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BOISE — Idaho has been selected as the site for a proposed nuclear test reactor that would dramatically reduce the time needed to develop nuclear fuels and components for a new generation of nuclear reactors that could help reduce global warming, the U.S. Department of Energy said Wednesday.
The Energy Department said it selected its 890-square-mile (2,300-square-kilometer) site in eastern Idaho that includes the Idaho National Laboratory to build the Versatile Test Reactor, or VTR.
The VTR is a sodium-cooled fast test reactor that would be the first fast spectrum test reactor to operate in the United States in nearly three decades. The Energy Department has requested funding from Congress to move the VTR project into the design phase. The project includes facilities for examining material tested in the reactor as well as managing spent fuel produced by the reactor.
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Scientists have said the test reactor could help lead to new nuclear reactors and reduce the use of fossil fuels blamed for global warming. Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by developing new technologies with nuclear power began during the Obama administration and have continued under both the Trump and Biden administrations. About 20% of the nation’s energy comes from about 100 nuclear power plants.
“Bringing a fast neutron test source back to the U.S. is an investment in our transition to a future carbon-free economy,” Kathryn Huff, assistant secretary for the Energy Department’s Nuclear Energy, said in a statement on Wednesday. “Now that we have completed this important step in the decision-making process, I look forward to working with Congress to obtain the funding needed to someday make VTR a reality.”
Specifically, the Department of Energy, or DOE, in May released an environmental impact statement that found building the test reactor in Idaho would have minimal impacts on the environment. Based on that study, the department on Friday signed off on what’s called a record of decision to formally select Idaho as the site for the project.
“DOE needs to develop this capability to establish the U.S. testing capability for next-generation nuclear reactors — many of which require a fast-neutron spectrum for operation — thus enabling the U.S. to regain technology leadership for the next generation nuclear fuels, materials, and reactors,” the agency said in the Friday document. “The lack of a versatile fast-neutron-spectrum testing capability is a significant national strategic risk affecting the ability of DOE to fulfill its mission to advance the energy, environmental, and nuclear security interests of the U.S. and promote scientific and technological innovation.”
The Energy Department is hoping to have the test reactor running by the end of 2026. Currently, such nuclear testing capacity only exists in Russia, the department said.
The reactor would give the nation a dedicated “fast-neutron-spectrum” testing capability. Such reactors are called fast reactors. The advantage of such a test reactor, scientists say, is that fast neutrons have a higher energy level and speed the testing of materials, fuels and instruments needed in a new wave of planned commercial nuclear reactors being developed by civilian companies and university researchers.
The disadvantage of such reactors, other scientists have said, is that they are cooled with harder-to-control liquid sodium and fueled by plutonium, increasing potential nuclear terrorism risks because plutonium can be used to make nuclear weapons. Critics also say they produce waste even more hazardous and difficult to dispose of than conventional reactors.
The department has not yet decided whether fuel fabrication for the test reactor will be at the Idaho National Laboratory or its Savannah River Site in South Carolina.
The environmental impact statement noted that the reactor would produce spent nuclear fuel beyond 2035, going past a deadline the Energy Department has with Idaho concerning spent nuclear fuel at the site. That document states that the Energy Department would explore possible approaches with Idaho regarding that issue.
Idaho is currently preventing the Energy Department from bringing in research quantities of spent nuclear fuel to the Idaho National Laboratory because the department has been unable to convert 900,000 gallons (340,000 liters) of liquid radioactive waste into a solid form.
The laboratory and assorted nuclear waste in the sagebrush-steppe region sit above a Lake Erie-sized aquifer that supplies water to cities and farms in that part of the state. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/energy-department-selects-idaho-for-nuclear-test-reactor/article_d314137a-0ea6-11ed-965b-a753b4758675.html | 2022-07-29T14:09:42 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/energy-department-selects-idaho-for-nuclear-test-reactor/article_d314137a-0ea6-11ed-965b-a753b4758675.html |
The Allen County Public Library system contributed more than $3.42 million in economic impact to Fort Wayne-area businesses and entrepreneurs last year, a new report finds.
Details were presented Thursday during a meeting of the library’s board of trustees.
Beth Boatright, library director of community programs and partnerships, said the number was impressive but likely “very conservative,” given the report was compiled when library services were curtailed because of the pandemic.
She said the report was based on techniques from the Urban Libraries Council Business Value Calculator from research completed by the St. Louis public library system.
Researchers examined the number of business-related uses of library resources or services and multiplied those numbers by the average cost of purchasing the services on the open market, Boatright said.
Four library categories were tallied – business training and education, research services, publicly available physical spaces and technology and equipment use.
For example, a library might offer support to job seekers seven times a day. A specialized consultant might charge $100 or more; the services over a year are worth $250,000 to the local economy.
The local numbers for each of the categories are: business training and education, $1,788,320; business research, $557,898; use of library spaces, $97,050; and use of library technology and equipment, $976,743.
A patron of the Monroeville branch who works for a local health care nonprofit told researchers she wouldn’t have been able to work during the pandemic because of spotty internet service at home. She used mobile hotpots and meeting space at the library.
Another user told researchers that librarians were of great help as she researched her business plan for creating an accessible interior design service.
In other business, Dave Sedestrom, the library’s chief financial officer, said the damage to the Aboite branch caused by the June derecho was estimated at between $500,000 and $750,000.
The roof and eight roof trusses were damaged by the storm, but insurance will likely cover all the cost of repairs except for a $25,000 deductible, he said.
Many businesses and homes in Aboite Township received damage from strong straight-line winds, including a 98 mph gust, and heavy rains that toppled trees and stripped shingles and siding from structures. Workers were still cleaning up debris this week. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/allen-county-public-library-tallies-3-42-million-in-economic-impact/article_9bbd0e56-0eb3-11ed-8cf6-af27b5c2e403.html | 2022-07-29T14:11:35 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/allen-county-public-library-tallies-3-42-million-in-economic-impact/article_9bbd0e56-0eb3-11ed-8cf6-af27b5c2e403.html |
ADAMS COUNTY, Pa. — Crews are responding to a chicken barn collapse.
According to emergency dispatch, the building, located at Hillandale Farms in the 300 block of Spicer Road in Tyrone Township, collapsed around 7:30 a.m. on July 29.
Dispatch says that at least one person has been injured, and crews are still at the scene.
It's unknown how many people were injured or the extent of those injuries at this time.
This is a developing story. FOX43 has a crew on the way to the scene, and we will provide updates as they become available. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/chicken-barn-building-collapse-tyrone-township-adams-county/521-258ba6f3-556d-4815-93ed-8543a67a9e61 | 2022-07-29T14:13:46 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/chicken-barn-building-collapse-tyrone-township-adams-county/521-258ba6f3-556d-4815-93ed-8543a67a9e61 |
A juicy — and rather cheesy — development out of this week's Lincoln Board of Education meeting.
Buried in Tuesday's consent agenda was this slice of news: Domino's Pizza will replace Pizza Hut as the slice-of-pie option in high school cafeterias at Lincoln Public Schools this fall.
LPS signed an estimated $250,000 annual contract with the Michigan-based chain to supply a la carte slices of cheese, pepperoni and sausage pizza this school year, with options to renew through 2026.
This isn't about picking favorites between pizza chains. No food fight here. It comes down to changing federal nutrition standards, said Andrew Ashelford, the district's director of nutrition services.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced in February that this school year 80% of entrees must be whole grain-rich — meaning at least 50% whole grain. Domino's product meets those standards.
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Pizza Hut, on the other hand, uses enriched dough, Ashelford said. Looser restrictions, which have bounced back and forth over the years, allowed LPS to serve its pizza for the past four years or so.
Under the Obama-era Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, schools were expected to phase out enriched bread altogether by the 2014-15 school year, but waivers gave districts wiggle room. The Trump administration then rolled the rule back to 50% whole grain, but a federal court struck down that order in the spring of 2020.
Last year, all meals had to be whole grain-rich, but again waivers gave districts flexibility as they navigated supply chain issues. This year, there are no waivers, which meant LPS had to find a whole grain pizza provider.
For years, CiCi's Pizza was the district's vendor, and Ashelford even remembers Godfather's supplying pies at one time.
As one can imagine, pizza is a hot commodity among hungry teenagers. Last year, LPS high schoolers gobbled up 1,602 slices per day — or about 280,000 over the school year.
The pizzas are prepared hot and fresh at the restaurant and delivered daily to cafeterias. Students have a choice of paying $2.50 for an a la carte slice or $2.85 if they tack on two veggies, two fruits and a milk (a steal in my book).
Having a "yummy option" gives high school students whose appetite might lead them somewhere less healthy a reason to stay in school for lunch, Ashelford said.
"I think the big thing especially for the older students who have access to a car is those kids go out and eat at fast food restaurants and get whatever they want," Ashelford said. "So we provide something that's appealing, that meets their needs and they like to keep them on campus."
Stand for Schools names new head
The Lincoln-based public education advocacy group Stand for Schools named its new executive director this week.
Dunixi Guereca, a health care union representative in California, will take over for Ann Hunter-Pirtle, who founded Stand For Schools in 2016. Hunter-Pirtle took a new position with the Federation of American Scientists in Washington.
Guereca studied political science and government at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and previously worked for the Nebraska Democratic Party and the Boy Scouts of America.
He most recently was with the SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West union in California.
Stand For Schools works to advance public education in Nebraska by advocating "for evidenced-based policies to help Nebraska's public schools better serve all children."
In a news release, Guereca said an important part of achieving that goal is by fighting legislative efforts to privatize public education.
"By keeping public schools public, Nebraskans have managed to avoid the disasters we’ve seen in other states," Guereca said, "and I intend to keep it that way — no vouchers, no charters, and the very best public schools in the nation.”
Early childhood summit
The Catholic Diocese of Lincoln is hosting an early childhood summit in collaboration with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln this weekend.
The "Playful Spirit Summit" is open to all early childhood educators, paraeducators, kindergarten teachers, church pastors and administrators.
Jeremy Ekeler, associate director of education policy with the Nebraska Catholic Conference and a former school administrator and educator, founded the summit to bring Catholic teachers together.
The summit kicks off at the Ruth Staples Child Development Lab on UNL's campus Friday at 6 p.m. On Saturday, early childhood experts will give presentations starting at 9 a.m. at the Nebraska Union on East Campus, followed by breakout sessions in the afternoon.
Spots are limited but are still available. You can register by emailing JEkeler@necatholic.org.
Quick hits
* Last summer, I wrote about Amanda Gutierrez, a student at Pius X High School whose essay on a fictional moon landing won her a trip to see NASA's launch of the Artemis I rocket in Florida.
Well, NASA is finally moving forward with the launch Aug. 29 after a lengthy delay. While the date could still move, "things look promising," Gutierrez's mom told me.
* The Lincoln High drumline performed for administrators at the district's annual Leadership Day on Monday at Lincoln High. On the snare drum was new Superintendent Paul Gausman.
* Lincoln Northwest High School staff members will get a tour of their new digs Friday. The finish line is close.
* On that note, it's hard to believe the school year is almost here. Where did summer go? | https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/from-the-classroom-new-pizza-chain-coming-to-lincoln-high-school-cafeterias/article_9661146b-a6d0-559c-92e9-77d3bcfb01d5.html | 2022-07-29T14:21:26 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/from-the-classroom-new-pizza-chain-coming-to-lincoln-high-school-cafeterias/article_9661146b-a6d0-559c-92e9-77d3bcfb01d5.html |
On a recent afternoon, Stephanie Lee sat on a chair in a first-floor bedroom, breastfeeding her 1-month-old daughter, Margot. She was joined by Katie Skaggs and Kelsey Carroll, lactation and family consultants, who launched their in-home business Coming Home LLC in February. They asked questions and provided tips — all while cooing over Margot.
“Try to learn all this on your own with a new baby screaming at you,” Lee laughed. “You need a lactation consultant. This is why you need a team.”
Postpartum services
Lee had known Skaggs and Carroll for about eight years while she worked as an OB-GYN with VCU Health and they had been working in the Mother-Infant Unit at VCU Medical Center.
Skaggs and Carroll did not grow up with intentions of starting their own lactation and family support business. Skaggs was with Richmond Ballet for 10 years while Carroll had started a career as a nurse in the ER.
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It wasn’t until Carroll had her first daughter and Skaggs began to pursue a career in nursing that the two met and eventually started Coming Home LLC. The pair, both of whom are registered nurses and board-certified lactation consultants, offer in-home and virtual visits, including prenatal and neonatal intensive care unit consultations.
“When I wanted to start doing this, my whole thing was postpartum in general,” Carroll said. “I just really wished that there was easier access to more services postpartum for moms.”
Within the past three months, Skaggs and Carroll have helped numerous families in the region, reaching as far west as Powhatan County and as far south as Prince George County.
Forming a community for moms in general is key, Carroll said.
“Sometimes it’s that they don’t even know what’s normal and what’s not until they talk to another mom and you’re like ‘Wait, do you bleed every time you sneeze?” Skaggs said.
As an OB-GYN, Lee said the majority of patients she worked with were seen by a lactation consultant in the hospital at least once. There were a lot of changes that happened after that first visit, which is why places like Coming Home were so important, she said.
“I think there’s a falsehood that we give moms that breastfeeding is natural and easy,” Lee said. “And I think it is really a disservice to new moms because it in many ways sets you up for disappointment, or to feel like you’re doing something wrong, when in reality I think there’s a lot of work like physical and mental and emotional that goes into setting up a good breastfeeding relationship — and that takes support.”
The two have now served over 100 families within about three months, they said.
From nurses to business owners
With over 15 years of combined experience, Skaggs and Carroll know how to support moms. The business side, however, was another story, Skaggs said.
“I think the hard part of being business owners is that we know how to do the lactation part — we know how to help moms,” she said. “But there are all these other pieces of running a business.”
The team began to pursue strategies that would help their business, like partnering with The Lactation Network. The partnership enabled those seeking services through Coming Home to have up to six visits covered by insurance from select companies.
By being part of VCU Health, the pair had also gotten much attention by word of mouth, they said. In addition to their growing social media presence, many of their referrals come through midwives, pediatricians, OB-GYNs and even a dentist.
“It becomes a question of, ‘How do you want to continue to promote yourself?’” Skaggs said. “We want others to know we exist and that you shouldn’t be sitting at home struggling and not know that there’s help.”
As the pace picked up, a third lactation consultant was hired for the Coming Home team: Lisa Corbin, a friend of Skaggs who’s also an RN and IBCLC.
With three available consultants, Lee said she was surprised by how fast Coming Home responded to her. She had put in her request at around 11 p.m. one night and had received a response by about 6 a.m. the next day.
“We don’t want to tell moms, ‘Yeah, we can help you in a week from today,” Carroll said. “In an outsider perspective, it might not seem like the end of the world, but when you are that breastfeeding mom and your nipples are in pain and your baby’s not eating or sleeping or they’re losing weight and you’re feeling consumed by this — we don’t really want to do that.”
Moving forward
In Lee’s living room, Skaggs and Carroll were excited for their most recent certification: They would be able to provide training for parents on infant massage techniques. They also joked about being a newly established small business and learning about how — and when — to pay workers’ compensation.
“We have an accountant, we have a lawyer — all the things that you wouldn’t even think of,” Skaggs laughed.
“And now it’s a small business,” Lee smiled.
“And it’s been a whirlwind,” Carroll added, “but it’s been fun!”
Carroll said they would be “building their empire” and recruiting mothers who they knew were interested in helping with lactation and family consulting. They want to continue expanding their services and providing for mothers all over Richmond, they said.
“I think one thing that felt really important to Kelsey and I — and why we knew we would be a good team working together, too — is that we had very similar views about lactation and breastfeeding in the sense that we just want to meet you where you are in terms of like your goals and plans,” Skaggs said. | https://richmond.com/business/local/local-at-home-lactation-and-family-consultants-helping-richmond-families/article_15566800-3420-5095-900d-0247760b1f3b.html | 2022-07-29T14:21:58 | 0 | https://richmond.com/business/local/local-at-home-lactation-and-family-consultants-helping-richmond-families/article_15566800-3420-5095-900d-0247760b1f3b.html |
A suspect being sought by police for robbing and assaulting a man before taking the victim's truck Thursday evening in Chesterfield County crashed into a car, killing the driver, while attempting to elude officers.
The victim, whose name was being withheld pending notification of relatives, was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the sedan was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The 15-year-old suspect, whose identity was withheld because of his age, was charged with felony homicide, robbery, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, grand larceny, vandalism, felony eluding, felony hit-and-run, driving without an operator's license and disregarding a traffic signal. He is being held in juvenile detention.
Felony homicide is killing someone accidentally in the commission of another felony crime.
Chesterfield police said they were called to the scene of a 6:59 p.m. robbery in the 3700 block of Meadowdale Boulevard.
The robbery victim was assaulted with a firearm before the suspect fled the scene in the victim's red Dodge truck. Officers located the stolen truck and initiated a pursuit, but the suspect driver refused to stop, police said.
While traveling in the 7500 block of Hopkins Road, the suspect crossed the double yellow line in an attempt to elude officers and struck a silver sedan traveling in the opposite direction. The suspect then fled on foot but was apprehended a short time later, police said.
Police are continuing to investigate the incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Chesterfield police at (804) 748-1251 or Crime Solvers at (804) 748-0660. Tips can also be submitted through the P3 app.
The first cannabis dispensary in Chesterfield County could open as early as November, marking the latest expansion to Green Leaf Medical of Virginia’s growing network in the Richmond region. | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/boy-15-charged-with-homicide-after-crashing-into-car-killing-driver-while-fleeing-armed-robbery/article_eaba259f-6612-552b-a1cc-02e3488e4ced.html | 2022-07-29T14:22:16 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/boy-15-charged-with-homicide-after-crashing-into-car-killing-driver-while-fleeing-armed-robbery/article_eaba259f-6612-552b-a1cc-02e3488e4ced.html |
Should you be worried about using a period-tracking app?
Katie Siek, professor of informatics at Indiana University, said she has not deleted her period-tracking app. But people should think about it, she said, especially if their goal is to avoid pregnancy.
“If I was a young person, and I was trying to avoid pregnancy, I would think about it,” she said. “I would think about possible implications of everything I do, from my posts on social media to my internet searches to turning off my location services.”
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade on June 24, experts and researchers have voiced concerns about how period-tracking apps might share data. Siek, along with Indiana University Ph.D. students Zaidat Ibrahim and Alexander Hayes, found that even submitting “junk data” to these apps will not protect reproductive privacy.
These apps are tempting because it can be hard for people with menstrual cycles to figure out their cycle or fertility windows, Siek said. The decision to keep using a period-tracking app depends on individual benefit, she said.
What do period-tracking apps do?
These apps collect all of the data users input, everything from cramps to flow rate to when the user had sex to their cravings. The danger comes from what the app or app designers, or law enforcement, intend to do with that information, Siek said.
Some apps simply predict your next period. Others are used for fertility tracking. Most apps use comparison data by compiling user information to give accurate estimates, although some apps just use individual data, Siek said.
Do these apps pose a threat to reproductive or data privacy?
Many everyday devices and routines can signal pregnancy, not just a period-tracking app, Siek said. Searches on phones and the internet become data indicating a pregnancy or a desire to receive an abortion.
“The app is kind of the least of the concerns,” she said.
European-owned period-tracking apps follow the General Data Protection Regulation, which is European Union law on data protection and privacy. Some apps have implemented an anonymous mode for users to take out identifying data. This only supplies limited protection, however, because when the record is connected to a name, date of birth and ZIP code, individual users can be identified, Siek said.
“It depends how unique you are,” she said.
Ibrahim said it’s hard to say whether period-tracking apps pose a threat to reproductive or data privacy. All apps take certain information and she said she doesn’t know what the period-tracking app designers might do with all the data they collect on each user.
“Will this information be handed over to the government?” she said. “I can’t say for sure.”
Ibrahim said she doesn’t think people need to delete their period-tracking apps. When using those apps for features like online help communities, rather than just tracking a period, deleting it depends on how much personal information you want to have out there. But for features such as health information, learning about menstrual cycles or how to navigate symptoms, Ibrahim said she thinks it’s OK to use these apps.
“I don’t think that people should necessarily freak out about this,” she said.
Hayes said he thinks the digital traces we leave on the internet, along with laws potentially paving the way for suing people who try to receive abortions, is concerning. But these apps do provide a valuable service to those who use them, he said, so it’s a tricky calculation.
How can people protect themselves?
To protect themselves, Siek said, the public has to talk to local and federal legislators and encourage them to protect individual data privacy. Another step is to use incognito mode on web browsers, especially when searching for information about abortions.
“Right now, companies can sell our data, they can share our data,” she said. “Every time you use an app, you have to agree to the terms. And the first thing the terms typically say is that it can change at any time.”
Even those without menstrual cycles should reach out to their representatives about federal data privacy laws and policies, Siek said.
“This is just one incident,” she said. “But there are lots of different instances where technology in our applications are snooping on us, and possibly impacting the future of ourselves for our society, so we have to take action now.”
What does it mean to submit “junk data” to these apps?
On social media, following the overturn of Roe v. Wade, many people started encouraging each other to submit “junk data” or random data to period-tracking apps. The purpose of doing this was a bit unclear, Siek said, but perhaps people wanted to confuse algorithms or make it hard to investigate pregnant users. That’s not going to do much for apps that already have millions of data points from monthly users, Siek said.
“Other data sources will be able to easily identify who’s submitting ‘junk data’ versus real data,” she said.
The Flo app, for example, has more than 48 million active users, according to NPR. So even if 1 million people input inaccurate data, it won’t affect the average in the long run, Ibrahim said, unless an equal number of regular users input “junk data.” But that would only screw up the app for people who want information for predicting their period, she said.
How else can you track your period?
Tracking a menstrual cycle and fertility the old-school way with paper and pencil or with an Excel sheet that can’t be shared is another option, Siek said. Online resources are a big help for figuring out how to track a cycle manually, she said.
Birth control is another tool some might use to keep their period consistent, Ibrahim said.
Who wants this data?
At this time, it’s unclear whether lawmakers or prosecutors would seek data from period-tracking apps, Siek said. Advertising companies are likely interested in data that would help them cater their advertisements for users. For example, Siek said, if a period-tracking app shows a pregnancy, that person may start receiving ads for baby preparation.
It’s frightening to look into app developing companies, Hayes said, because they do appear to be selling data. It may be intended for targeted advertising, but once that data is out, it’s hard to know what it’s being used for, he said.
It’s possible a prosecutor or other legal professional could access the data from period-tracking apps, Siek said, but other data sources are more likely to be targeted for accuracy.
Users should pay attention to what companies run the applications they’re using and what information will be shared, Ibrahim said.
“I think that users have some sort of right to say, ‘I want to get some feedback on how my data is being used,’” she said.
Reach Luzane Draughon at ldraughon@gannett.com or @luzdraughon on Twitter. | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2022/07/29/period-tracking-app-privacy-data-collection-concerns/65377098007/ | 2022-07-29T14:22:29 | 0 | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2022/07/29/period-tracking-app-privacy-data-collection-concerns/65377098007/ |
For veterans: Now you can reach Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988
Beginning July 16, veterans have a new option for contacting the Veterans Crisis Line; veterans can call 988, then press 1. The Department of Veterans Affairs followed the national Suicide Hotline Designation Act, which created 988 as the new national suicide prevention hotline. Every day an average of 20 veterans commit suicide.
The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource available to any veteran in crisis. The line was started in 2007 and has fielded more than 5.6 million calls, 218,000 texts, 660,000 chats and 1 million referrals. When a veteran calls, they are put into contact with a trained responder who will help the veteran through their crisis. If the veteran is in danger, the responder will help connect them with the services they need, either from the local VA medical center or somewhere else in the local community.
Don't hesitate to contact the Veterans Crisis Line if you or a loved one needs crisis intervention.
While veterans can now dial 988 and then press 1 as the new option for contacting the Veterans Crisis Line, the original number remains available. Dial 1-800-273-8255 and press 1. And veterans can continue to reach out via chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat or by sending a text to 838255.
If you are a Monroe County resident and need assistance filing a VA disability claim or if you have questions about federal, state or local veterans benefits, please reach out to my office: Steven Miller, Monroe County Veteran Service Officer, by calling 812-349-2537 or emailing smiller@co.monroe.in.us. | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2022/07/29/veterans-crisis-line-has-new-phone-number-988-people-in-need-can-use/65384628007/ | 2022-07-29T14:22:35 | 0 | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2022/07/29/veterans-crisis-line-has-new-phone-number-988-people-in-need-can-use/65384628007/ |
LAKE STATION — City Councilman Neil Anderson is fighting threats to remove him from public office.
Anderson, who has served on the council six years, said Thursday his political career has come under attack since May when he announced he will run for Lake Station mayor in 2023.
Lake Station’s city administration demanded this week that county election officials investigate whether Anderson has forfeited his council seat by moving out of the city’s 1st District, according to Michelle Fajman, county elections director.
Anderson said he also received a letter earlier this month from Lake County Democratic Chairman Jim Wieser asking Anderson to resign or be summarily replaced on the council.
“I’ve hired a lawyer and I intend to remain on the job,” Anderson said Thursday afternoon.
Fajman said Thursday it is up to Wieser, as party chairman, to decide what to do next.
Wieser said Thursday he has challenged Anderson to address rumors that he recently left his family’s home and no longer lives within the 1st District.
Anderson said Thursday he did move, for personal reason, but still lives within the 1st District at his parents' home.
Wieser said Thursday Anderson hasn’t responded to him over the controversy.
Wieser said he has a duty, under state law, to determine whether Anderson has vacated his city district and if so to name a replacement by Aug. 5.
Voters first elected Anderson, a brother of former Mayor Christopher Anderson, to a city council at-large seat in 2015.
He beat out more than a half dozen opponents in the spring Democratic primary and fall general election that year.
Voters re-elected him to the council in 2019 when he ran in the 1st District, a 90-block section of the city bound by Marquette Road on the north, Ripley Street on the west, 29th Avenue on the south and the Lake-Porter County line on the east.
He told The Times in 2019 he was a lifelong resident of the 1st District and excited to “represent the area where I was born and raised.”
Anderson said the controversy about his residency arose after he posted an announcement May 5 on his Facebook page that he would be running for mayor next year.
Anderson has been critical of Mayor Bill Carroll’s administration for using a contractor located outside the city to make improvement to its Riverview Park.
He stated in a recent Facebook post, “…when I’m the mayor of Lake Station we will have a 'Lake Station First' business plan. If we can use a business from LS, then we will.”
He also attacked the mayor while addressing a rumor earlier this summer that he had moved to City of Portage.
“Mayor Bill had an opportunity to save our Little League and he chose not to. So, since we have zero youth sports in this city and there has been no attempt to create anything, I had to sign my daughter up for Portage Junior Miss. When I signed my daughter up, there was multiple vacancies on the board. So my wife is now the Secretary, and I’m a rep for 10-13 year olds.… I still live in LS.”
City Councilman Rick Long, who represented the city’s 5th District and is the Democratic city chairman, said he believes Anderson moved out of the 1st District about a year ago and probably is living with other relatives in another district of the city.
“He doesn’t have his name on any city utility bill. He doesn’t come to all of our twice-a-month council meetings. He just wants to keep drawing a paycheck,” Long complained.
Long said he will be meeting with at least one potential replacement for the council seat early next week and will advise the county chairman what to do then.
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Southlake Mall restaurants, Morkes Chocolates, Pandora Jewelry and Junkluggers of Greater NW Indiana opening
Coming soon
Coming soon
Historic roots
Many different sweets
A place where people are going to be motivated to try every single different piece of chocolate | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/lake-station/lake-station-councilman-neil-anderson-under-pressure-to-resign/article_95fc38ce-5b8b-526d-8c2b-3b46754da668.html | 2022-07-29T14:23:55 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/lake-station/lake-station-councilman-neil-anderson-under-pressure-to-resign/article_95fc38ce-5b8b-526d-8c2b-3b46754da668.html |
SAN ANTONIO — A vacant 2-story home went up in flames, and the fire spread to an automotive business next door, burning the roof of the building.
The fire broke out around 8:45 p.m. on Thursday in the 2500 block of West Southcross.
Fire officials said the house is a total loss, and the fire burned about 80% of the automotive business. There were also embers blowing into the residential area nearby, but crews worked to knock out the spot fires.
It took several hours to extinguish the flames. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/house-fire-spreads-automotive-business-west-southcross-san-antonio-fire-department/273-bc441af1-a92f-4a30-8950-60fbee26c3eb | 2022-07-29T14:26:32 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/house-fire-spreads-automotive-business-west-southcross-san-antonio-fire-department/273-bc441af1-a92f-4a30-8950-60fbee26c3eb |
DALLAS — A Hawaii couple is accused of stealing the identities of dead Texas babies to obtain fake passports, DOD identity and social security cards, according to federal prosecutors.
And it worked for years.
A criminal complaint filed in Hawaii federal court says Walter Primrose and Gwynn Morrison assumed the identities of Bobby Edward Fort and Julie Lyn Montague, respectively. Both babies died in Texas in the '60s.
A federal court filing says Primrose even wiggled his way into the Coast Guard, where he held a secret clearance as a defense contractor and as an avionics electrical technician.
Former director of the CIA Porter Goss said investigators need to first determine a motive.
"Whether it's an economic matter or criminal matter of fraud, or whether there's some national security involved," Goss said.
The criminal complaint does not explicitly say why the married couple used stolen identities. But there are clues.
In 1987, their Nacogdoches home was "foreclosed by the bank," according to a court document. That's the same year the couple renamed and remade themselves, prosecutors alleged.
Federal agents also seized photographs from the couple's home in Hawaii "wearing what have been identified as KGB uniforms."
Goss said that alone is not enough evidence to suggest the pair were acting as Russian spies. But, he said, you also can't rule it out.
"You never want to dismiss lightly the potential of a sleeper agent," Goss told WFAA.
The couple was arrested on July 22 in Kapolei, Hawaii. Each face a federal conspiracy charge, false statement on a passport application and aggravated identity theft.
It's painful for the family of Julie Lyn Montague, the baby girl who died in Texas in 1968, whose identity prosecutors say Morrison stole. WFAA spoke to her 92-year-old father over the phone.
"I tell you what, I believe the world is full of crooks," John Montague said. "Why use somebody name that's already passed away, and bring that back? Then the family finds out... you always want them to rest in peace."
Montague has two other daughters and son. His daughter, Tonda, said she was in complete shock when she saw her late sister's name in the news.
"To see a photo of a person who has your sister's name in, in a KGB uniform, it's just wow. Crazy," Ferguson said.
The criminal complaint does not say how the couple picked the identities they used, but noted identity thieves often go to cemeteries and look for graves with ages close to their own.
Prosecutors noted the two babies whose identities were stolen were buried only 14 miles apart in Marble Falls and Burnet, Texas.
That complaint also says the couple went to high school together in Port Lavaca, Texas, and attended Stephen F. Austin University together, too.
Another federal court filing says Morrison, sometime ago, lived in Romania, while that country was within the Communist bloc, and that Primrose did not report several trips to Canada, while he did report other foreign travel.
Prosecutors are expected to unveil additional evidence at a hearing Thursday.
Attorneys for Primrose and Morrison said they have no comment when WFAA reached out. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/hawaii-couple-accused-using-dead-texas-infants-identities-ties-to-russia/287-ba622d43-70a3-43bf-ab14-1ad45f6663fd | 2022-07-29T14:26:38 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/hawaii-couple-accused-using-dead-texas-infants-identities-ties-to-russia/287-ba622d43-70a3-43bf-ab14-1ad45f6663fd |
GATLINBURG, Tenn — A woman died at Anakeesta on Thursday, according to Gatlinburg officials.
The Gatlinburg Fire and Rescue Department responded to the theme park around 7:41 p.m. regarding an incident on the park's chairlift, city officials said.
When crews arrived, they found a woman under the chairlift. She was pronounced dead on the scene, according to city officials.
"A tragic incident occurred [Thursday] evening. 911 was called immediately. Our hearts are with the family of the deceased," Anakeesta Vice President of Marketing and Sale Michele Canney said in a statement to 10News.
The incident remains under investigation. City officials said more information will be released when it is available. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/theme-park-gatlinburg-anakeesta-east-tennessee/51-62f2cf1e-33a6-4bd1-9bd5-5bd765133b29 | 2022-07-29T14:26:44 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/theme-park-gatlinburg-anakeesta-east-tennessee/51-62f2cf1e-33a6-4bd1-9bd5-5bd765133b29 |
Naked sea butterfly are washing up on Eastern Shore beaches. What is it?
Angels are making their way to beaches across the Delmarva Peninsula by way of the Clione limacina, more commonly known as the naked sea butterfly or sea angel. A flurry of social media posts have asked what is the bright orange sea creature found at the shoreline.
Despite its translucent appearance and wing-like appendages, the naked sea butterfly is actually a slug native to the Arctic Ocean and cold regions of the North Atlantic Ocean, according to Ocean Conservancy.
Cool water temperatures along the Mid-Atlantic have made the creature wash up on beaches along the Delmarva Peninsula, including Chincoteague and Assateague, and into Delaware at Cape Henlopen.
The town of Ocean City notes there is a process called upwelling at play, in which deep, cold water rises to the ocean’s surface. In the open ocean and along the shoreline, wind mixes the water around and brings water from the bottom of the ocean, which is cold and nutrient-rich, to the surface.
The blue, orange, and red sea angel boasts two subspecies with the northern variation living in colder water and maturing at 1.2 inches and reaching a size of 2.8 to 3.3 in. Conversely, the southern subspecies reaches only about half an inch.
Despite their diminutive size, they are hearty enough to live from the surface of the water to depths greater than 1,600 feet. While they don't present a danger to the public, their unique features make them an interesting addition to the shore.
JELLYFISH:Stinging jellyfish join swimmers at Delmarva beaches in late summer
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Another reason why the creature could be making an appearance is that both spring and summer is when the naked sea butterfly breeds.
Their presence is largely believed to be seasonal and highly dependent on colder water temperatures. During their short lifecycle, speculated by scientist to be at least two years, they will produce 30 to 40 eggs.
ON THE WATER:How mako shark fishing changes in Maryland impact tournaments, anglers | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2022/07/29/clione-limacina-washing-up-ocean-city-md-chincoteague-va-delaware/65385481007/ | 2022-07-29T14:48:13 | 1 | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2022/07/29/clione-limacina-washing-up-ocean-city-md-chincoteague-va-delaware/65385481007/ |
WATERLOO — Vimarys Caya has been named the new East High School associate principal, pending approval by the Board of Education. Caya has most recently served as assistant principal at Meade High School in Fort Meade, Maryland.
“I’m excited for this opportunity,” said Caya in a news release. “No matter who you are or where you come from, I will be your biggest cheerleader. I will go all the way for the students, staff, and families at East High School and in the Waterloo community.”
Throughout her tenure as an educator, Caya has also served as a Spanish teacher and alternative program lead administrator. She holds a bachelors degree in business administration from Wayland Baptist University in Texas and a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Vimarys to the community of Waterloo and to our Waterloo Schools family,” Waterloo Community Schools’ Superintendent Jared Smith said in the news release. “Vimarys’ strengths in the areas of collaboration, fostering rigorous and supportive learning environments for all students including keen attention to English language learners, and her focus on data-centered instructional strategies will be a tremendous asset.”
Sharlonda Roorda owns and operates “A Little Buzzed” – a salon in downtown Waterloo that is soon moving inside the Russell Lamson building. She teaches how to care for Black hair. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/new-east-high-school-assistant-principal-named/article_1aaa562f-9f8f-5031-9f26-d5a93a29308a.html | 2022-07-29T14:56:13 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/new-east-high-school-assistant-principal-named/article_1aaa562f-9f8f-5031-9f26-d5a93a29308a.html |
WATERLOO — There were just three competitors in Thursday’s Black Hawk County 4-H Dog Show on the National Cattle Congress grounds, but it was still a howling success – especially for Hugo.
The 3-year-old Labrador retriever-pit bull mix and his handler, 14-year-old Abby Peters of Cedar Falls, won the top dog trophy and ribbon for showmanship in her category.
Hugo gobbled a chicken jerky treat and cried at the news.
“He cries a lot – about everything,” Abby said, grinning. This was the second year in a row that Abby and Hugo took home the showmanship trophy.
The dog show was one of numerous activities and competitions at the annual Black Hawk County 4-H and FFA Fair, which ends Saturday. Today’s activities include a STEM Fair from 1 to 4 p.m. and a concert by Throwback Jack from 6 to 9 p.m.
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Saturday’s events include beef and dairy shows, pet show, archery demonstration, pie contest and a family picnic and ice cream sundaes.
Abby and her fellow dog handlers, 10-year-old Boone Kajewski of Dunkerton, who competed with his 1-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi Johnny Cash, and Zoey Raines of Cedar Falls, with her autism service dog, Finley, a 3-year-old yellow Labrador, all took dog obedience training this spring before signing up for the annual dog show.
“Hugo is very loyal and loves to play and jump on people. We’re working on that,” said Abby, who has been active in 4-H for six years. “We’ve been working on recall (calling her dog and expecting Hugo to come), but it’s harder with extra distractions.”
Obedience training has taught Abby how to better handle and control her dog’s behavior. “He likes and trusts me more, I think,” she explained, and the experience has made Abby more confident.
Finley was very good at her commands in the show ring. “She likes to sit and stay,” said Zoey, who has created a strong bond of love and trust with her dog.
As an autism service dog, Finley helps with Zoey’s anxiety, reducing her stress level and increasing her interest in activities like 4-H and dog obedience training. Zoey, the sole competitor at the senior level, joined 4-H a year ago.
Finley was all business in her service vest, attentive, gentle and intuitive, responding immediately to Zoey’s commands. Before her time in the ring, Zoey sat on the concrete floor at Estel Hall, scratching Finley’s ears as the dog stretched out across her lap.
Out of her service vest, Zoey said Finley is a typical dog who “loves to play.”
“Finley gets Zoey out of her comfort zone and is helping her build friendships,” said her mom, Courtney Raines. Courtney and dad, Joseph, sat on the bleachers and watched her daughter put Finley through her paces for dog show judge Susan Kauten.
Corgi Johnny Cash was more easily distracted by the noise of kids playing rollicking games on the other end of cavernous Estel Hall, and he couldn’t resist greeting passersby near the show ring. But for his first time – and with just two months of training, Boone kept good control of his pup. Judge Kauten offered instruction to Boone on being in the show ring and how to best display his dog.
“I really like being with Cash. He’s cute and he’s fun and he likes playing,” Boone said, doling out bite-sized chicken jerky treats for his pal, sitting in perfect form at his feet. “He’s worked really hard, and he’s pretty good if there aren’t any distractions. I just love him.” | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/top-dogs-kids-put-pups-through-their-paces-at-black-hawk-county-4-h-dog/article_30eecc97-0115-5d5f-8fbb-499b16b5d532.html | 2022-07-29T14:56:19 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/top-dogs-kids-put-pups-through-their-paces-at-black-hawk-county-4-h-dog/article_30eecc97-0115-5d5f-8fbb-499b16b5d532.html |
A popular Central Texas spring enjoyed by swimmers is running dry.
Jacob's Well, which is about 30 miles southwest of Austin, has no water flowing to the well because of ground pumping and the recent dry summer conditions.
According to a post from Jacob’s Well Natural Area’s Facebook page, "the U.S. Geologic Survey measured a zero cubic foot per second (cfs) discharge in recent days."
The well was formed 200 years ago when an artesian spring penetrated a two-mile layer of limestone creating the pool. It is part of the longest underwater cave in Texas.
The 140-foot deep hole is normally crowded with swimmers this time of year, but swimming has been off-limits for weeks because of the drought conditions.
Jacob's Well has only seen these conditions four times in the last two decades.
Officials say conservation efforts have always been necessary, not only for the maintenance of the well, but also to preserve the home it provides for area wildlife.
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map released yesterday, Hays County, where Jacob's Well is located, is experiencing Extreme Drought conditions.
Visitors can still hike in the area and look at the spring.
Get updates on what's happening in North Texas to your inbox. Sign up for our News Headlines newsletter. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/popular-central-texas-swimming-hole-dries-up/3035195/ | 2022-07-29T15:05:41 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/popular-central-texas-swimming-hole-dries-up/3035195/ |
I-94 reopens after week-long closure to install Second Avenue bridge
Detroit — Interstate 94 opened to traffic Friday morning after it was closed for the past week between Interstate 75 and the Lodge Freeway while the new Second Avenue skeleton was put in place.
By Tuesday the new bridge skeleton spanned the interstate, but officials said more time was needed to set it in place on support structures and clean up the road below.
The Second Avenue bridge is the first of its kind in Michigan, a network-tied arch bridge with crisscrossing cables connecting the top of the bridge to the road surface. It replaced the original that was built in 1954 and there now is space for cars, pedestrians and bicyclists.
The bridge does not require a center pier for support, which will leave more space on I-94 for future connections and interchanges with other roads.
Putting the bridge's skeleton in place was only the first step. A driving surface must be built, a process that will require additional short-term closures of I-94, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.
hmackay@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/07/29/interstate-94-reopens-after-week-long-closure-install-second-avenue-bridge/10182060002/ | 2022-07-29T15:10:00 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/07/29/interstate-94-reopens-after-week-long-closure-install-second-avenue-bridge/10182060002/ |
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — (The video above is from a previous, unrelated report)
A new “Break from Hunger” program hopes to provide accessible, healthy meal options for children on the First Coast.
Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company of Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, says now through Labor Day, customers and associates ages 17 and younger can purchase a specially prepared “Student Summer Lunch Pack” meal box for only $2.
According to Feeding America, 1 in 6 children across the United States may experience food insecurity.
The meal box will be available at any Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket or Winn-Dixie deli department.
Customers can simply request a “Student Summer Lunch Pack” from the deli at any local store.
The SEG Gives Foundation will also donate $1 to Feeding America for each purchase of a “Break from Hunger” meal, with the goal to donate the equivalent of one million meals into the community in partnership with Feeding America network food banks.
Raymond Rhee, Chief People Officer of Southeastern Grocers, said, “The challenges that our communities have faced during these past few years have magnified the struggle of many families to feed their children during the summer months. Through our ‘Break from Hunger’ program and continued partnership with Feeding America, we aim to provide children with the nutritious food they need for a healthy life." | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/children-meal-winn-dixie-harveys-effort-end-food-insecurity/77-ee11254c-59fc-4d81-97ba-0157ae027b1d | 2022-07-29T15:13:50 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/children-meal-winn-dixie-harveys-effort-end-food-insecurity/77-ee11254c-59fc-4d81-97ba-0157ae027b1d |
TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Fire Rescue is working to find out what caused a Palmetto Beach home to go up in flames early Friday morning.
Firefighters responded around 5:50 a.m. to reports of a fire at a home on Chapin Street near South 20th Street. They arrived to find a one-story home with smoke and flames through the roof.
The fire department says no one was inside the home after firefighters completed two searches.
One firefighter suffered minor injuries.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/palmetto-beach-house-fire/67-01a4b515-fded-4444-b9e7-4baef16e01f8 | 2022-07-29T15:13:58 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/palmetto-beach-house-fire/67-01a4b515-fded-4444-b9e7-4baef16e01f8 |
BRADENTON, Fla. — People are advised to stay out of the water at a handful of Manatee County beaches due to bacteria in the water that could cause sickness.
The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County said test results from water samples taken July 26 show an elevated level of enterococci bacteria — it's the same threat at many Sarasota County beaches currently under "no swim" advisories.
Some Hillsborough County beaches are affected, as well.
The following Manatee County beaches also are under a "no swim" advisory:
- Bayfront Park North
- Manatee Public Beach North
- Coquina Beach North
- Palma Sola South (under "no swim" advisory since July 25)
Health officials stress other Manatee County beaches currently are not under an advisory.
People who are young, elderly or have a weakened immune system that swallows water could become ill with the presence of bacteria in the water. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/manateecounty/manatee-county-no-swim-advisory/67-6b7de9e6-7b5e-46db-a0dc-62c078e59a7e | 2022-07-29T15:13:59 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/manateecounty/manatee-county-no-swim-advisory/67-6b7de9e6-7b5e-46db-a0dc-62c078e59a7e |
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Two people are being treated for severe burns after a mobile home fire Friday morning, according to fire officials.
The fire happened on Buena Vista Lane, Pasco County Fire Rescue said in a statement.
One person was flown by a medical helicopter from the scene, while the other person was transported by ambulance to Tampa General Hospital.
Firefighters reported that heavy fire could be seen coming out of the home.
Officials say the fire has since been extinguished, however, it is still unknown how the fire started. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pascocounty/holiday-mobile-home-fire/67-1fda1266-f2f6-4eb3-9189-b1c8e8e8ed25 | 2022-07-29T15:14:00 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pascocounty/holiday-mobile-home-fire/67-1fda1266-f2f6-4eb3-9189-b1c8e8e8ed25 |
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — An FBI-led investigation is underway Friday morning at the headquarters of the Uhuru Movement.
The agency confirmed its agents carried out a court-authorized warrant at the Uhuru House, located at 1245 18th Ave. S., which is the Florida-based headquarters of a Black international socialist group.
FBI agents were seen carrying unidentified boxes from the building.
A news conference is scheduled for noon on what authorities call "a significant investigation." According to a news release, St. Petersburg Police Department Chief Anthony Holloway, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Roger Handberg, and the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Tampa Field Office David Walker plan to be in attendance.
St. Petersburg police say they assisted the FBI with traffic and serving the warrant.
The Uhuru House is home to the Uhuru Movement, which is part of the African People's Socialist Party, according to The Associated Press. The party's website says it aims to unite "African people as one people for liberation, social justice, self-reliance and economic development."
Police arrested 19-year-old Kenny Raymond in the days after a July 2 incident in which a video showed a person, now believed to be Raymond, using a flamethrower to set fire to a Pan-African flag flying on a pole outside the Uhuru House. Leaders at the time called the fire a "targeted, ideologically informed attack."
Raymond was charged with criminal mischief.
In a later news conference, the African People's Socialist Party called the incident a "terrorist attack," noting that the accused perpetrator "being African is inconsequential" to the act of violence committed. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/uhuru-house-fbi-investigation-st-petersburg/67-4063a2d2-1b0c-42eb-95aa-db66feade59b | 2022-07-29T15:14:06 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/uhuru-house-fbi-investigation-st-petersburg/67-4063a2d2-1b0c-42eb-95aa-db66feade59b |
Some of golf's biggest stars will be greeted by protestors as they prepare to step on the green at the Trump National Golf Club in New Jersey on Friday.
Families of 9/11 victims have been voicing their outrage over a Saudi Arabian-funded golf tournament being held at the Bedminster course in New Jersey, as they claim that players are getting blood money from a government that allegedly supported the terrorist attacks.
The 4-day LIV Tournament tournament features 48 professional golfers competing for a $25 million purse put up by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Families of 9/11 victims were protesting near the club Friday, the first day of tournament play, criticizing the players — as well as former President Trump — pointing out that 15 of the 19 hijackers responsible for 9/11 were Saudi citizens.
Matthew Bocchi, who was 9 when his dad John died in one of the World Trade Center towers, was part of the group from 9/11 Families United making their voices heard at the start of the week.
”I think it sets a precedent that money will erase wrongdoing, that’s what angers me the most,” Bocchi said.
He added that he understood the tournament will likely play on, in spite of the opposition.
“It won’t stop, but we’re going to make it as painful as possible and unenjoyable as possible for those involved. We think that they need to know our feelings,” said Bochi.
Alison Crowther clutched the red bandana worn that day by her 24-year-old son Welles, a volunteer firefighter who helped save several people.
“What this tournament will do is showcase how easily people can be corrupted by money. Like these professional golfers who are going over to play,” said Crowther.
Last week on his social media site, Trump encouraged players on the PGA Tour to jump to LIV, where there is guaranteed money. He expressed fury last year when the PGA of America yanked its 2022 championship from Bedminster after the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection in Washington.
The families protesting LIV don’t single out Trump in their criticism. Terry Strada, who lost her husband, Tom, blames every presidential administration since 9/11 — claiming recently declassified documents proves a direct Saudi connection. The Saudi government has denied any involvement.
”I have a sitting President that released these documents, that needs to take action on that. That’s more of where my focus is,” said Strada, who called President Joe Biden’s fist bump with the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman “disgraceful, painful to watch.”
She said that the president needed to take time to discuss the attacks during the meeting, but said Biden “blew it” by not doing so.
The families say that President Biden has so far refused to meet with them. They said they will go back to the club on Friday, making their voices heard as the players tee off.
It’s not clear how much money the Trump organization is receiving for hosting the tournament. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/9-11-families-protest-saudi-backed-liv-golf-tourney-at-trump-golf-club-in-nj/3800949/ | 2022-07-29T15:14:24 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/9-11-families-protest-saudi-backed-liv-golf-tourney-at-trump-golf-club-in-nj/3800949/ |
An NYPD officer is in custody in Suffolk County after allegedly firing a gun twice into the air during a dispute with his girlfriend, law enforcement sources said Friday.
Suffolk County PD responded to an address in Patchogue just before 2 a.m. and took Ofc. Miguel Torres into custody, the sources said. Torres is assigned to the NYPD's 23rd Precinct, which covers a mostly residential area of East Harlem.
His duty status was not immediately clear as of mid-morning Friday.
Copyright NBC New York | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nypd-cop-arrested-for-firing-in-air-during-dispute-with-girlfriend-sources/3800951/ | 2022-07-29T15:14:39 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nypd-cop-arrested-for-firing-in-air-during-dispute-with-girlfriend-sources/3800951/ |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — With canine influenza cases on the rise in Birmingham, Dr. Andy Sokol with the Caldwell Mill Animal Clinic joined the CBS 42 Morning News to discuss how to protect your pet.
Last month, an outbreak of kennel cough ran rampant throughout Birmingham, and after further testing veterinarians concluded that this was an issue caused by a particular strain of the canine flu.
Some of the symptoms of dog flu include a runny nose, fever, eye discharge and reduced appetite. However, not all dogs show signs of infection. If you notice your dog exhibiting any of these symptoms or simply behaving differently, Sokol says that you should contact your veterinarian immediately to talk treatment options.
To prevent your pup from contracting the flu, Sokol says to make sure they are vaccinated and to stay away from areas where large groups of dogs could be present. Examples of those include: dog parks, pet stores, and boarding facilities.
If you do have to take your dog to the vet, Dr. Sokol recommends curbside services instead of going inside. In an effort to reduce the spread of canine influenza, several businesses have reduced the number of pets they allow inside the facility or shut down completely. The Greater Birmingham Humane Society recently suspended all dog adoptions after several animals tested positive for the disease.
Although extremely contagious among dogs, the CDC says there is no evidence that dog flu can be transmitted from animals to humans with not even a single case ever being reported. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/canine-influenza-cases-on-the-rise-in-birmingham/ | 2022-07-29T15:16:05 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/canine-influenza-cases-on-the-rise-in-birmingham/ |
Lee esta historia en español aquí.
Firefighters were battling a blaze at Jim’s Steaks in South Philadelphia Friday morning.
The two-alarm fire broke out a little after 10 a.m. at the cheesesteak shop along 4th and South streets. Smoke could be seen billowing from every floor of the four-story building as firefighters knocked down windows.
Firefighters seemed to be focusing their efforts on an HVAC unit, dousing it with water from above and below.
NBC10's Miguel Martinez-Valle was at the scene and reported shortly after 11 a.m. that firefighters were evacuated from the building and people in the vicinity were told to back up.
This is a developing story and will be updated. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/fire-breaks-out-at-jims-steaks-in-south-philadelphia/3319811/ | 2022-07-29T15:18:00 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/fire-breaks-out-at-jims-steaks-in-south-philadelphia/3319811/ |
Noblesville killed $5.5M development deal because of adult baby shop, emails show
The owner of a woodworking supply company said the city of Noblesville reneged on a $5.5 million development deal because he wouldn’t shut down a baby shop for adults he also owns.
Ryan Polokoff, owner of WoodTurningz, reached a preliminary agreement last October for property tax abatements if he built a new headquarters at 15405 Endeavor Drive. The incentive was part of a package deal with Texon Towel and Supply, Co., which would build an identical $5.5 million building next door.
When the city discovered he owned My Inner Baby, a store that sells adult diapers and other adult-sized baby clothes, it moved to nix the WoodTurningz deal because it “doesn’t meet the morals of the city,“ Polokoff siad.
The city is now trying to shut the baby store down or force it to move to an adult entertainment zoning district, claiming it is a “sex shop.” Polokoff is challenging that designation and a hearing is scheduled before the Zoning Board of Appeals on Monday.
More:Popular Noblesville restaurant closing as Pleasant Run road rebuilding project takes shape
The city denies that it pulled out of the WoodTurningz deal because Polokoff wouldn’t close the baby shop, despite emails from the city indicating that was the reason. Officials said Polokoff wasn’t willing to pay salaries the city demanded, but offered no evidence to support that claim. Emails show Polokoff agreed to pay higher salaries.
Owner offers several concessions, but it wasn't enough
Polokoff said WoodTurningz, which sells wood turning supplies, pen kits, and shop accessories, has been in Noblesville for 20 years at 15248 Stony Creek Way, but he needs to expand. He purchased the land on Endeavor Drive for $446,500 and estimated construction of the 52,000-square-foot building would cost $5.5 million more.
WoodTurningz guaranteed the city it would hire 10 employees over the next 10 years and the city offered a tax abatement that would save it about $1 million in property taxes over eight years. Polokoff said he could not afford to go forward with the project without the tax abatement.
Polokoff said city officials first tried to get out of the WoodTurningz deal by demanding Polokoff match the annual pay of Texon’s expected new workers — $58,300. Polokoff said he did so within five minutes at a Nov. 19 meeting he and developer Jim Kent had with Noblesville Economic Development Director Andrew Murray.
More:Mysterious animal found in Noblesville backyard identified
The city then demanded Polokoff promise not to move My Inner Baby into the new WoodTurningz building, which he was reluctant to do because he thought he might store some baby supplies there. "Why should I not be able to use space that I own?" he said. But about three days later Polokoff agreed to that, too.
After realizing the roadblock My Inner Baby presented, Polokoff, who co-owns the store with his fiancé, Sabine Kissee, told officials he would be willing to divest ownership. But he said the city restricted the people to whom the business could be transferred; it included wife, girlfriend or fiancée, he said.
Finally, Polokoff said, the city demanded he close My Inner Baby or move it out of Noblesville to keep the development deal. He refused and the deal was scuttled, he claimed.
Noblesville was once 'excited' about WoodTurningz
When the preliminary deal was announced in October 2021, Mayor Chris Jensen touted it as an example of the city forming partnerships with homegrown businesses.
“We are excited to see two of Noblesville’s own expand with this new investment and jobs commitment within our community,” Jensen said in a news release. “As new investment continues to occur in Noblesville, working closely with companies that are already here is critical to ensure they have the best opportunity to thrive.”
When IndyStar asked Deputy Mayor Matt Light if the deal was terminated because of Polokoff’s ownership of My Inner Baby, city spokesman Emily Gaylord replied in a text that it was because of other reasons.
“That tentative economic development was not moved forward based on feedback from council committee and further review of fiscal components, including the average wages involved,” she said.
Emails conflict with city's statements on why deal fell apart
In an email dated Dec. 28, Assistant Director of Economic Development Chuck Haberman told Kent the baby shop killed the deal and acknowledged Polokoff had met the other demands.
“The city has decided not to incentivize the business,” Haberman wrote. “While they appreciate the increase in wages and jobs and divesting ownership, they are still not comfortable given the connect to MIB (My Inner Baby).”
Kent, who is principal at Design & Construction, Westfield, told IndyStar the conversations became heated at times when new "hurdles" were put up, but Polokoff agreed to the concessions.
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"Every time he agreed to something, they came back with something else and it just became nastier and nastier," Kent said, "And it always came back to the baby shop."
When presented with the contents of the email by IndyStar, the city insisted wages and other issues were why the tax abatement was pulled.
“It didn’t meet the normal threshold of average wages,” Gaylord said. She said she was “not aware” the city had demanded that Polokoff not move the baby shop into WoodTurnignz or move the store.
In another email, dated Nov. 24, Kent said Polokoff was bewildered by why the baby shop was such an impediment.
“Knowing that we were able to work through the major issue of proposed wages in five minutes, the situation of his ownership of My Inner Baby, which we were told was the minor issue, seems to have escalated to the major issue,” Kent wrote to Murray. “Never did he figure My Inner Baby would cause such a disruption with his non-related business Woodturningz.”
Kent said Polokoff had made "significant investment" in the project besides the land costs, including new employees, machinery, ordering of steel, bank appraisal fees and building design costs.
“Now having agreed to meet and satisfy all the concerns … he is asking for his tax abatement offer to proceed,” wrote Kent.
Polokoff has owned My Inner Baby for a year in an area zoned for light industry next to State Road 37 near 154th Street. It is a self-described medical supply outlet that sells adult diapers and incontinence supplies, but also adult-sized baby bottles, pacifiers, stuffed animals, coloring books, pajamas and onesies.
In April, on the same day that Polokoff told his landlord that he wanted to renew his lease, he and the landlord received notice from the city that My Inner Baby was now considered a sex shop and couldn’t stay in the building. The landlord then told Polokoff he wanted him out.
Kent said Polokoff is considering moving WoodTurningz out of Noblesville and he is scouting other possible locations. | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/noblesville/2022/07/29/noblesville-killed-5-5m-development-deal-because-of-adult-baby-shop/65385426007/ | 2022-07-29T15:24:23 | 1 | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/noblesville/2022/07/29/noblesville-killed-5-5m-development-deal-because-of-adult-baby-shop/65385426007/ |
SNOHOMISH, Wash. — It’s prime picking season at Mountainview Blueberry farm in Snohomish.
“There’s a lot of ways to make a living as a farmer, I think we’ve settled on the best way,” Keith Stocker said. “Being able to see families enjoy what they do out here, is just awesome!”
Stocker is co-owner of Mountainview Blueberry Farm and president of Stocker Farms in Snohomish.
The blueberry season came later than normal this year due to one of the wettest and coldest springs on record.
“It just meant we couldn’t get into our fields as soon," Stocker said. "A lot of the crops were planted four to six weeks late. It’s affecting things like our pumpkin crops, you know, a lot of that acreage was too wet to plant, so it’s in late. So, things will be running behind.”
It’s not just the cold that made this year a challenge, but the heat wave as well.
“Today there are dozens of families out here already trying to get ahead of the heat we’re having,” Stocker said Thursday morning, standing in the middle of his blueberry farm.
The temperature was already near 80 degrees at 9 a.m.
Chris Benedict, who works for Washington State University research extension and focuses on horticulture in western Washington, said weather extremes are often bad for plants.
“It really depends on how, when and where that stress occurs, whether it’s cold, moisture, too much, too little or heat,” Benedict said.
The sudden shift to heat is having its own effect on crops.
“Heat is basically a massive stress on a plant and if it can’t deal with that it has to, sort of sacrifice possibly a portion of its plant,” Benedict said.
The impacts may be far-reaching.
“Things like last June where we had that massive heat wave, it had an immediate effect on things but we’re still seeing things sort of roll out possibly as a result," Benedict said.
Stocker now looks to the future and how to prevent setbacks as best he can.
Five years ago, with the help of a grant, he switched his watering technique to drip irrigation to make sure his blueberry plants got adequate water, especially in times of extreme heat.
“We are taking steps because it is part of where the future is going and whether it’s choosing varieties that are a little more drought tolerant or finding more efficient ways to sustain the health of plants, we’re having to," Stocker said. "We have to make those differences or changes."
Stocker noted, however, that it was not all bad.
He said the one thing that has benefitted from the cold, wet spring was his Christmas tree farm.
The cold spring helped his trees flourish. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/washington-weather-highs-lows-present-challenges-famers/281-2eb5778a-7b8f-481a-8cfa-ab0de2505ded | 2022-07-29T15:31:00 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/washington-weather-highs-lows-present-challenges-famers/281-2eb5778a-7b8f-481a-8cfa-ab0de2505ded |
BRIDGETON — A city man was arrested on an outstanding warrant issued after being stopped shoplifting at a Save-A-Lot store Wednesday, police said.
Gordon Winrow, 39, allegedly hid two bags of frozen shrimp on his person trying to steal them, police said.
When a security guard ordered Winrow to put the bags back, he pushed the guard and broke a store window while fleeing, police said.
Winrow is charged with robbery and criminal mischief.
He was taken to the Cumberland County jail after being arrested, police said. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/bridgeton-man-charged-following-store-robbery/article_7dce8534-0f3d-11ed-a3a0-afb8fc1f1da7.html | 2022-07-29T15:34:21 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/bridgeton-man-charged-following-store-robbery/article_7dce8534-0f3d-11ed-a3a0-afb8fc1f1da7.html |
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
As someone who works closely with the patient community, I feel it is my responsibility to monitor the actions in Congress when it comes to drug pricing. Most often, I am left disappointed that various pieces of legislation that would have a real and tremendous impact on the patient community end up dying on the vine due to the bitter partisanship in our current Congress. Opportunity after opportunity to receive real savings at the pharmacy counter for those who need it the most have been missed, despite the many promises made by our elected officials every campaign season.
Lupus, and the symptoms that come with it, is a very expensive condition to treat. New treatments have an annual cost between $30,000 and $40,000. While the new treatments have had tremendous benefits to those with lupus, it has forced many patients into the unfortunate decision to either skip doses or delay prescription refills. These are choices that any patient, whether one with lupus or any other chronic disease, should not have to make.
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So, it is refreshing to see that there may be another way to tackle high out-of-pocket costs for lupus and other chronic disease patients, and that is through the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In early June, the FTC announced that they would launch investigations into major pharmacy benefit managers and their business practices. This has been a long time coming, as Congress has repeatedly called on them to take a closer look at these institutions and the role they play in the final cost of a prescription medication.
Explaining the role of pharmacy benefit managers is about as easy as explaining quantum physics to many of us, but it essentially boils down to this: Pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, basically serve as the middleman between your insurance company’s drug plan and the drug manufacturer. Now comes the confusing part. The role that PBMs play is something of an enigma. As the online publication Fierce Healthcare put it, “the role (of PBMs) can’t be quantified, at least not for the public, because PBMs are secretive about their price negotiations with pharma companies.” That should be an enormous red flag, and it’s great to see that the FTC agrees.
Many of the tactics that PBMs employ range from questionable to highly suspect, but of particular concern to the patient side of this issue is the topic of drug rebates. These are the rebates, or coupons, that a manufacturer provides in order to discount the list price of a drug. The intention of them is to obviously lower the price for the consumer, but the problem is that PBMs often get in the way with its web of administrative and authorization hurdles, and the result is that the discount is never properly passed through to the consumer.
It will be fascinating to see what the FTC finds in their investigation into PBMs, but we shouldn’t be relying on them alone to fix this issue. As Congress continues to work throughout the summer on drug pricing bills, I hope that our elected officials, especially our very own influential Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly, will work parallel to the FTC and demand action on PBMs through legislation or as part of the drug pricing reconciliation bill. Of course we know that the answer to lower drug prices doesn’t rest with PBMs alone, and that it will take all those in the prescription drug supply chain to come to the table in order to make tangible progress. But the FTC launching this investigation should serve as a call-to-action for Congress. The message from the FTC is clear: The solution to high drug costs is out there and attainable. We just need to work to find it.
Sharon Joseph is the board president at the Lupus Foundation of Southern Arizona (LFSA). LFSA’s mission is to provide support, education and partnership to those affected by lupus, while promoting the development and enhancement of health and social welfare at the local level. | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-ftc-is-right-to-investigate-pharmacy-benefit-managers/article_77ec492e-0e90-11ed-b961-0f55260c6bad.html | 2022-07-29T15:34:50 | 0 | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-ftc-is-right-to-investigate-pharmacy-benefit-managers/article_77ec492e-0e90-11ed-b961-0f55260c6bad.html |
BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) — The Bristol, Virginia Sheriff’s Office announced a program on Friday that aims to keep loved ones safe.
The service, called Project Lifesaver, provides clients with a wrist or ankle band that emits a silent radio frequency. Clients’ caregivers notify the sheriff’s office if a loved one goes missing.
The program aims to help reduce the dangers people who wander off may face. This can include those living with Alzheimer’s, autism, Down syndrome, dementia or other cognitive conditions.
“The primary mission of Project Lifesaver is to provide timely response to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children who wander…,” a news release from the department states.
Project Lifesaver offers 24/7 service and helps save time and resources for agencies involved in the search process.
“More importantly, because time is of the essence, every minute lost increases the risk of a tragic outcome,” the release states.
The program, which had been suspended because of understaffing, has limited availability due to funding. The sheriff’s office continues to work to secure more money for new transmitters and other necessary equipment.
For more information, call Lt. Ronnie Leonard at 276-645-7327 or 276-494-4278. Those interested can also email leonardr@bvso.net. Donations can be sent and addressed as the following:
Bristol Virginia Sheriff’s Office
Project Lifesaver
497 Cumberland St.
Bristol, VA 24201
Project Lifesaver is part of the international effort to save families and responders time and resources. The program has helped locate nearly 4,000 people. For more information, click here. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/bristol-va-sheriffs-office-reinstates-project-lifesaver/ | 2022-07-29T15:35:14 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/bristol-va-sheriffs-office-reinstates-project-lifesaver/ |
There’s a lot of change happening for the Northland Preparatory Academy Spartans cross country program.
Hopefully that’s a positive thing.
The Spartans, who finished second in the Division IV state championship on the girls side and sixth in the boys competition last season, have a new coach in Xavier Rodriguez and a mostly new roster for both squads.
Rodriguez took over earlier in the offseason, after assisting on the track and field team in the spring. He’s spent many years as a personal coach for athletes, but this is his first opportunity to lead in the head role for a full squad.
“Having my own team now is a lot of fun, because I get to be more hands-on with the schedule, where we race, training and everything. It’s a cool new opportunity,” he said.
The Spartans, a successful team in their division, are revamping their rosters due to graduation. Meg Moyer, last year’s fastest runner on the girls team, finished 10th individually as a junior in last year’s state championship. She returns for her senior year, but many of her top-scoring teammates graduated.
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Similarly, the top three boys scoring-wise graduated on the boys team. Declan Norris, an incoming senior who finished 29th individually last year, is back as the team leader.
But despite the program’s overall youth, Rodriguez believes there is plenty of talent that can help the Spartans compete at a high level again. Much of that belief stems from a slew of athletes who are running distance for the first time after competing under him on the spring track and field team.
“I think we’ve got some really good carryover from the track. So even though we’ve got a lot of new runners for cross country, I know a lot of kids from there. There’s a lot of momentum from the spring to now,” Rodriguez said.
One of those runners, who the team hopes can earn solid scores immediately, is incoming senior Miyah Weiss.
“I was more on the sprinting side in track, and coach helped me make the transition to distance,” she said. “Now I’m really falling in love with it. It’s peaceful and it’s a nice outlet for me in my life and that I will be able to compete in.”
The Spartans have trained for about the past eight weeks in the summer, with around 20 combined athletes making some or all of the team’s practices. Though many of them are new, Norris said he has seen rapid improvement, especially from the novice distance runners.
“This summer they’ve definitely gotten faster. We’ve practiced a lot, and everyone’s enjoying the community of this team,” he said.
Weiss echoed the sentiment.
“There’s some people who are jumping in and fitting right in. You can tell when someone’s comfortable with it, and you can tell that it’s where they want to be,” she said.
Rodriguez said many of his athletes are already running at the same clip they reached on the track in the spring even though it’s just mid-summer. If the group can keep getting better as the offseason winds down, there’s a lot to be excited about.
There are still some nerves, as the team has yet to face true competition and will not do so until the first race of the season. Along the same line, though, there is a high level of anticipation for the Spartans to figure out what type of team they can be with the new squad.
“I think we’ve seen how we’re doing now, but we’re excited to see what the races are like, see how we stack up against some of these other teams and what level we’re all at,” Weiss said.
Northland Prep opens its season on Sept. 3 at the Peaks Invitational in Flagstaff. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/spartans-cross-country-rebuilding-with-new-coach-roster/article_ccf75dfc-0ec0-11ed-8257-53c8292e6ced.html | 2022-07-29T15:45:29 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/spartans-cross-country-rebuilding-with-new-coach-roster/article_ccf75dfc-0ec0-11ed-8257-53c8292e6ced.html |
Roofing company and nonprofit team up to give disabled Air Force veteran a new roof
SARASOTA COUNTY – After 20 years away — serving in the Gulf War and working as a trainer for a national truck driving school — Richard Eaton wanted to return home to South Venice and fix up the family home.
This week Eaton, who served in the Air Force for Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield, received a new roof through Purple Heart Homes and the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project.
Purple Heart Homes, a 13-year-old, Statesville, North Carolina-based nonprofit that provides housing solutions for disabled veterans, recommends eligible veterans for Owens Corning’s national roof repair program.
Earlier:After a lifetime of service, Vietnam veteran and wife receive a new roof
In case you missed it:A community salute for WWII Coast Guard veteran on 100th birthday
Eaton, a disabled Air Force Veteran, was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder two years ago. He served in the Middle East in 1990-91 and praised the nonprofit for a smooth application process.
“They are such a godsend to people, I can’t begin to tell you,” Eaton said. “They are so professional, they are so polite.”
A sense of history
After leaving the service, Eaton worked in Indiana as a trainer for the Truck Driver Institute.
He returned to the Venice area in 2008, to help care for his mother Marie and stepfather James Brill.
He bought the home on Roslyn Road from his mother in 2017, after she wanted to move north to Goshen, Indiana, to be closer to her grandchildren.
Eaton worked in real estate and functioned as best he could, despite the PTSD.
He was also heavily involved in the volunteer South Florida Clean Water Movement and a citizen effort to save the North Jetty Fish Camp, which was built in 1946 from an old Ybor City trolley car.
“I’m one of the few people who really believes in roots,” Eaton said. “You can’t replace old Florida, you can’t replace history ... it’s that type of thing.”
Eaton was 5 when the plane his father was flying back from Indiana crashed during a thunderstorm near Ocala.
The youngest of five brothers, Eaton has faint memories of his father – mostly riding in the airplane – and a profound attachment to his home, which shares a corner lot with a banyan tree and two live oaks.
He shares the home with his fiancee, Robin Oneill and three small dogs – Molly, a chihuahua mix; Lulu, a Pomeranian; and Roxy, a beagle mix.
Eaton and Oneill grew up in the same neighborhood, graduated from Venice High School together and even worked at the same Winn-Dixie together.
They reconnected about three years ago and Oneill – herself a disabled veteran – helped him navigate the paperwork to qualify for disability.
Eaton has tried therapies for his PTSD but little has helped.
“I have severe nightmares every night and then I end up waking up every morning deathly ill,” he said. “On a scale of 1 to 10 pain, I have 10 – I have what they call full-body migraines.”
He’s also light sensitive.
“First light, first thing in the morning causes severe pain,” he added. “I wake up in the fetal position every day now.
“The one thing they told me about it was, don’t expect it to improve.”
While filing for disability, Eaton learned that one-third of the 450,000 troops deployed during the first Persian Gulf War are considered fully disabled.
“Every night, my brain thinks it’s been in the Gulf War, and I can wake up as mentally focused as possible but every chemical – as if I just ran through a minefield – is in the body and that’s what actually happened and they have no way to stop it, once it’s triggered.”
Avenues of help
Eaton said he didn’t realize he was eligible for help until Oneill told him.
Those he worked with at the VA said many Gulf War veterans are like him.
Purple Heart Homes is one of several nonprofits that have stepped in to help veterans in times of hardship.
Locally, the Denis V. Cooper Foundation teamed up with Kingdom Roofing to put a new roof on the home of Vietnam veteran Horras Sheffield, and Goodwill Manasota has been especially active in veteran outreach.
Candice Jo, “CJ” Bannister, an eight-year Air Force veteran familiar through work with several vocal veteran outreach organizations, and currently a philanthropic advisor with the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, also is a member of the board of directors for Purple Heart Homes.
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Once Purple Heart Homes determines a need, they contact partners to help solve the issue – in this case, Owens Corning, which relies on its platinum roof contractors to do the work.
Mighty Dog Roofing Southwest Florida had nine workers – roughly two crews – removing old shingles and the double felt underneath, leaving the base plywood.
Leaky plywood boards are replaced – typically the crews bring three sheets of plywood but they quickly realized that more would be needed in a midday supply run.
Mighty Dog co-owner and president Philip Crutchfield had worked in software prior to establishing the Lakewood Ranch-based franchise in February 2021.
Crutchfield said that in Sarasota County, a crew can start the process by removing shingles on one day, then after allowing a day for inspection, can finish the job on the third day.
On that in-between day, crews are starting work on another home.
“It’s a moving musical chair, we’re always moving people around,” Crutchfield said, noting that half of the crew at Eaton’s home would move to a different site Tuesday afternoon, to finish that job.
He and a silent partner decided to go into roofing because it was an opportunity to do some good, “and do things the right way.”
Since 2016, Owens Corning has helped more than 350 veterans nationwide get a new roof.
Once Eaton’s roof is replaced – which could be finished as soon as Friday – it will be the sixth one completed in Florida this year, said Curtis Hagens, the Southwest Florida Region area sales manager for North American Building Materials Sales, a distributor of Owens Corning products.
“We try to give back whenever we get a chance to honor somebody that’s served,” Hagens said.
Earle Kimel primarily covers south Sarasota County for the Herald-Tribune and can be reached at earle.kimel@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism with a digital subscription to the Herald-Tribune. | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/venice/2022/07/29/sarasota-county-air-force-veteran-given-new-roof-mighty-dog-roofing-owens-corning/10127307002/ | 2022-07-29T15:55:14 | 1 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/venice/2022/07/29/sarasota-county-air-force-veteran-given-new-roof-mighty-dog-roofing-owens-corning/10127307002/ |
Tens of thousands of St. Luke’s Health System patients’ data might be vulnerable after a cybersecurity incident involving Kaye-Smith, one of the system’s business vendors, in May.
In a Wednesday news release, St. Luke’s announced that a vendor handling statement processing and billing services experienced a data breach. The health system became aware of the breach on July 6.
“We have identified 31,573 individuals whose records may have been impacted by the vendor data breach,” St. Luke’s spokesperson Christine Myron told the Idaho Statesman in an email. She said no St. Luke’s networks were affected.
There is “no evidence” that the compromised information has been “misused” at this point, according to the news release. Myron said Kaye-Smith and St. Luke’s are both “actively monitoring for any indication of misuse of St. Luke’s patient information.”
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The news release said the stolen information could have included patients’ names, addresses, ID numbers, dates of birth, last five digits of Social Security numbers, descriptions, dates and locations of services, provider names and patient account numbers. The breach also provided access to amounts billed for services, outstanding balances, payment due dates and payment account statuses.
The health system said it has “expedited” the process of informing patients. Myron said St. Luke’s was not able to notify people immediately because it was investigating which individuals and records the breach affected. She said St. Luke’s has worked to inform patients “as quickly as we could safely do so.”
Patients will receive a letter in the mail and will be entitled to complimentary identity theft protection, 12 months of credit and CyberScan security monitoring, and a $1,000,000 insurance reimbursement policy, according to the release.
A call center will be available starting Thursday at 4 p.m. to answer questions about the services. The help line will be available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday at 833-423-2976. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/st-luke-s-vendor-experiences-data-breach-thousands-of-idaho-patients-may-be-affected/article_38632288-0ebc-11ed-99ee-d7ab2fba5bc4.html | 2022-07-29T15:56:56 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/st-luke-s-vendor-experiences-data-breach-thousands-of-idaho-patients-may-be-affected/article_38632288-0ebc-11ed-99ee-d7ab2fba5bc4.html |
TWIN FALLS — TDS Telecommunications LLC will mark the beginning of the construction of its new high-speed internet network in the Magic Valley.
They will mark the beginning of the project with a groundbreaking ceremony at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Twin Falls Visitors Center.
TDS is building a fiber-to-the-premises network to approximately 32,000 addresses in Twin Falls, Burley and Jerome, giving residents and businesses access to what the company calls the “gold standard of residential internet connections.”
The multi-year project will deliver up to 2 gigabyte-per-second download and upload speeds, plus TV and phone service. Residents can visit TDSFiber.com to register for service, monitor the progress of the build, and sign up for notifications about the new service.
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For more information, contact Mark Schaaf at 414-326-3588 or mark.schaaf@tdstelecom.com. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/tds-to-hold-groundbreaking-for-new-fiber-internet-network-in-the-magic-valley/article_adaa1aea-0ea5-11ed-af6d-8778887fd573.html | 2022-07-29T15:57:02 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/tds-to-hold-groundbreaking-for-new-fiber-internet-network-in-the-magic-valley/article_adaa1aea-0ea5-11ed-af6d-8778887fd573.html |
LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. – An improperly discarded cigarette was deemed to be the culprit of fire at a Lehigh Acres homes Thursday night.
Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue responded to the home on Broadmoor street after a fire broke out on the front patio.
The flames were quickly extinguished before the flames could spread any further. There were no reported injures either. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/07/29/cigarette-responsible-for-late-night-fire-in-lehigh-acres/ | 2022-07-29T16:01:33 | 1 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/07/29/cigarette-responsible-for-late-night-fire-in-lehigh-acres/ |
Ball State hires Rashida Willard as new associate vice president of inclusive excellence
MUNCIE, Ind. — Rashida Willard will join Ball State University as associate vice president of inclusive excellence, effective Sept. 19.
Willard, who has more than 20 years of experience in risk mitigation — including more than seven years in higher education at one of the largest community colleges in the Pacific Northwest — will provide strategic leadership for and overall management of Ball State’s Office of Inclusive Excellence. The unit is dedicated to the recruitment, retention, and celebration of diverse faculty, staff, and students who possess a variety of worldviews, identities, and experiences, according to a release. It also assists Ball State’s colleges in integrating diversity, equity and educational quality efforts into their missions and institutional operations.
Willard began her career in 2006 at The Standard Insurance Company in Portland, Oregon, where she served as an underwriter for employee benefits. In 2015, she began her service in higher education as operations manager in administrative services at Clark College in Vancouver, Washington. She eventually became director of operations and risk management before being named the institution’s vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion in 2018.
A first-generation college student, Willard holds associate’s (organizational dynamics) and bachelor’s (business administration) degrees from Warner Pacific University in Portland, Oregon, and a Master of Business Administration from Concordia University, also in Portland. In 2021, she completed her Doctor of Education, Leadership, Inquiry, and Continuous Improvement from Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin.
Fish fry to raise funds for Daleville's Operation Christmas
DALEVILLE — The Daleville Police Department will have its annual Dan's Fish/Chicken Fry fundraiser 4-7 p.m. Aug. 6 in the Daleville Junior-Senior High School cafeteria. In addition to offering all-you-can-eat fish and chicken, the event will include a 50/50 drawing and a raffle.
This is the department's largest fundraiser for its Operation Christmas program, according to a release.
Workgroup to prioritize Environmental Quality Incentives
MUNCIE — The Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will have an Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) 2023 Local Workgroup meeting at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 9 at the Delaware County Building, 100 W Main St., Room 305.
Clair Burt, with the Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District, will be assist in leading the group through the local prioritization process needed. Throughout the state, public local workgroup meetings are being scheduled to discuss local EQIP priorities to make fiscal year 2023 ranking criteria recommendations to the NRCS stateconservationist, ultimately to help guide which applicants are awarded EQIP assistance.
The list of the resource concerns needing to be prioritized and last year’s ranking list will be available at themeeting. This list is the same for every county in the state and the priorities will diversify the ranking criteria.Information: Burt, 765-747-5531, ext. 3, or delcoswcd@gmail.com. Reservations are due by Aug. 8.participation.
Henry County candidates can register for Chamber event
NEW CASTLE —The New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce's Meet the Candidates fall open house will be 4-6 p.m. Oct. 6 at the New Castle Armory. Candidates are asked to register by calling 765-529-5210.
Send news items to The Star Press at news@muncie.gannett.com. | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2022/07/29/ball-state-names-associate-vice-president-of-inclusive-excellence/65385273007/ | 2022-07-29T16:07:51 | 0 | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2022/07/29/ball-state-names-associate-vice-president-of-inclusive-excellence/65385273007/ |
Farmland soda fountain The Chocolate Moose to close
FARMLAND, Ind. — After 25 years serving up ice cream and burgers, a destination eatery in downtown Farmland is closing, an apparent victim of the pandemic, the economy and tragedy.
A July 19 post on the Facebook page of The Chocolate Moose broke the sad news that the diner and soda fountain would be closing as of Saturday, Aug. 6. The announcement cited the "pandemic, supply chain challenges, labor shortages, sharp increases in the cost of products and the loss of co-owner and head of our family" as factors in the decision to close with the end of the restaurant's lease at a former fraternal lodge at 101 N. Main St.
Aimee and Mark Davis bought the restaurant in 2019 when the previous owners retired. The couple were looking for a new venture, "So we decided to jump into the restaurant business," Mark Davis told The Star Press at the time.
The Chocolate Moose continued to serve its sandwiches, soups, ice cream and other fountain treats to hungry customers from near and remarkably far under its new owners, adjusting, like many other restaurants, to continue operating during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic by offering free local delivery, carryout and creative specials such as "strawberry shortcake kits" for Mother's Day.
For subscribers:Downtown Muncie business offers Farm Stand on the first floor, cocktail lounge on the second
Then, at the end of 2020, Mark Davis developed health issues unrelated to COVID, and died on Christmas Day, according to the restaurant's Facebook page and a GoFundMe page created to help his family.
The restaurant went through a few owners and incarnations before being purchased by the Davises, but always featuring the old-style soda fountain ever since it opened in 1997. In 1998, a Muncie letter-writer encouraged readers of The Star Press who were nostalgic for old-fashioned drugstore soda fountains to "take a little drive" to Farmland to find The Chocolate Moose: "It has a soda fountain with 'Green Rivers," flavored Cokes, other treats and, the best deal of all, real milkshakes in the metal containers that they put on the table so you can have the extra milkshake."
Any soda fountain fans seeking that experience today will need to make that drive before Aug. 6.
STAY INFORMED AND SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM: Subscribe today using the link at the top of this page.
Contact content coach Robin Gibson at ragibson@gannett.com or 765-213-5855. Follow her on Twitter @RobinGibsonTSP. | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2022/07/29/farmland-soda-fountain-the-chocolate-moose-closing-soon/65385718007/ | 2022-07-29T16:07:57 | 1 | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2022/07/29/farmland-soda-fountain-the-chocolate-moose-closing-soon/65385718007/ |
School 'active shooter' drill planned Saturday at Delta
MUNCIE, Ind. — Anyone observing a large number of emergency vehicles at Delta High School on Saturday need not be alarmed.
Emergency personnel from throughout northern Delaware County — including the towns of Eaton, Albany and Gaston — have been invited to participate in an "active shooter" training exercise at the school, according to Eaton Police Chief Jay Turner.
In addition to police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel, "about 30 student actors" and "some (pretend) bad guys" are expected to take part in the training, he said.
Others are reading5-year-old Muncie girl fatally shot by brother, police say; parents arrested for neglect
A training session will be held at the Eaton Police Department beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, with activities moving to the school about 10 a.m. The event should be over by 1 p.m.
Turner said Eaton police planned to meet with Delaware Community Schools officials "at least once a month" to discuss school safety.
"We're trying to do everything we can to make it a safe place for students and staff," he said.
STAY INFORMED AND SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM: Subscribe today using the link at the top of this page.
Turner acknowledged the training and discussions in part were prompted by the May 24 shootings, of 19 students and two teachers, at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.
A perception that some were not prepared for the events leading to the Texas tragedy points to a need to eliminate "guesswork" in terms of emergency response, he said.
Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com. | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2022/07/29/muncie-school-active-shooter-drill-planned-at-delta-high-school-indiana/65385131007/ | 2022-07-29T16:08:03 | 1 | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2022/07/29/muncie-school-active-shooter-drill-planned-at-delta-high-school-indiana/65385131007/ |
WASHINGTON — A family is grieving and a city agency is releasing a timeline regarding the death of an infant after a dispatch operator sent help to the wrong address.
The tragic events unfolded on July 3 after Shartise Schatzman and Dalante Chase called emergency services needing help for their infant daughter Sevyn Schatzman-Chase at 2:26 a.m.
According to the Office of Unified Communications (OUC), the person who called asked that help be sent to the 2100 block of Savannah Terrace in Southeast for an infant experiencing cardiac arrest.
OUC says the dispatcher who took the call verbally verified the address twice before instructing the caller on how to give the child CPR until first responders could arrive.
Shartise Schatzman and Dalante Chase did everything they could to try to save their daughter as they waited for more help to arrive.
"I was like, she's not breathing, do something, do something, do something," Schatzman said.
However, OUC says the dispatcher recorded the address incorrectly in the system as the 2100 block of Savannah Street in Southeast. The address was corrected at 2:34 a.m. in the notes section, but the dispatcher did not update the location field in the dispatch system, causing first responders to go to the wrong address.
First responders were eventually able to find the correct address and arrived to help around 2:37 a.m., more than 10 minutes after the 911 call was first received.
“I felt like nobody communicated right that night," Schatzman said.
OUC investigated the incident, reviewing first responder radio traffic, dispatching system records, audio recordings, GPS data and internal OUC personnel interviews to create a timeline.
The agency reports the dispatcher started providing CPR instructions within 59 seconds of receiving the call and continued to do so until medical units arrived.
"During cardiac arrest calls, the most important step in the chain of survival is to provide CPR instructions for the caller to perform until FEMS arrives on the scene," OUC said in a statement to WUSA9.
OUC claims the dispatch system automatically chose three available Fire and EMS units to respond to the call. All units were reportedly dispatched within 90 seconds of the call. Engine 32 was dispatched from less than half a mile away, Medic 25 was dispatched from 1.7 miles away and EMS was dispatched just over two miles away.
Eight minutes after the 911 call was placed, Engine 32 arrived at the incorrect address. OUC says Medic 25 went directly to the correct address, arriving around 2:36 a.m.
"I know I said my address multiple times, and I know I gave them the right address," Schatzman said.
When units did arrive, Sevyn was taken to a nearby hospital and was pronounced dead.
"I just want justice for my daughter, because I feel like if they had got here on time, she'd still be here," Schatzman said.
She said she first learned about the miscommunication at the Office of Unified Command from former WUSA9 journalist Dave Statter who also operates the website, Statter911.com.
“In three years, there have been eight deaths where there were delays in sending fire and EMS to help these people,” he said. “We don't know exactly why these people died. We can't say they would have lived if they got there sooner. But what is happening is fire and EMS and even police are being hampered when 911 delays sending them.”
In May, 54-year-old Joyce Robertson passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest. The ambulance that was supposed to arrive with help was sent to the wrong address.
“She told me hold on the line until they get here,” Joyce's mother Patricia Robertson said.
Turns out, while Robertson waited more than 11 minutes for help the ambulance was sent to the wrong home. By the time medics got there – it was too late.
In March, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser reappointed Karima Holmes, a controversial 911 call center director, a year after that Holmes left the call center that's repeatedly sent rescue crews to the wrong locations.
Statter said he believes the problems plaguing DC's Office of Unified Command are systemic.
"These mistakes can cost lives," he said. "Seconds count. In an emergency, like this when you're in cardiac arrest, seconds count and you can't afford to lose minutes."
RELATED:
- 'Oh it's the wrong address' | DC 911 dispatch sends ambulance to wrong house. Woman dies of cardiac arrest while waiting for help
- 911 was called for help. Now, a DC family mourning their dad's death wants answers about about police response time
- DC 911 call center director reappointed following audit of EMS crew dispatch issues | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/infant-dies-911-dispatcher-sends-help-to-wrong-address/65-7f1faa0f-3d46-4893-86ea-79d8d6de653b | 2022-07-29T16:12:24 | 1 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/infant-dies-911-dispatcher-sends-help-to-wrong-address/65-7f1faa0f-3d46-4893-86ea-79d8d6de653b |
Horse club VP from Haines City seriously injured, wife and daughter killed in rural crash
HAINES CITY — Two Haines City women died following a two-vehicle crash last week, and a local horseback-riding club vice president is suffering from multiple injuries.
The crash happened July 22 about 8 a.m. on Old Polk City Road in Haines City.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office said a blue 2006 Chevrolet pickup driven by Oliver Freeman, 84, was headed east on Old Polk City road when Freeman attempted to turn left onto Enda Holliday Drive. Freeman's truck collided head-on with a black 2007 Ford Fusion driven by Delbert Jones, 54, that was heading west. Jones' car also carried his wife, Patricia Jones, 57, and daughter Molly Jones, 23.
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All occupants of both cars were taken to a local hospital after the crash. Patricia Jones died three days later after multiple operations. Molly Jones was placed in a medically induced coma because of brain swelling and died from her injuries Thursday.
Delbert Jones, vice president of the Florida Sport Horse Club, suffered a fractured back, broken nose and broken breast plate, his daughter Ellie Jones said on a GoFundMe fundraising page for her sister and parents.
According to the Sheriff's Office crash report, the occupants of both vehicles were wearing seatbelts and their airbags deployed at the time of the crash.
The Sheriff's Office said the injuries didn't seem to be life-threatening at the time of the crash. Traffic homicide detectives took on the investigation once the agency was notified of the death of the two passengers in Delbert Jones' vehicle.
The condition of Freeman unknown as of Friday. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/07/29/haines-city-crash-2-women-killed-horse-club-vp-injured/10177008002/ | 2022-07-29T16:22:43 | 1 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/07/29/haines-city-crash-2-women-killed-horse-club-vp-injured/10177008002/ |
Jan. 6 defendants with Polk ties enter pleas of not guilty
Three current and former local residents have pleaded not guilty on charges connected with the U.S. Capitol attack.
Olivia Pollock of Lakeland, Joseph Hutchinson III, formerly of Lakeland, and Michael Perkins of Plant City all entered not guilty pleas Thursday in a video hearing before U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols of the District of Columbia. All three are charged with felonies relating to their presence at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
Nichols set March 6 for jury selection and a jury trial in Washington, D.C. The three, who have been free on bond since their arrests last year, had originally been scheduled for trial in January.
Disputing felony:Jan. 6 defendant from Polk City wants new charge - a felony - dismissed
New charges:Charges added for Polk County Jan. 6 defendants
One year later:Jan. 6 suspect Jonathan Pollock from Polk County hasn’t been caught
Nichols scheduled a pre-trial conference for a co-defendant, Joshua Doolin of Polk City, for Sept. 7 in Washington, D.C. Doolin’s trial is scheduled for Sept. 12. Prosecutors recently added a felony charge for Doolin, who had previously been indicted on misdemeanor charges. His lawyer has filed a motion to have the new charge dismissed.
Pollock’s younger brother, Jonathan Pollock, was also indicted last year on charges of assaulting police officers at the U.S. Capitol. He remains a fugitive. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/07/29/jan-6-defendants-connected-polk-plead-not-guilty/10182388002/ | 2022-07-29T16:22:49 | 1 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/07/29/jan-6-defendants-connected-polk-plead-not-guilty/10182388002/ |
Winter Haven's $216.2 million budget plan: Lower tax rate, but most homeowners will pay more
WINTER HAVEN — Winter Haven commissioners are considering a $216.2 million budget that would reduce the city's tax rate for fiscal year 2022-23.
The proposed budget would drop the city's millage rate from $6.79 to $6.59 per $1,000 of assessed property value. If approved, it will be Winter Haven's lowest rate since 2017.
A Winter Haven homeowner with an assessed property value of $150,000 would pay $659 to the city next year after a homestead exemption.
Although the city is lowering the tax rate, the new millage rate will be advertised as a tax increase. This is required under state law because it is higher than the rollback rate of about $6.11 per $1,000 assessed value.
The rollback rate is the rate at which the city would collect the same revenue as the previous year. Winter Haven saw its property values increase by 21% last year, increasing the city's tax rolls by around $650 million. That means the new rate, although lower, would result in a higher tax bill for most property owners.
What's in the budget?
City Manager Mike Herr told commissioners in order to come in with a relatively flat budget — from $182.3 million this year to a proposed $216.2 million — he and the city staff worked to identify $7.2 million in cost avoidance.
One of the city's top priorities will be maintaining and building the city's cash reserves, sometimes called its rainy day fund, Herr said. At the end of this fiscal year, the city anticipates having about $15.9 million in its reserves. The proposed budget would increase the city's reserves by more than $4 million to $20.1 million, or 34% of its annual operating costs.
The commission will consider putting more than $250,000 into its Affordable Housing Trust Fund for next year. City staff uses this money for its Residential Infill Affordable Housing program that purchases a parcel or constructs a home for affordable housing, sometimes in partnership with area nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity or the Winter Haven Housing Authority.
'Shouldn't they fit in?':Polk commissioners deny 242-unit subdivision in rural Kathleen
Where will new students go?:Haines City High School has reached full capacity
‘This town is booming’:Winter Haven airport director sees aerospace driving big things
City officials have voted to support a request from the nonprofit Heart for Winter Haven for $220,000 next fiscal year. This money would be used by the organization to help homeless Polk County school students and their families find more stable housing.
Herr has asked commissioners to provide a 3% pay increase for city employees on their work anniversary under the city's step plan, which was approved in last year's budget. In addition to this, the city manager has called for scaled cost-of-living increases: 8% to frontline workers, 5% to mid-level supervisors and 2% to superintendents and higher administrative positions as of Oct. 1. If approved, this would give all current city employees a minimum annual salary increase of 5% next year.
The city has budgeted for 19 additional employees next year at an estimated cost of $1.28 million in salary and benefits. These new positions would include four firefighters, three maintenance workers and two code-compliance officers, largely to keep up with the city's population growth.
The General Fund is among the two largest portions of the city's overall budget, around 32%, second only to utilities. The proposed budget has set aside funds in this area for several significant projects:
- About $302,000 to replace the roof in the older section of AdventHealth Fieldhouse and Conference Center.
- $200,000 for repairs to the Winter Haven Garden Center.
- $150,000 to replace playground equipment and rubber surfacing at Lions Park.
- $75,000 to renovate the horseshoe courts at Rotary Park.
What's next
The public budget hearings will be held 6 p.m. Sept. 13 and 26 in the John Fuller Auditorium at City Hall, 451 Third St. N.W. Public comments will be accepted before a 2022-23 budget is adopted Sept. 26.
Commissioners can choose to further lower the proposed 6.59 millage rate for next year, but cannot increase it without notifying residents again.
Sara-Megan Walsh can be reached at swalsh@theledger.com or 863-802-7545. Follow on Twitter @SaraWalshFl.
Correction
The first digital version of this story incorrectly stated the City of Winter Haven's total budget was $183.4 million, rather than $216.2 million. The first figure failed to accurately account for all of the city's various funds. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/07/29/winter-haven-proposes-lower-property-tax-rate-homeowners/10173515002/ | 2022-07-29T16:22:55 | 1 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/07/29/winter-haven-proposes-lower-property-tax-rate-homeowners/10173515002/ |
WASHINGTON — A family is grieving and a city agency is releasing a timeline regarding the death of an infant after a dispatch operator sent help to the wrong address.
The tragic events unfolded on July 3 after Shartise Schatzman and Dalante Chase called emergency services needing help for their infant daughter Sevyn Schatzman-Chase at 2:26 a.m.
According to the Office of Unified Communications (OUC), the person who called asked that help be sent to the 2100 block of Savannah Terrace in Southeast for an infant experiencing cardiac arrest.
OUC says the dispatcher who took the call verbally verified the address twice before instructing the caller on how to give the child CPR until first responders could arrive.
Shartise Schatzman and Dalante Chase did everything they could to try to save their daughter as they waited for more help to arrive.
"I was like, she's not breathing, do something, do something, do something," Schatzman said.
However, OUC says the dispatcher recorded the address incorrectly in the system as the 2100 block of Savannah Street in Southeast. The address was corrected at 2:34 a.m. in the notes section, but the dispatcher did not update the location field in the dispatch system, causing first responders to go to the wrong address.
First responders were eventually able to find the correct address and arrived to help around 2:37 a.m., more than 10 minutes after the 911 call was first received.
“I felt like nobody communicated right that night," Schatzman said.
OUC investigated the incident, reviewing first responder radio traffic, dispatching system records, audio recordings, GPS data and internal OUC personnel interviews to create a timeline.
The agency reports the dispatcher started providing CPR instructions within 59 seconds of receiving the call and continued to do so until medical units arrived.
"During cardiac arrest calls, the most important step in the chain of survival is to provide CPR instructions for the caller to perform until FEMS arrives on the scene," OUC said in a statement to WUSA9.
OUC claims the dispatch system automatically chose three available Fire and EMS units to respond to the call. All units were reportedly dispatched within 90 seconds of the call. Engine 32 was dispatched from less than half a mile away, Medic 25 was dispatched from 1.7 miles away and EMS was dispatched just over two miles away.
Eight minutes after the 911 call was placed, Engine 32 arrived at the incorrect address. OUC says Medic 25 went directly to the correct address, arriving around 2:36 a.m.
"I know I said my address multiple times, and I know I gave them the right address," Schatzman said.
When units did arrive, Sevyn was taken to a nearby hospital and was pronounced dead.
"I just want justice for my daughter, because I feel like if they had got here on time, she'd still be here," Schatzman said.
She said she first learned about the miscommunication at the Office of Unified Command from former WUSA9 journalist Dave Statter who also operates the website, Statter911.com.
“In three years, there have been eight deaths where there were delays in sending fire and EMS to help these people,” he said. “We don't know exactly why these people died. We can't say they would have lived if they got there sooner. But what is happening is fire and EMS and even police are being hampered when 911 delays sending them.”
In May, 54-year-old Joyce Robertson passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest. The ambulance that was supposed to arrive with help was sent to the wrong address.
“She told me hold on the line until they get here,” Joyce's mother Patricia Robertson said.
Turns out, while Robertson waited more than 11 minutes for help the ambulance was sent to the wrong home. By the time medics got there – it was too late.
In March, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser reappointed Karima Holmes, a controversial 911 call center director, a year after that Holmes left the call center that's repeatedly sent rescue crews to the wrong locations.
Statter said he believes the problems plaguing DC's Office of Unified Command are systemic.
"These mistakes can cost lives," he said. "Seconds count. In an emergency, like this when you're in cardiac arrest, seconds count and you can't afford to lose minutes."
RELATED:
- 'Oh it's the wrong address' | DC 911 dispatch sends ambulance to wrong house. Woman dies of cardiac arrest while waiting for help
- 911 was called for help. Now, a DC family mourning their dad's death wants answers about about police response time
- DC 911 call center director reappointed following audit of EMS crew dispatch issues | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/infant-dies-911-dispatcher-sends-help-to-wrong-address/65-7f1faa0f-3d46-4893-86ea-79d8d6de653b | 2022-07-29T16:27:47 | 1 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/infant-dies-911-dispatcher-sends-help-to-wrong-address/65-7f1faa0f-3d46-4893-86ea-79d8d6de653b |
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON MDT /11 AM PDT/
SUNDAY...
...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON MDT /11 AM
PDT/ TO 9 PM MDT /8 PM PDT/ SUNDAY...
* WHAT...For the Excessive Heat Warning, dangerously hot
conditions with temperatures up to 109. For the Heat Advisory,
temperatures up to 106.
* WHERE...Portions of southeast Oregon and southwest Idaho.
* WHEN...For the Excessive Heat Warning, from noon MDT /11 AM
PDT/ to 9 PM MDT /8 PM PDT/ Sunday. For the Heat Advisory,
until noon MDT /11 AM PDT/ Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Extreme heat will significantly increase the
potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those
working or participating in outdoor activities.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
&&
Weather Alert
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON MDT /11 AM PDT/
SUNDAY...
...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON MDT /11 AM
PDT/ TO 9 PM MDT /8 PM PDT/ SUNDAY...
* WHAT...For the Excessive Heat Warning, dangerously hot
conditions with temperatures up to 109. For the Heat Advisory,
temperatures up to 106.
* WHERE...Portions of southeast Oregon and southwest Idaho.
* WHEN...For the Excessive Heat Warning, from noon MDT /11 AM
PDT/ to 9 PM MDT /8 PM PDT/ Sunday. For the Heat Advisory,
until noon MDT /11 AM PDT/ Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Extreme heat will significantly increase the
potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those
working or participating in outdoor activities.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
&&
A bat tested positive for rabies after being found in downtown Boise.
The bat was found on a sidewalk on West Bannock Street across from Cecil D. Andrus Park. Reports suggest that two other dead bats had been seen in the same area last week, according to a press release from Central District Health.
The rabies virus can cause a fatal illness in both people and pets. Although most bats do not have rabies, they are the species most often found to be rabid in Idaho. Central District Health and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare urge residents to avoid all contact with any bat.
“If you handled a bat in the downtown Boise area in the last week, it is important that you contact your primary care provider immediately to discuss the situation and determine if rabies shots are warranted,” State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Leslie Tengelsen said in the release. “Bat bites are extremely small and hard to see, so if there is any chance you handled a bat near the park, talk to your health care provider. If your pet picked up a bat near the park, even if currently vaccinated against rabies, talk to your veterinarian about getting your pet a rabies booster.”
If you or your pet did have an encounter with a bat on a sidewalk on Bannock Street across from the park, please also call 208-375-5211 to speak with a Central District Health epidemiologist.
CDH and Health and Welfare urge residents to report additional dead or dying bats in the area to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game by calling 208-465-8465. Fish and Game will remove them from the area and consider additional rabies testing.
This is the fourth bat this year to test positive for rabies in Idaho. Two others were reported in Bannock County and one in Madison County. On average, 15 rabid bats are detected in Idaho each year.
To protect yourself and your pets from rabies:
• Do not touch a bat with your bare hands. Be very suspicious of any bat behaving oddly or found on the ground.
• If you come into contact with a bat, seek medical attention.
• Save the bat in a container while using thick gloves or another method to transfer it into a container without touching it.
• Contact your public health district to arrange for rabies testing.
• Always vaccinate your pets, including cats. Pets may encounter bats outdoors or in the home.
• Bat-proof your home or cabin and maintain tight-fitting screens on windows. Bats can enter through holes the size of a quarter. Typically, bat-proofing is best accomplished after most bats have migrated away in the fall.
For more information on bats and rabies please visit the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare rabies site: rabies.dhw.idaho.gov. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/rabid-bat-found-in-boise/article_ca688ced-727a-56fe-9990-74a8eecbc5a9.html | 2022-07-29T16:33:32 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/rabid-bat-found-in-boise/article_ca688ced-727a-56fe-9990-74a8eecbc5a9.html |
More than 2,000 monkeypox vaccine doses given in Maricopa County; more vaccination events scheduled
Amid a worldwide monkeypox outbreak, just over 2,000 doses of a vaccine have been administered in several Arizona counties, and additional vaccination events have been scheduled for the following weeks.
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health has administered more than 2,100 doses, according to spokeswoman Sonia Singh. MCDPH has received an allocation of little more than 2,900 doses of the JYNEEOS vaccine to administer to high-risk residents in Maricopa, Pinal, Gila and La Paz counties, Singh explained.
As of Friday morning, there were 28 confirmed cases of monkeypox and 14 probable cases, according to MCDPH. The first reported case in Maricopa County was on June 7.
Monkeypox in Arizona:Vaccine's limited supply concerns health officials as cases rise
Monkeypox can cause a rash resembling pimples or blisters, sometimes with a flu-like illness, and spreads through direct contact with a monkeypox rash, scabs or body fluids, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Contact can be made through physically intimate activity like sex, according to the CDC.
MCDPH medical epidemiologist Dr. Nick Staab previously spoke to The Arizona Republic about monkeypox vaccine supplies.
"Ideally, with more vaccine supply, we'll be able to give this to individuals who are at high risk but who have not necessarily been in contact with a case," Staab said in a July 11 story.
MCDPH will host at least two more vaccination events in Phoenix in the next couple of weeks. There will be vaccines available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8, at the Maricopa County Public Health Clinic located at 1645 E. Roosevelt St. in Phoenix.
Full vaccination with JYNNEOS comes two weeks after a second dose with four weeks between each shot.
How do I know if I have monkeypox?
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health says monkeypox often starts with a fever, which may be accompanied by a headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.
One to three days after fever starts, a rash begins, often starting on the face before spreading to other parts of the body, county officials say. The rash may begin as small, flat, round discolorations that become raised and fluid-filled (clear or pus) before scabbing. The spots and the fluid in them carry the virus that can infect others, health officials say.
The spots or lesions can appear anywhere on the skin, genitals or inside the mouth. The illness typically lasts two to four weeks, according to the CDC. Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash, the federal agency says.
The best way to prevent the spread of monkeypox and other viruses is to wash your hands after you contact someone, wear a mask when you are in a crowded indoor space, and stay home if you’re sick with fever or respiratory symptoms. Always avoid touching a rash or skin lesions on someone else, state, county and federal health officials say.
Anyone who is experiencing those symptoms should seek medical care and avoid contact with others to prevent the virus from spreading.
Republic reporter Stephanie Innes contributed to this article.
Reach breaking news reporter Jose R. Gonzalez at jose.gonzalez@gannett.com or on Twitter @jrgzztx.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-health/2022/07/29/maricopa-county-administers-monkeypox-vaccine-doses/10180806002/ | 2022-07-29T16:35:27 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-health/2022/07/29/maricopa-county-administers-monkeypox-vaccine-doses/10180806002/ |
Chandler police release footage of officers shooting at man suspected of pulling a gun on them
Chandler police released body camera footage of officers firing at a man they say pulled a gun from his waistband and turned toward them before fleeing.
The man, later identified as Raymond Harding, 27, was arrested days later.
Officers were called to a Little Caesars Pizza restaurant on June 1 after a man reported that when he was leaving the business with his 12-year-old son, Harding raised his shirt and exposed a gun, according to court documents. The man said he and his son felt threatened, which is why they called the authorities.
Chandler police released case records to The Arizona Republic, including multiple visuals, audio recordings and documents of the June incident.
The man told an officer that he and his son were complaining to the pizza store staff about an incorrect order when they encountered Harding. According to a video from a police interview with the man, he told police he was yelling at staff while Harding was present.
Harding started “mumbling” insults, the man told police. When the man and his son were leaving in their car, Harding showed them the gun and said if they wanted “some of this.” The man told police he responded with a racial slur, the video from the interview shows.
The man's son told police he ducked when he saw the gun.
Surveillance footage shows a man, who officers suspect was Harding, walking out of the Little Caesars Pizza and lifting his shirt when a car was passing by. When the man turns around, what seems to be a gun is seen in his waistband.
Surveillance footage also shows Harding standing outside when two patrol cars arrive at the business.
Body camera video shows an officer, who was not identified, talking to Harding. He tells Harding to put his hands up and that he knows he has a gun. Harding tells the officer he doesn't have a gun.
The officer asks Harding to face away, and Harding starts walking away showing his hands. Harding repeatedly says he doesn’t have a gun, the body-worn camera video shows. Harding then starts running away in the parking lot and the officer chases after him. Another unidentified officer is seen chasing after him as well, additional body-worn camera video shows.
Footage from the first officer shows Harding emerging from behind the cars. He appears to have his shirt lifted and in one of the frames, he is seen turning around toward the officers with his right hand above the waist. In the video, it is unclear if he is holding a gun.
The second officer says, “he is reaching” and fires at Harding, footage shows. At least five shots could be heard in the videos. According to the investigation report, both officers fired a total of eight times at Harding.
Harding continues running and crosses the street while officers chase after him. Surveillance video captures Harding jumping a fence and fleeing.
Officials identified Harding as the suspect after investigating prints from a car that was found to be affiliated with the case. He matched the suspect shown in surveillance video and body camera footage, court documents state.
They also searched the backyard that Harding jumped into and found a handgun, according to court documents.
Harding was arrested in Tempe on June 6 and charged on suspicion of two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, one count of aggravated assault from an adult on a minor, one count of possession of a weapon by a prohibited person and one count of disorderly conduct for recklessly handling, displaying or discharging a weapon.
Harding is not permitted to own or have a gun on his person because of a prior conviction, according to court documents.
While being questioned by police, Harding said he was not injured and that his side of the story wouldn't change the charges he faced, interview video shows.
Harding entered a not guilty plea to all charges on July 13, court documents show. His next court date is set for Aug. 16 and his trial is scheduled for Oct. 25.
Reach breaking news reporter Angela Cordoba Perez at Angela.CordobaPerez@Gannett.com or on Twitter @AngelaCordobaP.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/chandler/2022/07/29/chandler-police-release-footage-officers-shooting-man-little-caesars/10179368002/ | 2022-07-29T16:35:33 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/chandler/2022/07/29/chandler-police-release-footage-officers-shooting-man-little-caesars/10179368002/ |
Man arrested after shooting at Goodwill store in Casa Grande
A 35-year-old man was in stable condition after a shooting at a Goodwill store near Florence Boulevard and Colorado Street on Thursday, according to Casa Grande Police Department.
Officers responded to the scene just before 4:30 p.m. where they found the unidentified 35-year-old man lying on the ground on the west side of the Goodwill store and another man running eastbound from the area.
Casa Grande police said while officers gave aid to the man, a suspect was found entering another business in the same shopping center. The suspect was identified by police as Marcus Juan, 18, who was arrested "without incident."
The man who was shot was taken to a hospital where he underwent surgery and was in stable condition.
After a firearm and evidence were discovered at the scene, Juan was booked into the Pinal County Adult Detention Center and charged with aggravated assault.
Neither Juan nor the man shot are residents of Casa Grande, police said.
Reach breaking news reporter Haleigh Kochanski at hkochanski@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @HaleighKochans.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/pinal-breaking/2022/07/29/marcus-juan-arrested-suspicion-assault-casa-grande-goodwill-shooting/10183186002/ | 2022-07-29T16:35:39 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/pinal-breaking/2022/07/29/marcus-juan-arrested-suspicion-assault-casa-grande-goodwill-shooting/10183186002/ |
Loud debates over abortion policy and tax rebates so far have dominated this year's rare special session of the Indiana General Assembly.
But amid competing groups of protesters at the Statehouse, a number of Northwest Indiana officials quietly are working to fix a seemingly minor tax issue that will have a huge impact on several Region taxing districts if left unaddressed.
The issue stems from a Sept. 22, 2021, Indiana Supreme Court ruling that ordered the property tax assessment for Southlake Mall to revert to its 2010 amount from the considerably higher valuations applied to the mall for the 2011-2014 tax years.
As a result of the assessment change, the mall is owed a property tax refund totaling approximately $19 million from Lake County, Ross Township, City of Hobart, Merrillville Community School Corp., Lake County Public Library District and Lake County Solid Waste District.
Records show the largest share of the mall tax refund is due from Hobart and Merrillville schools, which under current state law must be paid soon as single, lump sum.
Lake County officials said Thursday neither the city nor the school district likely has sufficient cash on hand to cover the payment, and forcing them to shift funds from other needs will cause "catastrophic" impacts to public services.
"I could see this really hurting each of the taxing entities," said Lake County Councilman Dan Dernulc, R-Highland. "Police would be affected, fire would be affected, any kind of quality of life services would be affected."
To prevent that pain, local officials are urging the Legislature to change a single date in the Indiana Code to 2010 from 2014, which would allow the affected taxing districts to repay the money to the mall over a 5- to 10-year period as a credit against future property taxes, instead of immediately in cash.
A 2020 state law authorized the alternative method of repayment of large property tax refunds for assessments made after Dec. 31, 2014. It's not currently available for the mall case because the relevant reassessment occurred in 2011.
"If these legislators would think about the impact of this to their towns, that should be a no-brainer," Dernulc said.
The Lake County Council voted 6-0 Thursday to adopt a resolution supporting the efforts of Hobart and Merrillville schools to persuade state lawmakers to change the statute to allow for a longer repayment period.
Multiple Northwest Indiana legislators confirmed to The Times they're aware of the issue, and working it, but all the uncertainty over both the abortion and tax rebate proposals make it difficult to predict how things will turn out.
The Indiana Tax Court threw out the $242.9 million assessed value of the mall for 2015 and 2016 and ordered the value of the mall to revert to its 2010 assessment of approximately $110 million.
Local taxing districts that include Southlake Mall likely will have to pay millions of dollars in refunds after a long-running property tax assessment dispute was resolved in the mall's favor.
Hobart and Lake County may be on the hook for more than $12 million in refunds depending on how the Indiana Supreme Court resolves a long-running dispute over the assessed value of Southlake Mall.
A judge has upheld the Indiana tax board's calculated assessed value for the 2011-14 period, which was closer to the value set by the Lake County Assessor than the value sought by the mall. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/catastrophic-cuts-to-public-services-ahead-if-legislature-fails-to-address-tax-issue/article_d5f849ed-28b5-5f7b-8a0b-723e1e966f0a.html | 2022-07-29T16:35:42 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/catastrophic-cuts-to-public-services-ahead-if-legislature-fails-to-address-tax-issue/article_d5f849ed-28b5-5f7b-8a0b-723e1e966f0a.html |
GARY— "Gas money, medication and groceries."
Augustine Lewis listed the things he was able to buy using the monthly $500 he received as a participant in Gary's Guaranteed Income Validation Effort pilot program.
After working as a steelworker for 26 years Lewis, 67, has been largely retired for the past two decades — aside from the occasional odd job.
However, the health insurance Lewis received as an Air Force veteran, did not cover some of the medications he needed to treat his diabetes. When he heard about the G.I.V.E. program online, he applied.
"I was able to do a lot of things that I normally wouldn't be able to with my fixed income," Lewis said during a G.I.V.E. year-in-review event Thursday morning.
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One of the things Lewis did was visit his 28-year-old son who has lived in a group home in Flora, Indiana since 2017. Before receiving the G.I.V.E. funds, Lewis said it had been "quite a while" since he'd seen his son.
"I was able to take him some care packages, with some of the hot chips that he loves and some Little Debbie cakes. Things that remind him of home," Lewis said.
First championed by former Stockton, California Mayor Michael Tubbs, guaranteed income programs have taken off across the country including in Chicago and Milwaukee. Currently, Gary is the only community in Indiana with a guaranteed income program.
When Burgess Peoples learned about the concept, she presented it to Mayor Jerome Prince. Aided by $500,000 of seed money from the Mayors for Guaranteed Income organization, Gary launched a pilot G.I.V.E. program last May.
A survey was sent to 4,000 residents, and from the responses 125 people were chosen to participate, receiving $500 a month for 12 months.
G.I.V.E. ran out of funding in November 2021, but in March, the Gary City Council approved an ordinance allocating $400,000 of American Rescue Act funds to cover the remaining six months.
Peoples, the executive director of G.I.V.E., said the program offers participants "a helping hand," allowing them to realize their own potential.
Everyday, people "have to decide between paying their rent or fixing their car so they can go to work," Prince. said. G.I.V.E. made that decision easier, about 40% of the 125 participants returned to work during the program.
Though participants stopped receiving funding in July, Peoples said the program is far from over.
Along with $500 a month, participants received financial literacy classes courtesy of Centier Bank and met with admissions counselors from Indiana University Northwest to learn about higher education options.
About a quarter of the G.I.VE. participants opened a bank account for the first time and two-thirds attended financial literacy classes.
"For many first-generation students, getting into college is still a mystery," Indiana University Northwest Chancellor Ken Iwama said, explaining that a college degree often helps with socioeconomic mobility.
Lewis started taking classes at IUN this spring. While he hasn't picked a major quite yet, he hopes to get his master's and is leaning towards political science.
On Thursday, Peoples announced the G.I.V.E. Wealth Series, which will feature more financial literacy classes both online and in-person. The 125 participants will continue to receive support through the wealth series, regular check-ins and employment resources. Peoples said she is currently fundraising to maintain an aid fund, in case participants need emergency money.
In November, the G.I.V.E. board will decide if it wants to go after more funding to expand the program beyond the pilot.
"As mayor I understand that I cannot end poverty ... what we can do, is what the G.I.V.E. program did, and that's make poverty escapable," Prince said. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/gary/watch-now-gary-completes-guaranteed-income-pilot-program-announces-wealth-series/article_52447681-9e6e-5615-9417-b2ed60e199f7.html | 2022-07-29T16:35:44 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/gary/watch-now-gary-completes-guaranteed-income-pilot-program-announces-wealth-series/article_52447681-9e6e-5615-9417-b2ed60e199f7.html |
INDIANAPOLIS — A federal appeals court ruled Thursday that Roncalli High School was within its rights to not renew a former guidance counselor's contract who was in a same-sex marriage.
Citing the minesterial exemption in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that Lynn Starkey, who worked as a guidance counselor at the Catholic high school, essentially functioned as a minister as part of her job, and that the school has the right to uphold church teachings on same-sex marriage in its hiring and firing decisions involving ministerial employees.
The Roman Catholic Church teaches against same-sex unions.
(NOTE: The video above is from a previous report when Roncalli did not renew Lynn Starkey's contract.)
Starkey, whose 39-year career at Roncalli began as a music teacher, was employed under a one-year contract that included the requirement that employees refrain from "any personal conduct or lifestyle at variance with the policies of the Archdiocese or the moral or religious teachings of the Roman Catholic Church."
That requirement was further clarified in an updated contract that stated that an employee was in default if the employee were to engage in a relationship "contrary to a valid marriage as seen through the eyes of the Catholic Church," which defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
Starkey filed a lawsuit in 2019 against Roncalli High School and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis after Roncalli opted not to renew her contract. Eventually, a U.S. district court ruled in the Catholic institution’s favor, and the guidance counselor appealed.
"I dedicated my professional career to Roncalli. To be treated this way after 39 years has been devastating to me," Starkey said at the time.
Starkey was the second guidance counselor at Roncalli to lose her job because she's married to a woman, following Shelly Fitzgerald's placement on administrative leave in August 2018.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita praised the ruling, saying in a news release after the decision, "Hoosiers have the right to worship as they choose, and churches have the right to uphold the beliefs they consider sacred.”
"Folks have different viewpoints on same-sex marriage," Rokita said. "But the fact remains that churches and religious institutions have the right to require their ministerial staff, including educators, to support and uphold their doctrinal teachings." | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/appeals-court-upholds-roncallis-termination-guidance-counselor-same-sex-marriage/531-33f0fa59-e56b-446d-a775-7be40558baa3 | 2022-07-29T16:38:14 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/appeals-court-upholds-roncallis-termination-guidance-counselor-same-sex-marriage/531-33f0fa59-e56b-446d-a775-7be40558baa3 |
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Health said a total of 45 monkeypox cases, included two cases in children, have been reported across the state between June 18 and July 28.
According to the IDOH, monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, which is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox.
"Like many other states, Indiana has seen an increase in monkeypox cases over the past month," said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG, in a news release. "Monkeypox does not easily spread through brief casual contact, but it's important to remember that anyone can be affected if they are a close contact of a positive case. Hoosiers who believe they may have been exposed or who develop symptoms consistent with monkeypox are urged to contact a healthcare provider."
(NOTE: The video above is from a previous report on the state health department's preparations for the rising number in monkeypox cases.)
The IDOH said the symptoms of monkeypox are similar to smallpox but appear milder, noting monkeypox is rarely fatal.
According to the IDOH, monkeypox typically starts with a fever, headache, chills, muscle aches and exhaustion between five and 21 days after being exposed. A rash typically develops within one to three days after getting a fever. The IDOH said the rash can start in the mouth or any part of the body before spreading.
The IDOH said the virus typically lasts two to four weeks, and people are considered infectious until all scabs from the rash have fallen off and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
According to the IDOH, person-to-person transmission is possible either through skin-to-skin contact with body fluids, monkeypox sores or contaminated items, such as bedding or clothing, or through exposure to respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact.
As of July 29, Indiana has received 3,232 doses of Jynneos vaccine. Due to the limited supply, vaccines are initially being prioritized for close contacts to positive cases to prevent severe disease. Additional vaccine is expected soon, and eligibility will then be expanded to groups at high risk for exposure.
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- Young and Braun vote against PACT Act aimed at helping suffering veterans | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/monkeypox-indiana-45-2-kids-virus-vaccine/531-81e73831-3f4e-499a-bf95-550e35c28648 | 2022-07-29T16:38:20 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/monkeypox-indiana-45-2-kids-virus-vaccine/531-81e73831-3f4e-499a-bf95-550e35c28648 |
Broadway between Lavina Street and Swinney Avenue will have lane restrictions Monday, according to the Fort Wayne Traffic Engineering Department.
An Electric Works crew will be working in the area and should finish Aug. 5.
For more information, call 260-427-6155 or visit www.trecthefort.org. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/broadway-lane-restrictions/article_aadc6c3e-0f48-11ed-a2de-2b2dfd1498bd.html | 2022-07-29T16:39:34 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/broadway-lane-restrictions/article_aadc6c3e-0f48-11ed-a2de-2b2dfd1498bd.html |
The Allen County commissioners responded today to criticism of their proposed plan to build a new jail on Adams Center Road.
The commissioners and Sheriff David Gladieux are required by a federal court order to fix the Allen County Jail’s conditions. A lawsuit by Vincent Morris and the American Civil Liberties Union said the jail is chronically overcrowded and understaffed, leading to numerous problems that threaten and cause inmates' injuries.
The commissioners proposed a new confinement center on 200 acres of land the county owns at 5080 Adams Center Road, where the Allen County Sheriff's Regional Training Facility is located. The plaintiffs responded in a court filing and said the improvements need to happen sooner than 2027, which is when the new jail is expected to be done.
Commissioner Nelson Peters said today that the plaintiffs don’t have an issue with the location and insist a jail is built quickly. He suggested that people in opposition of a jail being put at the southeast county location contact the ACLU.
Commissioner Rich Beck said he doesn’t understand ongoing complaints from citizens that the commissioners haven’t been open through the process. The commissioners have added jail updates to their weekly meetings that are open to the public.
“This has been going on for months, and the discussions are wide, and they are open,” he said. “I just struggle with why we are accused of a lack of transparency when it’s out there.” | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/commissioners-talk-transparency-with-plans-for-a-new-allen-county-jail/article_31aaf316-0f58-11ed-8dad-c355ac402b1f.html | 2022-07-29T16:39:40 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/commissioners-talk-transparency-with-plans-for-a-new-allen-county-jail/article_31aaf316-0f58-11ed-8dad-c355ac402b1f.html |
A Silver Alert for a 19-year-old Logansport man missing since Thursday has been canceled, Indiana State Police said.
Nicodemus Smith was last seen driving a silver 2013 Toyota Corolla with Indiana registration BUP928.
No further information about his return was provided. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/indiana/silver-alert-canceled-for-missing-logansport-man/article_40b92700-0ed2-11ed-b8f0-5bd62be7e298.html | 2022-07-29T16:39:47 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/indiana/silver-alert-canceled-for-missing-logansport-man/article_40b92700-0ed2-11ed-b8f0-5bd62be7e298.html |
Kids get thrills on their day at Allen County Fair
Mike Durbin
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Mike Durbin has been a Webmaster and Assistant Systems Manager with The Journal Gazette since 2006. He is also a contributing photographer.
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Class ring lost in 1972 recovered week of 50th class reunion | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/kids-get-thrills-on-their-day-at-allen-county-fair/article_303f0fe6-0eb6-11ed-9b9c-dfc291192895.html | 2022-07-29T16:39:53 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/kids-get-thrills-on-their-day-at-allen-county-fair/article_303f0fe6-0eb6-11ed-9b9c-dfc291192895.html |
Westbound Main Street between Harrison and Ewing streets will be closed Monday, according to the Fort Wayne Traffic Engineering Department.
A construction crew will be working on The Pearl development through May 2023.
For more information, call 260-427-6155 or visit www.trecthefort.org. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/main-street-closure/article_f31e6cb4-0f42-11ed-9e51-5bdde062959d.html | 2022-07-29T16:39:59 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/main-street-closure/article_f31e6cb4-0f42-11ed-9e51-5bdde062959d.html |
New Haven Avenue between Edsall Avenue and Roy Street will be closed Monday, according to the Fort Wayne Traffic Engineering Department.
A sewer line crew will be working in the area and should finish Aug. 5.
For more information, call 311 or visit www.trecthefort.org. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/new-haven-ave-closure/article_b9b7a498-0f44-11ed-8492-e3790434b393.html | 2022-07-29T16:40:05 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/new-haven-ave-closure/article_b9b7a498-0f44-11ed-8492-e3790434b393.html |
Two people are jailed in Adams County after Decatur police said they found drugs and related paraphernalia during a traffic stop Thursday night.
Emergency dispatchers told officers a motorist in an older style pickup truck was driving recklessly southbound along U.S. 27 near County Road 850 North about 11 p.m.
Police located the driver and stopped the truck at the intersection of U.S. 27 and Bollman Street, they said.
A police dog search uncovered narcotics in the vehicle.
Officers seized the following items:
- 182.6 grams of methamphetamine
- .9 grams of fentanyl
- Multiple glass pipes with drugs residue
- A stolen 9mm handgun
- Other drug paraphernalia
Cameron S. Potter, 42, and Victoria L. Nahrwold, 44, were arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, a controlled substance, a syringe and paraphernalia, and other related charges.
The incident remains under investigation. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-fire/drugs-found-during-decatur-traffic-stop/article_d10a15ee-0f4f-11ed-bf2f-d734c1314461.html | 2022-07-29T16:40:11 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-fire/drugs-found-during-decatur-traffic-stop/article_d10a15ee-0f4f-11ed-bf2f-d734c1314461.html |
One candidate filed to run for Southwest Allen County School Board Thursday, and another candidate filed to run for Northwest Allen County Schools Board.
Amanda Tokos filed paperwork with the Allen County Election board to seek an at-large seat on the Southwest Allen board.
Benjamin MacDonald is seeking to run for the District 3 seat on the Northwest Allen board. Prospective school board candidates have until noon Aug. 26 to file with the election board. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/candidates-running-for-sacs-nacs-boards/article_0ab14516-0eb4-11ed-a0c9-073357a7a755.html | 2022-07-29T16:40:18 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/candidates-running-for-sacs-nacs-boards/article_0ab14516-0eb4-11ed-a0c9-073357a7a755.html |
Tiffany Bailey stood outside a Fort Wayne Community Schools kindergarten classroom Thursday morning and shared a prediction about the students inside.
They were among about 120 children who participated in Kindergarten Countdown, a United Way of Allen County program that prepares soon-to-be kindergartners for school in August.
“So, they are walking into school prepared the first day, and they’re the classroom leaders because now they know what to expect,” said Bailey, the local United Way’s vice president of community impact.
Now in its ninth year, the four-week program ends today and benefited FWCS and East Allen County Schools students who had little or no pre-K experience. United Way usually budgets about $80,000 to $90,000 for the program, Bailey said. Costs include staff payroll, student transportation, curriculum and classroom supplies.
At Indian Village Elementary School, students in Sarah Rivera’s classroom focused Thursday on an activity involving fairy tales. Principal Kara Miller crouched at a table and asked Javier Guzman about the story of Rapunzel as another boy, Denis Chajon, built a ladder for a figurine of the character, who was positioned atop a toy tower.
Rivera doesn’t mind teaching the half-day summer program because she knows students benefit.
“They learn a lot,” Rivera said, noting her class worked on letters and number recognition, and lessons incorporated a lot of fairy tales and nursery rhymes. “Very rich in English language arts.”
The confidence students gain and their readiness to learn helps set them up for a successful kindergarten year, said Hayley Sauer, the FWCS director of elementary education. She specifically thanked parents for sending their children to the program, which offered an opportunity for parents to visit.
“We would love for every incoming kindergartner to experience the United Way Kindergarten Countdown program,” Sauer said. “Through our partnership, we are able to provide students with a jump-start on their school experience.”
Advantages include more than academic gains, said Teresa Knoblauch, assistant superintendent of elementary education for EACS.
“They’ve made friends. They now know some of the adults they’re going to see every day when they start in August,” Knoblauch said. “And it gives them an opportunity to get to know the school in a smaller setting before they get there and there’s a building of (600) to 800 kids trying to enter the building that first week of school.”
Miller said the Indian Village students will even begin the new academic year having experienced something first and second graders haven’t done yet because of COVID-19 protocols – eating in the cafeteria.
“They can be role models,” Miller said. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/youngsters-in-fwcs-eacs-get-jumpstart-with-kindergarten-countdown/article_725d2e56-0e86-11ed-8ba5-b7c502786704.html | 2022-07-29T16:40:24 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/youngsters-in-fwcs-eacs-get-jumpstart-with-kindergarten-countdown/article_725d2e56-0e86-11ed-8ba5-b7c502786704.html |
Four years after its partnership began, Fort Wayne United's TenPoint Coalition and Habitat for Humanity are still working to provide homes for residents in the community.
The two organizations met at Weisser Park Elementary School this morning to do a panel build, where volunteers construct the panels and walls of a home. Pastor Lewis King said there were four one hour-long sessions with about 25 volunteers per session.
"It's amazing that (this group) is made up of people in the community who want to serve," King said. "There were many more people who wanted to support the work. ... People believe in the work of the TenPoint Coalition." | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/tenpoint-and-habitat-for-humanity-partner-in-fort-wayne/article_3e2ea78a-0f4f-11ed-92ae-93b37ce9348a.html | 2022-07-29T16:40:30 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/tenpoint-and-habitat-for-humanity-partner-in-fort-wayne/article_3e2ea78a-0f4f-11ed-92ae-93b37ce9348a.html |
Van Buren Street between Berry and Main streets will have lane restrictions Saturday, according to the Fort Wayne Traffic Engineering Department.
A demolition crew will be working in the area and should finish Aug. 27.
For more information, call 260-427-6155 or visit www.trecthefort.org. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/van-buren-lane-restrictions/article_62850a42-0f41-11ed-ac52-7bf95c0b660a.html | 2022-07-29T16:40:36 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/van-buren-lane-restrictions/article_62850a42-0f41-11ed-ac52-7bf95c0b660a.html |
AUSTIN, Texas — Hundreds have been heading out to Lake Travis the last couple of weeks to try to beat the heat. And with more people in the water, drownings have become much more common.
In one area, access to the lake is tricky and first responders sometimes struggle to arrive in time to help.
Below is a map that shows Bob Wentz Park and Windy Point Park. Travis County owns Bob Wentz, while Windy Point Park is family-owned. In the photo below, the red dotted line represents the fence that separates both parks.
The fence was placed in the late 1900s, but now the manager of Windy Point Park, Jan Barstow, is asking the County to remove it.
Barstow said when first responders show up, they sometimes arrive at the wrong park.
If they're in the wrong park, they can't simply cross over because there's a fence in the way. EMS has to backtrack all the way to the main road to enter again to the other park's entrance, and it can take five to 10 minutes to find the other entrance.
But that is time a person in danger doesn't have.
Barstow told KVUE about a drowning that happened only two weeks ago.
"They arrive as fast as they can. They always do. I have enormous respect for our rescue services," she said. "But they didn't show up for a while, and I was expecting them. I saw rescue boats out front. I saw the helicopter overhead. Someone from a rescue team was leaning over the edge, asking where he was while I was going up and down in the water. But the divers, the rescue divers, were delayed."
The man who was drowning died. Barstow believes if the fence wasn't in the way, EMS could have made it in time to save him.
"I want that fence removed," Barstow said. "I'd like a gate across it. I understand that there are two different businesses side by side. But that fence is blocking EMS from having an immediate response."
There's already an access road between both parks. Removing the gate and clearing out the grass that grew over the road will help provide more immediate access to people in danger.
Barstow has already reached out to the County. However, there's no clear timeline yet on when or if the fence will be removed.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/lake-travis-ems-fence-response-times/269-90640942-d693-40f2-b112-2ff6223840a5 | 2022-07-29T16:41:30 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/lake-travis-ems-fence-response-times/269-90640942-d693-40f2-b112-2ff6223840a5 |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Firefighters fought a large duplex fire in Vancouver Thursday night that officials say spread to the attic.
According to Vancouver Fire Department, the blaze broke out around 10:45 p.m. at a duplex on 132nd Avenue in the Cascade Park neighborhood. Fire officials said a second alarm was requested but ultimately called off.
Heavy smoke filled the air as crews stretched hose lines around the building. Firefighters eventually moved inside the duplex and to the roof where VFD says they cut a hole to help with extinguishing efforts.
Fire officials said no one was injured, but Red Cross helped three families impacted by the fire.
An investigation is underway. | https://www.koin.com/local/clark-county/vancouver-duplex-damaged-after-fire-spread-to-attic/ | 2022-07-29T16:42:28 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/clark-county/vancouver-duplex-damaged-after-fire-spread-to-attic/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Plumes of black smoke were seen a mile from an apartment fire in Vancouver late Thursday morning, according to fire officials.
At around 10:08 a.m., Vancouver Fire Department responded to reports of black smoke coming from a bottom floor apartment along NE 62nd Avenue. As crews headed to the blaze, they said a “column” of black smoke was visible.
The heavy smoke prompted a second alarm to be called, but fire officials said that request was later canceled. Firefighters worked their way through the 2-bedroom apartment and put out the fire.
Pete Adams with VFD told KOIN 6 News that an apartment manager said a person was possibly inside of the apartment, but crews “did a quick, primary search and didn’t locate anybody.”
VFD said no one was hurt in the fire. Red Cross responded to help the residents forced out of their apartments. | https://www.koin.com/local/clark-county/vfd-black-smoke-seen-nearly-a-mile-from-apartment-fire-in-vancouver/ | 2022-07-29T16:42:34 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/clark-county/vfd-black-smoke-seen-nearly-a-mile-from-apartment-fire-in-vancouver/ |
NEW YORK — Oil companies swam in record profits over the last few months at a time when Americans struggled to pay for gasoline, food and other basic necessities.
On Friday, Exxon Mobil booked an unprecedented $17.85 billion profit for the second quarter and Chevron made a record $11.62 billion. The sky-high profits come one day after the U.K.'s Shell shattered its own profit record.
Soaring energy prices have rattled consumers and become a political flash point. Last month, President Joe Biden said that “Exxon made more money than God this year. "
Consumers are facing high fuel prices not just at the pump, but soaring energy prices are being baked into delivery costs, which is driving up the cost of everything from apples to toilet paper.
The record profits marked a stunning turnaround from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when cities were locked down and demand for fuels plummeted. There were numerous bankruptcies and thousands of layoffs.
The industry has long gone through boom-and-bust cycles. But due to the ongoing war Russia waged on Ukraine, which resulted in less oil and gas on the market from Russia, as well as other global supply constraints, high prices could linger for some time.
“It’s devastating,” said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, who added that high energy prices hit low-income families and frontline workers the hardest. “You live on a tight budget and this is an extra $40 to $50 per week.”
Wolfe wants the federal government to tax energy companies and “redistribute some of those profits back to the families who are struggling.”
Inflation is already changing where Americans go and what they eat. It's also changing the way they consume energy.
Two-thirds of Americans changed their driving habits and lifestyle, with the vast majority choosing to drive less or combine errands, said AAA spokesman Andrew Gross. Among those surveyed by AAA, 2% said they bought an electric vehicle since March, he said.
“They have really altered their lifestyles to cope with these high prices,” Gross said.
Exxon, based in Irving, Texas, increased its oil and gas production as crude prices hovered above $100 a barrel. Revenue at Exxon skyrocketed to $115.68 billion, up from $67.74 billion during the same quarter last year.
Natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices are also elevated due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and ensuing sanctions against Russia, a major supplier of natural gas. Many European nations have been scrambling for alternatives to Russian natural gas, and have been competing for boatloads of LNG, driving up prices for natural gas both globally and in the U.S. Inflation in Europe has also been surging, including soaring costs for energy.
Surging prices have been a boon for investors, including energy executives who receive a large share of compensation through company stock. Exxon earned $4.21 per share, exceeding analyst expectations of $4.02 per share, according to analysts polled by Factset. Chevron earned $5.95 per share, exceeding analyst expectations of $5.16 per share.
Shares of Exxon Mobil Corp. jumped 4% at the opening bell Friday and Chevron rose 8%
Exxon CEO Darren Woods attributed the company’s success to its investments in oil and gas fields in Guyana and the Permian Basin, as well as its investments in liquefied natural gas, which has been in high demand globally.
“Given the long investment cycle times, growing supply will not happen overnight,” said Woods in a conference call Friday.
Gasoline prices rose particularly quickly during the quarter, due to limited global supply, the high cost of oil and because there are fewer refineries operating in the U.S. than before the pandemic.
Exxon plans to increase refining capacity by about 250,000 barrels per day in the first quarter of 2023 by expanding its Beaumont Refinery. That represents the industry’s largest single capacity addition in the U.S. since 2012, the company said.
To alleviate Europe's energy crisis, Exxon sees potential for fracking and unconventional gas in Germany, and “there’s an opportunity where certainly ExxonMobil could play a key role,” Woods said.
Exxon also plans to increase its exports of LNG to Europe. Golden Pass, its LNG export facility under construction in Port Arthur, Texas, will increase LNG exports from the Gulf Coast by 20% when it starts up in 2024, he said.
“Bringing more LNG supplies to help offset some of the Russian gas going into Europe will be another really critical step forward in diversification of supplies for Europe,” Woods said.
Climate scientists and residents who live near Gulf Coast LNG export facilities warn that expanding fossil fuel infrastructure could exacerbate disasters caused by climate change.
Exxon expects to increase oil-equivalent production in the Permian Basin by 25% this year compared to 2021 and to eliminate routine flaring in the Permian by the end of the year. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/exxon-chevron-earnings-reports-gas-prices-soared-and-so-did-oil-companies-profits-including-north-texas-exxon/287-5186d7d2-5658-451d-b44c-7eede4012954 | 2022-07-29T16:43:53 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/exxon-chevron-earnings-reports-gas-prices-soared-and-so-did-oil-companies-profits-including-north-texas-exxon/287-5186d7d2-5658-451d-b44c-7eede4012954 |
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Defense attorney Ivan Bates is now running unopposed for Baltimore state’s attorney, after an unaffiliated candidate withdrew from the race on Friday — a week after Bates defeated incumbent prosecutor Marilyn Mosby in the Democratic primary.
In a city struggling with violent crime, Hanna said “there’s no time to waste in the work that must be done to rebuild the state’s attorney’s office.”
“Tackling this problem must start today,” Hanna said at a news conference with Bates. “Baltimore has voted for change, and that was the very reason that I entered this race.”
Baltimore is heavily Democratic, and there is no Republican candidate running for the office.
Bates said now he can focus on how to improve the state’s attorney’s office “so that day one we are prepared to hit the ground running.”
“The citizens deserve that,” Bates said. “That’s what we talked about when we ran, and that’s what we will give the citizens.”
Bates said he already has been focusing on budget issues to ensure the office has the prosecutors and positions it needs to be successful. He also said he has been discussing how to find a collaborative working relationship between the state’s attorney’s office, the mayor’s office and the police department.
“I ran on a platform of change,” Bates said. “I ran on a platform of accountability, and one of the things that we have really talked about is going after violent offenders.”
Violent crime has been especially troubling in Baltimore in recent years. There have been more than 300 homicides in each of the past seven years. Earlier this year, Maryland’s largest city experienced its deadliest January in nearly half a century with 36 homicides.
Mosby, who was a two-term incumbent, rose to national prominence in 2015 when she pursued criminal charges against six police officers in the death of Freddie Gray, a Black man who suffered a spinal injury after police handcuffed, shackled and placed him headfirst into a van. His death triggered riots and protests. None of the officers was convicted.
In January, a grand jury indicted Mosby on two counts each of perjury and making a false statement on a loan application in purchasing a home in Kissimmee, Florida, and a condominium in Long Boat Key, Florida. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The indictment accuses Mosby of falsely stating that the COVID-19 pandemic harmed her finances so she could withdraw $90,000 from her city retirement account. Mosby’s gross salary in 2020 was over $247,000 and never was reduced, according to the indictment. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/ivan-bates-now-unopposed-for-baltimore-states-attorney/2022/07/29/8e3e81c8-0f59-11ed-88e8-c58dc3dbaee2_story.html | 2022-07-29T16:45:04 | 1 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/ivan-bates-now-unopposed-for-baltimore-states-attorney/2022/07/29/8e3e81c8-0f59-11ed-88e8-c58dc3dbaee2_story.html |
ATLANTA — A mother says she is still filled with grief two years after her son was gunned down while selling water in Midtown.
That mom, Tomeka Pless, is once again reliving the death of her son Jalanni after the news of a "water boy" allegedly breaking an Atlanta Police officer's eye socket last weekend.
The city's so-called "water boys" are known as such for selling bottled water to drivers stopped at red lights - usually in larger, higher-traffic areas.
In June 2020, 18-year-old Jalanni Pless was shot and killed while selling bottles of water along 8th Street in Midtown. Police said he was shot over a $10 bill.
The mom said at the time that friends of Jalanni told her that he was selling water to a customer when a teen with a different group tried to sell to the same person. His friends said the customer gave Jalanni the $10, which led to a fight. Friends said the other teen left but came back with a gun and started shooting.
As outrage has poured in this week for the officer, both from the Atlanta City Council and other prominent figures in the community - with calls for something to be done about the "water boys" - Pless wants to know why this outrage wasn't there when her son was murdered.
"Something should have been done two years ago when Jalanni was gunned down in Midtown - in busy Midtown at that," she told 11Alive. "Nobody has spoken out about it for the last two years. Now that this officer has been injured - oh now it's a big deal, with these water boys. It wasn't then when my son's life was taken."
Photos: Jalanni Pless
The mom said back in 2020 that Jalanni had a job, but was selling water, too, to earn enough to buy a car. He would have turned 19 three weeks from his death.
Atlanta Councilman Michael Julian Bond, one of the most outspoken members on the "water boys" issue, said he shared the mother's anger at the death of Jalanni two years ago.
"My concern was just as adamant then and I share her concern," he said. "It's just reached a tipping point where you just can't turn away from this anymore."
11Alive asked Councilman Bond if he would sit down with Pless to help bring her family some closure, and he said a meeting is "long overdue." | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/jalanni-pless-water-boy-gunned-down-mom-reaction-after-officer-hit/85-a8d68148-31c5-4b8a-a2a9-37ce968b6e29 | 2022-07-29T16:48:16 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/jalanni-pless-water-boy-gunned-down-mom-reaction-after-officer-hit/85-a8d68148-31c5-4b8a-a2a9-37ce968b6e29 |
Head of George Washington is on the move in downtown Peoria
Do you know the link between George Washington and Peoria?
PEORIA – After sitting in downtown Peoria's Fulton Plaza for 24 years, the bust of George Washington has been given a new home.
On Monday, a crane hoisted Washington's head onto a flatbed truck and transported it to the Peoria Riverfront Museum, where it will be displayed indoors for a while before finding a permanent home outside, facing Washington Street, said John Morris, president and CEO of the museum.
“As it turns out, the address of the museum, 222, is George Washington’s birthday,” said Morris, who was charged with finding a link between Washington and Peoria to get the bust here in 1998. Since then, he’s found many links between the two – both real and coincidental.
Back in 1998, Morris was a city councilman when he saw an opportunity to bring the bust to Peoria. As an alumnus of George Washington University in Washington, D.C., Morris learned that the president of the university was making copies of a famous bust of George Washington that sits at the Metro stop for the university. Created by renowned civic sculptor Avard Fairbanks, the sculpture's original mold was still in existence and the university president had permission to use it.
“He picked places that had some connection to Washington," Morris said. Although he knew that the Creve Coeur Club hosted a Washington Day Banquet every year, Morris wanted to find a stronger connection than that. So he enlisted local historian Linda Aylward to track down a bit of history between the Peoria area and America’s first president.
“She found that a French resident and a Native American actually went out and signed a treaty with President George Washington in 1792,” Morris said.
Also in public art:After 38 years outside in Peoria weather, 'Sonar Tide' gets a deep clean and a new finish
The bust, which was mostly paid for by George Washington University, was set on a pedestal in Fulton Plaza with a plaque detailing Washington’s link to the Peoria area. The monument was dedicated with great fanfare on the Creve Coeur Club’s 100th anniversary of their Washington Day Banquet.
The sculpture was removed from Fulton Plaza over two decades later for two reasons. Sitting close to Jefferson Avenue, the bust has been hit several times by cars, and officials were concerned it might eventually get damaged. The second reason is because the city is considering making the plaza into a street. Plans have been approved to convert all downtown one-way streets into two-way streets, and Fulton Street might become useful to drivers.
As the person responsible for getting the sculpture to Peoria in the first place, Morris was delighted to be entrusted with its future care. The city still owns it, but it’s on permanent loan to the museum.
Leslie Renken can be reached at 309-370-5087 or lrenken@pjstar.com. Follow her on Facebook.com/leslie.renken. | https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/local/2022/07/29/george-washington-sculpture-finds-new-home-at-peoria-riverfront-museum/65384595007/ | 2022-07-29T16:48:20 | 0 | https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/local/2022/07/29/george-washington-sculpture-finds-new-home-at-peoria-riverfront-museum/65384595007/ |
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SCIOTO COUNTY, OH (WOWK)—The body of a teenager that went missing in the Scioto River has been found.
The Scioto County Sheriff’s Office says that Jeremy Sheppard Jr.’s body was recovered near State Route 104 and State Route 348.
Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman said that the Rapid Response Services Search and Rescue team called in around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday saying that they recovered a body.
Sheppard’s body was sent to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/body-of-missing-teen-recovered-in-scioto-river/ | 2022-07-29T16:54:15 | 1 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/body-of-missing-teen-recovered-in-scioto-river/ |
ASHLAND, KY (WOWK)—More than 21,000 Kentucky customers remain without power after devastating storms and flooding in the eastern parts of the state.
Kentucky Power says that the majority of the customers without power are in Breathitt, Leslie, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties and that crews are not able to access many areas to make repairs. They say they are waiting for water to recede and for debris to be cleared before they make damage assessments in the hardest-hit areas.
The company says that more than 450 personnel are working to assess the damage and restore power where it is safe to do so.
There is no word yet as to when power will be restored. Kentucky Power says that they are expecting a lot of single-customer outages due to the damage caused to some people’s homes. They say that if the electric service entrance (meter loop) to your home or business has been damaged or pulled away from your structure, you must have it repaired before the company can re-connect service.
For a current outage map, click here. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/more-than-21k-kentucky-customers-still-without-power/ | 2022-07-29T16:54:21 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/more-than-21k-kentucky-customers-still-without-power/ |
LEXINGTON, Va. – Some weddings don’t need to include a big dress, hundreds of people and a breath-taking venue. All that matters is the person standing next to you.
“We just sort of walked right in through those side doors there. Our officiant was already here as well as our little wedding party and about two minutes later, that is when we got married,” said Molly Ryan.
A short moment that will last a lifetime between two women, Molly Ryan and Katherine Abrams, who have been together for more than a decade.
“We have lived together for a long time we have seen each other through like every single stage of growing up,” said Ryan.
12 years to be exact. The spark between Abrams and Ryan happened when they were children.
“When I was in middle school, early high school, I started getting really into Dressage, which is the sport that we do,” Ryan said. “Katherine was really the only other kid at the farm who was interested in Dressage. Everyone else wanted to do a different sport, so that is when we started spending a lot of time together.”
Which makes it even more fitting that they got married at the Dressage at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington by their friend and fellow trainer, Lauren. Lauren is an ordained minister and a huge supporter of Abrams and Ryan’s relationship.
“I was teaching lessons about a week before the summer show here, and she [Ryan] texted me and was like, ‘Do you think Lauren will be there?’ and I said ‘probably’ and she was like, ‘Do you think she would legitimately marry us?’ So, I texted Lauren about that, and she immediately said, ‘I will definitely marry you.’”
But never did the couple imagine their wedding ceremony would play out like it did, among the horses and the stalls.
Abrams and Ryan said it was extra special to have their friend Lauren marry them.
“She asked if we were ready, we said we were, and then she did the ceremony and that was it — about two minutes,” she said.
They said something that was funny about their wedding is that there were complete strangers who were there who just happened to be walking in the barn at that time.
The couple got engaged in April. Originally, they were planning on a longer engagement, but with the fear of possible changes being made in the Supreme Court, Abrams and Ryan decided it would be better to get married sooner, rather than later. So, they had a total of nine days to plan their wedding.
“Shortly after Roe fell, I texted Katherine and I said, ‘What do you think about next week?’ And I didn’t know what she was going to say,” Ryan said. “I thought she would be like ‘you’re crazy there is no way we can do that,’ but she agreed and so that is how it started to come into motion.”
Even though nothing has been determined yet, like so many others in the LGBTQ+ community, the newlyweds were worried.
“Obviously, with the political climate sort of breaking down a little bit, we were feeling like things were getting more polarized,” said Abrams. “Then with the end of the Supreme Court term, we got a little bit concerned about the future.”
However, just as quickly as things started to change in the Supreme Court, the decision to get married was just as quick, but just as special.
“I was thinking about the anniversary, like that is kind of fun, it is always going to be at the show too,” said Abrams.
Even though they didn’t have much time to plan their wedding, both of their parents were able to attend. Ryan said that her mom even showed up with her grandmother’s opal jewelry for the girls to wear. This way they had something old and borrowed at their wedding.
Katherine and Molly wanted to share their story because they wanted to show that queer people can have a happy ending too
“We are just two people who fell in love and are lucky to have a very beautiful love story,” Ryan said. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/07/29/a-dressage-love-story-meet-the-blacksburg-couple-who-got-married-at-the-virginia-horse-center/ | 2022-07-29T16:57:08 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/07/29/a-dressage-love-story-meet-the-blacksburg-couple-who-got-married-at-the-virginia-horse-center/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – Prosecutors are requesting a 37-year prison sentence be imposed on a former Roanoke gang leader, who they say is responsible for the deaths of two young men, one of who was just 17 years old.
As we’ve previously reported, in Nov. 2021, Sean Denzel Guerrant, also known as “Denk,” “Dink” and “Harlem Denk,” admitted to leading the Rollin’ 30s Crips in Roanoke, a subset of the national street gang that was founded in Los Angeles, California.
During the hearing, the 31-year-old pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy and the conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering including responsibility for a murder. He also pleaded guilty to a separate count involving a conspiracy to murder a separate victim.
The details that led to the murder of 17-year-old Nikalas Lee are as follows:
- In 2017, Guerrant, the self-admitted leader, began recruiting members into the Roanoke set of the Rollin’ 30s. It operated primarily in Northwest Roanoke and centered in and around the Lansdowne neighborhood, according to the Department of Justice.
- Officials say the street gang was responsible for multiple criminal acts in the Roanoke area such as the distribution of controlled substances, acts of violence that included murder and trafficking in firearms.
- Trayvone Raycron Kasey, Chauncey Dion Levesy, and Demonte Rashod Mack, who are co-defendants in this case, were among those recruited into the gang.
- Nicholas Lee and Desmond Florence, notably young at the time, were recruited as well. Sources indicate that on June 14, 2017, Guerrant ordered Nicholas to kill Desmond for his perceived disloyalty to the gang. However, when Nicklas didn’t carry out the order, Mack and Kasey were instructed to kill Nicklas, a sentencing memorandum details
- On June 15, 2017, Kasey, Levesy and Mack reportedly shot him in the back
- In 2018, four other members were indicted on the conspiracy to commit murder
Now, prosecutors are seeking a 37-year prison sentence that is pursuant to a plea agreement reached on Nov. 2021 after Guerrant admitted to his role in the murder of Lee and pleaded guilty to the charges that were previously mentioned.
In a sentencing memorandum filed Wednesday, prosecutors claimed that the sentence would “reflect the seriousness of the offense,” while “affording adequate deterrence to criminal conduct” and protecting the community from further crimes committed by Guerrant.
Additionally, the sentencing memorandum detailed Guerrant’s history and gave insight into his background.
According to officials, Guerrant had an extensive school disciplinary record, including an expulsion from Stonewall Jackson Middle School for setting a fire, loud outbursts in class, stealing $118 from a teacher’s purse and several more incidents depicting a tragic childhood.
The memorandum states that his mother, Angela Guerrant, who passed away in January 2021, was a drug addict who was incarcerated from the time Guerrant was five years old until he turned 10.
Prosecutors say if he is eligible to do so, the RDAP program within the Bureau of Prisons would offer a chance for Guerrant to escape from the clutches of his past.
“Such treatment will allow Guerrant to perhaps become the father he needs to become for the benefit of his now four-year-old son Nisean Denzel Guerrant giving him the necessary tools to finally live his life free of controlled substance,” the memorandum reads.
Guerrant is slated to appear in court on Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/07/29/prosecutors-seek-37-year-prison-sentence-for-former-roanoke-gang-leader/ | 2022-07-29T16:57:14 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/07/29/prosecutors-seek-37-year-prison-sentence-for-former-roanoke-gang-leader/ |
WATERLOO – A Waterloo man who was reported missing earlier this week has been located, according to police.
Steven Dale Parker, 64, who was described as homeless, was found safe and is receiving care, according to the police department.
Family members had reported Parker missing on Sunday, July 24.
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Jeff Reinitz
Police and Courts Reporter
I started with The Courier in 1999 and cover criminal justice and public safety.
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Don't have an account? Sign Up Today | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/missing-waterloo-man-has-been-found-safe/article_e386221d-dc0e-56fa-93ef-3e599360ffc7.html | 2022-07-29T16:57:38 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/missing-waterloo-man-has-been-found-safe/article_e386221d-dc0e-56fa-93ef-3e599360ffc7.html |
Solar panels on the roof of a six-story office building in Plano caught fire Friday morning.
The 2-alarm fire was reported at about 10:20 a.m. on the roof of a Bank of America building on the 7100 block of Corporate Drive, not far from the Legacy development at Sam Rayburn Tollway and the Dallas North Tollway.
From Texas Sky Ranger, dozens of solar panels were seen installed on the roof of the building. A number of them had clearly been charred and destroyed by fire.
The building was evacuated during the fire and no injuries were reported.
It's not immediately clear if the fire did any damage to the building which is located about 1,000 feet from Plano Fire Station 13.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Sign up for our Breaking Newsletter to get the most urgent news stories in your inbox. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/solar-panels-catch-fire-on-roof-of-plano-bank-of-america-building/3035318/ | 2022-07-29T16:58:58 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/solar-panels-catch-fire-on-roof-of-plano-bank-of-america-building/3035318/ |
SAN ANTONIO — A press conference is taking place on Friday before noon regarding the "cite and release policy" implemented in Bexar County.
In the three years since it was implemented, more than 6,000 people have been cited by law enforcement for non-violent misdemeanor offenses instead of being arrested, county leaders report.
"To date, it has saved Bexar County $4.7 million in booking costs while allowing those offenders to get the resources needed to prevent them from being re-arrested," the release says.
On Friday, leaders say they will discuss the impact this has on preventing crime and repeat offenders, as well as other benefits to public safety and taxpayers.
They also provided a graphic that has more reported numbers:
To sum up parts of the graphic, 6,235 citations have been issued by law enforcement, SAPD has written 89% of all citations, 65% of all citations are for possession of marijuana, and the the Bexar County District Attorney's Office has discretion to review the citations and determine how to resolve each case.
Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, District Attorney Joe Gonzales and other county leaders are expected to speak at the press conference. Watch the livestream video player above when it begins. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/bexar-county-leaders-cite-and-release-impact-decreasing-repeat-offenders-saving-taxpayers-money/273-5e9d0783-f612-4fcb-b9ed-23a0b99ec480 | 2022-07-29T16:59:59 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/bexar-county-leaders-cite-and-release-impact-decreasing-repeat-offenders-saving-taxpayers-money/273-5e9d0783-f612-4fcb-b9ed-23a0b99ec480 |
Fire breaks out at home near 55th Avenue and Indian School RoadFirefighters attended a home fire near 55th Avenue and Indian School RoadSalt River Project personnel rescue a wild horse from a canalA helicopter flies over the 300-acre Pine Peak Fire burning south of KingmanLightning flashes fill the sky during a monsoon storm in east Mesa | https://www.azcentral.com/videos/news/local/chandler/2022/07/29/police-shooting-little-caesars-pizza/10181586002/ | 2022-07-29T17:01:13 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/videos/news/local/chandler/2022/07/29/police-shooting-little-caesars-pizza/10181586002/ |
Who is running for Maricopa County attorney? Candidates battle for fundraising as race heats up
Democrat Julie Gunnigle is the top overall fundraiser in the Maricopa County Attorney’s race ahead of the August 2 primary, according to July pre-election reports filed with the county.
Gunnigle is the sole democratic candidate in the special election for county attorney. There are two Republicans on the primary ballot. The end date for the reporting period was July 16.
Gunnigle has raised $244,723.43, narrowly beating Republican incumbent Rachel Mitchell, who reported raising $243,262.84 so far this cycle. Gina Godbehere, running against Mitchell for the Republican nomination, raised $91,955.00.
Despite having no primary competitor, Gunnigle reported spending $78,346.33, leaving her with more than $166,000 heading into the general election. That remaining total gives her a significant head start over the eventual Republican nominee.
Mitchell has spent the most so far: reporting $236,437.93 in disbursements. The incumbent county attorney reported having just $6,824.91 in cash on hand. Godbehere reported spending $76,593.79, with more than $15,361.21 remaining at the end of the reporting period.
Democrat Gunnigle’s campaign mirrors prior effort
Gunnigle has had strong momentum since the start of her campaign, gathering the 4,289 signatures she needed to get on the ballot in less than a day.
Gunnigle has outlined priorities for criminal justice reforms that largely echoed her 2020 campaign, a bruising battle that she narrowly lost to Alister Adel. Gunnigle has said she wants to stop over-incarceration, pledged to make expungement of marijuana convictions universal and automatic, and she is the only candidate to say she would not prosecute abortion or birth control-related cases in the wake of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade.
While acknowledging her impressive fundraising efforts, Gunnigle said the main focus of her campaign is to train and mobilize volunteers who can educate voters about what she called a "traditionally overlooked down ballot race."
But Gunnigle said she believed that sentiment is changing.
"We have over 1,500 active volunteers," Gunnigle said. "I think it shows that voters are frustrated with the corruption in this office and they want equal justice."
Two Republican candidates for county attorney: Rachel Mitchell and Gina Godbehere
Godbehere is a former bureau chief and trial attorney who handled juvenile, gang, homicide and repeat offender cases at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
She was the designated bias crimes prosecutor for over a decade and currently serves as a municipal prosecutor in Goodyear. She is the CEO and co-founder of Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life, a conference that focuses on “encouraging students to speak up about depression, suicide, grief, abuse and bullying.”
Chad Willems, spokesperson for the Godbehere campaign, said Godbehere has received support from law enforcement from across the state. He said the estimated total number of law enforcement officials whose membership groups had endorsed Godbehere is 40,000.
“I think that says a lot about who she is as a person," he said. "She’s a workhorse, and has spent her career dedicated to the county attorney’s office.”
Willems said Godbehere would work to improve the retention rate for MCAO employees by fighting for more resources and higher wages.
“The main reason I’m jumping into this race is because we have substance abuse, mental health and homelessness issues in our community,” Godbehere told the Republic. “They are getting worse and we have to do a better job dealing with these quality of life issues.”
Mitchell has 30 years of experience as a prosecutor. She has served as a bureau chief at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office “overseeing teams of prosecutors for 17 years, including the sex-crimes bureau, which prosecutes crimes that involve child molestation and adult sexual assault.”
Mitchell was appointed county attorney by the Board of Supervisors in April after former County Attorney Adel resigned.
“This race is critical," Mitchell told the Republic. "Gun crime, homicides, organized retail theft, and drug trafficking are impacting neighborhoods across our nation. The safety of our community depends on a county attorney who will prosecute dangerous criminals. However, I also lead an office that embraces the philosophy that those who are suffering from mental illness or substance abuse have access to services when appropriate so they can become contributing members of society.”
Asked if she would prosecute people seeking abortions or abortion providers, Mitchell said "I am sworn to uphold the law."
"I will not prosecute women and children who are victims of rape and incest," Mitchell said, "because they are victims of a crime and the legislature has made it clear that the laws regarding abortion are for providers."
Special election triggered after Adel resignation
Concerns about Adel's leadership were raised by The Arizona Republic in a Feb. 2 article that detailed reports she made a drunken after-hours call to a member of her staff and failed to weigh in on key legal issues facing the county.
Adel's conduct prompted an investigation by the State Bar of Arizona, a rebuke by the governor, a demand for accountability by the Arizona attorney general and repeated calls for her resignation. Her eventual resignation in March triggered a special election to select who would serve out the remainder of her term, which ends on Jan. 1, 2025.
Adel died 6 weeks after her resignation at age 45. Her husband and family confirmed her death, citing “health complications.”
Republic reporters Stacey Barchenger and Robert Anglen contributed to this report.
Have a news tip on the criminal justice system? Reach the reporter at jjenkins@arizonarepublic.com or at 812-243-5582. Follow him on Twitter @JimmyJenkins.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2022/07/29/maricopa-county-attorney-race-candidates-gunnigle-mitchell-godbehere/10181113002/ | 2022-07-29T17:01:19 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2022/07/29/maricopa-county-attorney-race-candidates-gunnigle-mitchell-godbehere/10181113002/ |
North Dakota's weekly count of new COVID-19 cases surpassed 1,800 for a third consecutive week, but new cases in Burleigh and Morton counties dropped substantially.
The state Health Department's coronavirus dashboard on Friday showed 1,880 confirmed cases in the past seven days, up slightly from the previous week. Case numbers have been pushed up this summer by highly contagious mutations of the omicron variant of the virus.
There were 264 new cases in Burleigh-Morton, down from 323 the previous week. It's the lowest total for the counties in five weeks.
However, the two counties remain in the coronavirus high risk category, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thirty of North Dakota's 57 counties are either at medium or high risk, with the other 23 counties at low risk. County risk levels can be found at https://bit.ly/3Clifrq.
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Seventy-four people were hospitalized with COVID-19 in North Dakota over the past week, down from 85 the previous week. Coronavirus patients still make up a low percentage -- about 4.1% of occupied inpatient beds and 5% of intensive care unit beds statewide, though those percentages crept up slightly over the week.
Federal data showed three new virus-related deaths in North Dakota, raising the state's pandemic total to 2,307. County-level death data is not available. There have been 257,331 confirmed COVID-19 cases in North Dakota during the pandemic that began in March 2020.
More information
Federal data shows that North Dakota continues to have some of the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the country: 67% of adults in the state are fully vaccinated, with the rate for all vaccine-eligible people -- age 5 and older -- at 60.6%. The national averages are 77.1% and 71.5%, respectively.
COVID-19 booster shots are recommended for people 12 and older. North Dakota's first booster rate is 46.1%, compared to 49.9% nationally. Second booster doses are available for three main groups of people:
- All adults 50 years and older.
- All people 12 years or older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.
- Adults 18 to 49 years who received two doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.
State Health Department guidance and resources for businesses is at https://bit.ly/3w0DpKj.
Go to https://www.ndvax.org or https://bit.ly/3N3IMxb or call 866-207-2880 to see where COVID-19 vaccine is available. Information on free public testing and free test kits is at health.nd.gov/covidtesting. More detailed pandemic information is at www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/weekly-covid-19-case-count-in-north-dakota-still-relatively-high-but-burleigh-morton-cases/article_6d178c8e-0f53-11ed-8952-93ce4abd292c.html | 2022-07-29T17:03:29 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/weekly-covid-19-case-count-in-north-dakota-still-relatively-high-but-burleigh-morton-cases/article_6d178c8e-0f53-11ed-8952-93ce4abd292c.html |
River Road has been reopened to traffic between Keelboat Park/Riverboat Landing and Fraine Barracks Road.
The stretch had been closed since Tuesday for road construction work.
The city also has released details on other upcoming road work.
Thayer Avenue from Fifth Street to the alley between Fifth and Sixth Streets will be closed to traffic all day Saturday for a contractor to set a crane for work in the area.
Access to adjacent properties will be maintained. Traffic exiting the Thayer Avenue parking ramp will be detoured south through the alley to Broadway Avenue during the closure.
Traffic signal work at Seventh Street and Avenue C will commence Monday morning. An all-way stop will be put in place at the intersection. The two outside southbound parking lanes on Seventh Street from 300 feet north of Avenue C through Avenue C will be closed to traffic. Traffic lanes on Avenue C also will be reduced.
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The work will take about three weeks. There could be higher-than-normal congestion during peak traffic hours, and the city advises motorists to seek alternate routes. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/stretch-of-river-road-reopened-other-bismarck-road-work-announced/article_db2fe4d2-0f4e-11ed-b9b5-6f34a635e50f.html | 2022-07-29T17:03:35 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/stretch-of-river-road-reopened-other-bismarck-road-work-announced/article_db2fe4d2-0f4e-11ed-b9b5-6f34a635e50f.html |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — A home in south Roebuck will receive a significant makeover over the next six months after sitting abandoned for years.
Paul Mielke, the host of A&E’s “Flipping Down South,” purchased Roebuck Castle at the intersection of Lance Way and Lance Boulevard.
The home was built in the 1970s by the Khalaf Family, who owned Salem’s Pharmacy.
But over the last decade, the house has been abandoned and an eyesore for neighbors.
Mielke, who now owns Monroe Park Homes, will make Roebuck Castle his latest project.
He plans to demolish 70% of the house, but he wants to preserve the original exterior model of the house.
Once the renovations are complete, Mielke plans to make Roebuck his new home.
“This is like a Mediterranean-style castle, and I love the Mediterranean style,” Mielke said. “I think it’s going to be really cool when it’s done, and it’s going to be the perfect home for me to start and raise my family.”
The house renovations will take six months to complete and cost over $100,000.
Contractor Joseph Holt says most of the house will have to be gutted out due to water damage, which can also bring other challenges during the renovation process.
“A house like this, water has been sitting up, heat has been sitting up, so termites have been eating from the bottom,” Holt said. “We may have to say this side has to be reframed, but we look over here now; the whole house has to be reframed.”
Because the house is brick, a foundation specialist will be called to ensure the home is not off its foundation.
Neighbors are also looking forward to the renovations of the house.
Rose Ivey tells CBS 42 that it has been awful seeing the house’s condition because she knew the original owners.
She is looking forward to the renovations and their positive impact on her neighborhood.
“It’s going to help with the housing; it’s going to help with everything,” Ivey said. “I keep wondering why no one was doing something with it, but now people will know it as the castle; it’s known as it now, and I’ll say you know where the castle is?” | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/roebuck-castle-to-receive-major-renovation/ | 2022-07-29T17:09:29 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/roebuck-castle-to-receive-major-renovation/ |
MIDLAND, Texas — The Midland Health Department will be holding an immunization and vaccine clinic on July 30.
This clinic will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and is meant for those who were unable to make it during the week. You must have an appointment.
People can stop by the Midland Health Department at 3303 W. Illinois Ave or call 432-681-7613 to make an appointment. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/city-of-midland-to-hold-vaccine-and-immunization-clinic-on-july-30/513-460643f8-f33e-4395-8d59-fc34959ca8a1 | 2022-07-29T17:18:40 | 0 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/city-of-midland-to-hold-vaccine-and-immunization-clinic-on-july-30/513-460643f8-f33e-4395-8d59-fc34959ca8a1 |
Midland Animal Services has officially changed its hours of operation.
The facility will be open for public visits Tuesday through Friday with a start time of 9:30 a.m. each day. Between Tuesday and Thursday, it will be closed by 5:30 p.m., but on Friday, it will be closed by 4:30 p.m.
Starting on August 1, the Midland Animal Services facility will be closed for public visits on Mondays to allow the shelter to make sure the animals are properly cared for and to clean the center. People can still make calls on Mondays if they have any questions. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/midland-animal-services-announces-new-facility-hours/513-52424582-153d-4dd0-ba55-43d5d21e982d | 2022-07-29T17:18:46 | 0 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/midland-animal-services-announces-new-facility-hours/513-52424582-153d-4dd0-ba55-43d5d21e982d |
ODESSA, Texas — The Odessa Police Department will be hosting a Block Party for residents on July 30.
The event will take place at the South Side Ball Park on 1201 W Monahans Street at 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The first 600 kids will receive a special backpack with goodies. There will also be giveaways, food and games.
For more information, People can go to the OPD Facebook page. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/opd-to-hold-block-party-on-july-30/513-52349ded-ff3c-4e2d-b4d7-724934c5f73a | 2022-07-29T17:18:52 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/opd-to-hold-block-party-on-july-30/513-52349ded-ff3c-4e2d-b4d7-724934c5f73a |
The Shawn Adkins trial has been moved within the 32nd Judicial District from Mitchell County to Nolan County.
On July 21, 2022, the court found it "in the interest of justice, judicial economy, safety and convenience" to move the trial venue.
The trial was initially set to take place in June of 2022, but was pushed back to April of 2023 after new discovery was submitted by the State.
The State handed over two terabytes worth of new discovery to the Defense during the pretrial hearing. This includes never-before-seen video interviews.
Adkins was taken into custody in June of 2021 for the Murder of teenager Hailey Dunn. Dunn disappeared back in 2010 and her remains were found in Scurry County in 2013 on land that was owned by Adkins.
Adkins was officially indicted in December of 2021 and waived his right to an arraignment in January of 2022.
We will continue to provide the latest information about the trial as it moves through the court. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/shawn-adkins-trial-moved-from-mitchell-county-to-nolan-county/513-4df66481-5862-4da0-bb55-77924945dc75 | 2022-07-29T17:18:58 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/shawn-adkins-trial-moved-from-mitchell-county-to-nolan-county/513-4df66481-5862-4da0-bb55-77924945dc75 |
EL PASO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized a combined 78 pounds of hard drugs at the U.S.-Mexico border in El Paso, TX on two unrelated incidents.
The first incident occurred on July 20 at the Paso Del Norte border crossing when a CBP officer with his canine partner conducted an inspection on a 27-year-old male U.S. citizen arriving from Mexico.
The canine alerted the officer and then upon further investigation officers discovered 68.21 pounds of methamphetamine in the vehicle.
The second incident occurred on July 21 at the Bridge of the Americas border crossing when CBP officers conducting pre-inspections encountered a 19-year-old male U.S. citizen arriving from Mexico.
Once the CBP officers and a CBP canine searched the vehicle, packages were discovered containing 10 pounds of cocaine.
"The drug smuggling threat is consistent, but CBP officers are continually stepping up and stopping these significant drug loads," said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio. "Drug interdiction is an important part of our homeland security mission."
The subjects that were arrested by CBP officers were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations or local authorities for prosecution. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/us-customs-and-border-protection-seize-78-pounds-of-drugs-in-el-paso/513-281c583f-7cbf-4ab3-b4c0-c1d7bec52de5 | 2022-07-29T17:19:04 | 0 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/us-customs-and-border-protection-seize-78-pounds-of-drugs-in-el-paso/513-281c583f-7cbf-4ab3-b4c0-c1d7bec52de5 |
SCRANTON, Pa. — It's a scene that's been missing from the campus of Marywood University for the last two years.
The St. Joseph's Center Summer Festival is back in full force this weekend.
"It's the spirit of welcome home. So yesterday as volunteers were coming to set up, that's what we were saying to one another - welcome home. Yes, it's a parking lot at Marywood University, but it's our summer festival!" said Sister Maryalice Jacquinot.
It's the largest fundraiser of the year for St. Joe's. The money helps the center continue to serve kids and adults with disabilities.
But it also brings people together from all over our area.
"Well obviously the tradition is so long, dating back to 1961, so really generations. It's not uncommon to have 4 generations volunteering in the same booth, and having passed it down from family member to family member."
St. Joseph's Center still hosted fundraisers throughout the pandemic, but volunteers say it just wasn't the same.
"No, not at all. We did have a chicken dinner, which was nice. It was a drive-by. But you don't get to associate with people, chat one-on-one. It's kind of like you come in and go out, where this, we can all hang out, and be together again. So that'll be fun," said food coordinator Jan Needham.
The festival wraps up Go Joe week here at WNEP, and all week long, we've seen viewers from Shamokin Dam to Summit Hill donate money to Joe as he makes stops in their community, even if they're more than an hour away from St. Joseph's Center itself.
"There's such a sense of caring, caring about neighbor but also caring about those they don't know who are coming upon hard times or have special needs," Jacquinot said.
The festival runs all weekend long: Friday and Saturday from 4-10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.
The WNEP telethon is also back this year; you can watch it LIVE on WNEP, WNEP.com and with WNEP+ on Roku and FireTV.
You can also DONATE ONLINE or by phone tonight and tomorrow during our LIVE telethon from 7 to 9 p.m. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/st-josephs-center-summer-festival-returns-first-time-since-2019-go-joe/523-dfe9285f-b64b-4d3e-9a52-e2291d701117 | 2022-07-29T17:19:39 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/st-josephs-center-summer-festival-returns-first-time-since-2019-go-joe/523-dfe9285f-b64b-4d3e-9a52-e2291d701117 |
HAWKINS COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Don Wells, the father of missing Hawkins County child Summer Wells, released another letter while he serves a jail sentence related to a DUI arrest.
According to the Wells’ family website, FindSummerWells.com, Don wrote the “spell-checked” letter on July 27, thanking those who have donated to the reward fund set up for information leading to the location of Summer.
“We wanted to thank everyone who donated to the reward fund in the hopes of bringing our precious daughter back home, and we can assure you she is worth everything to us and more as she loves everyone, is blameless, and deserves to be in school with her peers becoming a young lady,” the letter reads.
The letter went on to state that the Wells family is struggling to consider what Summer may be going through.
“We know those who have donated and so many others feel the same so thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” the letter reads.
The letter released by the family concludes with a poem by “Donny Wells.”
The fate of the reward fund lies with the Hawkins County Chancery Court after the Church Hill Rescue Squad, who created the fund, asked the court to take control of it, filing a petition for a declaratory judgment. The rescue squad asked in that July filing to freeze donations into the Summer Wells Reward Fund and for the court to decide how the funds were handled due to concerns regarding certain donors.
Originally, the rescue squad created the fund with the thought that it would expire after six months if Summer was not found. At that point, the money would be donated to the Child Advocacy Center. However, the rescue squad later extended that time to a full year before ultimately asking the court to take control of it.
The letter is not the first attributed to Don Wells that the family has posted to the website. On July 19, a letter addressed “to the person, or persons responsible for kidnapping Summer,” was released. Prior to that, another letter was released on June 15, exactly one year after Summer’s initial disappearance.
Summer Wells was first reported missing from her home on Ben Hill Road in the Beech Creek community on June 15, 2021. An AMBER Alert was issued the following day and remains in effect.
For complete coverage of the Search for Summer Wells, click here. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/summer-wells-tn/father-of-summer-wells-thanks-reward-fund-donors-in-jailhouse-letter/ | 2022-07-29T17:25:13 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/summer-wells-tn/father-of-summer-wells-thanks-reward-fund-donors-in-jailhouse-letter/ |
DALLAS (KDAF) — The NFL is partnering up with Nike to broadcast a one-of-a-kind football classic that will serve as a grand entrance for the 2022 high school football season. All the way up in Oregon on Friday, August 26 the Nike Kickoff Classic will feature a girls flag football game and a boys football game.
One of the best teams in the state of Texas and even the country, DeSoto High School will face off against Louisiana’s St. Augustine High School on Ronaldo Field. The girls’ flag football game will showcase two schools from Florida: Alonso & Robinson High School.
Nike Play Football says, “Additionally, many NFL clubs will mirror the experience by hosting boys tackle and girls flag games in their home markets. The collaboration between Nike, the NFL, and clubs will allow each of the participating boys and girls high school teams to play in the high school kickoff in their local markets.”
The DeSoto, St. Augustine matchup will kickoff at 5 p.m. and the kickoff will be featured on the NFL Network. DeSoto ended the 2021-22 season with a record of 11-3 after falling to Duncanville on December 4 in the playoffs by a score of 38-20. | https://cw33.com/news/local/desoto-high-school-to-play-in-nike-kickoff-classic-broadcasted-on-nfl-network/ | 2022-07-29T17:26:08 | 0 | https://cw33.com/news/local/desoto-high-school-to-play-in-nike-kickoff-classic-broadcasted-on-nfl-network/ |
DALLAS (KDAF) — Dunkin’ of Dallas/Fort Worth and The American Red Cross are teaming up to encourage people to donate more blood!
Throughout the month of August, blood donors with The American Red Cross will have a chance to get a voucher, good for a free medium hot or iced coffee and a free classic donut for Dunkin’. These vouchers would be redeemable at Dunkin’ restaurants in North Texas while supplies last. They are non-transferable nor are they redeemable for cash.
“Dunkin’ is thrilled to team up with the American Red Cross this August,” Shannon Durkin, Field Marketing Manager at Dunkin’, said in a news release. “We hope that by providing donors with a free Medium Hot or Iced Coffee and Classic Donut, Dunkin’ will encourage the Dallas/Fort Worth community to stop by Red Cross blood drives and roll up their sleeve.”
To learn more about Dunkin’ visit dunkindonuts.com. | https://cw33.com/news/local/donate-blood-to-the-american-red-cross-and-you-could-get-a-free-dunkin-voucher/ | 2022-07-29T17:26:14 | 1 | https://cw33.com/news/local/donate-blood-to-the-american-red-cross-and-you-could-get-a-free-dunkin-voucher/ |
FORT WORTH (KDAF) — The Fort Worth Zoo is gearing up for the back-to-school season. Join the zoo on Aug. 4 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the last ‘summer soiree’ before the kiddos go back to school.
During this back-to-school member event, grab a tasty ice-cream treat in the Reserve and visit the Elephant Springs and African Savanna after hours.
Tickets are now on sale, with prices set at $5 per guest. Toddlers (2-years-old and younger) get in for free. Tickets must be purchased online.
Officials say Savanna Grill and Savanna Snacks will be open for food and beverage purchases. For more information, visit fortworthzoo.org. | https://cw33.com/news/local/fort-worth-zoo-hosting-back-to-school-member-event-on-aug-4/ | 2022-07-29T17:26:20 | 0 | https://cw33.com/news/local/fort-worth-zoo-hosting-back-to-school-member-event-on-aug-4/ |
DALLAS (KDAF) — Another hot weekend is in store for North Texas but not before some storms get in the mix as a weak cool front will move into the region.
The National Weather Service center in Fort Worth says, “A weak cool front and/or outflow boundary from storms across southern OK and NW TX today will push into North TX, before stalling by tonight, then returning north of the Red River on Sunday.”
The best chances for storms will be north of Highway 280 and I-30; a few of those storms could become briefly strong/severe with gusty downburst winds, frequent lightning and small hail. “Central TX will remain dry with all areas seeing seasonably hot temperatures from the mid 90s to 102/103 degrees. South winds around 10 mph will become more E/NE briefly behind the cold front, but prevail for all areas on Saturday.”
No surprise here, but, the heat is set to continue in North Texas as August begins. NWS Fort Worth shared a weather outlook for Sunday through Thursday for DFW, Waco, Temple/Killeen, Sherman/Denison, Stephenville and Palestine.
“Following this weekend’s rain chances, hot and dry weather will return through next week. Temperatures will return to the 100-104 degree range across the entire area by the middle of next week. With hot and dry conditions in place, along with very dry vegetation, elevated fire danger will continue.” | https://cw33.com/news/local/possible-storms-friday-saturday-in-north-texas-as-summer-heat-continues/ | 2022-07-29T17:26:26 | 1 | https://cw33.com/news/local/possible-storms-friday-saturday-in-north-texas-as-summer-heat-continues/ |
DALLAS (KDAF) — Jordan Peele has once again delivered a critical and box office success with the release of his third directorial venture Nope.
The film grossed more than $44 million domestically at the box office on its opening weekend. This makes it the largest opening weekend for an original film since the debut of his last film Us. Nope is also the largest release of any original film since the shutdown of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite this great success, Nope did fall short of early projections of a $50 million box office opening, probably in part due to the film’s reception with general audiences, which was milder than Us.
If you are looking to see a movie in North Texas this weekend and you’re not in the mood for horror, two new films have hit theaters this weekend, one of which is set in West Texas.
DC League of Super-Pets
Film synopsis: Krypto the Super-Dog and Superman are inseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime side by side in Metropolis. However, Krypto must master his own powers for a rescue mission when Superman is kidnapped.
Vengeance
Film Synopsis: A radio host from New York City attempts to solve the murder of a girl he hooked up with and travels down south to investigate the circumstances of her death and discover what happened to her.
To get your tickets, click here. | https://cw33.com/news/local/weekend-at-the-movies-heres-whats-movies-are-coming-to-north-texas-this-weekend/ | 2022-07-29T17:26:32 | 0 | https://cw33.com/news/local/weekend-at-the-movies-heres-whats-movies-are-coming-to-north-texas-this-weekend/ |
In this photo provided by North Mississippi Medical Center, Booneville's Jimmy Hughes poses with NMMC registered nurse Courtney Barnes, who recently saved him from drowning. The two are now close friends.
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TUPELO • Jimmy Hughes recently stopped by North Mississippi Medical Center Women’s Hospital in Tupelo to show his appreciation to Courtney Barnes, a registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
On the evening of July 9, the 73-year-old Booneville resident was fishing by himself at Lake Mohawk, located between Ripley and Booneville in Tippah County, when his bait got hooked on his boat's trolling motor.
“When I tried to get it loose, my little john boat flipped over," he said.
He was in water over his head about 15 yards from the bank.
“At first I didn’t call for help because I didn’t want to make a scene,” he said.
He tried treading water and holding on to the boat’s handles, but couldn't make any progress.
“My clothes got heavy, and my feet felt like concrete blocks. I could feel myself tiring,” he said.
Finally, Hughes called out for help.
Barnes, who lives on Lake Mohawk, was sitting with friends on some nearby park benches. Her friend, Kristi George, thought she heard something, but they couldn’t quite make it out. “
Then we realized he was saying, ‘help!’” Barnes said.
Without hesitation, Barnes sprang into action.
“She jumped in, swam to me and pulled me to the bank,” Hughes said. “She saved me.”
“By the time I laid eyes on him, he had started sinking. I’m not going to lie, I was terrified,” Barnes said. “But you don’t even think, you just go. I’m just thankful we got to him in time.”
Hughes sat by a fire with Barnes and her friends while he dried off, called his family and regained his composure.
“I tried to give her a reward for what she did for me, but she wouldn’t hear of it,” Hughes said.
Barnes wouldn't take it.
“She said, ‘just come by and see us every now and then,'" Hughes said.
And that’s just what Hughes has done. He now visits Barnes regularly.
“I tell my wife, ‘I’m going to see my little friend,’” he said.
The admiration is mutual.
“We have new friends,” Barnes said. “They are the sweetest people.”
Hughes has been fishing several times since that day, but now he puts his life jacket on as soon as he gets out of his truck.
“I thank the Good Lord every day that He had Courtney on that bank,” Hughes said. “If I had been there earlier in the day, she wouldn’t have been there and I don’t know if I would be here.”
Newsletters
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Error! There was an error processing your request. | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/booneville-angler-grateful-to-rn-who-saved-him/article_24435bc8-90c2-58c2-a0d1-a6fed18cc6ad.html | 2022-07-29T17:33:32 | 0 | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/booneville-angler-grateful-to-rn-who-saved-him/article_24435bc8-90c2-58c2-a0d1-a6fed18cc6ad.html |
Now that abortion is no longer a federally protected right nationwide, some members of Allentown City Council want to make the city a safe haven for the procedure in Pennsylvania.
Abortion is currently legal in Pennsylvania, but that could change if the state’s lawmakers pass a ban, and a future governor signs it, in the future. Abortion has been banned in at least eight states following the June Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, and another four states now ban abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, before most women know they are pregnant.
City council members will introduce ordinances next week that aim to protect reproductive rights in the state’s third largest city.
The four ordinances would take the following measures:
- A “Buffer-zone law” that would mandate protesters stay 15 feet away from hospitals or clinics while demonstrating, aiming to limit anti-abortion advocates’ ability to picket near abortion clinics;
- Order city officials to not cooperate with any out-of-state criminal abortion investigations without a court order;
- Restrict “deceptive advertising practices” of crisis pregnancy centers, which are clinics that aim to persuade pregnant people to not get abortions by highlighting rare health complications;
- Order the police department to “de-prioritize” enforcement of abortion bans, should one pass in Pennsylvania.
The city is following in the footsteps of Pittsburgh, which passed similar measures earlier this month. The ordinances have five co-sponsors: members Ce-Ce Gerlach, Josh Siegel, Natalie Santos, Cynthia Mota and Candida Affa.
A ‘municipality-led revolution’
Sponsors say the ordinances reaffirm their belief that abortion is essential healthcare and a human right.
“The role of government, especially municipal government, is when there is uncertainty at a state or national level, our role is to make sure we support our people,” Gerlach said. “Reproductive rights are human rights, it’s about women determining what to do with our health, with our future, with our bodies, and it’s that simple.”
Siegel, a Democratic nominee for state House of Representatives and the ordinances’ primary sponsor, said he hopes the ordinances will prompt a “municipality-led revolution” against abortion ban laws.
“My goal is to show municipalities what’s possible,” Siegel said.
Though the procedure is still legal in Pennsylvania, its availability in the future could be determined by the 2022 gubernatorial election.
Outgoing governor Tom Wolf has vetoed abortion restrictions passed by the Republican-held House and Senate, maintaining its legality in the state for now. But Doug Mastriano, the Republican nominee for Pennsylvania governor, has called banning abortions his “number one issue.”
Greer Donley, a University of Pittsburgh law professor who helped craft the ordinances in both Allentown and Pittsburgh, said Pennsylvania municipalities are in a unique position to pass meaningful abortion protections. Pennsylvania is one of 13 states where neither party holds complete control of the state legislature and governorship.
“In blue states, cities might not feel like they need to do this because the states have already protected abortion as much as possible,” Donley said. “In red states, [cities] may try to do this, but the state could override it.”
Reactions in City Hall
Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk commended the 15-foot buffer zone law, which he said is much-needed to prevent the harassment of abortion clinic patients. But he has some concerns about the ordinances that direct law enforcement’s response to future abortion bans.
“It’s trying to put your arms around something that is nebulous,” Tuerk said of those ordinances. “If abortion is made illegal in the U.S., then we’ve got some work to do on those to make sure that there’s legislation that is enforceable by our law enforcement agencies.”
Police Chief Charles Roca said Thursday he had not reviewed the ordinances and could not comment.
Council member Daryl Hendricks plans to vote against the ordinances, he told the Morning Call Thursday. A former Allentown police officer, Hendricks sees the ordinances as an overstep of the city’s authority, particularly the two ordinances that direct law enforcement to not enforce future laws.
“I do not believe this a topic that we as council should be weighing in on,” Hendricks said. “It’s extremely controversial, and I do not believe its in our purview to be dealing with this.”
Hendricks worries the city could face lawsuits that challenge the ordinances. Pittsburgh’s 15-foot “Buffer zone” which has been in effect since 2005 and is being proposed in Allentown, survived several court challenges. But Pittsburgh is believed to be the first city to pass a law precluding city officials from assisting in criminal abortion investigations, and Allentown could become the second if the ordinance passes.
“I don’t think municipal bodies should function from a place of fear that someone might challenge a law,” Gerlach said in response to those concerns. “I think we should function based on what is the right thing to do for the people of Allentown.”
The four ordinances will be on the agenda next Wednesday.
Morning Call reporter Lindsay Weber can be reached at 610-820-6681 and liweber@mcall.com. | https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-abortion-ordinance-protection-city-council-roe-wade-20220729-yr2wpqeq4rgvro2hsgasaxdipq-story.html | 2022-07-29T17:36:47 | 1 | https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-abortion-ordinance-protection-city-council-roe-wade-20220729-yr2wpqeq4rgvro2hsgasaxdipq-story.html |
The Allentown school board voted unanimously Thursday night to fire a Raub Middle School teacher who was suspended after posting pictures of himself on social media at Donald Trump’s “Stop the Steal” rally near the White House on January 6, 2021.
Jason Moorehead was suspended the next day, pending an investigation into his conduct. Moorehead, who had been a social studies teacher with the school district for 18 years, said he attended the rally to hear speeches but did not participate in any riots or violence.
Allentown school district solicitor John Freund said Moorehead was asked to return to work in September 2021 but refused, so the school board had no choice but to fire him.
“The school district certainly cannot be expected to employ somebody who will not return to work,” Freund said.
Moorehead, addressing the school board at Thursday’s meeting, said he never wanted to leave his job but it was unsafe for him to return. He said the school district publicly accused him of being an “active participant” in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, even though he was not a part of any violence.
“I am being fired for refusing to come to a place that I was unsafe, a situation that you guys created,” Moorehead said. “You’ve destroyed my career, my character, my life, my marriage. I might lose my house, all because some of you did not like my political conservative views.”
In September 2021, Moorehead filed legal papers indicating his intention to bring an action against the school district. In January of this year, he filed similar legal papers indicating an intention to bring a separate action against The Morning Call.
Moorehead’s attorney Francis Malofiy could not immediately be reached for comment. Allentown School Board of Directors President Nancy Wilt did not return a call requesting comment.
This story will be updated. | https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-school-district-board-firing-teacher-january-6-capitol-20220729-3r2fxxj3bncgrloktebfm6dn7e-story.html | 2022-07-29T17:36:53 | 0 | https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-school-district-board-firing-teacher-january-6-capitol-20220729-3r2fxxj3bncgrloktebfm6dn7e-story.html |
ROSEVILLE, Calif — Groups in Placer County made history this year with the first in-person Pride event and Camp Fruit Loop, a camp for LGBT youth. LGBT organizations are excited about what they've accomplished and are working toward more progress in the future.
Camp Fruit Loop
Camp Fruit Loop, which happened in early July, was in the works for about three years. The Landing Spot, which is a support group for LGBT teens and their adult caregivers, raised money for the camp through drag shows and donations.
There were 19 teenagers who attended the camp from July 7-9.
Casey Tinnin is a Pastor at Loomis Basin Congregational Church United Church of Christ and the founder of The Landing Spot. He said at the beginning of the camp, the participants walked through rainbow streamers and shared their names, pronouns, and what they are passionate about.
At the camp, they did activities like karaoke, hiking, crafts and resource sharing.
"Hearing them talk about, like, even the teachers at their schools. Like, who do you go to? Who's your favorite teacher that is welcoming and accepting like this? Resource sharing — this is survival building right in our own community," Tinnan said.
Tinnin said for the future of the camp, he hopes some of the older kids will return as camp counselors and mentors. He also hopes there will be a junior high component and career development resources.
"The world is tough out there, baby. It's hard and there are not enough adults in the world who are willing to be mentors, who are willing to be elders. You know, there's a difference in being an adult and being an elder. An elder says 'walk this way,' and so we're trying to create in Placer County the ability for young people to walk this way," Tinnin said.
Tinnin said no matter how rocky the road is ahead, the more people who walk it, the smoother it will get.
"Because there are so few resources outside of The Landing Spot and PFLAG, the reality is that as I was saying earlier, young people do not see themselves," Tinnin said.
Visibility in Placer County
Mollie Murbach wears many hats as a board member for PFLAG Greater Placer County and works with the Placer Pride Committee.
"Visibility doesn't look the same for every student or for every youth or for every queer person, and that having all of these different organizations that work together can provide different opportunities where someone can feel seen and feel visible," Murbach said.
Kyle Ketsdever is a board member on PFLAG, as well as the Secretary of the Board for Prism-Q, which is soon to be rebranding. He said Prism-Q started up a few years ago and was trying to create a center in Placer County, but it lost traction during the pandemic. Now, he and others are working to revive it and work towards creating a center.
Ketsdever said he was born and raised in Placer County and it's interesting to see how the area has changed.
"Just seeing how far we've come, like it is great being able to see 12-13-year-olds, other youth, be able to just run around in Royer Park with the flag capes and just be themselves because I just didn't have that visibility," Ketsdever said. "Growing up to know that was a possibility for me, like even though I could tell that I was not straight at such a young age."
Daniella Zimmerman is on the board for PFLAG and Prism-Q. Zimmerman is an ally and semi-retired teacher and she said there's a lot of collaboration between the different LGBT organizations in Placer County.
"Even though there's these different organizations, we all overlap and intertwine and are working towards the same thing," Zimmerman said.
Zimmerman said she moved to Auburn in 1994 and the demographics in Placer County are shifting.
"It's changed a lot for the better, but there's still a long way to go," Zimmerman said.
Placer Pride
The first in-person Placer Pride event was at the end of May so it wouldn't interfere with other Pride events in Northern California.
"It was really incredible. A lot of people were just expressing how grateful they were to have visibility here in Placer County, which is historically a very conservative community space, where we're a large community, but one that isn't very visible, and so to be able to hold this event and bring the community together in such a public way to kick off Pride Month just really was amazing." Murbach said.
Latino Leadership Council
Amy Barrios is a youth coordinator at the Latino Leadership Council and was at a booth at Placer Pride. She said it was her first Pride.
"It was awesome just to see all these organizations come together — everybody just being truly themselves, you know, supporting one another," Barrios said.
Barrios said the youth program has been in place for two years.
"The county is definitely more white than anything, but we do have our minorities. Our organization works with one of those minorities, and we're actually the only Latino-focused nonprofit in the county that focuses just on connecting Latino families to those resources, navigating those systems, providing translation services, things like that," Barrios said.
The Latino Leadership Council offers many different programs and services and everything is bilingual and free, according to Barrios. But, she said when it comes to pride and queer issues, it can still be a taboo topic in her culture.
"Religion plays a big role in Latino households, and so that's also one of the barriers when it comes to connecting specifically our youth to those LGBTIQ+ resources... because there's fear in these kids because of how they're being raised because of what they're being taught. Those values and beliefs, for the most part, are being taught that they clash and that they cannot work together and so my role here is to provide those kinds of support to the youth," Barrios said.
Barrios said being at Placer Pride and seeing young people find a place to feel comfortable was such a positive experience because growing up is hard and finding a place to fit in is so meaningful.
"We have a good group out here in Placer County and even in Sacramento County of young people who want change, who realized that of the traditions — that some of them are amazing and some of our traditions are beautiful. But there's some other things that could definitely change for the better, and so I'm excited to see you know what the next five years have for us," Barrios said.
Learn more about the Latino Leadership Council HERE.
Chapa-De Indian Health
Chapa-De Indian Health was another sponsor of Placer Pride.
"Our main passion is really to provide compassionate, quality-based care for American Indians and underserved populations and through that really focusing on making sure that we are diverse both in the folks that we employ and the people that we serve," said Dr. Alinea Stevens, the medical director at Chapa-De.
Stevens said Chapa-De's passion is to serve the LGBTQIA+ community and the two-spirit community as well. Stevens said two-spirit is a way for some American Indian tribes to reflect the nuanced understandings of gender roles and spirituality compared to the Western culture, which can be more dichotomous.
Stevens said people can get gender-affirming care and medications as well as references for surgical intervention. Their therapists also help with some of the processes. Chapa-De also has in-depth knowledge of how to navigate Medi-Cal and get some of those things covered.
"I would also just say that visibility, where the majority of our providers have their pronouns on our little tags here and rainbow flags and has that kind of physical visibility of acceptance. And that is nice for people to see when there's a physical object on their provider that shows that they're interested in being inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community, and particularly with having pronouns present. I think it's very helpful that people are thinking about giving good care to all people." said Dr. Marlowe Dieckmann, a physician at Chapa-De.
There is a clinic in Auburn in Placer County and one in Grass Valley in Nevada County.
If a patient is interested in getting care there, they can call (530) 887-2800 and make an appointment. Chapa-De takes patients if they're American Indian, or if they have Medi-Cal or are uninsured.
Learn more about Chapa-De HERE.
What's Next?
Many of the organizations say they are looking at creating a center or space where they can gather in Placer County.
Casey Tinnin with The Landing Spot said his vision for Placer County includes an LGBT Center, and emergency housing for LGBT teens and young adults.
"If we could create a space, a multigenerational space, where young people could see older queer folks in our community who are thriving, who are living their best life, who have become successful, it might give them just a little more hope and that's what we're after here in Placer County," Tinnin said.
Ketsdever said the people involved in Prism-Q are seeing the need again for a center in Placer County, specifically one that focuses on serving youth.
"So we are kind of in the early stages, seeking funding, getting involved with things like Placer Pride to create this center and create a space where people can congregate, have community access, support groups, access resources, and just really serve as kind of a hub. We have a variety of resources in Placer County, but they're kind of like spread out and there's not really like something at the center bringing them all together, so we want to kind of serve as that focal point where we can connect everyone with all of those other entities," Ketsdever said.
Tinnin said ultimately the future for the LGBT community in Placer County depends on everyone coming together and deciding what kind of community they want and how to celebrate diversity.
"When I am living my best, authentic life, and when I am trying to promote in this community is a safe space for queer kids to grow and to thrive," Tinnin said. "I know that no matter the bumps ahead, no matter how rocky the road that we are, we are flattening the road for the kids behind us and that's the future that we want for all people, right?"
Resources in Placer County
Here are some of the resources specifically geared toward the LGBT community and allies.
The Landing Spot
- The Landing Spot is a non-religious support group for LGBTQIA+ youth and their parents in Placer County. They host monthly support groups at a church and organize activities, speakers and events, according to their website.
PFLAG
- PFLAG Greater Placer County is a volunteer group of parents, family and friends of LGBT people, according to their website.
Prism-Q
- PRISM-Q LGBT & Allies Resource Center helps provide safe space and resources for the Placer County LGBTQ+ community and allies, according to their Facebook page.
Watch more on ABC10 | Survey: Roseville named one of the best places to live — residents not surprised | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/roseville/placer-county-lgbt-youth-pride-camp-fruit-loop/103-8a2cd540-9787-4d06-b68f-86176fa9d7e1 | 2022-07-29T17:38:00 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/roseville/placer-county-lgbt-youth-pride-camp-fruit-loop/103-8a2cd540-9787-4d06-b68f-86176fa9d7e1 |
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