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There are 6 Democrats and 2 Republicans running in the August Primary. Sarah Klee Hood, Chol Majok, Sam Roberts, and Francis Conole are running on the Democratic line, with Brandon Williams and Steve Wells running on the Republican line. The Genesis Group held a meet and greet via zoom, so Central New Yorkers can get a feel for what they stand for. Democratic Candidate Francis Conole was unable to participate in the meet and greet, but the rest were able to address their top priorities.
(D) NY 22nd Congressional Candidate Sarah Klee Hood: "Jobs. I do it daily. The environment, healthcare, cost of aging in place, and childcare."
(D) NY 22nd Congressional Candidate Chol Majok: "Housing, poverty, Healthcare, public safety."
(D) NY 22nd Congressional Candidate Sam Roberts: "Economy, healthcare, education, public safety, and homeless."
(R) NY 22nd Congressional Candidate Steve Wells: "Inflation and the economy, crime, and the out-of-control southern border."
(R) NY 22nd Congressional Candidate Brandon Williams: "Inflation, as if that’s nothing new, military preparedness, we need economic opportunity."
The candidates were able to elaborate on some of their concerns.
(D) NY 22nd Congressional Candidate Sarah Klee Hood: "I want to return the focus back to our community here in Central New York. I want to use my experience in Workforce Development building local jobs, creating green technology to help drive our local economy forward."
(D) NY 22nd Congressional Candidate Chol Majok: "The earth is heating up very quickly. Very hot than it has ever been, and for us it’s important we recognize that, and incentivize, invest. Use some sort of (inaudible) funds to help people transition to a space where they are climate conscious."
(D) NY 22nd Congressional Candidate Sam Roberts: "Student loan forgiveness is important. You know it’s tough, and it’s a tough thing you know. The President just signed the thing to put so much money in, but then we have to wonder is that enough…does that go far enough."
(R) NY 22nd Congressional Candidate Steve Wells: "What we’ve seen here in New York sadly is bad policy. Bad economic policy, and bad policy with respect to crime. Directly related to the results that we’re now experiencing living here."
(R) NY 22nd Congressional Candidate Brandon Williams: "Our southern border is open. Citizenship and immigration, they’ve lost their meaning under the Biden Administration. America is in trouble."
Early voting for this year’s 22nd Congressional District Primary starts on August 13th, and Primary day is August 23rd. | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/22nd-congressional-primary-candidates-speak-out/article_7eb950a8-1372-11ed-8470-63bdc65f9286.html | 2022-08-04T00:53:22 | 1 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/22nd-congressional-primary-candidates-speak-out/article_7eb950a8-1372-11ed-8470-63bdc65f9286.html |
The Gun Owners of America, Gun Owners Foundation and Gun Owners of America New York, are taking the New York State Police superintendent to federal court over New York's new gun laws, which take effect in about four weeks.
"There's a host of things. They've basically challenged everything," said Dan Sullivan, Oneida County's assistant pistol licensing officer.
The paperwork calls into question the state's right to do what it did.
"They've put all these things together and all these challenges together but none of them are citing the constitutional right to do it," says Sullivan. "That the state does not have historical balance in what it did to say 'ok, you can't carry anywhere, you can't carry into public buildings, you can't carry into parks, unless it's posted.' Several pages in this challenging the state's constitutional right to look at people's social media accounts, that there's no precedent for that...under the constitution. They even cite cases that the Supreme Court has upheld the right of the individual that their social media accounts be private."
Gun license applicants and holders are getting whiplash trying to keep up with the legal volleys between the state and federal governments on gun laws. They seek clarification at their local pistol licensing offices.
"We have unprecedented business. We averaged in the last 10 business days, over 41 people a day through the door of this office. That's double what's normally here," said Sullivan.
In the next few weeks, both sides will argue in federal court and the judge is expected to rule before the state's new gun laws take effect.
"Judge Suddaby has said he will give a decision on either a temporary injunction or a permanent injunction prior to Sept. 1," says Sullivan.
Republican Congressional candidate, Carl Paladino, has also filed a lawsuit, attacking the state's attempt to ban legally-held guns on private property unless the property owner posts signage saying they're permitted. | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/gun-owners-group-mounts-broad-challenge-to-nys-gun-laws/article_8548dfd8-1372-11ed-90b5-7fb988f3c252.html | 2022-08-04T00:53:28 | 0 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/gun-owners-group-mounts-broad-challenge-to-nys-gun-laws/article_8548dfd8-1372-11ed-90b5-7fb988f3c252.html |
Local counties are receiving more than $1.5 million each to improve emergency communications through two state grant programs.
The funding aims to enhance communications between public safety agencies through updated equipment purchases and training exercises.
The state allocated $90 million through the Statewide Interoperable Communications grant program and $10 million through the Public Safety Answering Point grant program.
Here is the funding breakdown:
- Oneida County: $1.59 million
- Herkimer County: $1.53 million
- Otsego County: $1.63 million | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/local-counties-awarded-millions-in-grant-funding-to-improve-emergency-communications/article_c38e52a2-1375-11ed-a7db-0f8c034fd794.html | 2022-08-04T00:53:34 | 0 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/local-counties-awarded-millions-in-grant-funding-to-improve-emergency-communications/article_c38e52a2-1375-11ed-a7db-0f8c034fd794.html |
BOISE, Idaho — It's been 10 days since the Tour de France wrapped up in Paris and Jonas Vinegaard captured his first tour win in the yellow jersey. His name may not mean something to you, but if you follow cycling circles, it like does.
For Boise bike racing aficionados, the name Matteo Jorgensen means more. Jorgensen has been back in Boise for about a week, having just finished his first Tour de France.
The Boise High School graduate finished a surprising 21st out of 176 riders, sprinkling in a few top-five stage finishes to get there.
This week, Jorgensen has been resting - for sure - hanging with friends and family, but he's also been training while he's been home, getting in 20 hours on his bike, because there's still the rest of the professional cycling season to go.
Jorgensen took some time from his training this week to sit down with the 208 and reflect on his first foray in cycling's biggest stage.
Back in the day, Jorgensen's mother Sheri asked him, "what are you doing?"
If "training for the Tour de France" was young Matteo Jorgensen's answer to his mom's question, it wouldn't have shocked her.
"He was interested in doing anything his big brother and sister were doing but loved the outdoors, any athletic pursuit he was interested in, at least trying," Sheri said.
Jorgensen ultimately succeeded, turning three national junior titles before he turned 19, into a professional career in Europe. The Boise High grad took his first turn in the Tour de France on the day he turned 23.
During the three-week, 21-stage race across Europe, Jorgensen made quite the impression, earning several mentions from NBC commentators.
"It might be Matteo Jorgenson who has played if perfectly. Here he comes, just behind nick. let's see if they don't work together."
"Not easy to find the breakaway, but Matteo is riding great."
Jorgensen said he has been sleeping a lot this week while back home in Boise. He also said the pre-race nerves he thought he put behind him, returned.
"Yeah, I have to say, I'll admit the first week before we started the tour when it was all kind of the lead up, yeah, I was nervous," Jorgensen said. "I mean, it was a big moment and the tour is the biggest bike race in the world. So, definitely I was nervous."
However, once he settled in, Jorgensen seemed to find his rhythm.
NBC commentators: "He might have just enough to win the stage, but it looks to me it's Jorgensen the strongest of these four riders."
Of course, the course had its share of ups and downs.
NBC commentators: "Oh wait a moment, we've got something going on here. Oh no, Matteo Jorgensen."
Unfortunately, quick-changing tires weren't the only bumps in the road for Jorgensen.
During stage three, before the riders flew to France, there was a big pile up as the cyclists tightly raced.
"There was just a big pile up on a little cobblestone section and I went down and fell, I think on my elbow and had a big, deep gas," Jorgensen said.
The gash would require stitches. It was not the last time Jorgensen had to pick himself up off the ground.
"I was trying to take some big risks, because to pull back a minute on a descent, you kind of have to go a lot faster through corners and yeah, I just pushed it too much and crashed," Jorgensen said.
At 23 years old, in his first Tour de France, Jorgensen actually had a stage 16 win in his sights.
"You just spend so much time preparing and sacrificing all the rest of your life, that when you get there and you feel like you have the ability to win, it's like you want to do it and it's super motivating," Jorgensen said. "It wasn't as unfortunate, because I hit the ground it was more, 'okay, well it's done now, I lost.' When you have that much adrenaline and you're trying to win a stage of the Tour de France, I didn't even feel the crash at all until after the stage and I was getting cleaned up by the doctor."
Even with a crash, Jorgensen finished 4th for the second time.
"4th is like the worst, the worst place in cycling. It's not good for anything. It's not a podium, you're up there, but you really didn't do anything, so yeah it was pretty disappointing," Jorgensen said. "All I can take from it is, that you know I showed myself well."
Despite the being critical of his Tour de France debut, Jorgensen admitted his 21st-place finish was "super motivating."
"I actually feel motivated to go back on my bike and work hard and try to have a good second half of the year and try to win a race," Jorgensen said. "As a young rider, you kind of have to prove yourself on these big teams, because you're riding with guys - some of my teammates have been professional for like 20 years. So, they've been professional as long as I've been alive. So, despite being disappointed in the moment, I didn't win a stage. I'm looking back now and it's like well, 'I'm young, it's my first tour and I think I performed well and showed that I have the potential to do it in the future. So, there's not much more you can ask for and I'm pretty lucky."
Jorgensen joined team Movistar three years ago, which is a team based in Spain. So, the Boise native had to pick up Spanish pretty quickly.
When asked if he has to explain to people how someone from Idaho is racing in Europe, or even just where Idaho is Jorgensen said there are actually quite a few riders and directors on his team that are Basque.
So, yeah, they've hear of Boise, Idaho.
Jorgensen will only be home for a few more days, returning to his "home-away-from-home," France on August 14, because there is a race in Hamburg coming up.
Jorgensen was hoping to go from the Tour de France, to riding in the Boise Basin Hill Climb on August 13, but alas, his team said no on Wednesday.
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- Still reading this list? We're on YouTube, too: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/boises-matteo-jorgensen-reflects-on-tour-de-france-experience/277-15a0468b-6df2-4fe1-8991-0f4df8c0b5ae | 2022-08-04T00:58:32 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/boises-matteo-jorgensen-reflects-on-tour-de-france-experience/277-15a0468b-6df2-4fe1-8991-0f4df8c0b5ae |
KUNA, Idaho —
Ada County Critical Incident Task Force is investigating a fatal crash that occurred Saturday night after a vehicle pursuit in Kuna.
The incident began shortly before midnight when Meridian police attempted a traffic stop for 34-year-old Ruben Garcia, who was seen driving erratically and without headlights near the corner of Meridian Road and East Central Drive.
According to Ada County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), Garcia took off and began driving the wrong way on Main Street then South on Meridian Road towards Kuna.
Meridian police began pursuing Garcia before notifying Kuna police that Garcia was heading in their direction.
One Kuna police officer was on Columbia Road when Garcia sped by and began pursuit. Soon after, another Kuna police officer put down spike strips across Meridian Road near Deer Flat Road, but Garcia was able to drive around them, according to ACSO.
Garcia was speeding southbound when he crossed into oncoming traffic and hit a pickup truck near where Meridian Road transitions into Avalon Street.
The crash resulted in fatal injuries for Garcia who was declared dead at the scene of the crash, and the 28-year-old pickup truck driver, Jonathan Calderon, who was taken to a local hospital before being pronounced deceased.
According to ACSO, the Critical Incident Task Force is investigating the crash due to the involvement of Kuna Police. Boise Police Department is leading the investigation.
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See the latest Treasure Valley crime news in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/car-crash-in-kuna-idaho-leaves-two-dead/277-9fdb528f-7962-4fee-bd9c-6e54ceba33df | 2022-08-04T00:58:39 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/car-crash-in-kuna-idaho-leaves-two-dead/277-9fdb528f-7962-4fee-bd9c-6e54ceba33df |
BOISE, Idaho — The 16-year-old teen who fell into the Lucky Peak reservoir over two weeks ago was just found, according to Ada County Sheriff's Office Marine deputies.
The boy's body was found in the water near a dock, in the general area where he was reported to go missing, according to Patrick Orr with the Ada County Sheriff's Office.
The missing teenager was riding with another person on a watercraft in the reservoir when they were hit by a wave that caused the boy to fall into the water. According to the sheriff's office, the two people were not wearing life jackets.
The driver of the watercraft reportedly jumped into the water to rescue the boy, but was not able to locate him. Several people from a nearby boat tried to assist in looking for the teenager, but were unable to find him, as detailed in a news release from the Ada County Sheriff's Office.
The water in the area where he was reported to have fallen in is very deep, with temperatures in the low 60s.
Dive teams with the Ada County Sheriff's Office searched the water for nearly a week after the teen went missing, suspending dive operations on Monday, July 25; however, Ada County marine deputies remained on lookout during their daily patrol.
The night the boy disappeared, deputies spent more than an hour doing rescue dives, but could not locate him. They ceased their searches around 11 that night and "transitioned to recovery" the next morning, according to the sheriff's office.
The identity of the teenage boy has not yet been released, but his family has been contacted.
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See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/missing-16-year-old-boy-recovered-from-lucky-peak-reservoir/277-977fba04-72be-4eb3-b0c4-bf0bdc08d799 | 2022-08-04T00:58:45 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/missing-16-year-old-boy-recovered-from-lucky-peak-reservoir/277-977fba04-72be-4eb3-b0c4-bf0bdc08d799 |
The head of the foundation that supports that Iowa Future Farmers of America is being sued by a former employee for sexual harassment.
Emily Niemeyer of Polk County, a former administrative assistant for the Iowa FFA Foundation, is suing the foundation as well as Joshua Remington, the foundation’s executive director, and the foundation’s communications manager, Bryon Weesner.
Niemeyer’s lawsuit states she was hired by the foundation in February 2020, and reported directly to Remington. Throughout her employment at the foundation, Niemeyer claims, Remington made sexually harassing comments to her, such as telling her he “didn’t get laid” on his wedding night because his wife was so drunk, and telling her about a female classmate from his college days who “wore low cut tops” to curry favor with a professor.
Remington is also alleged to have made derogatory and misogynistic comments about women, in part by referring to a new female board member as an entitled “trophy wife.”
The lawsuit also alleges Weesner made sexually harassing comments to Niemeyer, telling her that a white T-shirt she was wearing would “look better wet,” and bragging about his previous employer having to pay a large settlement to a coworker who brought a sexual harassment claim against him.
Remington and Niemeyer had regular one-on-one meetings to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects, during which Niemeyer would make suggestions that Remington adopted and presented to other Iowa FFA members as his own ideas, taking full credit for them, the lawsuit claims.
He also repeatedly asked Niemeyer to help with his and Weesner’s social-media duties, stating that it was foolish for the foundation to pay himself or Weesner $5 for something Niemeyer could do for $1.
In June 2020, after Remington learned Niemeyer and her husband were trying to start a family, Remington allegedly told her, “It would be an inconvenience if you were pregnant at this time since it will impact our workflow for the foundation. If you were not here, it would require me to find someone to replace you.”
That same month, in anticipation of a large group event at Iowa FFA, Niemeyer told Remington her doctor suggested she avoid large-group events given the COVID-19 pandemic, but would work from home as other employees were allowed to do. When she returned to work after the event, Remington allegedly informed her that he considered her a “no show” for the event. She was later placed on a performance improvement plan and was issued a written warning for “failure to meet work standards” and “insubordination or refusal to comply with instructions.”
She later complained to Iowa FFA Executive Committee member Ron Zelle of sexual discrimination and sexual harassment. After learning of Niemeyer’s complaints, Remington “completely ostracized her by cutting off all lines of communication,” the lawsuit alleges. The Iowa FFA board of directors later concluded Niemeyer’s complaints were without merit, and it upheld a previous decision denying her request that she be allowed to record her one-on-one meetings with Remington.
In December 2020, Niemeyer allegedly overheard Remington make multiple comments about her during a phone conversation in which he described her as “a lawsuit waiting to happen.” A few weeks later, the lawsuit alleges, Iowa FFA “constructively discharged” her – suggesting she felt forced to resign at that time.
Her lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for sexual harassment, retaliation and discrimination related to gender or pregnancy.
The foundation has yet to file a response to the lawsuit. Remington said Monday he had not seen Niemeyer’s lawsuit and declined to comment.
Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence.
Fester’s Pub, owned by Daniel Corbett – one of the owners of Hungry Charlie’s food truck and restaurant – is taking over what was formerly known as Anton’s Volks Haus.
Waterloo Police announced Thursday a third person had been arrested last week on felony money laundering charges related to the two-year investigation. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/head-of-iowa-ffa-foundation-sued-for-sexual-harassment/article_5f2e880f-1340-5619-a549-c9b1ba440784.html | 2022-08-04T01:04:39 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/head-of-iowa-ffa-foundation-sued-for-sexual-harassment/article_5f2e880f-1340-5619-a549-c9b1ba440784.html |
Two people are dead after a two-vehicle collision Wednesday morning on State Highway 349, south of Midland, according to Department of Public Safety officials.
DPS reported that a 2022 Dodge Ram 2500 “failed to yield the right of way” at the intersection of County Road 140 and State Highway 349, 3 miles south of Midland. It was there that the 2009 Freightliner truck tractor towing a trailer and traveling south struck the driver’s side of the Dodge Ram.
Both vehicles “came to rest in the east barrow ditch of SH 349,” DPS reported. “(The Dodge Ram) burned completely and the front end (of the Freightliner) burned.”
James William Featherston, 38, of Oglesby was driving the Dodge, and Jose Alferez Castillo, 55, of Midland drove the Freightliner. The accident took place at around 5 a.m. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/DPS-Two-dead-in-fiery-crash-south-of-Midland-17349561.php | 2022-08-04T01:05:09 | 1 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/DPS-Two-dead-in-fiery-crash-south-of-Midland-17349561.php |
Tom Craddick Highway (State Highway 349 in Midland County) will be closed between Farm-to-Market Road 1788 and State Highway 158 for part of the day Thursday, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
Detour signs will be in place. Northbound FM 1788 detour will take traffic to SH 158 and then back down to SH 349 reliever route.
Westbound traffic on Craddick Highway will have to go north on SH 158 to FM 1788. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/TxDOT-Part-of-Craddick-Highway-closed-Thursday-17349543.php | 2022-08-04T01:05:15 | 1 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/TxDOT-Part-of-Craddick-Highway-closed-Thursday-17349543.php |
FORT SMITH, Ark. — Fort Smith police are investigating after a woman was found dead in a retention pond Wednesday afternoon.
According to the Fort Smith Police Department, around 4 p.m. on Aug. 3, officers responded to a call from a local retailer about a person "in crisis." The woman had reportedly fled the retailer and was found dead in a nearby retention pond at Wheeler Avenue and Y Street.
The woman's identity and cause of death have not been released.
Police ask that you avoid this area and take alternative routes while they investigate.
More information will be released as it becomes available.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/body-found-fort-smith-creek/527-6d6d827a-f741-4f81-9be2-5997760f8843 | 2022-08-04T01:05:25 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/body-found-fort-smith-creek/527-6d6d827a-f741-4f81-9be2-5997760f8843 |
FORT SMITH, Ark. — The city of Fort Smith lost a class-action lawsuit related to recycling services, with Sebastian County Circuit Court Judge Stephen Tabor ruling Wednesday that the city owes $745,057 for not properly processing recyclable materials.
The city took recyclable materials to the landfill from October 2014 to June 2017, though residents were not notified that recyclables were not being recycled. From October 2014 to June 2016 some of the city’s recyclable material was taken to Green Source Recycling in Clarksville, though during that time 89% of the recyclable material was dumped in the landfill. The city claims the period in which recyclable materials were not properly discarded was July 1, 2015, to May 1, 2017.
A lawsuit was filed in late 2017 by Jennifer Merriott alleging the city lied for almost three years to residents about recycling efforts. The city has admitted to redirecting recycling to its landfill.
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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/judge-rules-fort-smith-recycling-lawsuit/527-ada5f01c-4b55-4d6d-af2b-f36de078697e | 2022-08-04T01:05:31 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/judge-rules-fort-smith-recycling-lawsuit/527-ada5f01c-4b55-4d6d-af2b-f36de078697e |
ARKANSAS, USA — We are less than two weeks away from the start of a new school year in Arkansas, and students’ mental health is top of mind.
Mental health issues affect both student wellness and overall school safety, and it was a key part of school safety recommendations turned over to the governor earlier this week.
In its preliminary report, the state's School Safety Commission recommends expanding youth mental health training to all people interacting with students, not just school counselors. Members also stress the importance of giving all students equal access to mental health care, whether that’s in person or through Telehealth.
“Presently, access to mental health services for our students is inconsistent across our schools in Arkansas. The school is often the only resource for Telehealth, for mental health services that can be provided to a student,” Governor Asa Hutchinson said.
According to the CDC, more than 40% of teenagers state that they struggle with persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. And as kids return to school, Dr. Kevin Stephens says it’s important for teachers and parents to look out for kids who are struggling.
“If their grades have fallen for some unexpected reason, that’s a really good tip-off that something may be going on, if the child is withdrawn, if the child is having fights and disputes with other kids, and they seem to be ostracized and isolated,” said Kevin Stephens Sr., the chief medical officer for the Midsouth Region United Healthcare.
Stephens emphasizes the importance of parents or caretakers being transparent with kids about mental health.
“Once you expose your vulnerabilities, that opens a door to let your child expose their vulnerability,” Stephens said. He suggests that getting professional help is always an option.
“Don’t be isolated, and talk, look, listen, and reach out a hand to others, and I find when we all do that, this will be a much better place for us and our children,” Stephens said.
In another attempt to increase mental health assistance, the Biden Administration awarded funding to expand mental healthcare services in schools just this past week.
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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/outreach/back-to-school/back-school-mental-health-arkansas/527-5088be68-e156-4935-8161-9143afb49564 | 2022-08-04T01:05:37 | 1 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/outreach/back-to-school/back-school-mental-health-arkansas/527-5088be68-e156-4935-8161-9143afb49564 |
Brett Balak, the Nebraska men's golf coach who stepped away from the program Friday, was charged in Colfax County last week with aggravated DUI and possession of an open alcohol container, according to court filings.
The charges, filed Friday afternoon, stem from a July 2 traffic stop in Schuyler, where a Colfax County Sheriff's Deputy pulled over the 53-year-old at about 9:45 p.m. after spotting Balak's Jeep driving without its lights on, according to the affidavit for his arrest.
Deputy Jeffrey Black, who stopped the Jeep in Schuyler, noted Balak had "bloodshot and watery eyes" as Black approached the vehicle, and later observed "a strong odor" of alcohol emitting from Balak, the deputy wrote in the affidavit.
Balak declined to participate in a standardized field-sobriety test, instead requesting to wait through an observation period for a preliminary breath test, Black said in the affidavit.
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After 21 minutes, Balak blew 0.184% in the blood-alcohol content test, more than two times above the legal limit of 0.08%.
Black arrested Balak and took him to Schuyler Police Department headquarters, where he gave another breath test, this time blowing 0.150%.
Balak was then taken to the Platte County Jail, where he was held on a $10,000 percentage bond. He later paid $1,000 to be released.
Balak's DUI charge — a Class 1 misdemeanor — was enhanced because of a prior DUI conviction in Omaha in 2010, according to court records.
Balak, who was hired in June 2021 to take over as NU's head men's golf coach, had two years and 11 months remaining on his contract before he announced through the university on Friday that he had “made the decision to step away” so he could “focus on (his) family and pursue other professional opportunities.”
As outlined in all athletic department contracts, "driving a motor vehicle while legally intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs" is grounds for potential disciplinary action, which can include the suspension or termination of any coach's employment with Nebraska.
However, an NU spokesperson said in a statement to the Journal Star on Wednesday that, "We don't have any additional information on Coach Balak stepping down beyond last week's statement."
It is not known if NU owes Balak any of the money remaining on his contract or if Balak owes money to NU. Before his resignation, the university paid Balak $100,000 annually — issued in equal installments over 12 months.
A request for comment from Balak went unreturned Wednesday afternoon.
Reach the writers at awegley@journalstar.com or at ajust@journalstar.com.
On Twitter @andrewwegley and @amie_just | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/nu-mens-golf-coach-balak-charged-with-dui-on-day-he-announced-resignation/article_53ab4d98-3ea4-5588-a841-385fe5928233.html | 2022-08-04T01:06:39 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/nu-mens-golf-coach-balak-charged-with-dui-on-day-he-announced-resignation/article_53ab4d98-3ea4-5588-a841-385fe5928233.html |
Suspect held in slaying in Detroit after strip club confrontation, police say
Detroit — A suspect in the July 12 slaying of a man following an incident at a strip club on Eight Mile was arrested Monday, Detroit police announced Thursday.
The suspect was involved in a confrontation with the victim, Lamar Waller, at the Ace of Spades Gentlemen’s Club on Eight Mile. The dispute spilled over to a nearby parking lot, police said at an afternoon news conference at Detroit police headquarters on Wednesday. The suspect allegedly struck Waller with his car, said Detroit police Cmdr. Michael McGinnis.
Waller worked in security at the club, MLive reported. He died at a hospital about a week later, the news site said.
A Crime Stoppers tip led police to the suspect, McGinnis said.
The suspect, who hasn't been identified because he is not yet arraigned, faces charges of homicide, and resisting and obstructing in Southfield, said the city's police chief, Elvin Barren, who also attended the news conference.
"The father he was, the husband he was, he really is a person that so many will miss and I just don't know what my life would be like without him," said Waller's wife, Bianca Waller at the media briefing. "But this is a start to healing."
The suspect was arrested Monday after police learned he was a passenger in a car on the 20000 block of Greenfield Road in Southfield; Detroit police asked Southfield counterparts to help with his apprehension.
"The Southfield officers initiated a traffic stop, at which time the female driver fled from the officers," said Barren.
Officers deployed a maneuver to end the pursuit, Barren said.
Detroit police Chief James White said he hoped bringing the man responsible for Waller's death to justice would help his family heal.
"Certainly this won't bring any closure to them, but it will allow for some healing," White said. "There will probably never be closure when you've lost a husband and father to a young family, but certainly, I'm very proud of the work that the men and women of both the Southfield Police Department and Detroit Police Department have done to assist in this family's healing."
Bianca Waller said it's been difficult for her and her two children in the aftermath.
"My daughter's birthday was just yesterday, so you can only imagine how hard that was to have a birthday without him here," she said. "My husband was a protector. He's a strong, strong man and I just hope to continue to carry his strength on, not only for myself, but for my kids."
White emphasized the importance of collaboration between police departments as well as Crime Stoppers, and the relationship of the community to police.
"We rely heavily on our community," White said. "We can't do the work that we all do in our collaboration without our community partnerships. That begins with trust, being able to know that we're going to do what we say we're going to do."
hmackay@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2022/08/03/suspect-held-slaying-detroit-after-strip-club-confrontation-police-say/10228985002/ | 2022-08-04T01:08:07 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2022/08/03/suspect-held-slaying-detroit-after-strip-club-confrontation-police-say/10228985002/ |
LEHIGHTON, Pa. — An investigation is underway after a small helicopter went down in a residential neighborhood.
Carbon County EMA confirms the aircraft crashed into the backyard of a home on Orioles Drive in Mahoning Township.
Three people were in the helicopter at the time, one was taken to the hospital with a shoulder injury.
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See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/carbon-county/helicopter-crashes-near-lehighton-mahoning-township-orioles-drive-wnep/523-961c2c08-176b-4174-8b78-9402520cfed7 | 2022-08-04T01:11:56 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/carbon-county/helicopter-crashes-near-lehighton-mahoning-township-orioles-drive-wnep/523-961c2c08-176b-4174-8b78-9402520cfed7 |
STROUDSBURG, Pa. — A man from Monroe County is facing aggravated assault charges.
According to troopers, David McNeese purposely held a two-year-old's hands under extremely hot water from the kitchen sink of a home in Hamilton Township in January.
Investigators believe the water was unusually hot because of a furnace issue.
The child suffered severe second-degree burns.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/troopers-child-purposely-burned-by-hot-water-david-mcneese-hamilton-township-wnep/523-ae5e6879-5687-4ae4-9389-5a77804c79c4 | 2022-08-04T01:12:02 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/troopers-child-purposely-burned-by-hot-water-david-mcneese-hamilton-township-wnep/523-ae5e6879-5687-4ae4-9389-5a77804c79c4 |
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — Farmers across Schuylkill County are bringing the barn to the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds.
The week-long fair is showing everyone that agriculture is Pennsylvania's number one industry.
Allen Dunbar is a 7th-generation farmer who says showing the kids at the farm where their food comes from is valuable.
"Farming is more than just a hobby; it's a way of life that a lot of people don't see anymore," said Dunbar, 4-H member.
To educate kids about the importance of farming, the Schuylkill County Fair has many activities and animals to interact with.
And many 4-H members are using the fair to show their own farm animals, like Lilah Berger and Juliana Hoffa, who showed their goats this week.
"Because it's very fun, and I get to play with my friends," Berger said.
"We are the next generation of 4-H. We have to show kids that are 5,6,7,8, any age that this is something they want to do," added Hoffa.
Through the different activities, kids see first-hand how farming plays a role in their everyday lives.
"If they don't have farm animals, they won't be able to eat anything," said Berley Reed of Pine Grove.
"More people should do this so kids can learn how to raise their own farm animals," said Ethan Schetium of Schuylkill Haven.
"A lot of American farmers work really hard to put meals on tables for their family and everybody else's families. And they're trying to make it a living, just like anybody else," added Dunbar.
The Schuylkill County Fair runs until August 6.
See Newswatch 16 from August 3, 1983 on YouTube. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/schuylkill-county/schuylkill-county-fair-teaches-importance-of-farming-4-h-schuylkill-haven-clair-alfree-wnep/523-73894826-06f0-4b54-9adf-6351ba315418 | 2022-08-04T01:12:08 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/schuylkill-county/schuylkill-county-fair-teaches-importance-of-farming-4-h-schuylkill-haven-clair-alfree-wnep/523-73894826-06f0-4b54-9adf-6351ba315418 |
WASHINGTON – The Richmond-based United Network for Organ Sharing, or UNOS, faced intense criticism Wednesday from U.S. senators and health experts who accused the nonprofit of failing in its duty to oversee the transplantation of kidneys, livers, lungs and other organs to dying patients across the country.
One doctor recounted receiving a kidney whose package was smeared with tire marks. A White House report concluded UNOS’ IT infrastructure is old, slow and cumbersome. One senator said UNOS is failing to discipline the struggling organizations it manages.
The shortcomings have led to patient deaths and increasing the cost for care, five lawmakers from both sides of the aisle said at a Senate Finance Committee hearing.
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Virginia Commonwealth University Health System has announced a data breach may have exposed the personal information of almost 4,500 organ donors and recipients since 2006.
Health experts questioned whether UNOS should be awarded the next contract for overseeing organ transplantation in the United States. The contract will be awarded this year or next year.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Calif., has already made up her mind.
“You should lose this contract,” Warren said. “You should not be anywhere near organ transplants in this country. Patients and families deserve better than they’re getting right now from UNOS.”
Brian Shepard, CEO of UNOS, defended the functionality of the IT network, lamented the number of lost or unused organs and advocated for UNOS continuing in its role leading organ transplantation.
The United Network for Organ Sharing has honored the late Lisa Schaffner by renaming the ann…
In 1984, Congress passed the National Organ Transplant Act and sought a nonprofit to oversee transplantation throughout the country. UNOS won the first contract in 1986 and has won it every time since. UNOS, located on North Fourth Street downtown, employs 450 people, according to its website.
It oversees the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, which includes 252 transplant centers, such as Virginia Commonwealth University’s Hume-Lee Transplant Center, and 57 regional organ procurement organizations. But Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore, said it is struggling to do so.
UNOS administers 115 transplantations each day, but 17 people die each day waiting, Shepard said.
Last year, the White House’s United States Digital Services issued a report criticizing UNOS’ technological capabilities. Staffers must enter data by hand, leading to error. Instead of placing data in cloud computing, UNOS operates a data center on-premises, meaning it is responsible for all maintenance and upgrades.
There have been more than 40,000 organ transplants overseen by Richmond-based UNOS this year, a record number.
DonorNet, the software that links UNOS with hospitals and procurement organizations, is outdated and slow to function, said Diane Brockmeier, CEO of Mid-America Transplant, a Midwestern procurement organization.
The report said UNOS deemed efforts to improve the systems too costly or difficult.
Shepard disagreed with the findings of the U.S. Digital Services review. UNOS’ computer systems function 99.9% of the time and are highly reliable, he said. The network has gone down only once for more than an hour. He agreed data entry should be automated.
One in four kidneys never makes it to the body of a dying patient, experts said Wednesday. Dr. Jayme Locke, the head of transplantation at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, said transportation problems are a reason why.
In 2017, she received a kidney whose box was compressed and marked with tire marks. She salvaged the kidney and managed to transplant it.
Earlier this year, she received four kidneys in one week, and all four were unusable. One was the result of a botched biopsy, one had an artery cut, and two were blue, meaning they hadn’t been flushed, a necessary step for transplantation. Locke discovered that if an organ arrives to the Atlanta airport after 10 p.m., it will sit in a cargo hold overnight.
Kidneys are the most transplanted organ in the United States, according to UNOS. Kidney failure disproportionately affects Black populations, meaning kidney shortages disproportionately affect Black residents, Locke said.
There are legitimate reasons why an organ cannot be transplanted, but Shepard said one in four is too many.
“Each one is a tragedy,” he added.
Most organs aren’t tracked during shipping. UNOS offers a tracking system, but some organ procurement organizations opted out, in favor of less expensive, higher quality trackers.
According to a Kaiser Health News investigation from 2020, UNOS is 15 times more likely to lose or damage an organ in transit than an airline is to damage luggage.
In the past three decades, UNOS and its affiliates have received more than 1,000 complaints, 249 patients have developed diseases because they received infected organs, and 70 of them died, Warren said.
“That’s a pretty terrible record,” she added.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently determined that a third of organ procurement organizations are failing to meet its standards. Despite the complaints and failing statuses, UNOS rarely disciplines organ procurement organizations. Only once has UNOS referred a procurement organization for decertification, Wyden said.
Shepard said UNOS’ job is to improve procurement organizations, not discipline them. That is the duty of CMS.
He added that UNOS has developed a new metric to determine a hospital’s acceptance rate of organs and the success of patients after transplant to determine which facilities are performing better than others.
Wyden accused UNOS of operating a “culture of secrecy.” The U.S. Digital Services report stated that UNOS had threatened to walk away and continue operating without a federal contract if it were to lose its special status. Warren said UNOS has demanded tens of millions of dollars to sell its technology system back to the government if it were to lose its contract – even though Wyden said UNOS receives most of its revenue through tax dollars.
Shepard responded that UNOS won’t do anything to harm its patients. It would never turn off the system and walk away. Shepard announced recently he plans to resign from UNOS. A spokesman said his resignation is unrelated to the accusations made against UNOS.
Because UNOS faces no competition, it has failed to maintain necessary standards, Warren said. Senators and health experts questioned whether UNOS should be awarded the next contract and whether future contracts should be broken up so that different organizations perform different functions.
The Patient Affairs Committee of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network wrote to the Senate Finance Committee that UNOS has proved itself incapable of functioning as the manager of the transplantation network.
Shepard said UNOS is willing to work with Congress on legislation that would improve the organization. And he advocated for UNOS maintaining its administrative role.
UNOS has a “unique understanding” of how organ transplantation works and a long record of promoting equitable transplantation, he said. | https://richmond.com/news/local/u-s-senators-rip-richmond-based-unos-for-mismanagement-of-organ-transplantation/article_be3cb78c-20a8-5adf-9415-1b14ba3cc016.html | 2022-08-04T01:16:56 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/u-s-senators-rip-richmond-based-unos-for-mismanagement-of-organ-transplantation/article_be3cb78c-20a8-5adf-9415-1b14ba3cc016.html |
MIDLAND, Texas — Starting January 1st of 2023, changes are coming to the AC that keeps us all cool.
It will become mandatory that HVAC equipment is SEER 2 compliant. This kind of change tends to come every six to eight years by the Department of Energy to make air conditioning more effective and efficient.
These regulation changes will have a direct impact on HVAC companies here in West Texas
"We’ve been buying what we can in order to take care of the customers, then I found out January 1 that we cannot install this anymore, so basically I would have to eat all this and I don’t think that’s right as far as the small guy," said Billy Black, owner of Billy Black HVAC in Midland.
This means he wouldn't be able to use the $150,000 worth of inventory they have in stock.
"The stock we have right now, not being able to get rid of it and having to eat the total cost of everything you’ve paid is worthless," said Jake McDaniel, Service Manger at Billy Black HVAC.
Which leaves him with one big question: what to do with all these air conditioners that he's already had a hard time getting in stock with the supply chain issues.
"Had this happened in 2019, 2018 no big deal, you just go to supplies, get what you need, but with the supply crisis we have it’s terrible," said Black. "Shortages in our industry are worst now then what they’ve ever been and now we have this to deal with."
These regulation changes aren't only affecting them but could have an impact on their customers.
"So say we do a house right now and we finish it at the end of the year, I’d have to put on the new stuff but I’m already locked into a price and that’s not fair to the homeowner," said Black. "Like your first time home buyer, they’re preapproved for this much and they’re building right now... No one knows this is coming and then I go to my builder, I don’t think it’s right to say I have to go up now but at the same time it’s not fair that I should have to eat it but the homeowner shouldn’t have to pay it either."
Although these kinds of changes have happened in past years, he said this time around it's just having a bigger effect.
"In the past when they’ve done changes it was the manufacturer who shut down so you’d just install what you had left and it’s done but they never put a mandate on us. And there’s no buy back program and there’s several thousand dollars out there in that shop that we have that if I don’t sell it’s done, there’s no reimbursement," Black said.
Black hopes the Department of Energy might take into account the inventory issues and change its mind, extending the deadline to let them install what they have left before switching over to the new system. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/new-hvac-regulations-impact-on-local-hvac-businesses/513-64483b46-2511-47ae-8a10-67a41aa3186d | 2022-08-04T01:28:07 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/new-hvac-regulations-impact-on-local-hvac-businesses/513-64483b46-2511-47ae-8a10-67a41aa3186d |
Manitowoc Public Library has a new director, one year after former director Kristin Stoeger resigned
MANITOWOC - After a year without an executive director, the Manitowoc Public Library Board of Trustees has named a replacement for Kristin Stoeger.
Karin Adams was unanimously approved as the next Manitowoc Public Library director by the library Board of Trustees during a special meeting Monday.
“I’m very thankful for the library board seeing me as the right fit, and I feel very strongly that we are going to do great things together,” Adams said.
She is currently director for the Marinette County Libraries and plans to start in Manitowoc on Sept. 19.
“(The Manitowoc Public Library hasn’t) had someone in that leadership role, so it will be important for me to get to know the staff and to see where the library is at a whole,” Adams said. “We need to bring stability so we can all move forward together, whatever way that is going to be.”
Adams follows in the footsteps of previous director Stoeger, who resigned in July 2021. Stoeger had been director for nearly five years.
Related: Manitowoc library director Kristin Stoeger 'worked tirelessly to build a family mentality there'
Related: Manitowoc library continues search for next director months after Kristin Stoeger resigned
According to library board president Chris Able, the search for the new director was "a pretty extensive and deliberate process."
"We had looked at many candidates over three rounds (of interviews) ... until we found Karin Adams, who we think is just an exemplary candidate," Able said.
The library board has been searching for its next director since Stoeger’s resignation in July 2021. At the time, it estimated a new director could be hired by November 2021.
"I don't pretend that the board doesn't have a role in that, and by that I mean a role in that it took a year to replace our last director," Able said. "That was certainly not our expectation when we started the replacement process."
Able said he believes the time was well spent finding the right candidate.
"We weren't going to settle for less than the best person we can find, and sometimes that takes a little more time," he said.
In the time between Stoeger’s resignation and Adams starting work in September, a team of four to five department heads took on extra duties to fill the leadership void.
"We have really been asking a lot of our managers and of our staff to take up some of that work of a director," Able said. "Having one person who is the face and the voice of the library, one person who sees how the library can best help all the diverse areas that we have in our community can only help us do a better job as a library serving the entire community."
Contact Alisa Schafer at aschafer@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @AlisaMSchafer. | https://www.htrnews.com/story/news/local/2022/08/03/manitowoc-library-has-new-director-karin-adams-marinette-county/10218776002/ | 2022-08-04T01:28:09 | 1 | https://www.htrnews.com/story/news/local/2022/08/03/manitowoc-library-has-new-director-karin-adams-marinette-county/10218776002/ |
Firefighters responded to a brush fire along Mill Creek just west of downtown The Dalles Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 3, 2022. The nearby swimming pool was evacuated during the fire, which was quickly contained by crews from Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue, Oregon Department of Forestry, Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area and others. Heavy smoke drifted through neighborhoods east of the fire.
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- Hood River Lions complete projects at Jackson Park | https://www.columbiagorgenews.com/news/local/brush-fire-contained-along-mill-creek-the-dalles/article_5d38b1cc-138a-11ed-adb4-9f3cb2d05594.html | 2022-08-04T01:29:28 | 0 | https://www.columbiagorgenews.com/news/local/brush-fire-contained-along-mill-creek-the-dalles/article_5d38b1cc-138a-11ed-adb4-9f3cb2d05594.html |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Kansas was the first state to vote on abortion rights following the Supreme Court overturning Roe vs. Wade.
On Tuesday, nearly 59% of voters voted “no” on the “Value Them Both” amendment, meaning that the state constitution would remain unchanged. The amendment, if passed, would have created a new section that says the constitution does not create or secure the right to abortion. In 2019, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled that the Kansas Constitution protects a woman’s right to an abortion.
So, what’s next for groups on both sides of the issue?
“We’re under no illusion that abortion will continue to be politicized in this state,” said Emily Wales, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains.
Organizations like Kansans for Constitutional Freedom (KCF) say their work is not over yet.
“We will still have to have conversations with voters about this issue. We will continue to have to raise the alarm when they, you know, when bad bills are put forward,” said Ashley All, director of communications for KCF.
KSN reached out to the Value Them Both Coalition for an interview. They would not do an interview and directed us to a statement saying in part:
This outcome is a temporary setback, and our dedicated fight to value women and babies is far from over. As our state becomes an abortion destination, it will be even more important for Kansans to support our pregnancy resource centers, post-abortive ministries, and other organizations that provide supportive care to women facing unexpected pregnancies. We will be back.
Value Them Both Coalition statement
KCF leaders say a key focus will be to protect Kansas Supreme Court judges.
“They are up for retention this year, and that is something that several anti-abortion organizations have started to target. They didn’t like the 2019 decision. They didn’t like the vote (Tuesday), and so they will target other things and try to reverse it,” All said.
Value Them Both Coalition has said Kansas will become an abortion destination. Planned Parenthood Great Plains has noticed an increase since the Dobbs decision but says it’s not that simple.
“For some of our patients, crossing over state lines, figuring out child care, and the cost of travel is overwhelming, and they will not access care. So we are committed to the long-term fights to restore care across the four states we serve,” Wales said.
KSN reached out to several lawmakers who have publicly supported the “Value Them Both” amendment to talk about their legislative plans moving forward but did not hear back by the time this story ran. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/value-them-both-amendment-fails-whats-next-for-both-sides/ | 2022-08-04T01:29:50 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/value-them-both-amendment-fails-whats-next-for-both-sides/ |
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) — Limestone residents waiting for a final lawsuit settlement that would remove a noisy Bitcoin mine from their neighborhood are likely going to have to wait a bit longer after the mine’s operator failed to provide requested information by Wednesday.
That’s when the Washington County Commission’s Commerce, Industrial and Agriculture (CIA) committee would have reviewed a final settlement proposal at its monthly meeting — one that includes relocation of the mine to the Washington County Industrial Park (WCIP) in Telford. Washington County is suing Red Dog Technologies, the mine’s operator, and BrightRidge, the utility it leases land and buys power from.
“We’re the committee that would take a look at it and make a recommendation to the full commission about voting it up or down,” CIA Committee Chairman Phil Carriger said. At the county commission’s July 25 meeting, County Attorney Allyson Wilkinson said that was a necessary step for the full commission to be able to review a final settlement proposal at its Aug. 29 meeting.
People in the New Salem community of Limestone began complaining about excessive noise from the mine in May 2021. The noise comes from large fans used to cool high-powered computer equipment, which performs complex (and energy intensive) calculations to “mine” the cryptocurrency Bitcoin and to verify Bitcoin transactions.
Washington County sued BrightRidge in November 2021, later adding Red Dog to the suit, alleging the mine violates the county’s zoning ordinance. When county commissioners, BrightRidge, Red Dog and the parties’ attorneys hammered out a settlement deal June 9, New Salem residents thought a final resolution in Chancellor John Rambo’s court was imminent.
“I left that meeting thinking it was a done deal,” New Salem Baptist Church pastor Craig Ponder said of the June 9 negotiations. The tentative agreement included Red Dog leaving the New Salem site no later than Dec. 31, 2024 and most likely much earlier, as well as BrightRidge providing fiber internet (including at least one year free) to 51 homes within a half-mile radius of the mine, which sets next to a BrightRidge substation.
The church received a notice letter from BrightRidge July 11 about the provision of internet. It said construction was under way with initial customers expected to begin connection the week of July 25.
“I’m really surprised and a little disappointed that it’s not happened any quicker than it has,” Ponder said of a final settlement. “I’m concerned and my neighbors are … that nothing has been resolved.
“We wonder if turmoil on the other end is going to slow it down on our side,” he added, referring to public opposition in Telford to locating a new mine at the industrial park.
Missing the CIA committee meeting deadline makes it unlikely the full commission will consider whether to approve a deal at its Aug. 29 meeting.
Commissioners, Red Dog and co-defendant BrightRidge hammered out a deal at a meeting June 9 but finalizing things on paper has been a slow process. The lawsuit to have the operation shut down remains open and would proceed if a settlement can’t be reached.
Wilkinson said July 25 the county had made an offer of property for the new mine, within the WCIP, earlier that month.
“When that offer was made the county also sent a proposed settlement agreement and also sent a proposed or at least draft text amendment language (to change the zoning ordinance) so that could all be discussed at one point,” Wilkinson said. “Kind of a kit.”
As deadlines pass and the current mine continues operating, Carriger said he’s learned that waiting is common in situations like this.
“I’ve learned in government service that you don’t hope, you just deal with the facts when they appear,” Carriger said. “You’ve just got to be a pragmatist.” | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/bitcoin-mine-final-settlement-unlikely-this-month-after-missed-deadline/ | 2022-08-04T01:33:44 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/bitcoin-mine-final-settlement-unlikely-this-month-after-missed-deadline/ |
ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — Don Wells, the father of missing Hawkins County child Summer Wells, has released a letter to his missing daughter, according to a post on the Find Summer Wells website.
Summer Wells was reported missing from her home in the Beach Creek area of Hawkins County on June 15, 2021.
Don Wells is currently serving time in jail in connection to an October DUI arrest. In February, he was sentenced to 11 months and 29 days in jail with the possibility of probation after 180 days and the completion of an alcohol rehabilitation program.
According to his media manager, Wells had his six-month hearing Wednesday with a judge, who decided that Wells will be released on Oct. 30 without having to complete any rehabilitation.
“Dear Summer,
I don’t know if there’s even the remotest chance of you ever seeing this letter but I’m going to write it hoping you will. First of all I want you to know that I love you with all my heart. I’ve never missed someone as much as I miss you. My heart aches constantly and then the thought of someone mistreating you puts so much anguish and fear for you that I can barely breath at times. I beg God for your life and break out in tears constantly. I’m very glad I got to spend 5 years with you but now my life always feels like snow, rain, and drizzle never ending. You are the highlight of my entire miserable existence on this earth. I love you Summer with every fiber of my being sweetheart! I love you and I will never give up on you and one day I will see you again.
Always & Forever Your earthly Dad. Father.”
Aug. 3, 2022 letter by Don Wells
Wells’ latest letter was also released in a YouTube video. Last week, he posted another letter thanking those who donated to the Summer Wells reward fund. He also wrote a letter on July 19 to his daughter’s “kidnappers.”
The AMBER Alert issued for Summer Wells is still ongoing, and anyone with credible tips regarding her whereabouts is urged to call 1-800-TBI-FIND or email tipstoTBI@tn.gov.
The ongoing AMBER Alert lists the following details for Summer:
- Age: 5 years old (at the time of disappearance)
- Sex: Female
- Race: White
- Hair: Blond
- Eyes: Blue
- Height: 3′
- Weight: 40 lb.
- Missing from: Rogersville, Tennessee
- Missing since: June 15, 2021
The search for Summer Wells continues. For the latest developments, stay updated on News Channel 11’s Search for Summer tab at WJHL.com.
Click here to subscribe to WJHL’s email newsletters for more top stories like this. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/summer-wells-tn/don-wells-writes-letter-to-missing-daughter-summer-wells/ | 2022-08-04T01:33:50 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/summer-wells-tn/don-wells-writes-letter-to-missing-daughter-summer-wells/ |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — R Street is once again open to traffic despite Al Fresco dining becoming a permanent addition to Sacramento.
Sacramento's Al Fresco Dining Program was made permanent in July. The approach to outdoor dining originally came about after businesses were forced to find creative solutions to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns.
R Street was one of the many locations that opted to convert their sidewalks and parking spots into outdoor dining structures, which also closed a portion of the roadway.
In a series of tweets, Councilmember Katie Valenzuela said that the decision to reopen the closures at Capitol and R Street were decided by the businesses "who have decided to reopen the streets since they feel that the closures were negatively impacting some customers."
Wesley Fagundes, an account manager with MMS Strategies representing the R Street Partnership, said the decision was due to a change in the new Al Fresco program that became effective on Aug. 1.
"Council’s action in June included that street closures (only street closures for outdoor dining) must reopen within 30 days.... This meant that starting August 1st, costs incurred, and fees associated with our street closure would suddenly need to be paid for by the businesses, and R Street Partnership," Fagundes said.
Ultimately, the partnership said the fees, damaged bollards and weather-damaged rentals meant keeping R Street closed 24/7 wouldn't be sustainable.
"While we understand that the communal draw of the street closure will be missed, we look forward to creating more permanent space for our district and are working with city staff on creating a grant program to help off-set some of the construction costs for parklets and minimize the impacts to our member’s," Fagundes said.
In her tweet, Valenzuela said the City is redesigning a program for street closures and parklets to make things easier and has also put $2 million into the program to help offset expenses.
"I’m really hopeful that businesses will reevaluate these installations as that program gets rolling," Valenzuela said on Twitter.
Deanthony, who declined to provide his last name, said he prefers having the roadway open, noting that the closure reminded him of the lockdowns and that he's generally starting to see people passing through the area more.
“I would say I like it better open, because you can come out and enjoy yourself,” Deanthony said.
A full statement from the City of Sacramento regarding the issue can be found below.
"The Al Fresco Dining Program was made permanent at the June 21 City Council meeting and went into effect July 1. The use of parking spaces and sidewalks as dining structures, including street closures, were temporary measures put into place during the pandemic.
Under the permanent program, owners can build formal patios in the public right-of-way that are sustained through engineered layouts, customizable design options and a streamlined permitting process. The City is currently asking interested restaurant owners to submit an initial interest form to start the permit process for the permanent Al Fresco Dining Program. The form is available online on the City’s website here. Owners are encouraged to submit the interest form as soon as possible."
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/r-street-outdoor-dining/103-d5ddbd6a-207b-476e-a87a-83dab4d8ddfc | 2022-08-04T01:45:44 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/r-street-outdoor-dining/103-d5ddbd6a-207b-476e-a87a-83dab4d8ddfc |
SCARBOROUGH, Maine — The town of Scarborough could possibly be the next home for a global retail and shipping giant.
According to the executive director of the Scarborough Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO), Amazon has inquired about potentially building a warehouse in the town.
"We have gotten some inquiries from Amazon, particularly for the Running Hill Road area," SEDCO Executive Director Karen Martin said. "Right now our job really is in this initial phase to provide them information on our zoning ordinances and how the town works in terms of processes, and that's really been the focus of these conversations."
The plan is still in the very early stages, Martin said, and no documents have been submitted to the town.
"They're just in their initial phases trying to figure out if we're still a good fit. Certainly there's interest, and they like the area, I think," Martin said.
One part of town Martin said Amazon is reportedly considering for the warehouse is in the area of Running Hill Road. Martin added that the area is not zoned for warehousing, so the company would need to apply for exemptions or changes to the ordinance through the town if they want to build there.
"Amazon is constantly exploring new locations, and we weigh a variety of factors when deciding where to develop future sites to best serve customers," Amazon spokesperson Caitlin McLaughlin wrote to NEWS CENTER Maine in statement. "However, we have a policy of not commenting on our future roadmap and are not yet commenting on any specific operations plans for Maine."
NEWS CENTER Maine spoke with multiple residents who live on Running Hill Road and shared that they are concerned about the potential traffic an Amazon warehouse might bring to the road.
"We are navigating, trying to make sure we are meeting with wishes of the community, which is concerned about growth," Martin said. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/amazon-eyes-scarborough-for-warehouse-economic-development-official-says-maine-business-development/97-a9352e76-dca7-4226-a69f-e2fa1b40aeff | 2022-08-04T01:47:52 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/amazon-eyes-scarborough-for-warehouse-economic-development-official-says-maine-business-development/97-a9352e76-dca7-4226-a69f-e2fa1b40aeff |
LEWISTON, Maine — If you're driving down Bartlett Street in Lewiston, you might notice that a once-drab slab of concrete has new life.
The mural, titled "City of Us," features more than a dozen flags from other countries and is designed to promote inclusion in one of Maine's most diverse cities. The project was made possible by a 2018 planning grant and finally came to life in mid-July.
"It’s a very simple mural, but it’s also very intricate, as well," Eamon White, the artist selected to design the mural, said.
White, a local art teacher, decided to invite local students to take part in the painting process.
"It’s nice for the kids to have something they own that they identify with," White said. "I think it allows the kids to express who they are. Some students don’t really feel comfortable talking. They want to draw out their feelings."
One of White's students, 19-year-old Dominic Comeau Gosselin, was born and raised in Maine. Even though he says he can't necessarily relate to the struggles people of different skin tones face, he was intrigued by this project and learned from it.
"I wasn’t expecting to see this many flags, honestly," Comeau Gosselin said. "I was expecting to see maybe six [or] seven."
He says the area where the mural is located needed some attention. This project apparently did the trick.
"People were coming out from the community saying, ‘Hey, you brightened up the neighborhood,’ and all of these nice things about it, which kind of helped," Comeau Gosselin said.
Fowsia Musse is the executive director of Maine Community Integration, an ethnic-based organization in downtown Lewiston. She says she encouraged some of the girls she works with to take part in the project after learning about its message.
"You know, a lot of the youth who are new to the U.S., particularly Maine, are still finding their way and their sense of belonging," Musse said.
The grant for the "City of Us" mural actually helped position the city for a larger grant of $30 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for its "Choice Neighborhoods Initiative," awarded in May of 2021. That money will be used to help revitalize the downtown.
"It was just mass jubilation in this community," Darby Ray, co-chair of the L-A Public Art Working Group, said. "We were the first small city ever to get this particular grant — groundbreaking nationally for that."
Ray says residents and community members have helped to develop the transformation plan for the city. She added it's exciting that public art is such a big part of the conversation.
"It’s through the arts that humanity's deepest feelings and hopes, joys, and struggles are often manifest[ed]," Ray said.
To learn more about Lewiston's Choice Neighborhood Initiative, click here. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/city-of-us-mural-on-bartlett-street-lewiston-promotes-diversity-inclusion-as-part-of-revitalization/97-f24f0f81-6511-4cb9-af7f-3d60da6f3852 | 2022-08-04T01:47:58 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/city-of-us-mural-on-bartlett-street-lewiston-promotes-diversity-inclusion-as-part-of-revitalization/97-f24f0f81-6511-4cb9-af7f-3d60da6f3852 |
OLD TOWN, Maine — As prices are going up, back-to-school shopping could be more difficult than ever this year.
For families in need, The Courageous Steps Project is hosting its 9th annual back-to-school drive.
Organizers gathered in front of the Governor’s Restaurant in Old Town Wednesday, collecting donations for everything a kid may need when that first bell rings.
All donations collected will go directly to two-dozen different schools across eastern Maine.
Those at Courageous Steps say they recognize just how much help is out there for students, so they try to gear toward specific needs.
“There are so many other back to school drives ... so we really want to try to fill specific needs," The Courageous Steps Project Founder and CEO Connor Archer said. "And like I said, we’ve been doing this for nine years, so we know what schools need certain supplies, more notebooks maybe, or colored pencils, glue sticks. We try to tailor each donation to a particular school’s needs."
They will be accepting donations for the back-to-school supply drive until August 13 on their website. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/outreach/back-to-school/back-to-school-supplies-drive-in-old-town-helps-families-prep-for-school-year-fundraising-community-support-students-teachers-courageous-steps-project/97-53acb134-0e92-4ff4-92ec-547ec751be75 | 2022-08-04T01:48:04 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/outreach/back-to-school/back-to-school-supplies-drive-in-old-town-helps-families-prep-for-school-year-fundraising-community-support-students-teachers-courageous-steps-project/97-53acb134-0e92-4ff4-92ec-547ec751be75 |
VANCOUVER, Wash. — Open House Ministries has always tried to be "full-service" when it comes to getting people out of homelessness. Now they're going to add long-term affordable housing, and they found a place to do it right across the street from their existing Vancouver campus.
The location is a parking lot now, but it had an old house on it when a generous donor gave the property to Open House Ministries.
In about 18 months, a new four-story building will stand at the corner of 12th and Jefferson — built for people, including many families, who are ready to move on from the non-profit's long-term shelter.
“We've always joked about having a 'God block' and we just keep expanding. We're trying to meet the needs of our community, and this seems to be a huge need,” said Open House Ministries Executive Director Renee Stevens.
Stevens is one of the family shelter’s success stories, having worked her way up from a pretty low place.
“Twenty-three years ago in 1999 I moved into Open House Ministries with my three daughters — I’d been addicted to drugs for 25 years, completely hopeless — and I just never left,” Stevens said.
Now Stevens is full of hope and excitement for the next chapter in the nonprofit's 35-year history, with the construction of apartments that offer true affordable housing, with rent based on income.
“You know homelessness, houselessness, it just sounds so negative — but what's going on down here is so positive and we're just trying to be a part of the solution, think outside of the box and keep up,” said Stevens.
Open House already has 36 units of long-term shelter where people can stay for up to a year if they make progress changing their lives. The nonprofit serves a lot of families, including all of the support services to go with it. Some residents can also learn job skills at the shelter’s thrift store.
RELATED: Low-income housing complex for seniors opens in Vancouver, right across from homeless encampments
Amanda Goforth was successful in getting her life together at Open House, and for five years has managed the shop. She now feels called to help others and knows the affordable housing will help.
“It’s exciting, we get to help more people and it’s a huge issue when you go to leave shelter and there’s a lot of barriers. First if you have any eviction history, and affordability ... I mean you have to make three times the rent [for] places,” said Goforth.
There is also a bike shop which specializes in fixing up donated bikes for sale and doing repairs.
Mark Roskam was the inspirational chaplain that started the bike shop and served Open House Ministries as spiritual leader until his untimely death from a brain aneurysm two years ago. Roskam is greatly missed here.
The new building will house the bike shop and thrift store on the ground level, plus they'll add a coffee shop.
Stevens knows Roskam would be pleased, especially with what the new housing will offer.
“One thing we try and represent here is finding hope in a time when a lot of people feel hopelessness,” said Stevens. “So when people are working through our program and they're not quite sure of the next step they can look out the window and it's right there. That's their hope.”
Open House Ministries relies on help from the community, both financially and through volunteerism. Project Cornerstone is the capital campaign to help fund the Open House Ministries West building.
Construction begins in October, and the nonprofit plans to have families living there in early 2024. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/homeless/vancouver-affordable-housing-open-house-ministries/283-c5ad3c78-3ae2-4fb6-a78f-5097b6dda6ac | 2022-08-04T01:49:57 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/homeless/vancouver-affordable-housing-open-house-ministries/283-c5ad3c78-3ae2-4fb6-a78f-5097b6dda6ac |
Firefighters battle 50-acre brush fire in Micco and smaller one in Malabar in south Brevard
Brevard County and state firefighters were working to contain a fast-moving, 50-acre brush fire that broke out Wednesday afternoon in Micco.
It was one of two fires in south Brevard, with a smaller wildfire burning in Malabar.
The Micco wildfire began about 4 p.m. along the 9000 block of Honeysuckle Drive.
The now Iris Fire, initially was named the Honeysuckle fire.
"It is endangering structures but our firefighters are out there on the ground," said Cliff Frazier, spokesperson for the Florida Forest Service.
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Brevard County Fire Rescue crews along with a helicopter equipped with a bucket drop responded to the blaze.
A second fire was reported along Moss Rose Drive in Malabar, a town to the north of the Micco area.
That fire, dubbed the Moss Rose Fire, bloomed from 5 to 20 acres within an hour.
It was fully contained at 20 acres at about 7:40 p.m. No structures were endangered in that location.
Frazier said it was not immediately known how the blazes began. A thunderstorm had moved through south Brevard a short time prior to the wildfires igniting.
J.D. Gallop is a Criminal Justice/Breaking News Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @JDGallop. | https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/2022/08/03/large-40-acre-blaze-micco-reportedly-endangering-structures/10230934002/ | 2022-08-04T01:50:22 | 1 | https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/2022/08/03/large-40-acre-blaze-micco-reportedly-endangering-structures/10230934002/ |
A plan unveiled at Dallas City Hall Wednesday calls for a major transformation of city government operations and spending in an effort to reverse the impact of racial bias in many neighborhoods.
Casey Thomas, city council member and a former Dallas NAACP President, was an original supporter of the plan.
“We know where we are today. But the key question is: 'How did we get where we are today? How were the communities intentionally?' That’s the keyword: intentionally, underdeveloped and underinvested by the people who sit where we sit right today,” Thomas said. “Because of the racial bias, we are faced with dealing with challenges that should have been addressed decades ago. We have to be the council with the courage to address these challenges or we will be kicking the same can down the road.”
Jaynie Schultz, Dallas city council member, now leads a committee that has refined the plan.
“I hope as we look at this and study it and hopefully adopt it in the weeks to come, it will be a moment that we all mark as a highlight in our lives,” Schultz said.
The plan includes goals in five areas: workforce and community development, environmental justice, housing, infrastructure and public safety and wellness.
Currently, unless someone has been shot or violent crime is underway, it is hard to get fast police response from the understaffed Dallas Police Department anywhere in the city.
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Camile White, Dallas ISD Trustee, spoke to the council Wednesday about the day later response she received to fireworks in her Pleasant Grove neighborhood.
“This has been happening for years and years and there seems to be no effort to correct the activity,” White said.
Extra public safety attention and community collaboration in underserved neighborhoods is one target action in the plan.
“Equality does not do the people who’ve already been forgotten about any justice because they’re starting on a playing field that is not level. So I am extremely happy with the work that you all have done. I’m extremely happy with the direction our city is heading in,” Adam Bazaldua, District 7 councilman, said about the plan.
Better air monitoring and other efforts are suggested to improve public health in neighborhoods like West Dallas where the industry is right beside homes.
“Where we intentionally put harmful polluting industries and consequently, the rest of the region has grown on that. And it’s time to clean it up,” Council Member Paula Blackmon said. “We know that when air quality improves the outcomes across the board go up.”
In the past, Anglo city council members from North Dallas fought for equal spending. Now, members of that background on the Dallas City Council now are generally on board with the shift to equity.
But Council Member Cara Mendelsohn pointed out the city is now less than a quarter Anglo. She said all of Dallas has problems with the delivery of city services and neighborhoods with poverty.
Mendelsohn called for changes and a delay in approving the plan.
“As we start talking about why we need to do this for our communities of color, that's pretty much our whole city,” Mendelsohn said. “Our resources shouldn’t be put into this plan. The resources should be going to the departments that are doing the work. The communities wouldn’t feel unsafe if we were doing a better job of keeping people safe.”
Dallas Councilman Tennell Atkins said the money will be a challenge in implementing the plan with citizens demanding other budget measures, as well.
“We’re trying to lower the tax rate. We’re trying to fix streets. We’ve got a homeless crisis,” Atkins said. “I still don’t have the trash picked up. I still don’t have enough police officers.”
Most council members on Wednesday said they expect equity to be the new test for public safety and everything else for what gets the money.
The plan was scheduled for a final City Council vote on Aug. 24, with accountability and progress measurements to be posted afterward.
A new Dallas budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year that starts in Oc. is due to be released Friday by City Manager T.C. Broadnax, who said the equity policy is used as a guide. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/city-of-dallas-plan-addresses-racial-and-class-inequities/3039645/ | 2022-08-04T01:51:27 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/city-of-dallas-plan-addresses-racial-and-class-inequities/3039645/ |
Former NBA player Iman Shumpert was arrested Saturday at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport after security screeners found a "sizable" bag of marijuana and a gun magazine in his backpack, police say.
According to an arrest report from DFW Airport DPS, officers were called to the TSA checkpoint at Terminal E Saturday afternoon for a report of a drug violation. Upon arrival, officers met with TSA officials who say they discovered "a sizeable amount of a green leafy substance inside a backpack during a secondary screening process," the report said.
According to the police report, a Glock magazine containing 14 nine-millimeter rounds was also found in the backpack along with 6.12 ounces of marijuana. No weapon was located.
Shumpert told police that the substance was marijuana and he was traveling to Los Angeles to pick up his daughter.
According to the report, Shumpert "asked if there was any way he could make his flight." The arresting officer told Shumpert that he wouldn't be making his flight because he was under arrest.
He was handcuffed and taken to the airport's jail.
It wasn't immediately clear if Shumpert was represented by an attorney.
No further details were immediately available.
Shumpert was drafted by the New York Knicks in 2011. Over his 11-year career, he also played for the Cavaliers, Kings, Rockets and most recently the Nets. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/former-nba-star-iman-shumpert-arrested-accused-of-marijuana-possession-at-dfw-airport/3039636/ | 2022-08-04T01:51:41 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/former-nba-star-iman-shumpert-arrested-accused-of-marijuana-possession-at-dfw-airport/3039636/ |
A Dallas artist shot while jogging is sharing his experience publicly for the first time.
Friday will mark three weeks since Antonio “Tony” Lechuga suffered two bullet wounds. He’s been hospitalized ever since.
Speaking from his bed at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, Lechuga was short of breath but also grateful for every breath.
“All little progress but progress every day,” he said.
He says he remembers everything about the day he was brought to the hospital. He was jogging in the 4900 block of the Santa Fe trail on July 15 at around 6:30 p.m.
“I call it the sauna run because I can go run a small amount of distance and really sweat out and destress,” Lechuga said.
He found himself in distress as he approached an intersection and slowed down – his headphones on.
“Just minding my own business. I remember hearing the shots and I remember thinking they were in the distance,” Lechuga recalled.
He says he didn't know was shot at first.
“Felt like I got hit with a bat in my stomach or someone knocked the wind out of me,” he explained.
Lechuga flagged down construction workers nearby when he realized he was shot. He was taken by ambulance to the ICU where he stayed for a week.
“I'm just grateful to be here. I seriously thought I was going to die so for me, waking up whenever I did that was everything,” Lechuga said.
He was shot twice in the torso.
Doctors found a bullet lodged inside his body. The other went through him.
Lechuga says he never saw anyone with a gun. No arrests have been made.
When asked if he feels targeted, Lechuga replied, “I really do feel like it was just random. The way it was the middle of the day, it could've been any runner, any biker, any cyclist.”
Lechuga is an artist who lives blocks from where he was shot. His exhibit at a gallery in Fort Worth was extended in July after the shooting. Another exhibit that had been planned in Dallas this month is on hold.
Meanwhile, the show of support, he says, is on full display.
“Everything that's come my way it’s, I’ve been very grateful,” Lechuga said tearfully. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/seriously-thought-i-was-going-to-die-artist-shot-while-jogging-shares-progress-gratitude/3039516/ | 2022-08-04T01:51:47 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/seriously-thought-i-was-going-to-die-artist-shot-while-jogging-shares-progress-gratitude/3039516/ |
A Texas laboratory’s license to do drug testing in criminal cases has been suspended after an investigation found the lab submitted inaccurate test results and engaged in misconduct.
The lab, ExperTox, which is located in Deer Park near Houston, and its vice president and lab director, Ernest Lykissa, were faulted by the Texas Forensic Science Commission for their work in a Pennsylvania sexual assault case.
The investigation also found Lykissa violated state regulations by failing to obtain a forensic analyst license.
According to commission rules, ExperTox’s license will be withdrawn for two years. It has 30 days to appeal the ruling.
ExperTox managers did not respond to repeated phone calls and an email seeking comment.
A woman who answered the phone at the company said Lykissa was unavailable.
PHILADELPHIA CASE
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The commission’s investigation started after a prosecutor in Philadelphia filed a complaint last year questioning ExperTox’s work in a case involving a police officer who was arrested in a 2019 sexual assault case.
At the time, police said the victim was a 21-year-old woman, according to NBC Philadelphia.
“He may have provided her without her knowledge some kind of intoxicant that rendered her unable to appraise what was actually going on,” Capt. Sekou Kinebrew said in an interview after the officer’s arrest.
The prosecutor hired a local company which contracted with ExperTox to analyze a sample of the victim’s hair, according to the commission’s report.
In February 2020, an ExperTox test found the hair tested positive for the drugs lidocaine and THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.
“If these drugs were administered to her without her consent, then that could constitute a drug-facilitated assault by the perpetrator,” the commission quoted Lykissa’s report as saying.
‘CLINICAL USE ONLY’
The initial report included the caveat, “CLINICAL USE ONLY, NOT FOR FORENSIC PURPOSES.”
Notified about the prosecutor’s complaint in January 2021, “Lykissa responded by email stating he was surprised because the case was clearly labeled as for only clinical purposes,” the commission said.
Lykissa also defended his work by telling investigators he remembered telling the prosecutor, “I do not want to testify in this case. I cannot offer you anything scientifically valid.”
But the prosecutor disputed Lykissa’s claim, telling investigators Lykissa told her the drugs were a “witch’s brew” and that “she got him.”
The report says Lykissa also told investigators he was not aware the hair testing would be used in a criminal case because it was submitted to him by an intermediary company without documentation.
But the commission report said “the record was clear” he knew it was in connection with a criminal prosecution and had communicated directly with the prosecutor.
The commission also received a second copy of the lab report which omitted the disclaimer that it wasn’t for scientific purposes.
The DA’s office paid an additional $1,315 for the new version of the report, which was identical to the original, except the one line about “clinical purposes” had been removed, the commission said.
COMMISSION HIRES EXPERT
The commission hired an independent expert to review the case.
The expert said ExperTox used unapproved testing procedures and that it “never should have issued” its report.
In fact, the positive result for lidocaine should have been negative using accepted standards, the expert said.
The expert also said the company’s “significant upcharge” for a “simple removal of the disclaimer…should raise some ethical concerns” for ExperTox.
WRONG TEST RESULT
In a July interview with investigators, Lykissa said “ExperTox does not have a forensically validated hair-testing method” and acknowledged the lidocaine test result in the Pennsylvania case was “well below” its own reporting threshold, the commission said.
Furthermore, ExperTox never produced its raw data validating its test, which the law requires labs to keep, the panel said.
Prosecutors dropped the rape case for lack of evidence.
“Since this is an active and open prosecution we have no further comment at this time,” spokeswoman Jane Roh said.
The defendant’s attorney did not return calls seeking comment.
COMMISSION FINDINGS
The commission, which is made up of seven scientists, a prosecutor and a defense attorney, voted two weeks ago that Lykissa and ExperTox engaged in professional misconduct when, according to the report:
- Lykissa failed to obtain a forensic analyst license.
- The lidocaine results were “not based on any reliable validation work” and “should not have been issued.”
- The “interpretive opinion” was “unfounded and unsupported by accepted scientific principles.”
- Lykissa produced a “forensic version” of a clinical result for the payment of an additional fee with no changes to the report.
The commission withdrew accreditation for ExperTox “in the discipline of forensic toxicology.”
Other stakeholders should consider submitting any forensic analysis performed by ExperTox for an independent review, the commission said.
WACO CASE
Fort Worth defense attorney Christy Jack represents a former Waco daycare owner convicted in 2015 of murdering a child after Lykissa testified about the presence of Benadryl in hair samples of other children in her care.
The suspect won an appeal based on faulty jury instructions and is awaiting a re-trial.
Lykissa was set to testify in the new trial, Jack said, until she learned of the recent developments involving the Texas science commission and the Pennsylvania case.
“We were the ones who notified the prosecution of the problems with their witness,” Jack said.
Lykissa told the commission he worked on only about five similar cases.
But Jack said the lab’s troubles could affect numerous other cases in Texas and around the country.
"There's no telling how many cases his testimony, his questionable testimony, has affected,” Jack said.
According to ExperTox’s website, the company also does private drug testing for employers and other testing such as COVID-19.
The commission’s jurisdiction is limited to investigating labs’ work in criminal cases.
Separately, the commission obtained a document from the College of American Pathologists, which accredits labs nationwide, showing it put ExperTox on probation in May.
CAP started its own investigation after the Texas panel forwarded information about its concerns months earlier.
CAP’s probation notice, which was attached to the commission’s report, faulted ExperTox’s “lack of continuous compliance” with quality management standards.
CAP did not respond to an email for comment. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/texas-labs-license-suspended-after-probe-into-pennsylvania-sex-assault-case/3039629/ | 2022-08-04T01:51:55 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/texas-labs-license-suspended-after-probe-into-pennsylvania-sex-assault-case/3039629/ |
TWIN FALLS — The city has begun the process of filling the vacant seat for the remainder of Shawn Barigar’s term on the city council, which runs through 2023.
Barigar, who served on the council for 14 years, stepped down July 25 to apply for the economic development director position at the city of Twin Falls.
By Idaho law, Mayor Ruth Pierce may appoint a qualified candidate with consent of the council. The individual will serve the balance of Barigar's term and may run for re-election in November 2023.
A qualified candidate is any person 18 years of age or older, who is a U.S. citizen and who has resided in the city of Twin Falls for at least 30 days prior to the election, and who is registered to vote as required by law.
The council has requested any interested candidates to submit an application by Aug. 17. Interested individuals should complete an application online or send a letter of interest to the city, Attn: Twin Falls City Council Seat, 203 Main Ave. E., Twin Falls, Idaho 83301. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/city-seeks-applicants-for-twin-falls-city-council-seat-by-aug-17/article_92ec4f88-1365-11ed-9461-ab0a7fd92caa.html | 2022-08-04T01:54:08 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/city-seeks-applicants-for-twin-falls-city-council-seat-by-aug-17/article_92ec4f88-1365-11ed-9461-ab0a7fd92caa.html |
TWIN FALLS — A fiber-optic network under construction in Magic Valley will bring a "gold standard" of connectivity, company officials say.
TDS Telecommunications held a groundbreaking ceremony Monday at the Twin Falls Visitor Center.
Construction of the network is starting in Twin Falls, Jerome and Burley. When work is completed, spokesman Mark Schaaf said, approximately 32,000 addresses will have access. The network will provide speeds of up to 2 gigs, considered a "gold standard," Schaaf said.
The average internet download speed in the U.S. is 193.9 megabits per second, according to the Federal Communications Commission.
Schaaf anticipates the first customers will be connected in early 2023.
Both businesses and individuals stand to benefit. Shawn Barigar, president of the Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, said business owners looking to locate in Twin Falls often ask about internet service.
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"Connectivity is important to them," Barigar said. "We already have infrastructure from other providers, and TDS complements that."
Built in phases, residents can connect to the TDS network once work is completed in their neighborhood. Residents will be notified in several ways before construction starts in their neighborhood, including signage and by postcard, letter, and door hanger, Schaaf said. Contractors will work to minimize disruptions to neighborhoods and restore any areas impacted by the burying of fiber-optic cable, he said.
Only 43 percent of U.S. households have access to a fiber connection, according to a recent Fiber Broadband Association report.
Residents can visit TDSFiber.com to register for service, monitor the progress of the network, and sign up for notifications about the new service. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/construction-begins-on-high-speed-internet-network-in-magic-valley/article_9581a61a-12b3-11ed-9efe-87f302ac909a.html | 2022-08-04T01:54:14 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/construction-begins-on-high-speed-internet-network-in-magic-valley/article_9581a61a-12b3-11ed-9efe-87f302ac909a.html |
TWIN FALLS — A group of cyclists are embarking on a four-day ride across Idaho to raise money for tactical bulletproof vests for police officers.
Tyrel Ward is a former law enforcement officer whose goal is to provide high-level bulletproof vests to every patrol officer in the Twin Falls Police Department. Ward has partnered with Sheild616, a nonprofit whose mission is to raise funds to provide enhanced protective gear to law enforcement.
“I’m an ex-cop, and if you didn’t know, the regular vests that police wear are really only rated for pistol rounds," Ward said. "We are raising funds to get them new vests that will help stop not only pistol but also rifle rounds."
Each of the higher-rated vests costs $2,600 and Ward said it will take some time to outfit the roughly 90 patrol officers in the department.
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“It’s going to take us a couple years," Ward said, "probably this year and next year to fully outfit Twin Falls PD.”
To raise funds, Ward and a group of 26 cyclists will ride across Idaho, starting in Jackpot, Nevada, and ending near West Yellowstone four days and 348 miles later. To participate in the ride, each cyclist must raise $616 in donations. Individuals are also able to make independent donations through the Shield 616 website.
On Thursday the group will stop in Twin Falls and present vests to the Twin Falls Police Department at 6 p.m. at Lighthouse Church. The cyclists will continue toward Idaho Falls, where they will make another vest presentation on Saturday.
This is the second year such an event has been held in Idaho. The bike-ride fundraiser began in Colorado six years ago.
Non-riders can support the event with financial gifts of $25, $50 or $100. The ride is also accepting sponsorships for higher donation levels. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/cyclists-ride-across-idaho-to-raise-funds-for-bulletproof-vests-for-police-officers/article_3b7b15f2-134e-11ed-b2e9-37977e7540da.html | 2022-08-04T01:54:20 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/cyclists-ride-across-idaho-to-raise-funds-for-bulletproof-vests-for-police-officers/article_3b7b15f2-134e-11ed-b2e9-37977e7540da.html |
TWIN FALLS — Despite its growing population, the town is seeing lower home construction numbers.
The trend has city officials worrying about a continued housing crunch.
“We need more units,” Twin Falls city spokesperson Joshua Palmer said. “We have families looking for homes (and) employers looking to have employees relocate here.”
Palmer noted that many regions of Idaho are experiencing the same situation. While the free market decides how many homes are built in the city, Palmer said city officials work to make sure that infrastructure is available when homes are built. There is land available in Twin Falls for home construction, but Palmer said it is getting tighter.
With more homes being built in the county, the demand for and costs for fire departments is going up.
Through June, 139 single-family-dwelling permits have been issued this year in Twin Falls, compared with 417 during the same time a year ago, a decline of 66.7%.
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Seventeen home permits were issued in June, compared with 29 in June 2021.
In Twin Falls County, 14 single-family-home permits were issued in June and seven were issued in July.
Palmer has seen both sides of the spectrum, from monthly permit numbers dipping to single digits as the Great Recession took hold in Twin Falls — two permits were issued in December 2009 — to 15 years ago when dozens were issued per month — 91 permits were issued in August 2006.
Despite a decline in permits in Twin Falls, the value of the construction has risen from $4.6 million in June 2021 to $5.7 million in June 2022. The total value of construction is down 47% year to date, from $81.2 million to $42.5 million.
Stories of supply chain issues were commonplace during the pandemic, but Palmer said he has also heard stories of a low supply of skilled labor in the home construction industry. The rise in interest rates could also be taking a toll. Interest rates for home mortgages as now above 5% as the Federal Reserve tries to curb runaway inflation.
Keith Moller, owner of Moller Construction in Twin Falls, isn’t building a home right now but said he is staying busy roofing and building additions.
Supply chain issues are still affecting him, as the shingle manufacturer he uses only has three colors in supply, out of the 12 it used to offer. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/home-building-permits-decline-in-twin-falls/article_467f20d2-135e-11ed-83cf-8f71c0af752e.html | 2022-08-04T01:54:27 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/home-building-permits-decline-in-twin-falls/article_467f20d2-135e-11ed-83cf-8f71c0af752e.html |
SAN ANTONIO — North East Independent School District is working to address an ongoing bus driver shortage as the first day of classes quickly approach.
“This is one typical area where we do usually have a shortage in our bus drivers, but we’ve not seen it to this extent before,” said Aubrey Chancellor, NEISD’s executive director of communications.
The district sent out a letter to families on July 29 addressing the issue and what’s being done to mitigate the shortfall in bus drivers.
North East ISD is currently experiencing a shortage of 47 drivers, which Chancellor stressed will lead to “inevitable delays” in buses arriving to pick up students.
While no routes will be cut, some students can expect delays from 30-40 minutes each day.
Consolidated bus routes could lead to longer bus times as well, according to the district letter.
Late bus routes will be communicated to parents though the NEISD Blackboard messaging system.
Parents are urged to plan for alternative transportation.
“Sending out the letter was really to be proactive and let them know weeks ahead of time that we are struggling, just like so many others, and that this could be a possibility. So if there is any way that they could come up with a plan B, they have time to do that,” Chancellor said.
The school district of more than 60,000 students has recruited all qualified hands on deck in an effort to take the wheel.
“We had already been at the point where everyone in our office, our dispatchers, our routers, our directors, our leaders, they were getting behind the wheel of a bus,” Chancellor said. “We’re utilizing coaches who have their CDLs, so we are really doing everything can in using all available resources to us,” Chancellor said.
Tom Cummins, executive director of the North East AFT (American Federation of Teachers), stressed the union supports a greater pay raise for bus drivers employed by NEISD. Cummins noted in an emailed statement.
“NEISD should have recognized that the shortage of bus drivers would continue. With inflation at 9.2%, and with the difficulties of the job, the starting pay of a driver should be around $20 to $22 an hour. Bus drivers are the first to greet our students and they are the ones to say goodbye to them in the afternoon. The district cannot let the shortage go unaddressed; the school board must raise the pay substantially as soon as possible.”
The NEISD Board of Trustees recently approved a wage increase for bus drivers who can now earn up to $18.50 an hour.
“We will continue to recruit, we will continue to look at the salaries and making sure that the salary is fair and at market value,” Chancellor said.
NEISD has also rolled out a $1,000 referral bonus program for employees who recommend successful bus driver candidates. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/north-east-isd-bus-driver-shortage/273-83cbd1cd-aef7-4cf7-990d-6acceb82f9ef | 2022-08-04T02:00:39 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/north-east-isd-bus-driver-shortage/273-83cbd1cd-aef7-4cf7-990d-6acceb82f9ef |
SAN ANTONIO — It was closing time at the Lowe's on Austin Highway on July 20 when four workers were shocked to find themselves confronted by a man with a pistol who demanded money from the safe.
The four victims, a 70-year-old woman and three middle-aged men, told San Antonio police that the suspect emerged from a hiding place inside a restroom and threatened them with a handgun.
The police report says the suspect hit two of the employees with the gun. The injuries were significant enough that EMS was called to the scene to treat the victims.
Police who arrived on the scene didn't know whether the gunman was still inside the store or not. They called for assistance from the EAGLE helicopter when they learned the man had run from the store and jumped into a small four-door sedan to make his escape.
Surveillance camera images match what the victims told police -- that the robber was a slim-framed man wearing all black.
Crime Stoppers of San Antonio is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information which leads to felony arrests in this crime.
To be eligible for the reward, tips must be submitted directly to Crime Stoppers via 210-224-STOP or by texting "Tip 127 plus your tip" to CRIMES (274637).
More information, including another look at the photographs can be found here. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/san-antonio-crime-stoppers-lowes-robbery-austin-highway/273-d97d96ae-a9a3-4abf-b96f-f0f1c91655f7 | 2022-08-04T02:00:46 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/san-antonio-crime-stoppers-lowes-robbery-austin-highway/273-d97d96ae-a9a3-4abf-b96f-f0f1c91655f7 |
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Sharks are swimming in Texas waters, including two large adult males who have been swimming near the Corpus Christi coastline over the past two months, according to OCEARCH Tracker.
A nearly 8-feet-long hammerhead shark weighing 170 pounds was last pinged swimming off the coast near Port Aransas on July 19, but swam all the way into the Corpus Christi Bay over the past month.
His name is Buddy, originally tagged in Port Aransas back in November of 2015. Since then, he stays swimming along the Corpus Christi Bay and Matagorda Bay, according to OCEARCH.
A larger mako shark measuring over 9 feet long and weighing 330 pounds was last pinged on June 27, also near Mustang Island, but swam right along the coast of Padre Island in April.
This shark's name is BobHayes, originally tagged somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico in early 2021. He has been traveling from the Maragorda Bay and as far south near Brownsville, according to OCEARCH.
As some San Antonians continue venturing to the coast for summer trips, remember that multiple shark sightings have been reported in the Corpus Christi area this summer and, like Buddy and BobHayes, can travel great distances.
OCEARCH, a global nonprofit, conducts research expeditions that include taking samples from sharks, like blood and tissue. After they are tagged, the animals are released back into their waters as researchers continue collecting data while they migrate.
The OCEARCH website says you can track and explore the migrations of sharks that have been tagged using state-of-the-art technology. The website and app also lets you track dolphins, turtles, whales and seals. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/sharks-corpus-christi-texas-coast-port-a/273-c3ae74b2-549d-4501-94ab-9faa15a9e747 | 2022-08-04T02:00:52 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/sharks-corpus-christi-texas-coast-port-a/273-c3ae74b2-549d-4501-94ab-9faa15a9e747 |
Peoria's interim fire chief gets temporary tag removed by city manager
PEORIA – Five months after he was named the city's interim fire chief, Shawn Sollberger had that temporary tag removed from his job title.
City Manager Patrick Urich made the announcement on Wednesday – 24 years after Sollberger started his career with the Peoria Fire Department. During that time, he's been part of the dive team, hazmat team and the technical rescue team.
Sollberger took the title of top firefighter on March 19 after then chief James Bachman retired.
More in public safety:Fire safety upgrades coming to the Twin Towers high rise in Peoria
“Shawn Sollberger’s 24 years of firefighting knowledge and background made him an excellent choice for this position. We look forward to seeing him serve our community and lead the Peoria Fire Department with the highest standards of emergency service,” Urich said in a news release.
Sollberger is a Peoria High School and Illinois Central College graduate. He also attended Columbia Southern University, where he received a bachelor of science in fire administration and fire investigation/analysis.
The position pays $180,486 annually. | https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/local/2022/08/03/peorias-interim-fire-chief-shawn-shollberger-becomes-citys-official-fire-chief/65391355007/ | 2022-08-04T02:07:08 | 1 | https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/local/2022/08/03/peorias-interim-fire-chief-shawn-shollberger-becomes-citys-official-fire-chief/65391355007/ |
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — U.S. Coast Guard crews say they busted four men for illegally fishing for sharks in federal waters Tuesday.
They seized 40 sharks the boat crew had already caught. Coast Guard crews also confiscated their illegal fishing equipment before turning the four Mexican fishermen over to Border Protection agents.
The Coast Guard said they think the suspects were going to chop off their fins and sell them to people for shark fin soup.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents alerted the Coast Guard when they spotted the boat about seven miles north of the Maritime Boundary Line.
They were in a lancha boat, which is a fishing boat used by Mexican fishermen that can travel at speeds over 30 mph.
Lanchas are often used to transport illegal narcotics to the U.S. and illegally fish in the United States’ Exclusive Economic Zone near the U.S./Mexico border in the Gulf of Mexico, according to the Coast Guard.
If you witness suspicious activity or illegal fishing in state waters -- up to nine miles offshore -- contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s “Operation Game Thief” at 1-800-792-GAME (4263).
For all suspicious activity or illegal fishing occurring in federal waters -- out to 200 miles offshore -- please contact the U.S. Coast Guard at 361-939-0450.
WATCH: Busting common shark myths | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/coast-guard-sharks/285-0b5e90f2-f96f-49d6-b21a-29ebd69467e9 | 2022-08-04T02:24:55 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/coast-guard-sharks/285-0b5e90f2-f96f-49d6-b21a-29ebd69467e9 |
SEATTLE — The U.S. Navy Blue Angels came roaring back into Seattle and are preparing for their performance at Seafair this weekend.
The Blue Angels have been missed since their last appearance in 2019. This year, they're returning with a new tow - a whole fleet actually.
The Blue Angels are featuring new Boeing F/A 18 Super Hornet Jets with more power and roar than ever before. This year the Blue Angels have selected some local influencers to take a joy ride and first up was a local teacher.
Jennifer McLellan teaches at Mercer Island High School and says she learned about being chosen for a ride with the Blue Angels by the school's radio station.
“The school radio station 88.9 The Bridge did an interview and surprised me and I still can’t believe it,” McLellan said.
According to her husband, McLellan, is the perfect choice for this honor.
“She wants to be a role model, She wants to show her students that she can do anything. That they can do anything and skies the limit… quite literally in this case!” Malcolm McLellan said.
Jennifer McLellan spent time learning emergency procedures and practicing how to properly breathe when feeling the effects of G force.
She soared for nearly 45 minutes and spotted familiar sights like local schools and even Microsoft from the air.
“Mount Rainier from a Blue Angel was unreal!” McLellan said.
She had the breathing techniques down and kept her cool through various maneuvers that pushed her limits to over 7 G forces.
“I would just like everyone to know that I left with two barf bags and brought them both back…unused!” she said.
The giddy teacher says she certainly felt the effects of the G force and even experienced tunnel vision at a point but breathed through it and stayed conscious the entire flight.
“It’s hard to describe what this means. Growing up around here and watching the Blue Angels my whole life. Seafair is so ubiquitous. It’s so a part of who we are every summer.”
McLellan says she will have a hard time trying to describe what her experience was like in the skies.
“It’s like riding in Santa's sleigh, you know, it’s just so incredible!”
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will perform in the Boeing Seafair Air Show Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
For more information, click here. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/mercer-island-high-school-teacher-flies-with-blue-angels-seafair-seattle/281-c0873a8e-1672-4352-8c05-833818297ca9 | 2022-08-04T02:26:15 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/mercer-island-high-school-teacher-flies-with-blue-angels-seafair-seattle/281-c0873a8e-1672-4352-8c05-833818297ca9 |
VANTAGE, Wash. — Fire crews continued battling the Vantage Highway Fire Wednesday amidst Red Flag Warning conditions.
A Red Flag Warning means high temperatures are combined with low humidity and stronger winds, meaning there's an increased risk of fire danger.
Hot, dry and windy weather combined with the need to traverse off-road areas meant a heavy workload for firefighters who have been working the scene since Aug. 1.
"Now we're getting into areas of the fire that are difficult to access, we don't have road access (to) all of the sections of the fire we need to reach to stop its path," said Southeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team (SE WA IMT) Public Information Officer Grace DebBusschere. "So firefighters are hiking in, boating on the Columbia and using aircraft to fight the fire."
SE WA IMT says evacuation orders for the nearby town of Vantage have been lifted. One cabin and three other structures were burned, but no residential buildings are currently thought to be threatened.
Wednesday, authorities said the fire had burned down into the Columbia River gorge on the Kittitas County side with winds carrying smoke across the river and up into Grant County.
Wednesday, Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said it had recorded 45 fire starts since July 27th, as high temperatures- in some areas, into the hundreds- converged with a high amount of fuel that grew over the wet spring and dried out this summer.
The DNR says most fires are human-caused -- though that includes accidents and incidents such as traffic crashes or chains dragging on a road.
To learn more about preventing wildfires wherever possible, click here. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/wildfire/vantage-highway-fire-danger-continues/281-367962c6-e8e8-4f46-a17b-a545d556fee5 | 2022-08-04T02:26:27 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/wildfire/vantage-highway-fire-danger-continues/281-367962c6-e8e8-4f46-a17b-a545d556fee5 |
CEDAR FALLS — The Cat in the Hat is the narrator, chief mischief-maker and devil’s advocate in the Cedar Falls Community Theatre production of “Seussical: The Musical,” opening Thursday.
Hannah Batterson, 17, is cast as Cat in the Hat, who is mischievous, never malicious or mean. “I want to find the good in the Cat, and that’s why getting to unpack this character has been so much fun,” she said. Placing the distinctive, tall red-and-white hat on her head, she instantly felt in character. “I thought, I get this, I get the Cat’s sense of mischief.”
The curtain rises at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Oster Regent Theatre, 103 Main St. Additional performances are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
“Seussical the Musical,” with book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty, is based on the Seuss books, particularly “Horton Hears a Who!”, “Horton Hatches the Egg” and “Miss Gertrude McFuzz.”
Director Kyle N. Weber said the musical comedy will appeal to anyone of any age who loves Seuss characters, including Cat in the Hart, Horton the Elephant and Yertle the Turtle.
“Kids love the show because it’s colorful and filled with fun characters and lots of music. But it’s not just for kids. Adults appreciate the complexity and depth of the characters and the language. These are fully realized characters, too,” the director said.
The story follows Horton the Elephant who longs for friendship and adventure. He discovers Who-ville on a speck of dust and decides he must protect them by sitting on “the egg,” while also convincing other animals in the Jungle of Nool that Whos and Who-ville really do exist.
Batterson, who will be a senior at Cedar Falls High School, described the show as “a wild ride. When I first read the script, it was like ‘OK, there’s a lot going on here’ because it follows Horton’s story and mixes in pieces and character from other Dr. Seuss books.”
There are 30 cast members acting, singing and dancing and bringing Dr. Seuss’s imaginary world to life. Most of the cast plays two or three characters. Addy Breddin portrays Yertle, while Andrew Gerdes is the Grinch, Megan Wheelock is the boy Jojo, Erin McRae is Gertrude McFuzz and Caleb Rivera plays Horton the Elephant.
“I’m big on relationships when I cast a show. I look at the dynamics between the actors and how well they play with each other, whether they’re willing to take risks or not with their characters. Usually everything falls into place,” Weber explained.
“We’re lucky to have a good pool of talent to draw from and a really solid cast to pull it off. We also have the Bird Girls, seven girls who act as a Greek chorus and probably get the most stage time and have the most vocal responsibility of anyone in the show.”
In addition to directing, Weber serves as the show’s scenic designer and costume designer. “I’ve wanted to do this show for years,” he said. “I’m doing a little more representational staging for the show that works well on this stage.”
Over-scaled books are stacked to make curving staircases that lead to platforms for the performers, for example.
Musically, the show is challenging and will be performed to pre-recorded tracks. Songs include “Oh, the Thinks You Can Think,” “Horton Hears a Who,” “How Lucky You Are,” “Horton Sits On An Egg” and “Green Eggs and Ham.” Rosemary Gast is music and vocal director, and choreographer is Rachel Kuehner.
Tickets are $30 for adults; $10 for students. They can be purchased at the box office Monday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. or before a show, online at www.MyCFCT.org, or by calling (319) 277-5283.
'John is a delight to work with, and we will miss his wit, his commitment, his knowledge and the incredible way he has of involving people in this organization he loves.' | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/cat-in-the-hat-horton-and-others-in-seussical-the-musical-opening-thursday-at-oster/article_955596c3-54bc-5752-865d-2756c1ce4761.html | 2022-08-04T02:32:16 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/cat-in-the-hat-horton-and-others-in-seussical-the-musical-opening-thursday-at-oster/article_955596c3-54bc-5752-865d-2756c1ce4761.html |
NEW ORLEANS — Valerie Walker sat on her front porch in the Treme neighborhood, clutching her son’s graduation picture.
“This is what I look at every night, now, I just look at that.” she said.
She had a remarkable relationship with her son.
“Anthony and I were very close. We didn’t just tolerate each other the way some parents and their children do. We were Frick and Frack. We were a team. We did everything together.”
Friday, her son, 18-year-old Anthony Clawson and a group of friends made their way into the Old Market Street Power Plant in the Lower Garden District and climbed to the roof.
“They went up to watch the sunset, sort of a last hurrah before they all went off to college,” Walker said.
She says on their way back down, something went very wrong.
“Anthony was in front of his friend, I guess sort of a girlfriend. He was testing the platform and he said 'it’s good.' She said 'no, I’m going to go around this way' and the platform he was on collapsed.”
Clawson fell 50 feet.
He died a day later from his injuries.
“It’s sort of a freak accident. He was this close to getting out of there.”
Walker didn’t know her son was going to the power plant that night.
But she said she had an inexplicable premonition something bad was going to happen.
“I never dreamed it would have been something so personal and horrific and tragic as losing my son in such an unfathomable way, to plunge to his death. He was poised for a brilliant life in every way," Walker said.
Clawson graduated from Ben Franklin High School and was headed to LSU on a full scholarship to study chemistry.
“He wished to use his skills, whatever they might have wound up being, Chemistry is a broad field, to help humanity,” his mother said.
Walker said her son spent the summer working at Antoine’s Restaurant.
“I went to see him at his last shift which was Monday a week ago. He had developed this sort of sneaky elegance and gracefulness and unobtrusively moving around as this busboy.”
Walker is now calling for New Orleans leaders to demand large, blighted properties be secured.
“Another sign of the lack of care of the city, of multiple administrations to do something about blight.
She said she would have gladly given her life for his, in a heartbeat.
“He was a shooting star. He was going to become a remarkable, remarkable man and that’s the real tragedy.”
Walker said she still hasn’t heard from the NOPD or the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office.
She’s now warning young people to stay away from blighted buildings. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/mother-teen-died-power-plant-fall-new-orleans-interview/289-f813a461-849c-42ea-8359-f38a6fef1d92 | 2022-08-04T02:37:14 | 1 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/mother-teen-died-power-plant-fall-new-orleans-interview/289-f813a461-849c-42ea-8359-f38a6fef1d92 |
ARKANSAS, USA — We are less than two weeks away from the start of a new school year in Arkansas, and students’ mental health is top of mind.
Mental health issues affect both student wellness and overall school safety, and it was a key part of school safety recommendations turned over to the governor earlier this week.
In its preliminary report, the state's School Safety Commission recommends expanding youth mental health training to all people interacting with students, not just school counselors. Members also stress the importance of giving all students equal access to mental health care, whether that’s in person or through Telehealth.
“Presently, access to mental health services for our students is inconsistent across our schools in Arkansas. The school is often the only resource for Telehealth, for mental health services that can be provided to a student,” Governor Asa Hutchinson said.
According to the CDC, more than 40% of teenagers state that they struggle with persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. And as kids return to school, Dr. Kevin Stephens says it’s important for teachers and parents to look out for kids who are struggling.
“If their grades have fallen for some unexpected reason, that’s a really good tip-off that something may be going on, if the child is withdrawn, if the child is having fights and disputes with other kids, and they seem to be ostracized and isolated,” said Kevin Stephens Sr., the chief medical officer for the Midsouth Region United Healthcare.
Stephens emphasizes the importance of parents or caretakers being transparent with kids about mental health.
“Once you expose your vulnerabilities, that opens a door to let your child expose their vulnerability,” Stephens said. He suggests that getting professional help is always an option.
“Don’t be isolated, and talk, look, listen, and reach out a hand to others, and I find when we all do that, this will be a much better place for us and our children,” Stephens said.
In another attempt to increase mental health assistance, the Biden Administration awarded funding to expand mental healthcare services in schools just this past week.
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Stream 5NEWS 24/7 on the 5+ app: How to watch the 5+ app on your streaming device | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/outreach/back-school-mental-health-arkansas/527-5088be68-e156-4935-8161-9143afb49564 | 2022-08-04T02:37:20 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/outreach/back-school-mental-health-arkansas/527-5088be68-e156-4935-8161-9143afb49564 |
TITUSVILLE, Fla. – The Titusville Playhouse in Brevard County is set to present its rendition of “The Spongebob Musical” Friday, based on the hit Nickelodeon children’s cartoon.
The theater’s website summarizes the musical’s plot as follows:
The stakes are higher than ever in this dynamic stage musical, as SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world. Chaos erupts. Lives hang in the balance. And just when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero rises up and takes center stage. The power of optimism really can save the world!
Titusville Playhouse
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Associate Artistic Director Niko Stamos told News 6 he is excited to be working on the show, as he is a big fan of the source material.
“I grew up on the TV show and was an avid fan from a young age,” Stamos said. “I had a collection of different paraphernalia from toys to clothing to decorations growing up — some of them will actually be used as props in the show. One of my favorite parts about Spongebob is that it melds a zany visual world of adventure with heart-warming friendships and acceptance of others.”
Stamos said the show will feature music written by a variety of artists, including Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith fame, Sara Bareilles, John Legend and Lady Antebellum.
As shown in photos shared with News 6, Stamos added that one of his favorite aspects of the musical’s production is its aesthetic.
“What excited me the most about doing Spongebob was being able to transform the entire space and utilize the whole theatre beyond just the stage,” he said. “The moment you walk into the theatre, you will be transformed under the water with scenic elements throughout the house, theatrical lighting transforming the space by José Santiago and even the scent of a tropical island.”
In addition, Stamos said the show will feature a live Foley musician in the audience to create cartoon sound effects, “Avant Garde” recycled materials for the show’s visuals and a “larger-than-life set that is full of tricks.”
“The Spongebob Musical” is set to premiere at the Titusville Playhouse Friday at 8 p.m. with additional performances running through Aug. 28.
Balcony seating starts at $25, and orchestra seating starts at $35. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the playhouse’s website here.
Check out every episode of Riff On This in the media player below: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/04/titusville-playhouse-to-present-the-spongebob-musical/ | 2022-08-04T02:37:30 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/04/titusville-playhouse-to-present-the-spongebob-musical/ |
Grab a backpack, get info on community resources and help a nonprofit Saturday in West Volusia
Multiple events aimed at helping residents will take place Saturday in West Volusia.
Interested in attending? Here's what you need to know:
Mayor's Backpack Giveaway in DeLand
The free annual event — a joint effort of the city, the Dr. Joyce M. Cusack Resource Center and several additional community partners — will take place from 8-10 a.m. at the amphitheater in Earl Brown Park, 815 S. Alabama Ave.
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Once in line, the student, or a parent, receives a ticket to exchange for one of the backpacks, 1,000 of which are available on a first-come, first-served basis, Shilretha Dixon, director of the Dr. Joyce M. Cusack Resource Center, said. The student, or parent, may then fill the backpack with free school supplies.
The event also includes:
- Refreshments and snacks.
- Free immunizations for children in kindergarten through seventh grade.
- Free blood-pressure, glucose and HIV testing.
- A couple of dozen health-related vendors.
Community Services Day in Deltona
The city is teaming up with the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, the Council on Aging and Deltona Strong for the free event at The Center at Deltona, 1640 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., from 8 a.m. to noon.
Residents can get free health screenings, such as testing for HIV and diabetes, and information on other health services, as well as career counseling, free legal aid and more.
Organizations interested in participating may register at deltonacares.org.
Backpack Buddies fundraiser in Orange City
The nonprofit, which works to provide food for children and families in need, is hosting a ticketed event to raise funds to support the organization's mission.
Backpack Buddies:Orange City-based nonprofit feeds children and others in need
"Night to End Hunger – Volusia" takes place from 6-10 p.m. at DeLand Motorsports and Outdoors, 1420 N. Volusia Ave. Parking is available at Advanced EmUrgent Care at 1639 N. Volusia Ave., and a shuttle will be available.
Tickets are $100 per person for the casino-themed event with 100% of the proceeds benefitting Backpack Buddies; black and white attire is requested.
The event includes hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, silent and live auctions, games and more.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit backpackbuddiesoc.org. | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2022/08/03/back-school-community-events-deland-deltona-orange-city-west-volusia-florida-saturday/10214775002/ | 2022-08-04T02:40:17 | 1 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2022/08/03/back-school-community-events-deland-deltona-orange-city-west-volusia-florida-saturday/10214775002/ |
BOISE, Idaho — A palette of bright-colored demonstrators stood outside the Idaho Supreme Court Building in support of Planned Parenthood and the organization’s lawsuits against the State of Idaho.
Planned Parenthood is looking to overturn two abortion laws in Idaho that restrict accessibility to the procedure. The state supreme court heard arguments Wednesday morning on the lawsuit.
Among the crowd of 30 stood people directly involved with Planned Parenthood, while others showed up in support of their position.
Kirsi Ball traveled nearly five hours from Rexburg to be in the mix.
"I'm glad they're actually talking about it. I'm glad they're considering it," Ball said. "They're taking away our right to choice. We don't have the choice about what we are going to do with our bodies anymore."
The two abortion laws in question are Senate Bill 1385 from the 2020 legislative session, colloquially known as a trigger law. The other is Senate Bill 1309 from the 2022 legislative session, colloquially known as the Texas-style heartbeat bill.
Planned Parenthood’s lawsuits against these laws have placed a temporary pause on their enforcement until the court can make a decision on whether the laws are legal or not.
In opposition to the laws, Ball stood outside the Idaho Supreme Court building steps listening to a live stream of the each side's argument.
"I was always the person that said, 'I am not going to be the woman who gets an abortion'," Ball said. "I was on bed rest. I was in the hospital multiple times throughout multiple pregnancies. I was suicidal and on suicide watch for both and no one [cared] about that. It was only about the children coming out afterwards."
Ball loves her children.
"They're the best part of my life," Ball said.
However, the emotional, mental, and physical toll truly pushed her to her limit. She doesn't think she could handle another pregnancy.
"If it came down to it, I would [have an abortion]. No question, because my kids are more important than a fetus" Ball said. "We need people to understand this affects us. There is a lot more of us than they think."
If forced to continue through with an unexpected pregnancy, Ball fears she couldn't work and provide for her family - and children - financially. Let alone, be the strong and present mother her two kids need from her now.
For now, all she can do it sit and wait on decision.
"They don't wanna hear stories, they don't wanna hear what happens, how it saved us or benefit us. They don't wanna hear the risks of pregnancy," Ball said.
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- Still reading this list? We're on YouTube, too: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/planned-parenthood-supporters-rally-at-idaho-supreme-court/277-f8e9583f-d67b-415c-bc7e-568f4243a945 | 2022-08-04T02:42:46 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/planned-parenthood-supporters-rally-at-idaho-supreme-court/277-f8e9583f-d67b-415c-bc7e-568f4243a945 |
BOISE, Idaho — After three people presumably drowned at Lucky Peak in the last two weeks, Ada County Parks and Waterways are reminding people of the importance of life jackets.
None of those individuals were wearing life jackets. The water at Lucky Peak is the same water that flows through the Boise River, which program and education specialist Robbie Sosin said is about 60 degrees.
Cold water can catch even the strongest swimmers off guard. With extremely hot temperatures outside, he said cold water can shock your system and can lead to muscle cramps.
Wearing a life jacket, he said, can help reduce the risk.
“Having that life jacket can really help you kind of get your bearings and not have to worry about sinking so much,” Sosin said. “And you can just have to worry about getting back to a boat or on your raft or on the banks.”
If you forget your life jacket or simply don’t own one, there are several life jacket loaner stations throughout Ada County.
Sosin also said wearing a life jacket is like wearing a seat belt – it is not everyone’s favorite thing to do but can help save your life if something bad happens.
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/wearing-life-jacket-the-importance-of-water-safety/277-9489bba8-02fc-4d05-bb69-66d0603e94b7 | 2022-08-04T02:42:52 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/wearing-life-jacket-the-importance-of-water-safety/277-9489bba8-02fc-4d05-bb69-66d0603e94b7 |
This weekend, the streets of Wilber, a town of close to 2,000 people, will be bright and bustling as festival goers from every corner of the country will gather for kolaches and traditional Czech fun.
Wilber’s biggest event, the Wilber Czech Festival, will celebrate its 61st annual weekend Friday through Sunday. The event is held in the Czech capital of the U.S.
Despite temperatures forecasted to reach triple digits, the event still hopes to see close to 50,000 visitors. Planning committee member Jen Pospisil said the festival attracts Czechs and Czech culture enthusiasts from all over the country.
“I'm always amazed by people who come,” Pospisil said. “They're willing to handle the heat.”
Czechs from Iowa, Minnesota, Texas and even overseas will congregate for cornhole, Czech dancing, parades and a beauty contest.
Graduates of Wilber-Clatonia High School will play in the alumni band during the festival. Pospisil, who grew up in Wilber, is one of the band members.
Pospisil has frequented the event since she was young. She said it’s helped to grow her Czech heritage.
She was raised with two sets of grandparents who spoke fluent Czech, so seeing fellow Czechs from other states feels like a massive family reunion. She also enjoys seeing her fellow graduates circle back to their hometown.
“It gives people a reason to reunite and get together,” Pospisil said.
Whether attendees are Czech or not, Pospisil guarantees they’ll have a wonderful time. The three-day itinerary is filled with family fun activities that range from costume exhibits to concerts.
Parades are scheduled Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.
But even though she believes the Czech festival can be enjoyed by all Nebraskans, its sentiment holds a personal meaning for Pospisil.
“It's really important to me,” she said. “This is my grandparents’ culture, their heritage that’s instilled in me.”
Jenna Thompson is a news intern who has previous writing and editing experience with her college paper and several literary journals. She is a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln pursuing degrees in English and journalism. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/wilber-czech-festival-expects-to-draw-thousands-despite-heat/article_e9137bf2-71a7-5cf6-9502-2aedf77565cb.html | 2022-08-04T02:43:58 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/wilber-czech-festival-expects-to-draw-thousands-despite-heat/article_e9137bf2-71a7-5cf6-9502-2aedf77565cb.html |
ATLANTA — Thursday marks one year since a massive fire damaged a bridge in the middle of Cheshire Bridge Road, leading to its eventual demolition.
Over the past year, drivers have been taking detours to get to work and home, and businesses in the area have struggled due to a lack of traffic along the road; some businesses have even closed.
On Wednesday, construction was visibly underway as crews poured concrete for the foundation of a new bridge.
"We would go eat at Taqueria del Sol every day and just walk across the bridge and now we have to take a 15 minute detour. To get to anything across the bridge is a problem," said Judd Swartzberg, while pointing across the creek the bridge once covered.
Swartzberg's family owns Swartz Co Commercial Real Estate. The company owns and has its offices in a retail property with multiple storefronts next to the bridge.
"We have had tenants leave due to the bridge," Swartzberg said. "We have vacancies we can't fill due to the bridge. It is just hard for businesses to make it when there is no traffic."
The traffic stopped on August 4, 2021 when the fire burned for hours, damaging the bridge and eventually rupturing a 40-inch gas line.
It took nearly three months for the bridge to be demolished and then six more months passed before the city signed a contract with C.W. Matthews Contracting to rebuild the bridge.
"I share the communities frustration with how long this has taken," Atlanta City Councilman Alex Wan said.
Wan believes the process for receiving and determining a winning bridge to have a contract signed took too long. The councilman was elected and took office during the middle of the process.
He became focused to make sure the contract was completed and took it into his own hands to carry it across the finish line.
"When I got into office I tried to get in and figure out how I could break the log jam. It was right in the middle of the procurement process," Wan said. "I was trying to check on it weekly and at the very end found out that all that was missing was one signature. I went down to city hall to dig it out of a bin to make sure the municipal clerk could certify it."
Construction is now expected to be completed by October 31.
In a statement, a spokesman with the Atlanta Department of Transportation said the project remains on schedule:
"The Notice to Proceed was issued to the contractor on April 27, 2022, and work began that day. Preliminary site investigations were completed before this date to keep the project on track. The contractor is completing the initial bridge design and construction at the site is currently underway. This project remains on schedule and will reopen to vehicular traffic, with a minimum of one lane in each direction, by October 31, 2022."
"The message is we are here, we survived, come see us. We would love to clean your car and have your business," said Matthew Bohannon, assistant manager of Soap Hand Car Wash along Cheshire Bridge Road.
He said the car wash just finished its worst July for sales in the last several years because of slow traffic.
He sums up the last year in one word: slow.
"Can't have any just drive-bys anymore, 'Oh, I'm going to get my car washed.' People actually have to know about us and come here," Bohannon said.
Wan said he is hopeful construction will be complete before October 31.
11Alive received a copy of the construction contract from the city showing the price tag for construction is $6,967,800.
The contractor, though, will be charged $1,000 per day for each day the project is late. There is also a $1,000 incentive for each day the project is completed early. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/bridge-fire-cheshire-bridge-road-atlanta-update-construction-timeline/85-8a2852b2-1ea8-4bd0-8012-fb875d39b13e | 2022-08-04T02:47:36 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/bridge-fire-cheshire-bridge-road-atlanta-update-construction-timeline/85-8a2852b2-1ea8-4bd0-8012-fb875d39b13e |
ATLANTA — Atlanta philanthropist and businessman Charles “Charlie” Loudermilk Sr. has passed away at the age of 95.
Loudermilk was a prominent businessman in the 1950s and the decades that followed. He founded Aaron Rents Inc. in Buckhead in 1955, "with just a $500 loan and a plan to lease furniture and appliances to the masses," 11Alive's partner The Atlanta Business Chronicle reported in a 2020 article. He built his business into a $3 billion rent-to-own company, now known as Aaron's Inc, the Atlanta Business Chronicle said.
"Loudermilk supplied tents to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, where former U.S. ambassador, Atlanta mayor and civil rights icon Andrew Young was serving as executive director," the same article said.
In a tweet, Gov. Brian Kemp said, "few men have contributed so much to the development of our state and capital city, especially the Buckhead community that he loved so much."
Kemp added Loudermilk's influence in the community helped form the Buckhead Coalition, civic groups, and charities throughout the southeast.
"Though we join the Loudermilk family in mourning his passing, we are also grateful that his impact on others will continue to be felt not only through his children and grandchildren, but also by looking up at the glistening Buckhead skyline," Gov. Kemps added.
In a statement, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said he is "deeply saddened" by Loudermilk's passing.
"Throughout his life, he remained devoted to ensuring Atlanta is a prosperous, unified and forward-thinking community. From his philanthropic efforts to his work integrating marginalized Atlanta businesses into the larger business community, his accomplishments were many and his actions matched his mantra of “work hard, dream big.” My thoughts are with his family and loved ones," Dickens said.
Atlanta City Council added in a statement that Loudermilk loved the City of Atlanta and "always looked to the future of our city and his life was a shining example of philanthropy and hard work. He will forever be remembered as a pillar of the community."
A park that sits between Roswell Road, Peachtree Road and Sardis was renamed in 2009 in his honor, according to the Buckhead Community Improvement District. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/charles-loudermilk-dies-atlanta/85-f5c98c32-c0f9-4782-be25-9be4f2fe7bf6 | 2022-08-04T02:47:36 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/charles-loudermilk-dies-atlanta/85-f5c98c32-c0f9-4782-be25-9be4f2fe7bf6 |
BRADENTON, Fla. — The Bradenton Police Department is looking for an 11-year-old boy who went missing early Tuesday morning, according to a news release.
At around 8 a.m., Gabrielle Norman ran away from the Family Resource Center on 6th Avenue W., police said in a statement.
Norman is about 5-foot, 1 inch, and weighs 100 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie and green shorts.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detecive Juan Torres at 941-932-9300. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/manateecounty/bradenton-missing-child-boy/67-c370f210-af69-470c-ade5-bdd82da3bcb1 | 2022-08-04T02:54:16 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/manateecounty/bradenton-missing-child-boy/67-c370f210-af69-470c-ade5-bdd82da3bcb1 |
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Petersburg assisted two people in a boat crash near McKay Bay on Tuesday.
Sector St. Pete command center watchstanders were alerted of a 18-foot boat colliding with a concrete piling at the 41 Bridge in McKay Bay, the Coast Guard said in a news release.
Boats with the Coast Guard and Hillsborough County Fire Department rescue crews arrived at the scene to help the people get off the boat.
“The Coast Guard urges boaters to check the weather before navigating to ensure the weather conditions are suitable to operate the vessel,” Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicholas Jennings said, Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg coxswain. “Not only should people verify the weather, it is also important for mariners to know their vessel's limitations when operating to avoid unfortunate situations.”
A rescue crew on a 45-foot response boat was reportedly able to safely transport the two people to Tampa General Hospital in stable condition.
The investigation of the incident is being led by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the news release mentioned. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/uscg-mckay-bay-boat-crash/67-e40cf20d-4007-4106-bff1-aed418935177 | 2022-08-04T02:54:17 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/uscg-mckay-bay-boat-crash/67-e40cf20d-4007-4106-bff1-aed418935177 |
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — Dozens of protestors gathered at the VA Hospital in Luzerne County to rally against the hospital's COVID policies.
Protestors believe the residents deserve more freedoms, like access to the outdoors and easier visitation requirements.
According to VA officials, the safety precautions have protected residents and staff from any significant COVID outbreaks.
The VA released a statement saying in part, "While outings are not currently being held, the residents have daily access to an outdoor courtyard with therapeutic musical lawn ornaments, gardening activities, swings, and benches."
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/dozens-protest-outside-va-hospital-over-covid-restrictions-wilkes-barre-wnep-policies/523-c56cf655-09c1-4510-bedb-3a14a43eb21e | 2022-08-04T03:05:13 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/dozens-protest-outside-va-hospital-over-covid-restrictions-wilkes-barre-wnep-policies/523-c56cf655-09c1-4510-bedb-3a14a43eb21e |
Two people were reported shot on the porch of a house located on 14th Avenue and 50th Street, across from the Imagination Station playground Wednesday night.
According to police radio traffic, shots were reportedly fired sometime around 6:40 p.m. noting two injured people and a report of a man who fled the scene with a weapon. Unconfirmed reports from witnesses said a man jumped onto the back porch of the house and ran to the front of the house and opened fire. One person was apparently shot in the face and the other was shot in the leg.
Police did confirm, on the department's Facebook, that the two people were in "serious condition."
Authorities blocked off 14th Avenue as they questioned witnesses and neighbors. Bystanders and passersby gathered outside of the crime scene and watched police investigate.
As of late Wednesday, the area was still an active crime scene and there were no suspects in custody, according to Sgt. Adam Jurgens of the Kenosha Police Department.
Police said they need cooperation from anyone who knows or saw what happened and are encouraged to call 262-605-5203 or Crime Stoppers at 262-656-7333.
The man who was killed Wednesday, July 20, in a traffic crash outside Burlington has been identified as 38-year-old Bruce Wardell Jr. of the Burlington area, according to the Walworth County Medical Examiner’s Office. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/watch-now-two-people-in-serious-condition-following-shooting-wednesday-night-at-14th-avenue-and/article_70b69684-1393-11ed-a570-d7083311afd1.html | 2022-08-04T03:12:18 | 1 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/watch-now-two-people-in-serious-condition-following-shooting-wednesday-night-at-14th-avenue-and/article_70b69684-1393-11ed-a570-d7083311afd1.html |
PHOENIX — Millions of veterans exposed to toxic waste could soon get more access to health care and disability benefits.
The Senate on Tuesday approved a bill to enhance health care and disability benefits for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The PACT Act, or the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxic bill, now goes to President Joe Biden's desk, and he says he is looking forward to signing it into law so those veterans "finally get the benefits and comprehensive health care they earned and deserve.”
A Valley veteran spoke with 12News, who said the passing of this bill is important to so many.
"We're not asking for a lot; we want to be taken care of," said Bradley Heck.
Heck served 32 years in the Army National Guard. He was sent on different missions and put on active duty three times, including a tour in Iraq in 2006.
He said when it came to disposing of trash, hazardous chemicals, and other waste there, items couldn't be buried because of the sand. So they would put it all in a hole in the ground, otherwise known as a burn pit.
"In our case, we had a burn pit that was probably, and I'm being conservative, probably the size of a football field," said Heck.
"One of the things we had to dispose of, we found an underground bunker that was an aviation fuel tank that had well over a million gallons of jet fuel. The problem was that we found the jet fuel had been contaminated with impurities. So there was literally a pipe that went from this bunker to the burn pit, and it was burning from when we lit it, and it was still burning when we left."
Heck came back to the States and started having serious health issues. He also found that he wasn't the only one.
"I basically had lost my taste," he said. "And so that, of course led into more investigations and found the reason I had lost my taste was my sinuses were full of polyps. And over the years and interfacing with other veterans, I'm starting to find out those of us, especially on bases with large burn pits, have ears, nose, and throat problems, respiratory issues, intestinal issues."
However, getting the necessary help from burn pit exposure has been difficult for millions. In most cases, patients are denied coverage.
"If I suspected a problem, I would have to prove I was at a base," Heck said. "I would have to prove I was within a certain distance of a burn pit, and of course, in my case, how do you go back to 2006 to documentation and witnesses and say 'yes, that's where I was?'"
This is where the PACT Act comes into play. The bi-partisan bill would allow veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins to get treatment without proof. It's expected that once passed, about 3.5 million men and women will be able to get medical help.
"I have lost a cousin from Agent Orange," Heck said. "He was in Vietnam. I have a brother-in-law who's dealing with bladder cancer also because of Agent Orange. We've already lost a lot of people to cancer and very weird diseases because of what we've been exposed to, but hopefully, we can lose less."
"I'm really excited," Heck said. "Thanks to the PACT Act, my brothers and sisters are going to be taken care of now."
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/valley-veteran-applauds-senates-approval-of-bill-to-aid-vets-exposed-to-toxic-burn-pits/75-c173c2cf-285c-42ba-b899-e47b397b9bdd | 2022-08-04T03:16:39 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/valley-veteran-applauds-senates-approval-of-bill-to-aid-vets-exposed-to-toxic-burn-pits/75-c173c2cf-285c-42ba-b899-e47b397b9bdd |
PHOENIX — Newly released body camera footage is giving insight into Phoenix police officers’ interactions with a man that they shot and killed last month.
Phoenix police responded to a group home near 111th Avenue and Camelback after staff called and said 22-year-old Matthew Begay was making suicidal statements and threatening to jump out of a window.
The manager of Angel Heart Behavioral Health told 12News the day after the July 19th incident that Begay was gentle and never aggressive.
“I was with him all the time, calling for help because he was going to jump out this window,” Aimee Nyirakanyana, the manager of the group home, said.
The body camera released through public records request made by 12News, shows police walking into the two-story home and finding Begay at the top of the stairs.
From the time police greet him, to when Begay pulls out a knife, officers talked with Begay for 15 minutes, according to the body camera video.
“How can we help you today man,” one of the officers is heard asking Begay.
“You can’t,” Begay is heard responding from the top of the stairs.
Begay is heard telling the officers to leave, telling them to talk to the staff and saying he doesn’t want to talk to anyone.
Officers tell him that they want to talk and get him resources.
The situation changes a few moments later after Begay pulls out a knife after an officer asks him, “Are you trying to fight? Is that what you’re trying to do?”
“I’m trying to die,” Begay responds.
At least one of the officers is heard telling Begay to drop the knife and Begay doesn’t.
“Unfortunately, he had in his mindset that he wanted to let the officers kill him,” former Phoenix police commander Mike Parra told 12News.
Another officer tries to tase Begay, but Phoenix police said it didn’t seem to work on Begay. Parra told 12News that it is rare, but it can happen.
Begay goes down the stairs some more in the video and that’s when an officer shoots Begay.
Police said Begay died at the hospital.
According to the incident report, Begay had been at the facility for about three weeks for drug addiction.
However, a missing person’s report filed by a family with the Gallup Police Department shows that Begay was reported missing out of New Mexico almost a month earlier.
The report also said other residents in the house told police Begay started acting differently a few days before.
Parra said even if the specially trained crisis intervention team officers were able to get to the call, he doesn’t know if this situation would have ended differently.
“But even if they were there, I think they would have had a difficult time trying to coax him into getting some assistance. I think the officers did a good job trying to convey a sense of assistance and communicate with him and build that rapport, but he was just not going to have any, any part of it,” Parra said.
Phoenix police said the incident is under both an internal and criminal investigation. Police told 12News that the incident is also still being reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
“We want to help people. We don't want to hurt people. Unfortunately, we can't let the other people hurt victims that we don't know about yet, and ourselves as well,” Parra said.
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Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/body-camera-footage-phoenix-police-shooting-killed-man-group-home/75-0708956e-dd22-4104-ab28-21ce484050d4 | 2022-08-04T03:16:45 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/body-camera-footage-phoenix-police-shooting-killed-man-group-home/75-0708956e-dd22-4104-ab28-21ce484050d4 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif — A burned up, abandoned boat was removed from the Sacramento River Wednesday.
The 85-foot “All American” caught on fire back in June, spilling oil, fuel and other hazardous material into the water.
After the clean up, the boat was left to sit in the river because of lack of funding to get it out. The county put in an emergency request to the State Lands Commission to help pay for the removal, which is approximately $97,000.
“These vessels sometimes that are sinkers, particularly commercial vessels that are very large, those are expensive to get out of the water," said Mary Fricke, spokesperson for the California Office of Spill Prevention & Response. "You can't leave them there, however you'll notice in the Delta there are some.”
The boat is now out of the water. It will be piled on a barge and taken to Vallejo for disposal.
ABC10: Watch, Download, Read
Watch more from ABC10: Fire damages about a dozen homes in North Sacramento | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/boat-removed-from-sacramento-river/103-029f2434-8965-43a8-a528-a2229f8dac8f | 2022-08-04T03:21:23 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/boat-removed-from-sacramento-river/103-029f2434-8965-43a8-a528-a2229f8dac8f |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After experiencing challenge after challenge, another downtown Sacramento business decided to close their doors.
The Odd Cookie Bakery Cafe and Bar owner said she's actually losing money every day she stays open. Residents who live and visit the area said it's devastating to see it close down.
"I dreamed of having a bakery as long as I can remember," said Anna Rodriguez who owns the Odd Cookie Bakery Cafe and Bar in Downtown Sacramento.
As a female and minority business owner, opening the doors to her business was a dream come true for Rodriguez, but she never expected that a pandemic would hit just a few weeks after opening.
She said COVID took over and there were issues with protests and shootings. It's made the last couple of years tough.
"I think the homeless situation is definitely an issue, but that stems from the more businesses that close, the more homeless people move into downtown. Us not being able to have any live music or entertainment (was) definitely probably our biggest issue," said Rodriguez.
It's forcing her to completely shut down her shop by the end of the month.
Gabriel Gomez, who lives across the street, said it's a huge loss for residents and visitors.
"I was actually pretty surprised, honestly, because you know, I've worked in nightlife - the whole industry - and I was hoping and I was expecting it to be a pretty successful business being that you know it has so many different options," Gomez said.
He also feels the downtown issues are a big deterrent for new businesses - business that he said could enhance downtown living.
"Sacramento just needs to do a better job in trying to clean up the streets (and) making sure the homeless is taking care of. Just from my observations with Odd Cookie, she's been going through a lot, you know - windows breaking, harassment, (and) people setting up camp," Gomez said.
The Odd Cookie's last day will be June 27. It'll be one last cookie party for the customers who supported Rodriguez all throughout the journey.
"I definitely have advice for the people of Sacramento: support your small businesses, especially downtown. If you like a business, they're struggling. I promise you, they need your help," Rodriguez said.
ABC10 reached out to the city of Sacramento in response to Rodriguez not being issued an entertainment license. They're statement is available below.
"The city of Sacramento's goal is to help businesses thrive and have tried working with the business to comply to city code to ensure the safety of their visitors, just as any other business would adhere to in the city."
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/odd-cookie-bar-sacramento/103-1b431e23-155d-46a2-8a57-3ea601549118 | 2022-08-04T03:21:24 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/odd-cookie-bar-sacramento/103-1b431e23-155d-46a2-8a57-3ea601549118 |
As a summer COVID wave shows signs of flattening, health experts are getting one step ahead, relying on a new Community Protection Dashboard to figure out how spikes elsewhere could impact North Texas.
“When we see something, for example, happening in New York and we see the beginning of a peak there, we're able to then to understand how similar or how different their situation is as it relates to infections, how many people have been vaccinated, how many people have been boosted, etc.,” said Steve Miff, Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation president and CEO.
Miff said his team worked in partnership with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, Civitas Networks for Health and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to grade nearly every county around the country based on current and past infections, vaccination rates and when those shots were given.
“We take all that together, and the timing that's associated with it, the impact of the variants and how protective these immunities are, and are able to bring them all together to calculate how protective our community is," he said. "If we see the emergence of a wave, how likely that is to materialize into something that's significant."
On a scale of 100, Dallas County currently has a community protection index, CPI, of 60.
Currently observed national rates show an average CPI of 51.6. Nationally, the CPI range is between 41 to 83, showing a tremendous variation at the county level.
“We’re above the average meaning that we're probably doing better than most other communities. But, there's also pockets and significant vulnerability,” said Miff.
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The latest news from around North Texas.
Especially, he said, because only 40% of Dallas County residents are boosted.
With the increase in the number of cases continuing to drop week over week, Miff said he’s encouraged though cautiously so with back to school just days away. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/north-texas-researchers-help-roll-out-new-covid-risk-dashboard/3039761/ | 2022-08-04T03:22:43 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/north-texas-researchers-help-roll-out-new-covid-risk-dashboard/3039761/ |
Three Hood County volunteer firefighters were injured after a fire started Wednesday, officials confirm to NBC 5.
The first firefighter suffered burns on 10% of his body, including his arms and face. He was flown to Parkland Health Burn Unit in Dallas. His condition is unknown at this time. Two others were treated at the scene for heat exhaustion and are both recovering.
The fire started north of Tolar and quickly grew in thick oak and juniper brush. Local volunteer firefighters responded and additional crews from surrounding fire departments joined to help Tolar FD.
As of Wednesday evening, the fire is an estimated 450 acres and 20% contained. Crews continue to respond and are building containment lines. Three fire bosses have dropped water on the fire to slow progression in the area.
This story is developing. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/three-firefighters-injured-in-hood-county-fire/3039732/ | 2022-08-04T03:22:49 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/three-firefighters-injured-in-hood-county-fire/3039732/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/new-del-legislation-aims-to-improve-teens-mental-health/3325138/ | 2022-08-04T03:31:14 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/new-del-legislation-aims-to-improve-teens-mental-health/3325138/ |
KILLEEN, Texas — Under the hot Texas summer sun, grass is dying, rain is nowhere to be found and what a city crew would consider a bad sign is becoming all too common.
A stream of water rising from below can be seen on streets across Killeen as water main breaks and leaks surge this summer.
"With the extreme weather that we have going on right now is definitely a busy time for water and sewer," said Killeen's Executive Director of Public Works Jeffery Reynolds.
Reynolds said the high temperatures and drought conditions Central Texas is facing is creating optimal conditions for pipes to break.
"Depending on the soil, the age of the pipes and the extreme dry weather -- it causes those pipes to shift," he explained.
Killeen crews worked 111 water main breaks in the last fiscal year, but they have already hit it this time around with two months to go in the current fiscal year.
Which has work overflowing for Chris Gambles Jr. and others who are part of the city of Killeen's Water and Sewer Division.
"We do a lot of things live and under pressure to prevent contamination or any of that from happening," Gambles Jr., a supervisor of the division, explained.
Meanwhile, Killeen residents are using 16 to 23 million gallons of water a day and even 28 million on the high end. Reynolds said usage is another leading cause to water main breaks and leaks.
"You have a lot of more usage of the water system because sprinklers, pools being filled so, the pressure on those lines increases tremendously," he explained. "The demand on the system is a lot greater so we have to just do our best to keep up."
The heat is not only hurting the 700 or more miles of pipes underground but also those on the job.
"It's taxing on these guys, mentally and physically to be out there," Reynolds said.
Crews are working extra hours as they're deep in jobs. With more water main breaks and leaks, some crews are even being called in after normal hours.
"We never want your water quality to be bad and we work long, strenuous hours because we care," Gambles Jr. said.
The City of Killeen has been in a water line rehab program for eight years now, which replaces lines throughout the city. It will help decrease water main breaks as a lot of older pipes tend to break or leak.
The city has asked Killeen residents to follow the Stage 1 Drought Contingency and Water Conservation Plan that was put in place Tuesday as it will help ease pressure on pipes. | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/heatwave-causes-more-water-main-breaks/500-f64cbd1d-6408-43ac-9ab9-ca8f2dcf7a5e | 2022-08-04T03:37:54 | 1 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/heatwave-causes-more-water-main-breaks/500-f64cbd1d-6408-43ac-9ab9-ca8f2dcf7a5e |
WACO, Texas — On Tuesday night, the Waco City council approved zoning permits for the Reagan House, a safe home for teenage victims of sex trafficking and exploitation.
The safe house had the support of County Sheriff Parnell McNamara and Detective Joseph Scaramucci. They agree that the children in Central Texas need a safe place after being the victim of a heinous crime.
"Some of these things that we have seen with these women, the way they've been mistreated, physically and emotionally, if I get to thinking about it, it's hard for me to sleep at night," McNamara said as he addressed the council. "Please consider the Reagan house is a transitional shelter."
Since 2007, 79,000 youth in Texas were victims of sex trafficking. In total, 313,000 victims when you include adults. The problem is clear. Unbound Waco Executive Director Kristi Hayes says they have unwavering community support.
"I feel like this house, the Reagan house is really the community's house," Hayes said. "We have Waco Family Medicine that is helping us through medical care. We have the Methodist Children's Home that's coming along and helping us with education. We have the Waco Advocacy Center who says we want to provide services too."
And Hayes says she sees a community in Waco that is willing to all lend a helping hand in the process.
"The community can help in so many different levels of volunteers resources, energy, so many people have a heart for this type of work. And just being informed, we have a lot of trainings and we want to make people aware of what's going on. Sometimes people don't even know that this is going on in our own community. And when they do they have that same kind of gut reaction like these these kids will have a safe space this will not happen on our watch." | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/waco-city-council-approves-reagan-house-for-teenage-sex-trafficking-victims-this-fall/500-5e12a5f0-b412-411e-87d4-f8405ab9e0ff | 2022-08-04T03:38:00 | 1 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/waco-city-council-approves-reagan-house-for-teenage-sex-trafficking-victims-this-fall/500-5e12a5f0-b412-411e-87d4-f8405ab9e0ff |
A 74-year-old retired schoolteacher from a New York City suburb was sentenced to 30 months in prison Wednesday for mailing dozens of violent threats to LGBTQ affiliated individuals, groups and businesses over several years.
According to prosecutors, Robert Fehring threatened to blow up the Stonewall Inn, a historic bar in Manhattan considered the birthplace of the gay rights movement. He also threatened to place explosives at 2021 New York City Pride march that would “make the 2016 Orlando Pulse Nightclub shooting look like a cakewalk,” referring to the 2016 attack in which 49 people were killed and dozens wounded at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
Other messages threatened to kill, shoot and bomb LGBTQ affiliated businesses and individuals, including an African American-owned barbershop in Brooklyn that Fehring wrote in one letter “is the perfect place for a bombing.”
Fehring pleaded guilty in February to mailing threatening communications through the postal service.
"We are disappointed in the length of the sentence, but Mr. Fehring is happy to be putting this nightmare behind him," his attorney, Glenn Obedin, said in an email. “He is deeply remorseful for what occurred, and looks forward to living quietly with his family once he has served his sentence.”
An FBI search of Fehring's home last November in Bayport, Long Island, yielded two loaded shotguns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition in addition to copies of letters containing threats. Investigators also found a stamped envelope addressed to an LGBTQ-affiliated attorney containing the remains of a dead bird, according to the U.S. attorney's office for the Eastern District of New York.
“Robert Fehring made heinous threats against members of the LGBTQ community in locations throughout New York, including Suffolk County, for nearly eight years,” Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison said in a statement. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of our department’s Hate Crimes Unit detectives and the diligent work of our law enforcement partners, Fehring is being held accountable for his crimes." | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/long-island-teacher-who-sent-threats-to-lgbtq-groups-sentenced-to-30-months-in-prison/3809107/ | 2022-08-04T03:43:08 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/long-island-teacher-who-sent-threats-to-lgbtq-groups-sentenced-to-30-months-in-prison/3809107/ |
What's the first thing you should do in the event of a fire? The New York City Fire Museum wants to teach you.
By collecting and preserving the history of the city's fire service, the museum aims to educate the public — especially children — on fire prevention and safety.
The building alone is part of history, as it's a renovated firehouse from 1904.
Walking through the museum, visitors are able to go over 10 exhibits, such as the 9/11 Memorial, tools and uniforms used on the job, and the fire-fighting apparatus.
The museum also has a temporary exhibit, which runs through August, that honors first responders for working throughout the pandemic. (Just to get an idea of the amount of calls 911 received, there were 6,527 calls placed in one day during the height of the pandemic — the highest ever.)
Fire Safety Tours are the second part of learning at the museum, which teaches participants about fire hazards in the home and how to prevent fires.
As students learn about how to keep themselves safe in a fire, the mock apartment is being filled with a smoke machine. Students then have to crawl their way through the smoke to get out safely on the other side.
News
Harriet Duren, retired firefighter and the fire safety director at the museum, said that in the event of a fire, she wants everyone to know one thing: "I always tell them not to hide. Get out. And once you get out, don't go back in."
News 4 also spoke to a retired firefighter that visits the museum every year. We asked him about the fires he's seen during his years of service.
"As far as fire, and the amount of damage it does, that hits you. But what really hits you is the effect it has on people. To see a family, lose their home. When you see children lose their homes, and they might not have the option of living somewhere else," said Keith O'Mara.
When the tour is over, participants also receive an FDNY Activity book that teaches what to do if a fire occurs, dangers/fire hazards in the home and how to be prepared.
The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For tickets and more information, visit the NYC Fire Museum website. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/stop-drop-roll-nyc-fire-musuem-teaches-importance-of-fire-safety/3806275/ | 2022-08-04T03:43:14 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/stop-drop-roll-nyc-fire-musuem-teaches-importance-of-fire-safety/3806275/ |
Fort Wayne’s largest college campus is welcoming a rare set of visitors – the Purdue University Board of Trustees.
The trustees, who often meet at the flagship West Lafayette campus, will conduct business at Purdue University Fort Wayne over two days, culminating with a meeting scheduled for 9:45 a.m. Friday in the Walb Student Union.
Mung Chiang, Purdue’s president-elect, will presumably join the board and university President Mitch Daniels on campus, said Ron Elsenbaumer, Purdue Fort Wayne chancellor.
“It’s a great opportunity for him to see firsthand what it is we do, what we look like, and what we have to offer,” Elsenbaumer said of Chiang, whose presidency begins Jan. 1.
But the 10 trustees could also use a refresher about the regional campus. The board last met in the Summit City about five years ago, Elsenbaumer said, noting it preceded his tenure by months. Since then, the board has welcomed new members, and IPFW, as the university was known, split into Purdue Fort Wayne and Indiana University Fort Wayne.
“So, the campus has changed,” Elsenbaumer said, calling the visit a “tremendous opportunity” for trustees to see the transformation.
Although fall classes don’t begin until Aug. 22, the chancellor said the trustees should see a lively campus due to new student orientation. He is eager to show them various facilities.
“It’s probably the best time of the year to see how beautiful our campus is,” Elsenbaumer said, noting the plants are in full bloom.
Elsenbaumer plans to share information about Purdue Fort Wayne during Friday’s board meeting. He didn’t provide specifics about his presentation Wednesday but said it will include local initiatives and “points of pride,” such as faculty and staff accomplishments.
The campus isn’t the only aspect local officials plan to show off to the out-of-town visitors. They will also explore Fort Wayne, including downtown.
It’s important for Purdue officials to see the relationship between the local campus and the region it calls home. The institution supports northeast Indiana, Elsenbaumer said, and the region supports the campus.
“We’re focused locally,” he said. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/purdue-fort-wayne-welcomes-purdue-university-trustees/article_972536a6-1364-11ed-84b2-2fc5a0d873e4.html | 2022-08-04T03:44:08 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/purdue-fort-wayne-welcomes-purdue-university-trustees/article_972536a6-1364-11ed-84b2-2fc5a0d873e4.html |
SALEM, Va. – On most days you can find Dr. Robyn Hakanson performing surgery at LewisGale Medical Center in Salem.
Hakanson has been an orthopedic surgeon for over 20 years – a field that’s predominantly filled with men.
“When you look at orthopedic surgery, about 6% of practicing orthopedic surgeons are women. So we’re a distinct minority in our field,” Hakanson said.
In 2006, Hakanson met with four other female orthopedic surgeons on a professional panel focused on the impact of arthritis on women, and what came out of the meeting would end up changing lives around the world.
The group founded the Women Orthopaedist Global Outreach non-profit organization, which is run entirely by females and focuses on providing full knee replacement surgeries in the developing world – for free.
“At least if you live in America you have a chance,” Hakanson said. “You don’t have a chance ever unless somebody like me goes there and brings this kind of surgery. So that’s what my colleagues and I do.”
Over the last fifteen years, the group has performed surgeries in five countries: Nepal, Guatemala (twice), Tanzania, Guyana, and the Republic of the Congo.
During their time in the Republic of the Congo, the team helped people while working inside former NBA star Dikembe Mutombo’s hospital, named after his mother.
The organization’s latest mission was going back to Guatemala. The team had already completed some surgeries back in 2010 during the organization’s second mission trip.
“We did 40 knee replacements and these were some very … very happy people. We went to an elementary school and we spent two complete days there and got new shoes for all of the kids who were in this school,” Hakanson said.
Whenever the organization plans a trip, Hakanson said they have to send about 9,000 pounds of equipment to the country to be ready. Cargo issues would have the team panicking days before some trips, but it always worked out – and in only a week.
“It’s all within a week. We do all of this within a week,” Hakanson said.
What started with five surgeons has now grown to nine ... still entirely all women. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/04/the-gift-of-mobility-salem-orthopedic-surgeon-changes-lives-through-non-profit/ | 2022-08-04T03:47:04 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/04/the-gift-of-mobility-salem-orthopedic-surgeon-changes-lives-through-non-profit/ |
Reno County election officials say many ballots from Tuesday's primary are left to count
While Tuesday night’s election tally ended with Reno County Commission candidate Randy Parks ahead in the race for the District 1 seat by six votes, county election officials advised the counting is far from over.
Both Parks and Hutchison businessman Cris Corey remained hopeful Wednesday that they could come out on top in the end.
Tuesday’s other contested commission race was likely decided, with close to 300 votes separating apparent winner Don Bogner from his closest contender, Mike Warren. But those results also remain unofficial until the Aug. 11 canvass.
Increase in Reno County voter turnout
Reno County Election Clerk Jenna Fager said there was an overall 42.5% voter turnout, with nearly half the county’s precincts recording 50% or better and nine surpassing 60%.
Medford Township recorded the highest participation at just under 72%.
County election staff continued the counting on Tuesday morning, going through ballots that voters didn’t wait around to ensure were accepted by counting machines and were spit back out.
Poll workers were to collect and hold these ballots in an envelope to review the next day.
Usually, an errant mark on the ballot causes that, Fager said, which may occur, for example, by a voter holding the ballot and marker in the same hand.
More news:Kris Kobach wins primary race for Kansas attorney general. His comeback isn't complete yet.
She didn’t have a total on the number of those ballots, but they were still being processed just before noon Wednesday.
“In Sumner (Township), a lot didn’t go through,” Fager said. “I don’t know if it was a problem with the scanner or what, but there was a good stack of those.”
There also are provisional ballots reviewed to see if they will be counted.
At the end of the night Tuesday, there were 429 ballots collected as provisional.
Some 50 of those, Fager said, involved the Commission District 1 race.
After reviewing them, staff will make recommendations to the canvassing board on Aug. 11 on which to count.
More:Tight Reno County Commission races likely to be decided at vote canvass
Mail ballots in Reno County
Also adding to the total are mail ballots not in yet, or that voters took to polling places.
The county sent out 1,849 mail ballots requested by voters. By Wednesday morning, 1,534 had been returned, leaving 315 still out. Historically, not all come back, but the rate for this election, like turnout, was pretty high.
By law, ballots postmarked by 7 p.m. Tuesday can be counted if they arrive at the clerk’s office by Friday close of business. They are processed at 3:30 p.m. each day, after they arrive in that day’s mail, and added to the total.
If a voter instead brought their mail ballot to the polling place, they also are counted later, Fager said. There were 16 of those.
The board of canvassers, which usually is composed of the sitting county commissioners or their designees, will meet at 9 a.m. a week from Thursday to start the process, which takes several hours since the ballots the board agrees to accept are then hand-counted.
The process in the County Annex conference room is open to the public.
“We try to be as transparent as possible,” Fager said, noting the process, including determining which ballots to count and which are not, is the same as it has been for many years.
“The election night results are always unofficial, up until canvass,” she said. “We want to make sure every legal vote is counted.” | https://www.hutchnews.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2022/08/03/hutchinson-reno-county-primary-election-results-ballots-counting/10134393002/ | 2022-08-04T03:58:06 | 1 | https://www.hutchnews.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2022/08/03/hutchinson-reno-county-primary-election-results-ballots-counting/10134393002/ |
South Jersey Surf's Monny Strickland 2 rounds the base after hitting a homerun against Buena Blue Dawgs pitcher Andrew Slade 27 during game three of the best-of-five championship series of the South Jersey South Shore Baseball League at Birch Grove Park in Northfield Wednesday Aug 3, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City
Edward Lea, Staff Photographer
Buena Blue Dawgs Denny Brady 44 steal second base against South Jersey Surf's Antonio Caraballo 22 during game three of the best-of-five championship series of the South Jersey South Shore Baseball League at Birch Grove Park in Northfield Wednesday Aug 3, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City
NORTHFIELD — The South Jersey Surf are one win away from repeating as South Jersey South Shore Baseball League champions.
The top-seeded Surf scored nine runs in the bottom of the fifth inning en route to a 10-0 victory over the second-seeded Buena Blue Dawgs in Game 3 of the SJSSBL best-of-five championship series at Birch Grove Park. The Surf won on the 10-run rule.
Cole Vanderslice pitched a five-inning complete game with five strikeouts. Monny Strickland went 3 for 3, including a solo home run in the first inning. Logan Petty went 2 for 2, including a grand slam that ended the game.
After losing the first game of the series Monday, the Surf won two straight and took a 2-1 series lead. The two teams will play Game 4 at 7 p.m. Thursday at Bruno Melini Park.
"It was special," Petty said of his game-ending hit. "We came into this series and knew it was going to be a dogfight the entire series. I've been seeing the ball super well all series. I was just happy I could help the team."
Petty is a Mainland Regional High School graduate and rising junior at Arcadia University in Pennsylvania. Petty drew a walk in the third inning, then doubled and scored and homered in the fifth as the team batted around during the rally.
"This was huge," Petty added. "Game 1, (Buena's) Denny Brady pitched a great game and he put his team on his back with a home run in the seventh (inning on Monday). We knew we had to bounce back."
Vanderslice agreed.
"We like to say the Surf never lose two in a row," the 2019 St. Augustine Prep graduate and rising senior at Villanova University said. "I don't think we have lost two in a row. It was a good way to bounce back, but we still have to finish the job."
In the bottom of the fifth, Antonio Caraballo reached on an error to start the inning for the Surf. Petty doubled to put two runners on with no outs. Fellow Mainland graduate Nick Atohi hit a two-run single that made the score 3-0. He advanced to second on the throw home.
Kevin Foreman walked, and Strickland singled to left to load the bases. Dante DiPalma then walked to score Atohi that made the lead 4-0. With no outs, Eric Fitzgerald hit a sacrifice fly to center that scored Foreman. Caden Dulin then walked to load the bases, and Jimmy Pasquale drew a bases loaded walk to score Strickland.
"It was good," said Strickland, an Egg Harbor Township High School and Rowan University graduate. "We needed that. We got off to a little bit of a slow start in the first two games, so getting on in the first inning uplifted the guys."
Added Vanderslice: "That's how it works. The bats get hot, and the team starts building off each other. It turned out to be a great win in five innings and we saved some energy for (Thursday)."
Buena left two runners stranded in each the first and second and innings. The Blue Dawgs also stranded one each in the third and fourth. Buena had four hits and drew four walks, so the opportunities were there. But Vanderslice and the Surf defense played great, including turning two double plays.
"It was a good day all around," Vanderslice said. "I got into a couple jams early, but I was able to pitch out of it because I have guys behind me I trust and will make the plays. It makes it easier to pitch when I have the guys behind me."
Luis Sauri went 2 for 3 for Buena. Auggie Uzdanovics doubled and singled. Andrew Slade struck out one in the loss. He kept the game close until the fifth and was taken out of the game after Atohi's two-run single.
"I tip my hat to him because he battled," Strickland said of Slade.
"We are looking to close it out (Thursday)," Strickland said. "We just have to keep hitting hard."
GALLERY: South Jersey Surf beat Buena Blue Dawgs in Game 3 of SJSSBL finals
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South Jersey Surf's Monny Strickland 2 rounds the base after hitting a homerun against Buena Blue Dawgs pitcher Andrew Slade 27 during game three of the best-of-five championship series of the South Jersey South Shore Baseball League at Birch Grove Park in Northfield Wednesday Aug 3, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City
Buena Blue Dawgs Denny Brady 44 steal second base against South Jersey Surf's Antonio Caraballo 22 during game three of the best-of-five championship series of the South Jersey South Shore Baseball League at Birch Grove Park in Northfield Wednesday Aug 3, 2022. Edward Lea Staff Photographer / Press of Atlantic City | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/surf-rally-in-fifth-one-win-away-from-sjssbl-title/article_38fdc504-135d-11ed-878d-bf73c4283c4d.html | 2022-08-04T04:00:06 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/surf-rally-in-fifth-one-win-away-from-sjssbl-title/article_38fdc504-135d-11ed-878d-bf73c4283c4d.html |
WISE COUNTY, Texas — Crews are on the scene of a large grass fire in Wise County.
The county's emergency management department says the fire is happening at Pioneer Road and U.S. 287 near Rhome.
The fire has burned about 100 to 150 acres, according to officials.
Officials say the fire has also caused power outages in the area. Around 1,100 customers were without power as of 10:30 p.m., according to the emergency management department.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
Further details were not immediately released.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is released. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/large-grass-fire-rhome-wise-county-texas/287-f086a45f-11ef-44c1-b086-cbea37cbc54e | 2022-08-04T04:00:52 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/large-grass-fire-rhome-wise-county-texas/287-f086a45f-11ef-44c1-b086-cbea37cbc54e |
The deceased are from Tucson unless otherwise noted.
Adams, Lewis D., 79, police officer, July 23, Carrillo’s.
Beemer, Wilbur, 92, dirt contractor, July 28, Hudgel’s Swan.
Borboa, Arcadio, 95, civil service worker for Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, July 22, Avenidas Cremation.
Brown, Viola, 89, communications, July 24, Hudgel’s Swan.
Calusis, Michael, 94, pharmacist, July 14, Hudgel’s Swan.
Chase, Carlos J., 81, counselor, July 27, Hudgel’s Swan.
Coughenour, Ronald L., 75, bus driver, July 27, Hudgel’s Swan.
Cryar, Laurel, 78, bookkeeper, July 10, East Lawn.
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Davidson, Elia Aguilar, 79, home health aide, July 24, Carrillo’s.
Debise, Roy A., 61, July 29, Hudgel’s Swan.
Grugevich, Mary, 98, beautician, June 11, East Lawn.
Gutierrez, Ida Meraz, 80, homemaker, July 24, Carrillo’s.
Hinsley, Richard T., 71, window cleaning, July 24, Hudgel’s Swan.
Jacquez, Quentin Rey, 17, student, July 22, Carrillo’s.
Langan, Laura, 93, homemaker, July 19, East Lawn.
Liechty, Beverly J., 83, business owner, July 15, Hudgel’s Swan.
Lucas, Peter B., 76, artist/painter, July 26, Hudgel’s Swan.
Martinez, Tito, 79, truck driver, July 25, Carrillo’s.
McGinley, Linda, 74, teacher, July 20, East Lawn.
McKenzie, Naja E., 75, researcher, July 11, Hudgel’s Swan.
Miranda, Manuel (also known as Juan M. Miranda), 93, technical sergeant, July 21, Carrillo’s.
Moore, Michael, 78, July 31, Hudgel’s Swan.
Munsen, Katherine S., 101, dietician, July 20, Hudgel’s Swan.
Murphy-Koski, Alissa, 52, staffing coordinator, July 20, East Lawn.
O’Brien, Gary Jr., 50, master sergeant, July 18, East Lawn.
Pesqueira, Ruth H., 84, homemaker, July 24, Carrillo’s.
Pittman, Dillon, 34, caregiver, July 15, East Lawn.
Richards, Betty B., 79, July 29, Hudgel’s Swan.
Shickel, Scott, 33, automotive teacher, July 16, East Lawn.
Valverde, Maclovia, 89, homemaker, June 30, East Lawn.
Wedge, Mary, 86, teacher, July 19, East Lawn.
Williams, Gene A., 84, truck driver, July 27, Hudgel’s Swan.
Wright, Edna, 76, nurse, July 24, Hudgel’s Swan. | https://tucson.com/news/local/deaths-in-southern-arizona/article_302e4b0a-129b-11ed-a247-cb8ae224360c.html | 2022-08-04T04:02:24 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/deaths-in-southern-arizona/article_302e4b0a-129b-11ed-a247-cb8ae224360c.html |
FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — Skateboarders say the proposed site for a new Operations and Maintenance Facility in Federal Way is threatening a space that they love.
The city was considering a few different sites for the facility, with the Steel Lake Skate Park a top choice at this point. That has motivated people to speak up at city hall.
For the last two decades, David Waite has worked at 35th Avenue Skateboards, which is not far from Federal Way’s only skate park.
“To lose any kind of space like that. It's really just kind of a tragedy,” said Waite.
Waite adds that it is much more than a skate park for the spot’s regulars.
“To them, it's like all this space is sacred. Like they can't take this away. So, they were definitely pretty passionate about it,” he said.
That passion was clear when Waite posted about the potential plans for the park on social media.
“It seemed like the community really just went crazy,” Waite said.
What followed was a long line of speakers at a city council meeting last month.
“I came here on behalf of the local skate community,” one speaker said.
Another speaker told city council members that the park “is important to my exercise and mental health.”
“I have been ten years on the council and eight and a half as Mayor. I think this is one of the best public comments I think I have ever sat through,” said Mayor Jim Ferrell.
“It is not a done deal,” said Suzanne Vargo, a Federal Way resident.
Vargo wants the city to find a different location altogether.
“I hope they listened to the citizens for once. I hope they follow their growth management plan and get creative,” said Vargo.
Waite said there is talk at city hall of building a new skate park if this one is removed.
“I'm hoping the city sees it as the opportunity to create something in the Central Sounds like here we could have this creative, artistic kind of space,” said Waite. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/federal-way/skateboarders-want-save-federal-way-park/281-3b9e9bbe-ed39-47e3-8a0f-7c5722e9b00f | 2022-08-04T04:07:13 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/federal-way/skateboarders-want-save-federal-way-park/281-3b9e9bbe-ed39-47e3-8a0f-7c5722e9b00f |
HUNTER'S CREEK, Fla. – An Orange County community is installing new traffic-calming devices to help slow drivers near a deadly intersection where a 15-year-old was run over by a car while riding his bicycle.
Since News 6′s coverage of 15-year-old Domonique Smith’s death in February, Hunter’s Creek and Orange County leaders have been putting in the work to make a difference for local residents.
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Drivers in the Mallard Cove neighborhood have a new sign warning drivers to watch for pedestrians, clearer views for oncoming traffic and — just down the road — radars to tell drivers to slow down.
All this is great news for one family, which told News 6 these changes will help prevent other families from sharing in their loss.
“Being in Orlando near the crash site, it was just still too painful, and we just had to move,” said Cherry Smith, mother of Domonique Smith.
Cherry Smith says while she is sad to have to leave the Hunter’s Creek area but is happy her son helped create change.
It was at the intersection off of Mallard Cove Boulevard and Town Center Boulevard where Domonique Smith was riding his bicycle in the crosswalk before being hit by a vehicle and killed.
Florida Highway Patrol said the vehicle was attempting to make a right turn.
Neighbors called for action to prevent another death.
Mariela, a neighbor living in the Mallard Cove neighborhood, in a previous interview said, “A stop sign is not doing enough. It’s good, but it’s not doing enough.”
She was followed by Cherry Smith, who also said, “It has to be a change. They need to do something about that section, that intersection”
Those cries heard, in a statement from the Hunter’s Creek Community Association, which said it got results:
Orange County Public Works responded to Hunter’s Creek resident concerns regarding speeding on Town Center Boulevard and Town Center Boulevard and Mallard Cove intersection safety concerns (the site of two fatal accidents).
Orange County completed a line of site intersection study. In addition to directed and increased speed enforcement by the Hunter’s Creek off duty deputy program , two digital radar speed signs have been installed on the west and eastbound approach to the intersection. These actions have resulted in traffic calming. Orange County also enhanced Mallard Cove Blvd with additional intersection striping and sidewalk pedestrian signage.
Additionally, the Mallard Cove neighborhood removed mature Ligustrum trees at the neighborhood entrance, enhancing the approach to Town Center Boulevard while exiting the neighborhood.
Michelle Ouimet, General Manager
“I just want to thank you for all the work you guys put in. It made me feel a little bit better knowing someone else’s child or person that they love won’t have to experience what I’ve experienced,” Cherry Smith said.
According to the Hunter’s Creek Community Association, the changes made near this intersection have been working to calm traffic.
Cherry Smith left this message to drivers in the area: “You know, just be careful. Slow down, and think about people as if it was your loved ones that you’re watching for.”
The Hunter’s Creek Community Association said they’re not done getting results yet. Orange County Public Works is set to do another traffic study from Orange Blossom Trail to west of Shingle Creek. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/04/hunters-creek-installs-traffic-calming-devices-near-deadly-intersection/ | 2022-08-04T04:08:48 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/04/hunters-creek-installs-traffic-calming-devices-near-deadly-intersection/ |
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – The staff at Pineapple’s in Melbourne were excited Wednesday evening — just hours before their boss is scheduled to launch into space.
Brevard County businessman Steve Young is set to launch inside Blue Origin’s New Shepard capsule Thursday morning from a Texas launch site.
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Jake Bertrand works at Pineapple’s and said his colleagues will watch the launch together.
“I’m really excited for him. We have a launch party going on tomorrow morning on the second floor. In the moon room, we will watch him go up to space,” Bertrand said.
Michael Edgar said everyone has been following the journey closely, and they are filled with anticipation ahead of the launch.
“To know somebody who is going up there and to speak with them afterwards — so it’s even cooler to be like, ‘How was space?’” Edgar said.
Blue Origin’s Shepard Crew capsule is set to launch the company’s third human flight of the year and 22 total launches for the company.
Young and his wife arrived in Texas earlier this week where he’s been participating in training exercises.
“I can’t wait to talk to him, sit down and be like, ‘How was it?’ I know everyone is going to ask those questions, so I’m probably going to wait a few weeks,” Edgar said.
The launch window begins 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Blue Origin shares that launch date with United Launch Alliance and SpaceX. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/04/im-really-excited-for-him-workers-react-to-melbourne-businessman-launching-into-space/ | 2022-08-04T04:08:56 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/04/im-really-excited-for-him-workers-react-to-melbourne-businessman-launching-into-space/ |
THONOTOSASSA, Fla. — A 34-year-old man was transported to the hospital after being bitten by an alligator in Lake Thonotosassa Wednesday afternoon, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
At around 3:45 p.m., FWC, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and Fire Rescue responded to a call of an alligator bite.
The man from Brandon was taken to the hospital with unknown injuries. He was swimming in the lake at the time that he was bitten, FWC says.
FWC was able to dispatch a contracted nuisance alligator trapper in the area.
In the event that you're concerned about an alligator, FWC has a Nuisance Alligator Hotline you can call at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). Gators less than 4 feet long are not large enough to be a danger to people or pets, FWC says, unless handled. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/man-bit-alligator-lake-thonotosassa/67-f4305d39-e4ad-42eb-b2b6-b92a3166f001 | 2022-08-04T04:27:02 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/man-bit-alligator-lake-thonotosassa/67-f4305d39-e4ad-42eb-b2b6-b92a3166f001 |
LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. — A 20-year-old man riding on a motorcycle died in a crash involving two other cars in Lakewood Ranch on Wednesday, Florida Highway Patrol said in a news release.
The motorcyclist was driving north on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard when he passed slower traffic on the bike only lane, troopers say.
Another car driving northbound on the same road was turning left to head south and that is when the 20-year-old crashed into the left side of the car, FHP says.
The man then reportedly fell off of his motorcycle and landed on the road. Manatee County EMS says the 20-year-old man was pronounced dead at the crash.
Authorities say the hit by the motorcycle caused the car to spin counterclockwise and crash into another car that was stopped due to the crash.
The driver in the car that was hit by the motorcycle faced serious injuries and the other driver did not have any injuries, troopers say. The investigation of the crash remains ongoing, FHP says. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/manateecounty/1-dead-lakewood-ranch-crash/67-51b6a2bd-1ada-4720-9d0d-ae02d340727e | 2022-08-04T04:27:03 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/manateecounty/1-dead-lakewood-ranch-crash/67-51b6a2bd-1ada-4720-9d0d-ae02d340727e |
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A few dozen people spent the night sleeping outside of St. Petersburg City Hall on Wednesday as they push for leaders to take action on rising rent in the city.
The demonstration was organized by the St. Petersburg Tenants Union.
In a news release, St. Petersburg Tenants Union organizer Jack Wallace wrote the effort was to "demand that the Welch administration and City Council declare a housing state of emergency once and for all and let the people vote on rent control."
"Tampa and Orange County have moved forward with declaring a state of emergency and will vote for rent control on their November ballots," he continued in his statement. "We need the same here in St. Pete, where rents are up 22.4% compared to last year."
Jenna Sierra was among the demonstrators on Wednesday, with the 'sleep-in' falling on the same day the lease on her old apartment expired. Now, she no longer lives in St. Pete.
"I just went today and I gave my key back. It was sad," Sierra said.
The student and service worker said she'd been living in a two-bedroom apartment with a roommate, but then her rent went up from $1,300 to $1,800, which was more than she could pay.
So this week, she moved back home to Dover.
"I'm not alone," Sierra said. "All of my friends have some kind of advice for me because they just went through something else."
Susan Pomory is a retired school teacher and is worried about getting priced out of the city she has lived in her entire life. She said it's already happened to her son.
"My son, who works for the city of St. Petersburg Water Department, he cannot afford to live here, to rent, and that's a city worker job." she said.
City leaders said on Wednesday the issue of affordable housing is a priority.
“Housing has been a fundamental priority for our administration since day one, and is one of our five Pillars for Progress," St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch said in a statement. "We are working diligently with City staff to identify and implement strategies to provide more affordable and workforce housing units in response to rising rents and homeownership costs."
"Participants in the planned sleep-in at City Hall are exercising their First Amendment rights and are welcome to speak during public comment at Thursday's City Council meeting," Welch continued. "We have had conversations with the Tenants’ Union about this issue and appreciate their ongoing engagement.”
On Tuesday, the Pinellas County Commission gave the OK on a tenant bill of rights. St. Petersburg already has a tenant bill of rights, but the county one takes protections for renters a step further.
10 Tampa Bay asked the city on Wednesday whether they will adopt the county one and they say they've not yet had any discussions about it. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/protestors-sleep-st-pete-city-hall-rising-rent-awareness/67-06fb90fe-377d-487d-8310-e3e0e074d18d | 2022-08-04T04:27:04 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/protestors-sleep-st-pete-city-hall-rising-rent-awareness/67-06fb90fe-377d-487d-8310-e3e0e074d18d |
2 people found dead at Macomb Township home, officials say
Mark Hicks
The Detroit News
Authorities are investigating the deaths of two people found Wednesday in Macomb Township.
Macomb County Sheriff's deputies were called to a home on Downing Street near 22 Mile in the afternoon for a welfare check, representatives said in a statement.
They entered the residence and found two bodies inside, according to the release.
The manner of death was not yet known, the Sheriff's Office said.
Investigators did not release other details.
The Sheriff's Office said it "does not believe there is any threat to the community." | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/macomb-county/2022/08/03/2-people-found-dead-macomb-township-home-officials-say/10232788002/ | 2022-08-04T04:28:00 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/macomb-county/2022/08/03/2-people-found-dead-macomb-township-home-officials-say/10232788002/ |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — It is now one month away from the kickoff for the Alabama Crimson Tide football season, but the voice of the team will stay on the sidelines. Eli Gold, 68, has done play-by-play for the Tide for half of his life. Due to health reasons, officials announced Wednesday he will not be behind the mic this year.
Gold was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. In addition to doing play-by-play for Alabama football, he has done so for hockey, he was the first to do it for UAB Blazers basketball and four years with the Birmingham Barons.
On Wednesday we spoke with fans at the Barons to see how they are feeling about Gold’s absence this season.
“It’s going to be different, it’s going to be different,” Greg Moore from Hoover said. “It sure is.”
This is an adjustment Alabama fans will have to make this year at kickoff against the Utah State Aggies.
“Just kind of leave me speechless, you know? But wow, it’s going to be devastating because he’s pretty much the voice of the game for Alabama,” Anthony Weston from Gadsden said.
For other Alabama fans, it’ll be a familiar but new sound behind the microphone. In a news release, officials said Chris Stewart who does play-by-play for Alabama basketball and baseball will serve as Gold’s backup.
“It’s going to have a different feel I’m sure, but Chris is great,” Stan Forehand from Trussville said. “Chris Stewart is great. I think it’ll be good.”
Morning Jox Co-Host Landrum Roberts interned with Gold when he started his career.
“I was his producer. Got to learn a lot about the profession, not only sports radio but play-by-play which has been a passion of mine for years and years,” Roberts said. “It’s going to be a familiar voice. It should be a smooth transition.”
Everyone hopeful to hear him call the games again soon.
“We be praying for him and praying for the Alabama Nation,” Weston said. “It’s going to be a big hole to fill if he can’t come back, but I hope he can.”
Stewart will now host “The Nick Saban Show” and “Hey, Coach” broadcasts when they return on Thursday the 18. Officials have not said how long we can expect Gold to be absent. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/crimson-tide-fans-hopeful-for-quick-return-of-eli-gold/ | 2022-08-04T04:35:00 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/crimson-tide-fans-hopeful-for-quick-return-of-eli-gold/ |
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — Thousands of University of Alabama students are moving back onto campus on Wednesday to start their early move-in process. Freshmen ladies spent the morning moving into the new Julia Tutwiler Hall dormitory.
Student Ruby Lieberknecht and her mother drove all the way from Yakima, Washington so she could move into the new dorm to begin her journey at UA.
“I get to go to football games and meet so many new people and join a sorority hopefully,” Lieberknecht said. “It’s so exciting.”
The new Tutwiler cost $145 million to build. As many of its residents move in this week, just over 2,500 will be participating in sorority recruitment, which begins Saturday.
The new Tutwiler Hall has a bed capacity of 1,284 and will feature state-of-the-art furnishings and amenities, with a hybrid community-apartment style setup of double-capacity bedrooms. Each room will feature two twin beds with a shared private bathroom.
New UA student Grayson Barnett was also excited to move in and start her college career.
“This is lots of fun [and] there’s lots of stuff to move in, that’s for sure, but I am excited to get started with school and all that stuff,” Barnett said.
The building will also feature public community spaces with TVs and whiteboards, outdoor social spaces, laundry rooms on each floor, a fitness area, a craft room and a large storm shelter which will also serve as a multipurpose room. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/ua-students-begin-early-move-in-back-to-campus/ | 2022-08-04T04:35:06 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/ua-students-begin-early-move-in-back-to-campus/ |
Two people were reported shot on the porch of a house located on 14th Avenue and 50th Street, across from the Imagination Station playground Wednesday night.
According to police radio traffic, shots were reportedly fired sometime around 6:40 p.m. noting two injured people and a report of a man who fled the scene with a weapon. Unconfirmed reports from witnesses said a man jumped onto the back porch of the house and ran to the front of the house and opened fire. One person was apparently shot in the face and the other was shot in the leg.
Police did confirm, on the department's Facebook, that the two people were in "serious condition." They were transported from local hospitals to Milwaukee-area hospitals for treatment, police said.
Authorities blocked off 14th Avenue as they questioned witnesses and neighbors. Bystanders and passersby gathered outside of the crime scene and watched police investigate.
As of late Wednesday, the area was still an active crime scene and there were no suspects in custody, according to Sgt. Adam Jurgens of the Kenosha Police Department.
Police said they need cooperation from anyone who knows or saw what happened and are encouraged to call 262-605-5203 or Crime Stoppers at 262-656-7333. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/update-watch-now-two-people-in-serious-condition-transferred-to-milwaukee-area-hospitals-following-shooting/article_70b69684-1393-11ed-a570-d7083311afd1.html | 2022-08-04T04:43:35 | 1 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/update-watch-now-two-people-in-serious-condition-transferred-to-milwaukee-area-hospitals-following-shooting/article_70b69684-1393-11ed-a570-d7083311afd1.html |
SAN ANTONIO — KENS 5 is learning new information about the man murdered inside an LA Fitness on Monday. The family tells KENS 5 Brandon Marquis Broadnax was the man working out when he was shot and killed.
The man accused of pulling the trigger, Jessie Marquis MacWilliams, is still behind bars.
The victim’s sister Kim said her brother did not know the suspect. She said she doesn't know why he was targeted. The murder happened on her birthday.
"My brother is not a violent person," she said. "He is the peacemaker of the family. He just worked went to church. "There is no reason for my brother to have been taken from us."
She said her brother's birthday is next week on August 10. He was going to turn 35-years-old. He was a brick layer who provided for his kids. Every week, she said Broadnax went to work, church, and the gym.
"We just found out while he was working out, I am trying to remain respectful, this individual just took my brother's life," the sister said. "We don't know why. We are trying to wrap our minds around you know what transpired. What happened. Why was my brother targeted? There is no incident of him and this guy knowing each other or ever having an altercation."
San Antonio Police are still investigating the why too. Investigators say MacWilliams walked into the gym off 410 and Blanco just before 7 Monday evening, and shot the victim in the head.
"I am sorry you are a coward enough to shoot my brother in the back of the head," the sister said. "Who does that? What did he do to you? These are the questions we have. Who gave you the right to play God with my brother's life?"
As of Wednesday night, the medical examiner has not positively identified Broadnax. The family is waiting on that too so they can proceed with his funeral.
This makes the second deadly shooting at this gym in a little more than a year. The one in July 2021 happened in the parking lot. The LA Fitness location is back open as of Wednesday. There was a sign posted on the door that read: "Due to certain circumstances all gym bags must be in locker room or held at the front. Bags are not allowed on the gym floor.
KENS 5 also sent its corporate media communications team an email about any possible changes in security, we are still waiting on a response. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/san-antonio-la-fitness-shooting-update-man-killed-identity/273-56660f1f-ffc8-42b9-818c-dcabdba72f66 | 2022-08-04T04:44:21 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/san-antonio-la-fitness-shooting-update-man-killed-identity/273-56660f1f-ffc8-42b9-818c-dcabdba72f66 |
Flames from a vehicle ignited a grass fire that consumed more than 100 acres Wednesday night in Wise County, prompting evacuations, authorities say.
First responders were first called at about 9 p.m. off U.S. 287 and Pioneer Road, along the northern edge of the city of Rhome, said Cody Powell, Wise County Emergency Management Coordinator.
Multiple fire crews were responding to the scene where 100-150 acres are believed to have burned so far, Powell said.
A number of homes in the area have been evacuated and residents near the fire should prepare to evacuate, Powell said.
"Anyone North of 4460 and West of Deep Creek Rd should be prepared to evacuate," Wise County Office of Emergency Management said on social media. "Some evacuations are in progress on Deep Creek Rd and County Road 4227. Anyone asked to evacuate should be prepared to head west or south."
There have been no reports of injuries as of this writing.
Early information was limited as the story is developing.
Check back and refresh this page for the latest updates. As developments unfold, elements of this story may change. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/flames-spread-from-vehicle-and-ignite-grass-fire-in-wise-county-fire-crews-say/3039771/ | 2022-08-04T04:54:19 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/flames-spread-from-vehicle-and-ignite-grass-fire-in-wise-county-fire-crews-say/3039771/ |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After California prison officials reported a third inmate killing at one of its prisons within a week, advocates for incarcerated people said the violence behind bars is only going to get worse.
They're speaking out due to a housing policy change the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) laid out in an April 11 memo sent to inmates.
"In the past, CDCR was faced with violence in prisons, and there was concern over housing certain Security Threat Groups (STG) together in General Population (GP) settings. As a result, CDCR housed certain rival STGs separate from one another," the memo said. "However, that current policy does not align with CDCR's current mission."
With rival prison groups and gangs no longer being housed separately based solely on affiliation, Renee Aragon, founder of We Are Their Voices, said the safety of all incarcerated people are put further at risk, even those without affiliation to any groups.
"This is a guaranteed way that they won't come home, because (CDCR) know they've created a hostile, brutal environment with violence," she told ABC10. "They know what's going to happen because they created the environment."
Aragon lead a protest in front of Sacramento County Jail on July 11 with members of her advocacy group over the policy shift. The California-based group of just over 3,000 members is a hub for providing support and resources to loved ones of incarcerated people.
Aragon said she and other advocates won't stop protesting until the policy is reverted and integration of rival groups reversed.
To read the full memo, view the PDF below.
CDCR inmate integration policy
Most prisons do not house rival Security Threat Group factions together, said Division of Adult Institutions Director for CDCR Connie Gipson in a memo to prisoners, but the few prisons that have are successful.
One of the reasons cited by Gipson for the policy change was to expand opportunities for all General Population inmates to participate in rehabilitation programs.
Rather than group or gang affiliation being a deciding factor in an incarcerated person's housing assignment, only their demonstrated willingness to participate in programs will determine their housing.
'These individuals don't get along, they're going to fight (and) they're going to get denied parole. And then the worst case scenario is they're not going to make it home at all," Aragon said.
The CDCR oversees 34 adult prisons with a population of about 97,000 people, though Gov. Gavin Newsom could close down three of those prisons by 2025 to save money and accommodate the decrease in inmates.
However, Aragon said if inmates are receiving longer sentences and being denied parole for perceived violations behind bars, it could slow down the process of shutting down state prisons and cut their funding.
Fellow advocate Juanita Roina said families are not immediately notified when their loved ones get injured or end up in the hospital.
Another memo from Gipson dated April 11 said the integration of rival groups will be slow and methodical, and those caught participating in violence will be taken out of the General Population.
Incarcerated people who cooperate with the integration may be eligible to be housed in a lower security prison—those unwilling to comply may be housed at a higher security prison.
"This is consistent with CDCR’s move away from an affiliation-based system to a behavior-based system, affording all incarcerated people the opportunity to take advantage of every rehabilitative program, and enable them to engage in prosocial behavior within CDCR and in the community when they are released," CDCR spokesperson Dana Simas told ABC10.
However, Aragon and Roina's fear that their loved ones might not make it to their release date if they are forced to house with rival inmates.
"You don't have to put rival gangs or people that don't need to be together to get programming out to them so they can better themselves," Aragon said. "They want to come home, and you're gonna put them in a situation where they don't have a choice."
For the full CDCR statement view below.
CDCR is charged with providing a safe and secure environment for everyone who lives in, works in, and visits its institutions. The rehabilitation of individuals entrusted to the department’s care is also a priority. To that end, CDCR will house members of security threat groups (STGs) the same as everyone else – according to their individual case factors – and end the practice of clustering certain incarcerated people based upon their STG affiliation or membership, or based on where they lived before their incarceration. This is consistent with CDCR’s move away from an affiliation-based system to a behavior-based system, affording all incarcerated people the opportunity to take advantage of every rehabilitative program, and enable them to engage in prosocial behavior within CDCR and in the community when they are released.
A person’s behavior should and will determine where they are housed. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/violence-california-state-prisons-policy-change/103-7a4460d5-137f-408f-a795-c577e468de87 | 2022-08-04T04:57:09 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/violence-california-state-prisons-policy-change/103-7a4460d5-137f-408f-a795-c577e468de87 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Rancho Cordova police officers were about to book a 47-year-old man into the Sacramento County Main Jail when officials said the man suffered from a fatal "medical emergency" in the jail's garage.
He was initially taken into custody at 1:47 p.m. Wednesday on a felony probation warrant after allegedly evading police when they tried initiating a vehicle stop for alleged traffic violations.
The driver failed to pull over, officials say, and he led them on a 90 mph chase that eventually ended on Watt Avenue and Adams Street. Police said the vehicle spun out several times during the chase until both his rear tires deflated after hitting a curb and medians.
According to Sacramento County Sheriff's officials, the man complied with officers and was handcuffed. First responders arrived at the arrest site, but the man refused a medical evaluation.
An in-custody death investigation will be handled by the sheriff's office, and the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office will perform an autopsy to determine a cause of death.
The man's identity will be released once law enforcement notify their next of kin. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/man-dies-sacramento-main-jail-garage/103-8b5ddce5-1e5f-4180-84f1-651b9320a131 | 2022-08-04T04:57:15 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/man-dies-sacramento-main-jail-garage/103-8b5ddce5-1e5f-4180-84f1-651b9320a131 |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/4-dead-2-injured-as-gun-violence-crisis-continues-to-plague-philadelphia/3325283/ | 2022-08-04T05:02:43 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/4-dead-2-injured-as-gun-violence-crisis-continues-to-plague-philadelphia/3325283/ |
Philadelphia’s gun violence crisis took the lives of at least four people Wednesday night in several different neighborhoods across the city – setting 2022 up to be the deadliest year on city record.
Police said six people were shot in at least five shootings – from Port Richmond to Germantown – within a five-hour span.
In North Philadelphia, police said the gunman in a deadly shooting appeared to be acting in self-defense.
Around 6 p.m., police said a 27-year-old confronted another man and pulled a gun near 27th and Taney streets. The other man had his own gun, and shot and killed him. Investigators said the shooter had a license to carry and is cooperating with police.
Later, in the Frankford section of the city, a driver crashed his car after his passenger shot him in the head, killing him, police said.
The shooting and crash happened shortly before 10 p.m. near Torresdale Avenue and Gillingham Street.
“Having been shot in the head, the man then crashed into a utility pole at a high rate of speed,” Philadelphia Police Inspector DF Pace said. “After crashing, the tires of the car exploded due to the friction on the ground and the car being unable to move forward.”
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Witnesses told police they saw a man get out of the car and flee the scene.
Minutes prior, two people were shot when gunfire rang out near an elementary school and playground in the Kensington neighborhood, police said.
Officers received several 911 calls for a shooting on the 3100 block of Rorer Street. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said a 26-year-old man died after being shot in the shoulder, and another 24-year-old man was injured after being shot in the leg.
Small added that investigators found 16 bullet casings near Lewis Elkin Elementary School.
In Germantown, a 28-year-old man died when he was shot on the 200 block of Zeralda Street. The victim was hit at least three times in his head and once in the back shortly before 7 p.m., Small said.
And in Port Richmond, just after 10 p.m., a man was shot in the face inside of a home on the 2100 block of East Clearfield Street, police said. He was listed in extremely critical condition at the hospital.
Police have yet to make arrests in the cases, Small said.
Prior to Wednesday night’s deadly shootings, there were at least 322 homicides in Philadelphia in 2022, according to Philadelphia police data. That outpaces what we saw at this same time last year, which wound up being the deadliest on record in the city. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/4-dead-2-injured-in-multiple-shootings-across-philadelphia/3325288/ | 2022-08-04T05:02:50 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/4-dead-2-injured-in-multiple-shootings-across-philadelphia/3325288/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/guns-down-gloves-up-philly-police-teach-kids-to-handle-conflict-in-healthy-ways/3325286/ | 2022-08-04T05:02:56 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/guns-down-gloves-up-philly-police-teach-kids-to-handle-conflict-in-healthy-ways/3325286/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/k-9-tracks-down-3-missing-boys-in-nj-forest/3325287/ | 2022-08-04T05:03:02 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/k-9-tracks-down-3-missing-boys-in-nj-forest/3325287/ |
Amid long stretch of violence, York pauses to reflect and focus on solutions, happiness
On a hot summer Tuesday night in the county, police departments, emergency personnel, and residents across numerous neighborhoods rallied together for one purpose; to make neighborhoods a safe place to live.
National Night Out is an annual community-building event that promotes police-community comradeship.
On South Penn Street, kids rode their bikes and played in a bounce house, babies waddled around, and adults shared laughs while dancing to Justin Timberlake's song 'Can't Stop The Feeling' blasted through black speakers.
Even with all the joy filling up the partially crowded street, some residents still had their concerns weighing on their minds.
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So far, the county has recorded 20 homicides including 15 in the city.
Youth violence is a growing concern. Of all the shootings reported in the city, half of the shooters fall between the ages of 14 to 24 years old.
For Dan Roth, the ongoing violence in the city is harrowing. His love for the youth influenced him to work at The Lehman Center for the past 15 years.
"I have lived in York County all my life," said Roth. "I just hope there is something better for these kids and their families. They are the next generation."
The concern about the safety of children is shared by Lakeisha Hawkins, a mother of six.
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"All the violence needs to stop, especially in broad daylight when the kids are outside," said Hawkins. "I have six kids. Two of them are teenagers and four little ones."
A grandmother toting her young granddaughters wants the violence to stop and police to solve the murders affecting the community.
On Aug 2, York City Police Commissioner Muldrow invited residents to share their suggestions to tackle gun violence.
Police are doubling down on the initiatives they currently have including Operation Scarecrow, Group Violence Initiative, Credible Messengers, and a juvenile engagement officer.
"We all know the problems we're facing here and across the country," said Muldrow in a Facebook post. "Now let's get together and get to work."
Katia Parks covers public safety issues for the York Daily Record. Please feel free to reach her atKParks@ydr.com. Follow her on Facebook (@Katia Parks), Twitter (@parksphoto), and Instagram (@katia.l.parks). | https://www.ydr.com/story/news/local/2022/08/03/national-night-out-in-york-is-a-time-to-focus-on-how-to-stop-violence/65389933007/ | 2022-08-04T05:03:14 | 1 | https://www.ydr.com/story/news/local/2022/08/03/national-night-out-in-york-is-a-time-to-focus-on-how-to-stop-violence/65389933007/ |
Two nonprofits need your help to earn grants from YDR and Gannett's A Community Thrives
In the back yard of a rowhome in York's Northeast Neighborhood the other night, a small group of friends and acquaintances of a man trying to make a difference shared a meal and some ideas about how to improve life for people living in the city.
Their host goes by the name Gedo Geez. He hopes to use his nonprofit to, among other things, install vertical gardens in public and private spaces throughout the city. People would grow their own fruits and vegetables. Folks strolling along the York County Rail Trail might reach out and pluck fresh cherry tomatoes and some basil.
Geez would do this through M.A.R.S., which stands for Music Art Relationship Society.
Like most nonprofits, he needs a fiscal sponsor. He plans to use York XL, which has charted a vision of a more unified, financially literate and neighborhood-driven city, to help build these flowering walls throughout the city.
York XL won a $5,000 grant last year from A Community Thrives, a multi-million-dollar grantmaking and crowdfunding effort by Gannett, the parent company of the York Daily Record. And once again this year, York XL is in the running for a grant from A Community Thrives. The grant would help fund a variety of efforts that fall under York XL's Epic Vision.
The York County Food Bank also applied. The food bank, of course, has been serving thousands of families for years. Demand for these services has skyrocketed throughout the pandemic. The Food Bank has outgrown its original home now needs even more space than it had in the parking lot of a former Kmart store.
Both agencies will need to raise matching funds to earn a grant. And if they raise enough money through this effort, Gannett might add even more money to the $5,000 grant. The idea is to motivate organizations and the community to raise as much as possible for good causes.
And you can contribute to the food bank's efforts to "increase dignified access to nutritious food and community resources" at https://acommunitythrives.mightycause.com/organization/York-County-Food-Bank.
From York XL's sweeping "Moon Shot" vision to help York's neighborhoods find creative solutions to systemic problems, to small backyard trellises of flowers and vegetables, or from the bag of groceries or rows and rows of provisions that the food bank stocks, your contributions are sure to make someone's life better. And with a matching grant or more from Gannett, we can all help ensure that our York County community truly thrives. | https://www.ydr.com/story/news/local/2022/08/03/york-xl-york-county-food-bank-seek-grants-from-gannett-community-thrives/65385659007/ | 2022-08-04T05:03:20 | 1 | https://www.ydr.com/story/news/local/2022/08/03/york-xl-york-county-food-bank-seek-grants-from-gannett-community-thrives/65385659007/ |
SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Department of Public Safety said at least one person is dead after a suspected wrong-way crash involving two vehicles on Loop 303 in Surprise Wednesday night.
The Arizona Department of Transportation said Loop 303 northbound is closed approaching US 60 (Grand Ave.) Motorists are advised to avoid the area.
The cause of the crash is under investigation. The victim is not being identified at this time.
This is a developing story. Stay with 12News for updates.
Driving Safety Tips:
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) offers driving tips to help keep people safe on the road.
"There’s always room for improvement when it comes to road safety," the department said on its website.
ADOT's suggestions include:
Don’t speed or drive aggressively
Never drive while under the influence of substances
Avoid distractions while driving
Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers are doing the same
When an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, move over
Stay extra aware in work zones
Be prepared for weather conditions that make driving dangerous
"Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, downloading the AZ 511 app and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT," the department said.
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Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/dps-investigating-deadly-suspected-wrong-way-crash-on-loop-303-in-surprise/75-cefaaec6-61d2-4c76-a078-b8cebd0a4bda | 2022-08-04T05:09:37 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/dps-investigating-deadly-suspected-wrong-way-crash-on-loop-303-in-surprise/75-cefaaec6-61d2-4c76-a078-b8cebd0a4bda |
DUNWOODY, Ga. — With the uptick in mass shootings, the Dunwoody Police Department wants everyone to be prepared if they ever find themselves in the middle of a crisis.
It's why for years they've taught active shooter training courses for civilians. After a COVID hiatus, the classes returned in 2022, and city hall turned into a classroom for Wednesday night.
“Just because of what all’s been happening around the country with the increase in active shooters here lately," said Sgt. Michael Cheek.
With more than 300 mass shootings in America, Cheek said learning what to do --- and when -- is now a crucial skill.
“Civilians will always be there first before us," Cheek said.
The two-hour class was filled with real-life massacres from before: Columbine High, Virginia Tech, and Sandy Hook. The unfortunate examples highlighted three key things police said people should do when faced with an active shooter.
Avoid. Deny. Defend.
“The first thing we want people to do is just to avoid the attacker at all cost," Cheek explained. "If you can’t avoid them, deny them access to you by either hiding or putting something between you and them and then defend yourself at absolute last resort.”
The lessons were new to some like Millie Hansen and her husband.
“One of the main things I learned was check out your exits so that if something does happen, you have more choices, you don’t just hide," said Millie.
But some lessons were familiar to others.
“I felt that because it happened to me 20 years ago," said Chris Perry.
Perry survived the 1999 Piedmont Center Shooting.
“It was a mass shooting and I was in one of the office buildings.”
Nine people died and 13 were injured. Perry explained he originally attended Wednesday's course thinking it was a run down of what police will do in active shooting situations. But, when he found out it was a class for people to learn how to protect themselves, he decided to stay. He was happy police were giving people real-life skills.
“You gotta arm yourself, you gotta run, you gotta fight, you gotta do what you can to survive," said Perry.
In all, these "students" soaked in the lessons to think critically, run if possible, hide far away from an attacker or get a barricade between yourself and the attacker, and as a last report, defend yourself.
The people who attended the class may never find themselves in an active shooter situation but if they did, Millie's husband said he hopes the lesson becomes muscle memory.
“If you’ve had exposure to some of this and it’s locked in your head somewhere, it comes automatically lots of times and that’s helpful. It can save your life one day," he said.
Dunwoody Police plan to have more trainings throughout the year as well as a stop the bleeding training. Cheek said they’ll update the community about classes on their social media pages. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/active-shooter-training-courses-dunwoody/85-867c40f3-3d84-48be-88a1-5a251dbce1a0 | 2022-08-04T05:15:29 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/active-shooter-training-courses-dunwoody/85-867c40f3-3d84-48be-88a1-5a251dbce1a0 |
DACULA, Ga. — After his 12th surgery, a Georgia 2-year-old is bouncing back with new life.
Carter Bish is all smiles a few months after his kidney transplant. His mom said she's taking the surgery a bit harder, especially since she was his donor.
"We're doing well," Pamela Bish said. "My recovery was brutal to be honest - just was surprised because I wasn't expecting that level of pain but all is good now. Carter is happy and full of it!"
11Alive's Hope Ford first spoke with the Bish family in May, when Carter was faced with another health hurdle.
Pamela said Carter started defying the odds early in his life. Doctors said Carter wasn't supposed to be born alive and then told his parents to not hold out hope.
Now Carter is edging toward his third year of life and one wouldn't know about the dozen of surgeries he's had since birth.
“To put in catheters, to take out catheters, to clean up infections," Pamela said, describing life after his hip surgery. “He was in this full-body cast, which was awful.”
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Carter's kidneys were in bad shape since birth, meaning care didn't stop after his surgeries. There was a lot of maintenance to help keep Carter going like dialysis three times a week. Each session lasts about four hours.
Then Pamela learned she was a match -- and just as she gave him life, she was ready to give him a kidney, too.
"I wanted to be the one," she previously said.
The Dacula family went through this milestone for Carter and have been monitoring his recovery.
"Everything went as planned and we're almost the four-month mark," Pamela said. "Still lots of monitoring and lands and medicines to keep the kidney working."
Because Carter is so young, he may need another kidney transplant in 10 to 20 years. With mom one kidney down, the family jokes his brothers will have to take it from there.
For now, Carter roams the hospital wings as a happy toddler, ready to play at home too. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/pamela-carter-bish-kidney-transplant/85-8294eb2a-56f5-42fe-a65c-088aa59b19bc | 2022-08-04T05:15:35 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/pamela-carter-bish-kidney-transplant/85-8294eb2a-56f5-42fe-a65c-088aa59b19bc |
RENTON, Wash. — One person has been killed and a second is in the hospital in critical condition after a shooting in Renton. Renton Police say the shooting happened around 2:24 p.m. on the 300 block of Wells Avenue North.
Neighbors say the home has been a nuisance for months and they've repeatedly asked the city for help. Police say the landlord has filed papers to evict the tenet, but neighbors argue that happened only after they threatened to pursue legal action.
"[I'm] angry. Angry that this is allowed to go on for so long," said Aaron, a neighbor on the block for 20 years who preferred not to share his last name.
Police say the two people shot were both males believed to be in their 30s. Multiple people were at the home when the shooting happened. Police have not identified a suspect. The man killed was found inside the home, while the other man shot was located outside and taken to the hospital.
Renton Police confirm the home is a rental and the police have received many complaints over several months.
"We've had disputes. We've had reports of possible drug activity, loud music, there's been lots of folks in and out," said Cyndie Morris with Renton Police.
Last week, neighbors say they met with police in hopes of addressing their concerns. Renton Police has increased its presence in the neighborhood. Police say the home is filed with the King County Eviction Unit. Once a court order is obtained, it can take approximately 50 days to serve an eviction order. The King County Eviction Unit said that is due to short staffing and the hazardous nature of serving eviction orders.
"Just with the court systems being as bogged down as they are, it takes delays. They were rounding the corner to having a physical eviction here real soon," said Morris.
Still, neighbor are upset things got to the point where a person was killed after so many calls for help.
"I talk to the police and it just gets me frustrated and angry that they can't do anything," said Aaron.
"We're going to respond within the confines of our authority, but when it comes to managing private properties, like a rental, that's up to the landlord," said Morris. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/one-dead-one-hurt-renton-shooting/281-de68b476-8f2c-4326-b666-373adc8ed4f6 | 2022-08-04T05:46:19 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/one-dead-one-hurt-renton-shooting/281-de68b476-8f2c-4326-b666-373adc8ed4f6 |
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