know where these doors will lead," said Janet Hollenbach.
Variety takes applications from families interested in adaptive equipment.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel.
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https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/columbia-county/getting-the-gift-of-wheels-in-columbia-county-berwick-middle-school-central-susquehanna-intermediate-unit-16-wnep-variety/523-15055d70-e73e-44c9-9ffd-d944486473df
| 2023-07-19T22:43:54
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https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/columbia-county/getting-the-gift-of-wheels-in-columbia-county-berwick-middle-school-central-susquehanna-intermediate-unit-16-wnep-variety/523-15055d70-e73e-44c9-9ffd-d944486473df
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SCRANTON, Pa. — Instead of cutting a ribbon, the cutting of the dill marked the opening of the Co-op Farmers Market in Scranton. Even before the ceremonial opening, we found plenty of people who wanted to be early for the first day to get first pick of the available crops.
"They're loyal to this market. They come back year after year after year, and we're happy to see them here, especially early, you know, and kind of get to see what there is on the table before there's a line of people in front, you know, and that it's hard to see what's available," said Logan Brace from Brace's Orchard.
The early bird gets the worm; most people had something specific they had on their list to buy.
"Plums and peaches. My mom loves them. I come every year for them," Michael Thompson said.
"I want to get the tomatoes and some fresh lettuce, and we did, but everything looks wonderful," Marge Babaz said.
Marge and Charlie Babaz are first-timers to the Co-op Farmers Market, taking a trip up from the Poconos.
"We like to support all the local farmers and get the fresh food, fresh produce, and you can have a snack while you're here too."
Farmers say the vegetables were a little late this year.
Michael Wojciechowski says he hoped he had enough of his most popular vegetables for a busy first day.
"Cold weather really put us put us behind a little bit and the price of fertilizer," Wojciechowski said.
Most people say they're thankful that the farmers had plenty to offer because they prefer buying their produce here.
"It's good to eat, and it's healthy. It's better to eat something that came in grown fresh than God only knows where it comes from in the stores anymore. You don't know how long it's been there," Thompson said.
The Co-op Farmers Market is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays now through Thanksgiving
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel.
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https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/co-op-farmers-market-open-in-scranton-barring-avenue-produce-garden-vegetables-fruit/523-4fd34ed2-2f34-42e7-a152-a5a0d27387ad
| 2023-07-19T22:44:00
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https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/co-op-farmers-market-open-in-scranton-barring-avenue-produce-garden-vegetables-fruit/523-4fd34ed2-2f34-42e7-a152-a5a0d27387ad
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THROOP, Pa. — Along Dunmore Street in Throop is Lynn Dzeilak's oasis.
"We're inside the Now & Zen Wellness Center; this is my place for massage therapy, personal training, running coaching, and just chilling."
Until several years ago, this was a dream she didn't know she had.
"I would have laughed," Lynn said. "There is just no way I would have believed that."
That's because, several years ago, Lynn was not a picture of wellness. A health scare in 2015 changed her path.
"At the time, I was smoking two packs of cigarettes a day, and they were Swisher Sweets cigars. I was just making poor life choices and not being mindful of what I was doing with my life. And I decided I needed to quit smoking, so with that came the need for running."
That was eight years ago, and Lynn hasn't stopped running. She started small and worked her way up to marathons. She will run her fifth marathon this fall as a member of Team Allied Services. She's running in honor of her sister-in-law Heather, who participates in Allied Services' vocational workshop in Scranton.
As she prepares to run 26.2 miles, she's helping other women who have never run before. She's been training these women to run their first 5K. They'll do that in a few weeks to support Team Allied Services at the 5K and All-Abilities Walk in Scranton.
Jaime Calianno is one of Lynn's clients. She says finding this group has been a dream come true.
"I generally like to isolate, and by joining this group and meeting the other women and meeting Lynn has really got me looking forward to getting up in the morning and going out with them."
And that's exactly what Lynn was hoping for
"Seeing the faith and confidence grow in these wonderful women who decided to do this 5K training, it just brings me joy beyond measure," Lynn said. "It's truly my purpose in life."
The dream she didn't know she had.
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https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/lynns-dream-gets-others-running-team-allied-services-now-and-zenn-wellness-throop-all-abilities-5k/523-0799b391-a0b4-40a3-97fb-daf540c22f18
| 2023-07-19T22:44:06
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https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/lynns-dream-gets-others-running-team-allied-services-now-and-zenn-wellness-throop-all-abilities-5k/523-0799b391-a0b4-40a3-97fb-daf540c22f18
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EXETER, Pa. — A benefit concert is taking place this weekend to raise money for a school in Luzerne County.
Loud and proud are the voices of the students at Wyoming Area Catholic School in Exeter who are taking part in this week's Broadway theatre camp.
Doug Delescavage is the music and art teacher here who is helping to run the camp.
“They're learning some acting techniques right now,” said Delescavage. “We are currently working on choreo for one of our group songs that we're singing, but they'll have a little performance Friday for their parents and friends and stuff.”
But you might know Delescavage from somewhere else.
“I'm from the area, but I play in an Elton John tribute band; actually, it's called Philadelphia Freedom,” said Delescavage. “We've been playing around the area for a couple years now and around the States.”
While these students will be performing Friday, he is going to be back on the keys, keeping the beat this Saturday.
“The 22nd, we'll have our concert here in the field, it's actually our second year doing it, and it will be with the Elton band actually,” said Delescavage.
The band is playing in a benefit concert for the school.
While the principal tells Newswatch 16 that the school is secure and has many safety measures in place, the school wants to go further and add protective laminate to all of the windows and doors.
“It's very important, I mean school of all places, you need to feel safe at school. That's the bottom line,” said Delescavage.
The new measure will cost close to $100,000. Right now, the school has $10,000 raised.
For Delescavage, it is not a hard ask for him and his band to perform for the sake of his students’ safety.
“Anything that can help with that is very important to me personally,” said Delescavage.
The concert is a BYOB, 21 and over event. Tickets are $25. Find more information on how to attend here.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel.
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https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/benefit-concert-raises-funds-for-school-safety-in-luzerne-county-exeter-wyoming-area-catholic-school-elton-john-tribute-band-broadway-theatre-camp/523-05f9e2a1-26d4-46fc-87d7-8d37125bf11e
| 2023-07-19T22:44:12
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https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/benefit-concert-raises-funds-for-school-safety-in-luzerne-county-exeter-wyoming-area-catholic-school-elton-john-tribute-band-broadway-theatre-camp/523-05f9e2a1-26d4-46fc-87d7-8d37125bf11e
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TANNERSVILLE, Pa. — Rubble still sits here at the former Fountain Court Shopping Plaza in Pocono Township, near Bartonsville.
Nearly a month after a fire ripped through the shopping plaza, economic help is here for all business owners that were impacted.
"That fountain court mall was a community gathering place. That's why we're here," said Sally Graham, a small business administration public information officer for Disaster Recovery and Resilience.
The U.S. Small Business Administration opened a temporary business recovery center at the Pocono Township Municipal Building to help those applying for an SBA Economic Injury disaster loan.
Destroyed businesses are not the only ones who can apply for disaster loans. Surrounding businesses that have seen a loss in revenue can also apply.
"With those stores no longer open, many other stores and companies that visitors are no longer coming here and that affects them," said Graham. "That has a ripple effect. not only in Pocono Township but throughout Monroe County as well as all the adjacent counties."
Shortly after the fire, Pocono Township officials asked businesses that were impacted to report their losses.
In total 20 businesses came forward, which was the threshold for Governor Shapiro to active SBA assistance.
So far only two businesses have come in to ask questions and apply.
Officials are encouraging those who have not had a big drop in revenue yet but believe they will in the future to apply.
"Please come and talk to us and we can guide you through the process," said Graham. "It is for working capital. So how you would have been able to meet your financial obligation typically, if the disaster, if the fire had not happened, and businesses sometimes don't see that loss of revenue until months down the road."
All applications have to be in by April 15 of next year.
The SBA will be at the Pocono Township Municipal Building, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and again on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. until they close on Aug. 3 at 4:00 p.m.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline.
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https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/federal-help-for-fountain-court-fire-victims-destroyed-businesses-disaster-loans-loss-in-revenue-tannersville-pocono-township/523-c4cecb72-d6d5-4eb8-b2eb-170143cfa70c
| 2023-07-19T22:44:18
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https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/federal-help-for-fountain-court-fire-victims-destroyed-businesses-disaster-loans-loss-in-revenue-tannersville-pocono-township/523-c4cecb72-d6d5-4eb8-b2eb-170143cfa70c
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MILTON, Pa. — Shoppers at four Weis Market locations in Williamsport, Milton, Bloomsburg, and Mt. Pocono will now need to make sure they have change before heading to the store.
The company recently installed new devices on all shopping carts.
Shoppers must dispense a quarter into the device to use a cart.
"Oh yeah, I always have change with me. You never know," said Nancy Parker of Milton.
"Most everyone now carries plastic. Usually, you have to run to your car and find change," said Jay Oden of Muncy.
Once you are done with the shopping cart and return it, you'll be able to get your quarter back.
The company says this new system is not in effect at all of its locations just yet.
The business hopes this system minimizes shopping cart thefts and damage to cars caused by loose carts.
Newswatch 16 stopped by the Weis in Milton to find shoppers using the new carts.
"Any place that has shopping carts, people leave them in the parking lot, and you have to worry about hitting them or it hitting your car and that gets expensive," said Parker.
"People that don't have any way there and have to walk, and then when they get their groceries and have no way to get it back, so they will take the cart with them," said Jane Keener of Turbotville.
However, not everyone is a fan of this system.
Jay Oden believes the new system takes jobs away from those pushing carts in the parking lot.
"It is just a job cutter. Other stores are doing it. I think Aldi started it, and now they are doing it in Milton," he said.
Weis Markets tells us for the first few weeks of the transition, these locations will have quarters available for customers who need them.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel.
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https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/northumberland-county/weis-markets-testing-new-shopping-cart-system-williamsport-milton-bloomsburg-and-mt-pocono-wnep/523-33fe418f-f059-47c0-a0ce-e0a9d1b6cefa
| 2023-07-19T22:44:24
| 0
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https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/northumberland-county/weis-markets-testing-new-shopping-cart-system-williamsport-milton-bloomsburg-and-mt-pocono-wnep/523-33fe418f-f059-47c0-a0ce-e0a9d1b6cefa
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UNION COUNTY, Pa. — It was a busy day at Faith Lutheran Church near Lewisburg as dozens of people looked to buy books on Wednesday.
Whether you love novels, biographies, or poetry, there is a little something for everyone at the annual Public Library for Union County's book sale.
Donald Ernst is on the hunt for books to sell in his Selinsgrove-based bookstore. He goes to the Public Library for Union County's annual book sale every year.
"The classic literature and serious literature selection this year was the best I have ever seen,” said Ernst. “I got some really good stuff."
The library spends nearly a whole year collecting books for the sale.
Readers can browse through more than 20,000 books that are up for grabs.
Jackie Dziadosz, marketing coordinator of the Union County Library System, spoke with Newswatch 16 about the sale.
"Our book sale crew does a great job organizing it so there is something for everyone,” said Dziadosz.
The book sale benefits the local library.
"All the money goes toward the Public Library for Union County to help fund programs and free services for the public,” said Dziadosz.
You can fill a bag for $25, a slight jump in price from years past.
"Yeah, we raised it to $25 this year to help cover the costs at the library,” said Dziadosz.
It is Kaelyn Kerstetter's first time at the book sale. She thinks the price per bag is an absolute steal.
"A single book here could be $25 really,” said Kerstetter. “So, $25 for a bag of books is a great price I think.”
Kerstetter showed Newswatch 16 some of the books in her bag. She was thrilled with the selection this year.
"They have a lot of different kinds, so I think that is good for people who like a whole bunch of different genres of books,” said Kerstetter.
The book sale at Faith Lutheran Church near Lewisburg will last through Saturday, July 22.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel.
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https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/union-county/more-than-20000-books-up-for-grabs-at-annual-book-sale-in-union-county-public-library-fundraiser-lewisburg-faith-lutheran-church/523-aef82b84-55c5-46db-ac10-a6e1c4422b3f
| 2023-07-19T22:44:30
| 1
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https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/union-county/more-than-20000-books-up-for-grabs-at-annual-book-sale-in-union-county-public-library-fundraiser-lewisburg-faith-lutheran-church/523-aef82b84-55c5-46db-ac10-a6e1c4422b3f
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DULUTH — A leader in the local public defender's office has been appointed to the 6th Judicial District bench in Duluth.
Gov. Tim Walz on Wednesday selected Nicole Hopps to fill the seat vacated by Judge Sally Tarnowski, who died unexpectedly in March.
Tarnowski “served the district with great distinction” and “leaves a deep and lasting legacy” in Northeastern Minnesota, Walz said.
“With Hopps’ years of experience as a public defender, striving for equitable and just outcomes for her clients, I am confident she will be a remarkable and fair jurist and leader for the 6th Judicial District,” the governor said in a statement.
Hopps, 42, of Hermantown, is a managing attorney for the district's public defender’s office, overseeing attorneys and support staff in southern St. Louis, Lake and Cook counties. Working in the areas of rehabilitative justice, diversion and welfare, she also maintains an active caseload of indigent clients.
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In the community, Hopps has served with the Carlton County Community Outreach Program, the South St. Louis County Mental Health Court and Indian Child Welfare Act Court teams.
Previously a finalist for a seat on the Carlton County bench in 2021, Hopps was picked from a pool of candidates recommended by the Minnesota Commission on Judicial Selection. Two current judicial officers, child support Magistrate Clarissa Ek and Referee Jessica Fralich, also were in the running.
Tarnowski, 63, died March 6 after being struck by a car while on a morning run on vacation in Venice, Florida. She was one of the longest-serving members of the 6th District bench, having been appointed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty in 2007 before getting reelected to three full terms.
The 6th District includes 16 judges at six courthouses in St. Louis, Carlton, Cook and Lake counties. Half are chambered in Duluth, but Walz has made only one prior appointment there: Shawn Pearson in 2021.
Judges appear on the ballot in all four counties and must live within the district. No date was immediately set for Hopps' investiture.
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https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/public-defender-named-to-duluth-bench
| 2023-07-19T22:48:21
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https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/public-defender-named-to-duluth-bench
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TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) — The president of North Mississippi Health Services said NMHS is making every effort to reassign laid-off employees.
President and CEO Shane Spees sent the following message to all NMHS employees Wednesday morning.
"As of this morning, leadership has completed the difficult conversations with our teammates who are directly impacted by the changes announced within the July 12 “NMHS Redesign” communication. While some of those teammates are currently working on reassignment options, other teammates have exited the organization. Our hearts and appreciation go out to all who have been impacted by these necessary changes. As communicated, these changes are necessary due to the financial challenges that we, and the health care industry, are experiencing. Our Human Resources team in collaboration with leadership have worked diligently to support the transitions and to do so with C.A.R.E.S. (compassion, accountability, respect, excellence and smiles/friendliness).
We are making every effort to offer reassignment opportunities to all that meet the job requirements, have an interest in remaining at NMHS and are selected by the hiring manager. The reassignment process is underway and should be completed by July 26th.
I will provide a follow-up communication at the end of the reassignment process in an effort to bring this process to closure. Thank you for your ongoing consideration of those impacted by the changes and for your ongoing engagement in our redesign efforts."
NMHS has not responded to WTVA 9 News’ repeated questions about the number of layoffs.
NMHS operates dozens of hospitals and clinics in north Mississippi and west Alabama.
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https://www.wtva.com/news/local/nmhs-has-finished-informing-employees-of-layoffs/article_bd6949c2-2675-11ee-b079-73bd04a3e024.html
| 2023-07-19T22:51:21
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https://www.wtva.com/news/local/nmhs-has-finished-informing-employees-of-layoffs/article_bd6949c2-2675-11ee-b079-73bd04a3e024.html
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NORTHEAST HARBOR -- Northeast Harbor's Asticou Inn officially has a new owner.
The 139-year-old inn was bought by Tim Harrington for roughly $7 million.
The three cottages and three buildings that are on the property were also included in the sale.
The original inn first opened in 1884 but burned down in 1900. It was rebuilt the following year.
The 22-room inn also has a restaurant well know for its cuisine.
Harrington previously bought the Claremont Inn in Southwest Harbor in 2020 and the former Colony Cottages in Bar Harbor last year.
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https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/asticou-inn-gets-new-owner/article_6e99a5a8-267f-11ee-ad34-dbd81ad63380.html
| 2023-07-19T22:51:58
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https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/asticou-inn-gets-new-owner/article_6e99a5a8-267f-11ee-ad34-dbd81ad63380.html
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BAR HARBOR -- There's no presents under the tree or stockings above the fireplace yet, but Bar Harbor Food Pantry is looking to bring a little Christmas cheer, hosting its first-ever Christmas in July event.
"It's a food and fun drive that we've been holding now all month and raising money for the bar harbor food pantry," said Tom Reeve, Executive Director for the Bar Harbor Food Pantry.
The goal: to receive enough bags of food to fill all 760 seats of the Criterion Theater.
The food pantry also is looking for cash donations. Any donations collected will be matched by the Witham Family Hotels Charitable Foundation up to $20,000.
They are on their way to their goal with less than $3,000 to go, Reeve says he's touched by all the support he's received in the Bar Harbor community.
"It's hard to put into words the love and support we feel from the community," said Reeve.
The wave of support comes on the heels of the food pantry's past two busiest months, doubling the amount of individuals needing food assistance.
"We've had over 1350 customer visits in the last two months. To put that into perspective, that is one-third of what we saw all last year," said Reeve.
The food pantry has managed this influx, making sure those who walk out the door know they have enough to fill their stomachs.
"We're feeding folks but beyond that we're letting folks know that they're taken care of in this community," said Emily Shanahan, Program Coordinator for the Bar Harbor Food Pantry.
Even those using the food pantry felt some Christmas spirit in the air.
"It's exciting we're capturing some of that festivity and giving spirit even in July, getting people to come and bring and donate food and money and support the food pantry," said Serena Fink of Bar Harbor.
Christmas in July is not over yet. Anyone interested in donating food can do so at either the food pantry or the back of the YWCA during operating hours.
You can also buy seats online, visiting Bar Harbor Food Pantry's website.
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https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/bar-harbor-food-pantry-hosts-christmas-in-july-event/article_27fae072-267e-11ee-aac1-cf879e216ceb.html
| 2023-07-19T22:52:00
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https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/bar-harbor-food-pantry-hosts-christmas-in-july-event/article_27fae072-267e-11ee-aac1-cf879e216ceb.html
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ALBION -- Maine farmers came together in Albion Wednesday to speak out against a proposed transmission corridor.
Dairy farmers and agricultural producers throughout Albion, Palermo, and China gathered to voice their concerns about LS Power Grid's proposed transmission corridor.
The Missouri company's plan would involve more than 100 miles of high-voltage transmission line -- intended to aid Maine in the development of renewable energy as part of the Aroostook Renewable Gateway Project.
However, the proposed pathways for the lines would go through farmland in several communities, and farmers say they are concerned that the corridor would affect their livelihoods.
"Both options would run through two of our fields," said Jesse Haskell, co-owner of Haskell Farm. "There's already a few nails in the coffin of the dairy industry and the farming in this area, and this is another nail in that coffin."
Farmers say they first learned about the corridor after receiving letters from LS power grid earlier this summer.
"These people have not slept, they've been under duress," said Holly Noyes, spokesperson for Noyes Farm. "We've all come together to try and figure out what to do."
Albion is home to 10 active dairy farms, with another four in Palermo and China. Farmers say that dairy farms and milk processing contribute $904 million in direct benefit and $1 billion in indirect benefit to Maine's economy annually.
"Regardless of how much power we're going to consume, we all have to eat. So, we can't affect our agriculture," said Haskell.
To learn more about the proposed project, visit lspgridmaine.com.
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https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/farmers-speak-out-against-proposed-transmission-corridor/article_808bca42-2680-11ee-b8db-87ec01167e01.html
| 2023-07-19T22:52:03
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https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/farmers-speak-out-against-proposed-transmission-corridor/article_808bca42-2680-11ee-b8db-87ec01167e01.html
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SURRY -- A 2/3 majority voted to put a moratorium on the possibility of establishing cannabis businesses in Surry.
More than 70 people attended the town meeting to vote on the matter.
Dating back to 2016 when the state of Maine voted for the legalization of recreational cannabis, its implementation in Surry has been filled with trial and error.
Since legalization, there have been several moratoriums put in place, prohibiting dispensaries from setting up shop in town.
Now, the town has enacted a new 180-day moratorium, in order for town officials to understand residents' thoughts and develop a plan.
Select Board Member Chris Stark says one cannabis business in Blue Hill has shown interest in establishing a facility in Surry. For the moment, they'll have to wait.
"When you bring in a business, any type of business, how it effects the town is something that you have to get a lot of feedback from everybody," said Stark.
One Surry resident who attended the town meeting, and voted against the moratorium, believes this is a circumstance of a fight against cannabis.
"There's some strong feelings for and against," said Stark. "That's in transition like everything else. Everything has been in transition since cannabis was legalized in 2016. We're all learning along the way."
According to Stark, once an ordinance is developed during the moratorium, it will be on the November 7th ballot for a final vote by all Surry residents.
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https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/surry-residents-vote-for-a-moratorium-on-cannabis-businesses/article_6f6ead34-267f-11ee-8723-6f2bc90106ea.html
| 2023-07-19T22:52:09
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https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/surry-residents-vote-for-a-moratorium-on-cannabis-businesses/article_6f6ead34-267f-11ee-8723-6f2bc90106ea.html
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Guadalupe native Cesar Rodriguez inspires with Imagine Threads
7 PHOTOS
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https://www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/news/local/arizona-people/2023/07/19/guadalupe-native-cesar-rodriguez-inspires-with-imagine-threads/12125178002/
| 2023-07-19T22:54:31
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https://www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/news/local/arizona-people/2023/07/19/guadalupe-native-cesar-rodriguez-inspires-with-imagine-threads/12125178002/
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In this file photo from 2017, children from C.A.S.A enjoy a day trip to the splash pad at Rob Leake Park in Tupelo.
The Tupelo City Council voted unanimously this week to accept a $317,693 contract with Saltillo-based James A. Hodges Construction Inc. for drainage improvements to the park. Funding for the project comes largely from federal ARPA money.
TUPELO — Tupelo will see major improvements to a city park’s drainage as part of efforts to make drainage, stormwater and sewer improvements using federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.
The Tupelo City Council voted unanimously this week to accept a $317,693 contract with Saltillo-based James A. Hodges Construction Inc. for drainage improvements to Rob Leake Park. The company was one of eight bidders on the project and was the lowest bidder by almost $54,000.
Tupelo Mayor Todd Jordan said the bid, like others the city has received for ARPA-related projects, came in lower than expected.
“As long as things keep going in the direction we want to, we will get some of these generational projects done, and we won’t ever have to worry about them again,” Jordan said.
The project will see multiple measures to improve drainage and minimize erosion at the park, the designs of which were created by Dabbs Corporation.
Chief Operations Officer Don Lewis said the city expects work to begin in August and take about a month to complete. The park will remain open during construction because the drainage line does not cross any of the fields.
The specific pipe being replaced, Lewis said, handles drainage for a portion of Joyner Avenue and has had to be repaired multiple times over the years. Lewis also noted the project should give the park roughly 15 years without needing heavy replacements or repairs.
The improvements to Rob Leake Park are part of a handful of stormwater, sewage, and drainage projects being funded through a combination of $9 million in federal ARPA allocations, an extra $9 million in matching funds from the state and $18 million Tupelo Water & Light snagged through a state revolving loan fund. In total, the city has $33 million to spend on these projects.
Other planned projects include stormwater drainage upgrades at other city parks, including Gumtree Park and Robins Field; box culvert upgrades on multiple roads, including Barnes Crossing Road; pipe replacements at Medical Park Circle and Danielle Cove and ditch reshaping in Haven Acres.
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| 2023-07-19T22:56:31
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In this file photo from June 2022, Henry Bath, 7, and his brother, Theo, 5, let a huge bucket of water fall on them while they stay cool using the Theron Nichols Splash Pad in Tupelo. The pad is one of two Tupelo splash pads currently down for repairs.
TUPELO - Those looking to Tupelo's splash pads for relief from the blistering summer heat are currently out of luck.
The splash pads at Joyner and Veterans are currently down, city officials announced earlier this week.
According to Tupelo Parks and Rec Director Alex Farned, the ill-timed outages are the result of faulty control panels, although the unison of their failures is coincidental.
Farned said the panel at Joyner failed when it was struck by lightning; the panel at Veterans simply stopped working, likely because of age. The panel is almost 15 years old.
The Tupelo Parks and Recreation team is hard at work trying to fix the issue, Farned said.
“It is very unfortunate (timing), especially since it's the middle of the summer,” Farned said.
City workers currently do not have a timeline at this as to when the splash pads will be back up and running. Farned said new control panels have been ordered and will be installed as soon as they arrive.
However, Farned assured that they are hoping to get them back up before they close for the summer.
“We are working on it as fast as we can,” he said.
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| 2023-07-19T22:56:37
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AUSTIN, Texas — Austin police are still seeing a major shortage in their department. To combat some of the staffing issues, Austin City Council is expected to take up bringing on what it calls a police reserve force.
This police reserve force would be used mainly during special events to help fill in gaps. But as the proposal's written now, it would also give Chief Joseph Chacon the right to call this team in any time he feels necessary.
According to KVUE's media partners at the Austin American Statesman, the reserve force would be made up of some retired police officers and that team could have up to 75 members.
They would only be able to act in a supplementary capacity to regular officers and wouldn't be able to assume full-time duties.
Councilmember Mackenzie Kelly said the department has around 330 vacancies right now, so this could do a lot address immediate staffing concerns.
"I believe that by initiating this program tomorrow, we will be in a better place public safety-wise, not just for the community during special events, but also for people visiting the city. As it stands now, when we have special events, officers are taken out of other parts of the city or they have to work overtime for those positions, which is taxing," said Kelly.
Kelly also notes these officers would all have to be certified by the State and would have all of their certifications reviewed before they become part of the reserve team.
"This program specifically is just for special events. And so the officers in the reserve program will be working barricades. They'll be trained back up to where they need to be. All of their certifications will be reviewed prior to them entering this program," said Kelly.
She said a program like this is a good one but things like police retention, recruitment and morale still need to be addressed with a four-year contract with the police union.
For this police reserve to become a reality, city councilmembers will need to approve it at Thursday's meeting.
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https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/austin-police-department-reserve-force/269-be8c8676-1c0c-4fd9-8cf9-8418e6c549ad
| 2023-07-19T22:57:55
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AUSTIN, Texas — Scott Saunders Jr., the former mayor of Smithville, has been sentenced to five years on probation.
It comes after Saunders pled guilty to sexual assault charges in May of this year. In May 2021, Saunders was charged in Bastrop County with two counts of sexual assault of a child, as well as indecency with a child. The court determined Saunders was not guilty of one of the counts of sexual assault of a child.
Saunders was also arrested in June 2021 in Fayette County on two charges of sexual assault tied to a March 2012 case.
Saunders has recently registered as a sex offender.
In a statement posted by the City of Smithville, allegations of possible misconduct against Saunders began surfacing on Facebook at the beginning of 2021
"Due to the nature of the allegations and the fact that criminal offenses may have occurred, the information was immediately forwarded to the Texas Rangers for an investigation to eliminate any potential conflict of interest to the city and provide protection for everyone involved," said a Facebook statement attributed to Smithville Mayor Joanna Morgan, City Manager Robert Tamble and Police Chief David Repka at the time.
Saunders resigned from his mayoral office on Jan. 11, 2021, just two months after winning reelection in an uncontested race.
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https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/former-smithville-mayor-scott-saunders-probation-sentence/269-8f580c2f-f238-434f-9fc6-bea00df7e537
| 2023-07-19T22:58:01
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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Drivers on 21st Street, west of Wichita, will see a new type of traffic signal possibly sometime this winter. On Wednesday, the Sedgwick County Commission voted to try a warning system that has not been used before in the county.
New signals and signs would go up at 21st Street North and 167th West, an intersection that has a history of crashes, some fatal. Investigators say human error is often to blame.
It is a busy intersection, averaging 5,000 vehicles daily on 21st Street and 3,000 daily on 167th. The speed limit on both roads is 55 mph, but drivers average 65 mph on 21st Street and 64 mph on 167th Street.
The drivers on 167th are supposed to stop at 21st. After the fatal crashes, the county installed more prominent stop signs and flashing red lights. Also, traffic engineers conducted studies to see if the intersection needed to become a four-way stop or have traffic signals installed.
A new type of signal
Sedgwick County Director of Public Works Lynn Packer said the most recent study earlier this year showed the intersection does not meet the guidelines for a four-way stop or traffic signals.
Instead, the traffic engineers suggested an Intersection Conflict Warning System. Packer showed commissioners a picture of one being used in another jurisdiction.
Packer says Sedgwick County will add an overhead stop sign with alternating flashing lights on 167th Street. He said 21st Street drivers will see a yellow beacon that only flashes when drivers on 167th Street are approaching the intersection. Packer said the exact plans have not been drawn up yet.
“The main purpose of this warning system is to provide an additional layer of advanced warning to the traffic on 21st to be aware,” he said. “What we like about it is it’s not constant. It’s not consistent. It’s not always flashing yellow. It’s only going to flash yellow when that traffic is detected.”
Packer said a Federal Highway Administration study indicates that the system can reduce severe crashes at intersections by 20-30%.
Why the commission vote was 4-1
The county commission vote was not unanimous. Commissioner Jim Howell voted against the new warning system, which will cost an estimated $125,000.
“If someone accuses me of wanting to kill human beings, please understand that’s not true,” he said. “I’m willing to support a program that’s effective and efficient for the taxpayers to save lives.”
Howell said he has been studying options for the intersection for three months. He called the warning system experimental. He said Minnesota installed 56 of the warning systems and, after 10 years, decided they do not significantly reduce crashes.
“This is an experiment, it’s expensive, and I don’t think it’s going to solve the problem,” Howell said. “In fact, I think it’s going to make it worse.”
He said the new system could create a situation where a vehicle speeding and running the stop sign on 167th Street activates the yellow beacon on 21st Street. By the time a 21st Street driver gets to the intersection, it is possible they will not see any vehicle on 167th Street. Howell says drivers will begin to distrust the system.
He wants the intersection to be turned into a four-way stop at a cost of $6,000.
“Why’s it better? Because it takes two people to ignore the traffic controls for a fatality accident to happen,” Howell said.
Traffic engineers say changing from a two-way stop intersection to a four-way stop can cause more crashes while drivers get used to stopping.
“They’re used to a certain condition,” Packer said. “When you change that, it’s very hard to change those habits in the beginning.”
The county decided not to try rumble strips in the area because neighbors do not want the added noise.
Howell suggested creating a dip in 167th Street, similar to what crews carve out for a road overlay. He said it would only have to be a half-inch deep and a few feet long, just enough to get the attention of drivers on 167th Street.
Packer and the other commissioners did not comment on that suggestion.
The intersection is in Commissioner David Dennis’ district. Dennis spoke in favor of the plan but also said he supports turning it into a roundabout in the long run. He said that would take more money and several years to build.
“If we wait for that type of solution, how many more deaths are we going to have at this intersection?” Dennis asked. “We have to do something because one death is absolutely too many.”
He said the benefit of the new warning system is that if the county decides to replace it later, the parts can be recycled and used at other crossings. Dennis made the motion in favor of the new warning system, and the commission approved it. Howell was the only vote against it.
What’s next?
Packer said that now that the county commission approve the funds, the county will engage an engineering consultant for the project.
“Our goal is to have it completed this winter, but we will not know if that is possible until plans are developed and we start the procurement process,” he said.
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| 2023-07-19T22:58:13
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Carlsbad Public Library looks to teach history lesson with traveling Holocaust exhibit
In the next few years Carlsbad may be among 49 other libraries in the United States to host a traveling exhibition examining Americans’ responses to the Holocaust.
Carlsbad City Council approved a $3,000 grant application July 11 to the American Library Association (ALA) and the United States Holocaust Historical Museum (USHMM) for the traveling exhibit “Americans and the Holocaust.”
City of Carlsbad Municipal Services Director Angie Barrios-Testa said if the ALA and USHMM approve the grant Carlsbad would be one of 50 sites to host the exhibit for five to six weeks.
More:Black History Month at Carlsbad Library
The ALA website indicated the special library exhibition based at the USHMM in Washington, D.C. has traveled across the U.S. for the past two years. The exhibition would be extended to 50 U.S. public and academic libraries from 2024 through 2026.
“This is an opportunity to bring an educational program to Carlsbad,” Barrios-Testa said during the City Council meeting.
Sarah Jones, executive director of the Carlsbad Public Library, said the $3,000 grant would help with programming costs and help pay for student transportation expenses.
“The 'Americans and the Holocaust' traveling exhibition addresses important themes in American history, including Americans’ responses to refugees, war and genocide in the 1930s and ‘40s,” noted the ALA website.
If selected the Carlsbad Public Library would be required to host at least one program for high school or college students as part of a minimum of four public programs, according to the ALA website.
More:School is out and here is a look at some of the youth and family activities in Eddy County
“We hope the community especially the students will walk away with a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and the role America had in it,” Jones said.
“It is important to know history and learn from it so we do not repeat it."
Jones said the application is due Oct. 14 and the City of Carlsbad could be notified in November or early December.
“There are many dates for the exhibit all the way into 2025. We will not know that until we are accepted (for the grant) or after,” she said.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.
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| 2023-07-19T23:03:29
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Lincoln National Forest officials remain cautious despite change in fire designation
Rangers in the Lincoln National Forest continue monitoring for abandoned campfires and other fire hazards as stage one fire restrictions were lifted July 12.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Lincoln National Forest Spokesperson Amanda Fry said the stage one fire restrictions were put in place June 28 due to high fire danger and elevated fire weather conditions.
She said the restrictions prohibited visitors from burning fires outside permanent fire ratings or barbeque pits on designated campsites or smoking outside designated areas.
More:Fire in Guadalupe Mountains National Park burns nearly 400 acres
High fire danger ratings in the Lincoln National Forest means fire has the potential to start from human negligence and small fuels like grass and pine needles, read a Lincoln National Forest press release.
Fry said a high fire danger rating is not a restriction.
“It does let visitors know to use extra caution when visiting. Conditions are very hot and dry, so it is important to use good safety practices. Ensure your campfire is completely doused and cool to the touch before you leave. Be mindful of where you are driving, as grass fires from engine heat and sparks are also a consideration at this time,” she said.
Fry said visitors to the Smokey Bear, Lincoln and Guadalupe Ranger Districts were mindful of campsites and no abandoned campfires or other fires were reported during the stage one restrictions.
In addition to monitoring for fire hazards, forest officials check weather and moisture conditions to see if fire danger ratings need to be increased or restrictions need to be implemented.
“Conditions can change quickly, and we are always ready to increase ratings and implement restrictions if they are necessary,” Fry said.
More:Lincoln National Forest lifts restrictions and changes fire danger rating
Fire danger remained high in the Lincoln National Forest as of July 18, according to the forest’s website.
Fire Restrictions in place at New Mexico State Parks
New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (ENMRD) State Forestry Division Spokesperson George Ducker said there are no state-wide fire restrictions as counties across New Mexico can implement their own fire restrictions at any time.
He said the current hot and dry conditions have some state parks under fire restrictions.
“State Parks can implement fire restrictions at their discretion at any time,” Ducker said.
He said people can get more information on fire restrictions by visiting the ENMRD website.
Relief coming for Lincoln National Forest?
Temperatures in the Ruidoso and Cloudcroft areas of the were forecast to range from the 80’s to mid 90’s through Monday, read forecasts from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Albuquerque and El Paso.
Rain chances were forecast for both areas through Monday, according to the NWS.
More:Lincoln National Forest updates fire danger to very high for 4th of July
Highs around 100 were forecast through Monday for the Guadalupe Ranger District of Eddy County through Monday, noted the NWS in Midland, Texas.
Slight rain chances were forecast for Saturday night and Sunday, read the NWS forecast for the mountain areas of Eddy County.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.
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| 2023-07-19T23:03:35
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Rollover crash kills driver on US Highway 62/180 between Carlsbad and Hobbs
A driver was killed in Eddy County Wednesday after they crossed into the median on U.S. Highway 62/180, overcorrected and flipped into the roadway.
Police were called to the scene at about 5:45 a.m. near Mile Post 47, about three miles from the highway’s junction with Potash Mines Road, according to a news release from the Eddy County Sheriff's Office.
Police did not initially release the name of the deceased or description of the vehicle.
More:Carlsbad man accused of drunk driving crash that killed an El Paso man and his dog
The vehicle was heading east toward Hobbs when it entered the median, police said.
As they attempted to return to the roadway, the vehicle turned clockwise, crossing both eastbound lanes, police said.
It then overturned and rolled, police said, until coming to a stop upright.
More:Loving man allegedly hit and killed a Carlsbad cyclist while driving drunk
The driver was ejected during the rollover and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
The crash remained under investigation.
Adrian Heddencan be reached at 575-628-5516,achedden@currentargus.com or@AdrianHedden on Twitter.
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https://www.currentargus.com/story/news/local/2023/07/19/rollover-crash-kills-driver-on-us-highway-62180-near-carlsbad/70431834007/
| 2023-07-19T23:03:41
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Cowboys and bulls converge in Artesia for bull riding at Eddy County Fair on July 28
Twenty-four bull riders from across the United States are set to compete on July 28 at the Eddy County Fair in Artesia, according to a committee member charged with organizing the annual event.
“It’s open to anybody who wants to come (and participate),” Trampas Spence said. Bull riders from Missouri, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas signed up to participate in the event.
More:The County Fair is on its way
The bull riding will be mixed in with two country music concerts from Tell Runyan and Kyle Park. “We’ll cut the arena off and set up the stage and the bandstand,” Spence said.
Bull riding does not require a lot of room as a section of the arena would house the bucking shoots.
Bull riding has been part of the Eddy County Fair for 10 years, Spence said. It replaced the rodeo as part of offerings at the fair.
“It seems we had a hard time getting contestants for all the rodeo events,” he said.
Stock contractors from New Mexico, Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas will provide bulls for the contest.
Spence said stock contractors will be scored along with the cowboys — bulls are competing for high scores.
The action starts at 7 p.m. at the Artesia Horse Council Open Arena.
More:Capitan and Lincoln County prepare for 67th Smokey Bear Stampede rodeo for Fourth of July
What are some bull riding rules?
The main objective of bull riding is for the cowboy to hang on for eight seconds without getting bucked off, Spence explained.
“You have to ride with one hand," he said. "If you touch the bull with your freehand you’re disqualified.”
If a cowboy is bucked off a bull before eight seconds, they are disqualified. Riders are judged on a scoring system; whoever has the highest score wins.
What does a bull rider wear?
In order to ride a bull for eight seconds a cowboy needs a hat or helmet, protective vest, a glove, rosin, chaps, bull rope, boots and spurs, according to the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) website.
“Wearing a cowboy hat is primarily traditional; however, helmets with protective facemasks are being worn by more bull riders and are mandated for younger riders," a portion of the PBR website reads. "Helmets shield the head, while facemasks protect both the face and jaw.”
The boots worn by bull riders have a special ridge on the heel which helps their spurts stay put.
“Spurs help the rider stay in position on a bull. The rowels are dull so they don’t injure or cut the hide of the bull (which is seven times thicker than human skin). The spurring action displays the level of complete control the cowboy possesses during the ride,” according to PBR.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.
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| 2023-07-19T23:03:53
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Young people have been seen kicking and punching the front doors of homes as part of a viral social media challenge.
The goal of the 'door kicking challenge' is for the participants to hit the doors of residential homes and run away while filming it.
Delaware Police are warning homeowners and participants of how dangerous this game could be after several incidents have been reported.
Police say they have surveillance photos of young people doing this 'challenge' to numerous homes over multiple weeks in Newark and Bear in Delaware.
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"Our concern is that this occurs and then the homeowner or the residents feel like someone is breaking into their home," said New Castle County Police Sergeant Tracey Duffy.
One of the incidents occurred on July 12, in New Castle County, where a door was kicked all the way in and damaged while residents were home.
Surveillance video obtained by a neighbor showed unknown subjects kicking doors and fleeing from the scene by foot or bicycle.
In a press release, New Castle County police have released images of the suspects wanted. They're asking for help in identifying those individuals.
One homeowner, who wanted to be anonymous, told NBC10 teens went to their home multiple times, kicking and punching the front door.
"They will at some point antagonize the wrong person and you know what it's going to lead to and it’s not gonna be good for the person trying to get themselves some video fame," the homeowner said.
Young people are warned that the "challenge" is a highly risky thing to do, and police are asking parents to keep an eye on their kids and monitor what they watch on social media.
Police also say that this "challenge" will result in criminal charges.
Homeowners are asked to send New Castle County police surveillance videos or photos if it happens to them. Tips can be sent to the Criminal Investigations Unit at (302) 395-8110.
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| 2023-07-19T23:05:50
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What to Know
- Two days after a freight train derailed in Montgomery County -- sending more than one dozen cars off the tracks, causing road closures in the area and evacuations -- the railway reopened following repairs, officials said.
- The 40-car CSX train, which was operating on tracks owned by Norfolk Southern, derailed around 4:50 a.m. Monday in Whitemarsh Township. Fifteen cars had derailed.
- The railway reopened to train traffic Wednesday, according to a spokesperson for Norfolk Southern, which owns and operates the tracks.
Two days after a freight train derailed in Montgomery County -- sending more than one dozen cars off the tracks, causing road closures in the area and evacuations -- the railway reopened following repairs, officials said.
The 40-car CSX train derailed around 4:50 a.m. Monday near Flourtown and Joshua roads and Stenton Avenue in Whitemarsh Township.
The tracks that had appeared to be bent on Monday morning in a wooded area appeared to be removed on Tuesday and temporary track could be seen in its place.
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Crews worked through the night to remove the damaged track as well as cars not impacted by the derailment, Whitemarsh Township Police Chief Christopher Ward. They are also placing down that new temporary track,
"According to the information we've received the cleanup is going very well," Ward told NBC10's Lauren Mayk Tuesday afternoon.
One of the last steps to the repairs was offloading a potentially hazardous chemical from one of the crashed tanker cars that remained off to the side of the track.
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Representatives from the NTSB, EPA, the Pennsylvania departments of environmental protection and transportation and other agencies were on the scene as well for "oversight."
Ward said crews were methodic with the final cleanup to "make sure we don't turn a good situation into a bad situation."
The speed at which crews from Norfolk Southern, which operates the tracks, worked was all about getting the vital freight line going again.
"There's a lot of commerce that runs through this line so they don't want to have it down," Ward said.
Finally, after the repairs and extensions, the railway reopened to train traffic Wednesday, according to a spokesperson for Norfolk Southern, which owns and operates the tracks.
What was on the derailed train?
Train operator CSX said that 16 train cars went off the tracks on Monday, which appeared to be bent. Firefighters later said it was actually 15 train cars that derailed. Among the derailed cars were several containers -- some which appeared to have toppled onto the ground -- and several tankers that appeared to smash against each other. One tanker car was on its side.
A white substance appeared to be leaking from at least one tanker. Whitemarsh police said in a Facebook post that the leaking substance was "silicone pellets which pose no risk to the community."
Two of the tanker cars were empty, Barren Hill Volunteer Fire Company Chief Chris Schwartz said Monday. Five cars, however, contained the liquid fertilizer urea and one car containing tetrachloroethylene, which is used as a dry cleaning agent and metal degreasing solvent, according to the CDC.
Hazmat crews were called to the scene to make sure none of the chemicals spilled.
"While preliminary reports indicate that one car transporting hazardous material was involved in the incident, there is no indication of any leaks or spills of hazardous materials and there are no injuries to the crew of the train," CSX said in a statement.
The materials in the crashed train cars would need to be carefully handled while righting the cars and unloading, officials said.
Twelve nearby homes were evacuated shortly after the derailment was reported "out of an abundance of caution,” Whitemarsh Township Police Chief Christopher Ward said. Those residents were allowed to return to their homes around 9:30 a.m.
No one was hurt in the derailment and police said there was "no known hazard to the public."
What caused the train to go off the rails?
Norfolk Southern told NBC10 that tracks where the derailment took place are owned by them. However, the train was being operated by CSX.
Norfolk Southern and CSX teams worked to investigate what happened and clean up the mess.
"The cause of the incident is under investigation," CSX initially said.
However, spokesperson Sheriee Bowman later said that the derailment appeared to be "weather related."
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) would work with the railroad to monitoring cleanup at the site and work to get the freight line moving again.
Norfolk Southern — and the entire rail industry — has been under intense scrutiny since one of its trains derailed and caught fire in February in Ohio near the Pennsylvania border, creating towering black smoke, forcing evacuations and raising environmental worries.
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https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/railway-reopens-2-days-after-train-derailment-in-montgomery-county/3607824/
| 2023-07-19T23:05:56
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BLOOMINGTON — A LeRoy man faces charges surrounding an incident at the LeRoy Police Department and a confrontation with law enforcement.
Kenneth D. Downey, 52, is charged with one count each of aggravated battery, resisting a peace officer and carrying a concealed firearm in a prohibited area.
According to statement from LeRoy police, authorities were alerted on July 13 that Downey was "possibly possessing firearms and allegedly having suicidal and homicidal ideations."
LeRoy police said they conducted an investigation and asked a McLean County judge to issue a firearms restraining order and search warrant for Downey's residence, both of which were granted on July 15.
Authorities then partnered with Illinois State Police and the Department of Children and Family Services to de-escalate the situation and remove two children from the residence.
In a probable cause statement, prosecutors said Downey began making threats, verbally and through text messages, to family members, DCFS personnel and law enforcement officials, implying a stand-off and exchanging fire with authorities.
On July 17, Downey was summoned to the LeRoy Police Department, where he confronted state troopers and reached for a handgun in his waistband, prosecutors said.
Troopers were able to restrain Downey without shots being fired, from either law enforcement or Downey.
Police said while in an investigation room with LeRoy Police Chief Jason Williamson, Downey kicked the chief.
Downey's bond was set at $150,000 with 10% to apply, meaning he would have to post $15,000 plus court fees to be released from the McLean County Detention Facility.
His next court date is 10 a.m. July 28.
Photos: Emergency crews train on air disaster readiness at Bloomington airport
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https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-courts/leroy-police-dcfs-illinois/article_6f257ab0-2661-11ee-8fe6-93c8019670f0.html
| 2023-07-19T23:09:04
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LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — Dozens of people across the area were arrested in an online child predator sting in Luzerne County.
State police call this Operation Safe Screen, a months-long investigation between several local, state and federal agencies.
Investigators went undercover online to find people accused of exploiting children.
Police arrested 26 people for allegedly targeting children on the internet, said officials in a press conference Tuesday morning at the State Police Barracks in Wilkes-Barre.
Troopers from barracks across central and northeastern Pennsylvania worked with local law enforcement and the FBI to make the arrests.
"Operation Safe Screen was a multi-agency initiative formed to seek out predators who groom our youth, luring them into situations where they can be exploited sexually," said Maj. Michael Carroll, Pennsylvania State Police Area III commander.
More than 1,800 counts of felony charges for possessing and manufacturing child pornography were filed in connection to the investigation.
"We can most importantly say that we identified several victims of these crimes, and we have them at a safe location where they can get the resources they need to better their lives," Maj. Carroll said.
These arrests come as the volume of reports of child predators online has more than doubled in the last three years, said officials.
“Before the pandemic, all of PA was roughly getting 5 to 6 thousand reports per year,” said Detective Sgt. Kenneth Bellis. “In such a short time since the pandemic, we are well over 15,000 reports for the year.”
"These results are alarming, and it highlights the need for parents and guardians to be vigilant. You need to know who your children are talking to online and ensure you can have an open discussion with your child if they believe they are being contacted inappropriately," Carroll added.
Operation Safe Screen was also able to take down 15 websites used by the accused offenders to share photos and videos.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline.
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https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/state-police-investigate-online-child-predator-operation-safe-screen-luzerne-county-sting-undercover-press-conference/523-e972156b-d3ac-42a9-8b22-747cc350ecea
| 2023-07-19T23:27:54
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https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/state-police-investigate-online-child-predator-operation-safe-screen-luzerne-county-sting-undercover-press-conference/523-e972156b-d3ac-42a9-8b22-747cc350ecea
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TAMPA, Florida — As more Florida homeowners get dropped from their insurance policies, face non-renewals or experience rising premiums, the demand for home inspections is also rising.
Kenny McLaurin, owner of McLaurin Inspections in Tampa, has been inspecting homes for roughly 10 years and has never been busier than he is right now.
“The past six months to a year I've seen [demand] go up quite a bit. Insurance companies dropping and then all of sudden everyone's scrambling to get their insurance,” McLaurin said.
It’s likely a new insurer will require you to get a "four-point home inspection" before they offer you coverage, which in part is keeping inspectors busy. The inspection includes checks of a home’s electrical, plumbing, roof and structure and HVAC system. McLaurin says he does about five insurance inspections a day, on top of new home builds and other inspections.
“Everybody wants to live here and insurance is obviously a requirement unless you're paying cash. So we've been very, very busy, very high demand out here,” McLaurin added.
On top of a four-point inspection, a “wind mitigation inspection,” to determine how well your home is suited to hold up against high winds caused by major storms is not required by most insurance companies but could qualify homeowners for discounts and save them money while premiums rise.
It’s often roofs that give homeowners the most trouble when securing insurance in this market and it’s something McLaurin says people need to keep in mind.
“We might go on a roof and say, 'Hey, this is satisfactory in our professional opinion,' but some insurance companies are stopping it at like 10 years or 15 years, even if we say it’s satisfactory," McLaurin said. "So [there is] a lot of roof issues with that, especially with the amount of wind and things we go through with hurricanes."
That’s why it’s important you have a good, licensed and insured inspector to make sure you know what to expect and you get a detailed list of potential fixes your home may need.
“We're going to make that list and obviously be as picky as we can just so you know what to do and make sure [insurers] are not coming back and dropping you later on,” McLaurin said.
Keep in mind, the My Safe Florida Home Program is available for single-family and townhome homeowners to apply for a free home inspection. Afterward, folks can even apply for available grant money available to make home-strengthening improvements.
Last week, 10 Tampa Bay spoke with Kathy Walsh, agency owner at Coast to Coast Insurance in Tampa, who said folks need to get their inspections before she can shop the market for them.
"First thing to do is know the age of the roof," Walsh said. "If the home is 20 years or older, they should get a four-point inspection and wind mitigation inspection. They need those things in order for us to go ahead and look at the market for them."
She says homeowners should act quickly and don't expect to shop around.
"The market's slim," Walsh added. "It's not where can I get the price, it’s where can I get coverage for my home."
The state's Insurance Consumer Advocate is also available to help Floridians with insurance issues and even has resources to show you what fair rates are in your area. Granted, you will be paying a lot more than the national average.
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https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/florida-home-insurance-inspections/67-6fd2b312-0ab9-4d24-8f93-1ad57c918344
| 2023-07-19T23:32:55
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https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/florida-home-insurance-inspections/67-6fd2b312-0ab9-4d24-8f93-1ad57c918344
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ST PETERSBURG, Pa. — When it comes to parking in St. Petersburg, finding a spot might not be the easiest of tasks. But now it might become a bit easier with parking lots at the Tropicana Field becoming available to the public.
In a tweet, Mayor Ken Welch confirmed the news of an additional 7,000 parking spots being created in downtown, calling it a "big win" for the city's transportation team.
Starting now, the Tampa Bay Rays parking lots are open to the public during non-game or event times. Spots can be paid for through the ParkMobile app.
Prices to park at the Trop range from $15-$30.
Welch calls this newest addition to the city "strategic thinking and good partnership."
To find a map of the Ray parking lots or the Rays 2023 schedule, including events, click one of the links below.
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https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/tropicana-field-parking-lots/67-aa4a5469-f88e-4f2a-ab60-2950b87ff2db
| 2023-07-19T23:33:01
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https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/tropicana-field-parking-lots/67-aa4a5469-f88e-4f2a-ab60-2950b87ff2db
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ORLANDO, Florida — A federal judge said Wednesday that his order blocking a Florida law targeting drag shows doesn't just apply to the restaurant that brought the lawsuit challenging it but to other venues in the state, reiterating that the legislation championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis is likely unconstitutional.
A state agency that would enforce the law had asked U.S. District Judge Gregory Presnell to put on hold his preliminary injunction stopping the law from being enforced until a trial is held to determine its constitutionality while the state of Florida appeals the injunction.
Attorneys for Florida told the judge that the preliminary injunction should only apply to the Orlando restaurant that sued seeking to get the law ruled unconstitutional and not “nonparties” to the complaint.
The judge rejected that argument, saying any harm to the state of Florida is minimal if the preliminary injunction remains in place, and that all Floridians are potentially parties since free speech is at stake.
“Plaintiff is not the only party suffering injury as a result of the passage of the Act; it has a chilling effect on all members of society who fall within its reach,” Presnell wrote in his order.
The complaint was brought by the owner of a Hamburger Mary’s restaurant and bar in Orlando, which regularly hosts drag shows, including family-friendly performances on Sundays that children were invited to attend. The restaurant owner said the law was overbroad, was written vaguely and violated First Amendment rights by chilling speech.
The new law punished venues for allowing children into “adult live performances.” Though it did not mention drag shows specifically, the sponsor of the legislation said it was aimed at those performances. Venues that violated the law faced fines and the possibility of their liquor licenses being suspended or revoked. Individuals could be charged with a misdemeanor crime.
Before announcing his candidacy for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, DeSantis made anti-LGBTQ+ legislation a large part of his agenda as governor. Other bills he signed would ban gender-affirming care for minors and restrict discussion of personal pronouns in schools.
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https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pride/injunction-blocking-florida-law-targeting-drag-shows-applies-to-all-venues-desantis-lgbtq/67-4c87d16e-37fe-4868-9e51-ce1634fca379
| 2023-07-19T23:33:07
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https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pride/injunction-blocking-florida-law-targeting-drag-shows-applies-to-all-venues-desantis-lgbtq/67-4c87d16e-37fe-4868-9e51-ce1634fca379
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ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – The pedestrian bridge at McAfee Knob trailhead is one step closer to breaking ground.
VDOT Spokesperson Jason Bond says they just got approval to hire contractors.
The new pedestrian bridge over Route 311 in Roanoke County will increase safety near the McAfee Knob trailhead.
The Commonwealth Transportation Board passed a resolution allowing VDOT to enter into an agreement with the National Park Service to build the bridge.
VDOT plans to advertise for construction bids later this summer.
“There is a lot of foot traffic there and this will definitely improve safety for pedestrians and people accessing the trail,” Bond said.
The goal is to complete the bridge by the end of next year. After that, maintenance will fall on the National Park Service.
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https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/19/approval-granted-to-build-pedestrian-bridge-near-mcafee-knob-trailhead/
| 2023-07-19T23:36:05
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https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/19/approval-granted-to-build-pedestrian-bridge-near-mcafee-knob-trailhead/
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BLACKSBURG, Va. – Glade Road Growing is one of the many Virginia-based farms.
“Not many places you go to the source where it is produced,” Sally Walker, owner of Glade Road Growing, said. “And so, we call it an open gate policy. People can walk the farm and see how we’re producing, and anybody can do that.”
Local to Blacksburg, the owners also make sure to take care of the community.
“We have full-service days which are this time of the year Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and then Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and that is when we have an attendant here and we can help out with purchases,” Walker said. “We also have a self-serve option, so we set up a kiosk here that is open all the time. Like when we’re not here. Anyone can come, they can shop, check out there and pay in the box and it’s an honor system.”
The farm also has options for customers that might be tighter on cash, but still want fresh produce.
“So if you have food stamps we can accept your food stamps here but, on top of that, we work with the Virginia fresh match program,” Walker said. “The way that works is any time your EBT card is run, the fresh match program matches dollar for dollar what you’re taking off EBT for free produce.”
Some customers like Holly Hunnicutt said they’ve been a member for years and they can no longer imagine getting their products from big box stores.
“I am a farm share member, I joined as soon as I moved here and knew about it,” Hunnicutt said. “I think local farms are extremely important and the produce and the eggs and meat that come from this farm are so much better than the grocery stores.”
Along with the fresh produce, the farm also has sunflowers right now. Walker says don’t have to pay, all you have to do is bring your shears and enjoy the flowers.
“We invite the public to come out and pick the sunflowers and take them home,” she said. “We don’t charge for that and we just ask for donations.”
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https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/19/blacksburg-farm-makes-getting-fresh-produce-more-accessible/
| 2023-07-19T23:36:06
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This article is part of “Solutionaries,” our continuing commitment to solutions journalism, highlighting the creative people in communities working to make the world a better place, one solution at a time. Find out what you can do to help and subscribe to our Solutionaries channel on Youtube.
Cutting-edge technology is helping solve crimes faster than ever before. That technology is what students in Virginia are learning on too thanks to a unique partnership. 10 News got an inside look at the process and how you can be part of the research helping investigators solve murders now and in the future.
Flagging and marking a crime scene.
“There’s no rhyme or reason to this, it’s just as we find them we’re marking off our evidence,” Emily Rancourt, Associate Director of the Forensic Science Program explains as she looks at a field of fake bones to teach students.
This is all part of teaching the next generation of crime scene investigators and they are learning from people who worked in the field.
Rancourt is a former crime scene specialist with the Prince William County Police Department.
“I used to investigate homicides, suicides, suspicious deaths, any crime scene with a life-threatening injury where we didn’t know if the victims were going to live or die,” Rancourt said.
In Manassas, they have just the eighth body farm in the country. It’s a teaching tool for students.
“I kind of want to learn more hands-on. If you want to do those kinds of works, having like a hands-on experience, where you’re in the body farm, doing research, collecting samples, that’s kind of invaluable,” Nick Iyde, a GMU graduate student said.
At one point, it took a crime scene investigator hours upon hours to get their photographs and measurements, but Rancourt said the FARO scanner can do it all in just a few minutes.
GMU partnered with the company to have the very first certified forensic FARO university laboratory. Rancourt is certified to teach students who then can work with the equipment all over the world.
We watched the process as students marked the simulated crime scene. Once the markers are set up, it was time to scan the woods. They all hid behind trees because there weren’t walls to hide behind like they would do in a house. By hiding, people aren’t in the scene when it’s scanned.
Rancourt says the FARO technology is so accurate it can get measurements within two millimeters.
Once the scan is put in the system, investigators can also analyze blood stain patterns or bullet trajectories. In court, they can take a judge or jury through the actual scene as if they were there.
“Which is amazing technology we never used to have before. Before it used to be a 2-dimensional photograph and now we’re actually able to take these people through our scene in real life,” Rancourt explained.
10 News is taking you inside the new science research of solving crimes all week.
- Thursday: How bees can help investigators find a body
- How donating your body to science will help the next generation of crime scene investigators. Click here for that story.
- Old technology is used in new ways to help find things buried underground. Click here for that story.
Join us at 7 p.m. for a different story every night - showing how forensic science is evolving to catch more criminals and get justice for families.
This article is part of “Solutionaries,” our continuing commitment to solutions journalism, highlighting the creative people in communities working to make the world a better place, one solution at a time. Find out what you can do to help and subscribe to our Solutionaries channel on Youtube.
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https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/19/cutting-edge-technology-helping-solve-crimes-faster-than-ever-before/
| 2023-07-19T23:36:07
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https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/19/cutting-edge-technology-helping-solve-crimes-faster-than-ever-before/
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CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. – A new store is opening soon in Christiansburg, and it is not just your average bargain shop.
The Valley Overstock is a new overstock store offering loads of different goods like clothing, kids’ toys, and furniture.
The owners said all their products are overstock items from major department stores. Instead of letting them be thrown away, they buy the goods and sell them at a huge discount.
“We are sort of the last step before it would end up in a landfill or incinerated because it is actually cheaper for these big box stores to just burn the product than it is for them to hold it in warehouses,” said Aaron Richards, owner of The Valley Overstock.
Store owners said all their clothes are brand new and ensure that anything used, like the furniture, is of a certain quality standard.
The Valley Overstock is set to open to the public on July 22. Learn more about the business here.
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https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/19/new-overstock-store-opens-in-christiansburg-this-weekend/
| 2023-07-19T23:36:13
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https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/19/new-overstock-store-opens-in-christiansburg-this-weekend/
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ROANOKE, Va. – Wednesday night’s $1 billion Powerball prize has people seeing dollar signs.
“Help my family. Pay everything. My credit card. I [would] buy [a] new house,” Fernando Reyes, who bought a ticket on Wednesday, said.
“New cars, new house, pay bills off, put some up for the grandchildren for college,” Angie Pagan, who bought Powerball tickets for herself and her daughter, said.
“I can’t imagine winning that,” she said. “That would be great. That would be great. I hope I’m lucky.”
But your odds of actually winning are 1 in 292 million.
“It happens. People win these billion-dollar drawings. But the odds of happening are pretty darn slim,” Dr. Nancy Hubbard, Dean of the University of Lynchburg’s College of Business, said.
She says there are a lot of things more likely than you taking home the jackpot, like being elected president, dying in a plane crash, or becoming a professional athlete.
“Odds of being born with 11 fingers or toes is about 500 to one,” Hubbard said.
According to the National Weather Service, your odds of getting struck by lightning in your lifetime are 1 in 15,300.
“Your odds of being in a shark attack are about four million to one,” Hubbard said. “But if you live in Iowa and you never go to the ocean, you’re never going to get eaten by a shark.”
Nevertheless, Pagan is holding out hope.
“People have been struck twice, people have been bitten by sharks,” Pagan said. “Maybe I’ll win.”
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https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/19/powerball-fever-local-expert-weighs-in-on-odds-of-winning-1-billion-jackpot/
| 2023-07-19T23:36:24
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https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/19/powerball-fever-local-expert-weighs-in-on-odds-of-winning-1-billion-jackpot/
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PULASKI COUNTY, Va. – Pulaski County leaders are working with VDOT on a multi-million dollar project to make a stretch of road safer.
“Oh yes, a lot of accidents here at this intersection,” Ronada White, who works at Cougar Express, said.
White has worked at the Cougar Express for 27 years and can attest Route 11 can be dangerous for drivers, especially when school is in session.
“Most of the people pull out in front of people going across the highway,” White said.
Pulaski County Board of Supervisor Mike Mooney says he wanted to address safety for students that attend the newly consolidated middle school.
“We started this project with the state in about 2019,” Mooney said.
To address the concern, Mooney says the county and VDOT are entering a revenue-sharing agreement to start the Hatcher Road Realignment Project that will ease traffic flow around the school.
“I’ve got grandkids in these schools, they’re riding the busses every day and it means a lot to everybody,” Mooney said.
Pulaski County Administrator Jonathan Sweet says the project in total costs slightly more than $8 million, nearly half coming from VDOT, the other from the county.
“More importantly, the middle school will have another point of egress, ingress, entry, and exit, at the site,” Sweet said.
Leaders say the project will include a traffic signal at Hatcher Road at Route 11.
It will also include a lane behind the middle school that will connect to Route 11 to allow better traffic flow at the school.
Another portion of the project will include four lanes with a median. It will have bike lanes and crosswalks that lead into a nearby neighborhood.
“It feels great signing the revenue sharing agreement, it’s important for residential development, commercial development,” Sweet said.
Pulaski County Public Schools Superintendent Robert Graham is pleased as well and tells 10 News, “We feel certain that this initiative will provide a much safer arrival and dismissal time traffic pattern for our students, staff, and the community.”
County leaders recently signed a deal with VDOT, and construction is expected to last for about two years.
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https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/19/pulaski-county-leaders-looking-to-make-route-11-safer-by-new-middle-school/
| 2023-07-19T23:36:30
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https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/19/pulaski-county-leaders-looking-to-make-route-11-safer-by-new-middle-school/
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ROANOKE, Va. – On Wednesday, the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office participated in National Hot Dog Day by sharing with the community.
From 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., officers set up on the top level of Washington Park near the renovated basketball court and gave away hot dogs to anyone and everyone.
We’re told local community sponsor “Clean Sweep 23″ assisted with the food supplies, and “D and G’s Wonderland” provided a bounce house for kids.
“Being a part of the sheriff’s office, we always talk about servitude,” Sheriff Antonio Hash said. “And today is another day that we can leave the comfort of our office and come out into the community at large to make sure that we are serving all people. It is so important to give back. We want everybody to know that giving is better than receiving.”
We’re told an estimated 800 hot dogs were given away during Wednesday’s event.
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https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/19/roanoke-city-sheriffs-office-hosts-national-hot-dog-day-community-event/
| 2023-07-19T23:36:36
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https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/19/roanoke-city-sheriffs-office-hosts-national-hot-dog-day-community-event/
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FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - Two Flint City Council Members and four residents are taking Mayor Sheldon Neeley's ARPA Advisory Committee to court.
The group says they filed a lawsuit against the City of Flint and Mayor Neeley in Genesee County Court Wednesday afternoon.
Mayor Neeley set up the advisory committee to develop plans for how to spend the city's $94 million in federal COVID-19 relief.
The plaintiffs say the City of Flint did two things wrong when establishing the committee. Joseph Cannizzo Jr. from the Lento Law Group says the City Charter failed to properly set up a multi-member body without a resolution or an ordinance. Cannizzo also mentioned that the members appointed to the ARPA Committee and that they require approval from the Flint City Council.
The lawsuit asks the court to end the committee or require Neeley to seek council approval for them to continue meeting.
Mayor Neeley has not commented on the lawsuit.
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https://www.abc12.com/news/local/flint-city-council-members-residents-file-lawsuit-against-mayor-sheldon-neeley/article_92d64e38-267c-11ee-9427-c71f1d1e6bf9.html
| 2023-07-19T23:40:28
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https://www.abc12.com/news/local/flint-city-council-members-residents-file-lawsuit-against-mayor-sheldon-neeley/article_92d64e38-267c-11ee-9427-c71f1d1e6bf9.html
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DALLAS — A man has been arrested in connection to the deaths of three women who were all found with stab wounds in empty fields in recent months, Dallas police said.
Oscar Sanchez Garcia, 25, was arrested on Wednesday, July 19, and he faces three counts of murder, according to a police news release.
The news release said Garcia was identified as the suspect "through evidence gathered by detectives." More information about his connection to the case was not released.
The first woman's body, later identified as 60-year-old Kimberly Robinson, was found April 22, 2023, in the 200 block of Santa Fe Avenue near the intersection of North Corinth Street Road and East Clarendon Drive in southern Dallas.
Two months later, 25-year-old Cherish Gibson's body was found in the same spot. Gibson was last seen near an adult bookstore on Harry Hines Boulevard. The owner told WFAA that Dallas police pulled surveillance video from his store because Gibson's phone pinged outside the store.
And on July 15, the body of an unidentified woman was found in a field less than five miles away from the other two victims.
Kimberly Robinson's daughter, Janetria Oliver, said she is grateful police have arrested the person responsible.
"My mother did not deserve that, and I’m so glad that he’s off the streets where he won’t be able to hurt anyone else," Oliver said. "I’ve also been praying for the other families involved. No one deserves for their life to be cut short like that, and we pray that full justice is served.”
Police had been investigating if their deaths were connected and on Tuesday, July 18, said that two of the women were involved in prostitution.
Police did not immediately release details into how they determined Garcia was the suspect in the three cases.
"This is what we've been praying for," Gibson's grandmother told WFAA.
Bekah Charleston, a sex trafficking victim, spoke with WFAA about the dangers of working in prostitution.
"When you dehumanize a person to the point that they become a commodity that means now you're just a product to someone that is to be paid for, used and discarded," Charleston said.
"You don't know how many women I know what have been either murdered by their sex traffickers or by their buyers that purchase them," she added.
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/arrest-made-deaths-three-woman-found-stabbed-empty-fields-dallas-texas/287-aedf05f2-329b-4f19-aa7a-8aff8c38596c
| 2023-07-19T23:40:31
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SAGINAW, Mich. (WJRT) - Saginaw Police are still searching for suspects in a deadly mass shooting at a street party from last month.
The shooting happened on June 24 at a street party near Fourth Street and Johnson Street.
Nearly 500 people were there, two people were killed, and 13 people were hurt. Two of the injured are still in the hospital.
Police say that there are no suspects in custody.
Anyone with information is asked to call the police or leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1 (800)-422-JAIL.
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https://www.abc12.com/news/local/police-still-looking-for-suspects-in-saginaws-fatal-street-party-shooting-from-june/article_4f24a18e-2673-11ee-82c3-37cc7d252e9f.html
| 2023-07-19T23:40:32
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https://www.abc12.com/news/local/police-still-looking-for-suspects-in-saginaws-fatal-street-party-shooting-from-june/article_4f24a18e-2673-11ee-82c3-37cc7d252e9f.html
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DALLAS — A legend, the most brilliant person in every room, a green Vespa-riding man bearing a mischievous boyish grin -- David Kunkle was all those things and more.
At his funeral Wednesday morning, the former Dallas police chief was universally praised for the relationships he built, the careers he launched, and the police departments he helped rebuild and save.
The former police chief of Dallas, Grand Prairie and Arlington died July 14 after a long battle with Lewy body dementia. He was 72.
At the memorial service Wednesday at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, easels held two photos. One showed Kunkle in his official portrait in full police uniform. The other, shirtless, in peak physical condition, shows him, as a competitor in scores of marathons, chasing his passion for running the open road. That's the person his former executive assistant Deborah Joseph said she would remember.
"He wasn't just my boss. He was my running partner, my lunch partner, and one of my best friends. In my mind, I imagine he’s out there somewhere…running like the wind…forever," she said.
And, forever, Kunkle’s impact in Dallas, and beyond, will be held in the highest regard. His friends and former co-workers talked of his work as the 27th Dallas police chief and how he stood watch over six consecutive years of crime reduction. His friend Steve Dye, also a former chief of the Grand Prairie Police Department, said Kunkle could count more than 30 other police chiefs across the country who got their starts under his mentorship. Kunkle was the epitome of courage, Dye said.
"He was a dominant force in the policing profession," Dye said. "A police legend and hero and we are eternally grateful for the friendship and the legacy that he has left in our noble and beloved policing profession. Professionally, I would not be here without the wisdom, support, guidance, friendship and knowledge given to me by Chief Kunkle."
Sarah Dodd, his wife of 17 years, talked of his intellect, his humility and that mischievous boyish grin. And she told the story of how, after their first date, he told her that she had changed his life.
“Well my love," Dodd said in her emotional goodbye to her husband at the funeral, "it is you who changed my life and I would not trade a single day."
"We were thankful for every day that we had together," she said. "And we both recognized how truly lucky we were to have a once-in-a-lifetime love built on deep respect and mutual adoration and admiration."
"Thank you for our more than 40 years of service," a dispatcher announced in the traditional last radio call. "Rest easy, we have the watch from here."
In addition to his wife, Kunkle is survived by his son, Michael Kunkle; his mother-in-law Vicki Dodd; grandchildren, Sarah Belmares, Abbigail Kunkle, Jeremy Kunkle; brother, Steve Kunkle and his wife, Melissa; their children, Matthew Kunkle, Rachel Kunkle, Nathan Kunkle, Hannah Hollingsworth; his sister, Kay Myers and her husband, Ron; and their children, Jessica Biggs, Jacob Myers, Zachary Myers and Andrew Myers.
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/former-dallas-police-chief-david-kunkle-eulogized-legend-leader-mentor-friend/287-fdadc4cc-fa27-4dea-ac2b-cae2c13748ae
| 2023-07-19T23:40:37
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DALLAS — Right now, in north Texas, there are 2,356 children in foster care who need an adoptive home, according to Child Protective Services (CPS). There are thousands more who are at risk of being removed from their biological homes.
Over the years, CPS has leaned on the help and generosity of many community partners to help these children. And WFAA is highlighting one in today's Wednesday's Child.
In the last 10 years, CPS caseworker Valandia “Val” Willis has come to rely greatly on Community Partners of Dallas.
"When I walked into this place, I was like, yes!" said Willis.
The facility provides clothes, toys, hygiene products and much more to children who have been abused.
Joanna Clark is the president and CEO of Community Partners of Dallas.
"The rainbow room is an emergency resource center that is available for all the needs of children with open cases for Child Protective Services," she said. "We serve more than 18,000 children here in Dallas County all of whom have open cases with Child Protective Services."
Inside the rainbow room, CPS workers can pick up whatever their case children need.
"They need clothing. They need diapers. They need formula. They need school supplies. They need coats. They need hygiene products. They need beds," Willis said. "Without them, I cannot even fathom doing my job."
The drawers of supplies are endless and free.
"We provide clothing, and our founders had the philosophy… abused kids don't deserve abused things, and so everything we provide is new and still has tags on it.”
She said they help children from infancy to teenage years.
If you would like to learn more about Community Partners of Dallas and how to donate, click here.
If you would like to read more of WFAA's Wednesday's Child stories, click here.
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/outreach/wednesdays-child/dallas-nonprofit-provides-emergency-resources-for-children-cps-custody-texas/287-2b08670e-db60-4d8c-b727-9640da782130
| 2023-07-19T23:40:44
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/outreach/wednesdays-child/dallas-nonprofit-provides-emergency-resources-for-children-cps-custody-texas/287-2b08670e-db60-4d8c-b727-9640da782130
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DALLAS — Fencing is not a terribly popular sport in Texas, but it just might be soon.
Hyo Kun Lee is the head coach at the fencing club, Globus Fencing Academy, in Farmers Branch. And remarkably, he trains his North Texas fencers almost entirely in Korean.
As a competitor, Lee represented Korea in the Seoul and Atlanta Olympic games before he was tapped as Olympic team coach. For years, he built champion after champion in Korea.
Despite how highly he was sought after, Lee decided to move to the U.S. in 2018 -- without knowing a word of English.
“I thought it might be time for another challenge,” he told WFAA through a translator.
In America, the sport of fencing is dominated by powerhouse clubs in coastal states like New York and California. The few fencers in places like North Texas generally don’t get coached by people like Lee.
That’s exactly why he says he moved here.
“Because there weren’t too many great clubs or athletes here,” he told WFAA. “It was a challenge.”
Taylor Chon was one of his first American students.
“For someone of that caliber to come to the south…we didn’t even know how long it would last,” Chon said.
Lee never left Chon, now ranked third in the country and fourth in the world in his division.
“In a way I almost felt like I owed it to him. I want to do this for me, but I also want to do this for Coach Lee," Chon said,
Chon is one of many of Lee's local success stories. Podium photos and college flags line the Globus gym walls as proof.
Young fencers like Clark Scott and Ariel Ko already have big goals.
“My main goal is I want to make fencing popular just how football is popular,” Scott said.
“Maybe as I get a lot older maybe try going to the Olympics,” Ko told WFAA.
Interestingly enough, a few of Lee’s students are Korean-American. But the majority are not.
Yet somehow, he's able to train them all with the few English words he’s learned over the years.
When he runs out of those, Chon said Lee is able to coach them by moving their bodies into the right position.
“If we’re doing it wrong, he’ll come over and fix you up and show you the right way,” Chon explained. "He’s been doing that to me since I was 11 or 12.”
It works so well, folks from those coastal states are now moving to North Texas to train with Lee.
And, at least for now, he's got no plan to leave.
“I travel a lot because of competition,” Lee said.
"I go to Europe, New York, everywhere. However, I noticed Texans are noticeably friendly. And that’s what I like the most," he said.
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/superstar-korean-olympic-fencing-coach-plants-roots-north-texas-train-new-champions/287-e60b0ccb-ea12-4c51-b27a-7a41677d4250
| 2023-07-19T23:40:50
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FORT WORTH, Texas — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers could begin digging the bypass channel that will form Panther Island as early as the end of 2024, Tarrant Regional Water District general manager Dan Buhman said this week.
The corps aims to prevent flooding in Fort Worth by re-routing the Trinity River north of downtown. The new canal will cut across an existing peninsula, forming an island city leaders aim to develop into a destination district similar to San Antonio's River Walk.
In one of two victories for the project this week, the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) signaled its intention to spend $116 million on the flood control plan in 2024.
"What we're doing is making way for the corps to be able to start construction," TRWD spokesperson Matt Oliver said Wednesday. "It's an incredibly exciting time."
The TRWD would spend $88 million reimbursing the city of Fort Worth for utility relocation work that is already underway. Crews must move sewerage, water and other infrastructure out of the bypass channel's path.
The district will also pay to acquire property, demolish nearby structures, and complete environmental cleanup.
"In the channel, we're almost finished with that," Oliver said. "Everybody's moving full-speed ahead."
The TRWD spent nearly $17 million on the plan in 2023, meaning this year's investment is worth almost $100 million more. The district will likely have to issue bonds previously-approved by voters to pay for the increase.
Buhman detailed the budget draft to TRWD board members on the same day an Austin commercial developer announced it's purchased nearly 30 acres of land on the peninsula. The group is known for its mixed-use developments, which generally include space for retail and housing.
"It kind of validates why we chose this spot and how amped we are for the future of the Panther Island district," said Ryan McWhorter, who founded nearby Panther Island Brewing.
The beermaker opened his taproom at the intersection of North Main and 4th Street in 2014. Business will boom as more stores and homes go up on the island, McWhorter said.
"Once we see them breaking ground on that (flood control project) and making this an actual island, it'll be very exciting," he said. "We've been waiting for this moment for nine years. It sounds like it's finally here."
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/tarrant-county/panther-island-development-116m-in-water-districts-proposed-budget/287-2e90156c-b2eb-4c77-8a5d-625cce01e9ef
| 2023-07-19T23:40:56
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/tarrant-county/panther-island-development-116m-in-water-districts-proposed-budget/287-2e90156c-b2eb-4c77-8a5d-625cce01e9ef
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'Avoiding bullets isn't easy': Battle Creek children call for an end to gun violence
BATTLE CREEK — On a calm, sunny morning on the lawn of Kellogg Community College's main campus, a group of passionate kids called for action.
Wearing orange shirts emblazoned with the mantra #KidsArentBulletproof, kids enrolled in the Re-Integration to Support Empowerment (R.I.S.E.) Children's Defense Fund Freedom School recited poems, performed skits and displayed signs Wednesday calling for an end to gun violence.
“Ignoring the problem doesn’t solve anything," one child explained in a poem. "Everybody deserves to live.”
"Avoiding bullets isn’t easy," another kid added. "No one is having fun outside no more."
The demonstration culminated with a march to the corner of North and East Roosevelt avenues. Chants of "No more silence, end gun violence!" and "Books not bullets" filled the air and students held up signs with messages ranging from "I deserve to feel safe" to "How many more kids have to die."
"We just think that it’s imperative that we educate our kids in regards to reading and writing and being able to comprehend and also be involved with social action," R.I.S.E. founder Damon Brown, who helped bring the Freedom School back to Battle Creek last year, explained. "We’re trying to get these kids to value themselves which in turn will make them value life more and value other lives."
The CDF Freedom Schools program integrates reading, conflict resolution and social action in an activity-based curriculum that promotes social, cultural, and historical awareness. The six-week summer program for K-12 students is currently administered locally by R.I.S.E.
Thirty-two kids participated in the program last summer, with 35 kids signed up this year.
"We have about 85 percent retention rate (from last year)," Brown said. "To have (the kids) willing to get up every day during the summertime and come here ... it speaks volumes about what we're doing here with the kids."
Fellow organizer Jacqueline Patrick-James agreed, "it’s a summer program that (kids) will always remember.”
Wednesday's demonstration served as the group's participation in the CDF National Day of Social Action. Festivities included a proclamation from the City of Battle Creek and guest reading from Ward 2 CIty Commissioner Jenasia Morris.
"Gun violence in our community has made me want to make some changes," Morris said. "When I was little like ya’ll, I lived on Oneita Street, and at my house on Oneita street, we had bullet holes on the inside and on the outside and I didn’t want that for my brothers and sisters, and I didn't want that for other kids in the community."
Morris makes it a point to speak to children whenever possible about the potential dangers of guns. She also wants to be an example to kids in her community.
"So many times the role models that we see don’t look like us and don’t come from where we come from," Morris said. "Being able to talk to kids that come from the same neighborhood that I come from and them seeing somebody that looks them that came from where they come from ... it’s impactful."
Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com
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https://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/story/news/local/2023/07/19/battle-creek-children-call-for-an-end-to-gun-violence/70432272007/
| 2023-07-19T23:44:14
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https://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/story/news/local/2023/07/19/battle-creek-children-call-for-an-end-to-gun-violence/70432272007/
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GARY — Thea Bowman Leadership Academy is asking community members to join in the charter school’s Clean-Up Day.
The clean-up will take place on July 27 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 3401 W. 5th Ave. Volunteers will clean up the property surrounding the school, prioritizing high visibility areas. It will include picking up trash, pulling weeds, flower planting and power washing.
“We hope that TBLA Clean-Up Day will inspire others to take action to improve our community for future generations,” said Board President Eve Gomez.
Volunteers will be provided with the necessary equipment and a cookout lunch will be provided afterwards.
For more information, visit the Thea Bowman Leadership Academy website here.
GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week
Craig Zandstra leads the way on a tour of Hatcher Park in Gary.
John J. Watkins, The Times
Harry Kuttner (from left), Emily Glover and Jessica Fernandez join Daniel Suarez on a tour of the wooded area of Hatcher Park in Gary.
John J. Watkins, The Times
America in Bloom adviser Laurie Lafferty (right) chats with Pat Rosenwinkel, president of Dyer in Bloom, and Dyer Operations Director Bryan Lane at Town Hall.
John J. Watkins, The Times
America in Bloom advisers Galen Gates and Laurie Lafferty take photos inside the Dyer Historical Society Museum.
John J. Watkins, The Times
America in Bloom adviser Galen Gates (left) and Dyer Operations Director Bryan Lane discuss Hart Ditch near Town Hall.
John J. Watkins, The Times
America in Bloom adviser Laurie Lafferty (left) chats with Dyer Town Council member Mary Tanis in the council chambers.
John J. Watkins, The Times
Kate Buckley, 17, of LaPorte snuggles with Charlotte (left) and Nugget while using her cellphone Wednesday at the LaPorte County Fair.
John J. Watkins, The Times
Merle Miller demonstrates a trick Wednesday to LaPorte County Fair Queen Jaxzee Marks (left) and first runner-up Samantha Wilson at the fair.
John J. Watkins, The Times
4-H'ers wrangle their pigs at the start of judging Wednesday at the LaPorte County Fair.
John J. Watkins, The Times
New Valparaiso University basketball coach Roger Powell Jr. (right) takes on volleyball coach Carin Avery in a free-throw shootout at Zao Island in Valparaiso.
John J. Watkins, The Times
Roger Powell Jr. (right), Valparaiso University's new basketball coach, and Vincent Walker, director of cross country and track and field, play a game of Connect 4 Hoops at Zao Island in Valparaiso.
John J. Watkins, The Times
New Valparaiso University basketball coach Roger Powell Jr. signs an autograph for Kameron Williams, 8, at Zao Island in Valparaiso.
John J. Watkins, The Times
New Valparaiso University basketball coach Roger Powell Jr. autographs a T-shirt for Brody Rees, 11, at Zao Island in Valparaiso.
John J. Watkins, The Times
Carl Wodrich, a deputy assistant commissioner with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management; Debra Shore, EPA regional administrator and manager of the Great Lakes National Program; Col. Paul Culberson of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Indiana Rep. Carolyn Jackson; and U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, cut the ribbon Monday for the Lake George Canal remediation project.
John J. Watkins, The Times
Guests head out for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday for the Lake George Canal remediation project.
John J. Watkins, The Times
Stephen Bell, director of the Chicago Park District's Ford Calumet Environmental Center and Big Marsh Park, talks about the Calumet Region history.
Joseph S. Pete
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https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/education/thea-bowman-host-clean-up/article_44bb404c-265d-11ee-ba77-67d20739f977.html
| 2023-07-19T23:50:22
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CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Huge trees at Jaycee Park in Cape Coral provide shade on hot Florida days, but now people who visit the park are concerned they could be cut down.
“I would find it very difficult to go for my daily walk and not have the shade because it’s hot in Florida,” said Widmer.
Mary Widmer lives in the condos right next to Jaycee Park. She said the trees keep her cool year-round.
“It’s a place where we walk, it’s a place where we bring our dogs, a place we socialize, and it’s in the shade, so it’s cool, and you can walk it really almost anytime,” Widmer explained.
But invasive trees along the shoreline could be cut down if the city moves forward with a major renovation project at the park.
A food truck court, a place for bands to play and boat slips are all being considered.
Mickie Tuzinski said the shade is crucial to keep not only her cool but also her dog Chocolate.
“When you’re walking your animals, you need the shade because of their paws. There’s even signs up telling you how they can burn the bottom of their paws if the road isn’t shaded,” Tuzinski said.
Widmer doesn’t like the food court plan but has her own ideas.
“I would like to see the parking fixed up. I would like to see many be some more cabanas in here, maybe expand some of the playground equipment,” Widmer suggested.
Losing shade isn’t the only concern. A lot of animals call these trees home.
“We have so many birds coming in here that nest; we have squirrels who love our trees,” Widmer said.
The trees and mangroves also provided protection during Hurricane Ian.
“We’re one of the only shorelines that didn’t completely fall apart. Between the trees and the rocks, it held up,” Widmer explained.
The city is working to set up an August neighborhood meeting to hear from residents about the project.
The city said these plans are not finalized, but the removal of exotic and invasive species must be a consideration in any future plans.
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https://nbc-2.com/news/local/lee-county/2023/07/19/residents-fear-trees-at-cape-corals-jaycee-park-could-be-cut-down/
| 2023-07-19T23:51:22
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After eight years at the helm, Nick Walton is hanging it up as coach of the Flagstaff Eagles varsity boys basketball team.
Walton officially resigned Tuesday, citing some changes in his career outside of basketball that made the travel and hectic schedule of a high school coach less feasible.
“Coach Walton has been an invaluable member of our team as both coach and mentor, and it is with a heavy heart that I accept his resignation,” said Jeannine Brandel, the school’s athletic director, said via email. “His passion and dedication has led us to numerous victories as well as instilled the values of sportsmanship, teamwork and perseverance to numerous students over the past eight years. He will be greatly missed.”
Walton said he is leaving the Eagles with a positive attitude toward the program. He has appreciated his opportunity with the team.
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“I don’t know if I can even put it into words. It’s been an amazing run,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed my time working at the school I attended, getting to know so many young athletes, great families, wonderful administration, and great coaches throughout the region and the state. I’ll always cherish my time here.”
Walton said there have been countless memorable moments. Recently, he enjoyed the 2021-22 season in particular, gaining a home crowd and renewed energy after COVID-19 made 2020-21 difficult across the country.
The Eagles went 13-7 (9-3 Grand Canyon) in 2021-22 and enjoyed a six-game region win streak toward the end of the campaign before hosting — and winning — a postseason game for the first time since 2016 with an 80-71 victory over Buckeye Union.
Walton figured this year’s Eagles squad had a strong chance at success with a veteran roster. It was one of many factors that made the decision to resign so difficult. But he pledged to be in the stands — as a fan for the first time — for plenty of home games in the years to come.
“It was a really tough because I was looking forward to this year. We’ve got a great group coming back and they made some big strides over the summer. So that’s been tough to know that we’ve put in a lot of work together to make some things happen, but it means that someone else has a great opportunity with a good group of kids,” Walton said.
Flagstaff’s administration will conduct a search for a new coach, with the goal of a hire by the fall. The Eagles begin their 2023-24 campaign with a road game at Seton Catholic on Nov. 16.
“We will miss him, but know that he has laid a strong foundation for our future,” Brandel said.
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https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/walton-ends-amazing-run-after-8-seasons-as-flagstaff-eagles-boys-basketball-coach/article_0a900f7e-264e-11ee-b7cc-f77a9b51a1b7.html
| 2023-07-19T23:56:19
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$200K-winning Powerball ticket sold at local Giant EagleWest Nile virus detected in Pittsburgh-area mosquitoesHealth alert issued for Never Any! ready-to-eat ham and cheese lunch kitsInnamorato resigns from state House of RepresentativesTens of thousands of cars with major security flaw still on Pittsburgh roads
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https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/allegheny-county/trial-continues-man-accused-killing-stowe-township-toddler/6QBJJICEJJEDVOPMMUFAJPWEDA/
| 2023-07-20T00:06:19
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https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/allegheny-county/trial-continues-man-accused-killing-stowe-township-toddler/6QBJJICEJJEDVOPMMUFAJPWEDA/
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Wafflse INCaffeinated in North Huntingdon will be closed on Thursday.
According to a Facebook post from the restaurant, a car hit the front of the building.
Officials will reassess the situation on Thursday and post when they reopen.
“You can still get great-tasting waffles and dishes at any of our other locations!” the post reads.
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https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/waffles-incaffeinated-north-huntingdon-closed-thursday-after-car-hit-building/HTPX2LTIVNALJH3B7CBWYUXDRY/
| 2023-07-20T00:06:26
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https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/waffles-incaffeinated-north-huntingdon-closed-thursday-after-car-hit-building/HTPX2LTIVNALJH3B7CBWYUXDRY/
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PITTSBURGH — Across Western Pennsylvania on Wednesday, people headed out in droves to buy Powerball tickets ahead of the drawing for the estimated $1 billion jackpot.
Doug Taylor has been working at Sunoco for 22 years. He’s seen some big lottery winners, and the winning checks line the windows there.
“It’s been crazy, a lot of people have been waiting in line,” Taylor said. “Yesterday it was back through the aisle, the candy aisle, no matter what I did I couldn’t get the line shorter.”
Powerball hit the $1 billion jackpot mark after no one won on Monday night. The game’s rules changed in 2015 to make it less likely that someone would win the jackpot, but more likely that someone will win a prize.
Despite the odds, it’s easy for customers to daydream about what they’d do with the cash.
“Usually they’re going to give part away and then they’re going to quit their job and go to like Hawaii or the Bahamas,” Taylor said.
“I know the chances are slim to none but it only takes one!” said Janet Stella.
The odds of winning are one in 292 million, and that’s why Taylor tells his loyal customers one thing: don’t quit your day job.
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https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/western-pennsylvanians-buy-powerball-tickets-ahead-drawing-1b-jackpot/ZB5GZAORYND75GEF5ZUJV2BLJI/
| 2023-07-20T00:06:32
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https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/western-pennsylvanians-buy-powerball-tickets-ahead-drawing-1b-jackpot/ZB5GZAORYND75GEF5ZUJV2BLJI/
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DALLAS — A man has been arrested in connection to the deaths of three women who were all found with stab wounds in empty fields in recent months, Dallas police said.
Oscar Sanchez Garcia, 25, was arrested on Wednesday, July 19, and he faces three counts of murder, according to a police news release.
The news release said Garcia was identified as the suspect "through evidence gathered by detectives." More information about his connection to the case was not released.
The first woman's body, later identified as 60-year-old Kimberly Robinson, was found April 22, 2023, in the 200 block of Santa Fe Avenue near the intersection of North Corinth Street Road and East Clarendon Drive in southern Dallas.
Two months later, 25-year-old Cherish Gibson's body was found in the same spot. Gibson was last seen near an adult bookstore on Harry Hines Boulevard. The owner told WFAA that Dallas police pulled surveillance video from his store because Gibson's phone pinged outside the store.
And on July 15, the body of an unidentified woman was found in a field less than five miles away from the other two victims.
Robinson's daughter, Janetria Oliver, said she is grateful police have arrested the person responsible.
"My mother did not deserve that, and I’m so glad that he’s off the streets where he won’t be able to hurt anyone else," Oliver said. "I’ve also been praying for the other families involved. No one deserves for their life to be cut short like that, and we pray that full justice is served.”
Police had been investigating if their deaths were connected and on Tuesday, July 18, said that two of the women were involved in prostitution.
Police did not immediately release details into how they determined Garcia was the suspect in the three cases.
"This is what we've been praying for," Gibson's grandmother told WFAA.
Bekah Charleston, a sex trafficking victim, spoke with WFAA about the dangers of working in prostitution.
"When you dehumanize a person to the point that they become a commodity that means now you're just a product to someone that is to be paid for, used and discarded," Charleston said.
"You don't know how many women I know what have been either murdered by their sex traffickers or by their buyers that purchase them," she added.
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https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/arrest-made-deaths-three-woman-found-stabbed-empty-fields-dallas-texas/287-aedf05f2-329b-4f19-aa7a-8aff8c38596c
| 2023-07-20T00:08:26
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https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/arrest-made-deaths-three-woman-found-stabbed-empty-fields-dallas-texas/287-aedf05f2-329b-4f19-aa7a-8aff8c38596c
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NEW ORLEANS — The family whose 17-year-old son was injured by a large tree branch in Jackson Square has officially filed a lawsuit, according to court documents.
The suit says the branch's failure "starts years earlier" than the incident, citing a negligent inspection done by an out-of-state tech company, deficient work from a city contractor, construction performed around the tree, and the city's failure to take measures to protect the public. The city of New Orleans, Arborpro Inc., Bayou Tree Services, Smith Construction Company, and Hudson Insurance Company are all named in the suit.
The injured teen is identified as Gavin Cristea of New Braunfels, Texas. The family is represented by local attorney Morris Bart.
"We're going to aggressively litigate this case. We're going to aggressively fight on behalf of the Cristea family. And to be quite honest, it has implications for all of us as New Orleanians, Bart said. As a New Orleanian myself, I'm very proud of the majestic live oak trees throughout our city. The beauty of these trees, but we need to know that we're safe."
Bart says it was the family’s first day in the city when the tree collapsed.
"It was a catastrophic fall, the limb fell directly on his head and pinned him to the ground for many minutes before he could be released from the limb itself. He was taken to the hospital. He is still in ICU.," Bart said.
Cristea was sitting on a bench with his mother and sibling in Jackson Square when the tree suddenly dropped and caused catastrophic damage. His brain, skull, face, and spine injuries are considered catastrophic.
Bart read a statement from the family that said the following about the incident: "It was preventable, it should not have happened, and cannot happen again. We were visiting a major tourist attraction. How can a visitor feel safe anywhere. It shouldn't have taken the tree crushing our child for the city to take this seriously. Regarding the condition of Gavin, the Cristea family says there are just so many unknowns right now. We don't even know what the damage to his brain is, and we already know that he has so many more surgeries ahead. It's been a real roller coaster for us. And every time, it looks like things start going well. There is some kind of setback, and we are back to square one.
Bart points to the first limb failure that happened on June 27, saying the tree was clearly showing signs of decay. He says the city should have roped off the area.
"Why did they didn't rope off the area? I have no answer for that. But I can assure you we will find out," Bart said.
After the incident, the city told WWL-TV the tree was inspected on June 27 and June 28 after the first limb fell. Through those inspections, the city determined there was an "imminent" threat of failure.
City spokesman John Lawson previously said in a statement about the June 27 incident.
"The mature live oak was inspected by Parks and Parkways arborists on June 27 while performing clean up to remove a large failed limb (referred to as a leader). The tree was again inspected on June 28. The determination then was made to perform additional pruning on a smaller dead limb and reevaluate the health and balance of the tree once specialized equipment was made available to access the square. When an immediate risk for failure is observed through arborist inspection, a tree is removed immediately. Our arborists concluded, based on the two remaining sections of the tree, that there was not an elevated risk of additional large limb or whole tree failure."
Mayor LaToya Cantrell also addressed whether the tree should have been roped off after the first tree limb fell last week.
“There’s always room to go deeper, to go the extra mile because what we’ve learned is that just you never know and even as the tree was inspected prior to this incident, it was inspected giving us no indication of an imminent danger of collapsing.”
► Get breaking news from your neighborhood delivered directly to you by downloading the new FREE WWL-TV News app now in the IOS App Store or Google Play.
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https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/family-of-teen-seriously-injured-by-falling-tree-branch-in-jackson-square-files-lawsuit/289-ee581555-9051-4f99-b7ee-1d7d20b17fb4
| 2023-07-20T00:08:32
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https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/family-of-teen-seriously-injured-by-falling-tree-branch-in-jackson-square-files-lawsuit/289-ee581555-9051-4f99-b7ee-1d7d20b17fb4
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SAN ANTONIO — The medication Ozempic has been all the rage among those trying to lose weight, which led to the shortage of the drug earlier this year.
Ozempic was originally designed to help those with diabetes. But we now know it also has a weight loss benefit for many taking the drug. But another side effect has arisen too.
Steve Carlton, the Chief Clinical Officer of Gallus Medical Detox Centers told us, "The third finding recently is anecdotally, these people were coming in and they were saying, Hey, doc, like, I'm also drinking a lot less than I used to. I just I just don't have the same level of desire or craving for for alcohol that I was having."
If you're wondering how this happens, semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, makes your brain think you are full and satisfied. So people don't eat as much, and in this drink as much either. But there are concerns about a rebound when the medication is stopped.
Carlton added, "Some studies have shown that people's weight loss sort of immediately rebounds. And so that would be the concern for alcohol use if we were to apply this substance to alcohol use disorder."
Gallus Medical Detox Centers says 60 percent of their patients are related to an alcohol disorder. In the U.S. the CDC says one in five deaths among adults aged 20 to 49 are because of excessive alcohol use, with deaths related to alcohol ni the U.S. totaling 140,000 each year. That's even more than fentanyl which claims about 110,000 lives annually.
Carlton added, "When we look at alcohol, it is something that's a really significant problem. But it's so common and so and so much more socially acceptable that we we it's easier to sort of brush off the fact that it is it is having a deadly impact."
There have also been a few cases of suicidal thoughts related to Ozempic, so make sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new medication and the side effects it could cause.
For more information about family health call 210-358-3045. You can also find the rest of Wear The Gown stories, just go to WearTheGown.com.
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https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/outreach/wear-the-gown/wear-the-gown-one-ozempic-side-effect-coming-out-diminishing-alcoholism/273-6c6f6082-3112-4aa7-b2fa-c30f3ce7aa69
| 2023-07-20T00:08:38
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https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/outreach/wear-the-gown/wear-the-gown-one-ozempic-side-effect-coming-out-diminishing-alcoholism/273-6c6f6082-3112-4aa7-b2fa-c30f3ce7aa69
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BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) – There will soon be a new home for baseball in Bristol.
The Bristol State Liners, the Twin Cities’ Appalachian League squad, is moving south into Tennessee at Whitetop Creek Park.
The City of Bristol, Tennessee and team officials broke ground on a new $7 million stadium at the park on Wednesday.
State Liners General Manager and Bristol, Tennessee Councilman Mahlon Luttrell said Bristol has more than 100 years of baseball history, and the new stadium should start the next chapter in style.
“We’re going to have expanded clubhouses, artificial turf, new lighting systems,” Luttrell said. “We hope [the fans are] going to really enjoy it.”
Bristol, Tennessee will pay for $5 million worth of the new stadium in a public-private partnership with Boyd Sports, the parent company of the State Liners.
Bristol, Tennessee Vice Mayor Mark Hutton said it’s a good deal for the city.
“For years to come, I think this place will be where a lot of folks will be bringing their families, helps with quality of life,” Hutton said. “We want to bring businesses here and they look for amenities. This is a great amenity. Baseball is America’s pastime. It’s just going to be a fantastic place. I believe that this is a top-notch investment for our city.”
It’s the first new stadium in the Appy League since Greeneville’s Pioneer Park.
The State Liners will move from Bristol, Virginia’s Boyce Cox Field, and Luttrell said it was a move that may have saved baseball in Bristol.
“We were at the point with Major League Baseball that if we were not able to produce a new and or very, very improved facility, then we run a high risk of losing baseball in Bristol forever,” Luttrell said.
With a new home stadium on the way, State Liners Director of Marketing Dave Rudd said both fans and players are excited about the new digs.
“I’ve been talking to some of the players that are eligible to come back next year and told them, ‘Hey, we’re going to have a new stadium. Why don’t you come back?'” Rudd said. “They’re all looking forward to that.”
The new stadium will have plenty of seating options for fans, including suites inside the dugouts.
Additionally, it’ll have shaded bleachers with seat-backs.
The stadium will also host Tennessee High baseball. City officials said they also see potential for events and youth baseball tournaments.
Hutton said some aspects of the stadium’s construction are out for bid and work will start in the next few weeks.
They plan to have the stadium ready by the start of the next Appy League season in the summer of 2024.
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https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/bristol-breaks-ground-on-new-state-liners-stadium/
| 2023-07-20T00:13:30
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https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/bristol-breaks-ground-on-new-state-liners-stadium/
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GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL)- The former Tacoma hospital was bought by Greene County and is currently being renovated to move county departments into a bigger space.
The hospital was bought by the county from Ballad Health in November of 2021 for $2.5 Million. Since then, the county has designated the floors of the building for different purposes.
- Floor 1: The registrar of deeds, trustees office, and the county clerk (tag/registration office)
- Floor 2: Administration Office
- Floor 3: Sheriff’s Office
- Floor 4: Greene County Central Office
Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison says that thanks to a half-million-dollar grant obtained by Ballad Health, the county can pay for more renovations.
“Our $2.5 million and their $500,000 contribution from grant funding funded this project,” said Morrison. “We funded this with general debt service funds from our general debt service, which is only earmarked for purchases such as this.”
Renovations to the building have already begun. The Employee Health and Wellness Center has already moved to the former hospital and opened on July 17. Morrison said they have, however, experienced setbacks that have prolonged the project.
“It’s been difficult because of the engineering or the logistical challenges,” said Morrison. “We’ve turned off the very expensive high-pressure boilers that cost about $15,000 a month to operate, so we’re converting it all over to a conventional AC like you would see in a regular office building or residence.”
The new building will provide 110,000 square feet of office space for the county. Sheriff Wesley Holt told News Channel 11 that he hasn’t seen an improvement in office space this big in his 34 years at the department.
“We’ve just outgrown that building and it served its purpose years ago,” he said. “Now we can use that building later as maybe a minimum security facility for weekenders, people who do 24-48 hours jail sentences. If there is problems with jail overcrowding, then we could possibly revert that back into some kind of minimum security small facility.”
Holt said that the current office space is too crowded and they do not have enough room for case evidence.
“This is going to give us a bigger evidence room,” said Holt. “It’s also going to give us a training area up here.”
Mayor Kevin Morrison says there’s no official date as to when the departments can start moving in, but renovations are actively underway.
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https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/greene-county-utilizes-former-ballad-hospital-for-office-space/
| 2023-07-20T00:13:36
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https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/greene-county-utilizes-former-ballad-hospital-for-office-space/
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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The most comprehensive test-score data yet released by the Tennessee Department of Education is out, and Johnson City and Washington County’s systems are the region’s clear performance leaders compared to their city and county peers.
News Channel 11 unpacked the data in several important categories and also took advantage of the longitudinal graphs that go back to 2017. That offers a chance to see how systems’ scores suffered in 2021, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they have recovered.
A look at the data also shows that most systems have overall scores in math and English/language arts that exceed state averages.
A bit about the data
Tennessee administers a variety of tests to students starting in third grade that are included in the data and comparisons. Based on standards, a student’s scores fall into one of four categories: below expectations, approaching expectations, met expectations and exceeded expectations.
From those four categories, the state determines a “proficiency rate” that equals the sum of students scoring either met or exceeded expectations in a particular school district, demographic group, grade range or subject area.
Scores are also divided into four subject areas: English/language arts (ELA), math, science and social studies.
A rich array of results, graphs and comparison through time is available at the district level at https://tdepublicschools.ondemand.sas.com/districts. A map on that page allows users to navigate to specific districts and data inside each district includes test results (under 2023 district assessment) as well as “performance indicators,” which show achievement scores that take into account both raw scores and any growth compared to prior performance.
The state also measures the scores of historically underserved groups, including students of color, economically disadvantaged students, students with disabilities and English language learners.
The city districts
“Overall scores”
News Channel 11 compared the Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, Greeneville and Elizabethton districts using “overall scores” for English/language arts and math, which are a weighted average of all grade levels. We also compared each district’s pre-pandemic, mid-pandemic and 2023 scores internally in those categories, and we looked at the scores of economically disadvantaged students in each district.
Johnson City stood out significantly in each of those categories. In English/language arts, 57.7% of Johnson City students tested proficient this year, with a full 21.5% of those testing at the highest level, “exceeding expectations.”
The other four districts were tightly grouped between 11 and 13 percentage points behind Johnson City, with Elizabethton at 46.7%, Greeneville 45.5%, Kingsport 45.2% and Bristol 45%. The state aggregate proficiency rate was 38.1%.
The other four districts had “exceeding expectations” rates between 10.7% (Bristol) and 12.5% (Kingsport).
In the math category, Johnson City also scored more than 10 percentage points above the other districts, with a 57.0% proficiency rate. That was followed by Elizabethton (46.2%), Bristol (45.2%), Kingsport (43.3%) and Greeneville (41.8%). The state proficiency rate was just 34.0%.
Johnson City also again had much higher rates of students exceeding expectations in math, with 25.6% of students reaching that level. The other four districts ranged from 13.7% exceeding expectations in Kingsport to 11.6% in Elizabethton.
Economically disadvantaged scores
School systems are encouraged to strive for as narrow a gap as possible between the scores of historically underserved students and those who are not. Johnson City Supervisor of Instruction Roger Walk said Tennessee includes students who “directly certify” for free meals because their households already receive federal aid like Temporary Assistance to Needy Families or SNAP (food stamps).
Tennessee and many other states include a growth or “value-added” piece to school accountability measures that takes into account the correlation between poverty and achievement, Walk said, because they recognize “a correlation between poverty and achievement.”
On the raw score front, Johnson City’s economically disadvantaged students did better than their peers in the other city systems. In ELA, 36.3% of Johnson City students scored proficient.
Elizabethton and Greeneville were at 28.9% and 28.3% respectively, with Bristol at 27.3%. Kingsport lagged further behind in this category, with just 23.9% of disadvantaged students proficient. The state rate was 20.5%.
In math, Johnson City saw 35.0% of economically disadvantaged students score proficient. There was more spread between the other cities, with Elizabethton at 29.0%, Bristol at 25.5%, Greeneville at 21.3% and Kingsport the lowest again at 21.0%. The state rate was 17.2%.
Pulling out of the pandemic
Score data from the last testing year before the pandemic (2019) and the next testing year (2021) put in sharp relief the learning loss that officials spoke of in the midst of COVID. The 2023 scores show that most districts have regained most of those losses in proficiency rate and in some cases exceeded their pre-pandemic scores.
One notable data point is the difference between recovery in ELA and that in math. Every district had higher ELA scores in 2023 than it did in 2019. Only Elizabethton had a higher math score in 2023 than it did in 2019. Bristol’s score was the same.
Greeneville’s math score was still 5.6% lower than in 2019, Kingsport’s score was 4.4% lower and Johnson City’s 3.9% lower.
The highest score decline was for math in Greeneville, which dropped from 47.4% proficient in 2019 to 32.0% in 2021. Math scores declined by more than 10% in the other four cities as well.
ELA scores declined less, falling just 2.8% in Johnson City and a high of 7.3% in Elizabethton, where they fell from 41.9% in 2019 to 34.6% in 2021.
Statewide, the math proficiency rate dropped from 36.8% in 2019 to 25.6% in 2021, and remained below the 2019 figure this year at 33.8%. The ELA rate dropped much less, from 34.7% to 29.6% in 2021, and exceeded 2019 this year at 38.1%.
County schools generally lower, Washington an outlier, Greene sees big gains
Overall scores
In ELA for all students, Washington County was the only county school system in the region to surpass the state rate for proficiency, with 45.9% of students reaching that level. That puts it right in line with every city system except Johnson City.
The other county systems were all below the state rate of 38.1%. Greene County was at 36.3% and Sullivan at 35.6%. They were followed by Carter and Unicoi at 33.9% and 33.1%, while Hawkins and Johnson counties brought up the rear at 31.6% and 30.7% respectively.
In math, Washington County still led the way but by a much closer margin. Yet to climb all the way out from a steep pandemic drop, it had 39.2% proficiency, which was lower than all five city systems. Greene County was just behind at 38.5%.
Falling below the state rate of 34.0% were Sullivan (33.1%), Unicoi (29.0%), Carter (26.5%) and Hawkins (24.7%). Johnson County’s math proficiency rate was just 18.1%.
Economically disadvantaged scores
Every area county scored above the state proficiency rate for economically disadvantaged student ELA scores.
Washington County was at 32.0%, with a good cushion over Greene County’s 27.1%. Unicoi was at 24.6%, Johnson 23.9%, Sullivan 22.3% and Hawkins 21.6%. The state’s rate was 20.5%.
Washington County’s ELA disadvantaged rate was higher than all the cities’ but Johnson City, while Greeneville and Unicoi County both had higher rates than Kingsport.
In math, Greene County had the best performance for disadvantaged students, at 26.4%, which bested three of the city districts including Greeneville. Washington County’s rate was 25.1%, with Sullivan and Unicoi at 20.4% and 20.0% respectively.
Hawkins County’s rate of 17.3% was a hair above the state rate of 17.2%, while Johnson County was at just 15.7%.
Pulling out of the pandemic
As was the case with the city systems, area county schools posted 2023 ELA proficiency rates that were at least slightly higher than their 2019 levels. They also saw less dramatic drops in ELA proficiency during the pandemic than they did in math. Only Johnson County had a slightly lower ELA score in 2023 than in 2019.
ELA declines ranged from a high of 9.9% in Washington County (from 44.4% to 34.5%) to a low of just 1.8% in Johnson County.
Greene County was the biggest gainer coming out of 2021, with its proficiency rate increasing from 24.5% to 36.3%. It also has the biggest gain from 2019, when it was at 30.4%. The remaining systems are closer to their 2019 rates in ELA.
Math declines were more dramatic in some of the counties than they were in the cities or statewide.
In math, Greene County also stood out the most in its gain over 2019 scores. Its math proficiency was 30.0% in 2019, dropped to 25.3% in 2021 and rose all the way to 38.5% in 2023.
Some other districts saw very steep dips in 2021 compared to 2019. Sullivan County fell from 31.1% proficiency to 16.7%, but rebounded to 33.1% this year. Carter dropped even more, from 36.8% to 16.8%, and hasn’t gained as much back — it’s at 26.5%.
Washington County dropped from 44.6% to 24.5% and remains 5 percentage points below its 2019 level, at 39.2%.
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https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/tn-test-scores-in-how-does-your-district-stack-up/
| 2023-07-20T00:13:42
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Sloss Tech will return to the historic Lyric Theatre for the first time post-pandemic on Aug. 4.
Sloss Tech is an event hub for the best and the brightest of natural and local tech entrepreneurs. Founders, startups and companies can share ideas, build relationships with one another, and push the boundaries of innovation.
Attendees can enjoy a full day of programming with content across cutting-edge topics in tech, such as AI, EdTech and more. Devon Townsend, Cameo co-founder and chief product officer, will join the lineup as one of the conference’s keynote speakers.
Sloss Tech will debut its “Next in Tech” program this year, which will offer a limited number of complimentary tickets to students and early tech professionals.
For more information and tickets, click here.
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https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/sloss-tech-returns-to-birmingham-on-aug-4/
| 2023-07-20T00:14:16
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https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/sloss-tech-returns-to-birmingham-on-aug-4/
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Authorities are on the hunt for Jill Crippes of Iowa City, who went missing Monday morning
Iowa City law enforcement is on the hunt for a woman who went missing Monday morning.
Jill F. Crippes, 47, was last seen just after 8 a.m. July 17 in front of 1022 Estron St., walking west toward Willow Creek Park. She is believed to be wearing black pants, a black t-shirt with white lettering, and leopard print shoes.
The city asks anyone who lives in the 1000 Block of Estron Street near the park to review their home security systems, including doorbell cameras, for any signs of Crippes in the days since her disappearance.
The investigation remains ongoing. Police are investigating all tips and coordinating with the fire department to investigate any of her last known locations, according to a release.
Anyone with information on Crippes' whereabouts can contact the Joint Emergency Communication Center at 319-356-6800.
Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached atrhansen@press-citizen.com or on Twitter @ryanhansen01.
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https://www.press-citizen.com/story/news/local/2023/07/19/police-continue-search-for-missing-woman-jill-f-crippes/70432555007/
| 2023-07-20T00:17:22
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https://www.press-citizen.com/story/news/local/2023/07/19/police-continue-search-for-missing-woman-jill-f-crippes/70432555007/
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NASHVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA: Country music is leaving a stamp on Greensboro tonight with many Nashville stars performing. Check out Ben Chapman & Co. for a free show at the Steel Hands Brewing Company starting at 6 p.m., then head over to the Greensboro Coliseum to catch Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell and Nate Smith at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the latter show start at $29.
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https://greensboro.com/life-entertainment/local/country-music-nashville-thomas-rhett-cole-swindell-nate-smith-ben-chapman-free-beer/article_81052f54-24cd-11ee-acbd-1b7fc33f2f08.html
| 2023-07-20T00:18:12
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https://greensboro.com/life-entertainment/local/country-music-nashville-thomas-rhett-cole-swindell-nate-smith-ben-chapman-free-beer/article_81052f54-24cd-11ee-acbd-1b7fc33f2f08.html
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INDIANAPOLIS — The Community Heights Neighborhood Association is using barriers in center turn lanes on 10th Street between Emerson and Arlington avenues and along bike lanes between Ritter and Arlington avenues to help ensure safer roads for drivers pedestrians and bicyclists.
The project, which organizers are calling an experiment, started Sunday and will run until Nov. 4.
"It was nearly instantaneous that passing in the center lane stopped, racing down 10th Street stopped," said Leslie Schulte, Community Heights Neighborhood Association president.
In its first week, organizers say the feedback has been mostly positive.
"I would believe that the neighbors that can look out their front window and see 10th Street, they're your most reliable witnesses of what's happening," Schulte said. "They all seem to be happy with the results of this study."
It's the second Tactical Urbanism project the city has approved. The Community Heights Neighborhood Association says they received a permit from the Department of Public Works for the $50,000 study. They say it was funded by the Indiana Department of Health, Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center and the Indianapolis Foundation.
"Our goal with this project is to collect data that demonstrates that it is safer to be out here both with hard data, a speed study, collecting how fast cars are going and are they obeying the speed limit," said Schulte. "And with soft data, how do neighbors feel when they're walking, when they're waiting for the bus, when they're driving?"
After Nov. 4, the neighborhood association and Department of Public Works will evaluate the data collected and talk with neighbors to see if a permanent safety investment will be made.
There will be another round of barriers being installed this Saturday, July 22, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and members of the public are invited to help.
If you have any questions about the project, visit the project's website.
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https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/community-initiative-hopes-to-reduce-reckless-driving-on-the-east-side-indianapolis/531-94bb72a3-3396-41f5-8c27-4050d7b27cf1
| 2023-07-20T00:18:13
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https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/community-initiative-hopes-to-reduce-reckless-driving-on-the-east-side-indianapolis/531-94bb72a3-3396-41f5-8c27-4050d7b27cf1
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COMMUNITY THEATRE: Starting this Thursday, the Camel City Playhouse in Winston-Salem is putting on their latest show, "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," a comedic musical about modern love. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday through July 30. Tickets can be purchased online for $20. For more information, visit camelcityplayhouse.com.
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| 2023-07-20T00:18:18
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https://greensboro.com/life-entertainment/local/theater-theatre-musical-comedy-winston-salem/article_b4bd4f84-24d7-11ee-ab33-7be7add3372d.html
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INDIANAPOLIS — The city of Indianapolis is taking another step in what they believe will improve downtown safety.
This week, leaders reached a memorandum of understanding with the Indiana War Memorials Commission to allow Indy Parks to manage the University Park property.
Mayor Joe Hogsett said it gives the city the authority to “beautify, improve, maintain and regulate” the area, which sits just a block south of the Indiana War Memorial.
“It basically allows the Indy Parks and IMPD to now enter University Park and to regulate it like any other public park in the city,” Hogsett said. “And to be able to hold people accountable who are misbehaving or otherwise taking advantage of the park space in ways that are not conducive to public health and public safety.”
This week, one of IMPD’s mobile cameras was also placed in the park along Vermont Street.
The agreement comes more than a year after a 24-year-old woman was fatally stabbed in the park after a disturbance.
“The same rules that apply to any city park will now be enforced in University Park,” Hogsett said.
Indy Park rules include:
- Use of alcohol and controlled substances is not permitted
- Park hours are dawn to dusk
- Parking is permitted only in designated areas, vehicles prohibited on grass
- All animals must be on a leash
- No discharge of weapons allowed in park
- Permits required for special events
A spokesperson with Indy Parks said these rules are about ensuring safety and keeping the park clean. They also hope the new partnership leads to new opportunities for the greenspace downtown.
“It’s really about utilizing these greenspaces and maximizing them to the fullest potential for residents,” said Alex Cortwright with Indy Parks.
Prior to this agreement, the city collaborated with the Indiana War Memorials Commission on issues involving the park. The commission will retain ultimate ownership and control over University Park.
Also, the park is often used for food giveaways to help the city’s unhoused.
The city said it is partnering with Downtown Indy, Inc. on an initiative to connect more people with housing and services downtown this summer. It includes a team of six full-time outreach specialists.
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https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indy-parks-to-take-over-management-of-university-park-downtown-indianapolis/531-b6beeb09-64e8-4706-bbfd-4b6afa7d781a
| 2023-07-20T00:18:19
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https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indy-parks-to-take-over-management-of-university-park-downtown-indianapolis/531-b6beeb09-64e8-4706-bbfd-4b6afa7d781a
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GREENSBORO — Two acclaimed directors. Two very different movies. One internet meme.
Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" a bright-hued comedy about a doll having an existential crisis, and Cristopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" a partly black-and-white biopic drama about a nuclear scientist building a deadly weapon, are both coming out this week.
Both films have advertised a Friday release date, but showtimes are available in Greensboro as soon as Thursday.
Some movie fans and internet jokesters have been making much of the shared release date for contrasting movies, which are coming from two different studios: Warner Brothers and Universal.
AMC Theaters reported that 20,000 of its AMC Stubs members had purchased tickets for a double feature. If you’re counting, that’s 294 minutes of moviewatching. Even Margot Robbie — Barbie herself — and Tom Cruise, the star of another summer blockbuster, have started plotting the ideal “Barbenheimer” day.
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“It’s a perfect double bill,” said Robbie at her movie’s London premiere Wednesday. “I think actually start your day with ‘Barbie,’ then go straight into ‘Oppenheimer’ and then a ‘Barbie’ chaser.”
So is it possible to pull off watching both movies on the same day in Greensboro this week?
Judging from screening times posted by local theaters as of Tuesday evening, the answer is definitely yes. There's lots of options, whether you want to use "Barbie" as a palate cleanser to the darkness of "Oppenheimer" or to finish off you moviegoing day with the massive explosions and moral ambiguities of Oppenheimer.
Here's a couple sample ways to pull it off. As always, movie times may change or get sold out, so double check before you go.
Thursday, June 20: Regal Cinemas, Northline Avenue.
Oppenheimer at 5 p.m. on a standard screen or 6 p.m. on RPX, followed by Barbie at 9:50, 10:20 or 10:25 p.m.
Friday, June 21: RED Cinemas, Battleground Ave.
Oppenheimer at 12:40 p.m. followed by Barbie at 5:25, 7, or 8:20 p.m.
Saturday June 22: AmStar Cinemas 18 Four Seasons Station.
Barbie 2 p.m. on GPX, followed by Oppenheimer on GPX at 6 p.m.
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https://greensboro.com/news/local/barbie-oppenheimer-greensboro-barbenheimer-guilford-county-movie-barbieheimer/article_cb7ced5a-25a5-11ee-90f2-c3e191a9fd20.html
| 2023-07-20T00:18:27
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https://greensboro.com/news/local/barbie-oppenheimer-greensboro-barbenheimer-guilford-county-movie-barbieheimer/article_cb7ced5a-25a5-11ee-90f2-c3e191a9fd20.html
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GREENSBORO — It's a grim milestone no one wanted to reach. The city's number of homicides in 2023 now stands at 41 — the total for all of 2022.
And for two more families, there's a loss that can't be replaced.
Kristopher Wilson, 38, and Victor Banks, 37, died after a shooting at 11:45 p.m. Tuesday in the 4000 block of McIntosh Street, police said. Another man wounded in the shooting remained in critical condition Wednesday afternoon.
"We've lost so many people," said Irish Spencer, who founded Families Against Senseless Killings in 2016 after her son, Tre, was shot and killed in Greensboro while trying to diffuse an altercation.
With too many fatal confrontations taking place, Spencer wants to ask: "Was it something so horrible that they deserve to die?"
Spencer was among a group of community representatives who, along with city officials, attended Police Chief John Thompson's "call to action" earlier this month at police headquarters to talk about the increase in homicides.
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"I would like to see people take back their neighborhoods," Spencer said. "I'd like to see us have more frequent discussions about putting programs in place. I'm tired of the red tape to get things done — and I'm more tired of the yellow tape that goes up around a crime scene."
Spencer said there's an urgent need for neighborhood leaders to step up and bring back neighborhood watch programs.
"Sometimes we forget the old way is the good way," she said. "Not everyone carries a gun, but everyone carries feelings. We need to have courageous conversations."
Spencer said the community needs to keep the momentum going in an effort to save the lives of people who are being taken too soon. She wants to talk with leaders who can quickly make "yes or no" decisions that can help residents reduce violence in their neighborhoods.
"I need a decision-makers meeting," she said, "and I would be glad to lead it."
City Councilman Hugh Holston also attended the police chief's call to action and is eager to see the community get involved.
"I fully support Chief Thompson for having a call to action and for being transparent enough to say we can't do this alone," Holston said. "It's not something we're going to police our way out of."
Holston said residents need to help drive the changes they want to see.
"We've got to get reengaged," Holston said Wednesday. "We don't know our neighbors anymore."
Holston said the city is looking at how to actively support local organizations that have "boots on the ground" in neighborhoods experiencing violence. He also expects the city will look at economic development efforts, how to better leverage technology to deter crime and how to reach young people earlier about ways to resolve conflicts without weapons.
"We're looking at everything," Holston said. "It's not going to be easy getting out of this. We have to find ways to invest in each other. We've got to connect and get back to basics."
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https://greensboro.com/news/local/crime-courts/update-police-say-2-men-died-after-tuesday-night-shooting-that-left-another-man-in/article_7ad4a63e-2629-11ee-9b68-3375d271e82c.html
| 2023-07-20T00:18:27
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https://greensboro.com/news/local/crime-courts/update-police-say-2-men-died-after-tuesday-night-shooting-that-left-another-man-in/article_7ad4a63e-2629-11ee-9b68-3375d271e82c.html
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GREENSBORO — At a price of about $2.5 million, the Guilford County Board of Education has approved the purchase of land to build a new K-8 school in the Colfax community.
The new school — to be named for famed NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson — is expected to have a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math theme, and include STEM laboratories for use by the students there. It will serve kindergarten through eighth grade, a configuration that's more common in other states and among charter schools and private schools.
Money to purchase the land and to build the school is expected to come from the proceeds from school construction bonds previously approved by Guilford County voters.
Guilford County commissioners will also have to approve the price for the sale.
The nearly 28 acres on South Bunker Hill and Boylston roads were recently annexed and rezoned by the City of High Point to pave the way for the land deal for the school.
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Colfax neighbors fought to keep the school annexation and rezoning from happening, bringing forward a wide variety of concerns including traffic and quality-of-life issues, but failed to convince High Point City Council not to go ahead with the moves.
School district leaders have said the new school is planned in response to growth in west and southwest Guilford County and to reduce overcrowding of nearby elementary schools. It's planned as a neighborhood school, meaning students who attend would come from surrounding areas.
Six school board members voted in favor of the purchase, with board members Crissy Pratt and Linda Welborn voting against it and Vice Chairwoman Bettye Jenkins absent.
Speaking briefly following Tuesday night's school board meeting, Pratt and Welborn said they voted against the purchase in solidarity with the Colfax community members who had organized against the annexation, rezoning and purchase. Neither shared an alternate proposal for the location of the school.
Pratt said she knows there are a lot of people there who are upset about the sale, and she said she found their concerns about traffic, "really valid."
"They did do an awesome job of trying to represent their concerns," Welborn said. "Hopefully we at least listened, and make sure that we avoid, or minimize, or fix their concerns as best as possible."
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https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/katherine-johnson-colfax-southwest-guilford-county-schools-k-8-neighborhood-high-point-crissy-pratt-linda-welborn/article_4a880c76-263a-11ee-b7a8-5342983a9df9.html
| 2023-07-20T00:18:27
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https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/katherine-johnson-colfax-southwest-guilford-county-schools-k-8-neighborhood-high-point-crissy-pratt-linda-welborn/article_4a880c76-263a-11ee-b7a8-5342983a9df9.html
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GREENSBORO — A former Smith High School assistant principal and principal in Rockingham County is set to become the leader of Western Guilford High School.
Keith Barnett will return to Guilford County Schools after serving as a principal in Rockingham County Schools since 2020. He is currently the principal at Reidsville Middle and previously served as principal of the district's alternative school: Booker T. Washington Learning Center.
Barnett worked at Smith from 2014 to 2019.
At Western, he will take the place of Gregory Newlin. The district announced last month that Newlin, who had served Western since 2020, was stepping up to become a principal supervisor for the district.
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https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/western-guilford-high-school-keith-barnett-reidsville-middle-school-greg-newlin/article_16ede0de-2635-11ee-8cc1-e79e1b10068d.html
| 2023-07-20T00:18:32
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https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/western-guilford-high-school-keith-barnett-reidsville-middle-school-greg-newlin/article_16ede0de-2635-11ee-8cc1-e79e1b10068d.html
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GREENSBORO — New members of the Guilford County Board of Elections took the oath of office on Tuesday, including Richard W. Forrester who succeeded long-time former Chairman Horace M. “Jim” Kimel Jr.
Guilford County Superior Court Judge Tonia Cutchin swore in Forrester and the other board members: Eugene E. Lester, Kathryn S. Lindley, Carolyn W. Bunker and Felita R. Donnell.
Each of North Carolina’s 100 counties has a Board of Elections with five members who are registered voters of that county. The members are appointed by the state Board of Elections and the governor appoints the chairperson for each county. Members serve two-year terms.
Guilford County's elections board oversees the voting process, investigates irregularities, holds hearings on protests and generally ensures laws are followed.
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https://greensboro.com/news/local/government-politics/guilford-county-elections-board-swearing-in-ceremony/article_f3082326-25aa-11ee-a843-67402c7e6837.html
| 2023-07-20T00:18:52
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https://greensboro.com/news/local/government-politics/guilford-county-elections-board-swearing-in-ceremony/article_f3082326-25aa-11ee-a843-67402c7e6837.html
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The UNC School of the Arts production of "The Nutcracker" has been a Winston-Salem tradition since 1966. Mayor Pro Tempore D.D. Adams would know: She has been going to the Stevens Center every year since then to see the holiday show.
Unfortunately, that tradition will have to take a break this year as the downtown theater undergoes at least a two-year long renovation starting in November, just weeks before the beloved production would premiere.
But as they say in the theatre, the show must go on.
That's why Adams was attending a luncheon on Tuesday with Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan. During the event, UNCSA Chancellor Brian Cole and Matt Brown, the managing director of the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts, officially announced a partnership to stage "The Nutcracker" in Greensboro from Dec. 7-10.
"We look forward to working closely with the University of North Carolina School of the Arts to bring the biggest and the most spectacular version of 'The Nutcracker' to the Tanger Center stage," Brown said.
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The Stevens Center, built in 1929 with a capacity of roughly 1,300 seats, has not been renovated in over 40 years while the newly built Tanger Center can hold nearly 3,000 people.
Tickets for the five performances go on sale Friday starting at $35.
"While this temporary move was born out of necessity, it is our great privilege to be able to provide our students with the invaluable experience of mounting and performing this production in such a beautiful state-of-the-art venue and reach new audiences in Greensboro and beyond," said Cole, who will be conducting the accompanying symphony orchestra.
Two UNCSA students, Kiley White and Graham Wissinger, were present — and in character — during the announcement. Both have been performing ballet for over a decade with many "Nutcracker" productions included, but have never performed in a place the size of the Tanger Center.
"I didn't realize how big it was until I got in there and it was empty," Wissinger said. "It was really cool to see."
Added White: "You always get a little nervous in such a big venue, but I'm excited."
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https://greensboro.com/news/local/uncsa-stevens-center-steven-tanger-center-for-the-performing-arts-nutcracker/article_4b2655ce-2596-11ee-8e54-2777f0bd7cbd.html
| 2023-07-20T00:18:58
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https://greensboro.com/news/local/uncsa-stevens-center-steven-tanger-center-for-the-performing-arts-nutcracker/article_4b2655ce-2596-11ee-8e54-2777f0bd7cbd.html
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British rock band YES announced their U.S. tour, "Classic Tales of YES," on Tuesday with a stop planned in Greensboro this fall.
The 2017 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees will perform at the Steven Tanger Center for Performing Arts on Oct. 4 with tickets available on Friday.
For more information visit tangercenter.com.
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https://greensboro.com/news/local/yes-classic-rock-band-steven-tanger-center/article_8f7e1e86-25c4-11ee-aff0-c76b99e18cfc.html
| 2023-07-20T00:19:04
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https://greensboro.com/news/local/yes-classic-rock-band-steven-tanger-center/article_8f7e1e86-25c4-11ee-aff0-c76b99e18cfc.html
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Michigan senator requests audit of CPS amid serious concerns on agency
Sen. Jim Runestad has requested the state do an audit of Child Protective Services as "serious concerns continue to grow with the troubled agency."
Runestad's request for an audit included looking into timeframes for starting CPS investigations, documentation surrounding the central registry and completion of criminal background checks.
"As you review these issues, it may be worthwhile to examine whether communication delays between CPS and MDHHS have contributed to errors," Runestad wrote in his letter Wednesday to Michigan Auditor General Doug Ringler."
Runestad said he participated in a listening session in Oakland County about protecting children on July 14 and families shared concerns with CPS failing to investigate reports of abuse and neglect. Families also shared concerns about the Hawthorn Center, Michigan's only state-run psychiatric hospital for children.
“The stories we are hearing over and over again are beyond heartbreaking; this isn't how these agencies are supposed to work," Runestad said in a statement. "We must ensure that CPS is held accountable for its failings and that serious deficiencies are corrected so it can properly serve the vulnerable young people who it is meant to help; children’s lives are literally at risk here."
MDHHS spokesperson Bob Wheaton said the state's goal is to protect all Michiganders, especially children, and provide resources and services to families.
"Since becoming director of MDHHS in early 2021, Elizabeth Hertel has championed reforms across the child welfare system to work toward making Michigan a national model," Wheaton said. "Guided by her Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda, MDHHSpartners with lawmakers, police, judges and other child welfare system leaders to do everything in our power to work toward making Michigan the safest place in America to raise kids and nurture families. As we remain dedicated to this important work, we undergo reviews by the Office of Auditor General to ensure that we continue to do what's best for children. We are currently actively working with that office to provide data and information for an ongoing review of Children's Protective Services."
Runestad also cited The Detroit News' reporting on issues with CPS as additional cause for concern with the agency, which operates under the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
The Detroit News found 371 Michigan children died from abuse or neglect in the past 10 years when their parents had a previously investigated complaint within the past two years. Families of children who have died while under CPS investigations for abuse or neglect say the state agency is not doing its job investigating abuse and neglect properly.
More: CPS left discussion on 3-year-old's injuries until Monday. By Saturday, she was dead
More: Kids are dying from abuse and neglect. Families say Michigan isn't doing enough
Experts blame overworked caseworkers, inadequate treatment options for substance abuse and too many children being taken from their homes, clogging up the system and putting them at risk of being hurt or neglected in foster homes.
When CPS was last audited by the Office of the Auditor General in 2018, Runestad said it found deficiencies in how often investigators met with children face-to-face, referrals to county prosecutors, timeframes for starting investigations, registry documentation and criminal background check completions. Runestad cited several of those areas as current concerns.
The Office of the Auditor General conducts follow-ups on audits to assess if the agency has complied with prior recommendations. The office estimates its follow-up on CPS will be released in late 2023.
Runestad introduced a bill earlier this year to increase oversight and transparency into CPS after 5-year-old Ethan Belcher, of Lincoln Park, died. Ethan was allegedly beaten to death by his parents. The bill has not made it out of committee.
kberg@detroitnews.com
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https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/07/19/michigan-senator-requests-audit-of-cps-amid-serious-concerns/70433653007/
| 2023-07-20T00:20:10
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https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/07/19/michigan-senator-requests-audit-of-cps-amid-serious-concerns/70433653007/
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After $1.56 million makeover, repairs on iconic 100-year-old Daytona Beach Pier are complete
DAYTONA BEACH — Repairs to the Daytona Beach Pier, which was pummeled by tropical storms Ian and Nicole last fall, have been completed.
More than 30 pilings had to be fixed or replaced, and portions of the substructure and decking were rebuilt.
Most of the pier remained open during the repair work, but the wooden structure's easternmost end used for fishing has been shut down for more than nine months. That section should reopen within the next week or two.
City officials knew repairing the storm-battered Daytona Beach Pier wasn't going to be cheap. At the beginning of this year, the running tab on repairs was $684,000. Then in March, city commissioners were asked to spend another $877,932 to mend the nearly 100-year-old pier jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean.
That brought the total repair bill to $1.56 million.
The additional $877,932 covered the replacement of additional pilings, cap beams, and cross bracing that were damaged by Nicole. The money also went toward tightening structural connection hardware under Joe's Crab Shack that loosened during the pair of tropical storms and rebuilding the east end of the pier.
The city hopes to eventually be reimbursed for its pier repair expenses by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Portions of the iconic pier were beat up first by Tropical Storm Ian at the end of September, and then again in early November by Tropical Storm Nicole. As the pair of storms tore through the area, 16 of the pier's pilings were swept away, cross braces and joists snapped, and decking splintered.
The fishing section of the pier was shredded and required extensive repairs.
Critical support structures under the southeast corner of the Joe's Crab Shack building were also damaged, although the restaurant only closed for a few days after Nicole blew through Volusia County.
Hurricane Ian, Nicole beat up pier:Daytona Beach Pier repair bill climbs past $1.5 million
The city hired Orlando-based Construct Co., Inc., to tackle the repairs, the same company that handled work on the pier at the eastern tip of Main Street in 2021 and 2022.
Restoration work began in the fall.
The pier has been repaired repeatedly over the past 15 years, including one major overhaul that was completed about 10 years ago. Over the past few decades, city leaders have also occasionally discussed building a new pier, an idea being explored again.
You can reach Eileen at Eileen.Zaffiro@news-jrnl.com
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https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/07/19/daytona-beach-completes-1-56-million-in-ocean-pier-repairs/70434932007/
| 2023-07-20T00:20:49
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https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/07/19/daytona-beach-completes-1-56-million-in-ocean-pier-repairs/70434932007/
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Volusia code enforcement fines pool business $7,500 for emitting noxious odor
A pool manufacturer that was smelling up a neighborhood with noxious chemical odors has been hit with a $7,500 fine from Volusia County.
Rainforest Pools -N- Composites operated a pool manufacturing business at 5797 Lake Winona Road in DeLeon Springs until this week. Their pool manufacturing process includes applying resin and gel coating to pool molds, according to Florida Department of Environmental Protection documents.
But after complaints from neighbors about strong odors coming from the business that made them sick, code enforcement stepped in and ordered the business to correct issues on the site.
The property is in an area zoned "light industrial," and under county rules work done at the site shouldn't cause nuisance odors for neighbors.
Representatives for Rainforest Pools -N- Composites appeared before the county code enforcement board in April and said they planned to leave before Thursday or fines of $250 a day would start.
Assistant County Attorney Sebrina Slack said the county agreed to avoid a fine as long as they complied with county regulations before leaving.
But more complaints came to the county in May and June about odor leaving the property, County Code Compliance Officer Bob Chayer told the code enforcement board on Wednesday. County officials visited the property on June 26 and detected a strong odor leaving the property and saw pools stored outside, so the county issued a stop work order.
The county also detected strong odors during a few other inspections that followed.
"And when they didn't (comply with regulations), they really didn't," Slack said. "It became a free-for-all that lasted six weeks, would you say, Bob?"
Chayer said that over about three weeks toward the end of June and into July, "It looked like they just went hog wild out there."
Public safety:Lifeguard shortage forces beach safety chief to make adjustments, leaving some towers empty
Business co-owner Rick Ashley said the operation fully vacated the DeLeon Springs property on Wednesday.
"We moved just like they asked us to. ... We've done our part," Ashley said.
He declined to say where the business is moving or comment further.
Neighbors, including Volusia County Council Chairman Jeff Brower, said the fumes caused health problems for people in the area.
A code enforcement board member said he hoped that his fellow board members would remember the details of the case if Rainforest Pools asks for a fine reduction.
"I'm not going to forget this case," board chairman Chad Lingenfelter said.
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https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/07/19/volusia-county-pool-business-hit-with-7500-fine-for-chemical-odor/70424084007/
| 2023-07-20T00:20:55
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https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/07/19/volusia-county-pool-business-hit-with-7500-fine-for-chemical-odor/70424084007/
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PORTLAND, Maine — Jake Russo said he moved to the large unhoused encampment off Portland's Fore River Parkway in the spring after the city forcefully removed dozens of people from a former encampment located on the Bayside Bike Trail.
"We just relocated, found this spot, and they're basically asking us to move again," Russo said.
Russo said if he was offered shelter he would take it, but said he's only spent several days in a shelter over the last two years he has experienced homelessness.
The City of Portland announced Monday that it would be closing the encampment at Fore River Parkway by Sept. 6, and said it will offer anyone staying there shelter space.
Currently, shelter space in Portland is highly limited, with nonprofits and city officials reporting full shelters nearly every night.
Kristen Dow, Portland's Health and Human Services director, said to the city council Monday that some people would be offered resources multiple times leading up to September.
"We are building the plane as we're flying it. There are things that we have to kind of pivot and move by a different approach, and we will continue to do that. I do believe that once this encampment is resolved, and we reached that date and move to the next encampment, it will move faster because these groups have already been formed," Dow said to the city council.
Regarding the issue of full shelters, Dow did not respond to emailed questions about what kind of shelter Portland would be offering to unhoused people.
Joseph McNally, who is the director of homelessness resources for Milestone Recovery, said his shelter is also normally full.
"I think it's a big ask in a short amount of time," McNally said when asked about the city offering shelter. "It's a short time frame, but I do think it is possible to get some folks into housing, as well as the Homeless Services Center as well."
The Homelessness Services Center is a 208-bed facility opened five months ago on the north end of Portland.
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https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/portland/portland-says-it-will-offer-unhoused-people-shelter-before-closing-encampments/97-9760081f-f89d-4a50-b139-85d0b7084ea2
| 2023-07-20T00:21:01
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https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/portland/portland-says-it-will-offer-unhoused-people-shelter-before-closing-encampments/97-9760081f-f89d-4a50-b139-85d0b7084ea2
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PORTLAND, Maine — Portland police are investigating allegations from two women who say they were drugged Thursday at a bar in the Old Port.
Megan Southard, one of the women who was allegedly drugged, said the incident happened at Rathskeller on Wharf, but police did not confirm the location.
"I went from feeling totally sober to feeling like I'd drank more than I'd ever drank in my life all at once," Southard said.
Southard was out celebrating her 30th birthday when she said a couple of men approached her. She spoke with both men and said she believes one of them slipped a drug into her drink at some point during the conversations.
"You always think it won't happen to you until it does happen to you," she said.
She said she felt disoriented and eventually passed out in the bathroom. She said it was a feeling that didn't quite match the amount of alcohol she had that night: two drinks.
"I couldn't comprehend what was going on to why I was feeling the way I was feeling," Southard said.
Rathskeller On Wharf declined to comment on the incidents. The owner said the establishment has been cooperating with the police investigation, turning over the security camera footage from that night to police.
Down the street at $3 Dewey's, bartender Innes Jettinghoff said it's scary to think it could happen anywhere.
"I've seen it happen, not here, at another bar with a coworker of ours. [She was] completely fine and then the next minute, you know, passed out on the ground," he said.
He said while he's never seen an incident like that while on shift, he said when he's behind the bar he looks out for people the best he can because he feels somewhat responsible for them.
"I've had to call Ubers for people. I've called taxis, because it's just like, 'Man, you can't sit here anymore,'" Jettinghoff said.
Portland police are reminding people to keep an eye on their drinks and avoid accepting drinks from anyone you don't know. They say if you or someone you are out with suspect you may have been drugged, you should get medical help right away.
Portland police aren't yet releasing any more information about last week's incidents. However, you can report information anonymously to the department's crime tip line by calling 207-874-8584.
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https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/public-safety/woman-speaks-out-allegation-drugged-old-port-bar-police-investigation/97-35ef4ccd-62db-49a6-b507-21787440ec1b
| 2023-07-20T00:21:10
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https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/public-safety/woman-speaks-out-allegation-drugged-old-port-bar-police-investigation/97-35ef4ccd-62db-49a6-b507-21787440ec1b
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BOWDOIN, Maine — Severe storms that rocked western and central Maine infrastructure in May continue to cause issues for some towns.
A project in Lisbon is challenging officials in two municipalities and will leave a community isolated.
A May Day storm swelled a stream and compromised a small bridge on West Burrough Road. The bridge is in Lisbon, and the town will vote on a permanent replacement in November. In the meantime, they will rent and install a temporary bridge construction that will close that section of road to vehicles for three days beginning Aug. 7.
There's a problem with that closure.
The road on the east side of the bridge, which is in Bowdoin, is a dead-end street. At least 30 residents will have to plan how they’ll leave home. Kloey Arsenault lives on the affected side and said this has been a topic of discussion at home.
"We definitely thought it was unfortunate, and we do have people on the road that need medical assistance," Arsenault said. "We were just, kind of, worried about them and how that would affect them; and obviously us getting to work and stuff. So, we’re not gonna be able to stay at our house for the three days that it’s closed."
Arsenault said her family would wait out the construction at her grandmother's home elsewhere in Lisbon.
Lisbon Town Manager Glenn Michalowski worked to smooth things over before smoothing the asphalt.
"We understand this is an inconvenience and a disruption to their lives," Michalowski. "But, given the options available to us, this is the best option that we feel we have."
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https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/three-day-bridge-project-to-block-bowdoin-residents-in-dead-end-road-maine-traffic-construction/97-15e552b2-39ac-4598-9de4-a9db5d14ccba
| 2023-07-20T00:21:17
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https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/three-day-bridge-project-to-block-bowdoin-residents-in-dead-end-road-maine-traffic-construction/97-15e552b2-39ac-4598-9de4-a9db5d14ccba
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A former firefighter from Long Island has been sentenced for driving while intoxicated and ultimately killing a teacher in a wrong-way crash in late 2020.
Joseph Norris, of Babylon, was sentenced to up to 15 years in prison for a deadly drunk driving crash that killed 44-year-old Anthony Mariano, a teacher from Queens.
Mariano's fiancé told the judge at Wednesday's sentencing that she lost the love of her life when Norris crashed into him in Nov. 2020.
"Unfortunately, to avoid trial, we have the 5 to 15 [years], and hopefully he will serve the high end of that," Christie Azzolini said after court.
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Mariano's family did not speak outside of the courthouse, but addressed the court saying that Norris "left a deep and lasting sadness in our family."
The teacher's father, Vincent Mariano, too angry to stay inside the courtroom, said directly to Norris: "I wish you no rest, no peace. You're despicable."
A memorial sits at the place where Mariano lost his life. The crash happened around 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 20. Norris, an off-duty FDNY firefighter, had been at a strip club drinking for hours.
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Prosecutors have said Norris then drove south in the northbound lanes of the Sunken Meadow Parkway near exit SM3A in Smithtown for miles before eventually striking Mariano's cars. Many swerved out of the way, but Mariano could not, and died instantly in the crash.
A blood test following the crash allegedly revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.29, three times the legal limit. Prosecutors said empty beer and liquor bottles were found inside his smashed-up pickup truck.
Norris lost his legs in the same crash.
In court on Wednesday, Norris told the judge, "My small misfortune pales in comparison to the loss they have gone through. If I could trade places with Anthony, I would."
Norris' parents and family cried throughout the proceeding and did not speak to reporters. His attorney said Norris is trying to start a new chapter.
"Today was a very very difficult day for both families involved, heart-wrenching to say the least. I wish nothing but healing and peace for the Mariano family," defense attorney Anthony LaPinta said.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/ex-nyc-firefighter-sentenced-to-prison-for-crash-that-killed-teacher-after-drinking-at-strip-club/4519655/
| 2023-07-20T00:22:13
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/ex-nyc-firefighter-sentenced-to-prison-for-crash-that-killed-teacher-after-drinking-at-strip-club/4519655/
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What to Know
- New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that, with the purpose of helping move asylum seekers out of the city's shelter system to provide more space for arriving migrants, New York City will now only allow migrants to stay at a shelter for 60 days.
- This effort will begin in the coming weeks, starting with asylum seekers who have been in the city’s care for a significant amount of time, the office of the mayor said.
- If an adult asylum seeker does not find alternative housing in that 60-day limit, they will be required to reapply for new placement at the arrival center.
Mayor Eric Adams announced that, with the purpose of helping move asylum seekers out of the New York City's shelters to provide more space for arriving migrants, the city will now only allow migrants to stay at a shelter for 60 days.
This effort will begin in the coming weeks, starting with asylum seekers who have been in the city’s care for a significant amount of time, the office of the mayor said. Asylum seekers will receive their notice of 60 days and intensified casework services on a rolling basis. However, if an adult asylum seeker does not find alternative housing in that 60-day limit, they will be required to reapply for new placement at the arrival center.
"New York City has done more than any other level of government to address this national crisis, providing shelter, food, services, and much more to more than 90,000 asylum seekers since last spring,” Adams said. “With more than 54,800 asylum seekers still currently in our care, this effort will intensify adult asylum seekers’ casework services over the next two months to help them take the next step on their journey and ensure we have a bed to place children and families at night. For more than a year now, New York City has responded to this crisis alone — we need our state and federal partners to step up.”
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The news of the new 60-day shelter rule for asylum seekers has proven controversial.
Public Advocate for the City of New York Jumaane Williams said that although the challenges to the migrant crisis "are immense, so too is our obligation to do all we can for the tired, the poor, the huddled masses" -- a reference to Emma Lasaruz's poem "The New Colossus," which is found on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty.
NYC MIGRANT CRISIS
"The right to shelter has been in place for over 30 years, and that right does not simply expire after 60 days in the face of a crisis," Williams said in a statement. "While the challenges of meeting this emergency are immense, so too is our obligation to do all we can for the tired, the poor, the huddled masses. We should be focused on helping create opportunities for people who come here seeking asylum, not preemptively deny that our city is home to opportunity itself. The solutions to this crisis are now in Albany and Washington, DC -- not in restricting or rescinding the rights of our newest New Yorkers in need."
Legal Aid, Coalition for the Homeless also issued a response detailing their opposition to the new rule. Their statement reads in part: “As prescribed by the New York State Constitution, multiple court orders and local laws, both the State and the City have a legal obligation to ensure that people who lack shelter are safe and secure, and protected from exposure to the elements."
Legal aid went on to suggest the implementation of policies to address the need for shelter space.
Among their suggestion are:
- supporting the implementation of the recently approved reforms to rental assistance programs CityFHEPS;
- addressing the understaffing of City offices that process subsidies that allow households to move from shelter to permanent housing;
- expanding rental assistance programs CityFHEPS to more New Yorkers;
- spending funds through the nearly $200 million in New York State’s Rent Supplement Program to move long-stay families residing in New York City Department of Homelessness’ shelters to permanent housing;
- rebuilding the New York City Commission on Human Rights’ Income Discrimination Unit to hold landlords, real estate agents, and brokerage agents accountable for the unlawful denial of housing placements for those with vouchers;
- expanding the City’s shelter capacity by not canceling or delaying planned shelter openings; and
- training shelter providers on how to screen for benefits and employment eligibility.
However, Legal Aid also looks to the federal government as being a part of the solution.
“The Federal Government can and should provide increased funding to the City to meet this moment and grant immediate work authorization for the many new arrivals in desperate need of a job," the statement went on to say.
More than 105,800 people are in city shelters currently -- including more than 54,800 asylum seekers, with over 91,500 asylum seekers having come to the city since being brought by buses from Texas last year. In total, 188 shelters have been opened by the city as a means to address the ongoing migrant crisis.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-announces-60-day-limit-in-city-shelters-for-asylum-seekers-amid-migrant-crisis/4519421/
| 2023-07-20T00:22:19
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-announces-60-day-limit-in-city-shelters-for-asylum-seekers-amid-migrant-crisis/4519421/
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What to Know
- A group of green monk parakeets sits nestled at the top of Green-Wood Cemetery's 19th century gothic arched entrance.
- Now, for the first time, there is research happening to figure out not how they got here, but why they've stayed.
- For a place so closely associated with death, there is a lot of life at Green-Wood Cemetery, so much so that some living things here aren't found anywhere else -- a revelation that has come to light thanks to a growing amount of research happening daily.
A group of green monk parakeets sits nestled at the top of Green-Wood Cemetery's 19th century gothic arched entrance.
However, there is a chance you can hear them before you seem them.
How vocal are these colorful birds? Just ask tourist Tim Ozog, who was visiting the Brooklyn cemetery with his wife Carol Summers.
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“I have hearing aids, so, their particular screech is somewhat annoying," Ozog, who is from Seattle, said.
Eric Thompson, a researcher and grad student at Hunter College Animal Behavior and Conservation program, told NBC New York that indeed the birds are "very vocal" and "very loud."
Thompson has spent months studying the birds -- a species that is native to Argentina and Uruguay -- for his thesis. He says what most likely happened is that the birds arrived at the cemetery from the pet trade. Either escaping or being dropped off by pet owners who couldn't keep them.
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“There’s a myth that they were in a container at JFK and it somehow broke or was opened accidentally and that’s how they got here," Thompson said.
Now, for the first time, there is research happening to figure out not how they got here, but why they've stayed.
"In the late nineties early 2000s when there was some restoration work going on in the Gothic arch there was an attempt to move the nest," Sarah Evans, Senior Manager and Curator of Living Collections at Green-Wood Cemetery told NBC New York. "After the restoration happened, the monk parakeets then started rebuilding their nest back.”
Thompson explained that the species is quite communal and live in groups.
“They’re just little green parrots. They’re communal. They live in huge nests that are sort of like apartment buildings where everybody has their own little house," Thompson said.
"They're one of the rare opportunities around here to study an animal that's not in a cage," he went on to say.
For a place so closely associated with death, there is a lot of life at Green-Wood Cemetery, so much so that some living things here aren't found anywhere else -- a revelation that has come to light thanks to a growing amount of research happening daily.
“Actually, a new fungi was just discovered here by a citizen scientist. That piqued the interest of scientists in Hungary," Evans said.
Visitors are encouraged to participate in discovering and documenting life at Green-Wood using apps, like iNaturalist.
With a soon-to-come education and learning welcome center set to open in 2025 and an ever-busy nest, this cemetery is as bustling as the city it's in.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/researching-life-among-death-the-monk-parakeets-that-call-green-wood-cemetery-home/4519209/
| 2023-07-20T00:22:26
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/researching-life-among-death-the-monk-parakeets-that-call-green-wood-cemetery-home/4519209/
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AUGUSTA -- Gov. Janet Mills signed a bill into law Wednesday to expand abortion access in the state.
The landmark bill, LD 1619, will allow abortions in the later stages of pregnancy if deemed necessary by a licensed physician.
Mills says she originally introduced the bill after learning of the story of Dana Pierce, a Maine woman who traveled to Colorado to get an abortion.
Pierce, members of the Maine Council of Churches, representatives from the Maine Medical Association and others were present at the signing.
"We are affirming that Maine people, guided by their medical professionals, their families, and their personal and spiritual beliefs -- that they will make decisions about their reproductive healthcare. They will do so, not politicians," said Mills.
In a statement, Maine GOP Chairman Joel Stetkis said, in part, quote:
"...This is a sad day for Maine -- we desperately need to end the unchecked absolute power of one-party Democrat rule in Augusta."
The previous state law banned abortions after a fetus becomes viable outside of the womb, roughly 24 weeks, but allowed exceptions if the patient's life was at risk.
Under the new law, abortions will be allowed at any time if deemed necessary by a doctor.
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https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/gov-janet-mills-signs-bill-expanding-abortion-access-into-law/article_8340577a-2681-11ee-b7af-ef470bb11b38.html
| 2023-07-20T00:23:24
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https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/gov-janet-mills-signs-bill-expanding-abortion-access-into-law/article_8340577a-2681-11ee-b7af-ef470bb11b38.html
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BREWER -- On Saturday, Brewer Police were called to eastern avenue after a vehicle struck 87-year-old Ira Williams before speeding off.
Williams was seriously injured and tonight, the man suspected of hitting him is in custody.
This afternoon, Brewer P. D. Arrested the man who they believe was responsible for that crash.
This exclusive footage obtained by ABC7/FOX22 news shows officers arresting 51-year-old David MacKenzie of Holden after executing a search warrant at his home.
Police found a vehicle matching the descriptions previously released, with heavy damage to its front passenger side.
MacKenzie faces two felony charges, one for leaving the scene of a personal injury accident and another for aggravated assault.
We spoke with Williams' grandson earlier today, who stressed the urgency and importance of finding the man who injured his grandfather.
"It's an urgency because if this happened to my grandfather while he was safe on the sidewalk, could this happen to someone else in the community," says Hunter Williams, the grandson of Ira William
The investigation is still ongoing, and we'll keep you updated as we learn more.
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https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/one-man-in-custody-linked-to-brewer-hit-and-run/article_4b480962-2681-11ee-85a8-d71ac187b08a.html
| 2023-07-20T00:23:26
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https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/one-man-in-custody-linked-to-brewer-hit-and-run/article_4b480962-2681-11ee-85a8-d71ac187b08a.html
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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Summer is a busy time for businesses in Central Arkansas, and it’s also the time where restaurants like Hill Station hire extra help— and sometimes that means teenagers.
“They start coming around after spring break, trying to line something up for the summer, which is great,” said Owner of Hill Station, Daniel Bryant.
Bryant explained how about 15 to 20 percent of his summer staff is teenagers and there's a process before they get hired.
“We would ask them to get the permit which would require a parent’s signature, and then a description of the type of work they'd be doing and the type of hours they would be working,” Bryant added.
Though that process will change once the ‘Youth Hiring Act’ goes into effect.
“What the law does is just remove that permission slip from the government,” said State Senator Joshua Bryant.
Teenagers between the ages of 14 and 16 will be able to work without that certificate and State Senator Bryant said that's a good thing.
“We need to reinstall a work ethic in our children, and removing those barriers and make it easier for employers to hire that child is why I supported the bill,” said State Senator Bryant.
While Daniel Bryant supports teenagers getting their foot in the door and getting a job, he said he doesn't support this law.
“What I don't understand is what was wrong with the old system,” said Bryant. “It never cost us any employees or cost any of the young people their jobs. It was just a matter of getting the parents involved and it also sort of held us accountable on the employer side.”
Supporters of the bill explained how kids will still be protected under existing child labor laws.
“If you have good actors and good employers that want to employ children over the age of 14 under the age of 16, then they can do that without the burden of a government permission slip,” said State Senator Bryant.
As a parent and business owner, Daniel Bryant feels this could take away some accountability.
“I do think that this removed a safeguard and to be honest I just don't understand why,” said Bryant.
Although this law goes into effect soon Daniel Bryant said it won’t change his process when it comes to hiring teenagers.
“We’re going to ask the same questions and we're going to behave the same because the underlying rules and stipulations don't change” he added.
For a list of other laws going into effect soon, click here.
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https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/hiring-process-teenagers-arkansas/91-2f07f2cb-704b-47b2-a9d5-33c2de182a99
| 2023-07-20T00:27:51
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https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/hiring-process-teenagers-arkansas/91-2f07f2cb-704b-47b2-a9d5-33c2de182a99
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CONWAY, Ark. — Arkansas State Police are now investigating another in-custody death in Conway.
According to reports, just before 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, the Conway Police Department was dispatched on a call regarding a man who was reportedly yelling in people's yards.
Once officers arrived, they found an unresponsive man on the ground at the corner of S. Center Street and Hardy Street. They called EMTs to the scene and officers gave the man one dose of Narcan.
As they waited for medical personnel to show up, police say the man became "disoriented and combative."
Once officers were able to gain control of the man, they put him in handcuffs until medical help arrived and he was then taken to the hospital.
The man later identified as 44-year-old Ricky Freiberg, died while at the hospital just before 6:00 p.m.
The investigation into this incident remains ongoing and we will update with more information as soon as it becomes available.
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https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/investigate-second-in-custody-death-conway/91-dc7f8c49-7f34-421c-86d6-ed14d1a5c92f
| 2023-07-20T00:27:57
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https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/investigate-second-in-custody-death-conway/91-dc7f8c49-7f34-421c-86d6-ed14d1a5c92f
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BEARDEN, Ark. — Arkansas State Police have activated a Silver Alert with hopes of finding a missing man from Bearden.
60-year-old Johnny Ray Strong was last seen at 1335 Ouachita 95.
He is described as being 6'0" in height and weighing about 160 pounds with a bald head and brown eyes.
He was also last seen wearing jeans, a gray shirt, and a dark hat.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact the Ouachita County Sheriff's Office at (870) 231-5300.
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https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/missing-persons-reports/silver-alert-missing-bearden-man/91-1757caa5-1cfc-4281-8e00-2ffb49d4340f
| 2023-07-20T00:28:03
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https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/missing-persons-reports/silver-alert-missing-bearden-man/91-1757caa5-1cfc-4281-8e00-2ffb49d4340f
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DULUTH — When a new law takes effect Aug. 1, it will become legal to possess and use marijuana for recreational purposes in Minnesota. But you might want to think twice before taking a toke on the Lakewalk or in a local park.
The city could become one of the first in the state to pass tighter regulations, banning the smoking of pot in a number of public places — including in the vicinity of parks, playgrounds, medical facilities, bus shelters and recreational trails.
Arik Forsman, city councilor at large, is the lead author of a proposed ordinance that essentially would impose the same restrictions on marijuana use that Duluth already has adopted for the smoking of tobacco or vaping.
Forsman said the Aug. 1 legalization date has crept up quickly and referred to it as a potential legal "blind spot," without local regulations in place.
"On Thursday, we found out that, minus a city ordinance, you could theoretically start smoking marijuana anywhere you want on public property within two weeks. That was a real eye-opener," he said. "So, we put together something we think is very common-sense and straightforward. And I think Duluth is going to be far from the only city to do this when people realize this is a thing."
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I think we definitely have to preserve Duluth's image as a wholesome, lovely, outdoor city to visit. And though people have personal rights and we have to respect those now that the state has chosen to pass a law making recreational marijuana use legal, we also have the ability to limit where that happens.
Alex Hassel, lobbyist for the League of Minnesota Cities, said Duluth is "on the leading line of cities that are starting to discuss this," noting that Alexandria and Detroit Lakes also have ordinances in the works.
"I think in the next couple of weeks, we'll see a significant number of other cities follow suit," she said. "It certainly feels like it's coming fast, and I think a lot of cities are trying to figure out what to expect on Aug.1."
Hassel said cities definitely have the authority to restrict smoking under the Clean Air Act.
Councilors Therese Tomanek and Roz Randorf are co-authors of the proposed ordinance which will receive a first reading Monday, enabling it to go to a vote Aug. 14.
The timeline will leave Duluth without any local regulation for much of August, and faced with that prospect, Forsman said he and fellow councilors considered trying to pass an emergency ordinance to accelerate the timeline.
"We're not trying to make this seem more sensational than it is," he said. "We just want to set the expectation early that yes, we're going to regulate this. No, you're not going to be able to smoke marijuana in parks and playgrounds."
Tomanek agreed the council has a role to play.
"Though we have strict restrictions on where people can smoke cigarettes in our city, the law that was passed by the state government doesn't follow those restrictions, and the city needs to do something to make sure that our residents and our tourists are safe," she said.
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"We know our city. We know how important our parks are and keeping them available to families, especially for children. We know we have to do something to protect people in all of our outdoor areas," she said.
If not for local regulation, Forsman said local parents could be placed in a tough spot should they encounter marijuana use.
"Parents shouldn't have to worry about that when they take their kids out to play," he said. "They've got enough on their hands without having to potentially face those kinds of confrontations, where someone is doing something that is their legal right unless we say it isn't."
Duluth has much at stake as a tourist destination, as well, according to Tomanek.
"I think we definitely have to preserve Duluth's image as a wholesome, lovely, outdoor city to visit," she said. "And though people have personal rights and we have to respect those now that the state has chosen to pass a law making recreational marijuana use legal, we also have the ability to limit where that happens."
If the proposed ordinance passes, violators could be cited for a petty misdemeanor and could face fines up to $300. But Forsman expects the ordinance will serve mainly as a social deterrent rather than leaning heavily on enforcement.
City Attorney Rebecca St. George said the city handles occasional citations for violations of the city smoking ordinance, but usually only in tandem with other charges.
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https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/duluth-proposes-ordinance-to-make-weed-illegal-to-smoke
| 2023-07-20T00:28:18
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https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/duluth-proposes-ordinance-to-make-weed-illegal-to-smoke
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In this file photo from July 18, 2023, Corinth residents along with former students from Easom High School walk Childs Street in downtown Corinth during a march from the old Easom High School Building to Corinth City Hall.
CORINTH — The city of Corinth is moving ahead with plans to demolish the former home of an all-Black high school despite protests from former students.
A group of graduates and advocates, including members of the Alcorn County branch NAACP, held a march from the campus of the Easom Community Center to Corinth City Hall Tuesday to pressure the Corinth Board of Aldermen to reverse a previous decision to demolish the former segregated school and community center.
Despite the demonstration, which brought some 80 or so people to city hall ahead of the meeting, the board voted later that night 3-2 to hire Cook Coggin Engineers Inc. to assist in planning the building’s demolition.
Corinth city officials say the building is too dangerous and costly to repair. The board voted 4-2 on July 5 to tear it down.
Aldermen Steve Hill and Johnny Butler voted against both the demolition and the hiring of engineers to plan it.
“I think everybody has talked quite a bit about it, but the consensus is that we are moving forward,” Corinth Mayor Ralph Dance said Wednesday, adding he did not believe any aldermen on either side of the issue would change their minds.
But those who would save the building say the community will come together and fight to keep it standing through private and federal funding.
The community center previously operated as South Corinth High School until 2009. Decades ago, it served as Easom High School, a segregated Black school that graduated students between 1953 and 1969 before forced desegregation.
The issue at hand is as much about cost as safety. According to Dance, the price tag for tearing the building, which has fallen into disrepair, is around $100,000. Renovating it, however, would cost around $7.5 million.
Advocates have also pushed to have the building placed on the Mississippi Department of Archives and History’s historic landmark registry, although the board previously rejected that proposal.
Dance said the city previously spoke with members and proposed a marker or building a new building in memory of Easom or its principal, former Mayor Edward Simon "E.S." Bishop Sr., but the group declined.
Supporters of saving the former school will hold a rally at the building on Friday.
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https://www.djournal.com/news/local/corinth-moves-forward-with-destruction-of-former-black-school-despite-protests/article_5f3cf960-267b-11ee-8570-53453ceca55d.html
| 2023-07-20T00:29:19
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https://www.djournal.com/news/local/corinth-moves-forward-with-destruction-of-former-black-school-despite-protests/article_5f3cf960-267b-11ee-8570-53453ceca55d.html
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A 21-year-old man was found shot to death early Wednesday morning in South Tucson, officials said.
South Tucson police went to the 3000 block of South Sixth Avenue, north of Interstate 10, about 1 a.m. after reports of gunfire, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said in a news release.
The found the body of Lionel Mathews, 21.
The Sheriff's Department is handling the homicide investigation for South Tucson, the release said.
Anyone with information is asked to call call 911 or 88-CRIME, the anonymous tipster line.
Eddie Celaya is a breaking news reporter and host of the "Here Weed Go!" podcast. He graduated from Pima Community College and the University of Arizona and has been with the Arizona Daily Star since May 2019.
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https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-courts/homicide-south-tucson-shooting/article_f7e50c42-267c-11ee-85b7-d3ab6d717039.html
| 2023-07-20T00:33:01
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https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-courts/homicide-south-tucson-shooting/article_f7e50c42-267c-11ee-85b7-d3ab6d717039.html
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An environmental group says Tuesday's relisting of the pygmy owl as an imperiled species could provide another weapon for opponents of Interstate 11 construction through the Avra Valley west of Tucson.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it will protect the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl as a threatened species in Southern Arizona and southern Texas, due to threats including climate change, habitat destruction and invasive species. The tiny owls top out at 6.7 inches long and weigh 2 to 2.6 ounces. They nest in various trees and cacti including the saguaro and have been known to concentrate in riparian vegetation along rivers and washes.
The listing Tuesday comes a bit more than 17 years since the wildlife service removed the owl from its endangered species list — an action triggered by litigation from homebuilders.
This time, the service was pushed to re-protect the bird — although at a lesser status — by litigation from the Tucson-based Center for Biological Diversity. Its lawsuits also led to the original decision to protect the owl back in 1997.
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While the original owl listing resulted in a huge conflict over development in the ironwood forest area on Tucson's northwest side, much of that land has since been bladed for development, eliminating it as places that could be protected for the owl's sake.
Also, Pima County Board of Supervisors Chair Adelita Grijalva said Wednesday, since county voters in 2004 approved more than $100 million in bond funding for acquisition of sensitive lands, the county now owns or administers more than a quarter million acres of sensitive lands.
"With the County’s landmark Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, its companion Multi Species Conservation Plan, and its Section 10 Permit from the U.S. Department of the Interior, relisting of the pygmy owl and any critical habitat designated for it will not result in land-use battles like those of the 1990s and early 2000s," Grijalva said in a written statement.
But the proposed I-11 route through the Avra Valley is a current target of an environmental lawsuit seeking to block its construction. The interstate would traverse land adjoining Saguaro National Park West and Ironwood National Monument.
Environmentalists are concerned noise and air pollution coming from vehicles using the freeway would negatively effect wildlife, and that the construction would fragment habitat.
"Something like Interstate 11 certainly seems like a threat to pygmy owls and we will continue to oppose it," said Noah Greenwald, endangered species director for the Center for Biological Diversity.
It's "a possibility for sure" that the center will add the pygmy owl issue to its litigation against the road's proposed construction, Greenwald said.
David Godlewski, president of the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association, declined to comment on the new pygmy owl listing, saying, "We're still evaluating it."
SAHBA was one of several groups whose litigation led to the wildlife service's 2006 decision that removed the pygmy owl from endangered species protection.
So far, SAHBA hasn't taken a position on the Interstate 11 project, he said.
How freeway could be affected
The Arizona Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration have proposed building 280 miles of I-11, running north from Nogales to Wickenburg west of Phoenix. The project — currently unfunded — could cost anywhere from $3.1 billion to $7.3 billion. The agencies say it would be an essential part of a planned roadway corridor stretching from the U.S.'s border with Mexico to the border with Canada.
Without an alternative to Interstate 10 in the Tucson area, traffic will become so congested by 2035 that it will interfere with the region's ability to function, a former ADOT director, John Haikowski, said in a filing with U.S. District Court last year.
“Further, the success of the state economic development interests will depend on continuing transportation investments, like I-11, to maintain competitiveness,’’ he said then. “Worsened congestion and poor travel time reliability on the interstate freeway system would adversely affect economic competitiveness.’’
But in May, U.S. District Court Judge John Hinderaker of Tucson dismissed a challenge from ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration to a lawsuit filed against the project by environmentalists.
The freeway project could well be affected by the pygmy owl because some part of its financing would have to come from federal money. That provides an obvious trigger for federal intervention in the issue to protect an imperiled species protected by the federal government.
Other development less affected
Development, however, may warrant far less federal attention on endangered species issues now than in the past. That's because a key legal prompt for federal intervention on a species' behalf may soon disappear.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, developers in the Tucson area who planned to build near or along desert washes often were required to get a U.S. Clean Water Act permit to build. Because of that, the wildlife service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would often have to review such projects' effects on endangered or threatened species.
A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, however, may make it much harder for federal officials to require such developers to get Clean Water Act permits in the future unless they're building directly on a navigable waterway. The ruling, known as Sackett vs. EPA, dealt most immediately with wetlands.
Several legal experts have told the Star it could very likely be applied to development along normally dry streams such as those most commonly found in Arizona. That would mean federal agencies would no longer be able to declare that most such streams are legally defined "waters of the U.S." eligible for federal regulation of development.
The Supreme Court limiting 'waters of the U.S.' the way they did is just a disaster for protecting watersheds," the Center for Biological Diversity's Greenwald said. "That's certainly part of the story for how development comes under consideration regarding the pygmy owl."
Stressors within the owl's range
Tuesday's pygmy owl listing by the service would cover far more ground than the land that would be bisected by the proposed interstate and the land within the Tucson metro area, however.
The cactus ferruginous pygmy owls are known to live from Southern Arizona south to Michoacan, Mexico, in the western portion of its range and from Southern Texas to Tamauliipas and Nuevo Leon, Mexico, in the eastern portion of its range.
Arizona, which comprises one of five areas of the Southwest known to contain pygmy owls, currently has the lowest pygmy owl abundance of any of five geographical units into which the wildlife service has split the bird's natural range.
The owl's population in this area is estimated to be in the low hundreds, the service said.
Habitat fragmentation and loss from urbanization, and increases in invasive species such as buffelgrass, have reduced both this area's availability of natural habitat and its ability to be connected with other natural habitats outside this area.
Also, climate conditions have reduced the owl's prey availability and vegetative cover through increased temperatures and drought, the service's listing notice said. These factors have made the area's potential resiliency from environmental damages low, it said.
The northern Sonora area contains a pygmy owl population in the high hundreds, the service said. But the area is affected by habitat fragmentation from urbanization, agricultural development, and associated infrastructure, the service said.
"These stressors increase water use and, in conjunction with climate conditions, result in a reduction in the quality and availability of pygmy-owl habitat," the service said.
The pygmy owl's overall geographic range is very large, covering 140,625 square miles in both countries, the service said.
But pygmy owls require habitat elements such as mature woodlands that include appropriate cavities for nest sites, adequate structural diversity and cover, and a diverse prey base, the service said.
All these factors have been negatively influenced by urbanization, invasive species, and agricultural or forest production, the agency said.
Contact Tony Davis at 520-349-0350 or tdavis@tucson.com. Follow Davis on Twitter@tonydavis987.
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https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/environment-arizona-construction-development-government-interstate/article_f6c7a216-2663-11ee-a0e7-77e5dbca767a.html
| 2023-07-20T00:33:07
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A patron tries to cool off at the Justa Center in Phoenix. Tuesday marked a new record for the most consecutive days in a row over 110-degrees.
Ross D. Franklin, Associated Press
After an excessive heat warning issued for Wednesday, a Universal Wallboard Corporation employee carries a cooler and water bottle to combat the weather as woman walks in front of him with her umbrella on North Fourth Avenue, July 19.
The summer heat is toppling weather records in Tucson and Phoenix this week.
On Wednesday, the high temperature in Tucson reached at least 112 degrees, surpassing the previous record for a July 19 set in 2009 by three degrees.
On Thursday, Tucson is forecast to reach 111 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. That would break the hottest July 20 on record for the Old Pueblo (109 degrees in 1989).
If expected high temperatures hold, the current record of consecutive 110-plus-degree days will be tied on Saturday.
That mark is currently eight days reached from June 12 to June 19 in 2021.
Meanwhile, the sweltering July weather is even worse for our neighbors to the north.
Phoenix broke an all-time record Wednesday morning for a warm low temperature: 97 degrees.
That's a dangerous sign that many residents could be growing more vulnerable to heat-related illness because they cannot cool off adequately overnight, the Associated Press reported.
The previous record was 96 degrees in 2003, the weather service reported.
Heat-related deaths continue to rise in Maricopa County. Public health officials reported Wednesday that there were six more heat-associated fatalities last week, bringing the this year’s total so far to 18. Heat is suspected in another 69 deaths under investigation.
There were 425 confirmed heat-associated deaths in Maricopa County last year during the region’s hottest summer on record, with more than half of them occurring in July. Eighty percent of the deaths occurred outside, according to the Associated Press.
In Tucson, the Pima County Medical Examiners Office lists two people this year have had heat-related deaths through approximately mid-June, the most recent data available, according to deputy chief medical examiner Kevin Lougee.
Phoenix had set a separate record Tuesday among U.S. cities by marking 19 straight days of temperatures of 110 degrees Fahrenheit or more.
On Tuesday, Phoenix had reached 117 degrees by 3 p.m. Many residents were confined indoors, turning the usually vibrant metropolis into a ghost town, the AP said.
Two women walk on the University of Arizona campus, one using a sweater to shield her head from the sun in Tucson on Wednesday. According to the National Weather Service Tucson hit 113F degrees and high temperatures are expected through the rest of the week.
After an excessive heat warning issued for Wednesday, a Universal Wallboard Corporation employee carries a cooler and water bottle to combat the weather as woman walks in front of him with her umbrella on North Fourth Avenue, July 19.
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https://tucson.com/news/local/weather/heat-records-tucson-arizona/article_9c1d7174-266d-11ee-8000-637240fa6abc.html
| 2023-07-20T00:33:13
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https://tucson.com/news/local/weather/heat-records-tucson-arizona/article_9c1d7174-266d-11ee-8000-637240fa6abc.html
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IDAHO, USA — July 19 marks 199 days into the year of 2023; and thus far, 121 people have died on Idaho roads, according to preliminary data. Forty-five of those deaths occurred during the "100 Deadliest Days" of the year.
Of those 45 roadway fatalities, 15 of them happened in a brief 10-day period, between July 9 and July 19, according to Idaho State Police (ISP).
The period is dubbed the "100 Deadliest Days" by Idaho's Office of Highway Safety (OHS) because of the annual pattern of increased fatality crashes that occur between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.
The increase in fatalities on Idaho roads prompted Idaho State Police to ramp up enforcement efforts and increase their presence through July 30.
"With more drivers out and about during the summer the danger goes up for everyone on the roads," said Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton.
Idaho State Police said that last year, 39 percent of all fatal crashes involved some form of aggressive driving behavior.
In an effort to disrupt the trend, the Idaho Office of Highway Safety, Idaho State Police and over 50 law enforcement partners across the state are enhancing efforts to educate drivers and minimize aggressive driving.
ISP said that drivers can expect to see more officers on the road through the end of the month. Police will be increasing enforcement for things such as speeding and tailgating.
"We all want to make it home and most Idahoans make safe choices that protect themselves and others," Middleton explained. "It's important that we recognize and stop the behaviors that put people at risk."
Examples of aggressive driving: Speeding, tailgating, cutting in front of another driver and then slowing down, weaving in and out of traffic, changing lanes without signaling, blocking cars that are attempting to change lanes and screaming, honking or flashing lights at fellow drivers.
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https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/police-ramp-up-presence-idaho-roadways-after-15-deaths-in-10-days/277-0252f384-2d27-47e3-b830-a5a7a7f7705c
| 2023-07-20T00:34:14
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https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/police-ramp-up-presence-idaho-roadways-after-15-deaths-in-10-days/277-0252f384-2d27-47e3-b830-a5a7a7f7705c
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https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/delivery-driver-shoots-would-be-carjacker-in-philly/3607864/
| 2023-07-20T00:37:20
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https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/delivery-driver-shoots-would-be-carjacker-in-philly/3607864/
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What to Know
- Hon. Patrick Dugan, the President Judge of Philadelphia Municipal Court, announced Wednesday that Marisa Shuter, the city’s current Landlord Tenant Officer (LTO), agreed to suspend all lockouts immediately, according to Martin O’Rourke, the spokesperson for the First Judicial District.
- Three reported shootings involving landlord-tenant officers or contractors serving eviction notices have occurred in Philadelphia so far this year, according to officials.
- Philadelphia city councilmembers Kendra Brooks (At-Large) and Jamie Gauthier (3rd District) revealed a list of reforms that the Landlord Tenant Office must implement before the eviction suspension is lifted.
Officials suspended eviction lockouts in Philadelphia following three reported shootings in the past four months involving a contractor and officers with the city’s landlord-tenant office.
Hon. Patrick Dugan, the President Judge of Philadelphia Municipal Court, announced Wednesday that Marisa Shuter, the city’s current Landlord Tenant Officer (LTO), agreed to suspend all lockouts immediately, according to Martin O’Rourke, the spokesperson for the First Judicial District.
In a statement obtained by NBC10, O’Rourke said the suspension will continue “until the Court has been assured that the LTO and all of her employees and contractors have received the most up-to-date training in the use of force and all up-to-date de-escalation procedures.”
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Three reported shootings involving landlord-tenant officers and a contractor serving eviction notices have occurred in Philadelphia so far this year, according to officials.
On Tuesday, at 4:07 p.m., a court-appointed private contractor hired by a landlord-tenant officer shot a 33-year-old woman in the right leg during an eviction, officials said.
The woman was taken to the hospital in stable condition while the contractor was taken into custody, police said. Police also recovered a gun, according to investigators.
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Police have not yet revealed additional details on what led to the shooting or if the contractor will face charges.
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The Philadelphia Inquirer also reported a deputy landlord-tenant officer fired his gun at a tenant’s dog while trying to enforce an eviction at a home on the 5500 block of North American Street in North Philadelphia on June 28. The dog was not injured during the incident and ran away after the shot was fired, according to the Inquirer.
Philadelphia city council members Kendra Brooks (At-Large) and Jamie Gauthier (3rd District) released a statement on Wednesday’s shooting.
“We are heartbroken and angry that a private contractor hired by the landlord-tenant officer shot another tenant during an eviction yesterday. We are relieved that the tenant is in stable condition and wish her a full and speedy recovery,” they wrote. “This afternoon, we asked the Municipal Court to pause landlord-tenant officer operations until we can ensure the basic safety of residents, and we are glad that they agreed to this course of action."
Brooks and Gauthier told the Municipal Court they expect the landlord-tenant office to establish the following policies and guidelines during the eviction pause:
- Notify tenants of the date and time of evictions
- Training for conducting evictions, including protocols for discharging firearms, appropriate use of force and de-escalation tactics
- Public accountability, including a public process to release the names of deputies involved in shootings and investigate conduct when an incident occurs
Brooks and Gauthier said the reforms must be achieved before the eviction pause in Philadelphia is lifted and “must be followed by substantial changes to the policies, practices, and leadership of the landlord-tenant office.”
The council members also called for a written contract between the Municipal Court and the landlord-tenant officer, a plan for providing tenants with city services during a lockout and reforms to the “profit-driven nature of evictions, which incentivizes contractors to evict as many people as possible as quickly as possible.”
There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here.
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https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/officials-suspend-evictions-in-philadelphia-after-3-reported-shootings-in-4-months/3607955/
| 2023-07-20T00:37:26
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https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/officials-suspend-evictions-in-philadelphia-after-3-reported-shootings-in-4-months/3607955/
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https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/police-at-the-jersey-shore-sound-the-alarm-amid-a-summer-surge-of-car-thefts/3607899/
| 2023-07-20T00:37:32
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https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/police-at-the-jersey-shore-sound-the-alarm-amid-a-summer-surge-of-car-thefts/3607899/
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https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/rail-lines-are-up-and-running-2-days-after-a-freight-train-derailed-in-montgomery-county/3607896/
| 2023-07-20T00:37:38
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https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/rail-lines-are-up-and-running-2-days-after-a-freight-train-derailed-in-montgomery-county/3607896/
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A 23-year-old Lincoln man has been charged with three felonies after he threatened to shoot up a woman's apartment before firing two shots from a handgun into a car in west Lincoln, police alleged in court filings.
Zayne Trujillo was among a group of five acquaintances hanging out in a trailer near Southwest 13th and West Plum streets at around 11:30 p.m. Sunday night when he started hurling threats while waving a handgun, Lincoln Police Investigator Kevin Meyer said in the probable cause statement for Trujillo's arrest.
A 24-year-old woman told police that the group was drinking alcohol when she mentioned she was still in love with her ex-boyfriend — a comment that, she said, set Trujillo off, Meyer wrote in the statement.
The woman said Trujillo, who she said is romantically interested in her, asked "where's my gun?" before pulling and waving a handgun. Multiple witnesses told police that Trujillo threatened to shoot up the 24-year-old's apartment before the residents of the trailer kicked him out, Meyer wrote.
Residents told police that the Trujillo left the area but showed up outside the trailer again 15 minutes later and fired two rounds into a car parked outside, causing $700 in damage, Meyer wrote.
Trujillo fled the area again before police arrived.
Gang investigators arrested Trujillo on Tuesday night and took him to the Lancaster County jail. It's unclear if police found the handgun he allegedly used in the shooting.
Prosecutors charged him Wednesday with terroristic threats, use of a firearm to commit a felony and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
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https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/lincoln-man-fired-gun-into-car-after-hurling-threats-at-woman-police-allege/article_9e65ce48-2665-11ee-b9d8-cf0d6fc9c1f5.html
| 2023-07-20T00:39:08
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https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/lincoln-man-fired-gun-into-car-after-hurling-threats-at-woman-police-allege/article_9e65ce48-2665-11ee-b9d8-cf0d6fc9c1f5.html
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Another incident in which a vehicle rammed into a Lincoln vape shop occurred Wednesday, leaving behind extensive damage in the third such occurrence this month.
Wednesday's victim was Midwest Smoke Shop, 4718 O St., which had the front side of the building rammed by a 2020 Hyundai Elantra around 3:30 a.m., Lincoln Police Capt. Todd Kocian said.
Approximately $1,650 of miscellaneous vape products were stolen and roughly $10,000 in damage was caused to the business, according to police.
Kocian said they are working to find the owner of the vehicle and determine whether it had been stolen.
Earlier this month, burglars rammed cars into a gas station and a vape shop, also in north Lincoln, leaving behind a combined $18,500 in damages and taking nearly $1,100 worth of stolen goods.
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Less than a week later, the same vape shop, Lincoln Vapor smoke shop near 27th and Fairfield streets, was burglarized a second time when a stolen 2013 Hyundai Sonata rammed through the store's front glass, causing $5,000 in damage with $1,000 worth of product taken.
The investigation into Wednesday's incident is ongoing.
Police alarmed by rise in cryptocurrency crime, and more of today's top videos
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As authorities continued to search for victims and survivors of a trawler that sank off the coast of Greece with as many as 750 migrants on bo…
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https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/lincoln-vape-shop-rammed-by-car-burglarized-police-say/article_cf15f4f6-2669-11ee-8d92-d32fcb69d451.html
| 2023-07-20T00:39:15
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https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/lincoln-vape-shop-rammed-by-car-burglarized-police-say/article_cf15f4f6-2669-11ee-8d92-d32fcb69d451.html
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BALTIMORE — Mayor Brandon Scott cleared the air on Wednesday on why one of the city's biggest public pools suddenly closed, to many swimmer's surprise.
RELATED:Pool closures leaves some Baltimore residents looking for ways to beat the heat
"We were scheduled to break ground on a new Patterson Park pool, but the council members and community asked that we stop to make repairs and attempt to keep the pool open this summer instead of just closing it for renovation. And despite my concerns that we could end up where we are today. Let's be very clear, this pool was always meant to close for renovations because it is a pool that has needed renovations since 20, 30 years ago," Scott said.
He continued saying the 70-year-old pool couldn't handle recent heavy rains and flooding forcing them to close early for renovation anyway.
The Department of Rec and Parks is currently rolling out a $120 million investment plan to upgrade facilities, with 6 out of 23 city pools being renovated.
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https://www.wmar2news.com/local/mayor-scott-explains-closing-of-patterson-park-pool
| 2023-07-20T00:40:28
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https://www.wmar2news.com/local/mayor-scott-explains-closing-of-patterson-park-pool
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BALTIMORE — The teen who was pulled out of Roosevelt Park Pool in early June has died, police say.
RELATED: Juvenile in critical condition after nearly drowning at Roosevelt Park Pool
Just after 12:30pm on June 7, officers were called to the pool in reference to a water rescue.
Acting Commissioner Richard Worley said police located several young people who had somehow gotten into the pool when it was closed.
"This is something that could have been totally avoidable," said Mayor Brandon Scott.
Worley also says a young man made his way to the deep end of the pool and did not come back up.
Medics arrived and immediately began performing CPR before taking the teen to a hospital for treatment.
Police say the teen died on June 29, he was 16-years-old.
Homicide detectives are still investigating the incident.
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https://www.wmar2news.com/local/teen-pulled-out-of-roosevelt-park-pool-in-june-has-died-police-say
| 2023-07-20T00:40:34
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https://www.wmar2news.com/local/teen-pulled-out-of-roosevelt-park-pool-in-june-has-died-police-say
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