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SCRANTON, Pa. — It's National Night out and National Ice Cream Sandwich Day, and in Lackawanna County, it's a veteran's birthday. And he's celebrating quite the milestone, he turned 103 years old Tuesday.
Morris Kashuba is a resident at the Gino Merli Veterans Center in Scranton, and the staff surprised him with a party Tuesday afternoon.
Kashuba served with the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946 and earned 3 Bronze Stars.
Pennsylvania's Deputy Adjutant General was on hand to present Kashuba with a special military coin.
The staff at Gino Merli says Kashuba is pretty sharp and enjoys a can of Mountain Dew every day.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/veteran-turns-103-in-lackawanna-county-gino-merli-veteran-center-scranton-morris-kashuba-pennsylvania-deputy-adjutant-general/523-9650496e-1757-4ec7-bc70-6d5f6d5e0ac7 | 2022-08-03T01:16:33 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/veteran-turns-103-in-lackawanna-county-gino-merli-veteran-center-scranton-morris-kashuba-pennsylvania-deputy-adjutant-general/523-9650496e-1757-4ec7-bc70-6d5f6d5e0ac7 |
INDIANAPOLIS — Abortion has become the biggest issue in this special session, but the governor called this special session of the legislature to provide financial relief to Hoosiers.
How that money gets in your pocket is still up for much debate.
The House Ways and Means committee gutted Senate Bill 2 Tuesday morning. The committee replaced it with the language of House Bill 1001, which provides a $225 refund to taxpayers and about $56 million in services to women and children.
Before changing the bill, committee members questioned the Senate bill author about the effectiveness of $45 million dollars in the proposed Hoosier Families First Fund.
"Would you agree that this is simply inadequate, what you call 'seed money,' that this is not adequate to achieve anything of substance?" asked Rep. Ed Delaney.
RELATED: House committee passes abortion ban bill with major amendments; $225 tax refund added to Senate bill
"I think it provides a basis for us to get started, to identify those programs that are most needed in the state of Indiana," said Sen. Travis Holdman, the sponsor of SB2. "But once again, Rep. Delaney, I don't believe that all the women who give birth to babies are in need of any or all of these services. There may be some folks that are covered by insurance, or they're financially able to cover those costs themselves that they wouldn't need state support for that."
So the original language is gone from SB2 is gone. Senate Bill 3 would temporarily cap the gas tax and suspend utilities sales tax for six months.
That's how the Senate wanted to provide financial relief, but that bill may not even get a hearing in the House.
Meanwhile, a Senate committee will take up HB 1001. We'll see Wednesday if senators are willing to go along with the tax refund idea.
What other people are reading: | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana-lawmakers-continue-to-debate-financial-relief-for-hoosiers/531-4658ad56-5bec-4b9a-810c-21026e189f7a | 2022-08-03T01:19:08 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana-lawmakers-continue-to-debate-financial-relief-for-hoosiers/531-4658ad56-5bec-4b9a-810c-21026e189f7a |
ELWOOD, Ind. — Condolences continue to pour in over the death of Elwood Officer Noah Shahnavaz, including from his military squad leader Marcos Montalvo.
Montalvo told 13News, that he and Shahnavaz were both stationed at Fort Bliss Texas in December 2016.
"They come to us as 18-year-old kids and we try and show them the way the best we can and how to grow up in a pretty fast-paced military," said Montalvo.
Montalvo said Shahnavaz was a little shy, which is expected because he was new to the 591st Military Police Company.
"I finally got into Noah's shell when we got deployed. We went to United Arab Emirates in 2017. I spent several nights with him, and we talked just to get the time going when we're on patrol or guarding the gates," said Montalvo.
Montalvo said he learned a lot about Shahnavaz.
"He's a very kind-hearted person. Talking to him I learned that all he wanted to do was be a police officer," said Montalvo.
They got deployed again, this time to the California border to help U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents.
Shahnavaz wasn't in Montalvo's unit, but they remained close.
"He still wanted to be a cop. I asked him, 'You don't want to stay in the military and continue on and be, what we called, lifers?' He said, 'No, no, I still want to be a cop,'" said Montalvo.
Montalvo said Shahnavaz just wanted to help people.
"My job was, as his leader, to learn about him and learn what he wants and help him develop what he needs to develop to become what he wants to become," said Montalvo.
"I was grateful to get him to that point where I believed he made that step and finally just doing what he wanted to do - becoming a law enforcement officer. I'm proud of him. I'm very sorry for what happened. You know, it sucks."
Montalvo recalled some good times he spent with Shahnavaz, including the time they were deployed and couldn't find a nearby barber shop. Montalvo offered to be everyone's barber.
"One of the first people in was Shahnavaz, Noah. I used to always make fun of him because his hair was very coarse. I used to say he had pit bull hair and I'd always mess up his hair. We'd always laugh about it but he's always come back just to let me practice and help him out. Like I said, it's the whole giving aspect and helping other people," said Montalvo.
Montalvo said he misses his friend very much and sends prayers to his family.
He also shared those who were together during their deployment want to make a plaque to honor Shahnavaz and present it to his family. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/military-leader-friend-remembers-fallen-elwood-police-officer-noah-shahnavaz/531-e19bef25-22ba-492a-8ea4-f3ae13e028b0 | 2022-08-03T01:19:14 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/military-leader-friend-remembers-fallen-elwood-police-officer-noah-shahnavaz/531-e19bef25-22ba-492a-8ea4-f3ae13e028b0 |
KILLEEN, Texas — The Junior Service League Spray Pad at Long Branch Park in Killeen is back up and running following a water leak that caused it to shut down last week.
The Killeen Recreation Service's Department announced last Monday that repairs were needed for two large mainline water leaks. The park had only been open for about a week at the time of its closure.
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 $3 for adults and $2 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/splash-pad-killeen-park-reopens-after-water-leak/500-72225513-61c8-41e0-934b-40bce3c9c954 | 2022-08-03T01:23:02 | 1 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/splash-pad-killeen-park-reopens-after-water-leak/500-72225513-61c8-41e0-934b-40bce3c9c954 |
ELKVIEW, WV (WOWK) – The people of Elkview recognize the scene in eastern Kentucky all too well as they are still recovering from their own tragic flooding that happened over six years ago.
Clendenin resident Sylvia Casto’s home was drowned by over ten feet of water during the deadly Elk River flooding in 2016. Now, her heart goes out to the people facing similar situations.
“Everything there was destroyed. We had to tear out all the walls, electric and everything. And we were out of our house for four months. I feel sorry for them because I know what it is to go through that,” Casto says.
One Mount Pleasant Baptist Church member remembers when the flooding wiped out his place of worship, six years later.
He says, “I just remember a lot of flood water, a lot of homes and families devastated. There was a lot of death and destruction around the whole area and there are still some people who haven’t recovered really from what happened.”
But things do get better.
“Just have faith and know that things will work out. It may seem horrible and like it’s the end of everything, your life’s ruined right now, but just hang in there,” says Young. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/elkview-community-still-recovering-six-years-after-flood/ | 2022-08-03T01:23:25 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/elkview-community-still-recovering-six-years-after-flood/ |
LINCOLN COUNTY, WV (WOWK) — A person was flown to the hospital after sustaining serious injuries after an ATV and a truck crashed on Sand Gap Road in Lincoln County.
According to West Hamlin Fire & Rescue, this happened just before 2 p.m. on Tuesday.
They say the helicopter landed at the Guyan Valley Middle School football field. The patient was then taken to the hospital in a helicopter.
They thank their members, Air EVAC and Lincoln EMS for their assistance. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/person-flown-to-hospital-after-atv-and-truck-crash-in-lincoln-county/ | 2022-08-03T01:23:31 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/person-flown-to-hospital-after-atv-and-truck-crash-in-lincoln-county/ |
HUNTINGTON, WV (WOWK) — Two people have been taken to the hospital after a vehicle crash in the 4300 block of Green Valley Road in Huntington.
Cabell County dispatchers say this came in just after 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday.
The extent of their injuries is unknown at this time. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/two-taken-to-hospital-after-crash-in-huntington/ | 2022-08-03T01:23:37 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/two-taken-to-hospital-after-crash-in-huntington/ |
A Dallas City Council Committee approved a resolution Tuesday that would restrict city resources such as funds, personnel, and hardware from being used to investigate abortions.
It is a move several Texas cities have taken in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe. v. Wade.
"This is decriminalizing abortion. We can't legalize it, but we can decriminalize it," said Dallas Council Member Adam Bazaldua, chair of the city's Quality of Life, Arts and Culture Committee.
The resolution, which unanimously passed through the seven-member committee Tuesday afternoon, would also prevent city resources to be used to provide information to other government bodies or agencies about pregnancy outcomes unless it's to defend a patient's right to reproductive care.
"Condemning any of the actions that have been taken at other levels of government is something that may be ceremonial that something to provide a little bit of assurance to our residents that the local government here, is here to support them," Bazaldua said. "In addition to that, it's to make sure that what we do have the purview to control which is the allocation of resources, personnel departments, like that none of them will be expended on enforcement or prosecution of these egregious legislations that have come as a result of the Supreme Court's ruling."
Essentially, it would make abortion investigations a low priority for police, but the language of the resolution does have exceptions.
"If a woman has endured sexual assault, any type of coercion, or if there is any type of speculation of malpractice or there was negligence on the healthcare providers part, there are specific carve-outs in this policy that will not blanket those instances with what we've asked the city to prioritize," explained Bazaldua.
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The resolution would also prohibit using city resources for surveillance through electronic devices to collect, record, analyze or monitor information associated with a specific person or group to determine if an abortion happened. The only exception would be for, "aggregated data, data without personally identifying information or personal health information for purposes unrelated to criminal investigation, enforcement, or prosecution."
The city of Austin and Denton have also passed similar resolutions. The city of San Antonio was also exploring it on Tuesday and other large cities are expected to explore the same.
Pro-life groups like Texas Right to Life, disagree with what local entities are doing and say they'll continue to push for even more abortion laws.
"I do believe at the local politicians believe that they are trying to circumvent state law and take matters into their own hands and they think that would work, and again, it would work if we didn’t have additional resources and tools that are at our disposal," said Kimberlyn Schwartz, director of media and communications for Texas Right to Life. "And we’re going to continue pushing that in the next legislative session, to make sure that we don’t just stop here, but to expand things like the Texas 'Heart Beat Act' and allow private citizens to sue abortionists if they break the law.”
In Texas, essentially all abortions are illegal, even for rape and incest. The only exception is if the mother's life is at risk. On Aug. 25, the state's 'trigger law' will go into effect, meaning any provider caught performing an abortion could face a felony, up to life in prison and at $100,000 fine.
In regards to opposition to the resolution that passed through the Dallas Committee on Tuesday, Bazaldua said it's an argument that is for the Texas Legislature.
"Of course not hopeful for how that argument will go when that is taken up down there (in Austin), but this is not a piece of policy about arguing ideology. This is not about the partisan politics and the divide of what this buzz topic has come about. This is a basic infringement of constitutional rights that's been afforded for decades to women to access health care, and we have to look at abortion as health care and stop with the argument of what we are convicted of because of our own religious beliefs or ideology," expressed Bazaldua.
The Dallas resolution will now go before a full city council and mayor for a vote, which could happen as soon as Aug. 10. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-joins-texas-cities-taking-up-resolutions-to-address-abortion/3037792/ | 2022-08-03T01:26:27 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-joins-texas-cities-taking-up-resolutions-to-address-abortion/3037792/ |
In face of pushback from seniors, Raynham looks for new voting location
RAYNHAM — Preparations in Raynham for the state primary and general election this fall met a hurdle recently.
All early voting in Raynham for 2020’s primary and presidential election was at the senior center on King Philip Street.
Selectmen at their July 12 meeting approved Town Clerk Marsha Silvia’s request to have in-person early voting again this year at the senior center from Aug. 27 – Sept. 2, and Oct. 22 – Nov. 4.
This decision upset many seniors, according to Erin Medeiros, community services director for the Council on Aging.
“We canceled programs for two years. I’m trying to get things up and running again. I’m trying to get seniors back out and socializing more,” she said at the July 26 Selectmen's meeting.
Medeiros explained while early voting at the senior center made sense in 2020 because it was shut down, the set-up takes practically all the space at the center meant for recreation.
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The three weeks mandated by the state for early voting would essentially cancel all senior programming during this period.
“They feel they’re being displaced again. They’re getting pushed back constantly by the town,” Medeiros said.
Members of the Board of Selectmen were upset over the predicament. Board Chair Richard Schiavo couldn’t recall a discussion about the senior center’s opinion and commitment to having early voting there, but acknowledged Silvia was following orders.
“I’ll take responsibility and say the Board should have thought this out better,” said Schiavo.
Silvia was in attendance for the July 26 meeting.
Selectman Patricia Riley asked Silvia if there was any way the town could move early voting out of the senior center.
Silvia explained the early voting location for August was already approved by the state, but she hadn’t yet finalized the October dates. Changing the location for August early voting is a timely process that would require her office to notify all registered voters of the venue change via mailer.
“It was not my intention to upset those who use the senior center. I’m just trying to do what’s mandated,” said Silvia.
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The dilemma of finding a suitable site
The main issue is finding a suitable venue to relocate early voting. According to Silvia, a voting location has to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“We could face civil rights violations if we move this and not meet the specifications for voting locations. Not every place can be an allowed voting location,” said Selectman Joseph Pacheco.
Linda DeMelo, election official for 18 years, spoke of the problems with having early voting done at Town Hall in the years before 2020.
“The problem is we’re packing people in tight here like sardines,” she said, reminding people the pandemic is not yet over and social distancing isn’t an easy option at Town Hall.
Silvia said she believes voter safety comes first.
“Voters should have every opportunity to vote in whatever manner they choose, and they should feel safe doing it,” she said.
Concerns about Town Hall's suitability
Silvia also reminded the board that Town Hall’s service elevator’s safety certification expired back in January of this year. It can’t be used until it's recertified by an inspector.
DeMelo added the senior center was been an approved voting location long before the pandemic.
"Most locations do not elicit the response the Senior Center does. It’s one level. It’s easy access,” DeMelo said.
What about Raynham Middle School?
Medeiros asked if Raynham Middle School was an early voting option since its gymnasium is already used for annual town elections and election day itself.
Pacheco, arguing there’s a difference between one day and two weeks, was against using the middle school. Having two weeks of all-day early voting in October, in the middle of classes, was “logistically, a headache for the school department” because of security needs.
Pacheco was the lone selectman in favor of keeping early voting at the senior center. He said it was easier to relocate senior activities to other locations, such as the Lions Club or the public library, because there aren’t the same mandates surrounding their activities as there are for voting.
“Logistically and financially, we’re being put in a quagmire. The reasons given make sense for using the senior center. There’s nothing preventing seniors from using other places for activities,” Pacheco said.
Schiavo disagreed with Pacheco’s take, saying the senior center “is their building” and “we can’t kick seniors under the bus.”
Selectmen reached a compromise.
It decided to keep early voting in August at the senior center on the grounds that it’s already been set by the state, it’s only for one week, and, according to Medeiros, there are fewer senior activities going on than in the fall.
The board voted unanimously to move early voting for October out of the senior center and into another location. This new location, as well as the decision of whether to have any sort of voting at the senior center in the foreseeable future, will be decided on a later date. | https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2022/08/02/raynham-early-voting-senior-center-displaced-middle-school/10193558002/ | 2022-08-03T01:26:52 | 0 | https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2022/08/02/raynham-early-voting-senior-center-displaced-middle-school/10193558002/ |
Indiana House committee members listen to testimony on its version of a Senate-approved abortion ban as listeners in an upstairs gallery of the Indiana House chamber indicate their support.
Arleigh Rodgers, Associated Press
Dr. Beatrice Soderholm, a fourth-year obstetrics and gynecology resident at Indiana University, speaks to a House committee Tuesday in Indianapolis. Soderholm and her fellow residents are concerned about practicing medicine in Indiana if a more restrictive abortion ban becomes law.
Arleigh Rodgers, Associated Press
Jodi Smith speaks to an Indiana House committee on behalf of Indiana Right to Life, an anti-abortion advocacy group, Tuesday. Smith said the organization supports some, but not all, of a House amendment to a Senate abortion ban approved July 30.
Arleigh Rodgers, Associated Press
People line up outside the Indiana House chamber in Indianapolis on Tuesday ahead of its morning session to hear testimony on the Senate-approved abortion ban now in consideration by the House.
Indiana's proposed near-total abortion ban was revised by a House committee Tuesday to be slightly less onerous on pregnant women and their doctors.
Senate Bill 1 now authorizes abortion up to 20 weeks post-fertilization when necessary to prevent substantial impairment to the life or the physical health of a pregnant woman, or for the duration of pregnancy in the case of a lethal fetal anomaly.
The Senate version of the measure did not consider risks to the physical health of a woman to be a valid basis for abortion. Instead, it authorized the procedure only if the woman's life was in immediate danger.
The revised legislation also limits all abortions due to rape or incest to 10 weeks post-fertilization but scraps a Senate requirement the pregnant woman submit a non-confidential, notarized affidavit attesting to the criminal circumstances that led to her pregnancy.
In its place, the proposal obligates doctors performing an abortion to certify in writing to the hospital or ambulatory surgical center where the abortion takes place the legal basis for the abortion, and all facts supporting the validity of the abortion.
State Rep. Wendy McNamara, R-Evansville, a LaPorte native and chairwoman of the House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code, said the changes — adopted without objection by all committee members — are "a thoughtful way forward" that "shows compassion for mothers and babies."
The legislation still bans nearly all abortions in Indiana and forces the closure of abortion clinics across the state, such as the Planned Parenthood facility in Merrillville, by requiring all abortions be performed in a hospital or a hospital-owned ambulatory outpatient surgical center.
The measure specifies it does not apply to in vitro fertilization procedures. But it also eliminates the Senate's definition of pregnancy as beginning at uterine implantation in favor of life starting at fertilization, potentially opening the door to subsequent regulation of the "morning after" pill, intrauterine devices and similar measures that prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg.
In addition, the proposal no longer authorizes Republican Attorney General Todd Rokita to overrule locally elected county prosecutors who categorically decline to prosecute illegal abortions and establishes a Prosecutorial Oversight Task Force to study the issue of prosecutorial discretion ahead of the 2023 regular legislative session that begins in January.
Nevertheless, several doctors told the committee the lack of clear definitions pertaining to the life or health exceptions likely will make doctors wary of performing abortions except in the direst circumstances to avoid potentially risking their medical license or facing criminal charges.
"We are concerned that Indiana is creating an atmosphere that will be perceived as antagonistic to physicians," said Brian Tabor, president of the Indiana Hospital Association. "As state-level decisions continue to unfold, we caution our public officials from sending signals that could further exacerbate our health care workforce shortage and threaten access to care."
At the same time, anti-abortion activists said they consider the abortion ban exceptions for the life and health of the mother, and in cases of rape and incest, to be too broad and too easy to claim, and will fail to significantly reduce the number of abortions in Indiana.
"Senate Bill 1 is not salvageable," said Cathie Humbarger, founder of Reprotection Inc. "We do not need to make babies the enemy of their mothers, no matter how they were conceived."
Lawmakers won't have to wait long to learn the impact should the revised measure become law. It now directs the Indiana Department of Health to report each quarter, instead of annually, the number of terminated pregnancies in the state and any abortion complications.
The committee ultimately voted 8-5 to advance the revised legislation to the full House following some eight hours of testimony from more than 100 Hoosiers almost uniformly opposed to the measure.
State Rep. Cindy Ziemke, R-Batesville, joined all the Democrats in opposition. Though several committee Republicans who backed the measure, including state Rep. Mike Aylesworth, R-Hebron, expressed misgivings about its current provisions.
"I still have some reservations on the rape and incest part of this bill," Aylesworth said. "But in order to move it forward and get it into the House, I vote yes."
Democratic attempts to further change it by extending the rape or incest exception to 20 weeks, guaranteeing workplace accommodations for pregnant women, and moving the effective date to Nov. 1, instead of Sept. 1, to give health care providers more time to learn about the intricacies of the new law were rejected by the committee, mostly on party-line votes.
The 71 Republicans and 29 Democrats serving in the House now will have all day Wednesday to mull over the plan before convening Thursday to propose, debate and possibly adopt additional amendments to the proposal.
The chamber then is expected to vote Friday on passage. Legislation must win 51 votes to earn House approval.
The House is likely to split, similar to the Senate, into three or four camps: Republicans favoring the near-total abortion ban crafted by the House and Republicans favoring the more restrictive Senate version; Republicans favoring a "no exceptions" abortion ban; and a few Republicans and likely all Democrats opposing new abortion restrictions.
If the measure is approved by the House, it must return to the Senate for lawmakers there to either consent to the changes made by the House or to send the legislation to a conference committee, where a few members from the House and Senate will attempt to work out a compromise version that must be voted on again by both chambers.
It's possible the House changes will be fatal to the legislation because several of the bare minimum of 26 senators who supported the measure Saturday said they only were doing so to "keep the conversation going," and might not vote for it again if it comes back from the House with significant differences.
Under Indiana law, all special session legislation must be approved by the House and Senate with identical language no later than Aug. 14 to advance to Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb to be signed into law or vetoed.
The House Committee on Public Health is scheduled to hear public testimony on the legislation at the Statehouse beginning at 8 a.m. Region time Tuesday.
The Republican Senate reluctantly agreed to advance a prohibition all abortions in the state, with limited exceptions for pregnancies caused by rape or incest, or when the life of the mother is at stake.
It's not clear whether Senate Bill 1 will reach the 26 votes required for approval, even though Republicans, who generally oppose abortion, control 39 seats in the 50-member chamber.
State Sen. Sue Glick said the time limits ensure exceptions to her proposed abortion ban remain available, but aren't open-ended opportunities to terminate a pregnancy after viability is reached.
Thousands of people, including the vice president of the U.S., showed up at the Indiana Statehouse on Monday to make their voices heard as Hoosier lawmakers consider enacting a near-total abortion ban.
Some of the more than 50 women, men and children who rallied Sunday at Wicker Memorial Park vowed to keep fighting until the right to abortion is fully restored.
Women's access to abortion largely could be eliminated in Indiana as soon as mid-August under legislation unveiled Wednesday by Republican Senate leaders.
"Politicians are wading into an issue they are not smart enough to understand outside of their Washington talking points," said Ali Brown, a Portage native and Democratic city leader in Indianapolis.
Attorney Jim Bopp, of Terre Haute, said his proposal offers "the best opportunity to protect the unborn" following last month's U.S. Supreme Court ruling rescinding the constitutional right to abortion.
The 2021 Terminated Pregnancy Report shows 8,414 women had an abortion in Indiana last year, up from 7,756 in 2020, a total of 658 more abortions, or an 8.5% increase.
"We are elected to do what you want us to do. And right now, 79% of the individuals in our country are against the ban on abortion. ... So let your voices be heard," said state Rep. Carolyn Jackson.
Following Friday’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Indiana lawmakers are almost certain next month to enact severe restrictions on abortion access, or outright ban the procedure in the Hoosier State.
Gov. Eric Holcomb on Wednesday issued an official proclamation directing the General Assembly to convene on July 6 “in order to consider and address the current adverse economic conditions."
Indiana House committee members listen to testimony on its version of a Senate-approved abortion ban as listeners in an upstairs gallery of the Indiana House chamber indicate their support.
Dr. Beatrice Soderholm, a fourth-year obstetrics and gynecology resident at Indiana University, speaks to a House committee Tuesday in Indianapolis. Soderholm and her fellow residents are concerned about practicing medicine in Indiana if a more restrictive abortion ban becomes law.
Jodi Smith speaks to an Indiana House committee on behalf of Indiana Right to Life, an anti-abortion advocacy group, Tuesday. Smith said the organization supports some, but not all, of a House amendment to a Senate abortion ban approved July 30.
People line up outside the Indiana House chamber in Indianapolis on Tuesday ahead of its morning session to hear testimony on the Senate-approved abortion ban now in consideration by the House. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/house-panel-rewrites-portions-of-indianas-proposed-near-total-abortion-ban/article_5525ac55-681a-59e1-80e7-dcd51906b326.html | 2022-08-03T01:27:58 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/house-panel-rewrites-portions-of-indianas-proposed-near-total-abortion-ban/article_5525ac55-681a-59e1-80e7-dcd51906b326.html |
HOBART — The True Cost of Washington Tour sponsored by Americans for Prosperity, a conservative political advocacy group, came to Luke Convenience Store & Gas Station on Tuesday afternoon and featured an appearance by former Vice President Mike Pence.
The tour has been traveling across the county, partnering with gas stations to offset the price of regular gasoline back down to $2.38, the average price per gallon on the first day of the Biden administration. Americans can expect to spend an extra $5,500 to maintain the same standard of living as last year due to soaring inflation rates, AFP said.
“We’re highlighting the issues coming out of Washington, the bad policies that have been driving inflation across the economy causing record gas prices this summer for Hoosiers,” Jeff Webb, Indiana’s AFP state director, said. “We’re trying to use this to provide some temporary relief, but really to highlight the good policies to get these prices down permanently and provide people permanent relief across the economy.”
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The average American family will spend $1,500 more per year for gas at its current cost, Pence said. He said America needs a change of direction in leadership or new leadership in Washington.
“The time has come for the Biden administration to end the war on energy and unleash American energy and lower the cost of gasoline for working families here in the heartland of America,” he said. “That will be the foundation of bringing this economy back.”
Pence was accompanied by Jennifer-Ruth Green, the Republican candidate for Indiana’s 1st Congressional District of Lake, Porter and northwest LaPorte counties.
“Hoosiers deserve better,” Green said. “When we look at the fact that specific economic difficulties are crushing our families, it is something that burdens me. As we see these families who are struggling, I believe we can do better.”
AFP rolled back the regular price of gasoline from $3.99 to $2.38 from 1 to 3 p.m. The organization covered the remaining cost of $1.61 per gallon to help out Hoosiers.
“It was such a blessing, I saved about $20 in gas today,” Corey Laseter, of Hobart, said. “To have someone to give back, for me to leave my house and see this surprise, it just makes my day. It encourages you to do what’s right and believe things will get better.”
Laseter said that oftentimes the middle and lower class think they’re being taken advantage of and that events like the True Cost of Washington Tour give people hope.
Anton Jackson, of Gary, normally doesn’t fill up his gas tank since it’s been $4 and up but was able to today since he saved an extra $2 per gallon.
“You’re spending more money at the gas pump, even the dollar store. You’re spending an extra 25 cents for almost everything there,” Jackson said. “Overall you’re spending a lot of extra money, and it adds up in the long run.”
Webb said this was the tour’s third stop in Indiana and somewhere around stop 50 in the U.S. overall. He said the two-hour gas rollback window would provide nearly 200 customers with cheaper gas.
Following the event, Drew Anderson, spokesman for the Indiana Democratic party, and U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland released statements regarding Pence's comments.
"It's a shame Mike Pence doesn't read local news anymore, because if he had, he'd learn the state's high gas taxes are solely because of Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Republican Party," Anderson said. "Hoosiers should expect these kinds of political stunts from Pence - because he's trying so hard to be relevant."
Mrvan said Republicans are focused solely on greed and political power, not substance and solving problems.
"It is deeply regrettable that the Republican nominee for the First District of Indiana receives money and support from these types of national organizations, including the American Action Network, which is funded by Big Oil and their record-breaking profits," Mrvan said. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/hobart/pence-attends-event-rolling-back-gas-to-2-38-at-hobart-gas-station/article_285080d6-5d98-5402-b8e4-bbea8e01ae36.html | 2022-08-03T01:28:04 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/hobart/pence-attends-event-rolling-back-gas-to-2-38-at-hobart-gas-station/article_285080d6-5d98-5402-b8e4-bbea8e01ae36.html |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/atlantic-city-shuts-down-homeless-encampment-underneath-pier/3323618/ | 2022-08-03T01:29:36 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/atlantic-city-shuts-down-homeless-encampment-underneath-pier/3323618/ |
YREKA, Calif. — Two more bodies were found within the burn zone of a huge Northern California wildfire, raising the death toll to four in the state’s largest blaze of the year, authorities said Tuesday.
Search teams discovered the additional bodies Monday at separate residences along State Route 96, one of the only roads in and out of the remote region near the state line with Oregon, the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
“This brings the confirmed fatality number to 4,” the sheriff’s statement said. “At this time there are no unaccounted for persons.” Other details were not immediately disclosed.
Two bodies were also found found Sunday inside a charred vehicle in the driveway of a home near the tiny unincorporated community of Klamath River, which sustained major damage in the McKinney Fire, sheriff's officials said.
“It’s really tragic when a fire gets up and moves this fast and basically takes out a community. And that’s what happened in the Klamath River area,” Mike Lindbery, a spokesperson with the fire’s incident management team, said Tuesday.
As flames raged over the weekend, Franklin Thom fled his home in the small city of Yreka where he grew up on the edge of a national forest in California. He made it to a shelter with his daughter and just his medicine, some clothes and his shower shoes. Unlike some others, he was told that he had escaped with his home still standing.
“Keep your prayers out for us," said Thom, 55.
More than 100 homes, sheds and other buildings have burned in the McKinney Fire since it erupted last Friday. Rain helped firefighters as they worked to control the spread of the fire, but the blaze remained out of control, authorities said.
The Northern California wildfire has burned nearly nearly 88 square miles (228 square kilometers), and is the largest of several wildfires burning in the Klamath National Forest. A smaller fire near the tiny community of Happy Camp forced evacuations and road closures as it burned out of control Tuesday. Still more fires are raging in the Western U.S., threatening thousands of homes.
In northwestern Montana, a fire that started Friday near the town of Elmo on the Flathead Indian Reservation has burned some structures, but authorities said they didn't immediately know if any were homes. The blaze measured 25 square miles (66 square kilometers) on Tuesday, with 10% containment, fire officials said. Some residents were forced to flee Monday as gusting afternoon winds drove the fire.
The Moose Fire in Idaho has burned more than 85 square miles (220 square km) in the Salmon-Challis National Forest while threatening homes, mining operations and fisheries near the town of Salmon. It was 23% contained Tuesday, according to the National Interagency Coordination Center.
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 more than 30% contained by Tuesday.
California's McKinney Fire grew to become the state's largest wildfire so far this year after it was fed by weekend winds gusting to 50 mph (80 kph).
Cloudy weather and scattered rain continued to help firefighters Tuesday as bulldozers managed to ring the small and scenic tourism destination city of Yreka, with firebreaks. Crews carving other firebreaks in steep, rugged terrain also made progress, fire officials said.
The blaze was holding about 4 miles (6.4 km) from downtown Yreka, population about 7,500.
“We’ve got the weather,” said Todd Mack, an incident fire commander with the U.S. Forest Service. “We’ve got the horsepower. And we’re getting after it.”
But lightning over the weekend also sparked several smaller fires near the McKinney Fire. And despite the much-needed moisture, forests and fields in the region remained bone-dry.
Among those waiting out the fire at the shelter in Yreka on Monday was Paisley Bamberg, 33. She arrived a few months ago from West Columbia, South Carolina, and had been living in a motel with her six children, ranging in age from 15 to 1-year-old twins, when she was told to evacuate.
“I started throwing everything on the top of my truck,” but had to leave many things behind, she said.
Bamberg said she had just been hired at an Arby’s restaurant and wondered if it will survive the fire.
“There might not be much there when we get back,“ she said. “I don’t know if I have a job. The kids were supposed to start school and I don’t know if the school is still standing.”
Bamberg added: “I’m trying to keep up my spirits. I have six little humans that are depending on me. I can’t break down or falter.”
About 2,500 people were under evacuation orders but Thom said he knew many people remained in Yreka.
“There’s still a lot of people in town, people who refused to leave," he said. “A lot of people who don’t have vehicles and can’t go. It’s really sad.”
Thom has lived in Yreka all his life but said it was the first time he had been threatened by a wildfire.
“I never thought it would ever happen," he said. ‘I thought, ’We’re invincible.' ... This is making a liar out of me.”
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. Authorities helped 60 hikers in that area evacuate on Saturday, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/wildfire/death-toll-rises-mckinney-fire/283-56b31ffb-384f-4aad-9376-8cf699889c55 | 2022-08-03T01:31:54 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/wildfire/death-toll-rises-mckinney-fire/283-56b31ffb-384f-4aad-9376-8cf699889c55 |
WASCO COUNTY, Ore. — Gov. Kate Brown has declared that the Miller Road fire near Maupin now constitutes a conflagration, freeing up firefighting resources from throughout the state to help.
Evacuations have been underway west of Highway 197 near Maupin due to the fast-moving wildfire, the Wasco County Sheriff's Office said.
The Miller Road Fire, previously referred to as the Juniper Flat Fire and Dodge Fire, has burned more than 1,000 acres west of Maupin, according to the latest update from Gov. Brown's office. Fire officials say it was first spotted shortly before 1 p.m. on Tuesday.
Fire officials said that two airtankers, a heavy helicopter and two single-engine air tankers were involved in the initial response. With the Emergency Conflagration Act invoked, Brown's office said that a Lane County task force pre-positioned in Deschutes County was now headed to the Maupin area.
"I have invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act to make more state resources available to the fire crews on the front lines in Wasco County at the Miller Road/Dodge Fire," Brown said in a statement. "With many fires actively burning across the state and several weeks of peak fire season ahead of us, I am urging all Oregonians to be prepared and do their part to help prevent wildfires — just one spark can light a fire that will quickly spread."
The Emergency Conflagration Act can be invoked under Oregon law when the governor determines that a "threat to life, safety and property exists" due to a fire, beyond the ability of local firefighters to control.
The Blue Incident Management Team from the Office of the State Fire Marshal will assume command of the fire Wednesday morning, Brown's office said, bringing with it five more firefighter task forces from counties throughout Oregon. Agencies already on the scene include the Juniper Flats Fire District, Klickitat County Fire District from Washington state, and Hood River Fire.
The Wasco County Sheriff's Office has issued a series of fast-evolving evacuations for the area:
Level 3 "GO"
- From Victor Road and Walters Road north and south side of State Route 216 to Highway 197.
Level 2 "Be Set"
- All of Tygh Valley Road, Tygh Valley, all of Fred Ashley Road, all of Davidson Grade Road.
- East side of Highway 197, all of Oak Spring Road to State Route 216.
- Maupin, north and west of the Deschutes River.
Level 1 "Get Ready"
- None
Road closures
- State Route 216 is closed from Pine Grove to Highway 197.
An evacuation shelter is being set up at Dufur High School, the sheriff's office said. The Dalles Riders Club and Fairgrounds are being made available for horses.
More information on the Miller Road Fire can be found on the Wasco County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.
This story will be updated with more information as it becomes available. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/wildfire/wildfire-near-maupin-evacuations/283-3ed25b55-5019-432b-99e5-e256b0b13fdd | 2022-08-03T01:32:00 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/wildfire/wildfire-near-maupin-evacuations/283-3ed25b55-5019-432b-99e5-e256b0b13fdd |
ARLINGTON, Texas — A local teen and his family are trying to cope with what they’re describing as a traumatic experience with Arlington Police officers.
“I was very terrified. I was so terrified, I couldn’t move my body. I was standing like a statue the entire time,” Rykeem Johnson, a 16-year-old Arlington resident, said after police approached him with guns drawn on Monday.
The teen said he’d just arrived home and was preparing to head out for a swim when a couple of officers stopped him.
“They told me to put some weapon down. I didn’t know what they were talking about,” Rykeem explained.
In a statement, Arlington Police said they were dispatched to the complex after a neighbor called 911. The neighbor told the dispatcher he’d been looking through his door’s peephole and had seen a male at his door wearing a hoodie and holding a firearm that was partially covered by a towel.
“The 911 caller advised that he’d been receiving threats from a person over social media and believed the person at his door with a firearm was the same person making the threats,’ the police added.
The unarmed teen, still confused and paralyzed with fear, said the situation with police only escalated as more officers began showing up and shouting orders. Rykeem said he thought he was going to be killed outside his home.
“I’m conflicted. But I’m more pissed off than anything,” said Dr. Relius Johnson, the teen’s older brother and guardian.
Johnson rushed to the complex after getting a call advising neighbors to shelter in place.
“It was at least 30 cars. Four snipers. There was a lot of police presence,” Johnson explained.
Johnson said he didn’t realize the guy police were surrounding was his brother, at first. The man was able to call the frightened teen.
“My brother answered the phone. I burst into tears saying come save me they are about to shoot me,” Rykeem said.
Johnson said, at first, officers ignored him when he told them they had the wrong guy.
“Right now I’m just happy that he’s here, but I’m still really upset about the whole situation,” Johnson explained.
It was an upsetting situation that left the family traumatized. The incident has, unfortunately, forever changed one teen’s view of the police.
“The only thing they said to me was 'sorry for the misunderstanding. We apologize.' That wasn’t enough for me. They had me at gunpoint, scared for my life,” the teen said.
For now, the investigation into the police response at the complex is ongoing, according to Arlington Police Department. Officers say they will also continue to look into the original claim and follow-up messages from the 911 caller. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/arlington-police-hold-unarmed-teen-at-gunpoint-family-wants-answers/287-ac26539c-15d2-4d0c-8064-d5667d3d3a47 | 2022-08-03T01:32:25 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/arlington-police-hold-unarmed-teen-at-gunpoint-family-wants-answers/287-ac26539c-15d2-4d0c-8064-d5667d3d3a47 |
WFISD School Board hopeful Sandy Camp: 'I saw so much money not being spent correctly'
Sandy Camp decided to step forward to run for at-large trustee on the Wichita Falls ISD School Board after watching events unfold that shook the district and seeing taxpayer dollars spent in ways she didn't approve of.
The former teacher, assistant principal and principal has 34 years of experience working for WFISD. One of Camp's recent roles was to fill a need for a first-grade teacher for a semester during the pandemic, putting her in a prime position to view the inner workings of the district.
"Just seeing the mess that it’s in and what all’s going on, I just decided it might be a good time for another educator to be on the board and to give them insight as to what is happening in the schools,” Camp, an adjunct professor at Midwestern State University, said in an interview Monday.
More:Johnson files to run for trustee seat on School Board
Camp filed an application July 25 to be on the ballot for the Nov. 8 School Board elections. Businessman Mark Hood is also running for the at-large position now held by Elizabeth Yeager. It is not clear yet whether Yeager is running for reelection.
Camp did not like the way the district has spent money on initiatives she views as unnecessary programs adding an undue administrative burden to teachers' workload while eroding their time to spend actually teaching.
“I saw so much money that was not spent correctly and not on things that we really needed. I’m not a program girl. I’m a person girl. I think our greatest resources are employees," she said.
She would like to see some of those program go away.
“These are some programs that were initiated by the administrators downtown to enhance learning, but they really were also initiatives that would … make our schools look better," she said.
For instance, Camp loves the Capturing Kids' Hearts initiative, but it's costly, she said.
Capturing Kids' Hearts aims to build relationships, improve school culture, foster trust between teachers and students, and meet other goals.
"Teachers can have a toolbox of activities that they can pull from, but we don't have to pay thousands of dollars for those things," Camp said. "They don't need all those fancy initiatives that have been put in place."
She said one year, five programs and initiatives were put in place at once, sending teachers scrambling with little training for them.
"All of it had to be put on lesson plans," Camp said. "It was very hard for the teachers to initiate those programs and to teach what they were supposed to be teaching.”
Camp, who has grandkids in the district, said she voted yes to both bond issue proposals floated to build two new high schools and their recreational and athletic facilities.
She has seen the state of some facilities.
"I worked in these facilities, and I know how old they are, and they are crumbling down around the kids," she said.
“A lot of them can't handle the technology that the kids need because the buildings are so old, and it would take more to upgrade all of that," Camp said.
She said she thinks the new high schools will be a great asset, and she looks forward to them opening.
Wichita Falls Memorial High School and Wichita Falls Legacy High School are slated to open for the 2024-2025 school year.
More:Lukert sees reelection to WFISD School Board
As for the issues of names, mascots and colors for the new high schools, Camp views all that as settled.
"We need to move on. We've already beat that horse," she said.
She said Rider High School and Wichita Falls High School can still be memorialized even as the district moves on.
“I just wish that all of that energy would be focused on the education and safety of our children rather than mascots and names of schools," Camp said.
A still vocal contingent objects to trustees' plans to retire Old High's Coyotes mascot as part of plans to incorporate two new high schools into the district. Old High is slated to be retired, and Hirschi and Rider high schools are to become middle schools.
In February, School Board members voted 4-3 against rescinding their Dec. 7 vote approving mascot finalists to send to students, who subsequently voted on them. The School Board's February vote ran along the lines of a familiar split between trustees.
More:Students choose high school mascots
“I think that the School Board needs to be a cohesive group, and they need to work together on these things instead of being pulled apart, and I think that that will bring about a lot of change," Camp said.
She thinks incoming Superintendent Donny Lee, hired in July, will be great for the district.
“He is going to bring about a lot of change," she said.
Camp said trustees can also determine what will least affect students when cutting anything from the budget.
More:School Board officially hires new superintendent
WFISD's challenges include financial struggles, declining enrollment, budget cuts and leadership changes. Trustees adopted a budget for the 2022-2023 school year with a shortfall of about $4.3 million.
Camp said kids' education is the bottom line.
“I firmly believe that we can get this budget balanced, and we can get safety issues taken care of in this district to where we can take care of our kids and educate our kids the way that they deserve," she said.
More:Grisel running for School Board
Camp wants to see safety and security addressed not just when it comes to intruders but also to making students more accountable for their actions. She is concerned about bullying and student violence.
“We're going to have to make those kids accountable no matter who they are," she said.
Camp said all WFISD staff members should be recognized for their value.
"They play a vital part in our kids’ education every single day," she said.
Camp said she would love to be able to give staff members a huge raise because they deserve it.
“But we can't do that. So the least we can do is make them front and center when it comes to acknowledging what they are doing day in and day out and recognizing the sacrifices that they put forth every day," she said.
More:Hood announces run for at-large seat on WFISD School Board
Also running for a seat on the School Board is WFISD parent and volunteer Susan Grisel, who filed for a place on the ballot July 26. Longtime Place 1 Trustee Bob Payton is not running for reelection.
In addition, Place 3 Trustee Mark Lukert, who has 46 years of experience in education, is seeking a second term on the School Board. Lukert filed to run July 28. Banker Jim Johnson filed to run for Place 5, now held by Trustee Tom Bursey.
Bursey said recently that he hadn't decided yet if he is seeking reelection.
The WFISD School Board includes five trustees representing single-member districts and two at-large trustees. A map of single-member districts is available at wfisd.net. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2022/08/02/sandy-camp-running-for-wfisd-school-board/65386806007/ | 2022-08-03T01:34:05 | 1 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2022/08/02/sandy-camp-running-for-wfisd-school-board/65386806007/ |
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — In a 5-2 vote, local leaders passed a “Tenants Bill of Rights” Tuesday in Pinellas County, a county spokesperson confirmed.
The Pinellas County Commission’s ordinance means landlords will soon be mandated to give 60 days’ notice when raising rent more than 5 percent in an annual lease renewal. There will be a 30-day required notice for leases that are 3-12 months in length. Tenants in month-to-month living situations have the right to 15 days’ notice.
Scheduled to go into effect on Oct. 3, the ordinance also lays out late fee notification requirements and prohibits discrimination against tenants using government housing vouchers.
Cities within the county can make their own decisions about this Bill of Rights and choose to opt out. But, the concept isn't entirely new to the area. St. Pete already has a “Tenants Bill of Rights” – which took effect in 2020.
The Tampa Bay Times noted a key difference between the city and county versions, writing that St. Pete’s ordinance lets landlords say no to vouchers if the government aid would raise their insurance rates. A county spokesperson confirmed to 10 Tampa Bay that Pinellas’ “Tenants Bill of Rights” does not have such an exception.
As a county official explained to the newspaper, Pinellas County determined it would be tough to verify claims about insurance impacts and such a policy might ultimately undermine the anti-discrimination goals of the county's measure. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/tenant-bill-rights-pinellas/67-4749239e-f704-4160-b3fa-51412b6410d9 | 2022-08-03T01:37:09 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/tenant-bill-rights-pinellas/67-4749239e-f704-4160-b3fa-51412b6410d9 |
DALLAS — Tuesday marked the 37th anniversary of the crash of Delta Flight 191 at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
The Lockheed L-1011 jumbo jet was coming in for a landing on a rainy Friday evening Aug. 2, 1985, when it encountered a "microburst" that sent the aircraft careening along the ground north of runway 17L, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. The plane struck a car on Texas Highway 114, killing its driver, then broke up in a fireball as it slammed into two large above-ground water tanks.
The crash killed 136 passengers and crew on board plus the motorist; 27 people survived the impact.
The NTSB investigation said although the pilot was experienced and competent, training in dealing with microbursts was lacking. After the crash, pilots were required to train to react to microbursts and quickly take evasive action. Since then, weather forecasting and windshear detection also has improved.
Watch WFAA's 1985 coverage of the Delta 191 crash:
In 2017, WFAA spoke with Richard Laver, who survived the crash as a 12-year-old passenger. His father did not.
The two were flying from Florida to Dallas on Delta 191.
"The only thing I remember to this day is the violence, the impact, my father covered my body, and I could hear grown people screaming," Laver said. "When you survive something as violent as I did with people all around me, you wonder what your purpose is your whole life."
Memories of the crash remained fresh for Dallas viewers who posted their accounts of what happened on WFAA's Facebook page several years ago.
"My father was on that flight," Kirsten Monberg Gappelberg said. "Today we will convene with first responders at Founder's Plaza at 6 p.m. to remember that day."
"I remember Dixie Dunn, one of the senior flight attendants lost on the crash," wrote Linda Newman. "A beautiful soul."
"I was at the airport that day, with my two-year-old, picking up my husband on a flight that was supposed to land around the same time," Paula Cooper shared. "I'll never forget seeing the awful black smoke. People were parking in the middle of the road and running towards the crashed plane. I saw the crinkled up tanks on the north end of DFW that had been hit by the wings of the L-1011. I remember being absolutely stunned that anyone survived that awful crash."
Matt Lewis, who was working on the flight line for Delta that day, said the storm had blown luggage carts from the gate like they were child's toys.
"Later that evening, some of the other employees and I went to the crash site to volunteer," he wrote. "I was only 19 at the time, and I remember thinking that hell had ripped open and was right in front of me." | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/delta-191-plane-crash-at-dfw-airport-1985-dallas-fort-worth-airline-crashes/287-4649be59-bab7-4d52-b903-3a7236834c82 | 2022-08-03T01:45:05 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/delta-191-plane-crash-at-dfw-airport-1985-dallas-fort-worth-airline-crashes/287-4649be59-bab7-4d52-b903-3a7236834c82 |
BOISE, Idaho — It may be hard to believe, but the mass influx of Californians and others moving into Idaho from other states was a fad well before today. In fact, it was a thing before Idaho was even a territory.
Prospectors were moving to the Boise Basin by the thousands, hoping to strike gold. One group did just that, in an area that was pegged to become the next big city, on this day in 1862.
Idaho City was once home to the largest town between St. Louis and San Francisco, thanks to the discovery of gold in the Boise Basin in the 1860s.
The story goes, that gold discovery - and the incoming prospector population - can be attributed to two men. George Grimes and Moses Splawn made their way to the Boise mountains in the summer of 1862.
Just days after arriving on August 2, Grimes and Splawn struck gold.
It was a new found fortune, cut short for Grimes, because apparently that gold was found on the hunting grounds of the Bannock Tribe and they weren't exactly thrilled about the prospect of more prospectors invading their land. So, they attacked Grimes' party, killing him.
Splawn told the story to a local paper about facing what seemed like 20 guns fired in their faces at the top of a hill. Grimes fell just as they reached the top.
"His last words were, 'Mose, don't let them scalp me.' Thus perished a brave and honorable man at the time when he stood ready to reap his reward. We carried him to a prospect hole and buried him amid silence."
Together, they worried whose turn would be next.
Buried in an unmarked grave, a creek, a mountain pass and the surrounding area memorably bare the name of George Grimes.
His grave was left unmarked for more than 60 years. In 1923, Dr. Francis Thomson, the Dean of Mines at the University of Idaho, worked to add a grave marker.
It's unknown who paid for the grave, but according to an article published in 1923, Dr. Thomson suggested it be paid for by the Idaho State Historical Society, or another state agency.
By the way, his grave can still be found in what is now the Grimes Pass Cemetery near Idaho City.
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- Still reading this list? We're on YouTube, too: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/how-grimes-creek-got-its-name-today-in-1862/277-55882661-0a09-4659-abeb-af9e015008ee | 2022-08-03T01:54:24 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/how-grimes-creek-got-its-name-today-in-1862/277-55882661-0a09-4659-abeb-af9e015008ee |
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. — After retaining massive flood damage earlier this year, Yellowstone National Park is beginning major construction repairs Tuesday, August 2.
Damaged sections of the park's Northeast Entrance Road will be repaired by contractors near the Cooke City/Silver Gate in Montana, which means the roads will be closed.
Previously, roads were open to bicyclists and pedestrian traffic up to Barronette Meadow. However, the road will need to be closed near the Warm Creek Trailhead and picnic area while crews begin work this week.
Visitors and residents will still be allowed to access this area, but will need to be conscientious of leaving space for construction work, job equipment and materials needed for repairs.
The park is expecting repairs to be completed by October 15 of this year, and will facilitate traffic between the park and Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana.
New changes to the Northeast Entrance Road:
- Visitors can now travel 2 miles to Warm Creek Trailhead on bicycle (on paved roadways) and by foot for fishing and hiking in areas not identified as closed.
- Previously, recreators could travel 6 miles into the park through the Northeast Entrance. To promote safe access within the active construction zone, the park is moving the barrier closer to the entrance to reduce potential conflicts between construction equipment and those on foot or bicycle.
Safety Precautions:
- Stay alert: Individuals using the roadway by foot or bicycle should be extremely cautious and expect heavy equipment on the roadways. Roadway shoulders are narrow and several curves along the roadway limit visibility. The park will also advise Oftedal Construction Inc. to be aware of bicyclists and pedestrians as they continue mobilizing.
Stay Informed:
- Visitors traveling to the park should stay informed about what is OPEN and CLOSED throughout the park.
- Visit Operating Hours and Seasons for more information.
- Monitor the park website and social media for updates.
- Visit Camp in Backcountry for details about backcountry permits.
- Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions in Yellowstone.
- To receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone, text "82190" to 888-777 or call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/yellowstone-national-park-flooding-recovery-update/277-340fb7f5-eeb7-406e-ba4b-4bfe1fd22c75 | 2022-08-03T01:54:31 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/yellowstone-national-park-flooding-recovery-update/277-340fb7f5-eeb7-406e-ba4b-4bfe1fd22c75 |
Oakland County: GOP incumbents lead challengers in commission races
Oakland County Commissioner Robert Hoffman has jumped out to an early lead over Commissioner Eileen Kowall in a Republican primary that is pitting the two longtime incumbents on the Board of Commissioners against each other because of redistricting.
With about 45% of precincts reporting, Hoffman of Highland Township, who was first elected in 2010, was receiving 58.4% of the vote to 41.4% for Kowall of White Lake Township, who was first elected in 2014. The slim 11-10 Democratic majority on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners redrew the political boundaries after decades of dominance by the GOP on the county board, resulting in 19 districts.
The winner will face Democrat Kristin Watt of Holly in the November election, which will determine which party controls the county board.
The Hoffman-Kowall showdown is one of four commissioner races in which Republican incumbents face contested primaries. The others: District 6, where Michael Gingell of Lake Orion, first elected in 2006, is receiving 69% of the vote against challenger Heather Smiley of Lake Orion; District 12, where incumbent Christine Long of Commerce Township, first elected in 2002, is receiving 54.6% of the vote against Monica Yatooma of Commerce Township, and District 13, where Phil Welpert of South Lyon, first elected in 2010, is leading with 59.5% of the vote over Connie Johnson of Milford.
The commission contests were among many on the ballot. Voters in 22 Oakland County communities were considering a variety of local issues Tuesday and are choosing among primary candidates seeking November ballot slots.
In Addison Township, for example, three Republicans are vying for the treasurer’s job. In Independence Township, no Democrat is running for the supervisor post, but voters were choosing from a field of four Republicans seeking the job. Jose Aliaga appeared assured of a victory over three other candidates with 92 percent of precincts counted.
Voters in villages, cities and townships across the county considered local issues, with public safety and fire millages topping the list, followed by library decisions in seven communities. Other local proposals concern schools, streets, council pay, transportation services and marijuana sales.
White Lake Township voters approving police and fire millage renewals and a library millage in early returns.
Ballot issues include:
South Lyon: A nearly $18.5 million improvement bond proposal over 10 years passed with 57.7% voting yes.
Ortonville: An ordinance to permit a number of adult-use marijuana operations passed by a 5-vote margin, according to complete unofficial returns.
Milford: A proposed village charter amendment was approved with 53.2% of voters giving a thumbs-up. It will pay each council member and president $50 per meeting to a maximum of $1,500 per year. Pay is currently $7.50 a month or $375 a year.
Royal Oak Township: Voters rejected a proposal that would have authorized an unlimited number of marijuana establishments on township parcels larger than five acres with a building continuously occupied for five years. With all precincts reporting, the measure received a 64.1% no vote.
In nonpartisan contests, Judge Michelle Friedman Appel of Oak Park's 45th District Court defeated challengers Diana Lynn McClain and Brenda Richard, while early returns showed Judge Kirsten Nielsen of Troy's 52-4 District Court leading challengers Mike Bosnic and Tonya Clawson Goetz.
mmartindale@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2022/08/02/oakland-county-gop-incumbents-lead-challengers-commission-races/10194434002/ | 2022-08-03T01:56:03 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2022/08/02/oakland-county-gop-incumbents-lead-challengers-commission-races/10194434002/ |
Fort Wayne withheld more than $300,000 of its final payment to Red River Waste Solutions due to inadequate service in its final month as the city’s trash and recycling hauler.
Fort Wayne City Council members passed a resolution last month that asked Mayor Tom Henry’s administration to provide information about the fines being assessed before the final check to Red River was cut.
Red River was the city’s trash and recycling collection service provider from Jan. 1, 2018, until June 30. Service issues were reported with frequency from the start of the contract.
The Texas company filed Chapter 11 reorganization bankruptcy in October and entered a transition agreement with the city. The agreement allowed Fort Wayne officials to seek bids for a new service provider, and GFL Environmental USA took over the city’s service July 1.
Tim Haffner, city corporation attorney, and City Attorney Malak Heiny gave their final presentation about Red River at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.
Haffner said the formula was clearly defined in the transition contract that was approved by the bankruptcy court. The fines were assessed based on the tonnage collected by Red River compared to what the city and third-party providers picked up.
Red River collected about 75% of the city’s trash and 5% of recycling in June, Haffner said. The city was allowed to withhold $303,130.77 – about 42% – of its final monthly payment.
Councilman Russ Jehl, R-2nd, who proposed the fine-related resolution, said Haffner’s update explained the monthly payment of more than $700,000, but the city was required by the transition agreement to pay an additional $1.9 million for Red River’s final six months.
About $1.6 million will come from a claim filed with Argo, the provider of the performance bond, against Red River last year for service violations. Haffner said the extra was paid to Red River gradually over its final six months in Fort Wayne.
Jehl suggested last month that the city consider giving solid waste customers refunds or bill credits. Instead, the assessed fines will go into the Solid Waste Fund.
“Despite the misses, despite the fines, the administration says the ratepayer will not receive any refund, and I am very disappointed by that,” Jehl said.
Haffner said Fort Wayne “performed extraordinarily well” in the bankruptcy case compared to other cities Red River has worked with, such as Nashville, Tennessee and Huntsville, Alabama.
The bankruptcy case is ongoing. In July, the Texas court approved Red River’s sale to Platform Capital, a Colorado private investment.
GFL started collecting Fort Wayne’s trash and recycling about a month ago, but the city is still exploring its options for bulk trash collection. GFL’s contract does not include bulk trash like the city’s agreement with Red River.
The Solid Waste Department is collecting residents’ bulk trash until the city secures a service provider to pick up large garbage, such as furniture or other non-Freon items.
Currently, residents are allowed to set out one bulk item weekly on their scheduled trash collection day. The Solid Waste Department is expected to collect it within 48 hours.
The public notice said the city is seeking a provider “that is capable of developing and operating a residential bulk collection program” for 83,400 homes in Fort Wayne.
Natalie Eggeman, city spokeswoman, said the July 28 deadline was extended to Aug. 18 after potential service providers requested it. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/fort-wayne-fines-red-river-303-000-for-final-month-of-poor-service/article_d65196b2-12bf-11ed-ac5b-133c576a7913.html | 2022-08-03T01:57:05 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/fort-wayne-fines-red-river-303-000-for-final-month-of-poor-service/article_d65196b2-12bf-11ed-ac5b-133c576a7913.html |
A man accused of stabbing a woman pregnant with his child more than 48 times and breaking her bones was charged with six felonies on Monday.
Brandon K. Williams, 41, faces up to 16 years in prison on the highest felony against him, which is aggravated battery knowingly inflicting injury that creates a substantial risk of death. The other felonies are domestic battery with bodily injury to a pregnant woman, domestic battery resulting in series bodily injury, strangulation with a pregnant victim, domestic battery by means of a deadly weapon and intimidation.
Court documents were unclear on the relationship between Williams and the victim. Fort Wayne police were called to the apartment about 5:30 p.m. July 31, court documents state. After they knocked, they heard a woman yell for help and who sounded like she was in distress.
Officers entered the apartment and found Williams with his own clothes and body “completely bloody,” court documents state. The woman was on the ground, moaning and gasping for air as she continued to yell for help.The couch she was next to was also covered in blood, according to the probable cause affidavit.
She told officers that she’d been stabbed at least 40 times that she was going to die and to “tell everyone I love them,” court record state. She was taken to the hospital and found to be 24 weeks pregnant and had “multiple fractures throughout her body,” Fort Wayne Police Department officer Christopher C. McBride wrote in the probable cause affidavit.
Williams is in Allen County Jail, according to online records. His bond is set at $92,500, and his next hearing is set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/man-accused-of-stabbing-pregnant-woman/article_1f38d95c-12bc-11ed-98bc-b71afa257ec3.html | 2022-08-03T01:57:11 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/man-accused-of-stabbing-pregnant-woman/article_1f38d95c-12bc-11ed-98bc-b71afa257ec3.html |
C.C. ‘Doc’ Dockery, Lakeland businessman and Republican adviser, dies at 89
C.C. “Doc” Dockery, who was raised on a tobacco farm and rose to be a prominent businessman and adviser to Republican politicians, died Monday at age 89.
Dockery, the husband of former state Sen. Paula Dockery, is remembered as much for his charity as activism, which played a leading role in reshaping Florida politics long before political tribalism spread across Florida and the country.
His wife remembers him as willing to see a need and drop everything to help strangers, often anonymously.
In case you missed it:Charley Woodsby, restaurateur who opened first Red Lobster, dies at 91
“He thought there were a lot of disadvantaged kids who never got to go to a camp,” Paula Dockery said of his giving. Among other charitable work, he sponsored music students’ stays at summer camp, helped cover bus stops so parents with children were safe from the elements, and aided in planting a garden at the Boys and Girls Club so kids knew where food comes from.
Paula Dockery recalled his “bench buddies,” her name for people he had befriended while sitting on a bench at a park near their North Carolina home. She said even dogs on walks in the park were his friends during his low-impact retirement activity.
A very poor upbringing
Charles Croffard Dockery was born on May 6, 1933, in Elkin, North Carolina. His parents were Mildred Hurt Dockery and Doctor Albert Dockery.
Doc Dockery started school in Jonesville, North Carolina, and transferred to Union Grove Elementary and High School after his father abandoned the family in 1941.
His mother and brother moved in with his grandparents, Henry and Victoria Hurt. After graduation from high school at 17, he left the tobacco farm to work at Sears Roebuck in Greensboro, North Carolina.
In 1951, he joined the U.S. Air Force, eventually re-enlisting and serving eight years, ending as a speechwriter for the commanding officer of the 9th Air Force, Shaw Air Force Base, in Sumter, South Carolina.
His first move as a civilian was to Florida Southern College in Lakeland where he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1961.
Dockery was a co-founder of Summit Consulting with Thomas Petcoff. The company recently opened a new 135,000-square-foot downtown headquarters at 117 N. Massachusetts Ave., towering over the northwest shore of Lake Mirror.
He also wrote an autobiography entitled “Country Boy” and a nonfiction book about workers compensation, as well as co-authoring a book chronicling the work of members of Congress after they left office.
He married Paula Bono on Nov. 20, 1989. Both were married previously, and Doc had two children with his first wife.
‘He just wanted to travel the world’
Although Paula Dockery served 16 years in the Florida House and Senate beginning in 1996, initially her husband did not want her to get into politics.
“He had retired and he just wanted to travel the world, and he told me that it’s not a part-time job,” she said, even though it seemed that way to her at the time.
Eventually, she was among several Republican politicians, including former governors Bob Martinez and Jeb Bush, and eventual Florida Secretary of Agriculture Adam Putnam, who were on the receiving end of his campaign fundraising prowess and advisement.
His first and only taste of public office came after then-Gov Claude R. Kirk Jr. appointed him to serve out a vacant seat on a Polk County School Board. He served when Republicans in Polk County were few and far between. He lost a re-election bid.
But eventually the dominos fell for Republicans nationally and statewide. Republicans gained momentum in the 1980s and into the 1990s. And Doc Dockery worked with now-deceased Eugene L. “Gene” Roberts, a former chairman of the Polk County Republican Party, to get quality Republican candidates on the ballot.
In 1990, the first Republican from Polk County was elected to the state Legislature and he was followed Paula Dockery and Adam Putnam, whose election to office gave Florida Republicans the majority for the first time in 100 years.
Lakeland native and former U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, now a distinguished professor of political science at the new American Center for Political Leadership at Southeastern University, was among the politicians grateful to Doc Dockery. Ross served for two decades until turning his efforts to academics.
“He was probably the most significant political influence in my career,” Ross said by phone Tuesday. “I considered him a mentor.”
He said the pair worked together on the Victory 1992 headquarters in Lakeland. By 2000, Ross was elected to office.
“The most significant impact I had with him was with the high-speed rail legislation,” Ross said.
The push for high-speed rail
Doc Dockery spearheaded a drive for a successful drive for a high-speed rail system in Florida for most of the 1990s; that plan was derailed by Gov. Jeb Bush shortly after he took office in 1999.
Dockery put $1.5 million of his own money into a statewide ballot initiative for high-speed rail. In November 2000, voters amended the constitution to mandate the state establish a system of high-speed trains exceeding 120 mph to link its five largest urban areas, The Ledger previously reported.
“I did not agree with putting it in the Constitution, but once it was in, Doc asked me if I would sponsor the legislation and I said yes,” he said, adding as a newly elected legislator he had an obligation to uphold the Constitution even if it went against the party line.
“We were able to pass the high speed rail authority, which was one of the most innovative concepts now taking place with Brightline,” Ross said.
Similarly, Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady had praise for Doc Dockery, Canady had come up through Polk County politics before being seated on the judicial bench.
“Doc was very supportive and kind to me in the stages of my career before I became a judge,” Canady said. “He was a great friend and a great supporter.”
The Republican dynamo helped launch Canady’s career first in the state House in the late-1980s and then to the U.S. House in 1992, and he eventually served eight years in Congress.
Canady served as then-Gov. Jeb Bush’s general counsel for a few years until he was appointed to lead Florida’s top court.
Arrangements are being made with Heath Funeral Chapel in Lakeland and a service is expected next week at First United Methodist but plans have not been finalized. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/08/02/doc-dockery-polk-businessman-and-republican-kingmaker-dies-89/10212434002/ | 2022-08-03T02:02:04 | 1 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/08/02/doc-dockery-polk-businessman-and-republican-kingmaker-dies-89/10212434002/ |
70-year-old Lake Wales man dies in single-vehicle crash. May have been medical issue
LAKE WALES — A 70-year-old man died in a single-vehicle crash in Lake Wales Friday.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office said its Emergency Communications Center received a call from the area of State Road 60, east of Saint Anne Shrine Road, reporting the crash about 3:50 p.m.
First-responders found a white 2006 Ford E-250 van with a Minnesota tag that had come to a stop against a power pole with only the driver inside. Raymond Anthony of Lake Wales was taken to the hospital, where he was proclaimed dead.
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According to witnesses and evidence, the van was going east on State Road 60 when it ventured into the turning lane, went across the grass median, through the westbound lanes, a construction site and into a power pole with no signs of braking.
The Sheriff's Office said an autopsy will determine his cause of death, but he didn't seem to have any injuries related to the crash. It's more likely that he had a medical episode, officials said.
No other cars or people were involved in the accident, PCSO said. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/08/02/medical-issue-might-caused-fatal-lake-wales-crash-officials-say/10208224002/ | 2022-08-03T02:02:10 | 1 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/08/02/medical-issue-might-caused-fatal-lake-wales-crash-officials-say/10208224002/ |
SEATTLE — A body of a man in his 40s was found on an unmarked trail within the Union Bay Natural Area near University of Washington's campus on Tuesday.
The body appears to have been there for a day or two before being discovered, according to University of Washington police.
It was discovered by a passerby.
Police say there are no signs of trauma and no foul play is suspected.
An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Download our free KING 5 app to stay up-to-date on news stories from across western Washington. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/body-found-university-of-washington-campus/281-5f9a3d86-808d-46b0-9322-6919144b2c90 | 2022-08-03T02:04:44 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/body-found-university-of-washington-campus/281-5f9a3d86-808d-46b0-9322-6919144b2c90 |
SEATTLE — Editor's note: The above video on grocery workers agreeing to a new union contract originally aired April 30, 2022.
Seattle's City Council voted to end pandemic hazard pay for grocery workers that has been in place since February 2021.
A sunset would be established for the hazard pay stipulation 30 days after Mayor Bruce Harrell signs the ordinance, if he chooses to do so.
Hazard pay has been criticized by the Northwest Grocery Association and Washington Food Industry Association. The associations previously filed a lawsuit seeking to end it.
“It has been months since our communities returned to pre-pandemic activities,” said Tammie Hetrick, president and CEO of the Washington Food Industry Association. “Our industry has been unfairly singled out for this extra pay, and we are deeply appreciative for the Council’s recognition tonight that we have turned a corner and are no longer operating in a pandemic emergency.”
Since Feb. 3, 2021, Seattle grocery businesses with at least 500 employees have been required to pay workers an additional $4 an hour as emergency hazard pay.
Earlier this year, the union representing 25,000 grocery employees in the Puget Sound region voted to ratify their contract, bringing many workers higher wages and increased funding to health care and pension plans.
Union members with United Food and Commercial Workers 3000 will see wage increases of $4 to $9 an hour for the most veteran workers during the term of the agreement.
The mayor's office transmitted the legislation to the City Council, making it likely that Harrell would sign and approve the ordinance.
Following the Council's approval, Councilmember Kshama Sawant criticized the decision, citing a COVID-19 variant surge and inflation that is stretching workers' paychecks "to the breaking point."
"Grocery workers and all frontline workers have made incredible sacrifices during the pandemic, and they deserve a raise, not a pay cut," Sawant said in a prepared statement. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/seattle-city-council-end-hazard-pay-grocery-workers/281-49a58258-9e37-4378-9328-c61310aec2b0 | 2022-08-03T02:04:50 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/seattle-city-council-end-hazard-pay-grocery-workers/281-49a58258-9e37-4378-9328-c61310aec2b0 |
Catholic community of Phoenix celebrates new Bishop James P. Dolan
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix welcomed its fifth bishop during a ceremonial Mass on Tuesday at the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Avondale.
Bishop James P. Dolan, formerly at the San Diego Diocese, replaces outgoing Bishop Thomas J. Olmstead after 18 years of service. Olmstead recently turned 75, the age at which bishops are required to retire. Dolan, 60, was appointed by Pope Francis in June and takes charge of an estimated 1.1 million Catholics in Phoenix.
A livestream of the service showed dozens of white-robed deacons and priests in attendance. Among the crowds of parishioners were Gov. Doug Ducey, House Speaker Rusty Bowers and state Rep. Christian Solorio. The faithful joined the ceremony in person and online. Valerie Ramirez McGirr watched the Facebook livestream.
“I’m watching from work!” she wrote on Facebook. “Praying for our new bishop!”
Previous coverage:Pope Francis appoints new bishop to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
A choir and an orchestra filled the air with Latin hymns. As the last of the procession took their seats and the building quieted, trumpets suddenly rang out, announcing the arrival of the new bishop.
Dolan walked down the aisle toward the altar, garbed in a white robe with gold accents, a tall white miter, a symbol of the high priesthood, and his pastoral staff, which he adorned with dried Cholla in a nod to Phoenix. He was flanked by other high priests, among them Olmstead.
“We rejoice today because a new bishop means the work and life of the church will continue,” Olmstead said, during his welcome speech.
The Archbishop of Santa Fe, John C. Wester, said Dolan was well-equipped for his new role in overseeing the Phoenix Diocese and in supporting everyone regardless of their position in the church.
“He has a great love for the people of God, reaching out to all with a shepherd’s care. He’s a good listener who’s open to the movement of the holy spirit in the priests and the deacons, the religious and the lay,” he said.
Monsignor Luca Caveada read the apostolic letter which officially appointed Dolan to the position. The letter was held up for inspection by religious officials and then shown to the public from each side of the stage.
In the letter, Archbishop Christoph Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, joked that the transition from a beachfront diocese to a desert one was sure to be a challenge, to a ripple of laughter from the audience. Pierre advised Dolan to take heart from Jesus, who performed miracles in the water and desert both.
When Caveada asked whether Dolan accepted the appointment, he accepted, saying he would work to fulfill his religious responsibilities.
“With faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and with the love of God in my heart, I do accept the pastoral care of the people of God in the diocese of Phoenix, and I resolve to serve faithfully the spiritual needs of this local church,” Dolan said, to applause.
For his first sermon as bishop, Dolan delved into current events to exhort people to be loving towards one another. Hatred has led to tragedies and conflicts throughout history, and continues to be an issue in the present day, Dolan said.
“Just look at the war in Ukraine. Or our nation’s political divide. Or our mass shootings. Or the way in which we still treat people of cultures, color, creed or orientation,” he said.
Dolan called on people to be good and loving to each other and to remember that othering one another leads to divisiveness and hatefulness. Everyone, he said, should “be good, be love and be blessed.”
Reach criminal justice reporter Gloria Rebecca Gomez at grgomez@gannett.com or on Twitter @glorihuh.
Support Local Journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2022/08/02/bishop-james-p-dolan-appointed-new-head-phoenix-catholic-diocese/10217134002/ | 2022-08-03T02:18:50 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2022/08/02/bishop-james-p-dolan-appointed-new-head-phoenix-catholic-diocese/10217134002/ |
Former Buckeye police officer indicted on felony charges after illegally accessing people's personal information, department says
A former Buckeye police officer faces felony charges for using law enforcement databases to illegally access the personal information of multiple people, including previous girlfriends and colleagues, according to officials.
The Buckeye Police Department began an internal investigation into Charles Cosgrove, 38, in May after a supervisor raised concerns of potential misconduct, the department announced in a news release on Tuesday.
Cosgrove — who worked for the department for 10 years — resigned on June 9 as the internal investigation was ongoing, the news release said.
A criminal investigation was launched several days later, and Buckeye police discovered Cosgrove had unlawfully accessed the personal information and criminal histories of multiple people, the news release said. It's unclear exactly how many people were involved.
Cosgrove later identified "many of the female victims" as previous girlfriends and people he dated, friends and people he encountered on the job, according to a probable cause statement police submitted to the Maricopa County Superior Court.
Cosgrove said he knew several of them were current police officers in Arizona or current or former city of Buckeye employees, the document states.
It's unclear when Cosgrove may have accessed the information or if authorities know whether it occurred more than once. The probable cause statement lists the offense date as April 22.
On July 21, Buckeye police submitted the case to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for review of criminal charges. Cosgrove was indicted a few days later on 21 counts of perjury and five counts of unauthorized access of criminal history, according to the news release.
He was arrested on Monday and ultimately released on his own recognizance, court documents state.
“The Buckeye Police Department takes allegations of misconduct very seriously,” Sanders said, adding that the department has since implemented quarterly audits to ensure its officers were accessing sensitive information for criminal justice purposes only.
"We take pride in serving with integrity and respect," Sanders continued. "Any officer who violates the community’s trust will be held accountable.”
Reach criminal justice reporter at chelsea.curtis@arizonarepublic.com or at 480-262-1061. Follow her on Twitter @curtis_chels.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/southwest-valley-breaking/2022/08/02/former-buckeye-police-officer-indicted-felony-charges/10218348002/ | 2022-08-03T02:18:56 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/southwest-valley-breaking/2022/08/02/former-buckeye-police-officer-indicted-felony-charges/10218348002/ |
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Bishop James P. Dolan installed as head of Phoenix Catholic Diocese
5 PHOTOS | https://www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/news/local/phoenix/2022/08/03/photos-bishop-james-p-dolan-installed-head-phoenix-catholic-diocese/10220224002/ | 2022-08-03T02:19:02 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/news/local/phoenix/2022/08/03/photos-bishop-james-p-dolan-installed-head-phoenix-catholic-diocese/10220224002/ |
71-year-old man found drowned in hot tub of Paradise Valley home
A 71-year-old man drowned on Tuesday in Paradise Valley home.
Phoenix Fire Department spokesperson Capt. Frank Todd said firefighters were responding to reports of a drowning when they found the man floating in a hot tub.
He was beyond resuscitation at that point, Todd said. A friend of the man told firefighters the last time they talked with the man was Monday afternoon.
The case has been turned over to Phoenix police for investigation.
Stay Safe:Headed to water to beat the Arizona heat? Experts say to follow these rules to avoid drowning
From January to July 24 of this year, as many as 30 adults have drowned in Maricopa and Pinal counties alone, according to the Children's Safety Zone which tracks drownings in those regions.
According to a report from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 300 older adults die from drownings annually, and most happen in swimming pools, spas or bathtubs. The commission advises people to take swimming lessons to reduce the risk of drowning and use personal flotation devices. To avoid drowning, people also shouldn't swim alone.
Reach criminal justice reporter Gloria Rebecca Gomez at grgomez@gannett.com or on Twitter @glorihuh.
Support Local Journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2022/08/02/71-year-old-man-drowns-paradise-valley-hot-tub/10219491002/ | 2022-08-03T02:19:08 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2022/08/02/71-year-old-man-drowns-paradise-valley-hot-tub/10219491002/ |
Josh Hurwit, United States Attorney for the District of Idaho, delivers remarks regarding the U.S. vs. Babichenko trial verdict during a press conference in Boise, Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022.
Josh Hurwit, United States Attorney for the District of Idaho, delivers remarks regarding the U.S. vs. Babichenko trial verdict during a press conference in Boise, Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022.
BOISE – Five people, including four members of the Babichenko family, have been convicted by a federal jury for their role in a multimillion-dollar international cell phone counterfeiting scheme.
The five were convicted after their second trial in the case and now face up to 20 years in prison and millions in fines; two others were acquitted.
“At trial, the evidence showed that over the course of 10 years, the convicted defendants participated in conspiracy that violated intellectual property rights and endangered the safety of the public,” U.S. Attorney for Idaho Josh Hurwit said at a news conference Tuesday. “They did this for their own financial gain.”
After a multi-year investigation involving the FBI, the IRS, the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Marshal Service, the Postal Inspection Service and local law enforcement agencies, authorities outlined a scheme involving importing counterfeit cell phones, chargers and accessories from China, repackaging them at warehouses in the Treasure Valley, and then reselling them as genuine iPhones or Samsung products via Amazon and eBay.
“This scheme went on for more than a decade, and the convicted defendants sold more than $41 million in counterfeit products during that time,” Hurwit said. “The evidence showed that some of the products the convicted defendants sold were not just counterfeit, they were actually dangerous and capable of causing burns, fires or electrocution.”
The verdicts were issued Monday after a nine-week trial. Defendants Pavel Babichenko, Piotr Babichenko, Timofey Babichenko, David Bibikov and Mikhail Iyerusalimets were convicted of a total of 24 counts including wire fraud, mail fraud, trafficking in counterfeit goods and conspiracy. Two defendants, Kristina Babichenko and Anna Iyerusalimets, were acquitted of all charges against them.
Efforts to contact attorneys for the defendants for comment on Tuesday were unsuccessful.
The five convicted defendants have been released pending sentencing, which is set for Nov. 2-3.
“Each of these defendants faces up to 20 years in prison and a $5 million fine,” Hurwit said.
John LaForte, assistant special agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations, said, “The sale of counterfeit goods and their illicit proceeds has increased exponentially over the years and is an increasing problem.” He said the case “took five bad actors out of our international marketplaces.”
A 10-week trial that initially targeted nine defendants ended in a hung jury in September of 2021; just seven were charged in the most recent trial. This time, the jury deliberated for a week before reaching its unanimous verdicts.
“The defendants had a fair and very complete trial in this case,” Hurwit said. He thanked the jury, and all those involved in the extensive investigation.
“This specific case, like every case that we handle in this office, is a result of strong partnerships from the federal, state and local level,” he said.
Dennis Rice, special agent in charge for the FBI in Salt Lake City, said in a statement, “The verdicts demonstrate the FBI’s unwavering commitment to combatting transnational organized crime. … Our strong partnerships in Idaho and around the world are instrumental in dismantling these groups which seek to profit vast sums of money defrauding the American people and businesses.”
Betsy Z. Russell is the Boise bureau chief and state capitol reporter for the Idaho Press and Adams Publishing Group. Follow her on Twitter at @BetsyZRussell. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/five-from-idaho-convicted-in-international-counterfeit-cell-phone-scheme/article_df453e3c-407a-5b47-8932-edfe4293554f.html | 2022-08-03T02:19:41 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/five-from-idaho-convicted-in-international-counterfeit-cell-phone-scheme/article_df453e3c-407a-5b47-8932-edfe4293554f.html |
DALLAS (KDAF) — A North Texas celebrity is going to space with Blue Origin!
Coby Cotton, one of the five co-founders of Frisco-based YouTube channel Dude Perfect, is officially on the list of crew members flying on Blue Origin’s NS-22 mission.
Dude Perfect did not pay for Cotton’s flight. Blue Origin officials say his seat was sponsored by MoonDAO, an international collective of people who want to decentralize access to space research and exploration. Members voted to have Coby represent them on this flight.
Cotton’s Dude Perfect influence will also be represented on the NS-22 patch, which depicts the crew capsule as a basketball.
This is Blue Origin’s sixth human flight. It will lift off on Thursday, Aug. 4. Officials say the launch window will open at 8:30 a.m.
For more information, click here. | https://cw33.com/news/local/frisco-based-dude-perfect-co-founder-will-fly-to-space-with-blue-origin/ | 2022-08-03T02:25:21 | 1 | https://cw33.com/news/local/frisco-based-dude-perfect-co-founder-will-fly-to-space-with-blue-origin/ |
DALLAS (KDAF) — According to a new report from Deadline, Texas-born actor Matthew McConaughey will star in the new film Dallas Sting.
Dallas Sting will tell the story of a group of North Texas high school girls that were chosen by the U.S. Soccer Federation to compete in the first FIFA Tournament for women’s national teams in China in 1984. That team would go on to win the tournament and become the first American soccer team, male of female, to win a major international tournament.
McConaughey will reportedly play Bill Kinder, the coach who led the team to victory. Kari Skogland, known for her work on the Marvel Disney+ show The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, will direct the film.
For the full report from Deadline, click here. | https://cw33.com/news/local/matthew-mcconaughey-reportedly-starring-in-new-sports-film-dallas-sting/ | 2022-08-03T02:25:27 | 0 | https://cw33.com/news/local/matthew-mcconaughey-reportedly-starring-in-new-sports-film-dallas-sting/ |
Happy Chocolate Chip Cookie Day! Enjoy the sweet treat all day long, either fresh out of your oven or from a favorite bakery.
- The 20th season of Peanut Butter and Jam concerts continues today with performances by Scott Duboise & the 101 Ranch, described as “the next generation of country music.” The weekly performances take place in Veterans Memorial Park, located at 54th Street and Sixth Avenue on Kenosha’s harbor. The free concerts are twice every Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
- The free Bristol Woodstock concert series wraps up the 2022 season today with The Sweet Sheiks, performing from 6 to 8 this evening. The concert takes place in Bristol Woods County Park, 9800 160th Ave. For more details, “like” Kenosha County Parks on Facebook.
- The new season of “Music & More” concerts continues today. The free concerts are noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays in Racine at First Presbyterian Church, 716 College Ave. For more details, see the story in today’s Get Out & About entertainment section.
- It's time for cream puffs, fried foods on sticks and that giant yellow slide! The Wisconsin State Fair opens for the 2022 season today in West Allis. For more details, see the story in today’s Get Out & About entertainment section. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-events-for-thursday-aug-4/article_69813e58-12cd-11ed-b610-4b90db32302d.html | 2022-08-03T02:27:46 | 0 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-events-for-thursday-aug-4/article_69813e58-12cd-11ed-b610-4b90db32302d.html |
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Big Al's BBQ was born out of a hobby and love for food. For owner Al Laudencia, his restaurant offers an opportunity to provide more than just BBQ to customers.
Hanging on the front door is a sign offering free meals and drinks to those who need it, no questions asked.
"There was a dark period of time in my life where I was homeless. And I was in the throes of addiction. I remember what it was like in a July, it being so hot. I didn't have any money to me," Laudencia said.
It was that experience that made him want to offer relief to those who find themselves in a similar situation.
"I was there in your shoes. And you don't have to live your life that way. But it's OK for today," he said. "We can just break bread and have a drink, man. I'll give you something to drink."
Laudencia said offering a place of community, providing relief and serving some good BBQ was just something he wanted to do for his community.
"And that's when I put the sign up," he said. "It's just the right thing to do, man."
If you are looking for your next meal, you can find Big Al's BBQ at 1960 Grand Avenue in West Des Moines. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/big-als-bbq-offers-a-free-meal-drink-to-those-in-need-homeless-community-des-moines/524-25fb7c72-9bda-4e4f-9c9c-a19d75013303 | 2022-08-03T02:36:15 | 1 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/big-als-bbq-offers-a-free-meal-drink-to-those-in-need-homeless-community-des-moines/524-25fb7c72-9bda-4e4f-9c9c-a19d75013303 |
NEWTON, Iowa — Is this heaven?
"No, this is Iowa," said Jeff Namminga, co-owner of the Valle Drive-In.
This Friday, five months to the day after the March 5th tornado, the historic movie theater surrounded by fields of corn will roll the projector once again.
Namminga didn't know the drive-in was hit until the next morning when he saw pictures and received calls from those driving by.
"I was just glad it wasn't something that happened while we were actually operating. If people were out here that could have been very tragic," Namminga said.
By the time the long-track tornado reached Jasper County, it was producing EF1 damage, not the EF4 damage that parts of Madison County saw.
Five months later, after installing a new fence, replacing part of the screen, and securing the roof on the concession shop, Namminga is ready to roll the tape on Friday.
One of the movies being shown is incredibly ironic. The two co-features for opening weekend? "Top Gun Maverick" and "Twister."
An outpouring of support on social media has surprised Namminga, especially considering Valle Drive-in doesn't exactly make up most of his daily life.
"Both myself and the other family that own this have full time careers. The drive-in theater is not something that we rely on for our livelihood," Namminga said.
Despite the damage from last spring, Namminga sees the importance of continuing the Valle Drive-in.
"This is an experience. This is stepping back in time; it's a little bit of a slower pace," he said. "This is sitting down with friends and family, putting your phones away, and playing games."
Tickets are on sale for shows this weekend and can be bought ahead of time online. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for kids 5-11, and ages 4 and under get in for free. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the features begin at dusk.
RELATED: WEATHER LAB | What are derechos? | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/valle-drive-in-reopening-after-march-5-tornado/524-980559a4-7668-4ce4-9102-5338a73d3d17 | 2022-08-03T02:36:21 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/valle-drive-in-reopening-after-march-5-tornado/524-980559a4-7668-4ce4-9102-5338a73d3d17 |
SAN JOSE, Calif. — An appellate court has reversed the murder convictions of the three Northern California deputies convicted in the 2015 jail beating death of a mentally ill inmate after a judge ruled that the primary legal theory prosecutors cited was invalidated by recent changes in state law.
In 2017, former Santa Clara County Sheriff deputies Jereh Lubrin, Matthew Farris and Rafael Rodriguez were convicted by a San Jose jury of second-degree murder in the death of Michael Tyree. They were sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.
On Monday, Thomas Goethals, associate justice of the Fourth District court's third division, noted in his ruling that Senate Bill 1437, passed in 2018, declared invalid the natural and probable consequences theory. That meant that while the jury instruction was proper at the time of the trial, it no longer is. And, Goethals said, the impact of the law is retroactive, the Mercury News reported Monday.
During the deputies' trial, the judge told the jury it could consider a legal theory known as "natural and probable consequences," which would allow it to find a defendant guilty of murder even if the person may not have committed the killing, because the victim's death was a natural consequence of the defendant's actions. In the Tyree case, this meant that the jury did not need to consider each defendant's individual responsibility or awareness in order to find all three guilty of second-degree murder, the newspaper reported.
Prosecutors said Lubrin, Farris and Rodriguez severely beat Tyree, 31, in his cell. He died hours later from internal bleeding and suffered significant liver and spleen damage. Tyree was serving time for misdemeanor theft and drug possession. He had been housed by himself in a section of the jail reserved for inmates who are in protective custody or have special needs.
The state Attorney General's Office said Monday it was reviewing the ruling. Unless the office appeals, Goethals' conclusion will stand, and per his ruling, "the prosecution may elect to retry defendants on a valid theory or theories of homicide with a properly instructed jury."
The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office was not prepared to announce whether it will refile the case, also saying in a brief statement, "We're reviewing the court's decision."
Rebecca Jones, the attorney who represented Rodriguez, lauded the court's ruling.
"Prosecutors should not have been allowed to consider the NPC theory, and the appellate court could not find it was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt," Jones said. "I think (the court) did the right thing."
Attorneys for Lubrin and Farris did not immediately respond to requests for comment Monday.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/california-court-overturns-deputies-murder-conviction/103-912efd6d-e4dd-45a6-8c30-9f9eb1703973 | 2022-08-03T02:42:14 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/california-court-overturns-deputies-murder-conviction/103-912efd6d-e4dd-45a6-8c30-9f9eb1703973 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Victims of police violence are fighting to be included in California's victim's compensation program. They met at the state Capitol Tuesday morning and demanded action.
"It's important that we come to a medium on this and not separate those that have been murdered or abused by the police department," said Stephanie Hatten, whose son was killed by Stockton police in 2020.
To this day, Hatten recalls the hardships she and her family went through after the death of her son. Antwane Burrise was shot and killed by Stockton police in 2020. He was wanted on a homicide warrant, but his mother says the family's impact is no different.
"When I was denied some of the services such as the bill provided to me by the police from all their bullet holes shooting wildly, I was presented with a $3,500 bill to cover their damages. I was quite offended but did not have the money," Hatten said.
Under the new Senate Bill 299, she would have been eligible to receive the support she needed.
"SB 299 will remove barriers faced by victims of police violence and other violent crimes in getting the help that they deserve from the California Victim's Compensation Board," said state Senator Connie Leyva, who is the author of SB 299.
Currently, the board can not approve an application for assistance without a police report, but those aren't made available in cases involving police violence.
According to Mapping Police Violence, so far this year, police have killed 31 people in California. In 2021, that number was 156.
"If SB 299 had already been a law, our parents would have been able to take time off work to mourn and plan for his funeral. We - his sisters - could have accessed counseling to help us process our grief of losing our only brother," said Ashley Monterrosa, whose brother was killed by Vallejo police in 2020.
The families are asking for compassion instead of being revictimized all over again.
"I stand before you today, with the truth in my heart, to please reconsider some assistance and not separate us because it's police violence. It's death, it's murder, it's abuse and the feelings are all the same," Hatten said.
We reached out to the California Peace Officers Association but did not hear back from them by time of publication.
The Anti Police-Terror Project and their policy director, James Burch, said he believes it's a step in the right direction, but there is still plenty to be done for families who went without compensation.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/police-violence-victims-compensation-program/103-7eae68d3-9c75-470f-8522-7f5b730ec1c4 | 2022-08-03T02:42:20 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/police-violence-victims-compensation-program/103-7eae68d3-9c75-470f-8522-7f5b730ec1c4 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Two people were taken to the hospital in critical condition after an accident in North Sacramento.
The Sacramento Fire Department said the crash happened just before 5 p.m. near Northgate Boulevard and Sotano Drive. Three patients were ultimately taken to the hospital, with two of the patients in critical condition.
It's not clear what led up to the accident.
Sacramento Police Department has closed roadways in the area to investigate the crash.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/northgate-sotano-accident/103-ced34a59-9f3f-4b38-990b-176be9ff0e9b | 2022-08-03T02:42:27 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/northgate-sotano-accident/103-ced34a59-9f3f-4b38-990b-176be9ff0e9b |
Native advocates hope a city zoning appeal will stop a controversial housing development adjacent to Wilderness Park near First Street and Pioneers Boulevard.
Native leaders from the Indian Center and Niskithe Prayer Camp, which set up tipis on the land in opposition to the development, filed an appeal Tuesday with the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals asking it to reverse the changes approved by the Lincoln City Council in April.
Sam Manzitto Jr. plans to build 162 single-family homes, 134 town homes and 205 apartments on about 75 acres south of Pioneers Boulevard between First Street and U.S. 77 purchased from the Catholic Diocese.
The ACLU of Nebraska and Big Fire Law and Policy Group, which has offices in Omaha, Washington, D.C., and Winnebago, are supporting the appeal.
“In approving the Wilderness Crossing development project, the City of Lincoln has shown a callous indifference to the objections of the city’s Native American community,” said Nikki Ducheneaux, Big Fire Law & Policy Group’s founding partner. “This administrative appeal outlines how Mayor Gaylor Baird’s recent development approvals have violated her responsibility to fully conduct all administrative work and affairs of the city in a lawful and appropriate manner.”
The appeal argues that city planners who recommended approval of the housing development disregarded guidance in the Lincoln-Lancaster County 2050 Comprehensive Plan, ignored environmental concerns of building next to Wilderness Park and dismissed feedback on the site’s cultural and religious significance.
The land has been designated in the Comprehensive Plan for future urban residential development since 2002, but environmental advocates opposed the proposed development early on, raising concerns about flooding and the effect of wildlife and native habitat, including destruction of a sandstone ecosystem in the area.
Native advocates later got involved and raised concerns about the development’s effects on the city’s oldest and most-used sweat lodge located across the street on private land known for years as the Fish Farm.
Last month, Kathleen Danker, who owns the land where the sweat lodge is located, filed an appeal of the City Council’s action in Lancaster County District Court. That action is pending.
The zoning board appeal requests a stay of all work on the development while the appeal is pending. The board must hold a public hearing within 45 days, then make a decision, which can be appealed to Lancaster County District Court.
“Today we are taking steps to protect our sacred ceremonial grounds and Wilderness Park from the reckless actions of Lincoln developers, city planning staff and elected leaders,” said Kevin Abourezk, Niskithe Prayer Camp leader and Indian Center board vice chairman.
Margaret Reist is a recovering education reporter now writing about local and county government and the people who live in the city where she was born and raised.
A group of Native activists and others took down the Niskithe Prayer Camp erected to oppose a recently-approved housing development and marched to City Hall, the Capital and the Catholic Diocese.
A group that set up a prayer camp to oppose a planned development near Wilderness Park and a Native sweat lodge says it will dismantle the camp, but will continue efforts to protect the sweat lodge.
The Fish Farm, privately-owned land surrounded by Wilderness Park, is the site of a Native sweat lodge that's become a focal point for those who oppose a housing development across the street.
The Niskíthe Prayer Camp group said that it does not believe the city or the developer have been responsive to its requests to modify the development to protect a nearby Native sweat lodge.
A group of Native community members who opposed the development set up a prayer camp early Monday and had asked the mayor to veto the City Council's approval of the development. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/native-leaders-take-their-fight-against-wilderness-crossing-development-to-zoning-board/article_082b9ecb-64f8-5e02-8d66-9c30c5d8419c.html | 2022-08-03T02:45:26 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/native-leaders-take-their-fight-against-wilderness-crossing-development-to-zoning-board/article_082b9ecb-64f8-5e02-8d66-9c30c5d8419c.html |
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Indiana — A pedestrian was struck and killed on the highway in Montgomery County early Monday morning, Indiana State Police said.
Just before 1 a.m., deputies were called to a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 74 near the 38-mile marker. When deputies arrived, they found a Pontiac G6 that hit the cable barrier, but weren't able to find the driver.
Moments later, dispatchers started getting 911 calls reporting a pedestrian who had been hit by a semi-truck in the same area.
Investigators say a semi-truck was headed west on I-74 near the 38 mile marker just after 1 a.m.
Meanwhile, 23-year-old Jean Roodje, of Laurel, Delaware - who investigators believe was driving the Pontiac that crashed - was walking in the right lane on I-74.
The semi-truck driver tried to avoid hitting Roodje, but was unable to and hit him. Medics pronounced Roodje dead at the scene.
The driver of the semi-truck was not injured, State Police said. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/delaware-man-hit-killed-by-semi-truck-on-montgomery-county-indiana-highway/531-5bd4cf7b-8c43-4909-9802-998a77ed23ea | 2022-08-03T02:50:46 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/delaware-man-hit-killed-by-semi-truck-on-montgomery-county-indiana-highway/531-5bd4cf7b-8c43-4909-9802-998a77ed23ea |
A horse from Oak Cliff who made a name for himself on and off the track has died.
The stallion named Black Lives Matter died last week.
Videos of the horse's last-to-first place win went viral earlier this year.
His owners are also the first black family in Texas to race quarter horses and recently returned to racing after decades away from it.
They are heartbroken by the loss.
“He was such an icon, all the little kids, all the grandkids, he was like their superhero & he stood for a lot in this country,” said Keelron Hatley, co-owner of Black Lives Matter.
They say the horse died during a routine procedure at a vet clinic and they're having an examination done to determine how he died. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/black-lives-matter-horse-who-gained-national-attention-unexpectedly-dies/3038600/ | 2022-08-03T02:57:56 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/black-lives-matter-horse-who-gained-national-attention-unexpectedly-dies/3038600/ |
Within hours of launching a monkeypox vaccine hotline Tuesday, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said some struggled to get through.
“A lot of call volume. We had actually had some problems with the system this morning that were fixed by lunchtime,” said Jenkins.
Even then, the county encouraged people to continue calling when lines were busy.
It’s a sign of the high demand for the vaccine seen in cities around the country.
“In New York City when they first started offering shots, the slots were filled up within 15 minutes. Same thing in Chicago, same thing in Boston, same thing in Washington, D.C. So this community wants to get the vaccines, they want to protect themselves and they want to protect other people,” said Rafael McDonnell, senior advocacy, policy and communications manager for the Resource Center.
Right now, Dallas County is a hotspot for monkeypox in Texas with 175 confirmed cases and 21 suspected. That’s the highest total in the state.
Across Texas, the CDC reported 485 cases, which has more than doubled in one week’s time.
As the LGBTQ community center serves greater North Texas, McDonnell said the Resource Center has fielded a lot of questions since eligibility for the vaccine was extended this week to include men who've had sex with multiple men or anonymous partners within the last two weeks in addition to those who've had skin to skin contact with someone infected.
“We’re telling folks to be cognizant of who they are and what they're doing, realizing that, of course, monkeypox does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity,” said McDonnell.
Last week, Dallas County received 5,000 doses of the vaccine, half of which could be held back as a second shot.
Jenkins says the county's working to get more, which he expects will arrive soon.
He added that allocations are determined first by the federal government and then state officials.
“We know that there's a lot of concern out there. Just know that we're doing everything in our power to keep you safe. Right now, the eligibility is expanded from where it was a couple of days ago, but it's not expanded to where we want it to be. We’ve just got to get the vaccine in here so we've got enough vaccine to get to everyone who needs it,” said Jenkins.
For those eligible, appointments for the vaccine can be made through the county’s hotline at 972-692-2780.
In addition to the Health and Human Services building on Stemmons Freeway, appointments will soon be offered at Abounding Prosperity, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Community Health Empowerment and Prism Health North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-county-monkeypox-vaccine-hotline-sees-high-call-volume-on-first-day/3038581/ | 2022-08-03T02:58:03 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-county-monkeypox-vaccine-hotline-sees-high-call-volume-on-first-day/3038581/ |
Texas State Representative Rafael Anchía sent a letter to state congressional leaders Tuesday calling for a "meaningful cost-of-living" adjustment for retired Texas teachers.
A call requested to be addressed in the next legislative session comes after Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced a balance of nearly $27 billion at legislators' disposal during the upcoming session.
"School employees are leaving in droves," Congressman Achía, a retired teacher himself, said in a press release. "Our children will suffer the consequences of this resignation crisis unless we invest in our educators. We have the money and the time is now."
Retired Texas educators have not received a cost-of-living raise since 2004. A shortage in teacher retention has increased efforts to bring new hires into the classroom. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/state-representative-calls-for-retired-teacher-cost-of-living-adjustment/3038563/ | 2022-08-03T02:58:10 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/state-representative-calls-for-retired-teacher-cost-of-living-adjustment/3038563/ |
Three people are dead after several shootings in Philadelphia and neighboring Upper Darby Tuesday night, police said.
The fatal shootings happened within 45 minutes of each other – stretching from Frankford, to West Philadelphia, and into Delaware County.
Investigators said a 30-year-old man was shot several times in the torso near 54th and Pearl streets in West Philly at 7:30 p.m. He was taken to the hospital in a private vehicle and pronounced deceased shortly after.
Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said people normally hang out on the block, and the victim was seen there regularly.
Less than an hour later, a 29-year-old woman was shot while barbequing with friends on the 1800 block of Harrison Street in Frankford. She was rushed to the hospital where she died minutes later.
The woman was hit in the shoulder while sitting on the porch when a gunman opened fire from a passing silver car, possibly an older-model Impala, police said.
“This is an innocent person who’s out here on a nice night, trying to do the right thing, and enjoy the music, enjoy the weather and enjoy a barbeque," Philadelphia Police Captain John Walker said at the scene Tuesday night. “Instead of just having a joyous time, it’ll be planning a funeral."
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Investigators were reviewing surveillance camera video and asked for the public's help in tracking down a possible suspect.
Arrests have yet to be made in either case, Philadelphia police said Tuesday night.
In neighboring Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, a person was also shot and killed inside of a home on the 200 block of Kingston Road, police said. It happened around 7:30 p.m.
Officers blocked nearby streets as they investigated. Upper Darby Police did not say whether they made an arrest in the case.
As of Tuesday, there were at least 321 homicides in Philadelphia in 2022, according to Philadelphia police data. That's down 1% from the same time last year, which wound up being the deadliest on record in the city.
There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/shootings-across-philadelphia-upper-darby-leave-3-people-dead/3323673/ | 2022-08-03T03:01:00 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/shootings-across-philadelphia-upper-darby-leave-3-people-dead/3323673/ |
HAYS COUNTY, Texas — Multiple departments are responding to a large wildfire on RM 165 in Hays County on Tuesday.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, RM 165 is closed between FM 2325 and US 290 due to the fire.
The Blanco County Emergency Management office reported that the fire is estimated at around 800 acres and is 30% contained.
The Texas A&M Forest Service has named the fire the Smoke Rider fire. The fire is moving north, the Hays County Office of Emergency Management said.
Evacuations have also been issued in the area as the fire continues moving north/northwest and has crossed US 290.
No injuries have been reported.
A shelter has been opened at Blanco United Methodist Church, located at 61 Pecan St.
The PAWS Shelter of Central Texas reported that it's Dripping Springs campus had to be evacuated. All animals are being moved to its Kyle campus, Firehouse Animal Health Center in Belterra and Stay-N-Play Pet Ranch.
Pedernales Falls State Park is also closed due to the fire. Roads leading to the park have been impacted by smoke and first responders are using them to stage.
Three helicopters, including two National Guard Blackhawk helicopters, are dropping water on small hot spots. Fixed-wing aircrafts are assisting with water and retardant.
Drivers are asked to avoid the area if possible.
Meanwhile, officials are also reporting a brush fire in eastern Travis County.
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, this is the Blue Bluff fire that has flared up again after being 100% contained.
As of Tuesday at 5:10 p.m., the fire was 80% contained. The Austin Fire Department said crews were working hard to get the 100-acre fire under control.
No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported, AFD said. Crews were monitoring for downwind embers in a nearby trailer park.
FM 973 at FM 969 and Decker is closed, but no further information was immediately available.
The forest service also reported a fire burning northeast of Fredericksburg on Tuesday afternoon off of Eckert Road, near Big Sky Drive and Foster Ranch Road.
That fire was estimated at around 400 acres. The forest service is referring to it as the Big Sky fire.
For a map of fire activity around Texas, click here.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/wildfire-rm-165-hays-county/269-1ea263b2-9a49-4689-82d2-bb3a5bf67d7e | 2022-08-03T03:01:47 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/wildfire-rm-165-hays-county/269-1ea263b2-9a49-4689-82d2-bb3a5bf67d7e |
HOBART — The True Cost of Washington Tour sponsored by Americans for Prosperity, a conservative political advocacy group, came to Luke Convenience Store & Gas Station on Tuesday afternoon and featured an appearance by former Vice President Mike Pence.
The tour has been traveling across the county, partnering with gas stations to offset the price of regular gasoline back down to $2.38, the average price per gallon on the first day of the Biden administration. Americans can expect to spend an extra $5,500 to maintain the same standard of living as last year due to soaring inflation rates, AFP said.
“We’re highlighting the issues coming out of Washington, the bad policies that have been driving inflation across the economy causing record gas prices this summer for Hoosiers,” Josh Webb, Indiana’s AFP state director, said. “We’re trying to use this to provide some temporary relief, but really to highlight the good policies to get these prices down permanently and provide people permanent relief across the economy.”
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The average American family will spend $1,500 more per year for gas at its current cost, Pence said. He said America needs a change of direction in leadership or new leadership in Washington.
“The time has come for the Biden administration to end the war on energy and unleash American energy and lower the cost of gasoline for working families here in the heartland of America,” he said. “That will be the foundation of bringing this economy back.”
Pence was accompanied by Jennifer-Ruth Green, the Republican candidate for Indiana’s 1st Congressional District of Lake, Porter and northwest LaPorte counties.
“Hoosiers deserve better,” Green said. “When we look at the fact that specific economic difficulties are crushing our families, it is something that burdens me. As we see these families who are struggling, I believe we can do better.”
AFP rolled back the regular price of gasoline from $3.99 to $2.38 from 1 to 3 p.m. The organization covered the remaining cost of $1.61 per gallon to help out Hoosiers.
“It was such a blessing, I saved about $20 in gas today,” Corey Laseter, of Hobart, said. “To have someone to give back, for me to leave my house and see this surprise, it just makes my day. It encourages you to do what’s right and believe things will get better.”
Laseter said that oftentimes the middle and lower class think they’re being taken advantage of and that events like the True Cost of Washington Tour give people hope.
Anton Jackson, of Gary, normally doesn’t fill up his gas tank since it’s been $4 and up but was able to today since he saved an extra $2 per gallon.
“You’re spending more money at the gas pump, even the dollar store. You’re spending an extra 25 cents for almost everything there,” Jackson said. “Overall you’re spending a lot of extra money, and it adds up in the long run.”
Webb said this was the tour’s third stop in Indiana and somewhere around stop 50 in the U.S. overall. He said the two-hour gas rollback window would provide nearly 200 customers with cheaper gas.
Following the event, Drew Anderson, spokesman for the Indiana Democratic party, and U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland released statements regarding Pence's comments.
"It's a shame Mike Pence doesn't read local news anymore, because if he had, he'd learn the state's high gas taxes are solely because of Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Republican Party," Anderson said. "Hoosiers should expect these kinds of political stunts from Pence - because he's trying so hard to be relevant."
Mrvan said Republicans are focused solely on greed and political power, not substance and solving problems.
"It is deeply regrettable that the Republican nominee for the First District of Indiana receives money and support from these types of national organizations, including the American Action Network, which is funded by Big Oil and their record-breaking profits," Mrvan said. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/hobart/watch-now-mike-pence-attends-event-rolling-back-gas-to-2-38-at-hobart-gas/article_285080d6-5d98-5402-b8e4-bbea8e01ae36.html | 2022-08-03T03:03:22 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/hobart/watch-now-mike-pence-attends-event-rolling-back-gas-to-2-38-at-hobart-gas/article_285080d6-5d98-5402-b8e4-bbea8e01ae36.html |
The city of Ammon has approved a preliminary plat for a 116-plot housing subdivision called Legacy Village.
Legacy Village will be built on the Northeast corner of South Hitt Road and 49th South.
Rockwell Homes purchased the land six months ago from another developer and has since drawn up plans for the new community, said Cameron High, director of operations with Rockwell Homes.
"It came up as available in the MLS (multiple listings site, for real estate)," High said. "It was a part of town that we were interested in becoming a part of and developing. We made an offer, purchased the ground and then got started working on designs."
Rockwell Homes currently has five communities in the Ammon, Idaho Falls and Iona areas including Ivy Wood, Sierra Springs, Freedom Field, Berkley Park with Manchester Estates coming soon and Legacy Village in the planning process.
The Legacy Village development will contain a mixture of commercial and residential opportunities, High said. It also will contain a common area in the northeast corner, pickelball courts, a park and more amenities for residents.
"The east side of Hitt Road will have eight commercial pads with the remainder of the development consisting of 108 individual units, High said. "The residential lots will be made up of duplexes and town homes. The commercial lots are right on Hitt Road, there could be restaurants, retail, professional — it will just be a continuation of those businesses up and down Hitt."
The eight plots of land facing South Hitt Road will be sold to commercial land owners who will then decide what they want to do with the land.
Though the commercial landowners would have some control of what was built, building permits would still need to be submitted to the city for approval.
With a large part of the development being parallel to and backed up against South Wackerli Avenue, the mayor and city council had guidelines that they required be followed for the development.
"(City officials) made the requirement that houses adjacent to the existing houses be one story so that people would have privacy in their backyards," said Micah Austin, Ammon city administrator. "The mayor wanted the new development to mesh well with the rest of the city."
Rockwell Holmes agreed to the conditions and made plans to accommodate.
"We are also installing an eight-foot masonry wall that will help be a barrier between the new subdivision and the existing homes … on Wackerli Avenue."
Besides the first row of one-story homes, High said that perpendicular to those and across the street would be two-story homes.
The company is planning on improving the ground, putting in utilities, sewer, etc., by next spring and plans to start construction within four to five months after that begins. With construction beginning in fall 2023, High estimates a six- to nine-month timeline for completion.
Some homeowners behind the newly approved subdivision on Hitt Road are concerned about its impact on their privacy.
Gloria Rock, a homeowner there for nearly seven years, shared her feelings about the project and unavoidable construction directly behind her home.
"I am a country girl, I want to have privacy, I want it to be quiet, I want to be away from what feels like big city," Rock said. "Over 100 homes is a lot and it's going to be crowded and loud all the time, that is not what I want."
"I do not want to go through almost a year of construction behind me when it used to be peaceful and quiet," Rock said.
While some residents are concerned, High says that others have been asking for a new development close to town for a while now.
"We have had requests from people for a long time to build something closer into the city," High said. "People want malls, shops, restaurants. They want to be in the middle of things, this area made sense."
Besides the desire for homes closer to the city center, High shares that growth in Ammon requires more homes.
"We have seen a lot of growth," High said. "We need more homes."
"We love working with Ammon and we are so excited to be here."
The single-family homes in Legacy Village are meant to be cost-effective, with the town homes starting in the $400,000 range.
"Rockwell has been in Ammon for 25 years, our business model is to build homes with exceptional quality and value, so they are going to be cost effective homes … we want them to be affordable," High said. | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/116-plot-subdivision-approved-in-ammon/article_8ffd679b-d8d9-5500-9ceb-9fcdb8ffc3d7.html | 2022-08-03T03:03:22 | 1 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/116-plot-subdivision-approved-in-ammon/article_8ffd679b-d8d9-5500-9ceb-9fcdb8ffc3d7.html |
Ammon has been recognized internationally for its “Ammon Model” of fiber-optic internet, which offers some of the cheapest internet costs in the world.
“In 2010, the city of Ammon began construction of a municipally owned fiber optic system,” said Dan Tracy, director of information technology for Ammon Fiber Optics. “Since this time, we have invested in several hundred miles of fiber optic infrastructure. … Today, this infrastructure serves city operations, the local 911 dispatch center, first responders, eight different service providers, 110 businesses and over 1,500 residential properties.”
Harvard University researchers devoted a 2017 case study to the network.
In 2019, Fast Company, a monthly business magazine and website, called Ammon’s network “the best fiber-optic network in America.”
Micah Austin, Ammon’s city administrator, shared his pride in the accomplishments of the city and its fiber-optic accomplishments.
“Ammon has some of the cheapest internet in the world,” Austin said. “Last year a report came out that said we had the 7th cheapest internet on the Earth.”
With more than 1,500 homes connected, including 600 within the last year, Ammon Fiber is more than 60% done connecting the entire city to its network and Ammon Fiber officials plan to be completely done with the network’s build-out by 2027, Tracy said.
“We live in a day and age where something like the internet can bring life-altering changes to people,” Tracy said. With the Ammon model, the city has found a way to make fiber-optic internet services as cheap and reliable as other essential utilities such as water and gas.
Ammon created its model not as a way to gain profit, but instead to provide the city’s residents and business owners with a resource city leaders deemed essential but had found was becoming far too expensive in the private market.
The Ammon Model provides property owners within the city the opportunity to own their broadband connectivity without being tied into plans and contracts.
The model’s objective is to build a next-generation fiber-optic utility infrastructure that will accommodate change and innovation for the foreseeable future, Tracy said.
The city of Ammon's C. Bruce Ard Operations Facility at 3451 S. Ard Drive is home to Ammon Fiber.
To ensure the best prices for consumers, there must be a careful and deliberate unbundling of services from infrastructure both technically and economically. The Ammon Model is special in that it has perfected this, Tracy said.
In Ammon, this unbundling of services and model of funding was accomplished through the creation of local improvement districts or LIDs. The districts provide a group of property owners the ability to share in the cost of infrastructure on a voluntary basis.
Many cities across the country form local improvement districts as a method by which a group of property owners can share in the cost of infrastructure improvements in their neighborhoods. The improvement districts are most commonly used for projects such as improving streets, building sidewalks, stormwater preparation, etc. Ammon is just using them to provide fiber-optic infrastructure.
Fiber-optic internet connections for more than 400 properties are seen in this photo.
In the Ammon Model, the city facilitates the financing and construction of the infrastructure and then takes on the responsibilities of maintenance and operation post construction. This is all done with the participation and support of the people living within the LID.
The percentage of property owners choosing to opt-in to the fiber-optic connection ranges based on which LID they reside in are as follows:
• LID1 (Brick Estates, Felt & Waite, Mountain Valley Estates, Stonehaven, The Cottages, The Villas) — 72.90%
• LID2 (Cottonwood Hills, Eagle Point, Founders Point, Mountain Valley Estates, The Villas) — 53.09%
• LID3 (Bridgewater, Centennial Ranch, Hawks Landing, Jennie Jean Estates Area, Utterbeck Addition) — 56.04%
• LID4 (Cortland Ridge, Fox Hollow, Highland Springs, Woodland Hills) — 58.83%
• LID5 (Ammon Townsite, Arnold Wadsworth, Barbara Jean Estates, Centennial Ranch, East Hills Addition, Hillview Village, Maibean Jones Addition, Oak Ridge, Peterson Park Subdivision, Pony Acres Addition, Shangila Homes, Tie Breaker Village, Tom Bird, Trailwood Village, Warren Bird) — To be completed May 2023
• LID6 (Unconfirmed)- To be completed in 2025
• LID7 (Unconfirmed)- To be completed in 2027
Joseph Daniello controls a horizontal directional drill pulling conduit under a road that will later hold fiber.
Once construction and installation of fiber-optic lines is completed in a LID, property owners receive cost estimates, and their participation is optional. The total cost of the project is then equally divided among the participating properties within the district.
The more individual property owners that participate, the lower the installation will cost for each property. The amount due is then attached to the property as a lien and paid over the course of 20 years at a low municipal bond rate of less than 3%, Tracy said. The property owner can avoid the bond rate by paying in full at any time.
Operational expenses are paid to the city as an additional line on residents’ monthly utility bills, the monthly utility fee for fiber-optic access in Ammon is $16.50 for participating households in order to maintain service. Again, this is standard utility practice, as property owners can suspend water and sewer service for periods of time upon request. The city uses these fees to maintain the ability to provide members with access to an online marketplace where they purchase a range of internet services.
These three unbundled and separate costs all are associated with achieving the desired end. A customer will pay the $16.50 operational expense, their chosen plan, most of which purchase a plan for $9.99, and the either one-time, annual, or monthly cost of their LID estimate.
{div class=”col-md-12 nomargin article-photo-container”}The Ammon model is about democratizing a critical infrastructure, providing the opportunity for all to have it, and making it as cheap as possible. The process requires dedication, cooperation and community engagement. The payoff for this hard work is the 1 Gbps internet choices for less than $55 a month including a property owner’s LID payment, but as low as $26.49 a month after the LID is completely paid, with no contracts or data limits.
Tracy shared that because he currently lives outside of Ammon, he is unable to get a fiber-optic connection to his home. Without this connection Tracy pays $70 a month for 40 Mbps. To put this in perspective, 1 Gbps is 1000 Mbps. Tracy is paying $15.00-$43.51 more for 960 Mbps less than the average fiber-optic owner.
“We have 18 different fiber sites in Ammon and we could connect 10,000 properties to a fiber-optic internet service in one of those sites,” Tracy said. This giving the opportunity for 180,000 connections within the city.
The Ammon Model is ready for the future, a future in which Tracy feels is coming soon.
“Ammon is growing quickly and we are trying to move just as quickly, preparing it for a much larger population, and technology driven future than we have right now,” Tracy said.{/div} | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/city-ammon-has-the-7th-cheapest-internet-in-the-world/article_c6182c02-46bc-511f-86e2-426575a412f4.html | 2022-08-03T03:03:28 | 0 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/city-ammon-has-the-7th-cheapest-internet-in-the-world/article_c6182c02-46bc-511f-86e2-426575a412f4.html |
Members of the string section of the Idaho Falls Symphony rehearse at the Downtown Event Center in this 2020 file photo. The symphony was one of the organizations in eastern Idaho which received annual art grants for fiscal year 2023 from the Idaho Commission on the Arts.
The Idaho Commission on the Arts is funding more than $95,000 in annual grants to eastern Idaho art organizations for fiscal year 2023.
The commission announced the grant awards in a Monday news release. Across Idaho, 81 organizations received grants, totaling $645,592. Organizations and schools receiving grants will match their awards with locally generated funds bringing the total to nearly $200,000, the release said.
“Arts organizations play significant roles in the economic prosperity of Idaho cities and towns,” arts commission Chairman Steve Allred said in the release. “Arts and cultural production in Idaho accounts for $1.8 billion and 2.2% of our state economy and supports 19,113 jobs, 3,509 of them directly. Artistic production is good business.”
The list of 2023 annual grants for eastern Idaho grants are as follows:
Arts Education Grants
Arts Education Project grants provide funding for activities that unite effective practices in education and the arts and involve schools, artists and community organizations, the release said. These grants are targeted for pre-K and K-12 teaching and learning programs.
The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, Idaho Falls — $11,273
Burton Elementary School, Madison School District 321, Rexburg — $10,467
Idaho Falls Arts Council — $9,892
Idaho Falls Symphony — $9,777
Swan Valley School District 92, Irwin — $3,106
Writers at Harriman, Friends of Idaho State Parks, Island Park — $5,092
Entry Track Grants
Entry Track grants and Public Programs in the Arts grants provide stable, ongoing support for the arts programs delivered by Idaho’s professional arts organizations, the release said. These programs provide Idahoans the opportunity to experience performances, gallery exhibits, special events and workshops in a variety of artistic disciplines. Successful applicants demonstrated exceptional artistic merit, clearly defined management and the public value of their work.
Teton Arts Council, Driggs — $4,181
Public Programs in the Arts
The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho — $5,867
Challis Arts Council — $2,977
City of Rexburg, Cultural Arts Department — $5,264
Downtown Driggs Community Association — $4,115
Idaho Falls Arts Council — $10,588
Idaho Falls Symphony — $7,163
Idaho Falls Youth Arts Centre — $3,724
Writers at Harriman, Friends of Idaho State Parks — $2,143 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/eastern-idaho-art-programs-set-to-receive-nearly-200k-in-annual-grants/article_863510bc-f3e4-51e6-9765-101f61d4b946.html | 2022-08-03T03:03:34 | 0 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/eastern-idaho-art-programs-set-to-receive-nearly-200k-in-annual-grants/article_863510bc-f3e4-51e6-9765-101f61d4b946.html |
BOISE — Climate change could make it more challenging to conserve and manage the state’s most at-risk fish, wildlife and plants, Idaho officials said.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game on Monday released its draft Idaho State Wildlife Action Plan that will guide its management actions for the next decade.
The plan emphasizes preventing Endangered Species Act listings to maintain state’s authority in plant and wildlife management decisions as well as recovering species that are listed. The agency is taking public comments through Aug. 31 on the 336-page draft plan that will replace a 2015 version.
The timeline for when a final version will be released isn’t clear. The agency didn’t respond to a request for comments.
Federal legislation called the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act has passed the House is expected to clear the Senate. The $1.3 billion legislation could bring millions of dollars to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game for conservation of wildlife, fisheries and habitats. But the state’s wildlife action plan will likely need updating first.
The plan for the first time includes plants as well as an entire section on climate change.
“Idaho’s climate is expected to become overall warmer, drier in summer, wetter in winter, and more variable during the next 50 to 70 years,” the report states.
The report notes that Idaho’s annual mean temperature has increased 1.8 degrees since 1895, with heatwaves becoming more frequent. The report said precipitation is becoming more variable, with summer and autumn precipitation decreasing with more frequent prolonged droughts.
The report said Idaho’s spring and winter precipitation is increasing but with less snow, and that the state’s snowpack is peaking earlier, shifting toward higher elevations and becoming more inconsistent. Additionally, the report notes that soil and fuel moistures are decreasing, causing increasing wildfires.
The report said annual streamflow has decreased, streams are about 1.5 degrees warmer, and that peak springtime streamflow is one to two weeks earlier. The report predicts streamflow will continue to decrease and peak springtime streamflow could eventually be four to nine weeks earlier.
Idaho currently has about 20 species listed under the Endangered Species Act, including Snake River sockeye salmon, spring- and summer-run of Snake River chinook salmon, Snake River fall-run chinook salmon and Snake River basin steelhead. Other listed species include bull trout, grizzly bears, Canada lynx, slickspot peppergrass, Kootenai River white sturgeon and the Bruneau hot springsnail.
Among the other objectives of the plan is maximizing access for traditional use of natural resources such as grazing, mining and timber harvest, increasing opportunities for voluntary stewardship efforts of ranchers, farmers and private landowners, and increasing public engagement in wildlife management decisions and planning.
The report covers the five major geographic and ecological regions of the state and covers amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, invertebrates and plants. The plan also provides descriptions of 39 habitats it says are essential for conserving species.
Besides climate change, other topics analyzed in relation to Idaho’s wildlife include residential and commercial development, agriculture and aquaculture, energy production and mining, transportation and service corridors, human intrusions and disturbances, invasive species, pollution and geological events.
Jeff Abrams of the Idaho Conservation League said he was still reviewing the State Wildlife Action Plan, or SWAP, but found good things for hunters, anglers and conservationists to like.
“We feel like the SWAP is an incredible opportunity to advance maintaining our state’s precious wildlife recourses,” he said. “Any work that you do where you have specifically identified non-game species is automatically connected by default, by the ecosystem role, to fish and game species that are harvested in the state.” | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/report-climate-change-a-challenge-for-idaho-wildlife/article_62373077-ed47-5d35-bc5c-b5f8e8da8e75.html | 2022-08-03T03:03:41 | 1 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/report-climate-change-a-challenge-for-idaho-wildlife/article_62373077-ed47-5d35-bc5c-b5f8e8da8e75.html |
The process of setting the tax rate for the City of Midland has started.
On Tuesday, the Midland City Council approved a rate that will be used as a potential ceiling for discussions moving forward. It is the “voter-approval tax rate” of 36.1731 cents per $100 valuation.
Establishing a proposed rate means that the council can’t raise it moving forward, but city leaders can lower it when adopting a tax rate ordinance on Aug. 23 and Sept. 13.
Mayor Patrick Payton described the council’s actions as “setting the parameters of the discussion.” He also said after the meeting that it would be a good bet that “this council will set a rate lower than what you heard today.”
“I fully suspect this council will go much lower than what was kept as the ceiling,” Payton said. “I think fund balance puts us in a healthy position.”
City officials expect as much as $110 million in the fund balance (the city’s savings account) at the end fiscal year 2021-22. Traditionally, city leaders have wanted around 35% of the General Fund budget in savings. This council may decide on more. Either way, there are council members who believe the fund balance can be used to help lower the tax rate this year.
At-large Councilwoman Robin Poole is one of those people. She wanted to set a rate Tuesday that is called the city’s no-new revenue rate, which generally brings in as much as the city collected during the previous fiscal year. The no-new revenue rate is 35.5039 cents per $100 valuation. That is a little more than $6 lower than the voter-approved rate for every $100,000 that a property is valued at.
Poole voted against establishing a rate – even if it is a ceiling – at 36.1731 cents per $100 valuation.
“I think the no new revenue rate is definitely where I'll be voting,” Poole said. “I don't think I’ll go any higher than that. Just due to our circumstances, I think we're at a point where we really need to spend down our fund balance, and we have more than enough to do that and still maintain a very healthy balance.”
The established tax rate is basically the no-new revenue rate, plus 3.5%, according to city officials. District 1 Councilman Scott Dufford said city growth on that scale is conservative as it allows for flexibility needed for typical inflation and population growth (this year 3.5% wouldn’t cover the combination).
Still, Dufford said approving a final rate of 3.5% is the smart thing for city leaders to do. It helps during times of uncertainty and provides the city a little wiggle room, especially as legislators in Austin attempt to handcuff local government entities by lowering the caps that entities can raise taxes.
“We were always conservative, but (state action) always made it to where we can never make up the ground that we lost from the previous year like we used to,” Dufford said.
Property tax scenarios
The proposed property tax rate is 36.1731 cents per $100 valuation. City officials cited a report from The Perryman Group that stated the taxes will increase by around $92 for the “average home value” in Midland, should the council use that tax rate.
In 2021, according to the city, the average home value was $295,000. Combined with a tax rate of 36.7189 cents per $100 valuation, that resulted in taxes of $1,083.21.
For the upcoming fiscal year, the average home value, according to The Perryman Group, is said to be $325,000, according to the city. That translates to a tax bill of $1,175.62.
The tax rate that is the “no-new revenue rate” (35.5039 cents per $100 valuation) would mean a tax bill of $1,153.87 for that average home.
Budget calendar moving forward
On Aug. 5, the proposed budget is filed and posted to the city website.
On Aug. 23, there will be public hearings on the budget and tax rate and have first readings on a budget ordinance and tax rate ordinance.
On Sept. 13, second readings are scheduled for the council to adopt a budget ordinance and tax rate ordinance. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/City-Council-establishes-tax-rate-ceiling-17346431.php | 2022-08-03T03:07:55 | 0 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/City-Council-establishes-tax-rate-ceiling-17346431.php |
KILLEEN, Texas — If you're looking to volunteer, the City of Killeen's Municipal Court is seeking help.
In a news release sent out Tuesday, the court said it is looking for volunteers who can help during business hours, which is Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The court said volunteers are asked to commit at least three-hour shifts once a week.
Volunteers will make and answer phone calls, direct defendants to the correct location and provide basic information to the public.
Training will be available to volunteers, but the court hopes you'll know how to use a telephone and copy machine, as well as have knowledge of basic office equipment. The court said volunteers should also be effective at communicating verbally and through writing because all communication will be done via phone and not in person.
A background check will be required. You must also be at least 18 years old and be able to maintain confidential information.
If you're interested in applying, click here or call (254) 501-7850.
Transportation will also be available from the Lions Club Park Senior Center to the court. A record of your volunteer hours will also be kept and Letters of Recommendation are available. | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/volunteers-needed-killeens-municipal-court/500-3364f83c-2c41-4c50-af41-9cf572fe6be1 | 2022-08-03T03:17:10 | 1 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/volunteers-needed-killeens-municipal-court/500-3364f83c-2c41-4c50-af41-9cf572fe6be1 |
Bethlehem city council approved ArtsQuest’s plans to demolish the Banana Factory and replace it with a new cultural arts center.
Their decision overrode the historic conservation commission’s recommendation, which voted 3-2 last month to deny the Bethlehem-based nonprofit’s plans.
Historic commission members who voted against the project opposed demolishing the buildings, and said the new center’s design is inappropriate for the South Side Historic District. But council members who voted in favor of the project said they support ArtsQuest’s mission to expand their visual arts programming.
“There’s times that properties do have to be demolished, I think this is one of those times,” Council Vice President Grace Crampsie Smith said.
The vote was 5-2, with members Michael Colon, Grace Crampsie Smith, Hillary Kwiatek, Grace Van Wirt and Kiera Wilhem in favor of ArtsQuest, and Rachel Leon and Wandalyn Enix against.
ArtsQuest first secured approval to revamp the Banana Factory in 2018, and originally planned to preserve two of the factory’s six buildings. But with rising construction costs, keeping those buildings is no longer economically feasible for ArtsQuest according to CEO Kassie Hilgert.
ArtsQuest had originally planned to preserve two of the buildings, and had secured approval to demolish the other four to make way for a new center in 2019. But with rising construction costs, keeping two of the buildings is no longer economically feasible for ArtsQuest.
Demolishing the entire structure will save ArtsQuest around $4 million.
This story will be updated. | https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-banana-factory-artsquest-bethlehem-city-council-historic-district-20220803-nwn6cdupx5ghtcudlviipkxyxq-story.html | 2022-08-03T03:18:52 | 1 | https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-banana-factory-artsquest-bethlehem-city-council-historic-district-20220803-nwn6cdupx5ghtcudlviipkxyxq-story.html |
A video has gone viral showing NYPD cops being pelted with bottles as the officers scuffle with a crowd in the Bronx.
The chaotic scene occurred at the corner of East 168th Street and Sheridan Avenue in the Concourse Village neighborhood on Sunday. In the video that has viewed more than 350,000 times online, the cops are seen trying to disperse a large and disorderly crowd when glass bottles started flying.
As officers were trying to make an arrest, some of the bottles could be seen hitting the officers or flying right by them.
NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said she was revolted by the scene captured on camera.
"To think that people would think it’s acceptable to throw anything at a police officer is outrageous," Sewell said. "We will do everything we can to bring those responsible to be held accountable."
Late Tuesday afternoon, the police department released new video and images of some of the people they are looking for in connection with the incident. The NYPD said that seven men, all between 20 and 25 years old, were involved.
Police union officials said that what went down is a sign of a declining situation in the city.
News
"The criminal element is emboldened and empowered because of the laws that have been enacted by the city council and people in Albany," said Detectives Endowment Association President Paul DiGiacomo. "How much more carnage does there have to be before our politicians wake up?"
The union also tweeted about the incident, saying "The city is in crisis and the Governor, Legislature, and many DAs are missing in action."
Anyone who recognizes any of the individuals seen in the videos are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/video-shows-bottles-hurled-at-nypd-officers-during-clash-with-crowd-in-bronx/3806441/ | 2022-08-03T03:21:22 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/video-shows-bottles-hurled-at-nypd-officers-during-clash-with-crowd-in-bronx/3806441/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – A solid relationship between neighborhoods and public safety agencies is critical to maintaining a safe and healthy community, and National Night Out emphasizes just that.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.
Across the country, communities celebrate the event on the first Tuesday in August every year, and 2022 is the 38th year of celebration.
Roanoke neighborhoods and communities were some of over 100 participants throughout the Commonwealth to take part in this year’s National Night Out.
And this was the first year one of the events was off of Williamson Road.
Valerie Brown, Executive Director for The Greater Williamson Road Area Business Association, said it was nice to be a part of this year’s event.
“We’re having a party. We’re pretty excited. This is National Night Out so we have a lot of our first responders here,” Brown said.
First responders like Captain Andrew Pulley with Roanoke City Police Department said the relationship between public safety and the community is more critical than ever.
“Especially now when most public safety agencies, not just law enforcement but all public safety agencies are struggling with staffing … we can use as much help and as many eyes out in the community as possible. So connecting with the people that we’re asking the help for is a great thing to do,” Pulley said.
David Hoback, Chief of Roanoke Fire-EMS, echoed the same point.
“When we have that, they can trust us just a little bit better. Every day we go out they trust their lives in our hands. And for them to see us in this environment … non-emergency … and really get to know us as a person is really good,” Hoback said.
One of the other areas celebrating National Night Out was in Northwest Roanoke.
Carroll Carter, a Northwest Roanoke area resident, said he believes the relationship between law enforcement and his neighborhood could be stronger.
“It can get better. It can be better. Because again when you get all these … the national news … police killing, 175 bullets in one body … you know people scared. The very people who are supposed to protect you, they can make us scared,” Carter said.
Events like National Night Out aim to ease tensions between police and their communities. Building a better relationship can lead to people feeling more comfortable in their neighborhoods.
“It’s about S-A-F-E. Safe, being safe. Being safe in the community. Knowing that there’s going to be some justice done when something is wrong,” Carroll said.
First responders on National Night Out wanted to show their community that they enjoy interacting with people even in non-emergency situations.
“Usually, people call us on their worst day or when the worst thing is happening for them. So being able to connect with them when it’s not their worst day is really important,” Pulley said.
As the city continues to address violent crime concerns in the area, it’s important to know it takes a group effort.
“There is not one community that can function by itself. We need all the members of that community to work together,” Carroll said.
The next National Night Out will be on August 1, 2023. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/03/roanoke-area-neighborhoods-celebrate-national-night-out/ | 2022-08-03T03:24:48 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/03/roanoke-area-neighborhoods-celebrate-national-night-out/ |
CEDAR FALLS – Love was in the air Tuesday night at Overman Park, a place where the Schmidt family often gathered to enjoy the fresh air and community events.
A couple of hundred people attended an hour-long celebration of life ceremony. Most sat in lawn chairs while watching and listening to stories and anecdotes spoken about Tyler and Sarah Schmidt and their six-year-old daughter, Lula.
The Cedar Falls family members were found shot to death July 22 in their tent at Maquoketa Caves State Park campground in Jackson County after what appeared to have been a random act of violence. Arlo Schmidt, their nine-year-old son, survived the attack.
The Schmidt and Morehouse families joined Mayor Rob Green, who led the event in front of the Overman Park stage and from behind a table with photographs and flowers.
Green read the obituary published in The Courier before he, Ambri Refer, an employee of the Cedar Falls Public Library, and family friends Burt Flather and Monica Iliff shared thoughts and memories that been collected and submitted by friends and family over the last few days.
People are also reading…
“The thing that keeps rising to the top when I think about Sarah and Tyler is how dedicated they were to doing the very best thing for Arlo and Lula at every turn,” read Green from one friend’s submission. “Most of the conversations I’ve had with Sarah over the past nine years have been about how to make the best and therefore hardest decisions about parenting.”
The friend knew her as a talented research scientist in Lawrence, but “was lucky enough to catch her in her newfound element at the Cedar Falls Public Library this fall, and she was just so happy and so good at this as well.”
One aunt wrote that Tyler and Sarah Schmidt were “dedicated to their family and loved the community. They were the most the kind, sweet and loving people and we will miss them dearly.”
And one six-year-old classmate of Lula’s wrote how she had the “longest hair in our whole class” and added a smiley face at the end of the statement.
Teresa and Brian Carr of the Sartori Park neighborhood association also shared a heartfelt anecdote about what the couple meant to their community.
A grief counselor also was on hand to help the community work through the tragedy. The family also read a statement.
Nate Gainer was there with his 7-year-old daughter, Wren, who was a best friend of Lula in kindergarten at Lincoln Elementary School and knew the family from school concerts and fairs.
The girls would pretend to be cats together, so that’s what Wren drew on a crafted flower, one of the many arts and crafts offered at the event in memory of the family.
“I enjoyed seeing the community support and doing crafts in honor of them,” Nate Gainer said.
Ai Wen of Cedar Falls was accompanied by her husband, Kenneth Elgersmith, and their seven-year-old daughter. They’d often see the family at the library, and their daughter went to a camp with Lula.
“It was a lovely service, and very well organized,” said Wen. “It was great that the community showed and showed up.”
The ceremony was “needed,” Elgersmith added.
D’Andre Moore of Minneapolis graduated from Northern University High School in 2005 with Tyler Schmidt and came with former classmates.
“He was the first person who was nice to me” after Moore transferred to the high school from Waterloo, he said of Tyler Schmidt. “He was genuinely a good person.”
It was a “beautiful” ceremony, he said. “I’m glad we could have been here for you buddy.”
Tyler’s aunt shared aloud to the community about the “beautiful theme of joy and effervescence and how much happiness they brought to be everybody.”
Nearly $272,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe page set up in support Arlo: https://www.gofundme.com/f/arlo-schmidt. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/celebration-of-life-held-in-memory-of-schmidt-family-in-overman-park/article_030f940a-5006-5f89-a685-6c9075b63bdd.html | 2022-08-03T03:26:54 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/celebration-of-life-held-in-memory-of-schmidt-family-in-overman-park/article_030f940a-5006-5f89-a685-6c9075b63bdd.html |
Pima County’s new Northwest Service Center, expected to open in late 2024, will have design elements from the site’s previous occupant that might make visitors want to knock down a few pins.
The facility, the site of the former Golden Pin Lanes bowling alley at 1010 W. Miracle Mile, was purchased by the county in 2018 for $3 million to become the service center. The county plans on consolidating several offices in the facility, according to a county memo from Lisa Josker, facilities director.
The new 38,000-square-foot building is expected to house several county services and programs, including a health clinic that is relocating from a clinic at 3550 N. First Ave., some other health department services, adult education and youth employment services, a mobile food truck inspection and testing area, a large public meeting room, conference rooms, staff offices and work spaces, and a public reception area.
Building construction is expected to start in mid-2023, if not sooner, and be completed by late 2024. The project budget is estimated at $39 million, the memo states.
After purchasing the property, the county demolished the bowling alley — completing that in June — except for the unique stone entryway that included the word “BOWL,” a bowling pin and a ball at the top. The remaining stone wall is being stabilized and a new concrete base is being constructed, according to the memo.
“Historical elements of this building have been salvaged or preserved on site (to be) reused in the new facility,” Josker’s memo states. “These elements include the “BOWL” sign and bowling ball and pin that was located on top of the stone wall; the monument marquee sign; and a small decorative terrazzo floor previously hidden beneath the carpeted floor at the original entryway.”
Renderings show the large BOWL rock wall fronting an open entryway and the recognizable Golden Pin Lanes sign topping a new center sign. Some traffic and median changes will also be made on Miracle Mile outside the facility, the memo said.
In addition, the project’s design consultant, Line and Space Architects, is continuing its design work for the facility and will look for ways to reduce costs, increase efficiencies and incorporate sustainability, Josker states in the memo.
Photos: Golden Pin Lanes closes doors after 59 years
For Star subscribers: Work is slated to begin on a 256-unit apartment complex along the Santa Cruz River, west of downtown Tucson. The complex will have a riverwalk.
For Star subscribers: Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich joins a lawsuit against the federal agency over its attempt to reduce the proliferation of "ghost guns," or "unserialized, privately made firearms."
For Star subscribers: Among Tucson Unified School District high schools, Catalina had the biggest increase, and Rincon the biggest decrease, in the percentage of seniors who graduated this year compared to pre-pandemic years.
The arson suspect in the July 17 fire that caused millions of dollars in damage to Salpointe Catholic High School has no known affiliation with the school, officials said Monday.
The 17-year-old was riding his electric-powered bicycle westbound in the eastbound bicycle lane of East 22nd Street when he collided with a blue 2018 Peterbilt 330 flatbed truck that was exiting a private drive.
For Star subscribers: Conservation group Wildlands Network says in new report that the border wall in Arizona needs immediate remediation in sensitive areas to avoid serious public safety issues and damage to native wildlife.
For Star subscribers: The brewery will have six to 10 beers on tap, and will double as a cafe space, with a full coffee and espresso menu in the mornings.
Rendering of the Pima County Northwest Service Center, 1010 W. Miracle Mile, formerly Golden Pins Lanes. The 38,000-square-foot building will keep some unique features from the bowling alley, including a stone entryway that includes the word “BOWL,” a bowling pin and a ball at the top.
The new building will include a public health clinic, Consumer Health and Food Safety mobile food truck inspection areas and testing, adult education, youth employment services and a large public meeting room.
Rendering of the Pima County Northwest Service Center, 1010 W. Miracle Mile, formerly Golden Pins Lanes. The 38,000 square foot building will include a public health clinic, Consumer Health and Food Safety mobile food truck inspection areas and testing, adult education, youth employment services and a large public meeting room.
Rendering of the Pima County Northwest Service Center, 1010 W. Miracle Mile, formerly Golden Pins Lanes. The 38,000 square foot building will include a public health clinic, Consumer Health and Food Safety mobile food truck inspection areas and testing, adult education, youth employment services and a large public meeting room. | https://tucson.com/news/local/new-pima-county-building-will-feature-remnants-of-previous-bowling-alley/article_0b634f46-120a-11ed-9a62-dfbc06c7350d.html | 2022-08-03T03:31:13 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/new-pima-county-building-will-feature-remnants-of-previous-bowling-alley/article_0b634f46-120a-11ed-9a62-dfbc06c7350d.html |
Phoenix police release bodycam footage of July shooting at Red Roof Inn
The Phoenix Police Department released edited body-camera footage Friday from a officer-involved shooting that occurred at a Red Roof Inn on July 15 near Interstate 17 and Bell Road.
Body camera footage and audio from a 911 call and police radio discussions were released, along with narration from Sgt. Melissa Soliz. The department has produced similar videos with summaries of police shootings that include some body camera footage, 911 calls and narrations since 2019.
In the video, Soliz explains that officers were responding to a report of an aggravated assault. The initial 911 call was made by a security guard working at a property near Interstate 17 and Bell Road, Soliz says in the video.
Previous Coverage:Suspect involved in police shooting at Red Roof Inn in Phoenix is identified
Soliz said the security guard approached a man, later identified as 26-year-old Jayden Bush, who the guard knew was banned from the property where he was working. The security guard told police they noticed Bush had a gun and returned to his car. When Bush pointed the gun at him, the security guard began to follow Bush and called the police.
In part of the 911 call police released, the security guard can be heard saying "he pointed his pistol at me."
He "verbally attacked his male acquaintance, pistol whipped him, pointed a gun at the man's head and pistol-whipped him again," Soliz said, before entering the hotel.
Officers entered the Red Roof Inn and began receiving information from a sergeant watching security cameras, Soliz said. In radio audio made public by Phoenix police, officers can be heard cautioning each other that a man is running in a north stairwell with a gun in his hand.
At one point, an officer says, "Still in the stairwell, gun in his right hand. I cannot tell if it's real or not." Officers used less-lethal methods to get the man to comply, Soliz said.
Body camera footage shows an upward view of three officers gathered at the top of a stairwell. One of them is holding a shield in front of a doorway they are standing at. An officer, who appears to be in plain clothes, aims a launcher over the shield.
Officers yell commands, including "Show me your hands! Gun down! Come on out, let's see your hands!" At one point officers yell: "Hands! Hands!" and a pop is heard as the launcher is shot, the foam projectile exiting in a white blur.
The video returned to narration from Soliz, who said the man was later found in another stairwell and was seen pointing his gun at officers, which was when officers shot at him.
Additional body camera footage shows an angled view of an officer behind a shield in a hallway. The officer wearing the body camera already had his weapon out and pointed upwards, and the officer in front can be seen drawing his weapon after someone yelled "Show me your hands!" The officer standing in front of the body-cammed officer then fired his gun several times.
Hotel surveillance video is shown, this time from the hotel stairwell. Since it lacks audio, Soliz narrates, instead, that Bush is holding a gun in his right hand and a cellphone and backpack in his left. He is not wearing a shirt. Although his face is blurred out, it appears Bush is on the phone and leans briefly against the railing between floors.
Video then shows Bush walking upstairs, opening the door slightly and pointing his weapon through it. That, Soliz said, is the moment when officers shot at him. In the video, he turns and runs back down the stairs, pointing his gun back upstairs, toward the door. After a few moments, he lowers his weapon.
Bush then ran to a laundry room on the second floor and attempted to hide from officers in a dryer, Soliz said. When he was found, Soliz said he pointed the gun at his own head and officers responded by firing multiple less lethal "stun bags."
In another portion of video footage, shots are heard as the second volley of "stun bags" are deployed, while Bush yells "Ow!" "Really?" and "Dude, really?", in between each shot. Bush himself isn't visible due to an officer obscuring the camera's view.
After he is instructed to get out of the dryer and lay on the floor, at least five officers then rush into the room and three of them pile on top of him to restrain him, video shows.
"He was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for injuries caused by the less-lethal projectiles. He was not struck by any bullets," Soliz said, as the last video clip ends.
The man was later released and booked into the Maricopa County Jail.
The officer involved in the shooting has been with the department for six years and was assigned to the Cactus Park Precinct. The incident is the subject of both an internal and a criminal investigation which will be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, according to Soliz. Until then, she said, conclusions about whether the officer's actions are consistent with department policies and the law won't be made.
Reach breaking news reporter Sam Burdette at sburdette@gannett.com or on Twitter @SuperSafetySam
Reach criminal justice reporter Gloria Rebecca Gomez at grgomez@gannett.com or on Twitter @glorihuh.
Support Local Journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2022/08/02/phoenix-police-release-bodycam-footage-shooting-red-roof-inn/10189168002/ | 2022-08-03T03:33:08 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2022/08/02/phoenix-police-release-bodycam-footage-shooting-red-roof-inn/10189168002/ |
CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — A man has been arrested after a shooting Monday night left one person dead.
According to the Charleston Police Department, Marcus Linville was arrested in connection with the death of 22-year-old Dominque Poindexter.
They say he is being charged with wanton endangerment.
The shooting happened just after 10:30 pm on Monday night. Police say the people involved had been drinking and smoking marijuana when they started playing with a firearm.
According to police, both men were under the impression the firearm was unloaded. The male subject pointed the firearm at the victim, pulling the trigger. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/man-arrested-in-connection-to-charleston-west-side-shooting/ | 2022-08-03T03:35:09 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/man-arrested-in-connection-to-charleston-west-side-shooting/ |
Man, toddler hurt in shooting early Tuesday in southwest Detroit
Detroit police are working to find suspects in a shooting Tuesday morning on the city's southwest side that left a 2-year-old girl and another person wounded.
Officers received reports around 9:20 a.m. about two vehicles firing shots at each other near Witt and Lawndale, the Police Department said in a statement.
A gray or silver Jeep might have been involved, WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) reported.
Two people described as innocent bystanders were struck, according to the release: a man in his 50s and the 2-year-old girl.
Both were hospitalized in stable condition Tuesday night, police said.
Other details were not released.
The shooting followed a string of others involving children in the city this summer.
Last week, a 13-year-old boy was fatally shot on the southwest side. A 16-year-old has been charged in his death.
Two 14-year-old girls were shot at a party amid a wave of gunfire incidents across Detroit last weekend, police Chief James White told reporters Monday. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2022/08/02/man-toddler-hurt-shooting-early-tuesday-southwest-detroit/10220737002/ | 2022-08-03T03:35:49 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2022/08/02/man-toddler-hurt-shooting-early-tuesday-southwest-detroit/10220737002/ |
Washington leads in early Wayne County Sheriff election results
Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington was leading in early results in the Democratic primary for sheriff over challengers Walter Epps, a former Wayne County sheriff's lieutenant, and former Detroit cop Joan Merriweather.
Early reports had Washington with 41% of the vote with 5% of precincts reporting. Merriweather, who also worked for the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, had 32% and Epps 26%.
The winner would fill a partial term that ends at the finish of 2024 since there is no Republican running.
Washington was appointed by the county commission in January 2021, a month after longtime Sheriff Benny Napoleon died from COVID-19. Epps also sought the sheriff's position left vacant by Napoleon's death.
Both Wayne County sheriff candidates said if elected, they would focus on the challenge of recruiting during a severe staffing manpower shortage.
Washington said he's seen an uptick in applicants since starting the procedure. "Full disclosure, not all of them are eligible, but we are seeing more people applying," he said.
Epps said he would try to address problems by emulating how Detroit got out of its 2013 municipal bankruptcy.
"There was a time when the city of Detroit was not competitive, but it's come a long way since the bankruptcy," Epps said. "We can look at what Detroit did and apply that. We don't have to reinvent the wheel."
In other races, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans was is leading 84%-15% over challenger Mohammed Alam in the Democratic primary.
Evans, a former Wayne County sheriff and Detroit police chief, has been county executive since 2015 and is seeking a third, four-year term.
The winner will face Republican Mark Ashley Price of Highland Park in the November election.
In a county commission District 1 Democratic primary, Commissioner Tim Kileen of Detroit is leading 86%-13% over former state Rep. Brian Banks of Harper Woods.
This commission primary has drawn attention because Banks has argued his well-documented legal problems make him an ideal candidate for a Wayne County commissioner's seat because "I share the experiences of the underprivileged and disadvantaged." The 1st District includes Detroit, Harper Woods and the Grosse Pointes.
Banks had eight felony convictions for writing bad checks and credit card fraud when he was elected to the state House in 2012. He resigned in 2017 after pleading guilty in a bank loan forgery case that resulted in a misdemeanor conviction and no additional jail time.
In an email to The Detroit News, Banks said he's learned from his mistakes. He said if he's elected, his history of legal problems would help him relate to many of his constituents.
Killeen is running on his 16-year record and wants to strengthen the county's ethics ordinance. Killeen declined to comment about his opponent.
"He's got his own story to tell," he said. "I'm going to leave that part up to the voters. I'm focused on what I'm trying to do."
Killeen said his top priorities are getting more primary care doctors into inner-city health clinics and strengthening ethics rules for county employees.
"I was on committee that drafted the first ethics ordinance for how public servants in Wayne County have to play the game, and it’s time to update that and strengthen it," he said.
"Michigan has some of the weakest ethics laws in the country, and our draft five to six years ago was patterned on Michigan law," Killeen said.
The victor will face Republican John Barry Anderson of Grosse Pointe Woods in the fall election.
In a countywide ballot measure, Proposition J was leading 61%-39%. The proposal would renew the county's jail millage of 0.94 mills for 10 years.
The millage, which is expected to generate $45 million this year, finances the county jail operations and construction costs.
ghunter@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2022/08/02/wayne-county-sheriff-executive-commission-warren-evans-raphael-washington-brian-banks-tim-killeen/10194512002/ | 2022-08-03T03:35:50 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2022/08/02/wayne-county-sheriff-executive-commission-warren-evans-raphael-washington-brian-banks-tim-killeen/10194512002/ |
CARBON COUNTY, Pa. — National Night Out is a day that aims to bring residents closer to their police officers, firefighters, and other first responders.
Families in Carbon County spent the night at Lehighton Borough Park for the community's first National Night Out since 2019.
Members of the Leighton Borough Police Department were on hand to meet with kids, show off their equipment, and promote some neighborhood spirit.
"And just really experience, you know what these first responders go through, and I love it because it's helping them to see hey these guys aren't scary they're here to help you, and they're here to um you know be part of the community with us," said Laura Coulson, parent.
Many Communities across the country take part in National Night Out on the first Tuesday in August.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/carbon-county/national-night-out-in-carbon-county-lehighton-borough-park-laura-coulson-police-department-first-responders/523-69e311d6-c875-4f1f-a85b-2ab3b71fe4bd | 2022-08-03T03:40:10 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/carbon-county/national-night-out-in-carbon-county-lehighton-borough-park-laura-coulson-police-department-first-responders/523-69e311d6-c875-4f1f-a85b-2ab3b71fe4bd |
SCRANTON, Pa. — It was the first chance for parents and students make their voices heard after the Scranton School District announced plans to remove students’ personal electronic devices from school grounds and require clear bags, but Tuesday night’s meeting was lightly attended, with only a handful of teachers speaking up.
No phones, no tablets, no electronics of any kind. That’s the newly announced policy at Scranton School District.
School officials point out the disruption those devices cause in the classroom, saying they can also help students cheat. Teachers said while phones are a family lifeline, they can also cause problems.
"As an itinerant teacher, I travel to our elementary and middle schools to meet my students, and I definitely have noticed these two policies not being enforced," said Patricia Clark.
While the district said it will provide appropriate electronic devices needed for instruction, students at the intermediate and high school level must keep any personal electronic devices in their locker.
Elementary schoolers have to keep any devices in a backpack. Teachers noted that could be an issue.
"Fix the lockers," Clark said. "Students are required to leave their bookbags in their assigned lockers, cellphones are to be left there too, but too often in broken, unlocked lockers. This is why I think many students hesitate to leave their valuable items in their lockers."
Another big decision for the district, all bags and backpacks students carry must be clear. Given the recent crimes just outside school grounds, teachers suggest the change is necessary.
"Every single adult in this district needs to be on the same page to protect our students," said Holly Meade. "Most importantly, we need the help of our student's caregivers, whether that be their grandparents, their aunts, their uncles, their foster parents, their parents, their neighbors, even local business owners, helping us to solve this problem."
"I pray our new policies change life inside our school buildings," Clark added.
The device restriction extends to electronics like wireless headphones, smartwatches, cameras, and e-readers. This all applies on the bus, too.
The new policies are set to go into effect at the start of the 2022-2023 school year. Students return to class in a little more than a month.
Coming soon to WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/teachers-respond-to-bag-phone-policies-at-scranton-school-district-electronic-devices/523-5b0e85ca-0bb8-4154-a8f2-1c5bcf47afc6 | 2022-08-03T03:40:17 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/teachers-respond-to-bag-phone-policies-at-scranton-school-district-electronic-devices/523-5b0e85ca-0bb8-4154-a8f2-1c5bcf47afc6 |
LARKSVILLE, Pa. — A man has pleaded guilty after a woman was stabbed to death in Luzerne County.
Terry Campbell plead guilty to third-degree murder charges after stabbing 25-year-old Yana Guitson at their home in Larksville last August.
According to court documents, Campbell and Guitson did not get along, and Campbell would often sit at his computer sharpening knives.
Campbell faces up to 40 years in prison.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/man-pleads-guilty-after-deadly-stabbing-terry-campbell-yana-guitson-knives-larksville-luzerne-county/523-c2cc1464-6fc4-4226-a6f6-6b9f9df48fa3 | 2022-08-03T03:40:23 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/man-pleads-guilty-after-deadly-stabbing-terry-campbell-yana-guitson-knives-larksville-luzerne-county/523-c2cc1464-6fc4-4226-a6f6-6b9f9df48fa3 |
LEWISBURG, Pa. — Bucknell University in Union County is reporting its first confirmed case of Monkeypox on campus.
According to Bucknell University officials, the person who tested positive is off campus isolating and is not a risk to the community.
Officials have not said if it is a student or a faculty member.
Bucknell officials are asking anyone who tests positive for monkeypox but is not on campus to stay home.
Anyone who does test positive once they've arrived is asked to isolate and contact student health.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/union-county/bucknell-confirms-first-monkeypox-case-university-union-county-lewisburg-virus-isolate-student-health/523-d2f0e4e8-e802-4390-86bd-5bd5756ad9de | 2022-08-03T03:40:29 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/union-county/bucknell-confirms-first-monkeypox-case-university-union-county-lewisburg-virus-isolate-student-health/523-d2f0e4e8-e802-4390-86bd-5bd5756ad9de |
ARKANSAS, USA — With the start of the school year right around the corner, it's at the forefront for Arkansas lawmakers. The Arkansas School Safety Commission made some recommendations and handed them over to Governor Asa Hutchinson today.
The 24-member commission outlined several key strategies to keep Arkansas schools safe.
“There’s not one single thing that a school can do that’s gonna make that school safe, it has to be a combination of a variety of things,” said Dr. Cheryl May, the chairman of the Arkansas School Safety Commission.
That combination includes expanding youth mental health training, establishing behavioral threat assessment teams, and making sure there is a culture of compliance at schools. Dr. May says not having a layering of security measures or accountability was a downfall in recent tragic events.
“It was very clear that the Robb Elementary School had a culture of non-compliance. We can’t allow that to happen in our schools so that accountability is so important,” she said.
The commission also recommended a $50 million school safety grant that will be the topic of discussion in next week’s special session.
“The intent is that this could be used for upgrades in security access, you know, cameras, or specific recommendations that come out of the School Safety Commission report,” Gov. Hutchinson said.
Other major recommendations include requiring an armed presence to be on every school campus at all times. They also recommend changing state law to make sure all doors and windows are locked during school hours. Many of these recommendations may require legislation, so they'll be working with lawmakers for the next few months.
“Making sure we are vigilant in an ongoing way to make sure Arkansas schools are as safe as they possibly can be for our students,” said Johnny Key, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Education.
Hutchinson expects changes to security measures like electronic access controls to be improved in the next few months, but any new changes to the legislature will happen as early as January of next year. The final report will be released in October.
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Stream 5NEWS 24/7 on the 5+ app: How to watch the 5+ app on your streaming device | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/arkansas-school-safety-commission-mental-health-training/527-6b915707-c7f5-4028-b84b-5110f86567ef | 2022-08-03T03:43:13 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/arkansas-school-safety-commission-mental-health-training/527-6b915707-c7f5-4028-b84b-5110f86567ef |
GOODING — Fire crews saved nearly a dozen homes west of town Tuesday by quelling a small blaze that threatened multiple structures, the sheriff's office said.
A man welding a fence in windy, dry conditions started the fire, Gooding County Sheriff Shaun Gough told the Times-News.
“It wasn’t very big, but (the fire) threatened a bunch of homes,” Gough said.
The fire started at about 4 p.m. near 1640 E. 1700 S., west of Gooding, he said. Some residents were evacuated.
The sheriff estimated the blaze burned about 50 acres. Crews were still mopping up hot spots at 7:30 p.m.
Fire crews from Gooding Rural, Bliss Rural, Wendell Rural, Shoshone City, Hagerman Rural and Jerome Rural fire departments responded to the scene, along with Gooding County Ambulance and the county sheriff's office.
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“The fire departments did an excellent job of attacking the fire,” Gough said, despite encountering interference from onlookers blocking firefighter's access to the fire. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/firefighters-control-blaze-that-threatened-homes/article_d8ed81d2-12cf-11ed-bc13-9b599031557f.html | 2022-08-03T03:45:56 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/firefighters-control-blaze-that-threatened-homes/article_d8ed81d2-12cf-11ed-bc13-9b599031557f.html |
A man accused of stabbing a woman pregnant with his child more than 48 times and breaking her bones was charged with six felonies on Monday.
Brandon K. Williams, 41, faces up to 16 years in prison on the highest felony against him, which is aggravated battery knowingly inflicting injury that creates a substantial risk of death. The other felonies are domestic battery with bodily injury to a pregnant woman, domestic battery resulting in series bodily injury, strangulation with a pregnant victim, domestic battery by means of a deadly weapon and intimidation.
Fort Wayne police were called to the apartment about 5:30 p.m. July 31, court documents state. After they knocked, they heard a woman yell for help.
Officers entered the apartment and found Williams “completely bloody,” court documents state. The woman was on the ground, moaning and gasping for air. She told officers that she’d been stabbed at least 40 times and to “tell everyone I love them.” She was taken to the hospital and found to be 24 weeks pregnant and had “multiple fractures throughout her body,” Fort Wayne Police Department officer Christopher C. McBride wrote in the probable cause affidavit
Williams is in Allen County Jail and his bond is set at $92,500. His next hearing is set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-fire/man-accused-of-stabbing-pregnant-woman/article_1f38d95c-12bc-11ed-98bc-b71afa257ec3.html | 2022-08-03T03:50:12 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-fire/man-accused-of-stabbing-pregnant-woman/article_1f38d95c-12bc-11ed-98bc-b71afa257ec3.html |
The visitation and funeral for an 11-year-old girl who died after a boating accident at a Michigan camp will be this week in Fort Wayne.
Lucia Isabel Salazar of the Churubusco area near Huntertown had just finished fifth grade at Huntertown Elementary School this year, according to her obituary. She was the daughter of Richard “Riky” and Edna (Garcia) Salazar.
Visitation is 2-8 p.m. Thursday at Life Community Church, 7222 W. Jefferson Blvd., and an hour before the funeral service, which is 2 p.m. Friday at the church.
The accident happened about 3 p.m. July 27 at Lake Michindoh near Hillsdale, Michigan, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said. She was attending a summer camp at Michindoh Conference Center.
A 25-year-old male lifeguard was driving a boat pulling 12 children on a banana boat, which is a non-motorized inflatable tube meant to be towed with passengers aboard. A 29-year-old woman watched the children as a spotter, and all the children wore life jackets and helmets.
The lifeguard turned the boat around to pick up three children they saw fall into the water, and the boat struck Salazar, who they didn’t see in the water, according to the Michigan DNR. The man operating the boat immediately jumped in to help Salazar.
She was taken to the dockand then rushed to Hillsdale County Hospital, where she died from her injuries. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-fire/services-set-for-local-girl-who-died-in-boating-accident/article_669ca3b4-12c1-11ed-872b-67d7e880c07c.html | 2022-08-03T03:50:18 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-fire/services-set-for-local-girl-who-died-in-boating-accident/article_669ca3b4-12c1-11ed-872b-67d7e880c07c.html |
The Southwest Allen County Schools board returned to its regular meeting place Tuesday after a year of conducting business at larger venues to accommodate bigger audiences.
The extra seating the alternative sites provided is no longer needed, Superintendent Park Ginder said. The board met in the Homestead High School community room in recent months instead of the district administration building.
Public attendance at SACS board meetings was especially high when contentious COVID-19 protocols, such as mask-wearing, were on the agenda.
“This is traditionally our board room, and traditionally it has been big enough, as you see tonight,” Ginder said after a 20-minute meeting that had fewer attendees than seats available.
But the board’s time at 4824 Homestead Road is limited. SACS plans to move board meetings to the transportation conference room, which is in a building at 4814 Homestead Road. It hosted some board meetings in the last year.
The venue will offer as many as five screens for projection purposes and better sound, including individual microphones, Ginder said. The upgrades weren’t specifically for the board.
“We use that for all kinds of professional development, whether it’s bus drivers, teachers, administrators,” he said. “It’s used throughout the (district).”
Livestreaming isn’t planned, he said.
Ginder didn’t offer a timeline for the move.
“The reason we haven’t moved to that space, anyway, is because we couldn’t get the screens and everything,” he said, “and they still haven’t finished the installation.” | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/southwest-allen-county-schools-board-returns-to-smaller-meeting-site/article_040f5eea-12c0-11ed-ac76-571c83b830b9.html | 2022-08-03T03:50:24 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/southwest-allen-county-schools-board-returns-to-smaller-meeting-site/article_040f5eea-12c0-11ed-ac76-571c83b830b9.html |
The same races on which Ohioans voted Tuesday will be back on the ballot in just 14 weeks, along with a lot more.
The Aug. 2 partisan primary chose candidates for state House and Senate seats, even though many of those races were uncontested. The general election Nov. 8 will confirm those choices and determine all statewide offices.
That includes one U.S. Senate seat, all 15 U.S. House seats, governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, state auditor and three state supreme court justices.
Also on the statewide ballot will be two proposed constitutional amendments. One would formally prohibit noncitizens from voting in state or local elections. The other would remove language that allows bail on “sufficient sureties,” saying instead that in setting bail courts must consider public safety, the person’s criminal record, the likelihood they’d flee, and seriousness of their offense.
Former U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan and author J.D. Vance are respectively the Democrat and Republican seeking to replace retiring Republican Sen. Rob Portman.
Voters in the Miami Valley will choose their congressman in one of four districts:
• The 1st, where Republican incumbent Steve Chabot faces Democrat Greg Landsman;
• The 8th, where Republican incumbent Warren Davidson meets Democrat Vanessa Enoch;
• The 10th, in which Republican incumbent Mike Turner faces Democrat David Esrati; and
• The 15th, where Republican incumbent Mike Carey is running against Democrat Gary Josephson and independent Elizabeth McKenzie.
For governor, incumbent Republican Mike DeWine is running against Democratic nominee Nan Whaley, former mayor of Dayton; and independent write-in candidate Tim Grady.
Republican incumbent Secretary of State Frank LaRose is challenged by Democrat Chelsea Clark. Terpsehore “Tore” Maras will appear on the ballot as an “unaffiliated” candidate for secretary of state. She sought to run as a Republican but failed to get enough valid signatures on her nominating petition.
Attorney General Dave Yost, the Republican incumbent, will face Democrat Jeff Crossman; while Republican incumbent Keith Faber will square off with Democrat Taylor Sappington for state auditor.
Key dates
Sept. 23: Ballots for active-duty military and overseas voters must be ready.
Oct. 11: Voter registration deadline for the Nov. 8 election.
Oct. 12: Counties must have regular absentee ballots ready to send out; in-person early voting begins.
Nov. 5: Applications for absentee ballots must be received by noon at county boards of election.
Nov. 7: Absentee ballots mailed to boards of election must be postmarked by this date. End of in-person early voting.
Nov. 8: Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Absentee ballots returned by a method other than U.S. mail must arrive by the time polls close.
Nov. 18: Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by boards of election. So must overseas and military ballots.
Voting information
The Ohio Secretary of State’s office will mail applications for absentee ballots to all registered voters, probably around Labor Day. Newly-registered voters can request absentee ballots from their county boards of election. Completed ballots should be mailed back to county election offices.
People can register to vote online through their county board of elections website or at www.olvr.ohiosos.gov. To register online people need to provide their name, date of birth, address, an need Ohio driver’s license or ID card, and the last four digits of their Social Security number.
People can also register in person at their county board of elections office, libraries, public offices, driver’s license bureaus and public high schools.
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/with-primaries-over-big-election-decisions-loom-in-november/VOHMJRUXYZAMZPBKILN6D3IZAQ/ | 2022-08-03T03:52:16 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/with-primaries-over-big-election-decisions-loom-in-november/VOHMJRUXYZAMZPBKILN6D3IZAQ/ |
Tight Reno County Commission races likely to be decided at vote canvass
With all precincts counted in an already historic Reno County Commission race, just six votes separated the two District 1 candidates, with the winner likely not to be decided until the Aug. 11 vote canvass.
That’s because election officials said there are more than 400 provisional ballots from the night, though how many of those were within District 1 was not immediately available.
At the end of the night, Randall “Randy” Parks was the leader in that race with 1,496 votes, compared to a tally of 1,490 votes for Cris Corey.
The results, posted about 9:15 p.m., flipped from just 30 minutes earlier, when Corey, who led the race all night, was leading by 61 votes.
More:Results from 2022 Kansas primary elections
In the District 5 race, the last two precincts counted gave candidate Don Bogner a huge lead in what had earlier also been a race too close to call.
‘The unofficial results showed Bogner with 838 votes.
His closest challenger was Mike Warren, who accumulated 542 votes. Warren had also been leading earlier in the night.
Counts for the other District 5 candidates included 208 votes for Tom Collins and 98 for Penelope Poitras.
Fifth seat decided in November
The fifth new seat on the commission won’t be decided until Nov. 8 since both a Democrat and Republican filed for the seat, and they will face off in the general election.
The District 4 candidates on Tuesday’s ballot included Democrat Michael Jobe, a minister and small businessman, and Republican Mark Reese, who works for Meyers Heating and Air Conditioning.
Voters approved the expansion of the commission to five members in November 2021, after the current county commission put the issue on the ballot of its own volition.
The nearly 54% of voters who cast ballots approved the expansion, but they only accounted for 19% of registered voters at the time.
At Tuesday’s election, with voters drawn by the constitutional question on abortion, more than 28% of voters turned out.
The seats of District 2 and 3 commissioners Ron Hirst and Daniel Friesen, respectively, are not up for election this year.
District state representative and Kansas Board of Education
Two other contested races in the county, for the 101st District state representative and Kansas Board of Education Position 7, ended up being blowouts.
With all local precincts counted, incumbent lawmaker Joe Seiwert of Pretty Prairie had received 689 Reno County votes, or 81% of the votes in the county, while challenger Jamey Lee Blubaugh claimed 159.
Statewide, Seiwert received 2,904 votes, or 72%, compared to Blubaugh’s 1,132.
In the BOA race, Reno County Republican Party chairman Dennis Hershberger garnered 7,796 votes, while incumbent Ben Jones of Sterling received just 3,030.
Districtwide, Hershberger claimed 15,830 votes, or 65% of the total, to Jones 8,570.
More:Schmidt, Kelly win gubernatorial primaries. Results are coming in for AG, school board and more | https://www.hutchnews.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2022/08/02/reno-county-comission-races-kansas-primary-election-2022-results/10134385002/ | 2022-08-03T03:52:28 | 1 | https://www.hutchnews.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2022/08/02/reno-county-comission-races-kansas-primary-election-2022-results/10134385002/ |
The Kenosha City Council voted overwhelmingly for a symbolic resolution in support of local non-partisan election officials Monday evening.
The resolution sponsored by Ald. Curt Wilson passed 16 to 1 with Ald. David Mau providing the sole dissenting vote.
“(We) believe our community has been well-served by the current system of non-partisan election administration governed by the Wisconsin Election Commission, managed by our city clerk/treasurer, and administered by our friends and neighbors who serve as election inspectors,” the adopted resolution reads. (These) election officials played a critical role in making the 2020 election safe, secure, and accessible during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The resolution — co-sponsored by Alds. Daniel Prozanski, Jan Michalski, Rollin Pizzala, Holly Kangas, Ruth Dyson, Keith Rosenberg and Brandi Feree — also states that since the 2020 general election “some in our society have attempted to bully, threaten, and undermine nonpartisan election administrators, making it harder for election officials to do their jobs, and reducing faith in the electoral process in a manner that hurts the health of our democracy.”
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Looking forward to the 2022 general election and beyond, the City Council reaffirmed “our conviction that non-partisan election officials like our city clerk/treasurer, City of Kenosha election inspectors, and the Wisconsin Election Commission are best equipped to preside over free and fair elections, and should do so without the fear of threats and intimidation.”
With the resolution’s passage, the City Council expressed “full confidence” in the non-partisan elected officials and called on state lawmakers to “cease all attempts to undermine, disrupt, or revoke Wisconsin Election Commission’s authority over Wisconsin elections, as well as the authority of municipal clerks.”
However, Mau said he did not feel comfortable voting for the resolution.
“It’s kind of strange to me that we would make a resolution and suddenly expect that in the future no one will ever have any questions about an election,” Mau said.
He continued: “It’s definitely the right of all citizens to question any elected officials, any election inspectors. This is a whole gambit of people that citizens don’t know personally and we’re asking them to have full confidence. That just doesn’t sit well with me and doesn’t make any sense. There’s also things on here that are mentioned like threatening, bullying. I’m not sure why we need to have a resolution for that when those things are already illegal. If somebody is threatening an election official that’s a matter for the law. Citizens definitely have the right to question and it’s been done by both political parties for years many, many times over the years going back to the beginning of our country or probably the beginning of the city.”
In response, Wilson said he "doesn’t see anywhere in this resolution that takes away any person’s right to question our election process.”
“What we have going on is a whole bunch of idiots challenging democracy in our country, in our state and in our community. Even those folks have the right to say that. But, I think it’s important that all the volunteers that work on Election Day for the city clerk and the city staff that administer all these elections to let them know that 'hey, we don’t condone that kind of activity' and we welcome your volunteerism to work as poll watchers or inspectors in our elections,” he said.
Ald. Anthony Kennedy said “it’s a shame that we have to do this. It really is. It’s a shame that we have to take these kinds of steps.”
“Do you as an alderperson who is going to press ‘yes’ or ‘no’, do you express confidence in our city clerk, treasurer, election inspectors, Wisconsin’s system of non-partisan election administration led by the Wisconsin Election Commission?” Kennedy asked. “And finally, do you support our friends and neighbors who serve as election inspectors and local election officials including our city clerk, treasurer and city staff? ... I’m going to proudly vote ‘yes’ on this but it’s sad that we have to even be at this point.”
Prozanski cited a recent New York University survey that found many poll workers across the nation are quitting, and that about one out of six have been threatened personally.
“I think that expressing our support not only for our paid city staff that make sure and ensure that these elections are run fairly and accurately — it’s amazing to see them work — but the countless volunteers and people that are from our neighborhoods that come out to work the polls and showing them that we support them as well. ... Telling our poll workers we support them and value what they do and that when there are threats made that we won’t stand for it. That this is not a place for that.” | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/kenosha-city-council-votes-for-resolution-in-support-of-non-partisan-election-administration/article_bd17a494-1273-11ed-b7a4-bbfe11155db3.html | 2022-08-03T04:07:45 | 0 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/kenosha-city-council-votes-for-resolution-in-support-of-non-partisan-election-administration/article_bd17a494-1273-11ed-b7a4-bbfe11155db3.html |
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — California claims to know how much climate-warming gas is going into the air from within its borders. It's the law: California limits climate pollution and each year the limits get stricter.
The state has also been a major oil and gas producer for more than a century, and authorities are well aware some 35,000 old, inactive oil and gas wells perforate the landscape.
Yet officials with the agency responsible for regulating greenhouse gas emissions say they don't include methane that leaks from these idle wells in their inventory of the state's emissions.
Ira Leifer, an independent scientist and CEO of Bubbleology Research International, said the lack of data on emissions pouring or seeping out of idle wells calls into question the state's ability to meet its ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.
Residents and environmentalists from across the state have been voicing concern about the possibility of leaking idle or abandoned wells for years, but the concerns were heightened in May and June when 21 idle wells were discovered to be leaking methane in or near two Bakersfield neighborhoods. They say that the leaking wells are "an urgent public health issue," because when a well is leaking methane, other gases often escape too.
Leifer said these "ridealong" gases were his biggest concern with the wells.
"Those other gases have significant health impacts," Leifer said, yet we know even less about their quantities than we do about the methane.
In July, residents who live in the communities nearest the leaking wells protested at the California Geologic Management Division's field offices, calling for better oversight.
"It's clear that they are willing to ignore this public health emergency. Our communities are done waiting. CalGEM needs to do their job," Cesar Aguirre, a community organizer with the Central California Environmental Justice Network, said in a statement.
Robert Howarth, a Cornell University methane researcher, agreed with Leifer that the amount of methane emissions from leaking wells isn't well known and that it's not a major source of emissions when compared with methane emissions from across the oil and gas industry.
Still, he said, "it's adding something very clearly, and we shouldn't be allowing it to happen."
A ton of methane is 83 times worse for the climate than a ton of carbon dioxide, when compared over twenty years.
A 2020 study said emissions from idle wells are "more substantial" than from plugged wells in California, but recommended more data collection on inactive wells at the major oil and gas fields throughout the state.
Robert Jackson, a Stanford University climate scientist and co-author on that study, said they found high emissions from some of the idle wells they measured in the study.
In order to get a better idea of how much methane is leaking, the state of California is investing in projects on the ground and in the air. David Clegern, a spokesperson for CARB, said the agency is beginning a project to measure emissions from a sample of properly and improperly abandoned wells to estimate statewide emissions from them.
And in June, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a budget that includes participation in a global effort to slash emissions called the Methane Accountability Project. The state will spend $100 million to use satellites to track large methane leaks in order to help the state identify sources of the gas and cap leaks.
Some research has already been done, too, to find out how much methane is coming from oil and gas facilities. A 2019 Nature study found that 26% of state methane emissions is coming from oil and gas. A new investigation by the Associated Press found methane is billowing from oil and gas equipment in the Permian Basin in Texas and companies under report it.
Howarth said even if methane from idle oil and gas wells isn't a major pollution source, it should be a priority not just in California, but nationwide, to help the country meet its climate pledges.
"Methane dissipates pretty quickly in the atmosphere," he said, "so cutting the emissions is really one of the simplest ways we have to slow the rate of global warming and meet that Paris target."
A new Senate proposal would provide hundreds of millions dollars to plug wells and reduce pollution from them, especially in hard hit communities.
___
This story was first published on July 31, 2022. It was updated on August 2, 2022 to correct the affiliation of Ira Leifer. He is an independent scientist and CEO of Bubbleology Research International, an environmental research firm. He is no longer at the University of California Santa Barbara.
___
Follow Drew Costley on Twitter: @drewcostley.
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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Watch more from ABC10: Car sent off Capital City Freeway after being hit by alleged street racer, couple says | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/california-not-counting-methane-leaks-idle-wells/103-08a477da-8152-47b7-bb1b-1abc47907442 | 2022-08-03T04:13:26 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/california-not-counting-methane-leaks-idle-wells/103-08a477da-8152-47b7-bb1b-1abc47907442 |
SANTA ROSA, Calif. — A Sonoma County deputy shot and killed a 36-year-old man who led officers on a wild foot chase through rural wine country before threatening them with a claw hammer, tiller and rocks, authorities said.
The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office on Monday identified the man who died in the Friday morning encounter as David Pelaez Chavez of Lower Lake.
In a statement, they said Chavez was chased off two properties by armed homeowners, stole and crashed a truck and utility vehicle after driving them through vineyard gates and property fences, and finally fled on bare feet through heavy brush and up steep hillsides.
The two deputies caught up with him at a creek bed, where he held a claw hammer and tiller in one hand and a large river rock in the other, police said. They ordered him to drop the items but he "continued to yell nonsensical statements" and threatened to throw the rock.
He dropped the rock, but quickly leaned down to pick up another large river rock, "and made a movement that indicated he was threatening to hurl the rock at the deputy," the statement said. That's when one of the two deputies fired three rounds, killing Chavez.
Santa Rosa Sgt. Christopher Mahurin said Chavez did not throw a rock in the moments before he was shot.
Mahurin said investigators are trying to find out why he drove from his home in Lower Lake and parked in Geyserville around 5:30 a.m. Friday. Chavez did not appear to have any work or personal ties to the area, he said.
The sheriff's office said Chavez told one of the homeowners to shoot him, according to the statement.
Santa Rosa police and the Sonoma County district attorney's office will investigate the shooting. Both deputies are on paid leave.
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Watch more from ABC10: Driver in deadly Rio Vista crash was previously arrested for DUI, police say | Top 10 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/sonoma-deputy-shoots-kills-man-with-rock-hammer/103-91e30fe7-9960-4241-9a35-b137ea2bff12 | 2022-08-03T04:13:32 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/sonoma-deputy-shoots-kills-man-with-rock-hammer/103-91e30fe7-9960-4241-9a35-b137ea2bff12 |
STOCKTON, Calif. — The city of Stockton is taking feedback from the community on what should happen next with the Victory Park pool.
After sitting dry and unused for eight years, the city of Stockton's swimming pool at Victory Park is slated to be replaced and opened for the public again.
In 2013, the city shut down the public pool after citing code violations. The pool, pumphouse, bathhouse and mechanical room must now be replaced, according to city documents.
Kayta Evanhoe, a Victory Park resident, said the new pool means new opportunities for children in the city.
"I would like to see a pool here. We do not need an Olympic-size pool, but I would like to see... swim teams possibly young leagues for kids, certainly swim lessons, mommy, daddy and me toddler programs, senior lap time. I'd like to see a full pool here," Evanhoe said.
The new pool will be funded partly through the city's Measure M funds, with additional funding from a state grant through Proposition 68.
The state grant, which also provides funding for the construction of an aquatics center at Stockton's McKinley Park, requires construction to be completed by 2024.
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Watch more from ABC10: Stockton bowler joins PBA Western Regional Tour—inspired by late brother | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/stocktons-victory-park-pool/103-a44855be-3546-4b3f-a7ac-91d4e56f6098 | 2022-08-03T04:13:38 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/stocktons-victory-park-pool/103-a44855be-3546-4b3f-a7ac-91d4e56f6098 |
EAST POINT, Ga. — East Point Police are investigating a dispute that turned into a shooting involving four people Tuesday. It happened on Cleveland Avenue at a shopping center that includes a nail salon, a beauty supply store, American Deli, and other stores.
Hours later, police set up shop less than three miles away for their National Night Out event. During the event, they aimed to bridge the gap between law enforcement and community members.
East Point Police Chief Shawn Buchanan has been leading the department for nearly eight months.
"I enjoy being chief and working with the citizens," he said. "I want to make this a much better agency. One of my main goals is to be CALEA certified, which is a national accreditation. I can’t wait to reach that goal."
Buchanan believes that events like this one, and the immediate hiring of new officers, are critical to helping drive crime in the city down.
"We have a lot of initiatives we set forth – our number one is to reduce crime, number two is to increase employment of our personnel," he said. "Our goal is to have a safe city – that’s our number one goal."
He adds that he wants to hire about 40 new officers for his department to be fully staffed. That number would also allow them to have extra officers in case of emergencies.
“The pandemic hurt us a little bit but we’re really picking up our staffing now. I just can’t wait to have a fully staffed police department," he said. "It’s up and down – sometimes we’re doing a great job and other times we have a lot of domestic situations that have occurred and increase our crime."
According to the police department’s site, in 2021, East Point had a total of 8 homicides. This year so far, that number is already at 13 with four more months to go.
"It is critical for the survival of a city to have a good relationship with the police and the police have a good relationship with the public," he said. "We could not do it without the community."
While the number of homicides has nearly doubled, the number of total crimes in the city is on track to be lower than last year.
East Point councilmember, Stephanie Gordon, said events like this one have proven to her that crime can go down.
“I think that crime reduction is something we see happening the more that our police agency is involved with the community," she said. "It’s vitally important to have our police out in an environment like this because it’s a great opportunity for our police officers, in a climate where so much tension is occurring, it’s a great opportunity to ease those tensions, ease those fears, and make sure our community has a great rapport with police."
Community member Lydia Woltz, who was there with her 7-year-old son Peter, agrees. They want more opportunities like this one for their families.
"This is a chance for the kids to understand that the police are there to help, they can see the police in a friendly manner. It’s been great. [Peter's] walked up and talked to the police and got some free food. It’s wonderful," she said.
Woltz's son, Peter, was able to enjoy the bounce castle at the event and one of the free backpacks given to the first 300 kids attending. Children were also able to take advantage of face paint, and there was also free food for families.
Buchanan said they will be hosting a hiring event on Sept. 9. On their website, the salary for uncertified police officers starts at $52,000, while certified police officer salaries start at $55,000. They also have educational pay incentives.
Click here for more information. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/mynews/east-point/national-night-out-east-point/85-bbb48d1e-d04c-41fa-babf-716965657fa8 | 2022-08-03T04:16:18 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/mynews/east-point/national-night-out-east-point/85-bbb48d1e-d04c-41fa-babf-716965657fa8 |
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - Three current of former leaders in Flint were waiting patiently for results in their race for mayor on Tuesday evening.
The slate of three candidates on Tuesday will be whittled down to two, who will square off in the Nov. 8 general election. The winner gets a four-year term as the city's top elected official.
Results were coming in very slowly for races in Flint and Genesee County on Tuesday evening. As of 10:55 p.m., only nine of 206 precincts had reported in Genesee County, including none from Flint.
A Genesee County deputy clerk said they were waiting for municipal clerks to drive their voting results to the county building. Only three of the 26 local clerks had turned in their results to Genesee County as of 10:15 p.m.
Current Mayor Sheldon Neeley, former Mayor Karen Weaver and City Councilman Eric Mays all were anxious and hopeful while waiting for election returns Tuesday night.
Neeley and Weaver both said they will make sure the necessary work gets done in Flint regardless of who comes out on top Tuesday. Mays was waiting for results at home Tuesday night. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/flint-mayoral-candidates-wait-patiently-for-august-primary-results/article_e21611b4-12d6-11ed-82c2-6b928d96fa71.html | 2022-08-03T04:19:44 | 1 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/flint-mayoral-candidates-wait-patiently-for-august-primary-results/article_e21611b4-12d6-11ed-82c2-6b928d96fa71.html |
MID-MICHIGAN (WJRT) - Voters likely will find several familiar names on the ballot Nov. 8.
Incumbents in all five U.S. House races around Mid-Michigan were leading after the August primary on Tuesday. All five congressmen are gearing up for challenges in the November general election.
This is the first election cycle with newly redrawn districts, which changed the makeup of Michigan's congressional districts. The state also lost another House seat, dropping to 13 beginning with this year's elections.
EIGHTH DISTRICT
The Eighth District race was the most hotly contested in Mid-Michigan with three Republicans running for the chance to challenge incumbent Democrat Dan Kildee in November.
With 73 of 372 precincts reporting on Tuesday night, Paul Junge of Brighton was leading the race with 56% of the vote. Matthew Seely of Davison and Candice Miller of Burton were close with 23% and 22% of the vote, respectively.
Kildee ran unopposed on Tuesday for his party's nomination to represent Genesee, Saginaw, Bay and most of Midland County in Washington. Kildee is seeking his sixth term in Congress.
SECOND DISTRICT
Republican John Moolenaar easily beat Tom Norton on Tuesday for his party's nomination, according to the Associated Press. Moolenaar had a commanding lead with 65% of the vote and just under half of the precincts reporting.
He will take on Democrat Jerry Hilliard on Nov. 8. Hilliard ran unopposed for his party's nomination on Tuesday.
The Second District covers 20 counties from western Midland County to Ionia County north to Manistee and east to Gladwin.
NINTH DISTRICT
Incumbent Republican Lisa McClain fended off a challenge from fellow Republican Michelle R.E. Donovan to advance to the Nov. 8 general election, according a projection from the Associated Press.
McClain won 79% of the vote with about half of 346 precincts reporting. She will face Democrat Brian Jaye, who ran unopposed for his party's nomination.
The Ninth District includes the Thumb Region south to northern Oakland and Macomb counties.
FIRST DISTRICT
Incumbent Republican Jack Bergman will take on Democrat Bob Lorinser on Nov. 8. Both candidates ran unopposed for their parties' nominations.
The First District is includes the entire Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula north of Standish.
SEVENTH DISTRICT
Incumbent Democrat Elissa Slotkin will take on Republican Tom Barrett on Nov. 8. Both candidates ran unopposed for their parties' nominations.
The Seventh District includes most of five counties in the Lansing area and a small part of southwestern Oakland County. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/mid-michigan-races-for-congress-nearly-set-with-incumbents-leading/article_721666fa-12c9-11ed-8764-d3dfea609c4e.html | 2022-08-03T04:19:50 | 1 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/mid-michigan-races-for-congress-nearly-set-with-incumbents-leading/article_721666fa-12c9-11ed-8764-d3dfea609c4e.html |
LINDEN, Mich. (WJRT) - Concerns about a suspicious backpack led to an evacuation of Linden's lone polling location on Election Day.
The Linden Police Department says someone called 911 around 1:30 p.m. to report finding the backpack at Faith Baptist Church, which the city uses as its voting location.
Police were concerned that the backpack may contain an explosive device and ordered everyone out of the building. The Michigan State Police Bomb Squad and Genesee County Sheriff's Office bomb sniffing dogs responded to the church.
The FBI also took part in the investigation.
Voters and poll workers were redirected to Linden City Hall while the evacuation order was in place. The city clerk's office set up a temporary polling location while law enforcement officials investigated the backpack.
Michigan State Police deployed a robot, which searched the bag and determined that its contents were not harmful. Investigators still conducted a thorough search of the church and found no other suspicious items.
Linden police and the FBI agents interviewed the owner of the backpack and determined that they innocently left it in the church. Voters and poll workers were allowed back into the church Tuesday evening. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/suspicious-backpack-leads-to-evacuation-at-lindens-polling-location/article_88e7807c-12d2-11ed-9125-fb1fd7f20940.html | 2022-08-03T04:19:56 | 1 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/suspicious-backpack-leads-to-evacuation-at-lindens-polling-location/article_88e7807c-12d2-11ed-9125-fb1fd7f20940.html |
After a month with slightly above-average temperatures and multiple severe weather events, the National Weather Service in Wilmington said that August is likely to see above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation.
The NWS said that July was active, with several severe weather events, giving most areas above normal precipitation and leading to some flooding and a few rainfall records.
However, for August, the NWS’s Climate Prediction Center called for an increased chance of above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation.
Normal highs in Dayton in August are around 84.6 degrees, and normal lows are about 64.3 degrees. Normal precipitation for Dayton in August is about 2.96 inches.
This announcement comes as the Miami Valley sees a Heat Advisory on Aug. 3, with heat index values reaching up to around 103 degrees.
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/national-weather-service-predicts-hotter-drier-august-than-normal/LGEJOKW2L5DYXBDCW3LQ3UHXQQ/ | 2022-08-03T04:31:44 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/national-weather-service-predicts-hotter-drier-august-than-normal/LGEJOKW2L5DYXBDCW3LQ3UHXQQ/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/signs-of-hope-south-philadelphia-celebrates-annual-national-night-out/3323732/ | 2022-08-03T04:32:34 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/signs-of-hope-south-philadelphia-celebrates-annual-national-night-out/3323732/ |
9 p.m. update: With 72% of precincts reporting, Becky Daggett is still holding a comfortable lead for Flagstaff mayor with 4,243 votes (52.2%), while Paul Deasy is in second with 2,207 votes and Daniel Williamson had 1,684 votes. The top two advance to the general election in November.
For the county Board of Supervisors, District 2, Jeronimo Vasquez had 1,094 votes (67%) and a big advantage over Tomas Hernandez with 538 votes.
8 p.m. update: Coconino County posted results of 16,190 tabulated early voting ballots -- about 17% of registered voters in the county. In the Flagstaff mayoral race, Becky Daggett had a strong lead of 3,941 votes (53.98%) followed by incumbent Paul Deasy with 1,993 votes (27.30%) and Daniel Williamson with 1,367 votes (18.72%).
In the county board of supervisors race for District 2, Jeronimo Vasquez was leading with 1,021 votes (67.39%) against Tomas "Tommy" Hernandez with 494 votes (32.61%).
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The City of Sedona mayoral race showed a strong lead from Scott Jablow with 310 votes (45.52%) followed by Samaire Armstron with 138 votes (20.26%), Sandra J Moriarty with 12 votes (17.62%) and Kurt Gehlbach with 113 votes (16.59%).
The Arizona primary elections got off to a slow start in Flagstaff as voters trickled in to polling places to select candidates who will proceed to the Nov. 8 general election.
According to the county recorder’s office, as of last Friday, about 17,000 (18%) of the 93,000 registered voters in Coconino County had returned early ballots. The lower-than-usual early ballot return could have been balanced by robust in-person turnout on election, but initial on-the-ground observations did not suggest this would be the case.
The Northern Arizona University voting center, one of three major voting centers in Coconino County, was fully staffed and running smoothly, but less than a dozen voters showed up during the peak hours of 7 and 8 a.m.
“It's a little disappointing to walk in there and not see very many people,” said Brittany Montague, who came to vote on her way to work. “And not a lot of young people either -- which is important.”
Montague, who has served as a poll worker in the past, vouched for increasing voting accessibility by allowing people to register at polling sites on election day. With her personal vote, Montague was most interested in selecting Flagstaff’s mayor.
“Change happens at the local level,” she said.
While she did not share who she voted for, Montague’s top priority was “protection for our forests.”
“That’s near and dear,” she said.
Dylan Rust also stopped by the NAU voting center on his way to work. He said he was interested in supporting candidates with a sense of “decorum,” who would “spend money well” and “work across the aisle.”
“I'm looking for candidates who are patriotic, not for party but for country,” Rust said.
To that end, he did not mind sharing how he voted in the Flagstaff mayoral election.
“I voted for Becky Daggett,” Rust said.
Turnout rates were similar, if not marginally better, at the Flagstaff Mall voting center between the hours of 8 and 9 a.m. On his way out, Regnar Billie said the voting center operation seemed to disprove the accusations of election mismanagement that plagued the 2020 elections.
“It looks like it’s well organized, properly staffed,” Billie said. “I don’t see anything that can go wrong.”
Billie was happy to share that he voted for Daniel Williamson in the Flagstaff mayoral race, but lamented that he did not feel he was sufficiently educated about the candidates.
“I wish I had known more,” he said. “Hopefully I chose the best out of all of them.”
Angela Bercu also shared that she voted for Williamson, saying she had come to trust him through his work in the faith community.
“He's a pastor,” Bercu said. “I used to attend his church and I did some ministry with him in the past.”
Justice system reform was a priority for Bercu, as she feels that a family member had been wrongfully sentenced for crimes surrounding an addiction that was the result of a medical prescription.
Because of his background experience in drug courts and rehabilitation programs such as Teen Challenge, Williamson was an attractive candidate for Bercu.
“I think he would do a great job as far as that's concerned, as well as the other things needed in our community,” she said.
The upside of low turnouts was that they made for a quick and “super easy” voting experience, said Jesse Hornbeck, who voted at the Shepherd of the Hills Church polling location. To her, the most important reason to participate in the primaries was making sure her “voice was heard.”
Hornbeck shared that she had voted for Daggett in the Flagstaff mayoral race. Influential to her decision had been recent experiences helping residents of Stevanna Way cope with post-fire flooding.
“I saw a lot of local politicians come by and ask questions and then not follow through by the end of the day,” Hornbeck said.
She wants a mayor who “represents everyone and not just hot button places or popular places.”
While the she was pleased that her voting experience was “10 minutes in and out,” Hornbeck did express some dismay that there weren’t more voters present at the polling locations.
“I just wish everyone would vote,” she said. “If they don’t vote, I don’t think they should complain.” | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/updated-early-results-flagstaff-votes-in-the-arizona-primary-elections/article_1e5348fe-12af-11ed-86d3-27fa06f364e6.html | 2022-08-03T04:34:45 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/updated-early-results-flagstaff-votes-in-the-arizona-primary-elections/article_1e5348fe-12af-11ed-86d3-27fa06f364e6.html |
The Northern Arizona women’s soccer team began practice Tuesday, preparing for what the group hopes is a bounce-back fall seNAU sason with a new identity.
Maddie Shafer and Mikhail Johnson are the leading scorers returning from the 2021 roster, with four and three goals scored, respectively. Shafer added four assists -- which was the second most for the Lumberjacks. The duo will lead the charge in attempting to make up for losing the two top scorers from last season in graduates Madison Montgomery and Sam Larberg.
The majority of last year’s defensive starters are back, and so is Natalie Manzo, who broke out as the team's No. 1 goalkeeper at the end of last year.
Coach Kylie Louw believes she has a group that has -- even early on in preseason preparation -- reconfigured itself.
“We essentially restructured and re-evolved our program. We took an opportunity not to continue building something we had, but in fact something completely new,” she said.
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There are several quality freshman recruits and transfers who will challenge for playing time immediately and an overall belief that the enthusiasm is at an encouraging level. So, early on, is the skill.
“I think we have a new identity here, more focused on playing as a unit instead of just attack and defense, and I’m excited to get started because we’ve gotten a lot of new girls that have added textures we haven’t had in the past,” Johnson said. “I’m seeing just a little bit more playing as one, finding the slashing runs behind, being able to find the depth back and having trust in the defense to give them the ball and keep possession as well.”
The Lumberjacks hope their quality efforts in the preseason will lead to a positive beginning to when matches count. The Lumberjacks played two seasons in 2021 -- a spring season after COVID-19 delayed the 2020 fall campaign and a regular 2021 fall -- and much of the roster came into the second season of the year tired.
A bit of sluggishness set in early, and the team could not produce quite enough, leading to seven consecutive losses to open the season. The Lumberjacks finished with a record of 8-11 (6-3 Big Sky), including six straight victories to end the campaign, but could not quite ever dig themselves out of the early hole.
Rather than look back in disgust at last season, Johnson said she hopes the team will keep playing like it did later in the schedule.
“That roll was exciting for me to see how we can start this season. So how we ended is very much the goal of what we want to start doing now,” Johnson said.
“I think that will definitely help our momentum,” Manzo added. “Last year we kind of got a little down on ourselves, so having some wins to start would really help our mentality.”
An advantage in trying to make an early run is that the Lumberjacks play their first five regular-season matches -- and two preseason exhibitions -- at Lumberjack Stadium in Flagstaff. In 2021, Northern Arizona played its first four matches on the road, and had just one home contest against a Division I opponent before conference play hit.
“(Assistant coach) Alan (Berrios) and myself worked really hard in getting to play at home because we didn’t have the opportunity to do that last year,” Louw said. “It was out of our hands in some ways, so now we took complete control to get a lot more home games for these young ladies. The community of Flagstaff also deserves to have the games to watch, too.”
The players share the same sentiment.
“I think home turf will be really good for us,” Manzo said.
Northern Arizona will not have a lot of time before its first competition. The Arizona Wildcats are set to visit Flagstaff for an exhibition game Sunday.
With a chance to flesh out playing time with its new roster and find what needs to be improved ahead of the season opener on Aug. 18, Louw believes the team is in solid form at the moment.
“We want to be organized, we want to be a single unit and be difficult to break down, and so we’re going to start working on those things and see how we look at the defensive side of the game. And then from there we’ll be able to recognize what it looks like offensively and everything else, so we’re really excited,” she said.
Kickoff between the Lumberjacks and Wildcats is set for Sunday at 1 p.m. at Lumberjack Stadium. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/lumberjacks-soccer-returns-with-high-hopes-enthusiasm-for-2022-season/article_64b02b64-12a5-11ed-9681-b74f27155f3c.html | 2022-08-03T04:34:51 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/lumberjacks-soccer-returns-with-high-hopes-enthusiasm-for-2022-season/article_64b02b64-12a5-11ed-9681-b74f27155f3c.html |
SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — Following hours of debate, the South Portland City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to grant licenses to four hotels serving as shelters to hundreds in the city with new conditions to improve public safety.
The vote came after South Portland's police and fire chiefs said they saw a "dramatic increase in complaints relating to public health, safety, and welfare, and also relating to unlawful conduct, at or near the locations at which some of these individuals are housed," according to South Portland's website.
City staff called the increase an "unsustainable burden on our public safety services."
A total of 730 people currently live in the hotels, according to City of Portland Health and Human Services Director Kristen Dow, and people seeking asylum make up 69 percent of that total.
Those living at the hotels in attendance Tuesday were worried if councilors revoked licenses for the four hotels, including the Days Inn, Comfort Inn, Howard Johnson and Casco Bay Hotel.
"We don't have family here or other place to go. We don't have income yet because we can't work right now. We applied for asylum seeker and [are] waiting," a woman staying at one of the hotels said at Tuesday's hearing. "My husband and I are trying to improve ourselves, studying, still learning English, doing some trainings, volunteering, but if we do not have a safe place to stay how can we improve it?"
Many stakeholders and citizens also spoke up at Tuesday night's meeting to voice concerns about a lack of support and fears people would be left out on the streets.
"I'm pleading with the city councilors and even the chief of police who are here today to really come together with many stakeholders to try to find a solution with all of us together instead of again pushing some of these folks away," Claud Rwaganje with the organization Prosperity Maine told councilors.
South Portland Police Chief Daniel Ahern repeatedly noted that most of the calls received were not from asylum seekers.
Ahern detailed a list of conditions for each hotel license that were agreed on by city staff, stakeholders and attorneys for the companies that own the hotels.
Those conditions include, among other things, regular security details, more mental health resources and fines for hotels that allow guests to stay beyond a certain date.
"The city's goal is not to displace these families and individuals," Ahern said. "By providing better support to these guests and utilizing additional strategy, the city believes it can reduce the call volumes and eliminate and reduce the types of calls that are most detrimental to the health and safety of the guests and public."
Many at the meeting were frustrated the burden was falling on the City of South Portland alone and asked what the state was doing to help.
Officials familiar with the issue told NEWS CENTER Maine this week that the state is willing to consider additional support. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/south-portland-maine-council-grants-licenses-to-hotels-turned-shelters-with-new-conditions/97-c65d5e6b-c31f-4083-975c-cdfbc9efaa9d | 2022-08-03T04:38:47 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/south-portland-maine-council-grants-licenses-to-hotels-turned-shelters-with-new-conditions/97-c65d5e6b-c31f-4083-975c-cdfbc9efaa9d |
FORT WORTH, Texas — A North Texas man has made history with a recent announcement of his new role with the U.S. military.
Lt. Gen. Michael E. Langley is the first Black four-star general in the U.S. Marines’ 246-year history. The confirmation Tuesday by the U.S. Senate also means he officially assumes command of all U.S. military forces in Africa.
Langley is the son of a former non-commissioned Air Force officer. He attended Fort Worth ISD’s Leonard Middle School and graduated from Western Hills High School in 1980. Langley also graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington in 1985.
Langley's formal military education includes a masters in National Security Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
According to Langley’s biography on the Marines website, he has commanded at all levels during his 37-year career and served overseas in Afghanistan, Somalia and Okinawa. He has held senior jobs at the Pentagon and the military’s Central Command. Langley assumed command of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa last year.
President Biden nominated Langley for the promotion in June. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/north-texan-michael-langley-first-black-four-star-general-marine-corps/287-b31e1d1c-c794-444b-8071-d91c14469a43 | 2022-08-03T04:41:42 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/north-texan-michael-langley-first-black-four-star-general-marine-corps/287-b31e1d1c-c794-444b-8071-d91c14469a43 |
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Polk County Board of Supervisors passed the 2050 comprehensive plan Aug. 2 — something that's been in the works for years.
So what's in it, and what does it mean for around 500,000 Polk County residents?
The plan is "future-oriented with horizon years of between twenty or thirty years" and intended to pinpoint what's working and what isn't county-wide, according to the 2050 website.
The 377-page plan lays the groundwork for what to focus on in the coming decades, including:
- Housing
- Land use
- Natural resources
- Agriculture
- Economic Development
- Corridors/Villages
- Infrastructure
- Mobility
During the public input stage of putting the plan together this past May, housing was the top theme.
According to the plan, 9% of the county's land is currently used for housing compared to a whopping 73% percent for agriculture. Parks and recreation rounds out the third spot, claiming 7% of the land.
The housing demand in Polk County is increasing. The plan estimates that from now until 2050, the county will need another 1,700 housing units in the unincorporated part of Polk — meaning outside city limits.
Of those homes, 15% are recommended as rentals. However, renting in the county is easier said than done. A renter making minimum wage at $7.25 an hour would need to work 88 hours a week to afford a two-bedroom unit as calculated in the plan.
In order to prevent renting from becoming a burden on the typical monthly paycheck, residents would need to make nearly $16 an hour, which is higher than the average renter's hourly wage of $13.67.
The comprehensive plan calls for inclusionary zoning laws to help with this. Essentially, the county wants to implement more laws that provide affordable housing using tools such as grants.
Other strategies laid out include building along transit corridors, using vacant land and dispersing affordable housing to all areas of the county rather than concentrating them in one location.
However, the plan recognizes that urbanization and residential development do pose a threat against agriculture in Polk County. Other factors that could hurt agriculture in coming decades are climate change, a scarcity of water and land and invasive species and diseases.
To combat these threats, the 2050 plan lays out a handful of conservation programs to tackle best practices for farming and discouraging suburban sprawl, among many others.
All five Polk County Supervisors voted in agreement to the 2050 Comprehensive Plan. The last plan of its kind for Polk County was released in 2006.
If you have comments or questions about the plan, you can email Polk County Planning & Development Manager Bret Vandelune at Bret.Vandelune@polkcountyiowa.gov or submit comments via the Interactive Engagement Website. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/local-politics/polk-county-iowa-2050-comprehensive-plan/524-baff336e-4892-460e-a121-d2158ebed32f | 2022-08-03T04:46:50 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/local-politics/polk-county-iowa-2050-comprehensive-plan/524-baff336e-4892-460e-a121-d2158ebed32f |
PORTLAND, Ore. — The owner of a home in Southeast Portland is trying to sell the property but says that he can’t — ever since some strangers moved in and refused to leave.
It started back in January when the homeowner left town and the property was empty.
“Some guys, they just basically walked into the property, took it over,” said Nathan Jones, a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.
Jones took over the listing last month. It’s currently listed at $330,000, but that price is negotiable. He’s hoping for an investor who can afford to evict those currently living there, which can be a difficult process.
“Costs money, you got to get an attorney, file all these papers and it’s like 90 days minimum … if you don’t have the financial resources you’re screwed and that’s the bottom line,” he said.
The homeowner didn’t want to talk with KGW on camera for fear of retaliation from those living at the property. Over the phone, he claimed that when he asked them to leave this winter, the squatters beat him up — sending him to the hospital. He hasn’t been back since, but still pays $1,500 a month for his mortgage.
“I mean, all he wants to do is sell and he can’t do it,” said Jones.
The homeowner has called police and the city to help evict the squatters but said he hasn't received any help. As for those living in the neighborhood, they’ve learned to keep their distance from 5256 Southeast Flavel Street.
“I just mind my own business,” said Linda Harshman, who lives two doors down.
“I’ve noticed like, you know, frequent stopping of cars, people coming every 15 seconds, also police monitoring the house,” added Zaki Wilson who lives across the street. “Everybody probably feels at risk or in danger with those types of people.”
A KGW crew tried approaching those living in the home but the occupants just stared, displayed the middle finger and shut the door. KGW also reached out to police and didn’t hear back right away. Eventually, Portland police said that even though they’ve been called to the property before, this case is a civil issue and the eviction process would have to come from the owners or the bank.
Jones advised people not to leave their homes vacant regardless of if they have security. He said it’s becoming all too common that people break in and never leave. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/homeless/se-portland-home-owner-squatters-sell-beat-up/283-015210d4-5e46-4f5b-b25f-b3a51b0087a5 | 2022-08-03T04:47:32 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/homeless/se-portland-home-owner-squatters-sell-beat-up/283-015210d4-5e46-4f5b-b25f-b3a51b0087a5 |
PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon's Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tina Kotek publicly called on unaffiliated candidate Betsy Johnson last week to condemn the presence of Confederate flags at her campaign rallies.
The challenge spawned from a Johnson campaign event in St. Helens that Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) covered one day earlier. During the event, OPB noted that some people in the crowd were wearing Confederate flag t-shirts.
Kotek's campaign jumped on that detail and sent out a press release hours before their first gubernatorial debate on Friday. She asked if Johnson would speak out against racist symbols at her rallies.
During the debate, a question came up about the Greater Idaho Movement, where people in rural Oregon counties are campaigning to leave Oregon to join Idaho. The candidates were discussing tension between the state's urban and rural areas.
Johnson said that when Kotek put out the press release about the Confederate flag shirts, it hurt the relationship between rural and urban Oregon.
"She is suggesting that because someone was at one of my rallies with a Confederate flag, that rural Oregonians are racist and that you have to be racist to support my campaign," Johnson said during the debate. "That is anything but the truth. That exacerbates the divide. I condemn racism, discrimination and bigotry in any form, and somehow to imply that racists are attending my event just drives home the point that urban Oregon doesn't understand rural Oregon."
While she condemned racism, she did not specifically condemn the Confederate flag, which is what Kotek asked for in her press release.
Drazan was asked if she had anything to say, and she simply shook her head no.
KGW reached out to Johnson's campaign to see if she had anything to say about this whole thing.
She responded: "This is ridiculous. As I said during the debate, I am against all forms of racism, and that includes the Confederate flag. An OPB reporter seeing one guy in a t-shirt at a rally doesn't say anything about everybody else who was there."
Do you agree or disagree? Share your thoughts at thestory@kgw.com. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/the-story/johnson-responds-to-kotek-challenge/283-d8abafdb-94c8-4aab-99b8-38c3dcd64131 | 2022-08-03T04:47:38 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/the-story/johnson-responds-to-kotek-challenge/283-d8abafdb-94c8-4aab-99b8-38c3dcd64131 |
COLLIN COUNTY, Texas — No one is immune from the drought.
Even horticulturist and well-known gardening expert Neil Sperry will admit he lost a couple of plants lately.
The drought, combined with two bad winters, has grass, shrubs and trees reeling. Sperry told WFAA he'll drive around large swaths of North Texas and be disappointed with the lack of care for many commercial and home landscapes.
"This one is past the point of no return, you can tell by the color of it," Sperry said, pointing to a dying Nellie R. Stevens Holly along Parkwood and the Sam Rayburn Tollway.
Gardening may have taken a backseat for most of North Texans, and it shows in the yards. Lawns are turning brown, and trees and shrubs are growing limp and void of color.
Sperry feels many have used the drought as an excuse to not to tend to yards. He says even the slightest uptick in watering could save a number of shrubs and trees.
Lake levels across North Texas are still relatively healthy. There are no severe water shortages like a decade ago. No major cities have strict water enforcement at this time. Some cities have only recommended water conservation.
"I think there's something inside all of us that calms you," said Marvin Olson, describing his backyard. Olson is with the Collin County Master Gardeners. The group helps people and organizations with their gardening questions and offer advice.
Many of the latest questions have dealt with the drought.
"What's wrong with this plant? And they'll show you a picture of a dead plant," Marvin recalls being asked. "Will my lawn come back? Is it dormant? Is it going to come back?" Sperry recalled being asked.
His answer is often the same: Bermuda grass, which is mostly drought-resistant, that is drying out will likely survive, but St. Augustine will most likely not survive.
Sperry and Olson said what people don't realize is that the condition of plants and trees comes at a price.
"Millions of dollars have been lost by commercial landscapes and home landscapes that have not been tended," said Sperry.
They're not saying waste water, but use it effectively.
Sperry advises the use of a bubbler to help water any plants, but especially new plants. Gardening is about protecting your investment, the money and the time it took to grow.
"It's kinda hard to bring things back from dead. It's happened once, don't know how many more times it's gonna happen," Sperry laughed. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/north-texas-drought-conditions-apathy-result-millions-dollars-landscaping-losses/287-06ed25cf-d329-4e1f-b950-43b98f5f579b | 2022-08-03T04:48:27 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/north-texas-drought-conditions-apathy-result-millions-dollars-landscaping-losses/287-06ed25cf-d329-4e1f-b950-43b98f5f579b |
Otero County Processing Center now detaining women, guaranteed $2.3M monthly in deal with ICE
A recently updated agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement guarantees more than $2.3 million will flow monthly to the private operator of the Otero County Processing Facility in Chaparral, where migrant detainees are held in federal custody.
This summer, the facility also began holding women in custody as well as men.
The ACLU of New Mexico, which obtained the new agreement through public records requests, expressed concern over continued detention of migrants for profit and over living conditions, particularly for women and transgender detainees, at the detention center. OCPC has been among several ICE facilities subject to complaints about food and drinking water, retaliatory solitary confinement, mistreatment of LGBTQ detainees and other violations of detention standards.
The detention center is located in a remote area of Chaparral immediately next to the Otero County Prison Facility, also managed by MTC on properties owned by the county and built in 2008.
The new intergovernmental service agreement modifies terms of a 2014 agreement and expires on March 31, 2025.
Previously, ICE paid MTC at a daily rate of $93.01 per bed with no guaranteed minimum. Under terms beginning April 1, the company will be paid a guaranteed monthly rate of $2,317,141.67 in addition to a "bed day rate" of $7.55 per detainee up to 500 detainees and $58.81 for each detainee beyond 500.
It also provides for reimbursements for some expenses and includes language requiring MTC to adhere to a staffing plan, with ICE agreeing to pay wages and overtime for additional guards.
The staffing plan requires 12 guards to be on duty per shift, or 14 if the detainee population exceeds 500, with ICE reimbursing Otero County at $28.70 per hour or $34.80 for hourly overtime pay. MTC would also be paid for providing extra transportation officers at similar rates.
In 2020, MTC told the county it might terminate its agreement altogether due to decreases in detainees ― and revenue ― over the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter obtained by NM Political Report, the company suggested strategies to increase occupancy "and make MTC’s continued operation of the facility financially viable.”
Housing female detainees could help bolster the billable population. ICE agreed to cover the costs of facility improvements, such as modifications to shower and toilet facilities, to accommodate the change. Detention statistics for the current fiscal year, published by ICE on its website, indicate the facility has begun detaining women, and a spokesman for MTC confirmed that it began receiving women on June 4.
There is also language requiring MTC to adhere to certain standards for transgender care including individualized detention plans for each. Currently, the center has no transgender detainees, MTC stated.
The positions of warden and deputy warden are classified as "key personnel" under the agreement, meaning MTC would need to share candidates' resumes with ICE before making any offer when filling a vacancy.
The agreement also allows MTC access to satellite law libraries and provide for virtual attorney visitation through internet video conferencing.
ICE spokesperson Leticia Zamarripa said ICE detainees facing deportation are provided with information on free legal resources and pro bono services, in addition to virtual access to attorneys at 17 detention centers. She also said all detainees in ICE custody have telephone access to the American Bar Association Detention and Legal Orientation Program information line.
The agency also pointed to the pandemic, which hit the Otero County facility hard, as reason for alternatives to in-person visitation, while allowing legal visitation.
Rebecca Sheff, a senior staff attorney at ACLU of New Mexico, said in an interview the expansion of eligible detainees in Otero County raised concerns about ICE's ability to deliver on its promises of humane confinement and access to counsel.
"This modification of the Otero contract really was done without any meaningful public input — and these are significant changes," Sheff said.
Zamarripa wrote in an email that her agency "uses a variety of detention models to meet agency needs and maintain detention standards, while achieving the most cost-effective use of taxpayer funds."
ACLU: ICE contract of 'minimal' benefit to county
While MTC is guaranteed millions of dollars each month regardless of how many people are detained at the processing center, Otero County collects just $1.50 to $1.55 per inmate per day, per its updated contract with MTC.
"The benefit that goes to the county is very minimal ... compared to the benefit that's going to this private prison corporation," Sheff remarked.
Otero County Manager Pamela Heltner did not respond to repeated requests for an interview for this story.
MTC has bolstered its community standing and won praise from local leaders for several local initiatives. Last month, the Gadsden Independent School District board presented MTC with an award, received by wardens Dora Castro and Hector Rios, for programs involving both the prison facility and processing center, providing Thanksgiving meal boxes for families, Christmas gifts and food baskets and donations of school uniforms.
The company has also announced other actions in the community, including donations of crafted items to the El Paso Children's Hospital, assistance to local families in need, scholarships and other outreach.
Yet Sheff said the arrangements between the county, MTC and ICE have been kept out of public discussion, including an accounting of how the county benefits financially or economically, or meaningful opportunities for residents to weigh in on how these public facilities are used.
Health and safety concerns at Otero County Processing Center
MTC spokesman David Martinson said, "The health and safety of detainees at Otero County Processing Center is a top priority," adding that accommodations for women have been completed and that a safety plan is in place if and when OCPC receives transgender detainees.
Sheff cited previous incidents involving ICE facilities operated by CoreCivic, another private contractor, including the death in New Mexico of transgender woman Roxsana Hernández, a detainee from Honduras, while in ICE custody in 2018. Hernández was held at the Cibola County Correctional Center in Milan, managed by CoreCivic.
"ICE, writ large, has not proven that they can detain trans people safely and humanely," Sheff said. "It's not just this facility; it's the entire ICE detention system."
Zamarripa said the agency was "committed to ensuring that all those (in) its custody reside in safe, secure, and human environments under appropriate conditions of confinement."
She added, "ICE regularly reviews each case involving a self-identified transgender noncitizen and makes the discretionary decision as to whether the use of detention resources is warranted for that individual."
ICE leadership and rationale for detention
ICE detention statistics indicate that 97 percent of both male and female detainees held at Otero during the current fiscal year, which began in October, did not have criminal records. Sheff questioned the public safety benefit of detaining people while their immigration cases are in process and the financial incentive to keep them.
"They could decide tomorrow to release each of these folks to families, to sponsors within the United States," she said, "so that they could have access to their support networks — to their loved ones, to legal counsel, to nonprofits providing humanitarian services; and instead of that, ICE is making the affirmative choice to detain them and continue to funnel $2.3 million a month to this corporation to run this facility, when there are much better alternatives available."
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a directive to ICE last year seeking to limit migrant arrests to those posing public safety or national security risks, enacting a Biden Administration policy that simply being in the United States without authorization should not be the sole grounds for arrest or deportation.
The policy has ended, at least temporarily, after legal challenges in more than one state. The Supreme Court will hear a challenge to the policy later this year after a Texas court issued an injunction. In July, the high court denied a request from the administration to lift the injunction while the case is in process, effectively blocking it from limiting immigration arrests.
While the administration may have lost that battle, Sheff suggested the administration could do more to govern ICE and its contractors, beginning with revolving door leadership of ICE since 2020. Acting director Tae Johnson is the fourth acting director of the agency since August 2020. ICE has not had a Senate-confirmed leader since 2019.
"ICE, at the field office level, continues to do what it does," Sheff continued.
"This administration has said some admirable things about wanting to reduce reliance on detention writ large, and has made some moves to reduce detention populations or to close certain facilities," she said, but then referred to ICE's latest agreement with MTC and Otero County.
"When we see a contract like this ... it calls into question the government's commitment to those principles," she argued.
Algernon D'Ammassa can be reached at 575-541-5451, adammassa@lcsun-news.com or @AlgernonWrites on Twitter.
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- Las Cruces sets 2022 GO bond ballot questions, hikes amount for affordable housing | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/new-mexico/2022/08/03/ice-increases-budget-for-otero-county-processing-center-detains-women/7291771001/ | 2022-08-03T04:51:04 | 1 | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/new-mexico/2022/08/03/ice-increases-budget-for-otero-county-processing-center-detains-women/7291771001/ |
CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. – A new historical collection is coming to the Montgomery Museum of Art and History soon.
On Tuesday, the Montgomery Museum of Art and History said the NAACP will present its Black History Collection to the museum in August.
According to the release, the purpose of the collection is to make local African American history more accessible to the community by providing resources to local museums, and community members can conduct research and experience local history.
And on August 11 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., museum officials said they will be hosting an open house with its summer Membership Mingle, and at 6 p.m., the NAACP MRF Branch will formally present the collection to the museum.
The event will be held at the museum’s new location at 4 East Main Street in Christiansburg, the release said.
Organization leaders are happy to see the collection be presented and made available to the public.
“We are honored to partner with the Montgomery County-Radford City-Floyd County Branch of the NAACP to make African American history and culture more accessible to all within the New River Valley,” said Casey Jenkins, Executive Director of the Montgomery Museum.
Deborah Travis, President of the NAACP Branch, echoed that statement.
“This project would not have been possible without the support of the community,” Travis said. “We are excited to make these materials available through the museum and embrace the value it will bring to our community.”
An important part of history, and the community even helped curate the content.
The collection was curated by the Education Committee with curators of local history museums, and with professors from Virginia Tech and Radford University, according to the release.
And, the release said the collection was made possible through the help of community members who bought books and donated them.
With two parts, the collection comes to life: 25 books tell the history of African Americans in the New River Valley and Appalachia, and 8 booklets focus on the New River Valley and the lived experiences of those in Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County, and Radford City, according to the release.
Community members can find a wide variety of topics included in the collection, including coal mining, local education, slavery and segregation, massive resistance, and reconciliation, museum officials said.
Not only will there be printed material available in the collection, but the release said there will also be QR codes to access audio recordings of histories.
You can learn more about the Montgomery Museum of Art and History here. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/03/naacp-branch-to-present-montgomery-museum-with-black-history-collection/ | 2022-08-03T04:56:02 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/03/naacp-branch-to-present-montgomery-museum-with-black-history-collection/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – Every purchase at Plato’s Closet in Roanoke during the week ahead of tax-free weekend will be free from state sales tax.
“We thought especially with everything going on right now, paying it a little early would help, especially with back-to-school shopping,” said store manager Jessica Maes.
Economists predict that consumers will take advantage of big back-to-school deals, and businesses are taking advantage of the peaked interest.
Plato’s Closet Roanoke is having TAX FREE WEEK on August 1st-7th! We are paying your sales tax ALL WEEK LONG! 🤩 Shop our...
Posted by Plato's Closet - Roanoke, VA on Sunday, July 31, 2022
“I think last year was one of the biggest back-to-school seasons we’ve ever seen with people getting out and going back to school, and I think this year we expect it to be just as big,” said Maes.
Plato’s Closet will be paying sales tax from August 1 to August 7, according to their Facebook post. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/03/platos-closet-in-roanoke-to-pay-sales-tax-all-week-ahead-of-tax-free-weekend/ | 2022-08-03T04:56:08 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/03/platos-closet-in-roanoke-to-pay-sales-tax-all-week-ahead-of-tax-free-weekend/ |
CEDAR FALLS – Love was in the air Tuesday night at Overman Park, a place where the Schmidt family often gathered to enjoy the outdoors and community events.
A couple of hundred people attended an hour-long celebration of life ceremony. Most sat in lawn chairs while watching and listening to stories and anecdotes about Tyler and Sarah Schmidt and their six-year-old daughter, Lula.
The Cedar Falls family members were found shot to death July 22 in their tent at Maquoketa Caves State Park campground in Jackson County after what appeared to have been a random act of violence. Arlo Schmidt, their nine-year-old son, survived the attack.
The Schmidt and Morehouse families joined Mayor Rob Green, who led the event in front of the Overman Park stage and from behind a table with photographs and bright flowers.
A grief counselor also was on hand to help the community work through the tragedy.
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Green read the family's obituary published in The Courier before he, Ambri Refer, an employee of the Cedar Falls Public Library like Sarah, and family friends Burt Flather and Monica Iliff shared a few dozen thoughts and memories that been collected and submitted by friends and family over the last few days.
Even the family's mail carrier passed along a story:
“I enjoyed seeing them all the time. Tyler walked everywhere, so I saw him every day, and when Sarah turned 40 I remember her getting 40 cards in the mail from her family. It was awesome to deliver those to her. Just amazing people,” the mailman wrote.
Tyler and Sarah were remembered as loving parents.
“The thing that keeps rising to the top when I think about Sarah and Tyler is how dedicated they were to doing the very best thing for Arlo and Lula at every turn,” read Green from one friend’s submission. “Most of the conversations I’ve had with Sarah over the past nine years have been about how to make the best and therefore hardest decisions about parenting.”
The friend knew her as a "talented research scientist" at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, but “was lucky enough to catch her in her newfound element at the Cedar Falls Public Library this fall, and she was just so happy and so good at this as well.”
Aunt Sue wrote that Tyler and Sarah Schmidt were “dedicated to their family and loved the community. They were the most the kind, sweet and loving people and we will miss them dearly.”
Charlie Parkhurst, a six-year-old classmate of Lula, wrote how she had the “longest hair in our whole class” and added a smiley face at the end of the statement. Lula was remembered as happy and playful.
“Dear Ms. Lula, a bright little girl with such a big heart, I was looking forward to seeing you grow up with so wonderful possibilities,” said one friend.
One neighbor whose daughter carpooled with the Schmidts every day, recalled the rides when Disney movie soundtracks were played.
“Lula loved to sing along and smile,” she wrote.
Sarah was remembered for her time in a variety of settings: at mothers' groups, on long walks, on the playground with her kids, in the pumpkin patch, in the parks and in the library.
Her time as a master’s graduate student at the University of Kansas, which she attended with Tyler, was remarked, especially her research on the Kansas River.
Additionally, she was remembered by her “movie night crew” for the time when a damaged DVD did not stop her from uncovering the end to the movie.
“Later that night, while the rest of us went to bed, Sarah was on a mission. Never one to let a question go unanswered, Sarah found several summaries of the movie online and combined them into her own synopsis to fill in the missing 15 minutes," the friend wrote. "She emailed us around midnight. After four paragraphs summarizing 15 missing minutes of the movie she concluded, ‘So we really didn’t miss much.’”
One of Tyler’s work colleagues described him as a “brilliant” programmer and “truly genuine human being.”
“I know that he loved his family with everything he had, and he lived for them,” the colleague said.
Another co-worker said “he was one of the kindest and smartest people I knew” and a “go-to person when I had technical questions or wanted to run ideas by him.” But outside of work, he would talk about trips with his family to the local ice cream shop or the camping trips.
He loved Baha Blast Mountain Dew, ice cream, donuts and Peeps. He clearly had a sweet tooth, and loved the band REM.
Teresa and Brian Carr, “the fairy godparents” of the Sartori Park neighborhood, with a variety of gnomes, apes and fairies in their front garden, saw children like Lula and Arlo stop by the “neighborhood zoo.”
They talked about the jokes the Schmidt kids shared with them.
“While the children played in the fairy garden, we chatted with Sarah and Tyler. We were smitten,” and loved seeing them interact with other neighborhood friends.
“Sarah and Tyler possessed the superpower of truly seeing people and helping people to feel seen and heard in such life-affirming ways. And they were bringing up Arlo and Lula likewise as young ambassadors.”
Nate Gainer attended the ceremony with his 7-year-old daughter, Wren, who was a best friend of Lula in kindergarten at Lincoln Elementary School and knew the family from school concerts and fairs.
The girls would pretend to be cats together, so that’s what Wren drew on a crafted flower, one of the many arts and crafts offered by the library at the event in memory of the family.
“I enjoyed seeing the community support and doing crafts in honor of them,” Nate Gainer said.
Ai Wen of Cedar Falls was accompanied by her husband, Kenneth Elgersmith, and their seven-year-old daughter. They’d often see the family at the library, and their daughter went to a camp with Lula.
“It was a lovely service, and very well organized,” said Wen. “It was great that the community showed support and showed up.”
The ceremony was “needed,” Elgersmith added.
D’Andre Moore of Minneapolis graduated from Northern University High School in 1998 with Tyler Schmidt and came with former classmates.
“He was the first person who was nice to me” after Moore transferred to the high school from Waterloo and invited him to open campus lunch, he said of Tyler Schmidt. “He was genuinely a good person.”
It was a “beautiful” ceremony, Moore said. “I’m glad we could have been here for you buddy.”
One of Tyler’s aunts shared about the “beautiful theme of joy and effervescence and how much happiness they brought to be everybody.”
More than $270,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe page set up in support Arlo: https://www.gofundme.com/f/arlo-schmidt.
“I especially want to thank the families who’ve poured themselves into this tragedy, who’ve reached out through meals, through donations, through hugs, and who’ve shown the best of what Cedar Falls is, to these devastated families,” said Green.
The mayor praised the support of many others, including KCRG and KWWL for live streaming and recording the moment especially for Arlo.
“This service isn’t just for us here tonight. This is for Arlo," Green said through tears. "This is for 10 years, 15 years, and 20 years down the road when he watches this. Arlo, speaking to you as potentially a 20 year old, maybe a 30 year old. I want you to know how much your community loves you. You are Cedar Falls.” | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/update-celebration-of-life-held-in-memory-of-schmidt-family-in-overman-park/article_030f940a-5006-5f89-a685-6c9075b63bdd.html | 2022-08-03T05:03:12 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/update-celebration-of-life-held-in-memory-of-schmidt-family-in-overman-park/article_030f940a-5006-5f89-a685-6c9075b63bdd.html |
Vin Scully, who for more than 60 years was the voice of Los Angeles Dodgers baseball, died Tuesday.
The Dodgers announced Scully’s death on social media, calling the incomparable legend of the broadcast booth, “the heartbeat of the Dodgers.”
“He was the voice of the Dodgers, and so much more. He was their conscience, their poet laureate, capturing their beauty and chronicling their glory from Jackie Robinson to Sandy Koufax, Kirk Gibson to Clayton Kershaw,” the organization wrote.
Vincent Edward Scully was born on Nov. 29, 1927, in Bronx, New York. He began his legendary career at Fordham University, where he worked on the school paper and for the college radio station.
He latched onto the then-Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1950s and followed the team to the West Coast where he would become synonymous with Dodgers baseball for the next 67 season.
Scully retired from calling Dodgers games after the 2016 season, eight years after announcing his original plans to step away from the game he loved.
He was a MLB Hall of Fame inductee in the 1980s, becoming one of only a handful of announcers to receive the honor. In 2016 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. Earlier this year, he was awarded the Baseball Digest lifetime achievement award.
“We have lost an icon,” said Dodger President & CEO Stan Kasten. “The Dodgers’ Vin Scully was one of the greatest voices in all of sports. He was a giant of a man, not only as a broadcaster, but as a humanitarian. He loved people. He loved life. He loved baseball and the Dodgers. And he loved his family. His voice will always be heard and etched in all of our minds forever. I know he was looking forward to joining the love of his life, Sandi. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this very difficult time. Vin will be truly missed.”
“The game is the thing, not me,” Scully told The Los Angeles Times in 1998. “I am just a conduit for the game. I am the guy between the expert and the fan. I am not the expert.”
Scully was 94 years old. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/legendary-dodgers-broadcaster-vin-scully-dies/ | 2022-08-03T05:06:08 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/legendary-dodgers-broadcaster-vin-scully-dies/ |
BUENA — The South Jersey Surf brought out the bats Tuesday night against the Buena Blue Dogs and evened the South Jersey South Shore Baseball League best-of-five championship series at 1-1.
The Surf, the defending league champion, beat host Buena 9-3 at Bruno Melini Park.
Logan Petty hit a three-run triple in the fourth inning to make it 8-1, and he also had two doubles.
"We knew going in that we had to win it and tie the series," said Petty, 21, a former Mainland Regional player and the older brother of former Mainland pitching standout Chase Petty. "We knew we had to get the hitting going."
Logan Petty is rising junior at Arcadia University.
The Surf's JImmy Pasquale homered in the second inning to make it 1-0, and Kevin Foreman added an RBI single in the inning. Eric Fitzgerald led off the third inning with a solo homer to make it 3-0.
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Buena scored a run in the bottom of the inning when Jim Kurtz Jr. singled in Jake Guglielmi. But South Jersey wasn't done, and Nick Atohi led off the fourth inning with a home run to make it 4-1. Antonio Caraballo added a sacrifice fly. A walk loaded the bases, and Petty tripled in three runs.
Winning pitcher Kyle Transue was the beneficiary of all the hitting but also gave a big performance. He allowed one run on four hits with two walks and six strikeouts. Transue pitched into the fifth inning before being lifted for reliever Atohi.
The teams will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Birch Grove Park in Northfield in Game 3. Buena won Game 1 5-3 on Monday.
"I felt good tonight, but there were a lot of tough at-bats by Buena," said Transue, 23, a former Egg Harbor Township High School player. "I had to hit my spots, and I let a few guys on base. I had a lot of confidence out there with the runs we were getting, and the defense was good, too."
Pasquale, a former Holy Spirit player, will be a senior at Iona University.
Jack Heineman hit into a fielder's choice in the sixth inning to put South Jersey up 9-1. Also for the Surf, Dante DiPalma doubled, and Monny Strickland had a hit, two walks and two runs.
The Blue Dawgs scored twice in the bottom of the sixth to cut the lead to 9-3. Shane Vastano singled in a run, and Casey Vaughan hit into a fielder's choice to bring in another run.
"Monday night was a good night, but tonight the Surf made us pay," Buena manager Jim Kurtz Sr. said. "Kyle Transue did a real good job for them, and Atohi pitched well, too.
"Now it's a best-of-three series, and it'll be a long, hard series. It's what I expected. The Surf is an outstanding team, but I like our chances." | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/defending-champion-south-jersey-surf-win-9-3-to-even-championship-series-against-buena-blue/article_762a23e8-12a7-11ed-91a9-739de2950d19.html | 2022-08-03T05:09:29 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/defending-champion-south-jersey-surf-win-9-3-to-even-championship-series-against-buena-blue/article_762a23e8-12a7-11ed-91a9-739de2950d19.html |
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