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ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 spoke with one of the victims who said she was shot in downtown Orlando Sunday morning after a gunman fired into a crowd, injuring seven near Orange Avenue and Wall Street.
The woman, who only wants to go by Jaimy, said that she and her friends were like many people forced to run for safety when, according to officers, the shooter began firing around 2:22 a.m. following a large fight that broke out.
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Jaimy and her friends were out celebrating her 23rd birthday in downtown Orlando when she said she was shot in her left calf.
“Suddenly we heard shots rang out, right next to us,” Jaimy said. “I felt really weak. I ran into Wall Street to try and escape the gunfire.”
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She said two of her friends are also among the seven people who Orlando police said were hurt. Police said the victims are expected to recover as the search for the shooter continues.
“I think it’s ridiculous that you can’t just got out and celebrate your birthday with your friends without fearing that you might get shot at the end of the night,” Jaimy said. “Something needs to change. Something has to happen because it’s ridiculous now. I don’t ever want to go out again.”
She’s calling for more safety measures downtown.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said he’s working to remove the fears people who frequent downtown have.
He said as early as Friday, and no later than the following weekend, people going downtown will have to go through controlled checkpoints in certain places on Friday and Saturday nights to try and curb the violence in the area.
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“That really breaks my heart. I want everyone to think of our downtown as a place that anybody can come,” Dyer said.
Jaimy also has a few words for the person who pulled the trigger.
“It is unacceptable to just shoot at people as if they’re animals, as if we’re not conscious beings with families and lives,” Jaimy said.
Right now, as she recovers, she’s counting her blessings.
“I’m really grateful that we’re all alive, but it really easily could have not turned out that way,” she said.
The Orlando Police Department urges anyone with information, photos or videos relating to the shooting to come forward and submit their tips at the link below.
We continue urging our community members who were in the area of Wall St & Orange Ave at approx. 2 am on 7/31 to come forward w/ information about this incident.
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) August 1, 2022
Follow the link👇to submit any photos/videos you may have that can help our investigators.https://t.co/sdT9VW31Ci
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/01/grateful-that-were-all-alive-victim-in-downtown-orlando-shooting-demands-change/ | 2022-08-01T21:10:38 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/01/grateful-that-were-all-alive-victim-in-downtown-orlando-shooting-demands-change/ |
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A man suspected of child molestation was arrested Thursday in a human trafficking investigation, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said Peter Strickland, 32, is suspected of having sexual relations with victims ranging from 13 to 17 years of age.
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According to a charging affidavit, Strickland told deputies he provided the victims with items of value in exchange for sexual activity. Strickland also told deputies he had videos of some of the sexual encounters, the affidavit shows.
Deputies said Strickland was interviewed at his workplace, Palm Coast Utilities, when he told them he had about 15 sexual relations over the past two years.
Sheriff Rick Staly said in a news release that anyone who takes away a child’s innocence deserves to be behind bars.
“I hope this arrest will allow some closure to the victims and they are able to get the help they need,” Staly said. “And to anyone who thinks they’ll get away with preying on our children, here’s the reminder that we will not stop until you’re arrested and unable to hurt another child ever again.”
Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin said in the news release there is no indication that Strickland committed these acts while on the job as a utility worker.
Strickland faces charges of unlawful sexual activity with certain minors, a second-degree felony. He is being held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility under a $100,000 bond.
This investigation is ongoing. Anyone who believes they or someone they know was victimized by Strickland is asked to call the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office at 386-313-4911.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/01/palm-coast-man-arrested-in-human-trafficking-investigation-flagler-deputies-say/ | 2022-08-01T21:10:44 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/01/palm-coast-man-arrested-in-human-trafficking-investigation-flagler-deputies-say/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Wichita Public School district on Monday welcomed almost 400 new teachers, counselors, speech-language pathologists and other certified staff members
The district’s new staff event lasts two days, with the first occurring at Northwest High School. The event will spread out to locations across the district on Tuesday.
Tammy Martin, the executive coordinator of new teacher induction for USD 259, says they wanted the event to be big, fun and welcoming.
“We really want to start building that connection with our new staff as they come in. We have the Northwest band here, the cheerleaders. We have some people out here from West High, as well, just helping greet our teachers. We want it to feel really fun so they feel comfortable, and they can start building relationships with their colleagues,” Martin said.
August 12 is the orientation for sixth and ninth-grade students. The first day of school for the district is August 15. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/new-teachers-welcomed-to-wichita-public-schools/ | 2022-08-01T21:12:35 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/new-teachers-welcomed-to-wichita-public-schools/ |
WATERLOO — A Waterloo man has been arrested for allegedly firing a gun in July.
Police arrested Steven Cosey, 33, last week on a charge of discharging a firearm in city limits, a misdemeanor. He was released pending trial.
According to court records, police were called to a report of gunfire in the 900 block of West Fifth Street around 9:50 p.m. July 12. Officers found a single 9 mm spent shell casing in the area.
No injuries or damages were reported.
Cosey was developed was a suspect, and police pulled him over July 15 and found a 9 mm Smith and Wesson M and P pistol in his vehicle.
Cosey has since asked the court to return his pistol and clothing seized as part of the investigation, according to court records.
Photos: Guns in Northeast Iowa crime cases
Evidence photo of the Ruger 9mm pistol used to kill Jada Young-Mills in Waterloo in November 2020.
Contributed
Evidence photo of the .44-caliber revolver used to shoot Jean Smith at her Dundee home in March 2009.
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Evidence photo shows a 9mm Taurus PT92F handgun found in a couch during the search of 122 W. Wellington St. in January 2021.
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Hi-Point C9 9mm handgun police seized from Marcus DeShawn Harmon-Wright in April 2020.
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Court exhibit photo shows a shortened .22-caliber Mossberg Plinkster rifle seized in May 2019 that had the fingerprints of Devonner Coleman.
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Court exhibit photo shows a shortened .22-caliber Mossberg Plinkster rifle and bags of marijuana seized in May 2019 that had the fingerprints of Devonner Coleman.
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A SIG Sauer pistol investigators found near a truck parked at Dan Niebuhr’s Fairbank home in March 2019.
A SIG Sauer pistol investigators found near a truck parked at Dan Niebuhr’s Fairbank home in March 2019.
Jeff Reinitz
Police seized four handguns in connection with an investigation into three shootings on Tuesday, April 7, 2015
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Court exhibit photo shows military-style rifles, a handgun and ammo found in a trunk during a March 12, 2016, traffic stop in Charles City.
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Prosecutors allege Kyle Hattrup pointed this Mossberg shotgun at an officer who went to his home after Hattrup allegedly started a fire in his parents’ garage in 2015.
JEFF REINITZ
Courier staff writer
Prosecutors allege Kyle Hattrup pointed this Mossberg shotgun at an officer who went to his home after Hattrup allegedly started a fire in his parents’ garage in 2015.
JEFF REINITZ
One of five shotgun shells found in the street near where Gary Lee Wilson collapsed after being shot in the early morning hours of Aug. 2, 2014.
Police found a shotgun shell after responding to a report of gunfire in the area of Linn and Cottage streets on Thursday, June 4, 2015.
JEFF REINITZ
Police seized a .40-caliber Glock pistol found in Steve William Fordyce’s pickup truck shortly after Donald Harrington was shot on Locust Street in August 2015.
JEFF REINITZ
A pistol and magazine sit in a squad car after police found the weapon in the backyard of a home following gunfire on West Parker Street on Sunday.
JEFF REINITZ
Evidence photo shows a .40-caliber Smith and Wesson pistol ATF agents found in an Elma home were Michael Duane Strain was living in 2011.
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Court exhibit of a .50-caliber Desert Eagle pistol found while searching Damon Montano’s RV in July 2018.
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Exhibit from government's sentencing memo shows photo of three pistols found on Wayne Jones' phone.
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This .22-caliber Sig Sauer pistol was stolen during an April 2011 burglary to a home on William Drive. Police recovered it when they stopped Queshandis Seals in July 2014. Seals was found guilty of firearm and drug charges following trial in August 2015.
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A .22-caliber Chiappas Firearms pistol found during a May 2014 traffic accident in Dunkerton had been stolen from a New Franken, Wis., gun shop in May 2013.
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Police seized a .25-caliber Raven Arms pistol following a shooting at the former Rumors Bar on July 22, 2012.
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Waterloo police seized a 9mm Tec-9 handgun, left, and a .380-caliber Lorcin pistol while searching a home at 525 Locust St. on Wednesday, June 19, 2013. (COURTESY PHOTO)
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Evidence photo shows an AR-7 takedown rifle ATF agents found in an Elma home were Michael Duane Strain was living in 2011.
Jeff Reinitz
Evidence photo of a refurbished Mosin Nagant, a Russian bolt-action surplus rifle ATF agents found when searching Michael Duane Strain’s Elma home in 2011.
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Authorities found this Ruger rifle during a June 6, 2017, search in Ossian while investigating opioid sales. The same gun had been seized in October 2012 during an investigation into a shooting in Calmar.
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Evidence photo showing a rifle seized during a search of an Ossian home during the investigation into furanyl fentanyl and heroin distribution on June 6, 2017.
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Police found a handgun, sawed-off shotgun and a shortened rifle in a Lehman Circle mobile home following a shooting Nov. 23, 2013.
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Authorities recovered an AK-47 style rifle, a 45-caliber handgun and a .40-caliber Glock handgun from Jeremiah Mumford and William Clayton following a bank robbery, chase and shootout that spanned two counties in October. A second rifle was found in the getaway vehicle. (Contributed photos)
Authorities recovered an AK-47 style rifle, a 45-caliber handgun and a .40-caliber Glock handgun from Jeremiah Mumford and William Clayton following a bank robbery, chase and shootout that spanned two counties in October. A second rifle was found in the getaway vehicle. (Contributed photos)
Authorities recovered an AK-47 style rifle, a 45-caliber handgun and a .40-caliber Glock handgun from Jeremiah Mumford and William Clayton following a bank robbery, chase and shootout that spanned two counties in October. A second rifle was found in the getaway vehicle. (Contributed photos)
Evidence photo shows a shotgun that ATF agents found in an Elma home were Michael Duane Strain was living in 2011.
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Authorities found this Remington shotgun during a June 6, 2017, search in Ossian while investigating opioid sales. The same gun had been seized in October 2012 after it was used in a shooting in Calmar.
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Police found this altered Mossburg shotgun in the back of a parked car in August 2013. On Dec. 31, 2013, jurors found Patrelle Green-Bowman guilty of felon in possession of a firearm and unauthorized possession of a sawed-off shotgun following trial.
Courtesy Photo
Police found this altered Mossburg shotgun in the back of a parked car in August 2013. On Dec. 31, 2013, jurors found Patrelle Green-Bowman guilty of felon in possession of a firearm and unauthorized possession of a sawed-off shotgun following trial.
Courtesy Photo
Authorities said a resident found this Smith & Wesson handgun in an alley in April 2014 a few blocks from a June 2013 fatal shooting. It was entered as evidence in the trial of Antonio Hutchins on Monday, Jan. 12, 2015.
JEFF REINITZ
Waterloo police said they found this .22-caliber Beretta handgun in an alley behind Travon Jones’ Iowa Street home in Cedar Falls in January 2015.
JEFF REINITZ / Courier Staff Writer
Police photo of a .45-caliber handgun and a .22-caliber handgun recovered during the investigation into the death of Ronald Randall.
Waterloo police said they seized this H&R revolver in September 2017. The weapon was an exhibit in the trial of Davionte Dashawn Barksdale in February 2018.
JEFF REINITZ
An AR-15 rifle recovered by police in a traffic stop following a July 2018 shooting in Waterloo.
JEFF REINITZ
An AR-15 rifle recovered by police in a traffic stop following a July 2018 shooting in Waterloo.
JEFF REINITZ
The .38-caliber revolver that Vickie Butler was shot with during an argument with Michael Fristo in October 2016. Fristo was acquitted of charges in the shooting following trial on Nov. 30, 2017.
JEFF REINITZ
A photograph of the .357-magnum revolver prosecutors said was used to kill Robert Shannon as he sat in a car on Dec. 14, 2011. Introduced as evidence in the trial of Montez Caples on Oct. 31, 2012. (JEFF REINITZ/ Courier Staff Writer)
Police found a sawed-off Ithaca .410-bore shotgun in the back of Adrian Zarate’s girlfriend’s SUV when it was parked at the Isle Casino Hotel parking lot in October 2018.
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Police found a Jimenez Arms .380-caliber handgun with an obliterated seriall number in Adrian Zarate’s hotel room in October 2018.
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Savage Model 67F 20-gauge shotgun found while searching Levi Farren Miller’s West Mullan Avenue in Waterloo in February 2019.
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Crime scene photo shows were police found a shotgun resting in a cat dish while searching a Waterloo apartment on Feb. 2, 2019.
Police found this Ruger handgun under Delvonn Battles’ seat during a traffic stop in Waterloo in January 2013. The weapon was used in a Des Moines shooting in December 2012. (Contributed photo)
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Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-arrested-for-firing-pistol-asks-to-get-gun-back/article_6a775dca-a75a-5765-af55-310e83c779df.html | 2022-08-01T21:15:09 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-arrested-for-firing-pistol-asks-to-get-gun-back/article_6a775dca-a75a-5765-af55-310e83c779df.html |
CEDAR FALLS — Home-Grown Jam has a new time and date. The Aug. 13 event will take place from 1:45 to 4:45 p.m. at the Cedar Falls Community Center, 524 Main St.
Home -Grown Jam is a group of musicians who play the second Saturday of each month at the community center. A variety of music from the 1920's to the 1970's is played. A light lunch is served around 2:30 p.m.
The Jam and the refreshments are free, although donations are encouraged to help cover building rental and food costs.
Photos: Don Felder and Sugar Ray perform at RAGBRAI
Waterloo Police announced Thursday a third person had been arrested last week on felony money laundering charges related to the two-year investigation.
Fester’s Pub, owned by Daniel Corbett – one of the owners of Hungry Charlie’s food truck and restaurant – is taking over what was formerly known as Anton’s Volks Haus.
The mother of a man suspected of killing a Cedar Falls couple and their daughter at an Iowa state park said her son gave no indication anything was wrong prior to the shooting.
Three Cedar Falls family members died Friday at Maquoketa Caves State Park in apparent homicides, with a fourth person dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
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/home-grown-jam-has-new-time-date-on-aug-13/article_6f97b709-14ee-50e2-8166-c251d2144c48.html | 2022-08-01T21:15:15 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/home-grown-jam-has-new-time-date-on-aug-13/article_6f97b709-14ee-50e2-8166-c251d2144c48.html |
CEDAR FALLS -- Beginning Monday, street crews are performing some concrete panel replacements in the southbound lane of South Main Street at the intersection of Orchard Drive.
The work will last about five days. In the meantime, traffic patterns will be controlled with temporary stop-controls and alternating pattern.
That plays into a proposed ordinance before City Council on Monday legislating the enforcement and fines for those who use the spots for anything other than charging. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/street-work-begins-in-southbound-lane-of-cedar-falls-main-street-at-intersection-of-orchard/article_489920b2-5f6f-5563-8b69-11e5965dac52.html | 2022-08-01T21:15:21 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/street-work-begins-in-southbound-lane-of-cedar-falls-main-street-at-intersection-of-orchard/article_489920b2-5f6f-5563-8b69-11e5965dac52.html |
COLUMBIA COUNTY, Pa. — Someone's pet cat was allegedly shot with a pellet gun near Bloomsburg.
The cat's owner told state troopers it happened on July 23 near the intersection of Mainville Drive and Country Terrace Lane in Main Township.
The feline is expected to be okay, but state police are still investigating.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/columbia-county/police-cat-shot-with-pellet-gun-mainville-drive-country-terrace-lane-main-township-bloomsburg/523-4ac9c9a7-da97-4d95-a436-416cc1db0887 | 2022-08-01T21:16:28 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/columbia-county/police-cat-shot-with-pellet-gun-mainville-drive-country-terrace-lane-main-township-bloomsburg/523-4ac9c9a7-da97-4d95-a436-416cc1db0887 |
SCRANTON, Pa. — Police officers and first responders gathered inside Lackawanna College Monday to learn about autism and how to recognize it.
Gary Weitzen has a son with autism and travels the area, educating communities about it.
"How to communicate with individuals with autism and get them to follow simple commands. We go over concrete language and the way you ask them to comply is different. Subtle little techniques that make a world of difference," Weitzen said.
Archbald Borough Police Chief Tim Trently chose to attend this training because he feels it's valuable information to share with his department.
"What to expect, showing that they may not be aggressive in a way to harm us, it's just their reaction that they have," he said.
This training will help police officers and first responders interact with those who have autism in the field but it's also giving them the tools to educate the public.
"Anyone that has an autistic person should call their local police department, and notify their local fire and EMS and tell them this is a situation I want you to be aware of and this way we can plan ahead," Trently said.
Weitzen says this training is key for first responders because emergency situations can be overwhelming for people with autism.
"It can go so wrong so quickly. Not getting it right can be tragic to everybody involved. All you have to do is look up on the internet interactions that have gone wrong," he said.
Sensory kits are also helpful for first responders to have on hand with items that are safe for people with autism to use.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/autism-training-for-first-responders-at-lackawanna-college-officers-awareness/523-177ba4db-c050-4494-9409-5a44189d5062 | 2022-08-01T21:16:34 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/autism-training-for-first-responders-at-lackawanna-college-officers-awareness/523-177ba4db-c050-4494-9409-5a44189d5062 |
SCRANTON, Pa. — The Angeli Hall at Lackawanna College is now declared unsafe for human occupancy after a broken water line flooded the basement of the theater Monday morning.
The building along Vine Street in Scranton was evacuated and the utilities shut off.
Newswatch 16 found signs on the door of the building detailing the closure.
The hall houses offices, classrooms, the police academy, esports facilities and much more.
No word on when repairs will be complete.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/lackawanna-college-building-declared-unsafe-angeli-hall-vine-street-scranton-unsafe-for-human-occupancy/523-7ed5fa81-4fd8-4410-9525-947abdec74b9 | 2022-08-01T21:16:40 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/lackawanna-college-building-declared-unsafe-angeli-hall-vine-street-scranton-unsafe-for-human-occupancy/523-7ed5fa81-4fd8-4410-9525-947abdec74b9 |
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Good news for those looking to cool off in Williamsport.
Memorial Pool is back open as of Monday.
It was closed because bacteria was found in tests.
They did another bacteria test on Friday after adding chemicals, and on Monday, those tests came back clear.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lycoming-county/williamsport-pool-now-open-memorial-pool-lycoming-county-water-tests/523-0cf297d3-1032-4c41-bde7-eef85dd0e2b7 | 2022-08-01T21:16:46 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lycoming-county/williamsport-pool-now-open-memorial-pool-lycoming-county-water-tests/523-0cf297d3-1032-4c41-bde7-eef85dd0e2b7 |
TANNERSVILLE, Pa. — There is always a new beer on tap at Barley Creek Brewing Company near Tannersville.
Barley Creek Director of Brewing Matt Doughty said there is something for everyone.
"We try to do it at least 3-4 times a month, but were brewing 3-4 times a week usually here. Just for in-house use mostly," Doughty said.
With the new Pocono Beverage trail passport, beer, wine, or spirit drinkers can easily check out more than a dozen locations across the Poconos.
The free digital passport launched by the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau will let users find participating locations, score deals on food and drinks, and earn points toward rewards including trail swag.
"It's kind of bringing the best of technology into travel and tourism to make it easier for the guest. If for instance, you're just into brews, this gives you a way to kind of find it quickly and plan your vacation around it," Chris Barrett, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, said.
Visitors can use the new Pocono Beverage trail to see which breweries, wineries, or even distilleries are nearby.
Employees at Barley Creek Brewing Company said they hope this will draw more customers through their door.
"It's exciting to have something to draw customers in and you know we try to support other local breweries and wineries. You know it's not a competition. It's more of like a family of people making great products," Doughty said.
More locations will be added to the digital pass lineup over the next couple of weeks.
For more information on the Pocono Beverage trail passport, click here.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/pocono-beverage-trail-passport-launches-adult-beer-alcohol-breweries-distilleries-wineries-wine-drink/523-d61c064a-a350-455b-a5e8-e6886eeb564c | 2022-08-01T21:16:52 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/pocono-beverage-trail-passport-launches-adult-beer-alcohol-breweries-distilleries-wineries-wine-drink/523-d61c064a-a350-455b-a5e8-e6886eeb564c |
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, Pa. — A business serving customers a smile and some sweets is closing after decades of business in Schuylkill County.
Plain and Fancy Donut Shop in Schuykill Haven will shut its doors along with its farmers markets locations.
The owners say after 60 years, it's time to take a much-needed break and retire.
The last donut was sold Sunday at the place in Schuylkill County.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/schuylkill-county/donut-shop-closing-after-60-years-plain-and-fancy-schuylkill-haven-sweets-retirement-farmes-market/523-18894cd3-b895-4dd6-b077-c38d3ec47b38 | 2022-08-01T21:16:58 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/schuylkill-county/donut-shop-closing-after-60-years-plain-and-fancy-schuylkill-haven-sweets-retirement-farmes-market/523-18894cd3-b895-4dd6-b077-c38d3ec47b38 |
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate could be on track to advance a bill as soon as Tuesday that would provide veterans exposed to toxic substances overseas with health care and benefits, after a weekend in which outraged veterans camped out on the steps of the Capitol to protest a delay in the legislation.
A Senate Republican aide who discussed ongoing talks on background said Monday morning that supporters expect at least 60 senators will vote to get past the chamber’s legislative filibuster during a Tuesday vote. That would likely set the bill up for passage by a simple majority later this week.
Still unclear is whether there will be a separate vote on an amendment to the bill pushed by Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Zionsville, Lehigh County.
Negotiations over Toomey’s amendment were ongoing Monday, according to the Senate GOP aide. The measure, which the Senate voted 84-14 to pass in June, stalled last week after a group of 25 Republicans switched their votes to block the measure over concerns from Toomey about how some of the spending would be classified.
Veterans organizations decried those lawmakers for blocking the bill and called on them to support the legislation during a news conference Thursday. Some Democrats also accused Republicans of switching their votes in anger after Senate Democrats unexpectedly unveiled a reconciliation bill including prescription drug reform, corporate tax cuts, and climate change initiatives.
Veterans set up a vigil next to the Capitol to draw attention to the stalemate and encourage lawmakers to support the legislation. Veterans advocate and comedian Jon Stewart has been harshly critical of Republicans who switched their votes.
Ending a filibuster
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had said Thursday that he planned to hold a second procedural vote on the measure Monday evening to give Republicans another chance to support the bill and end the filibuster.
Schumer had also said he’d hold a vote on Toomey’s proposed changes to the bill with a 60-vote threshold for adoption.
”We will give Sen. Toomey a right to bring his amendment to the floor and try to get the votes for it,” Schumer said Thursday.
One question would be whether Toomey wants to set the threshold for adoption of the amendment at a simple majority vote and not at the 60 votes Schumer has offered for consideration.
If the Senate were to change the legislation in any way, such as by adopting the Toomey amendment, it would need to go back to the U.S. House, which is currently on its August recess, for final approval. President Joe Biden has been very much in favor of the bill and is expected to sign it into law.
3.5 million veterans helped
If passed by Congress, the measure, sponsored by Montana Democratic Sen. Jon Tester and Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran, would provide about 3.5 million veterans with health care and benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to address illnesses that were likely caused by exposure to toxic substances while deployed.
The package would help veterans exposed to burn pits get medical care and other benefits without having to jump through hoops to try to prove their illnesses are linked to their deployments.
Burn pits were often used during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Biden has repeatedly called on Congress to address the short- and long-term health impacts they’ve had on veterans.
”Our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan faced many dangers,” Biden said during his State of the Union speech in March. “One was stationed at bases and breathing in toxic smoke from ‘burn pits’ that incinerated wastes of war — medical and hazard material, jet fuel, and more.”
”When they came home, many of the world’s fittest and best trained warriors were never the same,” Biden added. “Headaches. Numbness. Dizziness. A cancer that would put them in a flag-draped coffin.”
Biden has often cited burn pits as the reason his son, Beau, died of brain cancer. Biden said during his speech that while he didn’t “know for sure if a burn pit was the cause of his brain cancer” he was “committed to finding out everything” possible about how they’ve impacted soldiers since their deployments.
The legislation the Senate is expected to vote on again Tuesday would guarantee those veterans health care and benefits, preventing them from having to try to link their illness to the toxic exposure.
It would also expand presumptions for veterans exposed to Agent Orange, a chemical the U.S. military used during the Vietnam War. American Samoa, Cambodia, Guam, Johnston Atoll, Laos and Thailand would all be added to the list of locations where veterans are presumed to have been exposed to the chemical.
June vote
The Senate originally voted to pass the measure on an overwhelmingly bipartisan 84-14 basis in June, but needed to revote on the measure after the U.S. House had to make a technical change to the legislation.
The section that Toomey objects to was in the legislation the first time the U.S. Senate voted to approve the package. Toomey, who voted against the bill that first time around, said in a statement at the time that “the Department of Veterans Affairs already has the authority to ensure veterans receive this care where the evidence has established a connection to their service.”
”Instead, the PACT Act goes far beyond, substituting Congress’ political judgement in place of available evidence and including unnecessary changes to longstanding budget rules to enable hundreds of billions in additional spending on unrelated purposes.”
The unsuccessful procedural vote on the bill last week was 55-42, but Schumer switched his vote from yes to no so that he could easily bring the measure back up again.
Democratic Sen. Pat Leahy of Vermont and Joe Manchin III of West Virginia were absent last week as was centrist Alaskan Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, all three of whom supported the bill during the first vote. Leahy was recovering from a broken hip and Manchin and Murkowski had tested positive for COVID-19.
If all three of those lawmakers return this week and continue supporting the bill, that means supporters of the legislation would need to sway just one Republican to switch back to supporting the legislation for it to have the necessary 60 votes to get past a filibuster.
Pennsylvania Capital-Star is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Pennsylvania Capital-Star maintains editorial independence. | https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-pat-toomey-burn-pits-vote-20220801-qd4kfoadlbcxtckaokkf5kruoi-story.html | 2022-08-01T21:28:11 | 0 | https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-pat-toomey-burn-pits-vote-20220801-qd4kfoadlbcxtckaokkf5kruoi-story.html |
COTTONWOOD, Ariz. —
Melany Walton had thought Cottonwood would be the perfect place for her to spend her retirement years.
When she decided to move from California to the small Arizona town 12 years ago, she expected her costs of living to be cheaper.
And for a while, they were.
Walton's rent for her three-bedroom home was significantly cheaper than the prices she might have expected back in the Golden State.
But the housing situation in Cottonwood has started to change and Walton's worried she might soon end up homeless.
"There's not a lot of available to rent," the 72-year-old resident said. "I still don't have a place to go. It's getting more desperate."
Walton's predicament began earlier this summer after she received a notice that her home had been bought by The Enchantment, a luxurious resort located about 20 miles away in Sedona.
The disabled retiree thought the change of ownership might result in her rent getting raised. But the new owners didn't want more of Walton's money: They wanted her out.
The resort is giving Walton until the end of August to find a new place to live and she hasn't had luck finding another rental she can afford solely with her Social Security funds.
"It's very depressing," she told 12News. "At my age, I didn't think I was going to have to move again."
'It's ruining the town'
Walton is not the only tenant in Cottonwood who has been struggling.
The Enchantment has bought at least 28 units in the Cottonwood area to house its employees, which the resort's representatives say is needed to provide relief to resort workers who can't find housing of their own.
The resort says it has simply bought properties that were listed for sale in order to "render additional aid and support for employees."
But locals say the Enchantment issue is only one piece of a much broader issue that's been recently affecting their community -- a major lack of affordable housing.
A shrinking supply and rising prices have put some tenants in a difficult dilemma and some feel it's unfair for a company in another city to buy up properties on their turf.
"It's ruining the town," said Ken Wood, a Cottonwood resident for nearly 40 years. "It's sad to hear what's going on."
Wood owns a moving company and says he's been getting many desperate phone calls from locals who don't know where to go.
"I have never seen something like this," Wood added.
Representatives for Enchantment say they had to look for housing in neighboring communities due to a shortage of affordable homes and apartments in Sedona.
Cottonwood is a rural town of about 12,000 residents located in Yavapai County that doesn't have an abundance of housing listed on the market. A quick search on the website Zillow only yields a handful of available properties to rent and most are considered beyond the price range of locals who've been living in Cottonwood for years.
April Montgomery's daughter has had to resort to living in an RV on her mother's property after failing to find any affordable place to live in Cottonwood.
Like Walton, Montgomery's daughter got a notice earlier this year warning her that she and her children had to vacate their property after it was bought by Enchantment.
Now Montgomery's daughter is being asked to pay up to $2,500 per month for the same type of home she had been renting before and residents in Cottonwood are not used to seeing rents at that price level.
"We're not living in the Silicon Valley, this is just Cottonwood," Montgomery said.
'Where are we all going to go?'
The housing situation in Cottonwood has gotten so dire that it's forced some locals to leave the community altogether.
Barbara Reed has recently relocated to Florida after her landlord decided to move back into the three-bedroom unit she had been renting.
She tried to find another place in Cottonwood but eventually decided she was probably better off moving across the country.
"There's nothing available at all," Reed said.
Residents throughout Arizona have been feeling the ramifications of the state's housing crisis for several months. A spike in demand and limited supply has been quickly elevating prices while wages have not kept pace with the rising costs.
According to a study by the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, Arizonans must earn at least $23.44 per hour or work 73 hours per week on the state's minimum wage to afford the average cost of a two-bedroom rental.
But the housing crisis can be even more burdensome in Arizona's rural communities, where home developers may not be as eager to build and the socio-economic conditions may not be as great as in the metro areas.
The most recent census statistics show a higher percentage of Cottonwood residents live in poverty compared to the national and statewide percentages and the city's median household income is significantly less than Arizona's average.
Lisa Sanchez was busy working two jobs when she found out her rental was being bought by The Enchantment earlier this summer. She didn't have much time to ask questions before discovering she and her college-age son would soon have to find a new residence.
She spent days stressing and losing sleep before Sanchez found a place for herself, but she still worries about her neighbors who haven't been as lucky in finding another rental.
"Where are we all going to go," asked Sanchez, whose family has deep roots in Cottonwood going back several generations.
Sanchez says she's never experienced a housing predicament quite like this before and feels it's unfair her community is being asked to forcibly go someplace else.
"Our whole world has just been turned upside down," she said.
RELATED: Arizona's housing market is changing. Here are 4 things real estate experts are seeing right now
RELATED: 'Sadly we knew it was coming': Over 300 people have already died this year on Valley streets
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12 News YouTube playlist here. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/its-ruining-the-town-rural-arizona-residents-feel-displaced-by-sedona-resort-buying-up-properties/75-fdcd8cd8-24bb-4829-ab50-9a0d9ae8960f | 2022-08-01T21:30:16 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/its-ruining-the-town-rural-arizona-residents-feel-displaced-by-sedona-resort-buying-up-properties/75-fdcd8cd8-24bb-4829-ab50-9a0d9ae8960f |
ARIZONA, USA — On Sunday evening, the Mohave County Sheriff's Office responded to several calls for help from drivers throughout the Golden Valley and north Kingman areas. The MCSO said they'd driven their vehicles into flooded roadways.
It's a good reminder; Turn Around – Don’t Drown.
Flooded roadways are dangerous, and a few minutes saved on travel time isn't worth risking your life, the lives of people in the vehicle with you, or the lives of first responders that attempt to help.
>> Live, local, breaking. Download the 12News app
The MCSO shared a list and images of the vehicles that required rescue.
- A jeep with two people near Chino Road and Bosque Road
- An SUV with one person near Chino Road and Bosque Road
- A sedan with four people on Chino Road near McNeal Road
- A truck with one person on Shinarump near Agate Road
- An SUV with four people near Kaibito Boulevard
MCSO shares images of vehicles requiring rescue during flooding on Sunday
The MCSO also noted that the truck had become stranded at the same location as a rescue the previous week where a woman had to hold to a sign to prevent being swept away.
RELATED: 'She was very lucky': Woman clings to sign to avoid being swept away by Golden Valley floodwaters
Officials said that the second SUV had been fleeing a flooded homestead north of Kingman, and ended up surrounded by water on the roadway.
The area was so flooded that first responders had to walk roughly three miles to reach the family of four, said the MCSO.
The MCSO said that as search teams were responding to the different locations, they found several other vehicles that had "succumbed to the waterways."
The sheriff's office reminds the public that these flooded roadways are very dangerous, and those who survive them are very lucky.
Once again, Turn Around – Don’t Drown!
Arizona Weather
Drought, wildfires, heat and monsoon storms: Arizona has seen its fair share of severe weather. Learn everything you need to know about the Grand Canyon State's ever-changing forecasts here:
Flooding Safety:
The Arizona Fire & Medical Authority has provided the following tips on what hazards to watch out for during and after a flood, including fire, electrical and chemical safety:
Generators and alternative heating devices can create fire hazards during flooding if they aren’t used correctly or maintained properly. Pools of water and appliances can become electrically charged and can cause electrical fires.
On electricity, residents in flooded areas should turn off the power to their homes if they can reach the main breaker or fuse box. All wiring in the house may be electrically charged and hazardous. Residents should have a professional technician check their home for damages before turning on the power.
Make sure potentially combustible liquids like paint thinner, lighter fluid or gasoline haven’t spilled within or near your home. Keep combustible liquids away from electrical or alternative heat sources as to not start a fire.
All smoke alarms in the home should be tested monthly and batteries should be replaced yearly. Some smoke alarms are dependent on your home’s electrical service and may go out when power is turned off.
Make sure the fire hydrant near your home is cleared of debris so the fire department can assess it easily in the event of a fire. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/search-and-rescue-water-rescues-flooded-roads-sunday-monsoon-storm-mohave-county/75-24a36859-a9da-4218-8882-fd8729cbe668 | 2022-08-01T21:30:23 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/search-and-rescue-water-rescues-flooded-roads-sunday-monsoon-storm-mohave-county/75-24a36859-a9da-4218-8882-fd8729cbe668 |
MESA, Ariz. — Two people were taken to the hospital Monday for non-life-threatening injuries due to a car collision involving the light rail in Mesa.
The collision occurred on the light rail track near Main Street and Roosevelt Road and involved a silver Toyota passenger vehicle, Mesa police said.
The car's driver and passenger were transported to the hospital and police did not disclose details as to how the collision occurred. Officers happened to be recovering a stolen vehicle in this area when the collision took place, police said.
Traffic on Main Street's eastbound lanes may be restricted this afternoon due to the crash.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12 News YouTube playlist here.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Driving Safety Tips:
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) offers driving tips to help keep people safe on the road.
"There’s always room for improvement when it comes to road safety," the department said on its website.
ADOT's suggestions include:
- Don’t speed or drive aggressively
- Never drive while under the influence of substances
- Avoid distractions while driving
- Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers are doing the same
- When an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, move over
- Stay extra aware in work zones
- Be prepared for weather conditions that make driving dangerous | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/car-struck-by-light-rail-collision-in-mesa-police/75-998a69d1-3453-4ae1-b010-36362aff5925 | 2022-08-01T21:30:29 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/car-struck-by-light-rail-collision-in-mesa-police/75-998a69d1-3453-4ae1-b010-36362aff5925 |
In an apparent act of retaliation for an alleged burglary, a Lincoln man and his co-defendant kidnapped and tortured a man and his friend late Thursday night, holding them captive in a local warehouse for 12 hours, police alleged in gruesome court records filed Monday.
A 26-year-old man told Lincoln Police he was "beaten, burned with a blowtorch and branded" with the word "thief" after he was ambushed by two men amid a drug deal Thursday night, Lincoln Police Investigator Christopher Schamber said in an arrest affidavit.
The next morning, authorities found the tortured man — still handcuffed — walking near the Gage County border, about 30 minutes south of Lincoln's southern edge.
In an interview with investigators, the victim identified 30-year-old Tanner Danielson, of Lincoln, and 26-year-old Austin Widhalm, of Hickman, as the men responsible for the alleged attack and torture, Schamber said in the affidavit.
Both men have been charged in Lancaster County with a string of felonies, including first-degree assault, first-degree false imprisonment and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony.
Danielson was also charged with first-degree sexual assault of the woman who was held captive, according to court filings.
Widhalm was arrested Friday in Lincoln, and Danielson was arrested Monday afternoon in Rapid City, South Dakota, Lincoln Police Chief Teresa Ewins said at a Monday afternoon news conference.
In an interview with investigators at a Beatrice hospital on Friday, the 26-year-old victim told police he was struck by a wrench and handcuffed near 56th Street and Interstate 80 around 11 p.m. Thursday after he and the woman acquaintance had gone to the location to buy cocaine, Schamber said.
For the next several hours, he told police, the man was handcuffed to a table or had his wrists hoisted in the air as he was tortured, Schamber said. Police noted the man had two black eyes and brand marks on his face, arms and legs.
The victim accused Danielson of putting a semi-automatic handgun into his mouth and threatening to kill him, according to the affidavit. Danielson later put a tab of LSD into his mouth and made the man eat it, but the 26-year-old told police he spit much of it out and vomited.
And at one point, investigators allege Danielson sexually assaulted the woman — who wasn't otherwise tortured but told police she was held against her will and threatened — after escorting her to the warehouse's bathroom, Schamber said.
Danielson later drove the woman home from the warehouse, noting her address and threatening to kill her if she reported the incident to law enforcement, the woman later told police. She did not report the crime.
After hours of torture, the male victim said Danielson and Widhalm bound him and taped his mouth shut before driving him to rural Gage County, where they tied him to a tree, Schamber said.
When the two men left him bound there, he said they warned him that if he wasn't still there Monday, they would kill his family, according to the affidavit.
Then, the men left in the victim's vehicle, which investigators later found outside Widhalm's home in Hickman.
A Kansas City, Missouri, native, Andrew Wegley joined the Journal Star as breaking news reporter after graduating from Northwest Missouri State University in May 2021.
A 26-year-old man told Lincoln Police he was "beaten, burned with a blowtorch and branded" with the word "thief" after he was ambushed by two men amid a drug deal at a warehouse near 56th Street and Arbor Road, Investigator Christopher Schamber said in an arrest affidavit. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/beaten-burned-and-branded-two-people-held-captive-in-lincoln-warehouse-police-say/article_fb03ab98-871b-59bc-bd1b-81c529c64d38.html | 2022-08-01T21:32:32 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/beaten-burned-and-branded-two-people-held-captive-in-lincoln-warehouse-police-say/article_fb03ab98-871b-59bc-bd1b-81c529c64d38.html |
LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. — A sudden, torrential downpour reportedly caused the multi-vehicle pile-up on Interstate-81 Southbound in Lebanon County. The pile-up closed a portion of the interstate for several hours Thursday afternoon and evening.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, the downpour on July 28 caused extremely slick roadways and poor visibility.
As a result of the road and weather conditions, traffic slowed which caused a 14-vehicle pile-up across both southbound lanes, as well as the median and shoulder of the interstate.
This was just one of three crashes that occurred at I-81 southbound in the area of mile markers 86.4 and 97.5.
Several minor injuries were reported as a result of the crashes.
One person was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries reported.
I-81 southbound was closed until 1 a.m. on Friday, July 29. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lebanon-county/slick-roadways-poor-visibility-caused-multi-vehicle-pile-up-i-81-pennsylvania/521-b679aadb-f407-4d15-a7b6-c5b74bf59027 | 2022-08-01T21:39:34 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lebanon-county/slick-roadways-poor-visibility-caused-multi-vehicle-pile-up-i-81-pennsylvania/521-b679aadb-f407-4d15-a7b6-c5b74bf59027 |
Las Cruces National Night Out to highlight first responders
LAS CRUCES - National Night Out — the annual event that promotes drug and crime prevention, strengthens community relations, and encourages neighborhood camaraderie — will be held Tuesday evening in Downtown Las Cruces.
The free and kid-friendly event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, along Main Street in downtown Las Cruces. National Night Out is held annually the first Tuesday in August.
National Night Out gives residents an evening to meet neighbors, area first responders and other organizations that provide services to the community. The event is a popular family night out with many giveaways and one-on-one interactions.
Several organizations and community service providers will be on hand to meet with residents and promote their services.
Keep reading: | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2022/08/01/las-cruces-national-night-out-to-highlight-first-responders/65388490007/ | 2022-08-01T21:39:42 | 1 | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2022/08/01/las-cruces-national-night-out-to-highlight-first-responders/65388490007/ |
Plans for old Tingley Hospital in T or C unclear as new veterans' housing is built
New Mexico State Veterans' Home located on a registered historic site built in the New Deal era
The Depression-era hospital building that houses the New Mexico State Veterans' Home may continue to serve the public after new dormitories are built, but firm plans for the historic site have yet to develop, the governor's office said Friday.
Earlier this week, construction began on new housing for the approximately 70 military veterans in residence at the veterans' home in Truth or Consequences. They are currently housed in shared living quarters, with as many as four to a room, mainly within a hospital built from 1936 to 1937 originally known as the Carrie Tingley Hospital for Crippled Children.
The home was the site of a lethal COVID-19 outbreak early in the pandemic, attributed in part to the shared rooms and inadequate air circulation. Residents and visiting lawmakers have also reported issues with plumbing, deterioration of the structure and other problems with the facilities.
“These old buildings do not serve the men and women who served us and stood up for their countries very effectively,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said during a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday.
The $60 million project is set to build six residences with 72 private living spaces and ADA-accessible bathrooms in modern structures designed to match existing buildings at the veterans' home on South Broadway Street.
Tingley Hospital, which treated polio and other afflictions in children, relocated to Albuquerque in 1981. The facilities left behind were added to the National Register of Historic Places as the Carrie Tingley Hospital Historic District in 2005.
The six original buildings were constructed through the Works Progress Administration, a federal program that employed millions of artists, artisans and construction workers during the presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt on a mesa overlooking the town then named Hot Springs. (It was renamed Truth or Consequences, after a radio quiz show, in 1950.)
Per the application for its historical designation, the site's architectural significance was in the design and construction of the 100,000 square-foot main hospital, embodying the Territorial Revival style of architecture with its adobe surfaces and Greek-style trimmings ― features echoed in the design of the new housing. The original water tower and the site's landscaping were also listed among its historical features.
The hospital itself, named for the wife of Gov. Clyde Tingley, was known nationwide for its polio treatment, drawing on the area hot springs and sunshine, which were used in therapies prior to the development of a polio vaccine. It was also an important teaching hospital.
Carrie Tingley herself, a tuberculosis survivor, advocated for federal funds to build the hospital and was a champion for children's healthcare. She died in Albuquerque in 1961.
What will eventually become of the old hospital is unclear, according to Kathy Kunkel, the former state health secretary who is now the special projects director for the governor's office.
"All state efforts have been devoted to the design and construction of the new small homes that will replace the Old Main," Kunkel wrote in an email, including efforts to secure more funding through the federal Veterans Administration.
Kunkel said the state had had talks with the National New Deal Preservation Association, a nonprofit headquartered in Santa Fe, about the preservation of the courtyard's "Turtle Fountain," a water feature designed and built by artist Eugenie Shonnard through the WPA, which has deteriorated in recent years.
Kunkel also said the state Department of Health, which oversees the veterans' home, has expressed interest in offering unspecified programming for residents and other veterans at the facility.
"I am just beginning to develop data points such as costs to renovate and funding options to present to the Governor and legislature," Kunkel wrote.
For now, the hospital appears to be poised to remain indefinitely not only as a historical site but a working facility.
Algernon D'Ammassa can be reached at 575-541-5451, adammassa@lcsun-news.com or @AlgernonWrites on Twitter. | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/new-mexico/2022/08/01/plans-for-old-tingley-hospital-unclear-as-new-veterans-housing-is-built-new-mexico-new-deal-history/65386638007/ | 2022-08-01T21:39:48 | 0 | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/new-mexico/2022/08/01/plans-for-old-tingley-hospital-unclear-as-new-veterans-housing-is-built-new-mexico-new-deal-history/65386638007/ |
A 55-year-old woman died at the scene after her 2022 GMC Canyon struck a telephone pole and fence on Saturday evening, according to the Department of Public Safety.
DPS officials reported on Monday that Diana Dee of Dayton was driving the GMC westbound on West County Road 127 – around 6 miles west of Midland. It was there that the vehicle veered off the roadway to the right, according to DPS.
“The driver then overcorrected to the left sending (the GMC) into a skid,” DPS reported. “(The vehicle) then struck a telephone pole and fence. The driver of the vehicle was ejected from the vehicle.”
DPS reported that Dee was not wearing seat belt. The accident happened around 6:34 p.m. Saturday. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/DPS-Woman-dies-in-Saturday-accident-in-Midland-17343501.php | 2022-08-01T21:40:48 | 1 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/DPS-Woman-dies-in-Saturday-accident-in-Midland-17343501.php |
Department of Public Safety officials are searching for the driver of a vehicle that fled the scene of a fatality accident in Reeves County on early Sunday.
DPS reported that Jonathan Robert Ornelas, 31, was pronounced dead at the scene after his 2022 Dodge Ram struck another vehicle at the intersection of County Road 437 and U.S. Highway 285.
“The impact caused (Ornales’ Dodge Ram) to come to a complete stop at the intersection,” DPS reported. “The driver and sole occupant of vehicle 1 was found deceased. Vehicle 2 fled the scene of the crash in an unknown direction. If anyone, has any information concerning this crash please contact the Texas Department of Public safety at 432-498-2131 or the Reeves County Sheriff’s Office at 432-445-4901.”
The accident happened around 1:05 a.m. Sunday. DPS also reported Ornelas was not wearing a seat belt. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/Midlander-dies-in-collision-in-Reeves-Co-17343833.php | 2022-08-01T21:40:54 | 0 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/Midlander-dies-in-collision-in-Reeves-Co-17343833.php |
DALLAS — Police believe a man has died from a gunshot that he fired at a woman on Saturday morning.
The Dallas Police Department said they got a call about a shooting at about 11:30 a.m. Officers were sent to an apartment complex on Medical District near Bengal Street.
According to police, officers saw a lot of blood and a blood trail in front of an apartment, but no one was found inside.
Around that same time, there was another call at a nearby hospital. A man and woman were found in a vehicle with gunshot wounds.
Police identified the man as 26-year-old Byron Redmon. The woman's identity is unknown.
Based on the preliminary investigation, it's believed that Redmon shot the woman in the neck. That same bullet allegedly exited her neck then struck the man in his leg.
Police said Redmond died at the hospital. They also confirmed with WFAA that the woman was treated and released that same day.
Other local news: | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/dallas-texas-shooting-suspect-man-dead-shot-by-own-bullet-after-shooting-woman-medical-district-apartment/287-9f4b3cde-fcbd-4c10-90dc-edcf21ed7643 | 2022-08-01T21:49:32 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/dallas-texas-shooting-suspect-man-dead-shot-by-own-bullet-after-shooting-woman-medical-district-apartment/287-9f4b3cde-fcbd-4c10-90dc-edcf21ed7643 |
Beshear confirms 35 Kentuckians have died from eastern Kentucky floods
Monday morning, Beshear says there are 12,492 people without power, a far cry from the 23,000 without power last week.
Eastern Kentucky, ravaged by floods for days, will unfortunately continue to see rain Monday.
As of Monday afternoon, Gov. Andy Beshear says 35 people have died in Kentucky. The majority of those deaths are from Knott County, where four children died.
It was previously reported that six children were among the dead, but Beshear said Saturday two of the bodies were later identified as adults. There are five counties with death tolls, Beshear said. He called the disaster "devastating."
Beshear said he expects the death toll to increase as crews continue rescue operations. More rain is expected in the coming days.
"Continue to pray for the families that have suffered an unfathomable loss, some have lost almost everyone in their household," he said. "I'm worried we're gonna be finding bodies for weeks to come."
PHOTOS: Aftermath of eastern Kentucky flooding
A bright spot in a seas of darkness, many of the communities hit the hardest now have an overwhelming amount of volunteers.
"Now that we can reach many of these areas; the donations, the food, the water is flooding in," Beshear said.
14 emergency shelters are currently assisting 483 people as of Monday morning.
More than 1,400 people have been rescued by boat and helicopter, and 142 people are being sheltered in temporary shelters, Beshear said. Fourteen counties and three cities have declared emergencies.
There are 12,492 people without power in the region, Beshear says unlike in western Kentucky, standing water has slowed restoration efforts.
He said there are roughly 27,000 households and businesses without water, there are approximately 40,000 under a boil water advisory. Some areas won't have water for months.
Travel trailers to temporarily house displaced residents have started making their way to eastern Kentucky.
Earlier this week, Beshear quickly launched the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund to help flood survivors as they work to rebuild.
As of Sunday, there have been 8,935 individual donations and more than $1.1 million raised to help survivors.
Donations help with food, shelter and other necessities of life and go towards any emergency funds that come into the area.
The governor said the first expenditure will be for providing money to the families who have lost loved ones so they can have funerals.
"The least we ought to be able to do is grieve together," he said. "It's the least we can do, is to be there with these folks in this incredibly difficult time."
'By far the worst' State of emergency declared
Governor Beshear declared a state of emergency Thursday morning, enacting the National Guard to begin mobilizing for rescue operations.
The governor took a helicopter fly-over of some of the impacted communities on Friday, later saying this flood is "by far the worst" he's ever seen.
"Hundreds of homes, their ball fields, their parks, businesses, under more water than I think any of us have ever seen in that area, absolutely impassable in numerous spots, so just devastating," he said Friday afternoon.
Beshear says many more Kentuckians are still missing, but an exact number isn't reliable due to the level of destruction.
"Communication is still very difficult. We're trying to amplify cell service," Beshear said. "It's going to be very challenging to get a good number, but what people can do is to report their unaccounted loved one."
The governor says those with missing loved ones should email state police at ksppubaff@ky.gov or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. He said to not call 911 for missing people, it should only be used for emergencies.
"We're gonna do our best to find them all," he said.
Shelters have been established to help displaced people. Those shelters are located in the following state parks:
- Pine Mountain State Resort Park
- Jenny Wiley State Resort Park
- Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park
What happened? 8-10.5" of rain in 48 hours
As rainfall hammered Appalachia this week, water tumbled down hillsides and into valleys and hollows where it swelled creeks and streams coursing through small towns.
The torrent engulfed homes and businesses and trashed vehicles. Mudslides marooned some people on steep slopes.
When the rain finally let up early Friday, parts of eastern Kentucky had received between 8 and 10 1/2 inches over 48 hours. But some waterways were still not expected to crest until Saturday.
"I believe it will be one of the most significant, deadly floods that we have had in Kentucky in at least a very long time," Beshear said.
The floodwaters raging through Appalachia were so swift that some people trapped in their homes couldn’t be immediately reached, said Floyd County Judge-Executive Robbie Williams.
Just to the west in hard-hit Perry County, authorities said some people remained unaccounted for and almost everyone in the area suffered some sort of damage.
“We’ve still got a lot of searching to do,” Jerry Stacy, the county’s emergency management director, said.
'We are grateful.' Incoming federal aid
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) response teams are on the ground in eastern Kentucky assisting with rescue efforts.
Beshear said Saturday additional FEMA teams are arriving in the state soon to help with processing damage claims.
Renters and homeowners in five counties, including Breathitt, Clay, Knott, Letcher and Perry, can now apply for individual disaster assistance.
How to file for individual assistance:
- Click here to file online
- Call 800-621-3362
- Or use the FEMA mobile app
FEMA is also providing 18 truck loads of clean drinking water, as many parts of the region are without drinking water or under a water boil advisory.
He reassured Kentuckians impacted by the catastrophic flooding that help is on the way and will remain there as long as it's needed.
"We're gonna be there for them today," Beshear said. "We're gonna be there for them once they're safe and when they're thinking of what's next as well."
On Friday, President Joe Biden approved Beshear's request for federal aid to help with recovery efforts in 13 eastern Kentucky counties.
"We asked for this last night; it came early this morning -- one of the fastest disaster declarations we've seen, and we are grateful for it," the governor said.
FEMA has also approved additional disaster funding for eastern Kentucky after Biden added Individual Assistance to the Major Disaster declaration. The federal funding is available to people affected by the floods in Breathitt, Clay, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties.
'Boots on the ground' Louisville groups head east
Multiple organizations are now getting ready to assist, like the American Red Cross and the Veteran's Club.
The American Red Cross has five chapters within the commonwealth, and on Friday, Louisville's center sent several volunteers on the road -- with hygiene products and medical PPE on board.
Within 12 hours of receiving a call asking if she could make the trip, Cindy Keeney was already packing up supplies.
"[It's] an opportunity to give back -- it's an opportunity to do something in times of crisis," Keeney said.
Jeremy Harrell, the founder of the Veteran's Club, said they're preparing to head to southeastern Kentucky, just like they did for Mayfield.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian organization Save the Children has a base in Madison County. And through more than 400 staff members, they're providing necessities for the kids impacted.
Shane Garver, head of Education, Hunger and Resilience work in the U.S. with Save the Children, said they have diapers, wipes, car seats and cribs.
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Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/gov-beshear-flooding-eastern-kentucky-floyd-breathitt-clay-owsley-letcher-pike-county/417-205e4d41-73d3-4565-acbe-bc2ab1120a96 | 2022-08-01T21:49:38 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/gov-beshear-flooding-eastern-kentucky-floyd-breathitt-clay-owsley-letcher-pike-county/417-205e4d41-73d3-4565-acbe-bc2ab1120a96 |
Holiday Lights at Shore Acres State Park will open this year Nov. 24-Dec. 31 with a new timed entry system for visitors to park their vehicles 4-9 p.m. A $5 vehicle parking ticket assigned to a date and entry time of the visitors’ choice is needed to enter the show. The event parking fee is the same as the normal day-use parking permit price for the park.
Holiday Lights visitors must reserve their spot and then have their ticket for parking ready to show the ranger at the booth when they arrive at their selected times. Visitors will no longer have the option to purchase a parking permit on site to park and attend. “We’re excited that the Friends of Shore Acres will host Holiday Lights again in 2022 and that this timed entry system will help keep the flow of traffic moving during this very popular event,” says Lee Ricci, park manager for the Sunset Bay Management Unit.
Date and timed entry parking tickets are available now online. Reservations also can be made by calling 800-452-5687. The $5 event parking permit is non-refundable.
The parking ticket is required to enter the event; however, the $5 fee may be waived if the person making the reservation has one of the following and selects the option during the reservation process: 12- or 24-month parking permit; special access pass for either the veterans with service-connected disabilities or foster, guardian and adoptive foster parents of Oregon foster children; current Oregon State Park camping confirmation that coincides with the date of the event visit; or an Oregon Pacific Coast Passport.
The printed ticket, as well as the selected pass, permit, or campground confirmation, must be presented to park staff at entry to keep traffic moving. This new process will help people quickly enter the parking area and prevent long waits to enter the park, which will improve safety issues on the Cape Arago Highway. In previous years, long lines have backed up on the narrow highway and blocked side roads, which hindered traffic and emergency vehicle access.
Although visitors can reserve their timed entry parking spot now, additional spots will be available later this fall for each evening during a seven-day rolling window tentatively set to begin Nov. 18 for visits beginning Nov. 24. The rolling window will run through Dec. 31.
“We realize that it’s early for many families to make November and December plans and we want people to have an opportunity for spur-of-the-moment visits,” Ricci adds, “We’re holding half the parking sites for that rolling seven-day window to ensure visitors can reserve closer to the event.”
The Friends of Shore Acres launched the Holiday Lights show in 1987 and it continued to delight visitors through 2019. The event was paused 2020-2021 for visitor safety during the pandemic. In 2019, nearly 60,000 visitors attended. Park staff expect the light show to be just as popular in 2022, if not more after a two-year absence. Visit the Oregon State Parks website for 12 and 24-month parking permit and special access pass information. Oregon Pacific Coast Passport information is available at the US Forest Service website. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/shore-acres-state-park-holiday-lights-to-sparkle-nov-24-dec-31/article_962c09f4-11cb-11ed-a79a-d3985525bee9.html | 2022-08-01T21:53:33 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/shore-acres-state-park-holiday-lights-to-sparkle-nov-24-dec-31/article_962c09f4-11cb-11ed-a79a-d3985525bee9.html |
Fort Wayne moviegoers have one fewer theater option.
AMC Classic Fort Wayne 20 has permanently closed on the city's north side, according to the theater chain's website Monday. It encouraged people to visit the Jefferson Pointe location instead.
Carmike Cinemas originally opened the movie theater in July 2005, although Carmike first received permits to build the theater in 1999.
Weeks before it opened, The Journal Gazette reported the 102,935-square-foot complex at the southwest corner of Dupont and Diebold roads would have more screens than any other movie theater in Allen County, and it would seat 3,608. All of the theaters featured digital sound and stadium seating.
The entertainment facility became an AMC venue in 2017 after AMC acquired Carmike Cinemas.
Moviegoers can still see recently released movies in Fort Wayne at Regal Coldwater Crossing, 211 W. Washington Center Road, and AMC Classic Jefferson Pointe, 4250 W. Jefferson Blvd. Cinema Center, 437 E. Berry St., screens recently released movies, independent films and classic titles. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/amc-shutters-cinema-in-northern-fort-wayne/article_018dc062-11d0-11ed-9a68-67178decc1d2.html | 2022-08-01T21:57:29 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/amc-shutters-cinema-in-northern-fort-wayne/article_018dc062-11d0-11ed-9a68-67178decc1d2.html |
A Fort Wayne woman will stand trial again this week in the January 2020 shooting death of a man at her home.
Jury selection began Monday for Kennisha Jackson, 21, who is charged with murder and an enhancement for using a gun to commit the crime.
She has argued she acted in self defense when she shot Diqan Meriwether, 19, Jan. 14, 2020. This is the prosecution's third attempt to convicted Jackson. She faces up to 85 years in prison if convicted.
Jurors were chosen Oct. 5, 2020 in Jackson's first trial, but it was postponed after questions arose about evidence. In August 2021, another trial ended in a hung jury and a mistrial was declared.
Charging documents say Meriwether was shot after he went to meet Jackson to collect money at her home at 2827 Abbott St., south of McKee Street. A witness who drove him there told police a gunshot was heard, and Meriwether ran from the home to the car, where he collapsed. He died at a hospital.
Jackson told police Meriwether arrived and brandished a gun. He dropped it, she picked it up and shot him, a probable cause affidavit alleges.
She then asked for a lawyer, the document said, but a witness told investigators Jackson and Meriwether were arguing before the fatal shot was fired. That person said Jackson and Meriwether each had a gun.
Officers found red stains on the porch, doorway and in the living room of the home. A bullet hole was found in the door. But Fort Wayne police officer Al Garriott testified during last year's trial that no bullet, shell casing, projectile or gun was found in the home. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/woman-to-stand-trial-again-in-2020-shooting-death/article_74e1b2be-11c4-11ed-9846-1b60a810b261.html | 2022-08-01T21:57:35 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/woman-to-stand-trial-again-in-2020-shooting-death/article_74e1b2be-11c4-11ed-9846-1b60a810b261.html |
Gas prices fell again 14 cents over the past week to a national average of $4.21 per gallon.
The cost of fueling up one's ride is 63 cents less than a month ago and $1.04 more than a year ago, according to AAA.
The cost of gas has dipped under $4 a gallon at a few Region gas stations, including BP in Dyer, Murphy USA in Valparaiso, Speedway in Wanatah, Family Express in Hobart and Valparaiso and Sam's Club and Costco in Merrillville as of Monday, according to GasBuddy.com.
Gas now costs an average of $4.25 a gallon in Lake County, $4.21 a gallon in Porter County, and $4.21 per gallon in LaPorte County, according to GasBuddy.com. As of Monday, the average price of gas was $4.39 in Newton County, $4.29 in Starke County and $4.15 in Jasper County.
AAA warns falling gas prices could lead to an increase in demand that could put an end to a steady drop in gas prices, causing the cost at the pump to plateau.
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“We know that most American drivers have made significant changes in their driving habits to cope with high gas prices,” said Molly Hart, spokesperson for AAA–The Auto Club Group. “While gas prices have dropped, it's too early to tell just how long these prices will hang around. Oil and gasoline futures prices made notable gains last week. This could cause falling gas prices to level out or potentially increase, but it's too early to tell."
The Energy Information Administration estimates gas demand increased from 8.52 million barrels per day to 9.25 barrels per day last week. That's 80,000 barrels per day lower than at the same point last year, but domestic gas stocks fell by 3.3 million barrels to 225.1 million barrels last year, suggesting increased demand is eating into inventory.
An estimated 64% of adults in the United States told AAA they have adjusted their driving habits since the Russian invasion of Ukraine sent gas prices soaring worldwide in late February. About 23% surveyed said they made major changes such as driving less, combining errands or cutting back on expenses like shopping or restaurant meals.
Gas prices have now fallen seven straight weeks and are down 65.5 cents as compared to a month ago, according to GasBuddy.com.
“We continue to see average gas prices falling in every state, with the national average down for the seventh straight week. Even better, nearly 20 states have also seen their average decline to $3.99 or less, with over 70,000 stations now at that level or below,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “The outlook is for a continued drop in most areas, however, some supply tightness in areas of the Northeastern U.S. could push prices up slightly until inventories rise, or imports do. For now, Americans are seeing prices nearly 90 cents lower than their mid-June peak and are spending close to $330 million less on gasoline every day as a result. As long as oil prices hold at these levels or lower, we’ll see another decline in most areas this week.” | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/gas-prices-keep-falling-now-under-4-a-gallon-at-a-few-nwi-stations-but/article_6042af62-8d50-5bac-a816-daa9295330fd.html | 2022-08-01T21:57:37 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/gas-prices-keep-falling-now-under-4-a-gallon-at-a-few-nwi-stations-but/article_6042af62-8d50-5bac-a816-daa9295330fd.html |
Jewel-Osco is now accepting electronic benefits transfer, or EBT, payments online.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP customers can now use the government benefits to buy groceries online, either through Instacart, the Jewel-Osco website or the grocery store's app.
“Research shows that a large percentage of EBT recipients face mobility challenges due to a disability, lack of transportation or caring for young children, which can prevent them from physically shopping a store. As a trusted community grocer committed to helping solve food insecurity, we want to make healthy foods available to those at risk by offering multiple private, secure and convenient shopping options,” said Susan Morris, chief operating officer for Albertsons Cos., the parent of Jewel-Osco. “This program allows shoppers to use their EBT cards to make online purchases for home delivery or free store pickup, which is a critical part of our ongoing efforts to create a flexible and convenient shopping experience for all customers.”
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Customers will be able to use multiple payment forms, including by using credit or debit cards for items that aren't eligible for SNAP. EBT customers also will be able to track their balances via their online accounts.
Founded in 1899, Jewel-Osco has 188 locations, including in Munster, Dyer, Crown Point and Chesterton.
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
Open
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NWI Business Ins and Outs: Geitonia Greek Grill, Las Delicias Mexican Ice Cream, Underground Thrift Clothing, gym, courthouse patio opening; T… | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/jewel-osco-now-accepting-ebt-payments-online/article_646d3508-bf13-5660-bb42-ccefe4eb197e.html | 2022-08-01T21:57:43 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/jewel-osco-now-accepting-ebt-payments-online/article_646d3508-bf13-5660-bb42-ccefe4eb197e.html |
HIGHLAND — Nineteen police officers have been recognized for their exemplary service, receiving letters of commendation and a paid day off.
They did not miss a day of work or have an "at fault" accident in six months.
Police Chief Pete Hojnicki and the Highland Police Commission jointly made the recommendation to the Town Council, which approved it with a unanimous vote.
Among those being recognized were Assistant Police Chief Pat Vassar and Detective Sgt. Jason Hildenbrand.
Detectives Frank Peckler and Gerardo Garza were also awarded.
Also included were Detective Cpls. Brian Stanley, Lee Natelborg and Darren Conley.
Next were Cpls. Erich Swisher, Michael Yonkman and Nick Vanni and Lance Cpl. Greg Palmer.
Filling out the award roster were Officers Anthony Kowal, Joel Sullivan, Emmalie Wolke, Corey Anderson, Kade Sapp, Joshua Brzezinski, John Freyek and James Glidewell.
Reliable attendance among police officers is a particularly important attribute, board members said.
"It saves us a lot of overtime/headaches by not having any last minute call-offs and trying to find a willing replacement or making (someone) stay over for a double," Hojnicki said.
In other business, the council approved the special purchase of five in-car computers for the police department. The total cost is $20,409.20.
The complex, located west of Indianapolis Boulevard at the northeast corner of Main Street and Prairie Avenue, was originally scheduled to be finished this summer.
The major improvement will be in the hands of the Hammond Sanitary District, which serves 170,000 customers in Hammond, Munster, Griffith and Highland. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/highland/highland-officers-recognized-for-public-service/article_a66646d2-faa5-53e7-b88a-fe9a57522a3b.html | 2022-08-01T21:57:49 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/highland/highland-officers-recognized-for-public-service/article_a66646d2-faa5-53e7-b88a-fe9a57522a3b.html |
Another blistering week in store for region
Area lake levels continue to drip
Showers and thundershowers flirted with parts of the region over the weekend, but Wichita Falls got no benefit from it. The city and most of the area remained in a lingering drought. The forecast teased a slight chance of rain Monday morning, but then predicted a weeklong stretch of nothing but triple-digit high temperatures.
As of Monday morning, Wichita Falls was 6.4 inches behind average rainfall for this time of the year. Despite the numbers, Wichita County improved in its drought category over the past few days. The entire county is now in a Severe Drought rather than Extreme Drought.
More:City urges water conservation to avoid drought restrictions
As of Monday, Wichita Falls lake levels had declined further. Lake Arrowhead was at 75.5 percent of capacity while Lake Kickapoo was at 66.1 percent. That's a combined total of 73 percent. If the total declines to 65 percent, more stringent water use restrictions will kick in.
The city can draw water from Lake Kemp, but that is not figured in to calculations. As of Monday that lake had fallen to 62.9 percent, according to Water Data for Texas. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2022/08/01/another-blistering-week-in-store-for-region/65388129007/ | 2022-08-01T22:01:13 | 1 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2022/08/01/another-blistering-week-in-store-for-region/65388129007/ |
Comedian Gabriel Iglesias coming to Wichita Falls
Staff Reports
Times Record News
Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias will perform at the Kay Yeager Coliseum on Oct. 9, according to a press release from the city of Wichita Falls.
Tickets go on sale at the Texoma Community Credit Union Box Friday and online at wfmpec.com.
"Iglesias is one of the world’s most successful and popular stand-up comedians, performing sold out concerts around the world. Last May he made history performing in front of 55,000 people at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. He became the fist comedian to perform at and sell out that stadium," the release said.
More information is available at 940-761-5500. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2022/08/01/comedian-gabriel-iglesias-coming-to-wichita-falls/65388377007/ | 2022-08-01T22:01:13 | 1 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2022/08/01/comedian-gabriel-iglesias-coming-to-wichita-falls/65388377007/ |
Farmers group to make case to City Council Tuesday
Petition drive surpasses 2,500 signatures on Monday
The Downtown Wichita Falls Farmers Market Association will present a show of force to the Wichita Falls City Council Tuesday in a last-ditch effort to stay in their downtown location. If it doesn't work, the group's leader said the vendors are ready to pack up and move.
Scott Poenitzsch, president of the association, said his group, comprised of 126 vendors, would like to stay in the location at at Seventh Street and Ohio Avenue, but the price has to be right.
More:Vendors association to leave Downtown Farmer's Market
The association has been embroiled in a three-player dispute over rental charges. The city owns the property, but sublets it to Downtown Wichita Falls Development (DWFD), a not-for-profit organization which has in turn sublet the facility to the association. When it came time for a contract renewal in April, a dispute erupted over rental costs.
More:City offers explanation for Farmer's Market rent hike
"There's a lot of passion this has brought forth from every stakeholder I can think of," Poenitzsch said.
More:Farmer's Market, city battle over rent hike
He said the rent hike would have been a straight lease fee of $3,450 or a lease fee of $1,350 and 50 percent of the association's profits. That was unacceptable to the association and members began a petition drive to take to the city.
DWFD responded by serving an eviction notice on the association effective Aug. 19 and hiring a person to run the facility.
Poenitzsch said the number of signatures on the petition had surpassed 2,500 by Monday and several people would speak at the Tuesday council meeting.
"A number of people that want to speak that are customers or vendors and I heard a couple of downtown business people are going to show up and speak," Poenitzsch said. "Our intent is to have the city rescind the contract they have with Downtown Development and open up dialogue that all three parties can sit down and come up with something amicable. At the end of the day we wish to stay there, the downtown businesses wish us to stay there and the customers wish us to stay there. But it has to be economically sound."
He said the association wants a straight lease expense at a reasonable cost. He would not says what that "reasonable cost" might be.
Poenitzsch said his association is looking at 18 alternative sites for the market and members would meet Tuesday evening to consider the choices if negotiations with the city and DWFD fail.
"We're just asking the Wichita Falls City Council to make the right business decision," he said. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2022/08/01/farmers-group-to-make-case-to-city-council-tuesday/65388260007/ | 2022-08-01T22:01:14 | 1 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2022/08/01/farmers-group-to-make-case-to-city-council-tuesday/65388260007/ |
Balloons, beats and big crowds were on hand at Edna Rowe Elementary School for Dallas ISD's Day One of the new school year.
Math, reading, writing: it's all on the table at Edna Rowe which voluntarily signed up for a redesigned school calendar. There are now more days in the classroom and more time with students.
"We're able to embed club days where we stop instruction and work on enrichment. There's cooking clubs and sewing clubs, providing students the opportunity they may not be exposed to," said Aaron Joseph, principal.
They tried this redesigned schedule last year as one part of the changes aimed at helping students. The campus test scores shot up from a low C to an A. It's a huge turnaround, and parents say the new calendar had a lot to do with it.
"It took a little getting used to but the kids are learning more," said Lizzet Alzada, a parent of two boys at the school. "I feel they got to learn more with the pandemic and the closure they got to regain the time that was lost."
Dallas ISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde came to see the opening bell. The new leader of Dallas ISD had first-day jitters herself.
"I felt like a little girl myself. I changed outfits three times," she said before sharing she wound with her first choice.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
Elizalde said it was rewarding to see the redesigned school day. She said when she was part of Dallas ISD a few years ago she helped develop the program, and the success Edna Roe has seen with it is rewarding.
Elizalde said it's not, however, the district's magic bullet to success.
"We don't want to do a one-size-fits-all. We want to keep trying to personalize. We want learning to be personal and progress for every single one of our students," she added.
More schools start next week with a different calendar system and everyone else in on Aug. 15. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/carter-in-the-classroom/five-dallas-isd-schools-welcome-students-back-to-class-monday-for-new-school-year/3037084/ | 2022-08-01T22:01:15 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/carter-in-the-classroom/five-dallas-isd-schools-welcome-students-back-to-class-monday-for-new-school-year/3037084/ |
The city of Dallas' Forestry Taskforce is working with the Texas Forest Service on strategies to treat ash canopies infested with the invasive and destructive emerald ash borer.
The beetle arrived in Dallas earlier this year after previously having been confirmed elsewhere in North Texas.
The Forestry Taskforce said Monday they met with the TFS at Camp Broadway in Fort Worth "to observe the impact of EAB infestation five years after the initial confirmation" of the beetle in that location.
The task force said the visit allowed them an opportunity to review TFS outreach and education efforts, increase partnerships, and explore the next steps in combatting a future infestation. Meanwhile, the city's forestry task force is currently working to inventory existing ash canopies on public property in areas most at risk for infestation (northwest, west and southeast) and treat them when necessary.
The city said the Texas Forest Service was encouraged by the city's plan, including upcoming planting activities, and said they would be using it as a template for other communities.
The Texas Forest Service told the city that long-term strategies will be important as the EAB will likely be prevalent for the next decade and that planting new diverse canopies is integral to the overall health of urban forests for future generations.
WHAT IS AN EMERALD ASH BORER?
The emerald ash borer is a small beetle, green in color and smaller than a penny.
The beetle bores its way into the bark of the tree and lays eggs. Larvae feed on water-conducting tissue, eventually killing the tree.
Officials said the insect has been confirmed in more than half of the United States and has killed millions of ash trees.
"Both healthy and unhealthy ash trees are susceptible to an EAB attack and may die within two or three years after becoming infested," said Allen Smith, Texas A&M Forest Service regional forest health coordinator, during an interview with NBC 5 in May 2022. "Ash trees have no natural resistance to the exotic insect. Without proper proactive measures, mortality can be 100% in heavily infested areas, so early detection could improve our chances to manage the pest." | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-strategy-for-fighting-emerald-ash-borer-to-be-a-model-for-other-communities/3036741/ | 2022-08-01T22:01:21 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-strategy-for-fighting-emerald-ash-borer-to-be-a-model-for-other-communities/3036741/ |
As cases continue to rise across the country and North Texas, Dallas County Health and Human Services and Dallas Southern Pride will host a virtual town hall Monday on the growing monkeypox outbreak.
The event, starting online at 7 p.m., will give attendees verified information on how the outbreak is affecting communities of color in particular. Dr. Philip Huang, Director and Health Authority for the Dallas County Health and Human Services Department, will also be in attendance.
Monkeypox has been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization, joining a list of other outbreaks including COVID-19. The outbreak is primarily caused by men who have sex with other men, according to an NBC News report.
Dallas County, which has the highest number of cases in the state, has responded to the growing outbreak by receiving a shipment of vaccinations although city leaders say more is needed.
The county received 5,120 monkeypox vaccine doses last week, more than any other North Texas county. Tarrant County received 1,000 doses while Denton and Collin each received 500 doses.
To register for the event, visit this link here.
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The latest news from around North Texas.
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/virtual-town-hall-on-monkeypox-information-to-be-held-monday-evening/3037032/ | 2022-08-01T22:01:28 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/virtual-town-hall-on-monkeypox-information-to-be-held-monday-evening/3037032/ |
SAN ANTONIO — A San Antonio resident has won $1 million dollars from a Texas Lottery scratch ticket 500x, according to a press release.
The release says the ticket was purchased at a Pik and Pack Food Mart located at 1801 West Avenue.
The San Antonian has chosen to remain anonymous and was the first of four prizes to win a million dollars in the game, according to their release.
Odds of winning any prize in the game are one in 3.45, including break-even prices, according to their website.
The 500x scratch ticket cost $20 to purchase and comes in a pack size of 25. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/san-antonio-millionaire-texas-lottery-prize-wins/273-08d7ac92-b7ed-46aa-86c2-d7a1b1d9d425 | 2022-08-01T22:03:13 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/san-antonio-millionaire-texas-lottery-prize-wins/273-08d7ac92-b7ed-46aa-86c2-d7a1b1d9d425 |
HOUSTON — Parents about to do their back-to-school shopping may be in for sticker shock.
It pays to do your homework ahead of time and compare prices for the best bang for your buck. The Passionate Penny Pincher blog is chock full of suggestions and price comparisons.
The best time to shop for supplies across Texas will be the Sales Tax Holiday weekend coming beginning this Friday through Sunday, Aug. 5-7.
- You won't pay taxes on school supplies or most clothing and footwear that cost up to $100.
- There's no limit on the number of items you can buy and the $99.99 limit is per item -- not per purchase.
- Many stores will have sales that weekend to help save even more money!
In our back-to-school survey, one of the top responses from parents was saving money. So we've put together this tax-free weekend guide to help craft your game plan for this weekend.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL SURVEY: What questions do you have?
School supplies that qualify for Sales Tax Holiday
- Binders
- Blackboard chalk
- Book bags
- Calculators
- Cellophane tape
- Compasses
- Composition books
- Crayons
- Erasers
- Folders – expandable, pocket, plastic and manila
- Glue, paste and paste sticks
- Highlighters
- Index cards
- Index card boxes
- Kits offered by retailers
- Legal pads
- Lunch boxes
- Markers (including dry erase markers)
- Notebooks
- Paper – loose leaf ruled notebook paper, copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper, manila paper, colored paper, poster board, and construction paper
- Pencil boxes and other school supply boxes
- Pencil sharpeners
- Pencils
- Pens
- Protractors
- Rulers
- Scissors
- Writing tablets
Clothing and footwear that qualify for Sales Tax Holiday
- Adult diapers
- Aprons (household)
- Athletic socks
- Baby bibs
- Baby clothes
- Baby diapers (cloth or disposable)
- Backpacks for elementary/secondary students
- Baseball caps
- Baseball jerseys
- Blouses
- Boots: General purpose; fashion; cowboy; hiking
- General purpose/fashion
- Bow ties
- Bowling shirts
- Bras
- Camp clothes
- Caps (baseball, fishing, golf)
- Chef uniforms
- Children’s novelty costumes
- Clerical vestments
- Coats and wraps
- Coveralls
- Diapers (cloth and disposable)
- Dresses
- Earmuffs
- Employee uniforms (unless rented)
- Fishing caps
- Fishing vests (non-flotation)
- Football jerseys
- Gloves: General use; leather
- Golf caps
- Golf dresses
- Golf jackets and windbreakers
- Golf shirts
- Golf skirts
- Graduation caps and gowns
- Gym suits and uniforms
- Hats
- Hooded shirts and hooded sweatshirts
- Hosiery, including support hosiery
- Hunting vests
- Jackets
- Jeans
- Jogging apparel
- Knitted caps or hats
- Leg warmers
- Leotards and tights
- Mask, costume
- Mask, cloth, and disposable fabric face masks
- Neckwear and ties
- Nightgowns and nightshirts
- Painter pants
- Pajamas
- Pants
- Pantyhose
- Raincoats and ponchos
- Rain hats
- Religious clothing
- Robes
- Safety shoes (adaptable for street wear)
- Scarves
- Scout uniforms
- Shawls and wraps
- Shirts
- Shirts (hooded)
- Shoes
- Boat
- Cross trainers
- Dress
- Flip-flops (rubber thongs)
- Jellies
- Running (without cleats)
- Safety (suitable for everyday use)
- Sandals
- Slippers
- Sneakers and tennis
- Tennis
- Walking
- Shorts
- Skirts
- Sleepwear, nightgowns, pajamas
- Slippers
- Slips
- Soccer socks
- Socks
- Suits, slacks, and jackets
- Support hosiery
- Suspenders
- Sweatshirts
- Sweat suits
- Sweaters
- Swimsuits
- Tennis accessories
- Tennis dresses
- Tennis shorts
- Tennis shoes
- Tennis skirts
- Ties (neckties - all)
- Tights
- Trousers
- Underclothes
- Underpants
- Undershirts
- Uniforms (school, work, nurse, waitress, military, postal, police, fire)
- Veils
- Vests (generally)
- Fishing (non-flotation)
- Hunting
- Work clothes
- Work uniforms
- Workout clothes
Items that don't qualify for Sales Tax Holiday
- Items sold for $100 or more
- Clothing subscription boxes
- Specially-designed athletic activity or protective-use clothing or footwear
- For example, golf cleats and football pads are usually worn only when people play golf or football, so they do not qualify for the exemption.
- Tennis shoes, jogging suits and swimsuits, however, can be worn for other than athletic activity and qualify for the exemption.
- Clothing or footwear rentals, alterations (including embroidery) and cleaning services
- Items used to make or repair clothing, such as fabric, thread, yarn, buttons, snaps, hooks and zippers
- Jewelry, handbags, purses, briefcases, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches and other accessories
- Barrettes
- Belt buckles (sold separately)
- Bobby pins
- Elastic ponytail holders
- Ribbons
- Hair bows
- Hair clips
- Headbands
- Computers
- Software
- Textbooks
- Certain baggage items: Framed backpacks; luggage; briefcases; athletic, duffle or gym bags; computer bags; purses
- Office supplies under a business account
Online Purchases and Telephone Orders
During the holiday you can buy qualifying items in-store, online, by telephone, mail, custom order or any other means. The sale of the item must take place during the tax-free weekend. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-sales-tax-holiday/285-866aee38-4a37-4d2d-8091-f0fd53613ec6 | 2022-08-01T22:03:19 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-sales-tax-holiday/285-866aee38-4a37-4d2d-8091-f0fd53613ec6 |
Matt Collins had goose bumps during Saturday's “Symphony in the Garten” in Petrifying Springs Park — but luckily, it had nothing to do with the weather.
The Kenosha County Parks director said he "couldn't be more proud of this event," which featured a unique mashup of the Kenosha Symphony and Betsy Ade and the Well-Known Strangers, performing 12 of the band's original tunes, backed by the full orchestra.
"Working with our community partners to put on this event has just been amazing," he said. "We love seeing that many people enjoying themselves in the park. And the performance itself was amazing, too."
Collins estimates more than a thousand people gathered at the venue site on the south end of the park.
"The crowd went all the way to the tree line," he said, "and we filled up every single parking lot, plus overflow parking at UW-Parkside."
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When the Kenosha Symphony performed in the park in 2021, a steady rain likely kept some people away, though the group played through the raindrops.
"By far, we had double or triple the crowd this time," Collins said. "The weather was beautiful."
The park was packed "even though we had a lot of competition on Saturday," he added, "with the AMC Homecoming Car Show and the Taste of Wisconsin Festival. It's great for our community that we had so many events."
At the park, Collins "talked to a couple who came all the way from Chicago to see the concert. It's a good feeling that we can host events like this for our local people that are also a big draw from regional areas."
Nancy Retana, a Parks Department employee who worked on the event, "got a voicemail from a person who was at the concert," Collins said. "He said he had experienced a lot of concerts but had never been part of a venue of this caliber, and he hopes more communities can do something like this. Hearing feedback like that makes it worth all the effort."
Donating their time
The Parks Department staff worked with the symphony and the Well-Known Strangers "for almost a year to make this happen," Collins said. "Betsy Ade and her band donated all their time and energy — free of charge — for this, which really means a lot to us. They didn't charge anything for that performance."
"It's really special," he added, "when you have a local band with international notoriety that will work to give the public a free experience like this in a public park."
Perhaps "the coolest thing," Collins said, laughing, "is this might be the first time the symphony had people come up and dance in the front row during one of their concerts. To create that kind of synergy is great."
Part of the preparation for the concert included Well-Known Strangers co-founder Joe Adamek arranging the band's 12 songs for a full orchestra.
That meant scoring 52 parts for each song. Adamek had help from Cameron Fair, who plays cello in the Well-Known Strangers, along with Lisa Creason and Max Feiler. He's the band director at Case High School in Racine and is also a violinist who played with the Kenosha Symphony during Saturday's performance.
The special Saturday collaboration, Collins added, "gives more exposure to our local symphony, too. We hope people go and see the symphony now at more concerts."
Betsy Ade, who sang and played ukulele on stage with her band and the orchestra, said performing in the park was a dream come true.
"The crowd was infectious, and I felt an energy like never before," she said.
As for Collins, those goose bumps are a sign "that we've done our jobs well. We're always brainstorming ideas to draw in new crowds and are always open to new ideas." | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/watch-now-mashup-a-smashing-success/article_7d323d1c-11c4-11ed-b25b-bb219af277f6.html | 2022-08-01T22:03:52 | 1 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/watch-now-mashup-a-smashing-success/article_7d323d1c-11c4-11ed-b25b-bb219af277f6.html |
TEMPLE, Texas — Back to school season is upon us!
6 News wants to help parents share their perspectives, concerns, and successes as students return to the classroom. We're launching the 2022 Back to School Survey which will include topics such as learning levels, school safety and security, finances, and more.
6 News hopes to use the information gathered as a resource to generate solutions-oriented back-to-school coverage, highlight parents' concerns, and share wisdom from parent to parent.
You can select your student's district on the survey and share questions you may have about the upcoming school year.
If you have trouble with the form below, click here to access the survey. | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/calling-parents-share-your-back-school-wisdom-worries-6-news-parent-survey/500-7d275fd7-48db-4980-890c-a6ea851f10e3 | 2022-08-01T22:04:17 | 0 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/calling-parents-share-your-back-school-wisdom-worries-6-news-parent-survey/500-7d275fd7-48db-4980-890c-a6ea851f10e3 |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/delaware-pushes-for-better-mental-health-resources-for-kids/3322036/ | 2022-08-01T22:04:21 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/delaware-pushes-for-better-mental-health-resources-for-kids/3322036/ |
Delaware state police are searching for a man they say beat a 56-year-old man to death with two other people along a busy stretch of road in Claymont.
Police identified the suspect as Tyler Simpson, 22, of Wilmington. He is wanted on a first-degree murder charge, as well as assault, kidnapping and conspiracy charges, DSP said.
Authorities cautioned Simpson should be considered "armed and dangerous."
The two other men sought in connection to the beating were arrested Thursday.
On Saturday, July 23, the three allegedly attacked the 56-year-old man while he was walking on Route 13 along the sidewalk near Claymont Auto Repair around 11:30 p.m.
Police said the victim was left motionless on the ground for more than 25 minutes.
A passing driver then witnessed an SUV pull up, and people load the victim into the rear of the vehicle, police said. The witness called the suspicious activity into authorities.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
Police said they didn't immediately receive reports of an assault victim or missing person, but investigators were able to identify the SUV and three persons of interest, identified as Justin Locke, Jeffrey Labarge, and the man still at-large, Simpson.
After investigating several leads, authorities were able to pin down areas to search, DSP said.
Investigators found the body of a deceased male on the property of Citisteel USA - slightly less than a mile down Philadelphia Pike - according to DSP.
The victim's death was determined to be a homicide after an autopsy, authorities said. The victim's identity nor cause of death were released.
On Thursday, Delaware state police arrested and charged Locke and Labarge on charges of assault and kidnapping in the first degree, plus related charges. They are both jailed on $1,000,000 cash bond.
Police said Locke and Labarge will be charged with murder in the first degree.
Those with information about the case were asked to contact Detective McDerby at 302-741-2821. Or tipsters can send a Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police, call Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, or go to www.delawarecrimestoppers.com. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/police-search-for-3rd-suspect-wanted-in-del-deadly-beating/3322006/ | 2022-08-01T22:04:23 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/police-search-for-3rd-suspect-wanted-in-del-deadly-beating/3322006/ |
KILLEEN, Texas — The video above is about cheap summer fun in Central Texas during Summer 2022.
The Junior Service League Spray Pad at Long Branch Park in Killeen is out of service just one weekend after opening up to the public due to a water leak repair.
The Killeen Recreation Service's Department announced Monday that more repairs are needed to the splash pad. The dept. said workers found two large mainline water leaks.
The recreation dept. and water dept. said they are working together to resolve the issue. They said families will be informed as soon as repairs and testing are done to ensure the feature is properly functioning.
For those hoping to get some water time in the summer of triple-digit heat, the City of Killeen is offering a discounted rate at the Family Aquatic Center for the rest of the 2022 season.
Beginning Aug. 1, tickets cost three dollars for adults and two dollars for adults over 65 and children.
For more information on city pools in Killeen, visit their website or call (254) 501-6390. | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/water-leaks-close-splash-pad-killeen/500-115bfd76-aaee-4d06-9c68-4487840a9c81 | 2022-08-01T22:04:24 | 0 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/water-leaks-close-splash-pad-killeen/500-115bfd76-aaee-4d06-9c68-4487840a9c81 |
Minnesota man charged in deadly attack on people tubing on Apple River in western Wisconsin
HUDSON – A 52-year-old Minnesota man was charged Monday in a weekend stabbing attack on people who were tubing on a river in western Wisconsin, including a teenager who was killed and four other people who were wounded.
Nicolae Miu of Prior Lake, Minnesota, is charged with one count of first-degree intentional homicide and four counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide in St. Croix County, which sits along Wisconsin’s border with Minnesota. The judge set bond at $1 million cash for Miu, who appeared at the hearing by video.
The family of the teen who died has identified him as 17-year-old Isaac Schuman of Stillwater, Minnesota. He would have been a senior at Stillwater High School this fall.
The victims were tubing on Saturday down the Apple River northeast of Stillwater, which is about 25 miles east of Minneapolis, when they were attacked, sheriff’s officials said. Those wounded were two men from Luck, Wisconsin, ages 20 and 22, a 24-year-old woman from Burnsville, Minnesota, and a 22-year-old man from Elk River, Minnesota.
The Burnsville victim, Ryhley Mattison, wrote in a GoFundMe post that she was tubing with her friends when they came across a group asking for help. She said there was an older man who was “being inappropriate and was asked to leave, but wouldn’t,” and that he stabbed her and several other people.
The victims from Luck have been released from the hospital, St. Croix County Sheriff Scott Knudson said Monday.
Schuman’s family said in a statement that he was an honor roll student and was preparing to apply to several universities to study electrical engineering.
“He had an incredibly bright future ahead of him and we are all heartbroken and devastated beyond words that his future has been tragically and senselessly cut short,” the family said. “We very much appreciate the overwhelming outpouring of love and support from our friends, Isaac’s friends and the Stillwater Community.”
Stillwater High School Principal Robert Bach said in an e-mail to families that “we extend our deepest sympathy to the family and everyone impacted directly or indirectly.”
Bach told parents the school would help them and their children work through he difficult process.
“The death of a classmate, even for those who didn’t know them well, will impact each student differently, and all reactions need to be addressed with great care and support,” he wrote. “We encourage you to talk with your children about this sad news and help them to process their feelings.” | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2022/08/01/minnesota-man-charged-deadly-attack-people-tubing-apple-river-wisconsin/10206662002/ | 2022-08-01T22:07:40 | 0 | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2022/08/01/minnesota-man-charged-deadly-attack-people-tubing-apple-river-wisconsin/10206662002/ |
UPPER TOWNSHIP — An overturned truck meant traffic delays on the southbound lanes of the Garden State Parkway on Monday morning.
“It was like a complete stop,” said Cheryl Keenan, of Linwood, who was stuck in the delay a little after 10 a.m. She said it appeared that a vehicle swerved from the right lane and overturned. An image from the scene shows a truck resting on its side.
The delay began on the bridge over the Great Egg Harbor Bay connecting Atlantic and Cape May counties.
The accident took place at 9:32 a.m. near milepost 26, when a truck ran off the left side of the road and overturned. The driver sustained minor injuries, according to Sgt. Philip Curry with the New Jersey State Police public information unit.
The Marmora Volunteer Fire Company responded, according to Chief Jay Newman, who said all lanes were cleared not long after the crash.
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Keenan believed the truck was carrying road signs, such as those used around construction.
The accident took place north of Exit 25, leading to Ocean City and the Marmora section of Upper Township. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/truck-runs-off-garden-state-parkway-near-marmora-causing-morning-delays/article_8e50415a-11b2-11ed-91b2-4b15e228c061.html | 2022-08-01T22:09:11 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/truck-runs-off-garden-state-parkway-near-marmora-causing-morning-delays/article_8e50415a-11b2-11ed-91b2-4b15e228c061.html |
The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association has launched an initiative to recruit new officials for the high school sports it oversees.
The governing body for most high school sports in the state said Monday it has started a program that will provide a $300 rebate to any new official who joins an NJSIAA-recognized officials chapter and completes all the requirements for certification.
"Officiating is a great way to give back to your community,” Tony Maselli, the NJSIAA's chief operating officer, said in a statement. “For those who are committed to helping young people, while also being fans of athletics, officiating games is an ideal way to teach sportsmanship and help teenagers learn valuable life lessons.”
Across the state and country, the number of high school officials and referees has continued to decline for various reasons, including age and mistreatment from fans and coaches. The National Federation of High School Sports estimates 50,000 high school officials, or about 20%, have resigned since 2008.
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The National Association of Sports Officials reports registration of new officials across the country is down about 30% for this upcoming scholastic season, the NJSIAA said. The shortage of officials causes postponements, rescheduling and cancellations.
The rebate is intended to cover all or almost all start-up costs for a new official, including registration and uniform purchase, the release said. To register or learn more about becoming an official, go to njsiaa.org/officials.
“New officials have an opportunity to make a huge, positive difference in the lives of young people," Mark Bitar, the NJSIAA officials recruiting coordinator, said in the release. "And, beyond providing a significant service to others, officiating offers an opportunity to make extra income, stay in shape and expand your personal network.”
Transportation issues, a shortage of high school officials and a pending vaccination mandate… | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/shortage-of-officials-still-big-problem-so-njsiaa-launches-recruitment-initiative-with-300-rebates/article_bababa64-11c0-11ed-9bf3-a356d11b1c70.html | 2022-08-01T22:09:23 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/shortage-of-officials-still-big-problem-so-njsiaa-launches-recruitment-initiative-with-300-rebates/article_bababa64-11c0-11ed-9bf3-a356d11b1c70.html |
This story begins with an unexpected incident that occurred when a University of Arizona science writer was taking part in a popular Tucson activity: watching clouds of bats emerge from under a bridge in midtown Tucson at nightfall. While gazing skyward at the winged creatures, he suddenly felt a droplet fall into his eye. Was that … bat pee?
To get this out of the way right off the bat (get it?), no, you can’t get rabies from bat urine, nor from coming into contact with an infected animal’s fur or feces. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rabies virus can only be transmitted through saliva, almost always through bites.
That was certainly a relief, but the close encounter inspired more questions about the bats that take up residence under Tucson bridges.
To learn more about these fascinating rulers of the night, science writer Daniel Stolte spoke with two University of Arizona researchers who know bats up close and personally: Melanie Bucci is a curator in the University of Arizona Museum of Natural History, and Jonathan Derbridge is a research scientist in the University of Arizona School of Natural Resources and the Environment.
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Which species of bats are found in the Tucson area?
Bucci: Compared to other places, we have a lot of bat species, at least 18 species living in and around Tucson. A number of species live in bridges. A number of species live under bridges. In addition to canyon bats, you can find pallid bats and big brown bats there as well as mouse-eared bats, but by far the most common are the Mexican free-tailed bats. Those roost in the thousands, and 99.9% of the time, if you said you saw a Mexican free-tailed bat fly out from a bridge, you would be correct. We also have nectar-feeding bats such as the lesser long-nosed bat and the Mexican long-tongued bat.
Where can people see them?
Bucci: Bats live in quite a number of places: caves, rock cracks and crevices, trees, cacti, human structures — abandoned and not — and bridges. Canyon bats are well-known for starting their nightly forays early and can be seen flying before dark. They are the little, tiny ones you can see flying around your house or pool. This species is also the smallest bat in the United States weighing in at only 3 to 6 grams — think a sheet of paper. The Mexican free-tailed bats are the large colonies that live in the bridges in town.
I highly suggest an evening at one of the bridges (the North Campbell Avenue bridge over the Rillito River and the East Broadway bridge over Pantano Wash) to watch the Mexican free-tailed bats exit. I have enjoyed many evenings sitting near the bridges at dusk with an ice cream to watch them come out and fly into the night. The biggest colony of Mexican free-tailed bats occurs at Bracken Cave in Texas with about 20 million bats, and Austin has one of the most well-known bridge exits. The nectar-feeding bats can be observed at your hummingbird feeders at night. If you don’t know why your hummingbird feeder is empty in the morning, it is because nectar-feeding bats are visiting you during the night. I have a feeder outside on my bedroom patio just to watch them while lying in bed.
The bats seem to be most active and numerous in the summer. Where do they go in the winter?
Bucci: All insectivorous (insect-eating) bats are most active in the summer when their food supply is most abundant. During the winter, they will lower their metabolism. Here in Tucson, they enter into a torpor state, as opposed to a true hibernation state like their counterparts in the Northeast. The Mexican free-tailed bats migrate out of Tucson to roost in Mexico during the winter. The nectar-feeding bats will follow flowering plants so they won’t be here in the winter either. The lesser-long nosed bats migrate into Mexico like the Mexican free-tailed bats.
Derbridge: The large roosts we see under the bridges are maternity roosts. The females arrive here in April, and they’re already pregnant. The males don’t migrate with them; they remain in the neotropical forests in central southern Mexico. They have done their job. Over the summer, the females give birth to their young — one pup per female — while they’re here, and in the fall, usually around September, they fly back to Mexico with their offspring.
What are the main differences between insectivorous bats and pollinating or fruit-eating bats?
Bucci: For the most part, their diet. Insectivorous bats eat insects such as mosquitoes, beetles, scorpions, etc. Their diet and hunting activities will vary by species and size. Pregnant female nectar-feeding bats will consume insects to meet their higher protein requirements while carrying their young. The nectar-feeding bats consume primarily nectar from flowering plants, cacti and succulents.
Derbridge: In the summer, I replace my hummingbird feeders with bigger ones, because the lesser long-nosed bats are here, and they drain them much more quickly.
Watching bats exit from under a bridge makes it seem it’s a somewhat coordinated process, and it never occurs right at sunset. How do the bats know when it’s time to go?
Bucci: Bats exit at varying times depending on species. The free-tailed bats exit around dusk, but it can sometimes be earlier or later depending on the weather. If you watch the Mexican free-tailed bats beginning to exit, you will see them swirl under the bridge, emerge briefly to test out the light and the weather, and then go back under the bridge before they finally leave. If there is a major monsoon storm, they might choose to come out later. What we do know is they come out for nightly forays to feed.
Are there any health risks to bat-watching?
Bucci: Not as long as people don’t attempt to handle or disturb them. Bats won’t disturb you if left alone. If you are disturbing them in their roost, they may become disoriented and fly at you in an attempt to get away. Problems with bats arise when unqualified persons attempt to handle them. They risk being bitten. If you find a live bat on the ground, especially during the day, you should never handle it. Any bite from a wild animal, including a feral cat or dog, needs to be examined and treated by a medical professional. Because it is impossible to tell if a bat is rabid, people should avoid handling them in any way. And, even if the bat isn’t sick, you pose a danger to bats if you attempt to handle them without proper training and pre-rabies vaccinations.
Bats are very delicate, so if you handle them, you risk hurting them or potentially breaking their wings. Plus, you risk disturbance to a group of mammals that is already under intense pressure from white-nosed syndrome (a deadly fungal disease), potentially from the coronavirus we might be carrying, from habitat destruction and a whole host of other potentially population damaging impacts. Because of their extremely low reproductive rates, bat populations do not recover quickly like rodents and rabbits. Populations can and have been easily decimated by human disturbance.
What would you like people to know about bats?
Derbridge: Bats are widely misunderstood and underappreciated. A common misconception is that large numbers of them carry dangerous diseases. In reality, the number of bats that carry rabies may not be as high as people imagine. Think about it: If a large proportion of the many thousands of bats roosting under a bridge had rabies, sick or dead bats on the ground would be a common sight. Clearly, that’s not the case.
They also provide incredibly important ecosystem services, such as keeping populations of agricultural pests down, helping farmers to cut down on pesticides. For example, each night, bats consume literally tons of bugs, including major agricultural pests like the cotton bollworm, which feeds on cotton plants. In our research group, we just started working on a project that received five years of funding from the National Science Foundation, where we study a phenomenon we call telecoupling — the multiple ways in which environmental change somewhere along their migration route can affect human well-being elsewhere along that route. Right now, we have an army of undergraduate students going through lists of about 1,000 migrating species, including bats, to collect as much information as possible about each one, including what conservation practices exist.
We are particularly interested in understanding the extent to which conservation measures exist, how consistent they are across multiple countries, and how conservation practices affect human communities. Based on that data, we will study these processes in more detail. We’ll go into the field, talk to managers, stakeholders, and develop a more detailed picture of how these interactions affect communities in Mexico and any other countries that involved in these species’ migrations. The goal is to develop frameworks across borders that could help protect these species and the huge benefits they provide to our economies in a way that is equitable across the human communities they interact with.
Bucci: If you have ever enjoyed a margarita, chances are nectar-feeding bats were one of the main pollinators of the agave that produced the tequila.
Derbridge: There are so many things we have to thank them for. Without bats, there would be no “Batman,” and Halloween wouldn’t be the same, for sure! | https://tucson.com/news/local/summer-is-bat-watching-season-in-tucson-heres-what-to-know/article_6c359572-088c-11ed-8bea-3b0a5a4cb7af.html | 2022-08-01T22:12:09 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/summer-is-bat-watching-season-in-tucson-heres-what-to-know/article_6c359572-088c-11ed-8bea-3b0a5a4cb7af.html |
Interstate 10 westbound has reopened at milepost 219 at Picacho Peak State Park, the Arizona Department of Transportation says.
It had been closed earlier Monday afternoon due to a crash.
Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511; through downloading the AZ 511 app; and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT. | https://tucson.com/news/local/westbound-interstate-10-reopens-at-picacho-peak-after-crash/article_51602a3e-11d6-11ed-a29a-63d966a6a735.html | 2022-08-01T22:12:15 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/westbound-interstate-10-reopens-at-picacho-peak-after-crash/article_51602a3e-11d6-11ed-a29a-63d966a6a735.html |
IDAHO COUNTY, Idaho — Idaho State Police has issued an endangered missing person alert for a man who hasn't been seen since the afternoon of July 27.
71-year-old Randy Clark Jackson was supposed to be driving from Kamiah to Lewiston, then back to Kamiah, ISP said in the alert issued on behalf of the Idaho County Sheriff's Office.
A possible sighting was reported in Clearwater County. According to that report, Jackson may have been turning onto the Greer Bridge Road, possibly driving a 1995 GMC Suburban, colored green. It didn't have a license plate, but did have a "We the People" bumper sticker.
Jackson is described as 6-foot-2, 360 pounds, with red hair and blue eyes. He suffers from hearing loss and has back and hip issues, according to ISP.
Jackson was last seen wearing a gray button-down shirt, blue-and-black shorts, brown shoes and gray socks.
Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts is asked to call the Idaho County Sheriff's Office at 208-983-1100.
Watch more crime news:
See the latest Treasure Valley crime news in our YouTube playlist:
MISSING CHILD: One year goes by with no sign of missing Fruitland boy
MORE IDAHO NEWS: U.S. Forest Service: Moose fire was 'human caused' | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho/missing-and-endangered-in-north-central-idaho-randy-clark-jackson/277-d733fd15-5ff7-49b2-8089-fc678d0faef5 | 2022-08-01T22:14:03 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho/missing-and-endangered-in-north-central-idaho-randy-clark-jackson/277-d733fd15-5ff7-49b2-8089-fc678d0faef5 |
YREKA, Calif —
Two bodies were found inside a charred vehicle in a driveway in the wildfire zone of a raging California blaze that was among several menacing thousands of homes Monday in the western U.S., officials said. Hot and gusty weather and lightning storms threatened to boost the danger that the fires will keep growing,
The McKinney Fire in Northern California near the state line with Oregon exploded in size to nearly 87 square miles (225 square km) after erupting Friday in the Klamath National Forest, firefighting officials said. It is California's largest wildfire of the year so far and officials have not determined the cause.
The vehicle and the bodies were found Sunday morning in the driveway of a residence near the remote community of Klamath River, the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Nearly 5,000 Northern California homes and other structures were threatened and an unknown number of buildings have burned, said Adrienne Freeman, a spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service.
The smoky blaze cast an eerie, orange-brown hue in one neighborhood where a brick chimney stood surrounded by rubble and scorched vehicles on Sunday. Flames torched trees along State Route 96 and raced through hillsides in sight of homes.
Valerie Linfoot's son, a fire dispatcher, called to tell her their family home of three decades in Klamath River had burned. Linfoot said her husband worked as a U.S. Forest Service firefighter for years and the family did everything they could to prepare their house for a wildfire — including installing a metal roof and trimming trees and tall grasses around the property.
“It was as safe as we could make it, and it was just so dry and so hot and the fire was going so fast,” Linfoot told the Bay Area News Group. She said her neighbors have also lost homes.
“It’s a beautiful place. And from what I’ve seen, it’s just decimated. It’s absolutely destroyed,” she told the news group.
Firefighting crews on the ground were trying to prevent the blaze from moving closer to the town of Yreka, population about 7,500. The blaze was about four miles (6.4 kilometers) away as of Monday.
A second, smaller fire in the region that was sparked by dry lightning Saturday threatened the tiny California community of Seiad.
Freeman said "there has been significant damage and loss along the Highway 96 corridor” that runs parallel to the Klamath River and is one of the few roads in and out of the region
She added: “But just how much damage is still being assessed.”
Erratic storms were expected to move through Northern California again on Monday with lightning that threatened to spark new fires in bone dry vegetation, forecasters said. A day earlier, thunderstorms caused flash flooding that damaged roads in Death Valley National Park and in mountains east of Los Angeles.
In northwestern Montana, a fire on the Flathead Indian Reservation that started in grasslands near the town of Elmo on Friday and moved into forested areas had grown to 20 square miles (52 square km) by Monday, fire officials said. Residents of about 20 homes were told to be prepared to evacuate.
The Moose Fire in Idaho has burned more than 85 square miles (220 square kilometers) in the Salmon-Challis National Forest while threatening homes, mining operations and fisheries near the town of Salmon. It was 23% contained Monday.
And a wildfire raging in northwestern Nebraska led to evacuations and destroyed or damaged several homes near the small city of Gering. The Carter Canyon Fire began Saturday as two separate fires that merged. It was about 30% contained by early Monday.
In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Saturday, allowing him more flexibility to make emergency response and recovery effort decisions and to tap federal aid.
Scientists have said climate change has made the West warmer and drier over the last three decades and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive.
The U.S. Forest service shut down a 110-mile (177 km) section of the famed Pacific Crest Trail in Northern California and southern Oregon and dozens of hikers in that area were urged to abandon their treks and head to the nearest towns.
Watch more on wildfires in the West:
See all of our latest coverage in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/wildfire/2-bodies-found-burned-vehicle-california-wildfire-zone/277-da2df80d-5435-42fb-8313-b9ef874022ed | 2022-08-01T22:14:09 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/wildfire/2-bodies-found-burned-vehicle-california-wildfire-zone/277-da2df80d-5435-42fb-8313-b9ef874022ed |
Skeletal remains found in Palm Coast: 5 things to know about the search in Toscana
Last month, a crew doing site development work in Palm Coast found a human bone, which brought a project to a grinding halt as investigators converged on the barren expanse of soil that until recently had been covered by pine trees and brush. The Flagler County Sheriff's Office announced on Saturday that the search had ended. Here are five things to know about what happened:
What was found
A construction worker found on July 18 what he said appeared to be a femur from a human leg. Authorities searched and eventually found approximately 90% of a human skeleton, including another femur and pieces of a jaw bone, a skull and other skeletal remains.
Where were the remains found?
In an area off New Leatherwood Drive in Toscana, a residential development off Old Kings Road and north of Town Center Boulevard. Toscana was approved in 2007 for 200 units, according to the city. The website for the development list a variety of model homes, including the Sienna a 2,274-square-foot home with four bedrooms and two baths and a two-car garage starting at $620,000, and the Manchester, a 5,257-square-footer with 4/5 bedrooms, four baths and a three-car garage starting at $1,255,000.
Search concludes:Team finds about 90% of a human skeleton at Toscana in Palm Coast, ends search
Femur found:Human bones were found in Toscana, a residential development in Palm Coast.
Skeletal remains in Holly Hill:Skeletal remains found in woods near Holly Hill dog park
USF team helps:Flagler Sheriff's Office, USF team uncover additional human remains at Palm Coast site
USF anthropology team
A University of South Florida team led by forensic anthropologist Erin Kimmerle helped search for skeletal remains in the Toscana site. Kimmerle led the team in a search for bodies at the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys, a now-shuttered state school in Marianna. The team found 51 bodies in 55 graves at the school. They also found bones when they excavated a site where a dormitory had burned down.
What should you do if you find human remains?
Do not disturb the area since it might be a crime scene. Contact law enforcement immediately by calling 911.
Other human remains found recently and not so recently
Skeletal remains were found on Thursday in some woods in the 1000 block of Alabama Avenue near a dog park in Holly Hill. The skeletal remains still had boots, a backpack, shorts and a shirt, but the identity has not been confirmed yet. Nothing suspicious was found, police said. A construction crew found bones believed to be at least 150 years old at a construction site in The Hammock in 2016 in Flagler County. | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/flagler/2022/08/01/skeletal-remains-found-palm-coast-5-things-know-toscana-kimmerle-dozier/10205763002/ | 2022-08-01T22:15:36 | 0 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/flagler/2022/08/01/skeletal-remains-found-palm-coast-5-things-know-toscana-kimmerle-dozier/10205763002/ |
Team finds about 90% of a human skeleton at Toscana in Palm Coast, ends search
Searchers wrapped up the excavation for human remains at the Toscana development in Palm Coast after finding about 90% of a human skeleton. They are now awaiting identification of those remains.
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies, along with a University of South Florida anthropology team and personnel from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the medical examiner’s office, concluded the search on Saturday and turned the site back to the developer, according to a press release from the sheriff's office.
“The skeletal remains were turned over to the medical examiner and they will work to try to identify the individual either by DNA or dental records,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said in an interview, “or possibly working with anthropologists.”
Staly said the extent of the findings showed the search was successful.
“It tells you what a great job the entire team did. You are talking toe bones, finger bones. It just shows you the dedication and thoroughness of the entire team.”
The search involved an area about the size of a football field.
Skeletal remains found in Palm Coast:5 things to know about the search in Toscana
Human bone found:Human bones were found in Toscana, a residential development in Palm Coast
More remains uncovered:Flagler Sheriff's Office, USF team uncover additional human remains at Palm Coast site
Remains found in Holly Hill:Skeletal remains found in woods near Holly Hill dog park
He said the process would have taken much longer without the help from the University of South Florida.
“We could not have done it without the USF team and their equipment in that kind of timeframe,” Staly said.
Staly said without an identification, it would be speculation on whether the findings were connected to a cold case.
“We believe we have recovered enough remains so that identification can be made,” Staly said. “Whatever this case is, it’s kind of in a holding pattern until the ME is able to identify the remains.”
Staly said last week that the findings included fragments of a jaw and skull and two femurs.
The case began when a construction worker on July 18 found what he said looked like a human femur. The sheriff’s office began searching for more bones the next day, but then suspended the search until help could arrive from the University of South Florida.
The USF team started searching along with the sheriff’s office on Wednesday off New Leatherwood Drive at Toscana, a partially-built residential development off Old Kings Road.
The USF team was led by Erin Kimmerle, a forensic anthropologist who led a team in a search for bodies at the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys, a now-shuttered state school in Marianna.
She said they found 51 bodies in 55 graves at the Dozier school. She likened the search at Toscana to another search at Dozier, when they excavated a site where a dormitory had burned down to find bones.
The USF team had two sifting stations which used water to force dirt through a pair of wire screens. Once the dirt was gone, searchers checked what was left on the screens for any human bones.
The Palm Coast Fire Department supplied a fire truck to provide the water while Flagler County provided small excavators and other equipment to move the dirt around and haul it to the sifting stations.
The sheriff's office is asking anyone with information on the case to call 386-313-4911 or Crime Stoppers of NE Florida at 1-888-277-TIPS (8477). People can also email tips@flaglersheriff.com. | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/flagler/2022/08/01/usf-anthropologists-collect-90-human-skeleton-palm-coast-search-cold-case/10200218002/ | 2022-08-01T22:15:42 | 0 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/flagler/2022/08/01/usf-anthropologists-collect-90-human-skeleton-palm-coast-search-cold-case/10200218002/ |
Meet Deltona's 3 mayoral candidates: Santiago Avila Jr., Heidi Herzberg and Gus Kostianis
It's not déjà vu, Deltona residents.
Two mayoral candidates, Santiago Avila Jr. and Heidi Herzberg, also ran for the role in 2018 with the latter winning in the general election.
Residents of Volusia County's most populous city also will see the name Gus Kostianis on this year's ticket.
Census data shows the city has grown by about 10,600 people since 2010.
Data from the 2020 census put Deltona's population at 93,692; census estimates from July 2021 put the population at 95,782.
Much like in DeLand, Deltona residents are concerned about the rate and extent of residential development.
In June, the City Commission unanimously approved enacting a moratorium on rezoning requests for single-family home developments. The six-month moratorium, which went into effect July 1, also applies to amendments to the city's future land use map, which shows the intended use and development intensity for a particular area.
Avila cited "the over development" as one of his reasons for running again. He said he's tried to keep a low profile since his first run for office, preferring to watch the commission meetings as they stream online instead of attending in person.
"You can go up there and give an opinion, and they hear you, but they don't listen," Avila said.
The city also has grown commercially in recent years, most notably with Amazon's distribution center, which was completed in September 2020 and Halifax Health | UF Health – Medical Center of Deltona, open since February 2020.
The number of fast-food restaurants compared to the lack of other types of dining establishments continues to be a point of frustration.
Herzberg said she wants to remain in office, continuing to see the city through as it grows economically.
"You lay the groundwork, you put in the infrastructure, you work on the zoning, you work on cultivating the land so it becomes desirable for business," Herzberg said. "We’ve finally reached the point of fruition in bringing jobs to the city, jobs with benefits, higher-paying jobs."
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Kostianis, who has no prior political experience, said he doesn't like how he's seen residents treated and isn't satisfied with the city's direction.
"I think one of the biggest roadblocks to Deltona becoming a fully developed city is our current government," Kostianis said.
If neither candidate receives more than 50% of the vote on Aug. 23, the two with the most votes go head-to-head in November.
The Deltona mayor chairs commission meetings and serves as a figurehead. The term is four years with an annual salary of $14,918 and change.
Meet the candidates
Avila, 39, has lived in Deltona for more than a decade. He served on the Citizen Water Committee in 2019 after the City Commission agreed to an audit of Deltona Water.
He and his wife, María Avila, own eLev8 Florida, LLC, a company that provides consulting and marketing services.
Avila is the national vice chairman and the Florida chairman of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly.
His top priorities include:
- Putting Deltona first.
- Increasing the median household income.
- Bringing down the city's debt.
Herzberg, 60, is a longtime professional hairstylist who's lived in Deltona since 1983.
She served as a city commissioner from 2010 to 2018 and has served as mayor since 2018.
Her top priorities include:
- Fiscal stability, ensuring the city has adequate reserves above what's required by law and preparing for a reduction in tax revenue if growth slows and changes property values.
- Growth management: Commission approved moratorium "to assess our current density and housing growth models to encompass more sustainable development goals including growth, buffers and greenspace management; defining how Deltona should grow in the future is a priority now."
- Economic development: In order to continue to bring better-paying jobs to Deltona, we must address the I-4 Interchange at Rhode Island; the infrastructure needs for the incoming logistics/business/ medical expansion along the Howland Boulevard corridor; and multi-family housing and manufacturing in the Deltona Village area.
Kostianis, 39, said he's lived in the city for 25 years and has spent 16 years working in the private banking sector.
His top priorities include:
- Make sure that Deltona’s roads are well-paved, well-maintained and expanded appropriately to accommodate residents.
- Business investment: Deltona’s residents aren't satisfied having to drive outside the city to find entertainment and dining options. "This is something that I plan on changing by working with local community leaders and making the dream of a downtown Deltona a reality. I will do this by eliminating wasteful spending and needless red tape within city government."
- Supporting first responders: "I will make sure that our streets are safe and our residents understand that they have a mayor who cares. We need to cultivate a culture of community and togetherness. This will be a city that people can raise a family in and be proud to live in."
Candidates comment
The following questions were posed to each candidate with a request to limit responses to 100 words. Answers are presented as they were submitted, save for minor corrections to punctuation.
In your opinion, what is Deltona's most pressing issue, and what efforts would you make to address it?
Avila: Median household income! The overall poverty rate in Deltona is 11.04%. I'll work with our business community to encourage the development of a downtown. I'll also work to move government out of the way of new businesses, restaurants, and attract higher-wage jobs. We have so many properties available that have been cleared or empty for a while. Let’s work on those properties instead of tearing down new land for development and destroying our green spaces. This isn’t responsible growth, especially when you’re continuing to add more dollar stores, something studies have shown keeps the median household income down in any city.
Herzberg: For me, Deltona’s most pressing issue is the lack of infrastructure – i.e. road improvements and sanitary sewer in commercial areas within the city. As a residential community, we need more commercial business to survive financially and the only way to expand on that is by providing the base needed for businesses to invest in Deltona. We have come far with the hospital, free-standing ER, medical offices and Amazon, but there is room for light manufacturing and more logistics as well. Without proper roads and utilities, it becomes nearly impossible to draw good-paying businesses to the city.
Kostianis: Business: We simply do not have enough of it. We rank number one in terms of population in Volusia County, but rank 15th in terms of median individual income, according to Data Commons. I will work closely with potential investors and make Deltona the place to be for doing business. I will welcome businesses such as sit-down restaurants, shopping centers, offices and entertainment. Our residents can stay within the city when looking for something to do with their families and make memories right here in Deltona. Frankly, we need more dollars and fewer dollar stores.
In your opinion, what is Deltona's best feature, and how can it be expanded on?
Avila: Honestly the people! Politics aside, most residents know how to come together to help their neighbor or even a total stranger. The city is yearning to have a sense of community and that's something that can be expanded on by putting Deltona first! It isn't about a building. It's about listening to the needs and wants of the residents of Deltona!
Herzberg: Deltona’s most outstanding feature is our residents! Living in the city since 1983, I have seen the changes in demographics; growing from a small senior community to a vibrant, youthful city with changing diversity, challenges and needs. Citizen input is essential, and by encouraging residents to participate in government meetings, local events, surveys, visioning sessions and volunteer boards, Deltonans will have the chance to learn more about their city, its amenities, challenges and opportunities, and have the ability to build a greater sense of community to help drive the future of our city.
Kostianis: This is easy. The people. We here in Deltona are blessed with diversity and character. From our thousands of wonderful veterans who proudly served to our vibrant Hispanic community and all others. I plan on representing all of Deltona. Deltona has a deep well of talent and uniqueness. This is something that investors can tap into when acquiring talent.
Why should someone choose you over your opponent(s)?
Avila: Our residents want a brighter future for their families and themselves, but we can’t do that by going back to the leaders and ideas of the past. We must change the decisions we are making by changing the people who are currently making the decisions. It is time to move our city forward. It is time for a new generation of leadership! It is time to make Deltona a City of Destiny!
Herzberg: Experience – understanding the budget and protecting Deltona’s financial future is the most important job of elected officials. Needs, laws, costs, income and property valuations all change yearly and it is important to make logical, rational and fact-based decisions based on future sustainability.
Relationships – they take years to build with trust and commitment and can be destroyed instantly to the personal and financial detriment of the city and its residents.
Stability – stability and credibility bring investments in economic and quality-of-life improvements for the future of Deltona and our residents. No one wants to chance investing in instability.
Kostianis: I am looking to make this city the best version of itself it can possibly be. I am trained and skilled in negotiation. I majored in economics and understand how to make systems run efficiently. I grew up in a multicultural environment and will represent all of Deltona. I will restore civility to city government and make sure to listen to our residents. I will also make sure to make good use of the Deltona center to create programs that can bring our community together. From festivals to arts and crafts projects, our residents can come together to learn and enjoy each other’s company. | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2022/08/01/election-2022-deltona-mayoral-candidates-avila-herzberg-kostianis/10131996002/ | 2022-08-01T22:15:48 | 1 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2022/08/01/election-2022-deltona-mayoral-candidates-avila-herzberg-kostianis/10131996002/ |
Where do at-large Volusia Council candidates stand on exploding growth?
DAYTONA BEACH — Drive somewhere in Volusia County you haven't been in a while, and odds are that along your journey you'll see a new apartment building or small cluster of commercial development that wasn't there last time you motored that way.
New development is springing up all over the county, and the four candidates vying to become the next at-large County Council representative all have opinions on the growth that's been taking place the past several years.
It's a key topic that Sherrise Boyd, Jake Johansson, Andy Kelly and Doug Pettit are hearing about a lot on the campaign trail as they head toward the Aug. 23 primary election that will determine if one of them wins a four-year term outright with over 50% of votes, or if two of them wind up in a runoff election Nov. 8.
Here's a closer look at the four competitors hoping to represent all 407,200 voters countywide starting in January, and what they have to say about development and other issues.
Boyd: Slow down growth
Boyd owns a consulting and marketing business. She has also worked in government, including a stint with the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Atlanta and as a support services manager in the Volusia County Division of Emergency Medical Services.
The 50-year-old ran for Daytona Beach mayor in 2020 but finished last in the three-way competition.
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Boyd said her perspective on development in Volusia County is that "we're under-developed in some areas and over-developed in others."
She said she's had to explain to some voters she's met while campaigning that the county government doesn't control the cities inside it. But she would like to see the cities and county work together.
"We can learn from each other's mistakes," she said.
She said if she's elected she'll do her best to slow down growth, and she would support a development moratorium that wouldn't affect already approved projects if it came before the County Council.
"I think we're not developing right relationships to do development better," she said.
She said trees and waterways have been damaged by all the new construction, and now the county is running out of space for new development.
"There's so many levels to the problems in development," Boyd said.
Creating more affordable housing is another high priority for Boyd. She said she has a perspective shaped by growing up very poor in New York and living through an eviction as a child.
Boyd said Volusia County needs more housing based on income, and more housing developments with residents who have a mix of financial abilities.
"What kind of county are we if we build for out-of-towners, but people born and raised here can't afford to live here?" she asked. "We have people who are just not happy where they're living. Some are barely surviving."
Boyd said she's finding disillusioned residents.
"So many people are disappointed and don't know where the county is going," she said. "So many don't vote. They don't feel their vote counts. They don't trust the government."
Johansson: 'If you don't grow, you die'
Johansson was the city manager of Port Orange for five and a half years, a position that he decided to step down from at the end of 2020 to deal with some family matters.
Johansson spent 35 years in the Navy. He commanded a combat squadron in Iraq and a Naval base in Norfolk, Virginia, where there is one of the largest concentrations of military personnel in the world.
The 59-year-old also worked at the Pentagon and carried the nuclear football in the White House for three years. He's currently working as a leadership consultant and mostly doing executive coaching.
He said it's important to balance the county's industry with its residents, but added that not all growth is bad.
"If you don't grow, you die," he said.
And Florida is growing.
"Our state has seen an influx of people, about 1,000 per day," he said. "Those people need a place to live."
He said property rights need to be protected, but he thinks "development should happen."
"It's important for the economic growth and maintenance of the county," he said.
Johansson said he prefers to see infill development in cities versus new development in rural areas, but he doesn't want to force any local governments to do anything. He said he wants "to bring a collaborative culture to the County Council."
"We all need to march ahead strategically if this is going to work," he said. "We can be a force to be reckoned with at the state and federal level."
Johansson said existing road problems need to be fixed, and road capacity has to be limited to avoid gridlock.
Johansson has the backing of the current at-large councilman, former Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson, who decided not to seek re-election to the Council. He also has donations from some of the power players in Volusia County: Hyatt and Cici Brown; Charlie Lydecker and his Foundation Risk Partners insurance firm; two NASCAR-affiliated businesses; and the political committee controlled by state Rep. Tom Leek.
Johansson has amassed the largest campaign contribution tally of the four candidates, with $103,799 raised so far. Kelly has collected $48,575, Pettit has drawn $28,010 in donations and Boyd has $7,759.
Kelly: 'Not just overdevelopment, sprawl'
Kelly has worked as a professional accountant for more than 45 years. He runs and owns Betty W. Kelly Accounting, the tax, accounting and business consulting firm in DeLand that his mother started in 1967.
Kelly's late brother, Bill, was a certified public accountant who did several government audits, and Kelly helped him with some of those audits in the 1980s and 1990s.
Kelly served on the Volusia County Council from 2007 to 2012. In 2012 he ran for the Volusia County supervisor of elections post, but lost to Ann McFall. He then lost a 2014 County Council race to Pat Patterson by 140 votes, less than one-half of 1%.
Kelly has since been elected to the Volusia County Soil & Water Conservation District Board.
The 64-year-old said he took a step back from public life over the past several years because of serious health issues among his family members. Over the last four years, he said his mother, father, brother and sister-in-law all died.
Kelly said some people urged him to try once more now to return to the County Council.
Kelly noted that he's the only one of the four candidates who has lived his whole life in Volusia County.
"I've watched our natural resources get built over," he said.
Kelly said if growth isn't controlled Volusia County will become a metropolitan area without sufficient roads.
"It's not just overdevelopment, it's the sprawl," he said.
When something new is built in an outlying area and cities annex that property, sprawl happens, he said.
"It's the creeping out into the natural resource areas," Kelly said. "It's runaway sprawl when you put a development in a natural resource area. You forever alter the flows of springs, watersheds, the wildlife, their foraging, their mating. We just keep taking more and more from the nature we need."
Pettit: 'Need to get growth under control'
Pettit is a coach and retired teacher. He coached the Taylor High School football team from 2007 to 2010, and he's currently a coach at Spruce Creek High School.
Pettit is also a retired U.S. Marine with 26 years of military service that included serving in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991. When he was in the Marine Corps, he said he was a heavy equipment officer with a $1.7 million budget.
Pettit has lived in Florida for 30 years, and Volusia County for 15 years. He lived in Seminole County for 14 years.
The 68-year-old has owned several small businesses. Pettit said he had a small business in San Diego for 10 years that he started from scratch. He said he also ran a business in Lake Mary for three years.
Pettit said he's focusing on three issues on his journey toward the Aug. 23 primary election. He said he won't "advocate for a tax increase," he wants to "control overdevelopment," and he wants to protect the county's water and environment.
"I'm not trying to be a fear monger, but the people of this county are afraid of what's happening with development," he said. "People feel like for a long time they've had no say in it."
He said the county's residents, not developers, should decide what is built. And he said governments should stop approving zoning changes to allow new developments.
Pettit said low-impact development principles should be put into use more frequently. He said governments could even try to renegotiate with developers on projects that haven't been built yet to try to reduce environmental impacts.
He also thinks impact fees should be raised.
"We have 2008 impact fees in a 2022 economy with a growth spurt," Pettit said. "Growth is not paying for itself."
He said developers can build and pay for new roads when they're needed.
"We need to do things to get growth under control," Pettit said.
You can reach Eileen at Eileen.Zaffiro@news-jrnl.com | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2022/08/01/volusia-county-council-candidates-discuss-local-development-boom/10189195002/ | 2022-08-01T22:15:54 | 1 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2022/08/01/volusia-county-council-candidates-discuss-local-development-boom/10189195002/ |
BALTIMORE — Contemplative murmurs gave way to a chorus of realization and shouts as spectators watched the action unfold. Several clapped. One announced: “I think we have a new champion, everybody.”
That final play left Swift with his hand on his forehead and Fagen as the 2022 Scrabble Players champion.
Buoyed by the support of an impassioned Maryland state senator, Scrabble enthusiasts from 42 states and nine countries recently descended on Baltimore for the board game’s North American championships. The two finalists competed in a best-of-five series Wednesday at the Marriott Inner Harbor for a $10,000 prize and bragging rights as the continent’s top word nerd.
Swift, a 35-year-old accounting professor at Lamar University in Texas and a nationally ranked “Magic: The Gathering” card player, spent roughly eight hours a day for the past month preparing for the tournament, studying a list of more than 100,000 approved words. “This is definitely the biggest event in Scrabble all year, period,” he said.
State Sen. Cheryl C. Kagan (D-Montgomery) is an avid fan of the crossword-style board game in which competitors form words with lettered pieces. She plays online daily.
When she attended the North American championship in 2019 in Reno, Nev., she lobbied the leadership of the North American Scrabble Players Association to bring the tournament to Maryland.
In coordination with Visit Baltimore, the association scheduled the next year’s event in Baltimore, but it canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic. This year, nearly 300 competitors, who each paid an entry fee, played in Charm City.
Over the course of five days, competitors played at least 31 matches, which Kagan called “exhausting and exhilarating.”
The rules are the same as the ones for a casual game — in which players draw tiles from a bag, then form words that fit the grid — with a few exceptions, including: Competitors must lift the bag of letters above their line of sight when drawing; challenges to words that may not be legitimate are checked using an official database, not a dictionary; and each player is granted a timed 25 minutes of play per game.
After dozens of preliminary matches, the finalists faced off for the title.
Fagen, 27, topped Swift three games to one, winning the final game in an exceptional manner. With only seven tiles in each player’s possession per turn, using them all is a strong move. When such a “bingo” happens, players get not only points for each letter they use, but also a bonus for using all their tiles. Creating an eight-letter word (by building off a letter already on the board) is difficult, and creating a nine-letter word is so rare that players can go dozens of games without doing so.
Fagen played two nine-letter words, “coequates” and “levirates,” in the match to clinch the championship. The latter means “the custom of marrying the widow of one’s brother,” according to Merriam-Webster’s Scrabble Word Finder.
“I never thought I’d make it to the finals,” Fagen said.
Shortly after his sensational victory at about 4 p.m. Wednesday, Fagen had to catch a 5:30 p.m. train. When he had bought his tickets, the prospect of competing for the title seemed so slim that he didn’t consider that he would play so late into the day. He really only thought about whether he’d get to watch all of the championship games.
At one point, Fagen’s mother had even suggested that he skip the tournament after his direct flight from his native Montreal was canceled. He told her that wasn’t an option, especially after the event’s two-year hiatus, and booked about a 10-hour ride with Greyhound to New York City, followed by a three-hour train ride to Baltimore.
He told his mother: “There’s no alternative to this.”
Ahead of the final match, Fagen noted all that he was playing for: “the trophy and the fame and the huge check.”
He won the $10,000 grand prize while Swift, who said winning the championship is on his “bucket list,” earned $4,000 for second place.
Austin Shin, who won first place in a different division — one that used a more expansive word list — was awarded $3,000. A pivotal moment in that championship bout came when Shin’s opponent played “kyrolite,” which is not legal, instead of “kryolite,” an alternate spelling of the mineral cryolite.
It’s hardly about the money, though, because few competitors profit off the venture. The event’s attraction is more about the competition, the challenge and the camaraderie.
“It’s like a braid, a beautiful tapestry, and it’s all of those things together,” said Robin Pollock Daniel of Toronto, who has competed for 35 years and remains one of the top players. “To untwine it to one aspect of it diminishes the other, and I don’t want to do that. It’s the totality of it. It’s the gestalt of it.”
Scrabble was invented in 1938 and, by the late 1970s, competitive play picked up steam. In 1980, Joe Edley won the North American championship, and he did so again in 1992 and 2000. This year, he flew from San Francisco to compete at age 74, placing fifth overall.
Along the way, Scrabble became a spectator sport, albeit with a limited audience. As Fagen and Swift battled in the finals, more than 100 players watched the match’s feed — complete with two commentators and five camera angles — and hung on every word. Another few hundred watched the stream online.
Although some at the tournament still play relaxed games elsewhere, those like Swift, who is ultracompetitive, find it to be impossible. His rating is above 2,000, ranking him among the best, and his approach is too premeditated to be compatible with a more casual setting. His only opponents are other elite contenders.
“I don’t play with friends,” he said. “That is not a thing that you can do once you’ve set foot in this room.”
The big-time competitors are that zealous: One top player whose name starts with J wore a T-shirt with the image of a J tile on it. Another top player whose name also starts with J had the image of a J tile tattooed on his shoulder.
Many described the game’s challenge as its allure: It’s up to the individual to make sense of a row of random letters. The enjoyment lies in the satisfaction, and there are numerous lessons to be learned, several players said. Edley pointed to life’s parallels: You might not draw the tiles you’d hoped to, but it’s up to you to choose what to do with them.
“It’s such a beautiful microcosm of life, this game,” Pollock Daniel said.
To hear Scrabble enthusiasts discuss strategy — which they often do after a match — is to hear jargon about opening or closing the board and playing offensively or defensively, as well as chatter about swings in probability.
Although it’s a word game, Swift said, Scrabble is more mathematical than literary. He does not read books for pleasure, yet he studies words daily and has memorized thousands of words — he confidently played “gyttja” in the final — without knowing their definitions. (Scrabble Word Finder says it’s “an organically rich mud.”)
“It is intellectual,” Kagan said of the game, “it is mathematic, it is logic, it is strategy, it is word knowledge, it is anagramming and it’s luck.”
As the nearly week-long event came to a close and the prizes were awarded, those gathered clapped to show their support for the winners of the game they love.
And in the very back of the room, two people set up a board, even as they celebrated the winners.
There was more Scrabble to be played. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/scrabble-baltimore-championship/2022/08/01/0f4b59f4-0f36-11ed-9b03-dbb994d49c4e_story.html | 2022-08-01T22:17:25 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/scrabble-baltimore-championship/2022/08/01/0f4b59f4-0f36-11ed-9b03-dbb994d49c4e_story.html |
CLIVE, Iowa — The city of Clive is launching its new Greenbelt Landing Project in an effort to enhance the park and adjacent areas in the Clive Greenbelt.
The Greenbelt is a 14-acre park east of NW 114th Street. The area features the Clive Aquatic Center, Community Building and Clive Festival grounds.
The project will include an update to the community building, a new stage and more.
City Assistant Manager Peter De Kock said the project will also tackle stormwater management. The project will incorporate native plant species into wetlands in order to dilute pollutants.
"It's going to be a stormwater wetland that's going to slow the water down as it comes down into the park," De Kock said. "Make it travel around through the wetland and drop its sediment and then ultimately go into the creek cleaner than it otherwise would."
Another part of the project includes making sure the Greenbelt can better handle large amounts of rain.
"It's an issue where it's a lot of water coming too fast and we have flash flooding that happens, that's a big issue in Clive that we need to be prepared for, but other times it's a matter of just controlling erosion," De Kock said. "That stormwater when it's coming can do a lot of cutting and spreading of the banks on Walnut Creek which can then get into backyards."
Other parts of the project include adding ADA access to Walnut Creek and an ADA-accessible boardwalk, which will also include educational facts for visitors.
To complete this project, De Kock said the city will need around 10 million dollars. So far, they have raised over seven million of it through private funding and are now opening up funding to the public.
Those who are interested in donating can do look into it here.
Contracts for the project are expected to go out this fall and the De Kock said the city could break ground in Spring of 2023. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/greenbelt-landing-clive-project/524-b111fe78-091d-486d-93b5-96adc1be48fa | 2022-08-01T22:19:21 | 1 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/greenbelt-landing-clive-project/524-b111fe78-091d-486d-93b5-96adc1be48fa |
MONONA COUNTY, Iowa — A pilot is dead after the spray plane he was flying struck electrical lines and crashed, according to the Monona County Sheriff's Office.
Officials in Monona County responded to the incident near 230th and Teake Ave near Ute at around 1 p.m. Saturday.
Upon arriving at the scene, first responders found the spray plane on fire in the road. The pilot sustained severe injuries in the accident and was pronounced dead on the scene.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board will conduct an investigation into the incident in the near future. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/monona-county-plane-crash-pilot-dead/524-a47dac3d-3ee0-4b3c-8dc7-45b48dd34f91 | 2022-08-01T22:19:27 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/monona-county-plane-crash-pilot-dead/524-a47dac3d-3ee0-4b3c-8dc7-45b48dd34f91 |
ASSATEAGUE, Md. — The National Park Service has closed a section of beach at the Assateague Island National Seashore after military munitions debris washed ashore.
The closure comes after the discovery of at least seven pieces of military munitions debris on the beach over the last two weeks, the park service said in a news release. Most are just metal fragments, but since some may still contain residue of explosives or propellant, they must be considered dangerous, officials said.
The U.S. Navy used this area of the island as a test range for rockets and bombs in the 1940s and the debris was buried in pits on the island in the 1950s, officials said. However, with sea level rise and the natural movement of the island, officials said some of those pits are now offshore. They said a May Nor’easter likely uncovered one of the pits, leading to ordnance washing ashore. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/military-munitions-debris-closes-section-of-assateague-beach/2022/08/01/e717f94e-11e0-11ed-8482-06c1c84ce8f2_story.html | 2022-08-01T22:26:10 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/military-munitions-debris-closes-section-of-assateague-beach/2022/08/01/e717f94e-11e0-11ed-8482-06c1c84ce8f2_story.html |
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Crime and Courts
Chief investigative reporter Jonathan Dienst on crime, corruption and terrorism. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/hunt-for-man-who-slashed-woman-in-times-square/3804163/ | 2022-08-01T22:26:26 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/hunt-for-man-who-slashed-woman-in-times-square/3804163/ |
New York City and four states that had filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Postal Service announced a settlement Monday in which the agency agreed it would destroy packages of cigarettes sent illegally to the United States from other countries.
The city and California had initially filed the lawsuit in 2019, and were joined in 2020 by Connecticut, Illinois and Pennsylvania.
“We were not going to stand idly by as foreign shippers circumvented federal law in an effort to avoid billions in taxes and hook underage kids on nicotine,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams in a statement.
In a statement, the Postal Service said while it “considers that it has always been in full compliance with federal law regarding the handling of cigarette packages in international mail, we do support the goals of the settlement agreement, and for that reason we have decided to resolve this lawsuit, and to work cooperatively with all of the parties to this case to advance those goals."
In filing the suit in federal court in Brooklyn, the plaintiffs said the Postal Service wasn’t doing enough to enforce the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking law of 2010, particularly in regards to international mailing. The law prohibits the mailing of cigarettes in most cases.
In the lawsuit, plaintiffs said tens of thousands of packages sent from other countries instead made it through the postal system for delivery, and said when packages were found, the agency would return them to senders instead of destroying them.
As part of the settlement, the Postal Service agreed to take steps to make sure it was complying with the PACT act, including enhancing how it carried out screenings to find contraband packages, as well as develop training for employees.
News
The agency also agreed to destroy cigarette packages, instead of mailing them back to the senders, and issuing letters to the senders that cigarettes can’t be mailed.
The “settlement forces the U.S. Postal Service to do its job to stop the flow of foreign contraband cigarettes into the United States,” said Connecticut Attorney General William Tong. “These smuggled cigarettes cost all states, including Connecticut, hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost tax revenue, and hinder smoking cessation efforts.”
___
This story has been corrected to show that the announcement was made by the plaintiffs, not the Postal Service. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-4-states-settle-with-postal-service-over-cigarettes/3803999/ | 2022-08-01T22:26:39 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-4-states-settle-with-postal-service-over-cigarettes/3803999/ |
Hanover County investigators are still waiting on the results of a DNA analysis of human bones discovered three months ago near the Atlee Recreation Center to determine the person’s identity.
The Hanover Sheriff’s Office has made a tentative identification of the remains; no foul play is suspected.
Kaylin Stine will be spending the next seven years of her life in a state prison.
“Currently, investigators are waiting on DNA from the Department of Forensic Science to make a positive identification,” said Hanover sheriff’s spokesman Lt. James Cooper. “Investigators have a tentative identification of the remains found but can’t say for certain until laboratory analysis of the DNA comes back.”
The remains were discovered after authorities received a call just after 5 p.m. on April 29 from residents collecting trash near the recreation center at 9411 Staple Lane in Mechanicsville. They reported they may have discovered human bones and clothing. | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/hanover-authorities-awaiting-dna-results-on-human-bones-found-near-atlee-recreation-center/article_bdf0f0d1-31ef-57f2-a115-b50e864b8cb8.html | 2022-08-01T22:28:17 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/hanover-authorities-awaiting-dna-results-on-human-bones-found-near-atlee-recreation-center/article_bdf0f0d1-31ef-57f2-a115-b50e864b8cb8.html |
Virginia State Police is investigating the death of a 38-year-old woman whose body was found Sunday inside an outbuilding on a residential property in the town of Mineral in Louisa County.
The remains of Sara J. Stanley were found after Louisa sheriff’s deputies responded to an 8 p.m. call of shots being fired at a home in the 300 block of West Eighth Street, state police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said in a statement.
Stanley was known to stay at that residence for periods of time, but had no fixed address, Geller said by email in response to a question.
The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Richmond Field Office is following up on several leads related to a suspect, Geller said.
At this stage, the death is being investigated as a homicide with assistance from the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office. Stanley’s remains were taken to Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond for autopsy and examination.
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Anyone with information about the incident can contact the Virginia State Police by dialing #77 on a cellphone or by calling (804) 609-5656. Information can also be submitted by email at questions@vsp.virginia.gov. | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/vsp-investigating-death-of-woman-found-in-outbuilding-after-shots-fired-call-in-louisa/article_4f32f100-fd76-558f-8acd-5434e55af46b.html | 2022-08-01T22:28:23 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/vsp-investigating-death-of-woman-found-in-outbuilding-after-shots-fired-call-in-louisa/article_4f32f100-fd76-558f-8acd-5434e55af46b.html |
Bolt Mobility officially ceased its e-scooter operation in Richmond on Monday after informing the city that it would not renew permits with the city in June.
Dironna Moore Clarke, director of the city's Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility, confirmed that Bolt's dockless scooters are no longer be available, leaving Bird and Lime as the only two scooter services left in the city.
Richmond Bizsense reported first that Bolt's permit expired Monday.
Clarke said Bolt did not tell city officials why it chose to not renew its permit, but noted that the two remaining companies are still able to deploy a total of 1,000 dockless scooters throughout the city. Representatives for Bolt did not respond to requests for comment Monday afternoon.
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Clarke in an interview with The Times Dispatch noted national media reports about the Miami-based company ceasing operations in communities in Vermont, Oregon and California.
Bolt did not immediately respond to an interview request on Monday.
Like other dockless mobility companies, Bolt operates a smartphone app that riders can download, then use to locate the scooters and pay to ride them.
Commonwealth's Attorney Colette McEachin in a statement said: “There is no criminal liability or culpability for any individual office who appropriately followed an order in the chain of command that was lawful but, with hindsight, in error.”
To operate in the city, companies have to pay $1,500 to apply for a permit, as well as an annual fee based on the number of scooters or bikes they wish to deploy. For up to 100 scooters, the fee is $20,000; for 101 to 200 scooters, it’s $30,000; for 201 to 500 scooters, it’s $45,000.
The scooters became a popular alternative to ride-hailing apps and taxis several years ago. Bird initially deployed several scooters in Richmond without explicit permission from the local government, prompting the city to impound them as officials worked to craft regulations and a permitting process.
Bolt became the first sanctioned company in Richmond in 2019 as part of a pilot program that year.
Clarke said the city is currently looking into revising its regulations to allow people to use the scooters beyond the 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. operating hours. She said officials have also been working with service providers to make sure that scooters are more widely available south of the James River.
"The program is still viable and good," she said. "We’re learning a lot, about the permitting and what really yields flexibility." | https://richmond.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/bolt-scooters-no-longer-available-in-richmond/article_8afea5f9-23be-54f8-b58d-de14e86fa38d.html | 2022-08-01T22:28:29 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/bolt-scooters-no-longer-available-in-richmond/article_8afea5f9-23be-54f8-b58d-de14e86fa38d.html |
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Horizon Behavioral Health is receiving nearly $2 million in federal funding to fight homelessness and substance abuse in Central Virginia.
“There are way more homeless individuals in this area, or people also struggling with housing insecurity,” said Dammy Onafowokan, co-project director for the Horizon program.
Onafowokan said that between the cost of housing going up and an increase in mental health and substance abuse issues, more people are struggling.
“Even though they may not be out on the street, they may be doubled up in housing, they might be couch surfing, they might be crashing at a friend’s house or relative’s place,” said Onafowokan.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, more than 20,000 public school students, between the ages of 18-25, experienced homelessness in Virginia during the 2018-2019 school year.
“It is a major, major issue and quite honestly it has only gotten worse,” said Onafowokan.
So Horizon is trying to help that age group.
The organization was awarded $1,991,554 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The goal is to assist 245 people over the next five years.
Onafowokan said Horizon received a similar grant about two years ago when they partnered with other local organizations to offer other services.
“We helped them with a place to take a shower, with finding clothing, with seeking jobs, etc.”
Now, they’ll have funding to provide temporary housing, too, with the hope of getting people back on their feet.
“It’s not just about finding them housing, but it does no good if they can’t maintain that housing,” said Onafowokan.
Horizon is still in the process of creating the program, but Onafowokan said he expects to have it up and running in September. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/01/horizon-behavioral-health-awards-nearly-2m-to-fight-homelessness-substance-abuse/ | 2022-08-01T22:31:01 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/01/horizon-behavioral-health-awards-nearly-2m-to-fight-homelessness-substance-abuse/ |
BEDFORD, Va. – An annual event is coming back to the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford.
On Monday, the National D-Day Memorial Foundation said that their annual event will be held on August 13.
“No Excuse Night” is held to give people the opportunity to experience the Memorial after-hours, the release said, and docents will be throughout the Memorial to provide information and answer questions.
“No Excuse Night” is held during the national “Spirit of ‘45″ weekend to commemorate the end of World War II, according to the release.
The event will be held on August 13 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the release said, and there are no tickets or registration required.
You can learn more about “No Excuse Night” and the Memorial here. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/01/national-d-day-memorial-to-host-no-excuse-night/ | 2022-08-01T22:31:07 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/01/national-d-day-memorial-to-host-no-excuse-night/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – Three public housing projects in Roanoke will finally get a facelift thanks to a new grant worth millions of dollars.
Nearly $4 million from a Virginia Housing Development Authority grant is going to the Star City to upgrade public housing projects.
The money will help fix windows at Melrose Towers, boilers at Hunt Manor will be replaced after 50 years, and Blue Stone Park will get new windows, boilers, and even two new units.
“It’s great because we receive a lot of calls when we turn on the heat, that the heat isn’t working,” David Bustamante, Roanoke Redevelopment Housing Authority Executive Director said. “The residents have problems and you have to give them heaters till we get somebody out there to fix it.”
Bustamante said either Blue Stone Park or Hunt Manor will also see kitchen and bathroom upgrades.
Over the next three months, Bustamante and his team are pushing for repositioning, which means the units will be modernized and then turned into Section 8 contracts.
Through Section 8 housing, renters are able to give a voucher to private landlords that offer homes that meet the requirements. There are 186 units eligible to build and make available by using this method.
“In Roanoke and across the world there is an affordable housing crisis,” Bustamante said. “Fixing the units we currently have is important. But it’s also important for us to add additional units.”
300 people have been on the housing waitlist since 2019, and the Section 8 waitlist is expected to reopen by early September.
Bustamante said when applications open, they receive about 3,000 applicants, but he expects this year’s applicant pool to nearly double with the housing crisis pressure.
“There’s a lot of need,” Bustamante said. “There’s a lot of people who are looking for a place to live. And we are doing our best to accommodate that.”
By doing the repositioning method, Bustamante said it would allow them to receive a 20-year contract to keep the funding stable.
Therefore, all the projects on backlog through the capital fund will be tackled if the homes become Section 8 units.
The team will present the repositioning plan to the board of commissioners in three months, and if the plan is approved, Bustamante said they could see groundbreaking in late 2022 or by early 2023. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/01/roanoke-gets-millions-in-funding-to-upgrade-public-housing-projects/ | 2022-08-01T22:31:13 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/01/roanoke-gets-millions-in-funding-to-upgrade-public-housing-projects/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – People in Roanoke are working to remember a local native, Henrietta Lacks.
Lacks’ “HeLa” cells are known for leading to medical breakthroughs about vaccinations after her cells were used by scientists, without her or her family’s knowledge or consent, when she died from cervical cancer at 31 years old.
To honor Lacks, a group of people in Roanoke are partnering with the Harrison Museum of African American Culture is raising money to build a memorial statue.
The group hopes to place the statue in Lacks Plaza across from the city’s municipal building.
And they’re only $20,000 away from their goal.
“She was born right here in Roanoke so we thought it would be befitting to erect one here. And finally, we are at a point where we will recognize her,” said Vice-Mayor White-Boyd.
The group also hopes to use some of the funds to create a documentary about Lacks and her connection to the Roanoke Valley.
To donate, you can contact the Harrison Museum of African American Culture. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/01/roanokes-fundraiser-to-get-henrietta-lacks-statue-nears-goal/ | 2022-08-01T22:31:19 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/01/roanokes-fundraiser-to-get-henrietta-lacks-statue-nears-goal/ |
CARROLLTON, Ga. — A judge denied bond for a college professor accused of murder after police said he allegedly shot an 18-year-old woman in Carroll County.
Monday afternoon, 47-year-old Richard Sigman entered the courtroom to face a judge after being arrested for malice murder, aggravated assault and possession of a gun in the commission of a felony.
According to Carrollton Police, Sigman got into an argument with someone at Leopoldo's Pizza in Adamson Square Friday night. Police said security asked him to leave. Police said Sigman left and headed to a parking garage where he fired shots into a parked car – hitting 18-year-old Anna Jones, who was sitting inside. She died at the hospital.
Police said they don't think Sigman had contact with anyone in Jones’ car before the shooting. They also say Sigman was intoxicated.
The photo below of Sigman is graphic and shows a bloody wound across his forehead.
Police told 11Alive on Monday that he injured his head and leg sometime between when the shots were fired and when police showed up at the scene. They said they’re still reviewing the security video to determine how he was hurt.
Sigman had been a University of West Georgia professor but was fired after he was arrested.
Jones was set to start classes there this fall as a freshman but was not one of his students. The teen had just graduated from Mount Zion High School in Carrollton.
Her former teacher, Stephanie Hodges, told 11Alive over the weekend that she was still processing the news.
"She was going to be a teacher and she would have been amazing because she was so good with kids," Hodges said.
Sigman is expected to have another hearing on September 2 and 9 a.m. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/judge-denies-bond-university-west-georgia-professor-murder-accusation-richard-sigman/85-2446b0d8-b4b9-49d9-8e4c-ce3f8783c488 | 2022-08-01T22:32:18 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/judge-denies-bond-university-west-georgia-professor-murder-accusation-richard-sigman/85-2446b0d8-b4b9-49d9-8e4c-ce3f8783c488 |
ATLANTA — Atlanta Police are asking the public for help finding a missing 60-year-old woman last seen at Grady Hospital over six weeks ago.
Authorities said Jacqueline Rolle was last seen at Grady Hospital on Friday, June 17. Officers responded to Grady Hospital after receiving a missing persons call on Wednesday, July 27. Investigators were able to talk with Rolle's daughter-in-law, where they learned she had not talked to her family or friends in more than six weeks.
Rolle is described as 5-feet tall, weighs 190 pounds, has black hair and brown eyes. Her nickname is "Lady J" and she has it tattooed on her left shoulder.
Atlanta Police said her last clothing description is unknown. Her last known address was in the Lakewood Heights area.
Anyone with information about Jacqueline Rolle's whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the Atlanta Police Homicide/Adult Missing Persons Unit at (404) 546-4235. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/missing-in-georgia/missing-atlanta-woman-jacqueline-rolle/85-1c6fed6b-e52a-4a34-b561-050f3e752d19 | 2022-08-01T22:32:24 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/missing-in-georgia/missing-atlanta-woman-jacqueline-rolle/85-1c6fed6b-e52a-4a34-b561-050f3e752d19 |
ASCENSION PARISH, La. — Rapper Mystikal, who has faced sexual assault charges in the past, was booked on several charges including first-degree rape on Sunday in Louisiana, multiple media outlets report.
According to The Advocate, 51-year-old Michael Tyler was booked into the Ascension Parish Prison on Sunday afternoon on charges of first-degree rape, felony domestic abuse by strangulation, simple robbery and criminal damage to property.
A spokesperson for the parish sheriff's office confirmed to the newspaper that Tyler is Mystikal, a New Orleans rapper who is best known for his 2000 hit single "Shake Ya Ass."
Mystikal was convicted almost two decades ago of sexual battery and was recently cleared of a second allegation of rape and kidnapping stemming from a 2016 allegation. He pleaded guilty in 2003 to sexual battery and served six years in prison.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/rapper-mystikal-arrested-rape-charge-louisiana/289-f4708dca-87e8-4272-91b0-b70298e9588d | 2022-08-01T22:32:30 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/rapper-mystikal-arrested-rape-charge-louisiana/289-f4708dca-87e8-4272-91b0-b70298e9588d |
HUNTINGTON, WV (WOWK) – The Mountain Health Arena is going back in time to the prehistoric age this weekend with Dinosaur Adventure.
Organizers say doors open at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, and close at 8 p.m. On Sunday, Aug. 7, doors open at 9 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
The two-day event will take guests back 65 million years to experience a variety of dino-themed activities for the whole family. Tickets are available on Dinosaur Adventure’s website.
According to event organizers, tickets for the event range in price from:
- Adult Ticket (Ages 13 and up) – $25
- Child Ticket (Ages 2-12) – $35
- Adventure Pack (Add-on that does not include admission) – $29
- Ultimate Adventure Pack (Add-on that does not include admission) – $49
- Children under 2 years of age get in free.
Dinosaur Adventure officials say guests can expect their visit to last between two to three hours. Officials say the tickets are limited and are sold on a per day, per hour basis and that they recommend purchasing tickets online in advance to guarantee admission.
The event features an exhibit of life-like dinosaurs that “come alive” with “movement and roars.”
Some activities for the kids include a realistic fossil search, dinosaur rides, Jurassic jeep races, bouncy prehistoric-themed obstacle courses and a new feature to interact with life-like animatronic baby dinosaurs. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/dinosaur-adventure-comes-to-huntington/ | 2022-08-01T22:34:20 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/dinosaur-adventure-comes-to-huntington/ |
Final resting place of lost British ship Gaspee remains Narragansett Bay's secret
WARWICK — The sands of time — or at least the silt at the bottom of Narragansett Bay — will continue to hold the secret of what became of the remains of the HMS Gaspee, despite an archeological mission in July to find the ship.
"We did not find the Gaspee," D.K. Abbass, of the Rhode Island Marine Archaeological Project told The Providence Journal Monday morning.
The Gaspee, a British revenue schooner, patrolled the waters of the Bay until June of 1772, when colonists, angered at how zealously the Gaspee's captain enforced customs regulations, boarded the ship after it ran aground and burned it to the waterline.
Abbass said that side-scan sonar, magnetometry and sub-bottom profiling turned up a wealth of possible targets for further investigation, but a more intensive investigation of the most promising target turned up empty.
What happened to the HMS Gaspee:First blood of the American Revolution or petty revenge?
More Gaspee history:RI patriot says "cease and desist" to those denying Revolution's first shot was fired here
Abbass is expected to make public a summary report on the mission this week and submit a full report to the state Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission, which issued the permit that governed the three-week expedition. | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/01/rhode-island-marine-archaeological-project-search-hms-gaspee-not-found/10204601002/ | 2022-08-01T22:36:07 | 1 | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/01/rhode-island-marine-archaeological-project-search-hms-gaspee-not-found/10204601002/ |
South Kingstown police want your help naming new compassion dog
The South Kingstown Police Department has a new compassion dog, and they're asking for the public's help in giving him a name.
A department Twitter post shows a photo of the pup with a badge and says, "BIG NEWS: Meet "the little guy," then adds, "Help us name him."
The post provides a link where people can provide their suggestions.
Puppy love:Warwick PD's new compassion dog is already having an impact, handler says
Calling the dog "our newest member," the police say. "This little guy will join our department in a few weeks and his job will be to provide support to first responders and help our police officers do their jobs in our community."
More:Massachusetts State Police K-9, killed in line of duty, escorted with 'full honors' to RI
Some went ahead on Twitter and offered their suggestions, which include "Officer Cuddles," "Southy K" and "Trusty."
Police dogs can provide emotional support
Police dogs are no longer restricted to sniffing out crime. Some departments are using them to provide emotional support to crime victims and police officers. In April, Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi swore in Charley, a black Labrador retriever as a Police Department compassion dog.
The South Kingstown police pup was donated by Cove Angels Breeding in Taunton.
More:Orphaned coyote pup mistaken for dog becomes foster brother of rescued RI pup
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Be the first to know. | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/01/south-kingstown-police-help-name-new-compassion-dog/10202456002/ | 2022-08-01T22:36:13 | 1 | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/01/south-kingstown-police-help-name-new-compassion-dog/10202456002/ |
A Mandan man who served time for a violent crime is now charged with a felony for illegally possessing a firearm.
Lucio Cruz, 50, was arrested Friday night at a North 20th Street apartment in Bismarck, according to a police affidavit. Officers responded to an anonymous call that a man was holding a woman against her will in the apartment or a camper outside of it.
Police say that after clearing the apartment they found Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation paperwork bearing Cruz’s name atop a mattress, and allegedly found a 12-gauge shotgun under the mattress. Court documents don't indicate any charges relating to the anonymous call, but it's illegal for convicted felons to possess guns.
Cruz denied owning the shotgun, according to police. No attorney is listed for him in court records.
Cruz was charged with aggravated assault in March 2020 after a stabbing in Bismarck. Officers a few weeks later used less-than-lethal rounds to subdue and arrest him during a traffic stop near Divide Avenue and State Street.
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Cruz pleaded guilty in March 2021 and was sentenced to two years in prison. He was given credit for nearly a year of time served. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck/mandan-man-with-violent-past-arrested-on-weapons-charge/article_6de44c08-11d1-11ed-a98a-ef44ebff75fe.html | 2022-08-01T22:41:34 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck/mandan-man-with-violent-past-arrested-on-weapons-charge/article_6de44c08-11d1-11ed-a98a-ef44ebff75fe.html |
A hot, dry week is in store for much of North Dakota as a mass of trapped warm air blankets the region.
High temperatures in the western two-thirds of the state on Monday and Tuesday were forecast to surpass 90 degrees and approach 100 in some areas. Bismarck's Tuesday high was forecast at 97 degrees; normal for this time of year is in the mid-80s.
"A cold front brings some brief relief on Wednesday with cooler temperatures and highs in the 70s and 80s before they bounce back to the mid to upper 90s on Thursday and Friday," the National Weather Service said. "A mostly dry week is also expected."
The hot weather isn't likely to set any records in the capital city, however. Bismarck's record high for Aug. 2 is 101 degrees, and its records for most other dates this week are well above 100 degrees.
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A heat dome that has broken temperature records in the Northwest is shifting eastward. A heat dome occurs when the atmosphere traps hot air like a lid or cap, according to the National Ocean Service.
"When the jet stream shifts far to the north it allows extreme heat to surge into places that typically do not experience such conditions," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Randy Adkins said. "It's almost like allowing an air mass that you would normally see in the Desert Southwest shift to the Pacific Northwest."
AccuWeather Long-Range Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said, "The first week of August is expected to feature an expansive swath of well-above-average temperatures spanning from the Dakotas to the East Coast."
He added that a combination of heat and humidity could make it feel hotter than 100 degrees and "require air conditioning units to constantly run."
Buckingham advised people to take precautions, including using sun block if spending time outdoors.
"Heat of this magnitude can be dangerous if an extended amount of time is spent outside," he said. "Frequent breaks, plenty of hydrating fluids, and wearing light-colored and loose-fitting clothing can help to minimize the effects."
The National Weather Service warned that vehicle interiors can quickly become deadly for people and pets on hot days. An inside temperature of 99 degrees can rise to 109 degrees within 20 minutes and to 123 degrees in an hour, the agency said.
The National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center also cautioned that the conditions could increase the risk for wildfires. A red flag warning for critical fire weather conditions was in effect for eastern Montana through Tuesday. The fire danger rating for much of southwestern North Dakota was moderate or high on Monday.
North Dakota has had a relatively mild wildfire season, after a busy one in 2021. Updated totals weren't immediately available Monday due to technical problems. But as of about three weeks ago, there had been 214 fires burning 810 acres, compared with about 1,500 fires scorching more than 100,000 acres at the same point a year earlier, according to the state Department of Emergency Services.
North Dakota since 2015 has had an annual average of 830 wildfires burning 32,635 acres.
Smoke from wildfires burning in the western U.S. was beginning to drift into North Dakota on Monday and was expected to last into Tuesday, according to the weather service.
"The majority of this is expected to stay aloft and will lead to smoky/hazy skies, although there will also be increased cloud cover on Tuesday," the agency said. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/weather/under-the-heat-dome-week-of-sweltering-weather-expected-in-north-dakota/article_3a483d84-11ac-11ed-ae60-c312b4e1f242.html | 2022-08-01T22:41:40 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/weather/under-the-heat-dome-week-of-sweltering-weather-expected-in-north-dakota/article_3a483d84-11ac-11ed-ae60-c312b4e1f242.html |
YREKA, Calif. — Crews battling the largest wildfire so far this year in California braced for thunderstorms and hot, windy conditions that created the potential for additional fire growth Sunday as they sought to protect remote communities.
The McKinney Fire was burning out of control in Northern California’s Klamath National Forest, with expected thunderstorms a big concern Sunday just south of the Oregon state line, said U.S. Forest Service spokesperson Adrienne Freeman.
“The fuel beds are so dry and they can just erupt from that lightning," Freeman said. “These thunder cells come with gusty erratic winds that can blow fire in every direction.”
The blaze exploded in size to more than 80 square miles (207 square km) just two days after erupting in a largely unpopulated area of Siskiyou County, according to a Sunday incident report. The cause was under investigation.
The blaze torched trees along California Highway 96, and the scorched remains of a pickup truck sat in a lane of the highway. Thick smoke covered the area and flames burned through hillsides in sight of homes. The fire Sunday cast an eerie, orange-brown hue, in one neighborhood where a brick chimney, stood surrounded by rubble and scorched vehicles.
A second, smaller fire just to the west that was sparked by dry lightning Saturday threatened the tiny town of Seiad, Freeman said. About 400 structures were under threat from the two California fires. Authorities have not confirmed the extent of the damage yet, saying assessments would begin when it was safe to reach the area.
A third fire, which was on the southwest end of the McKinney blaze, prompted evacuation orders for around 500 homes Sunday, said Courtney Kreider, a spokesperson with the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office. The office said crews had been on the scene of the fire since late Saturday but that the fire Sunday morning “became active and escaped its containment line."
Several people in the sheriff's office have been affected by evacuation orders due to the fires “and they're still showing up to work so, (a) very dedicated crew,” she said. A deputy lost his childhood home to fire on Friday, she said.
As the McKinney fire threatened, some residents chose to stay behind while others heeded orders to leave.
Larry Castle and his wife, Nancy, were among about 2,000 residents of the Yreka area under evacuation orders. They left Saturday with some of their prized possessions, including Larry’s motorcycle, and took their dogs to stay with their daughter near Mount Shasta.
Larry Castle said he wasn’t taking any chances after seeing the explosive growth of major fires in recent years.
“You look back at the Paradise fire and the Santa Rosa fire and you realize this stuff is very, very serious,” he told the Sacramento Bee.
In northwest Montana, a fire sparked in grasslands near the town of Elmo had grown to about 17 square miles (44 square km) after advancing into forest. Crews were working along edges of the fire Sunday, and aircraft were expected to continue to make water and retardant drops to help slow the fire's advance, said Sara Rouse, a spokesperson with the interagency team assigned to the fire. High temperatures and erratic winds were expected, she said.
A section of Highway 28 between Hot Springs and Elmo that had been closed was reopened with drivers asked to watch for fire and emergency personnel. Visibility in the area was poor, Rouse said.
In Idaho, the Moose Fire in the Salmon-Challis National Forest has burned on more than 75 square miles (196 square km) in timbered land near the town of Salmon. It was 21% contained by Sunday morning. Pila Malolo, planning operations section chief on the fire, said in a Facebook video update that hot, dry conditions were expected to persist Sunday. Officials said they expected fire growth in steep, rugged country on the fire's south side.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Saturday as the McKinney Fire intensified. The proclamation allows Newsom more flexibility to make emergency response and recovery effort decisions and access federal aid.
California law enforcement knocked on doors in the towns of Yreka and Fort Jones to urge residents to get out and safely evacuate their livestock onto trailers. Automated calls were being sent to land phone lines as well because there were areas without cell phone service.
Scientists say climate change has made the West warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive.
The Pacific Coast Trail Association urged hikers to get to the nearest town while the U.S. Forest Service closed a 110-mile (177-km) section of the trail from the Etna Summit to the Mt. Ashland Campground in southern Oregon.
In Hawaii, the Maui County Emergency Management Agency said a brush fire was 90% contained but a red flag warning was in effect for much of Sunday.
And in north Texas, firefighters continued in their effort to contain the 2-week-old, 10 1/2-square-mile (27 1/3-square-kilometer) Chalk Mountain Fire. The crews now report 83% containment of the fire that has destroyed 16 homes and damaged five others about 50 miles (80 kilometers) southwest of Fort Worth. No injuries have been reported. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/wildfire/heat-wind-growing-western-wildfires/283-33a9b3a3-8ed8-4a89-ae9e-ad9dba7d2490 | 2022-08-01T22:53:28 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/wildfire/heat-wind-growing-western-wildfires/283-33a9b3a3-8ed8-4a89-ae9e-ad9dba7d2490 |
TUPELO • Lee County is worth $52 million more this year than last, according to the county's recent tax assessment.
On Monday, the Lee County Board of Supervisors kicked off the budgeting season by approving a series of changes to the county’s property value assessments after a short public hearing with minimal protest.
During a quick report before the board, Lee County Tax Assessor Mark Weathers said the county saw an overall increase of $52 million in assessed value over the last year, . The increase is up slightly from the preliminary numbers that placed the county at a net $49 million growth.
County officials say the increase was primarily spurred by significant improvements to existing properties.
Assessments follow two basic categories: real and personal property. Real property is land, including any valuable investment attached to the land, including buildings, crops and timber. Personal property includes all property not linked to the properties’ land, such as vehicles, inventory or anything homeowners or companies.
Personal property also accounts for intangible property, such as intellectual property, bank accounts and franchise rights.
While most Lee County municipalities increased in assessed value along with the county, Guntown was the lone municipality to lose assessed value over the past fiscal year. Its value decreased by $124,054.
Lee County Administrator Bill Benson previously told the Daily Journal the reason for the decrease was because two commercial refrigerator manufacturers, Master-Built and Nor-Lake, moved about $1 million in inventory from their factories. Without that movement, Benson said Guntown would have seen overall growth.
Weathers told supervisors that two businesses — national department store chain Kohl's and Wingate, a national hotel chain by Wyndham, both located in Tupelo — have appealed their assessments. Each argued that the county overshot its assessment by about $1 million.
Weathers refuted the businesses' arguments, and the board, taking the tax assessor's advice, denied both appeals.
Benson said both businesses will still have the opportunity to refute the county's assessment in court.
(The businesses) still have an opportunity to file suit in circuit court,” Benson told the Daily Journal, adding that this was rare.
Benson also noted that the business could work with Weathers to compromise without furthering the appeal.
“The assessor still has the ability throughout the year to make changes with board approval that has happened on occasion," Benson said.
With supervisors' approval of the appraisals, Benson said he could begin preparing the county’s 2022-23 fiscal year budget.
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Error! There was an error processing your request. | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/lee-county-supervisors-finalize-tax-rolls-property-values/article_7975f4e4-c9a4-5066-8574-cdd2a0b0b3f9.html | 2022-08-01T22:57:31 | 1 | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/lee-county-supervisors-finalize-tax-rolls-property-values/article_7975f4e4-c9a4-5066-8574-cdd2a0b0b3f9.html |
DALLAS (KDAF) — It’s the day of the girlfriends in the USA! Happy National Girlfriend Day! You deserve a date, whether it be your significant other or a nice girlfriend’s date, a date is in need.
NationalToday says, “Spa days, weekend retreats, pajama parties complete with wine and nachos are even better when your girlfriends join in the fun. This year on National Girlfriend Day 2021, spend some delicious time gossiping about lovers past, present and future. Discuss your hopes and dreams in a really safe space, the circle of sisterhood.”
We checked out some awesome spots around Dallas and North Texas to get out and enjoy a date with whomever you choose!
- Game on at Cidercade Dallas
- Axe throwing at the Whiskey Hatchet
- Get your skate on at Innerskate
- Picture date at Rainbow Vomit – Exposition Park
- Catch a move at Dreamscape at AMC NorthPark Center
- Upstairs Circus in Deep Ellum
- Keith & Margo’s Murder Mystery Texas
- Puttery in The Colony
- Take a cooking class at Eataly
- Catch a comedy show in Dallas or Plano | https://cw33.com/news/local/happy-national-girlfriend-day-heres-some-great-dallas-date-ideas-for-the-girlfriend-in-your-life/ | 2022-08-01T23:03:46 | 1 | https://cw33.com/news/local/happy-national-girlfriend-day-heres-some-great-dallas-date-ideas-for-the-girlfriend-in-your-life/ |
DALLAS (KDAF) — Back-to-school shopping season is upon us and officials across North Texas are helping underprivileged families get necessary school supplies.
If you are in need and looking for a place to get school supplies for free here are some places you can get the supplies your child needs:
August 5 – Dallas Mayor’s Back to School Fair
The 2022 Dallas Mayor’s Back to School Fair is coming back to Fair Park this Friday, Aug. 5, marking the 26th year of operation.
Hosted by Mayor Eric Johnson this year, this fair helps economically disadvantaged families who either live in the City of Dallas and/or have children enrolled in Dallas, prepare for the upcoming school year. You must preregister by Monday, Aug. 1!
READ: Get free back-to-school supplies at the 26th annual Dallas Mayor’s Back to School Fair
For more information, click here.
August 6 – House of Renewed Hope Backpack Giveaway
House of Renewed Hope will be giving away 100 backpacks with school supplies to the first 100 students in attendance.
The giveaway is on Aug. 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3081 South Hampton Dallas, Texas 75224. For more information, click here.
August 6 – “Spread Your Wings Back 2 School Giveaway” Hooters at Cedar Hill
Bring your children to the Hooters at Cedar Hill on Aug. 6 from noon to 4 p.m. for a chance to get some back-to-school gear and discounted haircuts.
Officials say all students K-12 are welcome no matter the district. Donations will be accepted as well. The Hooters is located at 622 Uptown Blvd. Cedar Hill, Texas 75104.
For more information, click here.
August 7 – Back 2 School Bash at The Chosen Vessel in Fort Worth
From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Chosen Vessel in Fort Worth will be hosting their Back 2 School Bash at 4650 Campus Dr. Fort Worth, Texas 76119.
Officials will be giving free school supplies, haircuts and community resources while supplies last.
For more information, click here.
August 13 – For Oak Cliff’s Infinity Back 2 School Festival at Glendale Park
For Oak Cliff is hosting its 8th annual back-to-school festival on Aug. 13 at Glendale Park.
“Whether you need backpacks and school supplies, want to serve as an on-site vendor/sponsor, or want to donate & volunteer, YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!” officials said on their official website.
For more information, click here. | https://cw33.com/news/local/need-back-to-school-supplies-heres-where-you-can-get-some-for-free-in-north-texas/ | 2022-08-01T23:03:52 | 0 | https://cw33.com/news/local/need-back-to-school-supplies-heres-where-you-can-get-some-for-free-in-north-texas/ |
DALLAS (KDAF) — An Irving-based company is receiving national recognition, being named one of the most ethical companies in the world.
Etisphere has released a list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies in the year 2022 and North Texas company Kimberly-Clark made the list.
“Kimberly-Clark has always been committed to doing business the right way,” Mike Hsu, Chairman and CEO at Kimberly-Clark, said in a news release. “We’re honored to be recognized once again by Ethisphere. It’s a reflection of the deep commitment of our teams around the world to lead with integrity as we drive our value creation agenda for all our stakeholders.”
Kimberly-Clark joins the 136 organizations recognized for their commitment to business integrity, spanning 22 countries and 45 industries.
According to a news release, the assessment process includes more than 200 questions regarding culture, environmental and social practices, ethics, and more.
For the full report, click here. | https://cw33.com/news/local/this-north-texas-based-company-ranked-as-one-of-the-most-ethical-companies-in-the-world/ | 2022-08-01T23:03:54 | 0 | https://cw33.com/news/local/this-north-texas-based-company-ranked-as-one-of-the-most-ethical-companies-in-the-world/ |
DALLAS (KDAF) — Much like many local businesses, Pawlicious Cookies in Dallas, began out of a personal need.
When co-owners Yolonda Herrera and Lola Rodriguez couldn’t find healthy dog treats for their own little pups, they got the idea to make their own.
“During COVID when everyone was confined and they couldn’t really go out, when I would go out to find treats at a local grocery store, it was hard to find something that was good for him [her dog],” Yolanda said.
Today, Pawlicious Cookies has amassed hundreds of Instagram followers and are making a name for itself in North Texas. Yolonda and Lola joined Fun on the Run to showcase a few of their items. WATCH the video player for more information about those items
For more information, visit their Instagram. | https://cw33.com/news/local/treat-your-pup-with-these-food-options-from-oak-cliffs-pawlicious-cookies/ | 2022-08-01T23:04:00 | 1 | https://cw33.com/news/local/treat-your-pup-with-these-food-options-from-oak-cliffs-pawlicious-cookies/ |
Originally published July 28 on IdahoEdNews.org.
The pandemic didn’t create new mental health issues on campus, says Matt Niece, Boise State University’s director of counseling services.
Instead, the pandemic intensified existing issues, such as anxiety, depression and trauma. Loneliness and homesickness — already a priority for Boise State counselors, pre-COVID — only became worse. Students felt physically alone, and isolated in a polarized, politicized climate. “People are a lot more reluctant to be vulnerable because everyone’s walking around with their gloves up,” Niece said.
And so, the demand for mental health services has increased, and intensified. Niece sums up the past two years in one painful refrain. “My mind goes immediately to suicide prevention.”
Niece’s stretched department will add counselors for the 2022-23 school year. A team accustomed to paying the bills through insurance collections will get an infusion of support from student fees.
It’s a story of campus consensus — as university administrators and student leaders have coalesced around the need to address mental health.
A stretched department
The stigma surrounding mental health is easing, and more people are willing to ask for help — and as Niece is quick to note, that’s a good thing.
But it also adds more strain on Boise State’s stretched counseling department. And it creates a bottleneck at the start of the process. A caller often has to wait four up to six weeks for an initial intake session, and after that, another two weeks for a full, counseling session. In other words, a caller who makes the decision to seek help — sometimes after hitting a crisis point — often waits two months before counseling can begin in earnest.
The new hires should cut into the wait times, Niece said.
Boise State is adding five staffers: four counselors and a psychiatric nurse practitioner. The university is still interviewing for two counselors, and those positions probably won’t be filled when fall classes begin on Aug. 22.
When the four new counselors are on staff, Boise State will have 13 ½ full-time counseling positions. However, Boise State still won’t meet accreditation standards.
Colleges and universities should make “every effort” to have at least one full-time, professional counselor for every 1,000 to 1,500 students, the International Accreditation of Counseling Services says in its written standards.
Boise State’s counseling staff serves more than 25,000 students, as well as faculty, staff and dependents.
Where the money comes from
Boise State student fees will fund the new positions.
While in-state, undergraduate tuition will be frozen for the third consecutive year, that freeze does not extend to student fees. Fall fees at Boise State will increase by $304 — by far the largest increase among the state’s four-year schools.
The $4.9 million in newly generated student fees won’t all go into counseling. For example, Boise State will use some of the money to address gender equity issues in athletics. About $575,000 will fund the new counseling hires.
A consensus behind counseling
In March 2021, Kenneth Huston ran for Associated Students of Boise State University president, and promised to find funding for one new mental health counselor.
“Our money is just as limited as anyone’s, especially this year. We want to still dedicate those funds in (ASBSU’s) budget, that is non-negotiable, to fund one of those positions,” Huston told Boise State’s student newspaper, The Arbiter.
Huston and running mate Sarah Smith were elected. A year later, Huston spoke before the State Board of Education, advocating for a fee increase that would help hire five mental health staffers.
Despite his reservations about Boise State’s budget structure — and using tuition and fees to cover more than half of the university’s bills — Huston urged the State Board to pass the higher fees and address mental health.
“These increases are critically needed,” Huston said.
The State Board unanimously passed fee increases for all the four-year schools, including Boise State.
There is a consensus behind the Boise State counseling hires, with credit shared freely.
Niece gives a piece of the credit to university President Marlene Tromp. When Niece was involved in interviewing presidential candidates in 2019, Tromp vowed to address student mental health. “(And) she’s following through,” Niece said.
Huston gives credit to administrators. During his address at commencement in May, Huston singled out senior associate dean of students Lauren Oe and Niece, “for your fight to ensure the minds of our students are well cared-for in this environment of mental health crisis.”
Niece, in turn, calls Huston a “great advocate” for student mental health.
Which puts Niece in the position of filling student-funded positions. He says he’s not surprised by the student funding, but he is thankful.
“It’s definitely not unusual in terms of other counseling centers across the country,” he said. “It might be a little bit unusual for Idaho, where there’s still that sort of tough-it-out mentality, go it alone, pull yourself up by your bootstraps mentality. …
“(But) the generation mindset is changing. The stigma is going down. Mental health, just that term, is on top of mind for all students. Now it’s just sort of baked into all conversations.” | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/analysis-a-boise-state-story-of-campus-consensus-in-support-of-student-mental-health/article_e702380d-5449-5be8-bf05-780453bc92c3.html | 2022-08-01T23:05:50 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/analysis-a-boise-state-story-of-campus-consensus-in-support-of-student-mental-health/article_e702380d-5449-5be8-bf05-780453bc92c3.html |
Originally published July 31 on KTVB.COM.
Rural communities across Idaho continue to struggle with emergency medical care services, according to the Idaho Office of Performance Evaluation (OPE). Idaho law does not designate EMS as an essential service so they do not receive a lot of funding through the state.
Later this week, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare's Health Quality Planning Commission (HQPC) will meet to discuss ways to help fill the EMS gaps and plan for the future.
While state leaders look to create solutions for EMS across the state, local schools are doing the work too. Idaho Medical Academy, based in Boise, trains about 500 emergency medical technicians (EMT) each year.
The school also offers classes in CPR, advanced EMT, phlebotomy technicians and more. Each year, the school see about 3,000 students.
"This is the first step for students who are interested in going into health care," said Justin Raney, the director of the academy. He added the trainings can lead to people becoming a paramedic, working in a hospital, fire department and even on a ski patrol.
The school trains people from all over Idaho and the country with its online and hybrid classes so even rural parts of states can participate and get trained. Raney said the programs allow people to work at their own pace if they have another job or obligation, while also not having to travel to Boise if they do not live nearby. Students complete their assignments online, then travel to Boise to complete a hands-on skills week and learn tools to become an EMT.
Raney said they have been able to help fill a need in rural areas of Idaho, like Riggins EMS and Orchard Fire Department, where many departments are volunteer-based and underfunded.
"Most of their funding is from volunteers doing community events and stuff like that," Raney said. "When COVID hit, a lot of those community events went away and lost a lot of resources."
In Idaho, 69% of rural areas rely on volunteers, according to a report from OPE. It also shows the state of Idaho has nearly 2,000 EMS volunteers, which make up 40% of EMS providers statewide.
Raney believes that while many people do want to serve their community, what hurts rural agencies is areas not having enough access to training and education nearby or it being too costly to hire and bring in an instructor for the department. He said hybrid classes may be a tool to help fill EMS staffing shortage needs quicker.
"(A department) might have one person who just needs to get their EMT (certification) and they're like, 'hey, we can't put on a class.' But they can remote in and take a class through us and get that person to become an EMT," Raney said.
Upon a student's graduation from one of Idaho Medical Academy's courses, Raney said they sometimes help place them in rural areas that are struggling to find staffing.
EMT student Colton Baratti is taking his new EMT knowledge back to Twin Falls, where he is surrounded by different communities, like Jerome, Kimberly, Hansen and Buhl.
He is originally from Filer, where his father was a volunteer firefighter. He enjoyed watching his dad help put out fires around the community and interact with neighbors.
While he has intentions to one day work for the Twin Falls Fire Department, he said would not mind working for a smaller agency to start out. Baratti said as the Magic Valley grows, he knows those departments will need more help.
"I think it's really important for hometown type of people that know the area really well and everything to help fire department or EMS or paramedics," Baratti said. He added hopes to fill those needed gaps in staffing.
According to the HQPC's agenda, they will meet on Aug. 4 to discuss staffing in rural EMS agencies. They will discuss OPE's report which will be presented by DHW's bureau chief of EMS and Preparedness, Wayne Denny.
More from KTVB.COM: | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/idaho-ems-school-in-boise-looking-to-fill-gaps-in-rural-staffing-shortage/article_135a1b2e-d337-5d2b-9a07-7af6624521e7.html | 2022-08-01T23:05:56 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/idaho-ems-school-in-boise-looking-to-fill-gaps-in-rural-staffing-shortage/article_135a1b2e-d337-5d2b-9a07-7af6624521e7.html |
Originally published Aug. 1 on IdahoCapitalSun.com.
Thirteen community projects across eastern and southern Idaho could receive funding under a U.S. House of Representatives appropriations bill that passed the House on July 20, despite both of Idaho’s representatives voting against it.
U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, made requests for funding for 15 Idaho community projects from his 2nd Congressional District to be included in the bill, and 13 of them made the cut. In a statement, Simpson said he was pleased to see the important projects for Idaho were included, but the spending level of the overall package far exceeded what he could support.
“I remain committed to prioritizing Idaho’s needs, reducing federal spending and putting our economy on a sustainable, healthy path for the future,” Simpson’s statement said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to craft a more responsible spending package that can gain bipartisan support as this bill moves forward to conference.”
The $90.9 billion bill, which provides funding for the Department of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and related agencies, passed the House on a party-line vote of 220-207 and is now under consideration in the U.S. Senate’s Appropriations Committee. It’s unclear if it has the votes to pass the Senate.
Rep. Russ Fulcher, R-Idaho, did not make any funding requests for the bill. Daniel Tellez, spokesperson for Fulcher’s office, said by email it is consistent with his position on funding requests, which are also called earmarks.
In statements issued in March 2021, Fulcher, who represents Idaho’s 1st Congressional District in western and northern Idaho, said he sent a letter with 17 other Republican colleagues addressed to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-California, making a pledge against requesting earmarked funding.
“At any time — but particularly when we are staring at over $27 trillion in total national debt — it is plain wrong to suggest adding new ways to spend taxpayer dollars on local pet-projects for certain members or lobbyists,” Fulcher said in a statement.
Since that letter was released, the U.S. national debt has risen to more than $30 trillion.
The U.S. Congress placed a moratorium on earmarks in 2011 in response to allegations of corruption and abuse related to the practice. Earmarks returned in 2021 with new rules — in addition to making member requests public and requiring certification that neither the member nor their immediate family members have any financial interest in a particular earmark, the list of community project funding requests must be made public 24 hours before the full committee meets to mark up the bill.
According to Congressional records, 332 of 435 House representatives requested community project funding, 106 of whom are Republicans, including Simpson. Ultimately, no Republican voted in favor of the bill on the House floor.
What Idaho projects were approved?
According to Simpson’s reports, the projects he requested that were approved include:
Rock Creek Conservation and Water Quality Enhancement Project
Requested: $15 million
Approved: $4 million
- Funding to enhance water quality and fish and wildlife habitat, urban outdoor recreational opportunities, and provide flood control benefits in the lower Rock Creek Watershed of Twin Falls County. The project also aims to provide sediment removal and total phosphorus reductions from agricultural runoff, improving water quality.
Jerome Education and Training Center
Requested: $3.3 million
Approved: $3.3 million
- Funding to construct a new 20,000-square-foot education and training facility for dairy, food and meat processing industries to support regional needs for the College of Southern Idaho in downtown Jerome. The college also plans to support health care training for high school students and CNA and medical assisting trades in support of regional needs, and for the center to serve as a community hub for Hispanic residents and students.
McCammon Fire Station
Requested: $813,750
Approved: $813,750
- Funding to construct a new fire station in eastern Idaho’s McCammon, where the fire station was originally built to serve as a maintenance shed and currently has no running water and no insulation. Cramped quarters have limited the ability to upsize equipment and effectively deploy engines due to lack of maneuverability, city officials said. The new facility will allow for increased volunteerism and allow ambulance space.
Custer County Court Annex Building
Requested: $600,000
Approved: $600,000
- Funding for a new court annex building in Challis. The current court building, built in 1957, is non-ADA compliant and has degraded after two major earthquakes in the region. The new building will include a courtroom, judge’s chambers, jury room, three court clerk offices, an elevator, bathrooms and two evidence vaults.
Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment
Requested: $7.84 million
Approved: $1 million
- Funding to support collaboration between the University of Idaho and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service in south central Idaho’s Kimberly to protect the sustainability of agriculture, identify ways to reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses, improve the health of soil and quality of water and increase the efficiency of irrigation. Funding will be prioritized for facilities and equipment that will help determine the extent of the impact of dairy production on the environment.
Little Wood River
Requested: $2.6 million
Approved: $2.6 million
- This project will replace the walls of the channel, which was constructed in the 1930s, that flows through the city of Gooding in south central Idaho. Many sections of the wall have failed, leading to an increase in localized flood risk and threats to adjacent public infrastructure and private property. It is also leading to public road damage along the corridor from subsurface erosion. Gooding Public Works Director Larry Bybee said in a statement that the city is grateful to Simpson for his help approving the funding. “The project has been delayed for decades due to escalating costs, and the failing wall is now undermining roadways and poses a greater risk of flooding every year. Thank you, Congressman Simpson, from the citizens of Gooding,” Bybee said.
City of Grace Wastewater Collection and Treatment Systems Improvement Project
Requested: $2.65 million
Approved: $2.65 million
- Funding to make electrical and equipment improvements to the eastern Idaho city’s wastewater collection and treatment systems. Grace Mayor Jackie Barthlome said in a statement the plant has not been updated since 1985, and with a small population of about 950 people, city management wants to keep costs low for residents. “With the rate of inflation and unforeseen equipment reaching its lifetime and needing to be replaced, any support is greatly appreciated,” Barthlome said.
City of Roberts Clean Water Project
Requested: $2 million
Approved: $2 million
- Funding for updates to the eastern Idaho city’s failing sewer lines that were installed in 1969. Some of the sewer lines are causing raw sewage to back up into residents’ homes and creating a critical public health concern. The improvements will help ensure that sewage is not leaking into the groundwater and will prevent the backups that are occurring in residents’ homes.
City of Ammon First Street Reconstruction
Requested: $5.83 million
Approved: $5.83 million
- Funding for reconstruction of First Street, which is a principal arterial through the city of Ammon in Bonneville County. The section that will be reconstructed is in failing condition and unsafe, according to city officials. The reconstruction will widen the road to five lanes, with two lanes in each direction and a center two-way turn lane. A curb, gutter, and sidewalk will be added along the entire section. Sand Creek bridge will be widened to five lanes and will include sidewalks.
Center Street Railroad Bridge Underpass
Requested: $5.7 million
Approved: $5.7 million
- Funding to repair and replace sections of the bridge underpass in Pocatello. The existing roadway and pedestrian lighting will be upgraded, and the existing stormwater system will be modified or replaced to handle storm events, along with a pedestrian bridge. The Center Street underpass is an essential element of Pocatello’s transportation system and one of three principal arterial streets that cross the railroad connecting the downtown area to the rest of Pocatello.
Downtown Boise YMCA Catalytic Redevelopment Project
Requested: $10 million
Approved: $4 million
- Funding for the redevelopment of two city blocks in Boise that will bring together the YMCA, its partners in health care, education, and the nonprofit and government sectors, and provide comprehensive solutions for community challenges in one of the nation’s fastest growing cities. This project aims to connect community members to local businesses, hospitals, social, educational and governmental services.
“As our state continues to grow, we need to ensure Idaho is the place where we all can have the best possible opportunity to thrive and where our children and grandchildren choose to stay,” Gov. Brad Little said in a statement. “This YMCA redevelopment will strengthen families and the foundation of the Treasure Valley community for generations to come.”
Idaho Workforce and Public Safety Training Facility Improvements
Requested: $750,000
Approved: $750,000
- Funding to develop indoor/outdoor labs and learning stations in Ada County that will be used to educate water and wastewater operators across Idaho, including its most rural communities. The funding would specifically be used to provide site improvements, including the construction of curbs and a parking lot, loading dock and storage facilities, to provide safer access to these education facilities. Additional resources will be designated to purchase and install the equipment necessary for indoor/outdoor labs to conduct real-world hands-on experience and training.
“This funding will aid current employees to gain more credentials while they continue working, and it will expand the potential hiring pool into Idaho’s rural communities,” Wendi Secrist, executive director of the Idaho Workforce Development Council, said in a statement. “This funding will strengthen local businesses, increase local wages, and build greater economic stability throughout the state as water and wastewater are critical to economic development efforts.”
Healing Idaho Community Development Project
Requested: $2.4 million
Approved: $2.4 million
- Funding to build a medically designed, adaptive and accessible camp to serve nonprofits across the state called Hidden Paradise on a 172-acre parcel in Fairfield in Camas County that was purchased by Camp Rainbow Gold in 2019. The property will also be available when camps are not in session to host community events. The project will provide services to children, families and adults from across Idaho, many of whom have been marginalized because of medical conditions, treatment or disabilities and have insufficient access to outdoor recreation activities. The funding will be used to install a Large Soil Absorption System. Funds would be used for new water lines, wells, repairs and much-needed power upgrades to create a safer environment for campers.
Two projects of the 15 were not part of the overall funding package. The first was a $7.08 million funding request for rehabilitation of Mackay Dam, a 100-year-old structure that is aging and degraded to the point of critical condition. The second project was a $1.54 million funding request for an emergency services infrastructure project with a helipad and four-unit ambulance bay attached to the new Family Health Services Community Health Center in Shoshone. It’s unclear why those two projects were not approved. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/idaho-rep-simpson-made-15-funding-requests-for-state-projects-then-voted-against-them/article_ebea5ac3-1ca5-529b-83f3-e6d1adf44197.html | 2022-08-01T23:06:02 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/idaho-rep-simpson-made-15-funding-requests-for-state-projects-then-voted-against-them/article_ebea5ac3-1ca5-529b-83f3-e6d1adf44197.html |
Originally published July 26 on IdahoEdNews.org.
The percentage of Idaho juniors who met both benchmark scores on the SAT – a measure of college and career readiness – slid for the second year in a row, according to data the State Department of Education released on Tuesday.
In 2022, 28.3% of juniors met both benchmarks on the SAT (for math and evidence-based reading and writing) – 0.8% lower than in 2021 and 3.7% lower than in 2020. Even amid pandemic-related school shutdowns in 2020, 90% of Idaho juniors still took the SAT.
The benchmark percentages in math have fallen over the past two years as well. This year, 30.5% of students met the benchmark, 0.7% fewer than in 2021 and 2.5% fewer than in 2020.
Benchmark percentages for evidence-based reading and writing showed a 0.1% increase from 2021. Scores from the last two years, however, were both more than 4% below the 58% of students who met the benchmark in 2020.
The SDE characterized the new SAT scores as “holding steady” from the previous year in a Tuesday press release.
Sherri Ybarra, superintendent of public instruction, pointed out that many students are no longer required — by the state or by their university — to take college entrance exams.
“We’ve known for some time that many Idaho students do not prepare for the SAT because it is not essential to their post-high school plans,” Ybarra said. “And the priority placed on the test has declined further in recent years as universities in Idaho and elsewhere have stopped requiring college-entrance exams, and the State Board of Education dropped the exams as a graduation requirement this year.”
How Idaho schools and districts fared
There were some bright spots in the SDE’s report. Couer d’Alene Charter Academy had the highest rate in the state, just as it did in 2021, with nearly 90% of its students meeting both benchmarks. The following schools also had notably high percentages of students who met both benchmarks:
- Renaissance High (West Ada) 77%
- North Idaho Stem Charter >76%
- Meridian Tech. Charter 68%
- Meridian Medical Arts Charter 67%
Among all Idaho districts and charter schools with at least 20 participating students, only 11 had 50 percent or more of their students meet both benchmarks.
Here are the percentages of juniors meeting both the English and math benchmark scores for select large districts:
- Boise: 41.5%
- Bonneville: 30.5%
- Caldwell: 11.3%
- Cassia County: 21.8%
- Coeur d’Alene: 34.2%
- Emmett: 27.8%
- Idaho Falls: 26.5%
- Jefferson County: 30.6%
- Jerome: 9.9%
- Kuna: 19.5%
- Lakeland: 29.1%
- Lewiston: 24.8%
- Madison: 32.8%
- Middleton: 31%
- Moscow: 49.7%
- Nampa: 17.3%
- Oneida County: 28.6%
- Pocatello-Chubbuck: 32%
- Post Falls: 30.7%
- Twin Falls: 24.9%
- Vallivue: 20.3%
- West Ada: 40.4%
The College Board establishes benchmarks “to help students and educators assess student progress toward college readiness from year to year.” According to its website, students who meet or exceed the benchmarks have a 75% chance of earning at least a C in a variety of general education first-semester college courses. It also notes that “students scoring below the SAT benchmarks can still be successful in college, especially with additional preparation and perseverance.”
Education leaders have been questioning the validity of college entrance exams, especially since the start of the pandemic.
Idaho Education News filed a public records request for the 2022 SAT data, but the SDE provided only partial information on Tuesday; raw SAT scores were not released. EdNews has requested that data and will report on it when it becomes available.
Idaho Education News data analyst Randy Schrader contributed to this report. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/idaho-sat-benchmark-percentages-slide-for-the-second-consecutive-year/article_a445a3fe-bb2b-5920-85da-af7664da32c0.html | 2022-08-01T23:06:09 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/idaho-sat-benchmark-percentages-slide-for-the-second-consecutive-year/article_a445a3fe-bb2b-5920-85da-af7664da32c0.html |
JEROME — Lloyd Martin has worn many hats in his lifetime.
Just ask his wife.
“Lloyd has done a lot of things,” she said. “It’s hard to remember them all.”
Martin has walked the same 300 acres of the family farm for 65 years, his earliest memories going back to when he was 10 years old. He’s been an exalted ruler of the Elks Lodge, and for more than 20 years was a reserve deputy for the Jerome County Sheriff’s Office and a certified EMT. He is a founding member of Jerome County Search and Rescue, and once served as a commander for the group.
As a member of the Optimist Club, he’s hosted an annual fishing derby for special needs children at a large pond on the farm, where kids delight in catching 6- to 8-pound trout every May. It’s been going on for 46 years.
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His generosity gained the admiration of the community when the Jerome Chamber of Commerce named him the recipient of its 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award.
Martin is quick to point out that his wife, Barbara, has had a big role in his efforts.
“I wouldn’t be in this position without her,” he said. “It’s our lifetime achievement.”
The couple will be in the Jerome County Fair Parade on Aug. 9.
Martin is a farmer through and through. He remembers his early life on the farm, from working with siphon tubes to an occasional ride on a Model R John Deere tractor as it pulled a Graham Hoeme plow.
As he got older, he farmed with his father, who died in 2002.
The Martins live in a modest home once occupied by his grandfather. His father’s former house is just down the road where his son, Paul, lives. Paul has assumed operation of the farm.
His daughters are also close: Kim lives nearby and Marsha lives in Jerome.
“He knows all there is to know about farming,” Marsha said. She described her father as inventive and a person who could have excelled in numerous other careers.
“He could have done other things,” she said, “but taking over the family farm was more than just a responsibility. It was a duty.”
The fishing derby on the farm got a start due to the Martins having a large pond on their farmland. Each year Clear Springs Foods fills the pond with large trout and busloads of special needs children come to the farm, getting a ride to the pond in a straw-filled wagon.
“Some of them like the ride more than the fishing,” Barbara said.
The fishing derby has been going on so long, “we have a really good system set up," Martin said, even down to Barbara baking “monster” cookies filled with oatmeal and M&Ms for the volunteers.
Several stations are set up at the pond for worms, fixing misbehaving fishing poles, and fileting the caught trout.
Just watching the fun the children have puts a good feeling in his heart, Martin said.
Barbara said the children jump up and down with excitement and say, “Thank you.”
Several local businesses donate to the fishing derby.
Martin served as a reserve deputy for 20 years, as he patrolled the county with a neighboring farmer during winter months.
His involvement with law enforcement also led him to become a founding member of Jerome County Search and Rescue, starting when a man from Jerome became lost in the South Hills one winter in the early 1980s, and Martin felt an obligation to help out.
“We were all farmers and had snow machines,” he said.
Marsha said working with search and rescue was a joy to her father and he often talked about the adventures of rappelling down the Snake River Canyon wall.
Martin's big heart has always been evident, Marsha said. She remembers her father driving his service truck around the county in the wintertime, helping people thaw frozen pipes.
One Thanksgiving Day, the family dinner was delayed as he helped a family in need.
“He said, ‘We can wait for our dinner,’” Marsha said.
At 74, Martin has more time to himself. His son is doing most of the farming this year, giving him time to read books and watch television. Barbara is an avid John Wayne fan and she displays numerous pictures of the Duke on a living room wall. Martin, on the other hand, has his own space on the wall where he displays multiple photos of a favorite baling tractor.
“We are comfortable here on the farm,” Barbara said.
Martin enjoys his life and said he doesn’t have regrets. He said he's concerned about today's youth and urges them to be honest and show respect to their elders.
“Make good friends,” he suggested as a recipe for success. "Slow down and smell the roses." | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/jerome-mans-generosity-gains-admiration-of-others/article_fe7fb9b4-11d1-11ed-969d-cf81b665fbea.html | 2022-08-01T23:10:53 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/jerome-mans-generosity-gains-admiration-of-others/article_fe7fb9b4-11d1-11ed-969d-cf81b665fbea.html |
KIMBERLY — Hundreds of teenagers will push and pull handcarts this week as they walk in the footsteps of pioneers.
It will be a “handcart trek” accompanied by fun and laughter, but with a sober tone as they remember the sacrifices of pioneers more than 160 years before.
“Tears flow quite liberally in some places,” church leader James Coombs said, “and not just because of the Wyoming wind.”
Early Tuesday morning, the youth boarded buses and headed for Martin’s Cove in Wyoming, 500 miles away. In 1856, two companies of pioneers with badly built handcarts bogged down in the snow near the cove after getting a late start on the journey to Salt Lake Valley. About 200 people died.
After being delayed a year by the pandemic, the Kimberly Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will continue its tradition of about every four years making the journey with its young men and young women 14 to 18 years old, along with plenty of adults who will help supervise.
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“This is a hands-on reenactment of some of the early pioneer Saints’ experiences as they traveled to the Salt Lake Valley,” spokesman Virgil Johnson said.
Coombs said the trip, to be made by 265 teenagers and 70 adults, requires a lot of advanced planning.
Participants need to gather period clothing, and transportation and meals must be arranged. A medical team needs to be there in case of emergencies.
The work is worth it.
“It’s a very special tradition for our stake,” Coombs said. This will be the fourth handcart trek he’s participated in.
Members of the church consider Martin’s Cove to be hallowed ground. It is uncertain how many of the pioneers died in the cove, but according to the Wyoming Historical Society, there were 67 deaths in the Willie Co., a rate of about 14%, and 135 to 150 deaths in the Martin Co., a rate of about 25%. Church officials in Salt Lake Valley heard of the desperate state of the group and sent parties to rescue surviving members, who were weak and had very little food.
"Tongue nor pen can never tell the sorrow and the suffering,” wrote Heber McBride, a member of the Martin Co., of the experience.
Kimberly Stake members will visit several significant sites of the church in addition to the cove, where pioneers hunkered down to escape harsh October and November weather. Rocky Ridge, a very steep, rocky place of the Mormon Trail that proved difficult for the emigrants, and the Sweetwater River, over which rescuers carried weak members of the handcart companies.
Youth will walk and push/pull handcarts over about 25 miles of the Mormon Trail, Coombs said, and leave Martin’s Cove on Friday afternoon.
Church public affairs representative Ray Parrish said it’s common for some of the youth to complain during the first day of trip about not having access to video games or cell phones. Soon after, however, their attitudes change.
“The trips seem to have a lasting impact on the youth and adults who participate,” Coombs said. “Sometimes the veil is thin and you feel closer to those who have gone before and better appreciate the blessings you have.”
Many stakes in Magic Valley hold their handcart treks in the South Hills or near Alturas Lake, Parrish said. The emphasis on treks started about 15 to 20 years ago. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/kimberly-youth-to-follow-footsteps-of-pioneers/article_1e489948-1027-11ed-b28a-7f1b185d3628.html | 2022-08-01T23:10:59 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/kimberly-youth-to-follow-footsteps-of-pioneers/article_1e489948-1027-11ed-b28a-7f1b185d3628.html |
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Harrisburg Mayor Wanda R.D. Williams announced a temporary transfer of power following an outpatient procedure.
The power has been transferred to Commissioner Thomas Carter of the Harrisburg Bureau of Police.
Officially beginning Sunday, July 31 at 11:45 p.m., Carter will hold Mayor Williams's seat until Tuesday, August 16 at 12 a.m.
Mayor Williams underwent an outpatient procedure and is currently recovering at home, prompting the transfer of power. She is reportedly in good spirits.
“I want to reassure the residents of the City of Harrisburg that I am doing well,” Mayor Williams said. “I had a minor procedure done Monday morning. It is a personal matter to me. I have the utmost faith in Commissioner Carter and look forward to being back to work in a short time.”
A recent tweet from Harrisburg's Director of Communications, Matt Maisel clarified the transfer of power.
He tweeted that under state law, if a mayor is unable to perform duties of their office, they must designate an administrative dept. head or city clerk. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/mayor-williams-announces-temporary-transfer-of-power-pennsylvania-wanda/521-5aa9635a-f3ca-486d-94c3-4e3acc712285 | 2022-08-01T23:30:29 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/mayor-williams-announces-temporary-transfer-of-power-pennsylvania-wanda/521-5aa9635a-f3ca-486d-94c3-4e3acc712285 |
Elaborate displays recall the arrest of accused presidential assassin Lee Harvey Oswald and his murder at the former Dallas City Hall and Police Headquarters building on Harwood Street, which is now the University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law.
The Dallas assassination of President John F. Kennedy and then the live TV murder of the alleged assassin shocked the nation and forever changed security precautions for presidents and suspects.
The law school occupies the upper five floors of that building. None of the displays are currently open to the public, but visitors may soon be allowed to see a portion of the display in the building’s basement.
“We wanted to preserve as much of the history as we could, but this is a functioning law school which means I have students normally all over the building,” said Felicia Epps, Dean of UNT Dallas College of Law. “We have to put the best interests of our students as our first concern and make sure they’re getting their legal education in a quiet, safe environment.”
NBC 5 GIVEN AN EXCLUSIVE TOUR INSIDE THE NEW EXHIBIT
In the basement area that may eventually be open to the public on weekends, images are projected on walls at the entrance depicting events in that building and the city of Dallas in November 1963.
In the first room of the basement exhibit, old TVs and a radio play more sounds and sights of the early 1960s leading up to the assassination of President Kennedy.
In the next room, interactive displays depict the interrogation area where both Oswald and his killer Jack Ruby were questioned and the building’s line-up area where witness identification was conducted.
There is a recreation of what once was the suspect booking area in the basement. And finally, the exhibit ends with photos of Oswald’s murder in the exact spot where Ruby fired the fatal shot.
Inside the UNT Dallas Law School's Lee Harvey Oswald Exhibit
Epps said the exhibit is chilling.
“To think that you're somewhere where this kind of history took place. And it is part of history. And you have to embrace all parts of our history. This is part of it,” she said.
Historic features in the upper floors of the building have also been preserved but they will not be visible to law students and not be open to the public to maintain security in the building.
The actual interrogation room on the third floor and the fourth-floor mug shot area are marked.
The fifth-floor cell where both Oswald and then Ruby were jailed in 1963 has also been preserved. That cell in the middle of a three-cell block was selected to have no other inmates besides Oswald.
Oswald was taken out of that cell and down from the fifth floor in a secure elevator for a transfer to the Dallas County Jail. But the transfer was interrupted by the gunshot from Ruby in the basement.
“So, the police take Jack Ruby into custody, bring him up in that same elevator, and put him in this cell,” Epps said.
The building was designed in 1912 and served as Dallas City Hall until 1978. It continued to be Dallas Police Headquarters until 2003. A 1956 annex portion of the building is still Dallas Municipal Court.
Back in 1963, Jack Ruby, a Dallas nightclub owner, was able to walk right down into the basement of the building and shoot Oswald.
The prisoner transfer was being carried on live television, which required extensive public setup at that time.
President Kennedy rode through Dallas in an open vehicle when he was shot. Security since those events is much different for presidents and suspects.
But some conspiracy talk about those events remains to this day.
“Matters that we might have resolved to everyone's satisfaction if there had been a trial of Lee Harvey Oswald which there never was,” Epps said.
The history from nearly 60 years ago is not forgotten is what is now a law school.
Officials with UNT Dallas are talking with other organizations about how the basement display might be managed and opened to visitors in the future. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/exclusive-tour-inside-lee-harvey-oswald-exhibit-detailing-notorious-dallas-history/3037101/ | 2022-08-01T23:32:52 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/exclusive-tour-inside-lee-harvey-oswald-exhibit-detailing-notorious-dallas-history/3037101/ |
The UNT Dallas College of Law gave NBC 5 a tour of the historic features that have been saved for public access in the near future. Parts of the building were the old Dallas Police Headquarters and the place where Lee Harvey Oswald was shot by Jack Ruby.
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UNT Dallas Law Center was Dallas City Hall until 1978 and portions were Dallas Police Headquarters until 2003. Lee Harvey Oswald and Jack Ruby were both jailed on the 5th floor here.
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A 1956 addition to the Dallas City Hall building first housed Dallas Police Headquarters and Municipal Court. It is still Dallas Municipal Court today.
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Garage door entrances like this on the south and north sides of the building lead to the basement level where prisoners were brought through the building. Jack Ruby evidently walked right down to the basement hallway where he fired the fatal shot that killed Lee Harvey Oswald as Oswald was being taken to the Dallas County Jail in November 1963. Security for high profile defendants is much different since then.
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This is the display on the 5th floor of the UNT Dallas Law School with cells that were preserved. Both Lee Harvey Oswald and then Jack Ruby were jailed in the same high security cell. This area will NOT be open to the public to maintain safety for students.
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Display posted outside the cell where Oswald and Ruby were jailed in 1963.
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I spent a few seconds in this historic cell and that is long enough! I'm told there is no replacement for the old locking mechanism parts and I was happy to get out without closing the door!
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This is the mug shot area on the 4th floor of the building. This will NOT be open to the public to keep students and the law school secure.
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The historic display at the mug shot area that will NOT be open to the public.
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A display in an area of the UNT Dallas Law School that will NOT be open to the public.
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This is the 3rd flood interrogation room from the former Dallas Police portion of the building that will NOT be open to the public.
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A closer view of the interview room that will NOT be open to the public.
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Details about the 1963 questioning of Lee Harvey Oswald.
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This is the former Dallas City Council Chambers in the Old Dallas City Hall building, now a UNT Dallas law school class room, NOT open to the public.
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This is a mock courtroom in the UNT Dallas Law School that is NOT open to the public.
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Basement hallway entrance to the UNT Dallas Law School display that may one day be open to the public. Images from 1963 are displayed on the wall.
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Another view of the hallway display entering the historic exhibit at UNT Dallas Law School basement that may one day be open to the public.
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Historic exhibit includes old radio and TV's
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Interactive displays about the events of November 1963 with a map on the floor about locations. May eventually be open to the public.
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Display depicting how suspect line ups were conducted in 1963 and how Oswald was paraded in front of cameras.
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This is a recreation of the Dallas Police booking area with interactive computers that would not have been present in 1963.
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This display about the actual shooting of Lee Harvey Oswald is in the exact spot where the shooting occurred in what was then a hallway. It may soon be open to the public.
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The display transitions to a window that shows the actual basement garage area which no no longer be accessed. Oswald was to be taken to a waiting vehicle in the garage. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/inside-the-unt-dallas-law-schools-lee-harvey-oswald-exhibit/3036978/ | 2022-08-01T23:32:59 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/inside-the-unt-dallas-law-schools-lee-harvey-oswald-exhibit/3036978/ |
Investigators with the Fort Worth Fire Department have charged a man with arson after he admitted to starting several fires, the department says.
On Thursday, the FWFD's Arson Unit responded to a grass fire near Buck Sansom Park, the 20th in the area in a seven-day period. Two of those fires were multi-alarm responses.
Upon arrival, investigators observed a man who matched the description of a person of interest in the fires leaving the area and he was taken into custody less than two miles away on the 2800 block of Prospect Avenue.
Fire investigators said the man, who they identified as 32-year-old Julio Frausto, confessed to starting Thursday's fire as well as others in the area.
Frausto is facing a charge of second-degree felony arson as well as a second-degree felony fraudulent use or possession of identifying information and of misdemeanor evading arrest or detention.
Fire Department officials said the investigation is ongoing and they have not released a motive in the fires.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
Due to the critical fire conditions that are persistent in North Texas, the department is urging everyone to remain vigilant around heat and flames. The FWFD reminds everyone to please continue reporting anything perceived as suspicious activity. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/man-charged-with-arson-in-fort-worth-grassfire-admits-to-starting-others-fire-department/3036939/ | 2022-08-01T23:33:12 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/man-charged-with-arson-in-fort-worth-grassfire-admits-to-starting-others-fire-department/3036939/ |
As the school year approaches, the Tarrant Area Food Bank is adding new distribution locations and expanding hours to allow for more accessibility, TAFB announced Monday.
The TAFB weekly mobile distribution is moving to a permanent indoor location at the Met Church in Fort Worth, located at 11301 North Riverside Drive. This location will be open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
TAFB also announced it will be continuing its monthly Off the Dock food distribution this Sunday, Aug. 7 at their Fort Worth Distribution Center, 2600 Cullen Street from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Mission Market, a new TAFB location in Weatherford where people in need can have a grocery store-like shopping experience, is expanding its days of operation. The Mission Market's expanded hours are as follows:
- Monday and Thursday: 4 p.m - 7 p.m.
- Wednesday and Friday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The Mission Market is located in Weatherford at 112 Winners Circle.
Food insecurity continues to be an issue in Fort Worth and across the country. TAFB said that food insecurity for some Tarrant area families is reaching numbers equal to or greater than those during the height of the COVID pandemic.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
The added stress of the extreme heat has led the food bank to expand hours and move mobile events indoors to ease the strain on volunteers, employees and clients. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/tarrant-area-food-bank-adds-new-locations-expands-hours-before-school-year/3036746/ | 2022-08-01T23:33:19 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/tarrant-area-food-bank-adds-new-locations-expands-hours-before-school-year/3036746/ |
SCRANTON, Pa. — When students in the Scranton School District return to class next month they'll be leaving something behind.
Under a new district policy, personal devices, including cell phones, must be kept either in a locker or in a student's backpack.
They cannot be used on school property, on school buses, or at any school-sponsored activity.
Any device needed for learning purposes will be provided by the district.
This new rule goes into effect on the first day of school, which is September 6 in Scranton.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/cracking-down-on-electronics-in-school-scranton-school-district-phones-cell-school-property/523-c0167072-4b47-49cf-9744-c6d85786a01a | 2022-08-01T23:35:46 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/cracking-down-on-electronics-in-school-scranton-school-district-phones-cell-school-property/523-c0167072-4b47-49cf-9744-c6d85786a01a |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/ex-sesame-place-employee-speaks-about-lack-of-proper-training/3322104/ | 2022-08-01T23:35:46 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/ex-sesame-place-employee-speaks-about-lack-of-proper-training/3322104/ |
MOSCOW, Pa. — A helmet and a hug from his helper Anthony is all Jake Hart needs to get going on his custom training bicycle.
Jake is one of forty riders from northeastern PA who signed up for 'I Can Bike.'
The week-long program held at North Pocono Middle School in Moscow teaches children with special needs how to ride a bicycle.
"It lets them be a kid and lets them do things that normal typical kids are just able to pick up and do where our kids just need that little extra push," said Lorie Jumper, Abilities 21 volunteer.
Lorie Jumper is one of the Volunteers with Abilities 21, a group that helps families with children who have special needs.
Her son was involved in the first 'I Can Bike' event last year.
"He is so much more confident. A lot of people, unfortunately, because of his cerebral palsy and stuff, a lot of people pick on him. Now with him being back, he's just more confident. He's going through this gym, making them sweat," said Jumper.
The riders start off the week on training bikes, and as the week goes on, their confidence grows, and so does their skill level.
"Steering, balance, peddling that you would typically learn, we just use a different system on our bikes," said Emma Addison, 'I Can Shine' Floor Manager.
Emma Addison is with I Can Shine. The nationwide non-profit supplies the unique training bikes the children are riding.
Each one is adjustable so that as the week goes on, the difficulty level can be increased as the kids get more comfortable and can eventually ride the bikes they have at home.
"We see a lot of kids come in with parents who honestly don't believe that their kid can ride, and by the end of the week, they are up and riding on two wheels," said Addison.
While the 'I Can Bike' program is all about learning how to ride a bike, for some of the kids, it means so much more.
"And one of my riders a couple of weeks ago, he was riding around, and he yelled to dad, this is freedom," said Addison.
The program runs through the rest of the week.
Registration for next year's 'I Can Bike' at North Pocono Middle School is now open. To register or volunteer, head to their website by clicking here.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/i-can-bike-program-held-in-lackawanna-county-north-pocono-middle-school-moscow-jake-hart-i-can-bike-lorie-jumper-emma-addison/523-9e8b8314-ed22-4356-ab38-cb52c619da10 | 2022-08-01T23:35:48 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/i-can-bike-program-held-in-lackawanna-county-north-pocono-middle-school-moscow-jake-hart-i-can-bike-lorie-jumper-emma-addison/523-9e8b8314-ed22-4356-ab38-cb52c619da10 |
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — Family members of Jasmine Stoud carried a picture of the little girl into the Northumberland County Courthouse in Sunbury.
"She was very loving, very caring. Even as a child, she was a beautiful little girl," said Rebecca Richards, Jasmine's mother.
The six-year-old was raped and murdered in 2001 in Coal Township by Brandon Brown. He was a teenager when he was found guilty of first-degree murder two years later and then sentenced to life in prison.
"I think if he would ever come out and say I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do it, but he never has," said Linda Stoud, Jasmine's grandmother.
A recent Supreme Court ruling gives teenagers sent to prison for life the chance at a new sentence, and that's what lawyers for Brandon Brown have done.
Brown was resentenced Monday to 50 years to life in prison with credit for about 20 years time served.
Jasmine's family tells Newswatch 16 that they are happy with the new sentence.
"We're just glad that it's over for now and that we don't have to worry about it for another 30 years," said Stoud.
"I know that she's not coming home, but the outcome of him still being locked away, it helped to bring closure today," said Richards.
Brandon Brown is now 36 years old. He was resentenced Monday to 50 years to life in prison with about 20 years time served.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/northumberland-county/convicted-killer-resentenced-in-northumberland-county-jasmin-stoud-brandon-brown-rebecca-richards-linda-stoud-prison-supreme-court/523-c28d1738-e51c-4289-a74f-8cea3235252a | 2022-08-01T23:35:48 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/northumberland-county/convicted-killer-resentenced-in-northumberland-county-jasmin-stoud-brandon-brown-rebecca-richards-linda-stoud-prison-supreme-court/523-c28d1738-e51c-4289-a74f-8cea3235252a |
ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — The Department of Justice launched a federal investigation Friday into the Russian government's possible interference into U.S. politics including local elections right here in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Former St. Petersburg mayor Rick Kriseman commended investigators Monday in a facebook post saying, "It is vital that we have confidence in the democratic process."
If the allegations in the indictment are true, that means there was Russian influence over people living in St. Petersburg during the entire time period Kriseman served as mayor.
The indictment has an entire section on background, which explains that the Russian government will find groups and people in the U.S. willing to spread their message. They'll use the group's reach to create wedges, confuse people and degrade democracy.
Although the indictment did not name specific groups or people, the FBI raided the Uhuru House in St. Petersburg Friday.
Akile Anai, a leader within the African People’s Socialist Party and Uhuru movement told reporters the group is "in support of Russia."
"A propaganda war is being waged against Russia every day throughout the news," Anai said. "The U.S. has a hold on what is being propagated about the war, a defensive war, Russia's defensive war against Ukraine, against world colonial powers."
The feds are accusing the Uhuru group of working directly with the Russian government to influence local St. Pete elections in 2017 and 2019. Rick Kriseman was elected mayor in 2017.
We don't know if that race was specifically targeted but five years later Kriseman said, "To see they're doing it at the local level, not just federal or state level, in some ways it's not surprising, quite frankly, it's at the local level the most policy gets implemented. Local elected officials are closest to the people so if you want to impact the people directly, starting at local levels does make some sense."
Jesse Nevel was the Uhuru candidate in the St. Pete mayoral race in 2017.
When asked if he coordinated with people in Russia on his campaign, he said, "This is garbage. This is garbage. I’m not going to entertain the discussion. The campaign got massive support from people who wanted to stand with the Black community and their demand for reparations." | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/former-mayor-kriseman-reacts-russian-interference-st-petersburg-elections/67-36651b26-81c8-403b-9f52-28cd975e7872 | 2022-08-01T23:37:42 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/former-mayor-kriseman-reacts-russian-interference-st-petersburg-elections/67-36651b26-81c8-403b-9f52-28cd975e7872 |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The McWane Science Center will be hosting Dragon Fest, a Dungeons & Dragons-themed event for those 21 and over, this month.
Dragon Fest will take place on Aug. 19 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., and features many interactive and fun events for adults. Tickets are $25 a person and includes general museum admission as well as access to the Lost World of Dragons exhibit, which ends Sept. 4.
Additionally, the nighttime event will include activities for guests to participate in themed to dragons. Most notably, there will be several Dungeons & Dragons campaigns hosted by Valhalla Board Game Café. Information on how to secure a spot is listed on the Dragon Fest webpage.
Gear Gaming will also provide 1-on-1 D&D sessions for those who are interested in joining campaigns, but need help understanding the game’s history and basics. There will also be a DJ and dance floor, art vendors and a medieval costume contest with D&D celebrity judges and prizes.
Miranda Springer is the vice president of development and marketing for the McWane Center. She says the event will host many activities geared towards a grown-up audience.
“We will have educational programs with more of an adult focus,” Springer said. “Guests will be able to build a catapult, experience some alchemy and do lots of things that will spark some interest and curiosity about science.”
The main reason why the event is for those 21 and over is due to alcohol being served during the event. Interstellar Ginger Beer and Exploration Co., Good People Brewery Co. and Avondale Brewing Co. will be some of the local brewing industries catering Dragon Fest.
Springer also says the event will also give adults the chance to enjoy a night of fun for themselves at McWane.
“This is an opportunity for adults to come and enjoy and game and really feel like the space is for them,” Springer said. “Because what we do at the McWane Center isn’t just for little kids.”
Dragon Fest will be McWane’s first D&D-themed event and will test to see if 21+ events are still popular with the science center post-pandemic.
The McWane Center has hosted multiple 21 and over events in the past under the name “McWane: After Dark.” Past events included Speakeasy Science in 2017, The Science of Love in 2018 and New Beer’s Eve. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/mcwane-hosting-dragon-fest-a-21-dungeons-dragons-event-this-month/ | 2022-08-01T23:40:08 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/mcwane-hosting-dragon-fest-a-21-dungeons-dragons-event-this-month/ |
ArcelorMittal's profit slipped year-over-year to $3.9 billion in the second quarter.
That's down from $4 billion in the second quarter of 2021 and from $4.1 billion in the first quarter of 2022.
The Luxembourg-based steelmaker, whose North American headquarters is in Schererville, pulled in $5.2 billion in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amoritization, which was up from $5 billion the previous quarter. It's the fifth straight quarter its EBITDA has been over $5 billion.
ArcelorMittal, which still has a global research and development lab in East Chicago after selling off most of its Northwest Indiana facilities to Cleveland-Cliffs, made $4.5 billion in operating income in the first quarter, up from $4.4 billion in the first quarter.
"The company had a strong first half with market conditions supporting a fifth consecutive quarter of EBITDA of over $5 billion. This enabled us to progress against our strategic objectives and continue to transform our business for the net zero economy," CEO Aditya Mittal said. "We have completed a number of targeted acquisitions reflecting the changing energy and metallic inputs required for low-carbon emissions steelmaking and are also seeking to strengthen our presence in regions that have the ability to produce low-cost green hydrogen such as Brazil, where we have today announced the proposed acquisition of one of the country’s lowest-cost slab producers.
People are also reading…
In the second quarter, ArcelorMittal saw a 6.3% decline in steel shipments to 14.4 million tons. It was largely a result of lower shipments in Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States in the former Soviet Union.
"The period, however, was overshadowed by the outbreak of war in Ukraine, where we have steel and mining operations, bringing instability and suffering to the country and our 26,000 employees," Mittal said. "Globally the conflict is impacting growth and adding further inflationary pressure, which is spilling over into weakening of demand. Despite the more uncertain global macro outlook, our business is well positioned to effectively manage through the cycle. The long-term outlook for steel demand also remains positive, underpinned by the scale of opportunity related to the energy transition and the continuing growth of developing economies."
ArcelorMittal ended the quarter with $8.8 billion in gross debt and $4.2 billion in net debt. It generated $1.7 billion in working cash flow while investing $1 billion in working capital in its operations worldwide. | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/arcelormittal-net-income-slips-to-3-9-billion-in-second-quarter/article_3c498575-d49f-5674-9071-2fcdc0c436da.html | 2022-08-01T23:46:42 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/arcelormittal-net-income-slips-to-3-9-billion-in-second-quarter/article_3c498575-d49f-5674-9071-2fcdc0c436da.html |
PORTLAND, Maine — Virginia Oliver, who at the age of 102 still goes out on Penobscot Bay to help her son catch lobsters, has had a memorable year.
She was featured in a congressional proclamation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, honoring her as, “perhaps the world’s oldest lobster harvester.” (If there’s anyone out there who’s older, please raise your hand and speak up.)
She was the subject of numerous news stories seen around the world. Oliver was also chosen to be the grand marshal of the Maine Lobster Festival parade in her hometown of Rockland.
And now, another feather in her cap: Her story has just been told in an illustrated book for children called “The Lobster Lady—Maine’s 102-year-old Legend.”
Two Maine residents, writer Barbara Walsh, and illustrator Shelby Crouse, collaborated on the project.
“I’ve been a journalist for 35-plus years,” Walsh said, “And when I saw 207’s segment on her last July, I kept watching it and I fell in love with her. And I thought, 'This is a children’s book.'”
How did the book come together? And why did Walsh and Crouse have to work with unusual speed? Watch 207's conversation to find out more. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/maines-most-famous-lobsterwoman-is-now-the-subject-of-a-book-for-kids-reading-community/97-1510f88f-b379-403f-96fa-62a2feb80da8 | 2022-08-01T23:46:48 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/maines-most-famous-lobsterwoman-is-now-the-subject-of-a-book-for-kids-reading-community/97-1510f88f-b379-403f-96fa-62a2feb80da8 |
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